Devorah Goldman writes for the Witherspoon Institute’s weblog, Public Discourse, about the state-ordered death of 23-month-old Alfie Evans: Having determined the “best course of treatment” for Alfie, British medical experts refused to consider that he might be better cared for elsewhere, and the courts merely backed them up. Others have argued that it reflects England’s … [Read more...] about Utilitarian Ethics in Action
courts
Another Cakewalk
Ashers Baking Co. of Northern Ireland has lost its appeal against a fine and compensation award for refusing to bake and decorate a “Support Gay Marriage” cake. A panel of three judges wrote on Oct. 24 that under the law the bakers were not allowed to limit services only to those who agreed with their religious beliefs. The case was brought two years ago when Ashers, a … [Read more...] about Another Cakewalk
Defend the Sojourner
By G. Jeffrey MacDonaldTLC CorrespondentChristians eager to help children fleeing gang violence in Central America are turning their attention from the southern border to the judicial system as thousands of new cases begin to work their way through the courts.The Diocese of Arizona’s Migration and Border Ministry Program Group is urging Episcopalians to help cover legal costs … [Read more...] about Defend the Sojourner
Neutral Principles in Quincy
A.S. Haley writes at Anglican Curmudgeon that the Episcopal Churchpretends to have a “three-tiered, hierarchical structure,” when the reality is that there are just the member dioceses at the top, who act and decide matters through their triennial conventions. The rest of the time (more than 99% of it), the individual dioceses are what makes up the national denomination, and … [Read more...] about Neutral Principles in Quincy
Fort Worth Looks to D.C.
The Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Fort Worth has signaled its intention to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. In an emergency motion [PDF] filed March 25, the diocese has asked the Texas Supreme Court to stay an earlier mandate.In a supporting document [PDF] for the motion, the diocese’s attorneys write that the U.S. Supreme Court may take an interest in the case because it “has … [Read more...] about Fort Worth Looks to D.C.
Deference vs. Neutral Principles
By G. Jeffrey MacDonaldTLC CorrespondentPlaintiffs who sued the Episcopal Church in January for control of South Carolina church properties could ride to victory on the coattails of a 2009 decision involving a breakaway parish, according to two attorneys experienced in church property cases.Both Lloyd Lunceford of Baton Rouge and Martin Nussbaum of Colorado Springs cite the All … [Read more...] about Deference vs. Neutral Principles