Pastor's Testimony against S.R. 35 Amending the Connecticut Constitution | America's "Zombie" Protestant Denominations | Regular Services Cancelled Due to Snow
Pastor's Notes for February 8, 2025
Pastor’s Testimony against S.R. 35 Amending the Connecticut Constitution
Yesterday, I testified against a proposed amendment to Connecticut’s state constitution that would have a chilling effect on the free exercise of religion in the state:
Testimony on Senate Joint Resolution No. 35.
Testimony of Jacob Dell
Pastor, The First Congregational Church of WoodburyGovernment Administration and Elections Public Hearing February 7, 2025.
Thank you for this opportunity to comment on the RESOLUTION PROPOSING A STATE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT CONCERNING DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX UNDER THE EQUAL PROTECTION CLAUSE.
I speak to you as the pastor of one of Connecticut’s historic churches, established by this Assembly, first as an ecclesiastical society in 1659, then organized as a church in 1670, and continually meeting for the worship of God in Woodbury since that time.
I speak against this proposed amendment to the State Constitution because it would change the legal definition of discrimination on the basis of sex, from the natural and well-understood categories of male and female, to a definition based on intent or effect.
To put it simply, sex is something one is born with. One is fully male or female at birth. Subsequent decisions by individuals to initiate or terminate a pregnancy, to identify with or express a sexual orientation or gender identity do not in any way alter the fundamental category of sex which is, and will always remain, defined by male or female.
Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”
Sex is a category created by God and confirmed by nature and science. Any law that changes the definition of sex from one rooted in hard reality to one based on soft psychology and feelings will undermine the very protections it seeks to enshrine.
I am concerned for the impact this will have on the Christian churches, schools, and families of Connecticut. I am concerned that the right to express one’s sexual orientation or gender identity will become a requirement to accept these expressions of orientation or identity forced upon others.
For instance, the Sixth Commandment is “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13). Not only do we Christians believe, but, as a pastor, I must also preach and teach that abortion is murder. If this amendment passes, the basic teachings of the historic churches of Connecticut will be condemned as discriminatory.
Will I, as a pastor, be guilty of discrimination on the basis of sex if it is my intent, when counseling a pregnant woman, to see her avoid the effect of killing her unborn child? Will the members of my congregation be subject to prosecution for opposing abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender ideology?
Many will no doubt assure me that the free exercise of religion and freedom of speech are protected by the first amendment, but, if this amendment passes, you will have introduced a constitutional ambiguity which I fully expect the enemies of religion to exploit. If this amendment passes, I fear that the effect on the witness and work of the Church in Connecticut will be chilling.
America’s “Zombie” Protestant Denominations and the Coming Land Grab
As more and more churches close, what will happen to their land and the communities that trusted them? I answered that question earlier this week in an article on American Reformer:
Small towns across America could have their demographics forcibly changed by multi-unit dwellings, forever altering the character of their historic main streets and town squares.
And there won’t be a thing they can do about it, thanks to the exemptions from local zoning the Zombie lobby is trying to get passed.
America’s failing mainline Protestant denominations are projected to die off by 2050, if not sooner.
What’s left after the faithful die off? Money and land — plus a small clerisy to manage it. These are America’s post-Christian “Zombie” denominations.
Read the whole article here.
Regular Sunday service is cancelled for February 9 due to the expected winter storm
I will conduct a simple said service (no music) of Morning Prayer, in the meeting house, consisting of scripture, psalms, and prayers at 10 AM. Those who can safely venture out are welcome to attend.
The Congregational Meeting has been postponed to next Sunday, February 12. The sermon series, “Operation Reconquista,” will continue next Sunday as well.