Drawing lines...

To me, religious freedom that draws lines ain't religious freedom. I couldn't agree with you more! And I thank God that America discriminates against Muslims by forbidding them to fulfill their religious obligation to kill all those who apostasize from Islam. A good friend of mine owes his life to that kind of discriminatory policy, since at age 16 he converted to Christianity. He was arrested and tortured "back home" and eventually fled to safety in America, aided by some missionaries stationed in the Middle East. He is presently an Anglican deacon, and will likely be ordained a priest in May. (Are you sure you don't want to draw the line somewhere?) [smiles] As far as the election goes, I don't see how I could cast a vote for anybody in good conscience. Bush's stand on abortion merely makes him the lesser of three evils. "May we get the government we deserve" is not always a pleasant thought. Still, the standard litany of all Orthodox Churches in the United States includes an intercession "For the President of the United States and all civil authorities, and for our Armed Forces everywhere, let us pray to the Lord." (The mention of our Armed Forces is often qualified with the word "peace-keeping.") All of us need prayer at all times, but I think it's really important to pray for the leaders of the land at this time in particular. Dirk