The RECORD

By Mike Hein

The public policy representative of the Roman Catholic Chancery leveled a serious charge against the Christian Civic League of Maine in Sunday's Maine Sunday Telegram.

The paper reports that the Diocese of Portland (ME) will work with all parties of good will. This Diocese is a member of the pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage Maine Council of Churches. While he doesn't claim that the League acted with ill will toward the Chancery, Diocesan Public Affairs Director Marc Mutty claims that the Chancery has found that it is "impossible to work with [the League]." He further states that the League has been "unkind and un-Christian."

"I am saddened by the Chancery's remarks," said League Executive Director Michael Heath. I've worked well with Marc Mutty and the Chancery in the past on issues where we have been able to forge agreement." The League has partnered more than once with the Chancery in both the State House, and in referendum campaigns. The League has been unwavering in its stand against sexual immorality being forced on Mainers, and has called on the Roman Catholic Church to join it in it's stand.

On Saturday, Heath joined 27 Catholic men on a bus trip to the annual Boston Men's Conference. Heath talked briefly with Archbishop Sean O'Malley in the lobby of the Boston Conference Center. He also listened to the leader of the Knights of Columbus and a Cardinal from Africa.

"The Cardinal spoke of family practices in Africa," said Heath. "He said families in Africa don't nurture an awareness of rights, only obligations. I liked that. While I disagree with some of the theology of the Catholic Church, I came away appreciating much of what I saw and heard. I especially enjoyed time spent talking with the Catholic men on the bus, including my good friend Paul Madore."

The leadership of the Roman Catholic Diocese in Maine has adopted a relaxed strategy toward the threat posed by sexual orientation theory. The League has remained steadfast and unwavering in its support of Biblical moral purity.

Heath stated, "We've worked hard to stay close to God and the Bible on all matters related to sexual morality. For this we have been condemned viciously by Maine's institutional leadership. The people of Maine, of course, agree with [the League's] position when they are allowed to fully appreciate it."

Heath lamented the lack of comity that currently exists between the League and the Chancery. He said he sees little likelihood of improvement as long as Mr. Mutty is allowed to launch public attacks against the 110 year-old Christian ministry. The League is merely working politically in the light of the Gospel on matters related to sexual morality, law and politics.

Heath said, "I extended an invitation to Marc Mutty personally to join our Coalition for Marriage at a lunch in 2005. He never responded."

Heath expressed deep disappointment with the Chancery over their support of so-called 'gay rights' in 2005. Their support tipped the scales in favor of sexual orientation theorists, and unleashed an unspeakable evil on our homes.

One young man in Rockland is facing imprisonment now because he was proselytized by confused adults into living with a homosexual identity. He has twice threatened his male lover with a knife. In his second encounter he succeeded in stabbing both him and his father. This man's confusion is made worse by the Chancery's refusal to act and speak with clarity and precision about sexual morality.

"The Bible and the Vatican are clear about sex outside of marriage. The Diocese of Portland (ME) has a duty to be equally clear." said Heath. "Paul the Apostle said homosexuals will spend eternity in hell. And Jesus said it was better to lose an eye than to practice adultery."

Heath has said many times that Maine will fall to same-sex marriage or civil unions unless the Church decides to stop it. The Roman Catholic Church claims almost a quarter million members in Maine. Most Catholics are Democrats. While the Maine Republican Party is somewhat favorable toward traditional morality, the Democratic Party in Maine has been stridently liberal on abortion and homosexuality for decades.

By Rev. Dallas Henry

Rev. Dallas Henry of the Hosanna New Testament Church hand carried testimony to the Legislature's Judiciary Committee today on LD 779, the controversial bill that would eliminate Christian clergy from legal marriage ceremonies in Maine. Henry told the committee to reject the bill calling it "chilling." Henry linked the bill to another controversial measure proposed by the homosexual lobby. LD 375 seeks to expand the rights of non-married sexually active adults under a law that is supposed to honor, uphold and protect traditional families. The homosexual partnership law would amend a law known as the "Family Medical Leave Act." Henry urged the rejection of both bills. The League's emails on LD 779 were so effective that the committee killed the bill without requiring Henry's testimony. The chair of the committee said, "From all the emails we have received you made your views abundantly clear." They then indicated that a straw poll of the committee indicated the bill was dead. The Christian Civic League of Maine has been associated with the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family since 1991.

Chairman Hobbins, Rep. Simpson, distinguished members of the Judiciary Committee, my name is Dallas Henry. I am the President of the board of the Christian Civic League of Maine, and I am a clergyman. I am here to represent the concern of our state wide membership of individuals and churches. Thank you for providing this opportunity for me to offer testimony today on LD 779, An Act to Remove Clergy as Signatories on Marriage Licenses.

I want to begin by saying that the summary of this bill is chilling. It reads, "The bill removes the authorization of clergy members to solemnize marriages." There is no good reason for this legislation. Because this is true, some are speculating that this bill further weakens our laws with respect to traditional marriage, and thus opens Maine to same sex marriage. This is an important point.

This bill is not unlike one that the Labor Committee is hearing now which equates non-married partnerships with marriages. If that bill and this bill pass then we will step even closer to the precipice over which many governments in the west appear all-to-willing to cast themselves. We will be endorsing and supporting sexual relationships outside of marriage. This is beyond dangerous or even tragic. It is evil.

If we wish to see where this is likely headed, we only have to look to Scandinavian countries where social mores about marriage have been very relaxed. These are countries in which homosexual marriage has been a matter of settled law for a decade or more. Everyone expected that the incidence of homosexual marriage would skyrocket. It made a statistical blip after its legalization years ago, but never rose above that blip. Instead, what has happened is that marriage itself --whether heterosexual marriage or homosexual marriage -- both have almost disappeared. It is destroying their society.

In a Christian marriage, God tells the husband to love his wife the same way Jesus loves His Church. A marriage can't fail when this happens. This is why it is vital to our society for Clergy to be the primary tools for marriage in Maine.

Christian Pastors believe:

"Marriage is not of human origin" and it is not a disposable relationship.

Marriage is not an institution dreamed up in the heart of man.

Marriage is the product of God's Divine Wisdom.

Marriage is an exclusive relationship.

God has provided the blueprint for marriage.

God affirms both sexes.

God blesses marriage.

We believe it is God's plan that marriage is for ever.

We believe that a successful marriage takes three; a husband, a wife and God. God calls marriage a covenant.

There are many benefits that Clergy provide for marriages in Maine. I am one of hundreds of pastors in our state who provide pre-marital counseling to prepare the bride and groom for a successful marriage. Christian Pastors agree that the divorce rate is way too high. By providing preparation, we are improving the odds and reducing the divorce rate. This, in turn, provides a great service to the state by keeping couples out of the courts.

I ran across a study made a few years ago in which it was discovered that church going families - where both husband and wife professed a strong personal faith in Christ and went to church together - experienced only 1 divorce for every 55 marriages. It really is true that "Families that pray together stay together."

The Christian Civic League of Maine urges you to unanimously reject this bill.

Thank you.

The Maine GOP issued a press release yesterday agreeing with the League's position on LD 779. The League was one of the first group's in Maine to report on the bill. The Portland Press Herald has editorialized against it. The Maine GOP and the Portland Press Herald have strongly objected to the bill.

I spoke personally with the sponsor last week on the telephone and urged him to pull the bill. It is a waste of legislative time.

LD 779 probably never had a chance of going anywhere, yet many Christians are taking time to attend the public hearing this afternoon. In the meantime, LD 375, will definitely pass, unless there is an outcry from the public. LD 375 is much more dangerous than LD 779.

LD 375 is the highest priority of the radical pro homosexual lobby. According to press reports the leader of that lobby is planning to testify today in agreement with the League's position on the clergy marriage bill, LD 779.

Homosexual activists want LD 375 because it further solidifies their legal position. It will become the the basis of their lawsuit to force either civil unions or same sex marriage. Make no mistake, that lobby is NOT going to quit until Maine children have no protection from adults who wish to deny them a mother or a father.

Every legislator who supports LD 375 is voting to harm the innocent children of Maine. They are giving into the incremental strategy of the "gay" lobby.

The Maine GOP is silent on LD 375. The Christian Civic League of Maine is the only organization in the state with the courage to tell the truth about this bill.

If you are a Republican contact the Maine GOP and urge them to issue a press release strongly opposing LD 375, the homosexual partners bill. If you are Roman Catholic contact your Chancery. Unbelievably, they are PUBLICALLY SUPPORTING LD 375.

A group of Catholics are asking the Chancery to support an amendment to the bill. The amendment would make it clear that Maine doesn't recognize same sex couples.

TODAY'S LINK

Homosexual partnership bill still in committee

By Rev. Dallas E. Henry

Recently a poll question was offered by the RECORD regarding the League's Executive Director. Michael S. Heath has served as the League's Executive Director since January 1, 1994. A recent Maine Sunday Telegram article carried a description of Heath as a "lightning rod." Out of curiosity, the League asked the following question:

Recently, the League's Executive Director was criticized publicy for being a "lightning rod." Do you think the League's Executive Director should relax his strong stand in favor of traditional family values, moral purity and Biblical righteousness in order to be less controversial?

In reviewing all the responses, Mike got a 99% approval rating. The only one that was negative was obviously from one of those extreme left-wingers who spared no words to spew her hate-filled venom on Heath. So much for tolerance. To those in Maine who might be considered left-wing extremists, Michael Heath, Executive Director of the Christian Civic League of Maine, is a man they love to hate. The remainder of the responses to the poll were very supportive of Heath.

It was interesting to find that the responses were from all over Maine. A good number were from the Greater Portland area, which many consider to be the hard-core center of liberalism in the state.

Here is a sample of the comments:

"Keep up the good fight. From a Catholic who believes in what the CCL of Maine is doing."

"No matter what Mike does the press is going to be all over him."

"I believe that Mike Heath speaks 'truth' and this is going to offend many people."

"Thank God that there are some Christian organizations that are standing on the front lines and fighting the battle for morality and ethics in our country."

"You tell Mike to stay in line with God's Word and get back to work, there is a lot to do. Never worry about what the Devil's Helpers think or say."

"Keep up the good work."

"Satan would like for you to 'roll over and play dead . . . . Go for it - you are not a quitter!"

"Every good leader is a lightning rod for those who oppose him. I honor you, Mike, for your willingness to be the target of those who do not recognize God's sovereignty. Stand firm, please. I admire your courage."

"I am grateful to have Mike Heath, Mike Hein and the Christian Civic League working hard every day for the families and children of Maine."

"It appears to me that Mike Heath and the CCL remain the only visible entity in Augusta standing on both God's Word and the values, morals and traditions handed down to us both by our own forefathers and the saints of the church down through the generations."

"We NEED more men to standup and take a stand for Biblical family values and moral views."

"Mike has been demonized. In Christianity, there is forgiveness and the Catholic Church is wrong to criticize Mike in any way."

"We appreciate what you're doing, and the stand you're taking. Thank you!!"

"Speak out against issues contrary to the Holy Bible. A strong stand must be taken, now more then ever."

There were a couple comments about making sure that information from the League be centered on the issues rather than personalities, and that our words should always be loving. This is quite a challenge when, in our society evil is called good and good is called evil.

The good news is that Michael Heath received an overwhelming vote of confidence in this poll. The League is thankful to all who took the time to respond.

Maine people work hard for a living every day. Consequently they don't have a lot of time to pay attention to politics. They especially don't have time to attend public hearings, and buttonhole legislators. Your absence from the public hearings and hallway shmoozing doesn't mean that politicians are right about the world. A politician's, lobbyist's or interest groups presence in the State House doesn't make them right. It may make them informed, but it doesn't make their view of law, culture and politics accurate or true.

As a Christian citizen, you have something to say. Your experiences raising your family, paying your taxes, going to church and working your job give you insights they don't have. Your representatives in government need to hear from you. Our Citizen Action Center makes it easy for you to share your views with them in a timely way.

When you use our Citizen Action Center you are showing up electronically in the State House. The values of home and hearth are showing up in the halls of power. This is important, and gives me great hope for our future.

When you use the Citizen Action Center you email your message to key decision makers only. You are not spamming the entire State House. Your message is going only to those leaders who are interested in hearing from you on that particular issue. We created the Citizen Action Center to do that for you.

Email and the internet make it possible to do this right from your home or work place. Legislators are using email. If they receive an email on a bill that is before their committee, they are going to take it seriously.

We are working on a bill that received no opposition at a public hearing last week. That isn't because people aren't opposed to it. The bill is the highest priority of a very small, but vocal immoral minority. LD 375 acknowledges homosexual partnerships in the law. It must be killed, but nobody opposed it at the public hearing. I addressed this point in our Frequently Asked Questions page.

While nobody testified in opposition at the hearing, every member of the Labor Committee has received over 80 emails from concerned members of the public who live all over Maine. Legislators are paying attention if they receive as few as 3 contacts on any particular bill. EVERY MEMBER OF THE LABOR COMMITTEE HAS ALREADY HEARD FROM OVER 80! They are paying attention.

That doesn't mean that they will agree, but they are paying attention. Even if the Labor Committee refuses to kill the bill, it can still be defeated in either the House or Senate.

I worked very hard against a slot machine expansion bill in 2004. It passed everywhere except the House of Representatives. It died because it couldn't receive a winning vote in that body. No, the homosexual partners expansion bill isn't a law yet. You can still kill it if you want to. You just need to email all your friends and tell them to use the Citizen Action Center. Do it today.