Kansas

WASHINGTON – Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) will pull out of the 2008 presidential race on Friday, sources say.

The second-tier candidate running on a social conservative platform had trouble raising funds necessary to keep his campaign going, people close to the Kansas senator told The Associated Press.

“I know Senator Brownback enjoyed campaigning and meeting new people in talking about ideas for the future of America, but I think it came down to money,” said one source, who requested to remain anonymous because the senator had not officially announced his plans. more >>

A Presbyterian theologian is visiting several churches this fall refuting the common Christian interpretation of the Bible that Jesus and Scripture opposes homosexuality.

Jack Rogers, professor of Theology Emeritus at San Francisco Theological Seminary, is trying to get a positive word out in the Christian churches about the gay and lesbian community and thinks churches should be leading the charge for their equal rights.

“I’m trying to help people understand that the Bible rightly interpreted, which I would think is through the lens of Jesus’ redemptive life and ministry ... does not condemn Christian people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered," said Rogers, according to The Lawrence Journal-World. more >>

Pro-life activists nationwide launched a 40-day prayer and fasting campaign Tuesday to shut down abortion clinics across the country.

Christians joining the anti-abortion crusade will participate in an around-the-clock peaceful vigil at abortion facilities while simultaneously engaging in aggressive community outreach during the 40 day period.

“Over the past three years, a handful of communities quietly conducted a breakthrough pro-life campaign called 40 Days for Life, creating extraordinary results,” said Shawn Carney, spokesman for the 40 Days for Life campaign. more >>

Some 1,000 pro-lifers from across the nation reportedly participated during a three-day prayer offensive against late-term abortion clinics in Kansas.

The Wichita Awakening concluded with five hundred Christians attending the final praise and worship concert on Monday at the Mid-American Indian center. Earlier that day, the group had gathered in front of George R. Tiller’s notorious abortion mill for one of the largest turnouts there since 1991, according to host organization Operation Rescue. Attendees included notable pro-life movement leader Norma McCorvey, the former “Roe” of Roe v. Wade, who now works to end abortion.

“The phenomenal response to this event can be attributed to the collective shock and concern across our nation to Tiller’s late-term abortion practice, for which he is now facing criminal charges,” said Operation Rescue president Troy Newman about Wichita Awakening, more >>

Around 500 pro-lifers gathered outside the abortion clinic of infamous late-term abortionist George Tiller to kick off a three-day prayer event seeking revival, spiritual awakening, and an end to abortion.

Tiller, one of the few U.S. physicians performing late-term abortions, faces 19 misdemeanor charges in Sedgwick County District Court but earlier this month filed a legal challenge to the constitutionality of part of a Kansas law restricting late-term procedures.

As they kicked off the Wichita Awakening Saturday night with the Candlelight Vigil, the crowd of pro-lifers surrounded Tiller’s clinic, lifting their hands in prayer that the abortion clinic would close and that abortion would end. more >>

Late-term abortion provider George Tiller filed a legal counterattack Monday, challenging the constitutionality of one part of a Kansas law restricting the procedure.

Tiller’s attorneys, Lee Thompson and Dan Monnat, contend that the requirement of two doctors who are financially and legally independent of one another to sign off on late-term procedures is an unnecessary burden on a physician’s right to practice medicine, according to The Associated Press. Moreover, the lawyers argue the law violates the right of a woman to obtain an abortion and is too vague.

Thompson and Monnat have filed a motion to dismiss the charges against Tiller, claiming the requirement is unconstitutional. more >>