William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury during the reign of King Charles I of England sent spies into churches to see if their pastors said anything contradictory to the king’s policies. If he found any dissent in their sermons, the pastors were arrested and their ears were cut off. This occurred in the 1600s.
Now, in the city of Houston, TX, subpoenas have been issued to a group of pastors requesting any sermons they've written that cover the subject of homosexuality, gender identity, or mention of Annise Parker, the city's first openly lesbian mayor, be handed over for scrutiny (“The more things change, the more they stay the same,” Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr.)
Ms. Parker has since rescinded the order due to a national outcry against this infringement of religious liberty.
Those of us who believe in the rights guaranteed in our Constitution must be ready to defend those rights for all of us—even the rights of those who disagree with us. And Ms. Parker has come to recognize this truth.
Although we must be willing to defend truth and honor and righteousness, we must recognize that real truth and honor and righteousness are their own best defense.
As Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free,” John 8:32.
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