I’ve written a lot at the Examiner about Rifqa Bary. Why?
Because there are absolutes in this world.
Jesus is the Son of God. Absolute.
Jesus is Lord. Absolute.
No one comes to the Father except through Him. Absolute. And before someone get riled up over this statement: hey, His words. Not mine. Don’t like it? Go argue with Him. Let me know how that works out for you.
Believers are commanded to love and care for fellow believers. Absolute.
A fellow believer should be allowed to worship Christ in peace without fearing for their life because of their belief. Absolute.
Islam is as much a religion of peace as Barack Obama is a fiscal conservative. Absolute.
I hope that explains why today’s Examiner post was about Rifqa.
Still no resolution in Rifqa Bary case as legal proceedings continue
Rifqa Bary
The continuing story of Rifqa Bary, the Ohio teen who ran away from home out of fear his devout Muslin parents would kill her due to her becoming a Christian, added another chapter today in Florida and Ohio courtrooms. For now, Rifqa will remain with her court appointed foster family in Florida. How long this will be the case is unknown.
The legal wrangling today included a statement by Shayan Elahi, the attorney for Rifqa’s parents, that he has filed a complaint with both Orlando police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement against Blake and Beverly Lorenz, the ministerial couple who took Rifqa in after she ran away. A spokesperson for the OPD stated it had not received a complaint and that the Lorenz’s were not under investigation by the department.
Orange County Circuit Judge Daniel Dawson stated he would talk with his Ohio counterpart to determine jurisdiction in the case now that legal proceedings are transpiring in both states. Rifqa’s parents, who did not attend the session in Orlando today except via conference call, are pursuing a legal strategy in Ohio of having Rifqa placed in foster care there by having their daughter declared incorrigible by dint of being repeatedly disobedient. Rifqa’s guardian ad litem Krista Bartholomew stated “grave concerns” that should Rifqa be returned to Ohio the legal proceedings there would be swiftly discontinued, thus leaving her with no legal protection against her parents.
In Florida, a mediation hearing is set for October 9th, with the next session in juvenile court scheduled for October 13th.
All believers are asked to continue in prayer that Rifqa be allowed to worship Christ in peace and safety.
