12:38 p.m.: Former Philadelphia Eagle Herbert Lusk is preaching against child murder, something the church is definitely supposed to do. They all need to shout it from the proverbial rooftops. But some Christians, unbelievably, support a woman’s “right” to have her unborn baby slaughtered in the womb.
Rev. Lusk said someone broke into the church last night shouting “Separation of church and state!” Several protest groups are in the city to demonstrate against Justice Sunday, so the person was likely part of one of those groups. I plan to talk to the reverend to get the scoop.
The picture on the right was taken at dinner last night. Starting from the left: Ed Morrissey and his wife, Charmaine Yoest and her husband Jack, Stacy Harp, “RightWingSparkle,” and me.
Stacy Harp is live-blogging, too.
2:17 p.m.: We’re sitting in Blogger’s Row, a special section in the press conference reserved for bloggers. The MSM have to scrounge for seats. Kind of cool. 
2:53 p.m.: Stacy went outside with recorder and camera to interview one of the handful of protestors. Me? Not interested. Those people are crazy. 
The press conference will start soon, but the exciting stuff won’t happen unto tonight. Senator Rick Santorum, Alveda King (met her at Blacks for Life), James Dobson and Jerry Falwell are scheduled to speak. Stacy and I will try to get a joint interview with Rev. Lusk to find out details about the ranting leftist who broke into the church.
Let the games begin! Tony Perkins, president of Family Research Council, Rev. Lusk, Colin Hanna, president of Let Freedom Ring, Michael Geer, president of the Pennsylvania Family Institute.
I’m boldly pro-life, regardless of the political tide, but it’s a nice change being among other pro-lifers.
3:34 p.m.: Lusk makes sure everybody knows he’s not focused on black, white, left, or right. Good point. In theory. But protection of unborn life is something leftists don’t wholeheartedly support. Am I wrong? Prove it.
Main criticism: Too much “African American” thrown around. Just as Jesse Jackson’s use of the term mainstreamed it, I want my criticism of it to go mainstream.
Perkins is talking about the one issue that has brought together black and white evangelicals: opposition to homosexual marriage. Lusk says he’s looking forward to reaching across racial lines to fellow Christians. In my humble opinion, let the godless have their racial turf wars. Christians have better things to do.
About the church break in. Lusk says it was more of a service break in. During last night’s service, someone interrupted and started babbling about separation of church and state. Lusk joked that they “laid hands” on him and things calmed down. He says he doesn’t know what group the man represented. I want more details.
6:00 p.m.: Stacy, RightWingSparkle, Ed and I went outside to “interview” a group of three young, hopelessly naive, young leftist men in Jesus, protect me from your followers t-shirts holding “If you want a theocracy, go to Iraq!” signs. We concealed our political affiliation, especially me, because we wanted them to speak freely, and freely they spoke.
They believe that Christian judges would impose their “values” on the court. RightWingSparkle engaged them in conversation, and I’m sure she asked what they thought about the values of non-Christian judges. I’ll link to her blog.
We were joined by two homosexuals who wanted to get married but can’t because of George Bush. One told us about volunteering with the church to help kids learn to work with computers, and he saw a picture of Bush in Rev. Lusk’s office. “I mean, how can a black man have a picture of Bush in his office?”
In atypical fashion, I held my tongue. After all, I’m there asking questions as a journalist, not an outspoken black conservative. For some reason the conversation shifted. He said he’d be just as upset to see a pic of Hillary Clinton on a pastor’s wall. Separation of church, and all that. Whatever. Same old separation of church and state fallacy.
On the right is a photo Stacy snapped when she went out alone to talk to the protestors. They lit torches, which is why you see smoke.
See the other bloggers: Charmaine Yoest, Ed Morrissey, Stacy Harp, and RightWingSparkle.
7:23 p.m.: The black preacher is preaching against out-of-wedlock pregnancy. Stop the presses! He’s speaking of God’s intent for the family. Lusk is talking about the rate of black abortion. People call him names for being a black conservative Christian. “We” are against abortion and homosexual marriage, he says. He’s mentioning discrimination against the people of God.
The small photo on the right is of Alveda King and Rev. Herbert Lusk. My picture of Senator Rick Santorum didn’t come out right. 
Dr. James Dobson is on the podium now. Don’t forget the blogging at the FRC blog.
Jerry Falwell has the floor. I don’t know why people seem to hate Jerry Falwell so much. A Christian man still pastoring a church who is concerned about the extreme secularization of society is all right with me. I hope Christians in America get off their butts (pardon the language) and start calling immoral and decadent things by their proper names. We need outspoken Christian bloggers, too.
Pray, then take action!
Another protest picture. Classy bunch of folks, aren’t they?
I must say, the speakers are preaching tonight. I’d like to get some of my white brothers’ and sisters’ impressions of this black church. As some of you may know, the worship styles of predominantly white and black churches are somewhat different (understatement), but we’re all appealing to the same Savior. 
8:25 p.m.: The evening is almost over. I was scheduled to go to the Capitol tomorrow morning and live-blog Judge Alito’s hearing and a Republican Committee conference, but I think not. I’m going home to reflect on what I’ve seen and heard tonight. Typos will be fixed tomorrow. Goodnight!
Amazingly, “Separation” to the Secularist/Humanist/Anti-Christian, can only support their agenda.
Yes. More scoop, please, La Shawn.
Comment by Rae — 01.08.06 @ 12:45 pm
When these people yell “separation of church and state”, they are basically saying that all religious people should stay out of politics and only atheists should be allowed. It’s one of the highest forms of discrimination.
Laws are written by people with personal convictions and I prefer it that way.
Comment by RepJ — 01.08.06 @ 1:04 pm
Justice Sunday III: The Pre-Show, Again
We’re all here at the Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia, preparing for the start of Justice Sunday III. The bloggers are all here on hand, the church has completed its security sweep, and our wireless looks terrific. I’m joining…
Trackback by Captain's Quarters — 01.08.06 @ 2:59 pm
Where can I see this on TV? I just saw Boone in Atlanta Friday where I heard about this.
Comment by Alex — 01.08.06 @ 4:46 pm
who is the blonde second right with the eye-liner?
Comment by dave bones — 01.08.06 @ 4:50 pm
Various Christian TV stations, including TBN.
Comment by La Shawn — 01.08.06 @ 4:50 pm
Looks like TBN will be showing it at 10pm, is that when it starts?
Comment by Alex — 01.08.06 @ 5:03 pm
I’m assuming it will be taped, Alex. The events begin at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Comment by La Shawn — 01.08.06 @ 5:05 pm
Guess I’m stuck listening live on the radio then, thanks.
Comment by Alex — 01.08.06 @ 5:16 pm
Justice Sunday III
Justice Sunday III has just begun and the simulcast is airing live over hundreds of radio stations, Sky Angel Nationwide Satellite Television System, Trinity Broadcasting Network and via webcast on http://www.justicesunday.com. Why are we here, asked Pastor …
Trackback by ProLifeBlogs — 01.08.06 @ 7:11 pm
I have to disagree with Doctor King…
we CONSCIOUSLY ushered God out of American life (nothing unconscious or mistake about it)
I think I would use other words than her uncle,Mmartin Luther King (I mean he did accept the Margaret Sanger Award from Planned parenthood…a bit of an oxymoron there).
Ok back to the show.
I got ya, Renee. Thanks for commenting. - Admin
Comment by Renee — 01.08.06 @ 7:18 pm
I meant the pro baby killing founder Margaret Sanger
Comment by Renee — 01.08.06 @ 7:18 pm
JS III: The Event
7:02 - Dr. Lusk opens up the festivities on the same note that he left the crowd, and he gets the crowd on their feet to greet Tony Perkins. Perkins thanks congregations and pastors around the nation that have tuned…
Trackback by Captain's Quarters — 01.08.06 @ 8:07 pm
La Shawn:
Thanks for your work in the black community. As a white man, I pray everyday for the deliverance of my brothers and sisters. Your leadership is an answer to prayer. I always wonder how I can help further. Usually it comes down to community involvement and NOT VOTING FOR NATIONAL LIBERALS. Liberal policies ignore black on black crime that poaches the lives of thousands of humans and encourage the genocide of unborn black children.
Comment by mac — 01.08.06 @ 8:08 pm
nice goblets. Very regal.
Comment by dave bones — 01.08.06 @ 9:29 pm
Please include Rev Lusk in your prayers. He has received enormous criticism. On one particular philly talk radio station which promotes itself as the “Voice of the Afro American Community”, a few hosts and all caller comments have been severely (nasty) critical of Rev Lusk. He is criticized for aligning with the Republican Right and for taking money from the Bush administration for faith based programs, which has helped many.
This is a man of God standing up for Godly principles.
Comment by Bev Corbin — 01.08.06 @ 9:37 pm
I read on Booker Rising that Rev. Lusk is a friend of the President. Aside from the good work going on in Philly, I think it is interesting just how comfortable George Bush is with black men and women of faith. Very unlike the Democrats that will start showing up in black churches all over America in about 6 to 8 months or so, that they have never attended before.
Comment by Craig Bardo — 01.08.06 @ 10:08 pm
“how can a black man have a picture of Bush in his office?â€
Appallingly ignorant…and depressingly typical.
“He said he’d be just as upset to see a pic of Hillary Clinton on a pastor’s wall. Separation of church, and all that.”
I agree with Rae and RepJ. And by the way, I have noticed that when liberals and secularists think they are “just among friends” they often say the most hateful and dishonest things about Christians.
Comment by pst314 — 01.08.06 @ 10:23 pm
Regarding your 3:34 question, “Safe, legal, and rare” is just about the opposite of wholehearted support of the protection of unborn life. They’re willing to protect life as long as that life isn’t inconvenient to anyone.
Comment by GearDaddy — 01.08.06 @ 10:27 pm
On another note (similar yet different), Justice Sunday III aired tonight. One of my favorite bloggers, La Shawn Barber, liveblogged the event (read the updates here). Overall it was pretty good however as I read the word, and holy spirit reveals the truth of the word, it becomes clear that what ails America can not and will not be fixed by a law, a Christian President, a Catholic supreme court judge, or any other measure that gives the outward appearance of biblical morality without the change of heart that only the Lord can provide. I’ll delve into this more in the coming days, but until then the verses below are good food for thought for serious lovers of the word, who find themselves asking the question, “What’s wrong with America?”: Isaiah 30:1-26 (NKJV)
Pingback by The Other Point Of View — 01.08.06 @ 10:44 pm
“I’d like to get some of my white brothers’ and sisters’ impressions of this black church.” - Outrageously refreshing and exhilirating. I’d like to visit although it might be too much for this PCAer.
Comment by tim — 01.08.06 @ 11:24 pm
Because I didn’t see any comments section on the Da Vinci Code post, I will post here.
Just wondering if you know of The Celestine Prophecy Movie, based on the book, and whether you have any thoughts on it?
Comment by Shawn in Tokyo — 01.08.06 @ 11:32 pm
Priorities…
Would I give up an afternoon skiing with my four year old daughter to attend Justice Sunday? Not a chance. But when the kids fell asleep early from apres ski exhaustion, it sure was nice to read La Shawn’s account of the day.
Trackback by The Defiance, Colorado Democrat — 01.08.06 @ 11:33 pm
Bloggers and Justice Sunday III
Tonight “Justice Sunday III: Proclaim Liberty throughout the Land” aired from the Greater Exodus Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA with the goal of educating people of faith as to why judicial decisions profoundly affect our lives. The Family Resear…
Trackback by Blogs4Life — 01.08.06 @ 11:49 pm
La Shawn wrote “I don’t know why people seem to hate Jerry Falwell so much.” While there are people who disagree with Mr. Falwell who may say hateful things about him, most of us who disagree with Mr. Falwell on many issues do not hate him. We simply disagree with him.
La Shawn, it is admirable for you to acknowledge what you do not know. Just as many liberals do not know why so many conservatives seem to hate so many of liberal heroes, many conservatives do not know why so many liberals object to the views of conservative heroes.
Now that you have acknowledged what you do not know, the next step would be to get into their mindset. Go into the lion’s den. (Trust me, your faith will protect you, as it protected Daniel.) You might learn something, and you might discover that liberals are neither crazy or stupid. In fact, most liberals, like most conservatives, have values and morals and try hard to live up to them. Many conservatives are appalled by values that say it is ok to end the life of an unborn child. Well, many liberals are appalled by values that say it that it is OK to force a woman to carry every pregancy to term, regardless of her age and the circumstances that started the pregnancy.
Step into the lion’s den! Read Mother Jones! Read Harpers! Read In These Times! Read Washington Monthly! These publications will help you understand why liberals think what they think. And, if you write a thoughtful, conservative letter to the editor in response, they might print it! Think of all the liberals who will thereby be exposed to your viewpoint!
Comment by Anomalocaris — 01.08.06 @ 11:50 pm
Don’t you find it strange that these left wing protesters will always dog Christian protests but do not show up outside a mosque . Do they think they will get a better deal from Islam in regards to separation of Church and State and Gay marriage. These people really are naive.
Comment by Jacky — 01.09.06 @ 12:45 am
Jacky,
Liberals and conservatives alike call on Islamic leaders to end objectionable practices such using religion to promote or justify terrorism, suicide attacks, attacks on non-Moslems, female genital mutilation, and much more.
Comment by Anomalocaris — 01.09.06 @ 1:17 am
“I don’t know why people seem to hate Jerry Falwell so much.”
I think part of it is because he used to be a very strong supporter of racial segregation.
He’s a better man now then he once was. Which is about all we can hope to do in our lives.
But just the same, it’s a factor of his life I remain aware of.
I used to be a drunk and a fornicator, IC. We all have “factors” in our lives, and opposing racial integration ain’t the worst. - Admin
Comment by Independent Conservative — 01.09.06 @ 1:31 am
Great blogging on the fly La Shawn! I only wish I could have been there! Very much wanted to thank you in person for your thought-full work. I wonder, was anything mentioned about the current state of flux (understatement) in Israel and the Middle East? Anything toward uniting in any way with our Jewish brethren of faith in these times of clashing world views. Keep up the GREAT work! Stay close to the Father…He is SO good and SO wise!
Shalom
Michael
Michael
Comment by Michael Moffatt — 01.09.06 @ 2:29 am
I think that I plan to have my blog focus more on abortion. This is an issue I care aboutt. Women want to conceife babies then take the easy rode out. incollege i got pregnant and i could not abort, i cold nto kill my own child. great blog. i would love to hear more about the break in and the talk with teh leftie
Comment by shari — 01.09.06 @ 4:15 am
January is Sanctity of Human Life month
You are not the product of violence, a broken condom, a mis-directed attempt to save a relationship, or even the choice of your parents who love you. You are the product of the love of God Who gave you life. He placed you into the birth which you’ve …
Trackback by Say What Now? — 01.09.06 @ 12:08 pm
“I hope Christians in America get off their butts (pardon the language) and start calling immoral and decadent things by their proper names. We need outspoken Christian bloggers, too.”
Thanks for emphasizing this. I think we hide our beliefs and opinions for fear of ostracism by the mainstream and our non-believing friends…isn’t that exactly what happened to Jesus and his disciples…isn’t that what is supposed to happen to us, if we are living a true Christian life? What cowards we tend to be, sometimes! Thanks for your open-ness!
Comment by Lori — 01.09.06 @ 12:23 pm
RNC Blog Row 2006
Trackback by Thespis Journal — 01.09.06 @ 12:50 pm
All In The Blogosphere Family
The Family Research Council entered the blogosphere last week, just in time for the group’s Justice Sunday III event in Philadelphia yesterday. Charmaine Yoest is the managing editor of FRCblog and one of its only two active contributors. The only…
Trackback by Beltway Blogroll — 01.09.06 @ 1:11 pm
Enjoy your blog, La Shawn! I remember reading your story in a Today’s Christian Woman magazine a few years ago, and was thrilled to come across your blog!
I have a question - do you realize that birth control pills cause early abortions? Some forms of contraception, specifically the intrauterine device (IUD), Norplant, and certain low-dose oral contraceptives, often do not prevent conception but prevent implantation of an already fertilized ovum. The result is an early abortion, the killing of an already conceived individual.
If this is news to you (or anyone else reading these comments), I’d like to encourage you to research it for yourself. What do you think?
Another thought - ever notice the reasons a woman gives for having an abortion (I can’t afford a baby right now, two is enough for us, I want to finish college, I want to focus on my career)are the SAME reasons a lot of us give for using birth control?
Are we truly “pro life”?? Are we sure we have examined that log in our own eye???
Comment by Heidi — 01.09.06 @ 2:04 pm
“African American”
La Shawn:
I have to agree - the term “African American” does NOT describe Black Americans.
Cases in point - Black Americans at LSUHSC Hospital are all wrapped up in Christmas - as intense as anyone else. And they give Christmas Presents to unfortunate children whose parents are too lazy to get them anything.
Another Black lady was walking on the street near my home a week before Christmas. She was wearing a sweater covered with Christmas symbols, and whe was wearing a Santa Clause hat. Not very “African”.
Comment by Frank Zavisca — 01.09.06 @ 3:04 pm
“Scalito” circus under way
My GodBlogCon friends Charmaine Yoest, LaShawn Barber and Stacy Harp (start here and scroll down) were among the bloggers invited to the Justice Sunday III program.
Trackback by Mike's Noise — 01.09.06 @ 3:42 pm
As I looked at the photos of the demonstrators, I couldn’t help but wonder about how scared they are, scared to death of God, religion, and the absolutes of right and wrong. Very sad that such positives can be viewed with alarm by anyone.
Comment by RedBeard — 01.09.06 @ 4:06 pm
Hi LaShawn, I was wondering if you had read the book “God’s Politics” by William Wallace. In it he makes reference to the concept of a “consistent ethic of life”. As I understood it this means that being pro-life extends beyond the unborn child across the entire life span and would include issues such as capital punishment, the use of force in international relations, poverty and so on. Would you say that your pro-life perspective includes this concept of a “consistent ethic of life”? I don’t say this to be provocative but to really hear what you and some of your other readers might think.
Comment by Dawnbreaker — 01.09.06 @ 6:03 pm
If we don’t have children, someone else will, and then goodbye culture.
Comment by Walter E. Wallis — 01.10.06 @ 12:26 am
Another Justice Sunday! Great.
So, in addition to praying for Alito to be confirmated and to overturn Roe v. Wade they are also going to:
1.) Do something about making quality healthcare available to all Americans, this being the richest country in the universe.
2.) Do something about these corporations spewing pornography all over the internet and television
Maybe seeing something similar to the War on Drugs, or War on Terrorism being applied to the biggest addiction among men today.
3.) countless other things…
Even if we cannot get anyone to discuss these other issues, I’ll be happy to see Alito get confirmed, but when are we are going to fight the unpopular and truly difficult battles?
just my take on things…
Comment by lukeNC — 01.10.06 @ 8:59 am