Pray that you may not undergo the test

In recent years we have seen western governments encroaching upon the religious freedom of their citizens. It is a trend that, most regrettably, is not abating but only increasing.

Take, for instance, this piece of proposed legislation (that could become a new swear phrase) - the Equality Bill - from the United Kingdom. The proposal would make it "illegal for a Christian charity to sack a senior manager for adultery or living an openly gay lifestyle." It should be noted that the same legislation would "apply to Muslim and Jewish churches and charities."

What is most troubling about this bill is that it would also make it illegal for the Catholic Church not to ordain women as priests or bishops, which, of course, the Church has no authority to do.

Lest you think these encroachments and all but outright attacks on the Church are only happening across the pond, as it were, consider this news that President Obama's Faith Council is considering requiring religious organizations who receive federal funds to remove all symbols of their faith.

For example, if a church gets money for a soup kitchen, would it have to remove or put a cloth over all crosses, pictures, etc., every time it gets ready to feed the hungry?

It would seem so. God help us.