In a troubling move that raises serious questions about the erosion of religious freedoms and the disregard for Christian compassion, the town council of Toms River, New Jersey, is aggressively pursuing the acquisition of Christ Episcopal Church’s historic 11-acre campus. This 160-year-old parish, a beacon of hope and support for the community, is currently seeking permission to establish a 17-bed shelter for the homeless—a mission that aligns perfectly with the Christian call to serve the least among us.

In a narrow 4-3 vote during an April 30 meeting, the council decided to proceed with plans to purchase the church and five other properties, or seize them if necessary, to construct two new public parks. Mayor Daniel Rodrick, who has been vocal in his criticism of homelessness, envisions pickleball courts, a soccer field, a playground, and a skate park replacing the church’s grounds.

The Rev. Lisa A. Hoffman, the church’s rector, expressed her shock and disappointment, stating, “It’s just really shocking and surprising and very disappointing.” The church was blindsided by this ordinance, learning of it mere hours before the vote, and no officials had the courtesy to notify the congregation in advance. Hoffman rightly questions the legitimacy of using the land for a park as a reason to seize church property.

Attorney Michael York, representing the church, highlighted the bad faith actions of the township and mayor, calling the ordinance “an excuse to obtain property.” He warned of impending litigation against officials who knowingly participate in this ill-conceived action. York pointed out that the township is in a “perilous position,” given the legal complexities involved, including the Episcopal Church’s Dennis Canon, which holds parish property in trust for the diocese and national church.

The council’s debate was brief but heated, with Council member Thomas Nivison unsuccessfully attempting to table the measure or exclude the church from consideration. James Quinlisk, who voted against the ordinance, passionately declared, “There’s no way on God’s green Earth that anyone should vote for this ordinance,” a sentiment that resonated with the audience, earning loud applause. In a powerful moment, David Ciccozzi stood to cast his no vote and led the room in the Lord’s Prayer, underscoring the deep faith that guides the church’s mission.

The church’s contributions to the community are invaluable. Each Sunday, more than 150 congregants gather for worship, and the church hosts over 20 support groups, operates a food pantry, and runs a weekly clothing giveaway. The property also houses the Ocean Christian Community and has been a base for the Affordable Housing Alliance, which has rehoused over 130 families in its first year.

This situation echoes a similar case in Bryan, Ohio, where a pastor faced legal challenges for keeping his church open to shelter the homeless. Such actions against churches dedicated to serving their communities are a stark reminder of the challenges facing religious institutions today.

As Christians, we are called to defend our faith and our freedoms. The actions of Toms River’s council not only threaten the church’s mission but also set a dangerous precedent for religious liberty. We must stand firm in our commitment to uphold traditional values, protect our places of worship, and ensure that the principles of faith, family, and freedom remain at the heart of our society.

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In a move that raises serious concerns about the protection of our most vulnerable, California Democrats in the State Assembly have once again blocked a crucial bill aimed at making the sex trafficking of minors a felony. This time, the focus is on victims aged 16 and 17. The decision to block this bill highlights the ongoing debate between those who seek to uphold justice and those influenced by the ideals of “criminal justice reform.”

Republican State Senator Shannon Grove from Bakersfield has been a steadfast advocate for protecting minors from the horrors of sex trafficking. Her proposed bill aimed to classify the sex trafficking of minors as a “serious felony,” a move that received unanimous support in the State Senate. However, the Democrats on the State Assembly’s Public Safety Committee have consistently obstructed its progress, citing a reluctance to increase criminal penalties.

This obstruction is not just a political maneuver; it is a moral failing. It is a refusal to stand up for the innocent and to hold accountable those who exploit them. The reluctance to enforce stricter penalties is particularly troubling given the influence of certain prosecutors who have shown a tendency to avoid enforcing the law under the guise of reform.

Assemblyman Nick Shultz, the Democratic chairman of the committee, stated, “My perspective as chair, there was a carefully crafted deal last year.” This deal, struck in 2024, allowed the bill to advance but only for victims under the age of 16. Now, as State Assemblymember Maggy Krell attempts to extend these protections to 16 and 17-year-olds, her efforts are met with resistance from her own party.

The refusal to advance this bill is a disservice to the youth of California. It is a denial of justice for those who have suffered unimaginable exploitation. Furthermore, it highlights a troubling trend where the safety of children is compromised in favor of political agendas.

The proposed bill, even in its current form, seeks to address some of the damage caused by a 2022 bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. That legislation prevented police from arresting prostitutes for loitering, leading to a surge in street prostitution and, alarmingly, child sex trafficking. The rollback of this bill is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough.

This issue is further complicated by efforts from individuals like State Senator Scott Wiener, who has pushed to decriminalize various sex crimes involving minors, arguing that these laws disproportionately affect certain communities. While it is essential to ensure fairness and equality, it is equally crucial to protect children from exploitation and harm.

We must continue to advocate for policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our children. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand that they act in the best interests of our communities. It is our duty to uphold the values of faith, family, and freedom, ensuring that justice prevails for the most vulnerable among us.

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In a concerning development for families across Colorado, a new legislative proposal threatens to undermine the fundamental rights of parents to guide their children according to their faith and values. The bill, known as HB1312 or the “Kelly Loving Act,” has already passed the Colorado House of Representatives and is now making its way through the state Senate. This legislation could classify parents as abusive if they do not affirm their child’s gender confusion, potentially leading to the removal of children from their homes.

The bill aims to add “misgendering” and “deadnaming” to the list of discriminatory acts under Colorado’s Anti-Discrimination Act, prohibiting these actions in public spaces. More alarmingly, it mandates that courts consider whether parents are affirming their child’s gender dysphoria in custody disputes. Parents who encourage their children to embrace their God-given gender could face losing custody.

Republican Rep. Jarvis Caldwell has been vocal in his opposition, accusing Democrats of silencing debate by fast-tracking the bill. He expressed concerns that the legislation codifies into law that if parents do not affirm their child’s gender identity, they could be accused of child abuse and risk losing custody.

The repercussions of such legislation are already being felt by parents like Dustin Gonzalez. This Christian father lost custody of his 12-year-old daughter after school officials transitioned her to a different gender identity without his consent. Gonzalez declared, “I’m not just fighting for my daughter. I am fighting to make sure that what happened to me and my family never happens to another parent in this district. The school didn’t inform me, they didn’t ask them, they replaced me.”

Gonzalez’s heartbreaking story is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by this bill. “They didn’t accuse me of abuse, they didn’t claim I caused harm. The only evidence against me was that I said I am not ready to affirm this yet. That’s it,” he shared. “And now I’m at risk of losing parenting time and being erased from my daughter’s life.”

This is not an isolated incident. Across the nation, parents are facing similar battles. In Indiana, Mary and Jeremy Cox lost custody of their child due to their refusal to affirm a gender identity that conflicts with their Biblical beliefs. Mary expressed the pain of having limited access to her children, stating, “I miss his laugh. I miss being with him…we never get that time back.”

Tragically, some stories have ended in irreversible loss. Abigail Martinez, a California mother, lost her daughter to suicide after losing custody because she did not celebrate her child’s gender dysphoria. Martinez testified, “My daughter was murdered by a gender ideology. I lost my daughter over a name and pronouns.”

These stories highlight the urgent need for parents and communities to stand together in defense of parental rights and traditional values. Colorado State Rep. Caldwell is urging citizens to take action before it’s too late. He warned of the bill’s potential to make it impossible for parents to seek help for their gender-confused children by declaring such help as child abuse.

As this bill moves to the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee, it is crucial for people of faith and conviction to raise their voices. The battle for the soul of our families and the future of our children is at stake. Let us stand firm in our commitment to faith, family, and freedom, ensuring that our God-given rights as parents are upheld.

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