July 18, 2019: Planned Parenthood head ousted, State Dept. religious freedom event, XXXchurch pastor leaving
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Here are the latest headlines, brought to you by The Christian Post.
— Planned Parenthood president ousted
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Planned Parenthood ousted its president, Leana Wen, this week after just eight months in her role due to “philosophical differences.”
Wen, who is a medical doctor, said Tuesday that the termination happened during a secret board meeting. The board, she said, wants to “double down on abortion advocacy” but her priority has been on health care moreso than advocacy.
Pro-life groups were not surprised. Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said Planned Parenthood fell back “on the mainstay of their political machine” after trying to dress up their abortion services as health care.
— State Dept holds largest religious freedom summit
The U.S. State Department is holding the world’s largest religious freedom event this week in Washington with guests from various countries to address the plight of persecution.
This is the second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom and it’s taking place at a time when 80 percent of the world lives in a place with restrictions on religion.
Thus far, survivors of mass shootings — including Christians, Muslims and Jews — and victims of religious persecution have shared their testimonies.
The event opened on Tuesday and will conclude on Thursday.
— XXXchurch pastor Craig Gross hands ministry to former porn star
Craig Gross founded XXXchurch nearly 20 years ago to help people break free from porn addictions and now, he is handing the ministry to a former porn star who left the industry seven years ago.
Gross said he felt the Lord tell him to move on.
Brittni De La Mora will be leading the ministry with her husband, who is a pastor. She credited XXXchurch for helping her in her faith journey.
— The Walls Group on overcoming depression, suicidal thoughts
Members of the popular gospel quartet The Walls Group recently revealed that they struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts.
The four siblings said on “The Terrell Show” that it was through those difficult moments that they were able to feel how real God is.
They also encouraged others who may be battling depression, affirming that there is purpose and meaning to one’s life.
— Global church leader accused of sex abuse denied bail
Naason Joaquin Garcia, who leads the 5 million-member Light of the World church and is facing sex crime charges, was denied bail this week.
Garcia and three others in the church had been arrested last month and charged human trafficking, production of child pornography, forcible rape of a minor and other felonies committed between 2015 and 2018.
Superior Court Judge David Fields said on Monday as he denied bail, “Religion was used against these girls. They were told that if they didn’t comply, they were sinning.”
Church officials are defending Garcia and claim he is innocent.
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