World Lutheran News Digest from KFUO Radio

The New York Times recently published an editorial criticizing the administration for having the State Department convene a conference on the subject of international religious liberty. The editorial, titled “A Too-Narrow Vision of Religious Freedom,” struck an anti-Christian tone. Commentator Jonathan S. Tobin wrote a response in National Review Online. Hear the conversation between Mr. Tobin and host Kip Allen in this episode.

Host Kip Allen interviews Lori Wagoner, a woman who recently learned she has only months to live. Lore says she’s sustained because of God’s love for her. As she puts it, “I’m a winner. I know God.”

Nearly two years ago, Presbyterian Pastor Andrew Brunson was arrested by Turkish authorities who accused him of associating with terrorists. American authorities, including the president, vice president and secretary of state, say it’s a matter of persecution. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom is closely watching the case. Vice Chair Kristina Arriaga discusses the pastor’s plight on today’s World Lutheran News Digest.

Host Kip Allen discusses New Media and the Gospel Message with LCMS Social Media Manger Peter Slayton and KFUO Radio Digital Media Specialist Sarah Gulseth on today’s World Lutheran News Digest.

Focus on the Family Vice President Tim Goeglein, a long-time acquaintance of Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, discusses the president’s choice on today’s World Lutheran News Digest.

A new man has been selected as the 20th Chaplain of the Marine Corps. Rear Admiral Gregory N. Todd, a ordained LCMS minister, has served in the military for 32 years. Director of the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces Chaplain Craig Muehler attended Todd’s promotion ceremony in the nation’s capital. World Lutheran News Digest host Kip Allen speaks with Chaplain Muehler about Chaplain Todd and the role of the Chaplain’s Corps in today’s military. View the gallery of photos from Chaplain Todd’s ceremony at lcmsphoto.photoshelter.com.

Can secularism be a religion? One Lutheran scholar not only believe it can, but has become the unofficial state religion of the United States. Guest Russel Dawn, Associate Professor of History and Political Thought and Director of the Pre-Law Program at Concordia University, Irvine, joins host Kip Allen to discuss this issue and how it affects you.

Guest Alison Centofante, Director of Strategic Communication with Live Action, speaks with host Kip Allen about a report exposing Planned Parenthood’s failure to report child sexual abuse, human trafficking and statutory rape. Learn more about Live Action at liveaction.org.

Jeremy Dys, Esq., Deputy General Counsel for First Liberty Institute and host of the First Liberty Briefing, discusses the case of Sweet Cakes by Melissa. As with Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop, Sweet Cakes owners, Aaron and Melissa Klein, balked at creating a special wedding cake for a lesbian couple. Because of their stand, the state of Oregon put them out of business and fined them $135,000. The case has been appealed to the Oregon Supreme Court, and Dys says if necessary, the case will go to the U.S. Supreme Court. Learn more about First Liberty at firstliberty.org.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled in favor of Jack Phillips of Masterpiece Cakeshop. He is the baker who refused to make a wedding cake celebrating gay marriage. Guest attorney David French, senior fellow with the National Review Institute, joins host Kip Allen to talk about what the decision actually means, what it didn’t settle, and what happens now.