Welcome to Higher Ground, a newsletter and website, dedicated to helping families of faith navigate a chaotic world with rigorous reporting, commentary and analysis on national, global and cultural issues.
The Biden administration is backing down from trying to force Catholic health care providers to perform gender-transition surgeries.
The Justice Department let the deadline pass to file an appeal before the Supreme Court in Sisters of Mercy v. Becerra, marking the second time the administration has declined to defend the Affordable Care Act’s “transgender mandate,” The Washington Times’ Valerie Richardson reports.
The practical effect of the decision: Catholic medical professionals and organizations in the church’s extensive U.S. health care network would not be required to perform gender-transition surgeries or provide medical insurance coverage for such procedures to their employees. Read more here.
Charitable giving’s notable dip
Charitable giving in America was notably down last year, with The Washington Times’ Mark A. Kellner writing that less than half of Americans donated, the first time that has happened this century.
The numbers in the most recent Giving USA report show a 3.4% decline, with donations dropping from $516.7 billion in 2021 to $499.3 billion a year later. Read more about the full scope of the matter.
Harvest Crusade conundrum
Pastor Greg Laurie’s popular Harvest Crusades have unfolded for decades at Angel Stadium in Los Angeles, but a major change has moved the event to a smaller venue.
The crusade, to be held July 1-2, will be held at the nearby Honda Center, which holds 17,000 people. “Many are questioning, ‘Why?’” Alex Murashko writes for The Washington Times.
Mr. Laurie explained the following in an email: “We were notified by Angel Stadium officials that Major League Baseball had implemented a new policy against any event taking place on the field during the regular season. They told us this was done as a precaution for its players.” Read more here.
Rooftop pastor’s bold move raises millions
Chicago pastor Corey Brooks joined Higher Ground’s Billy Hallowell to discuss his quest to quell violence and poverty in his inner-city neighborhood.
Mr. Brooks spent nearly a year living on a roof to raise awareness of the violence plaguing the Windy City. He was also able to raise more than $30 million through his efforts in hopes of building an 89,000-square-foot community center. Watch him tell the incredible story.
Christian school files discrimination lawsuit
Meanwhile, The Times’ Sean Salai reports that a Colorado Christian school has filed a religious discrimination lawsuit against state officials, claiming the school faced pressure to “change campus policies upholding the biblical belief in two biological sexes” to receive funding.
“The Colorado Department of Early Childhood and Universal Preschool Program informed Darren Patterson Christian Academy in Buena Vista that it must be open to hiring transgender employees at its Busy Bees preschool who use the clothing, restrooms, and pronouns of their choice, according to the complaint filed Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for Colorado,” Mr. Salai writes.
Judge slaps down drag show ban
The debate over drag shows persists, with the latest skirmish unfolding in Utah, where a judge ruled a city unconstitutionally banned a “family-friendly drag show” from a public park and must permit it to unfold later this month.
U.S. District Judge David Nuffer “granted a preliminary injunction in favor of the drag show organizers and ordered city officials in St. George to give them permits to stage a rescheduled performance in the park on June 30,” according to Mr. Salai.
Democratic attorneys general take aim at Target
Another cultural battle continues to percolate surrounding mammoth retailer Target, with the debate over Pride-themed merchandise taking a new turn. The Times’ Valerie Richardson reports that 15 Democratic attorneys general wrote a letter to Target CEO Brian Cornell expressing disapproval over the removal of some items from stores.
“While we understand the basis for this action, we are also concerned it sends a message that those who engage in hateful and disruptive conduct can cause even large corporations to succumb to their bullying,” the attorneys general wrote. “And that they have the power to determine when LGBTQIA+ consumers will feel comfortable in Target stores — or anywhere in society.” See more here.
Supreme Court declines Christian college’s case
On the Supreme Court front, the justices made headlines in recent days for declining to hear a case brought by College of the Ozarks, a Christian school in Missouri.
The school had challenged a 2021 policy from the Department of Housing and Urban Development that said discriminating on the basis of gender identity was unlawful. The Biden administration cited the Supreme Court’s 2020 ruling that sex discrimination also applied to LGBTQ individuals in the workplace, The Times’ Alex Swoyer reports.
In our opinion
On the opinion front, Times columnist Billy Hallowell tackles three recent arrests and legal battles he believes should have Christians on edge, engaged and fighting for the continuance of their rights.
“Arrests and court battles around the globe showcase what happens when people mistakenly assume their beliefs and whims are Gospel truths and, as a result, engage in attempts to snuff out the opposition and impede rivals’ freedom, speech and human rights,” Mr. Hallowell writes, warning religious liberty is in peril.
And Dr. Everett Piper breaks down an essential question worth asking this month: “What does God say about pride?”
In addition to his column, Mr. Piper tackles race and Christianity in his weekly “Ask Dr. E” Q&A, reacting to a question surrounding what Christians can do about racism. See his “very straightforward and pull no punches” reaction.
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