Prophecy News Watch provided by Worthy Ministries
Prophecy News Watch is a service hosted by Worthy Ministries to provide Christians daily news from a Biblical, and yet Prophetic worldview. Our news is gathered by our Christian News Service, Worthy News. For more about our vision for how we assemble our daily headlines, please read, "What is Worthy News?"
Around the World
'We’ve got a great deal': UK and EU agree to Brexit deal
The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed to deal for splitting up, signaling a big breakthrough in the lead-up to Britain’s planned exit from the EU at the end of the month.
Pence Announces Ceasefire Deal With Erdogan to End Turkey’s Syria Offensive
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday he had reached a deal with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for a ceasefire in northern Syria to end an eight-day-old Turkish offensive against Kurdish-led forces.
US imposes record $7.5 billion tariffs on European goods
The United States on Friday imposed a range of punitive tariffs on European goods.
Pence says Erdogan knows Trump 'says what he means' after Syria cease-fire
Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News in an exclusive interview Thursday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 'knows President Trump says what he means what he says' about Trump's threat to slap sanctions on Turkey if its military defies the terms of a cease-fire meant to halt Ankara's offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.
Venezuela Wins Seat on U.N. Rights Council Despite U.S. Opposition
Venezuela was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday with 105 votes and a round of applause, despite fierce lobbying against it by the United States and rights groups, and the late entry of Costa Rica as competition.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz reportedly looking to form minority government with Liberman’s backing
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is reportedly planning to invite representatives of Yisrael Beytenu and Likud to talks on forming a unity government if he is tasked with forming a coalition next week.
As US withdraws, Jerusalem spooked by Moscow’s growing control over Middle East
US President Donald Trump’s newly announced withdrawal of nearly all US troops from northern Syria has cemented Russia’s status as the predominant global military power actively engaged in the Middle East.
Pompeo lands in Israel for meet with Netanyahu, talks on Syria
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Israel overnight Thursday-Friday for talks on Syria following the pullout of American soldiers and Turkey’s launching of a military offensive against Kurdish fighters.
Gantz rejects unity offer from Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Thursday and offered him a new framework on matters of religion and state and other issues that could help bring about the formation of a national-unity government.
Inside the United States
'Organized destruction': William Barr blasts 'militant secularists' over assault on religion
Attorney General William P. Barr offered a withering evisceration of anti-religious sentiment last week, defending the central role of Judeo-Christian moral standards in American democracy, accusing 'militant secularists' of an assault on religion that’s become as intolerant as religions they criticize.
U.S. Senate fails to override Trump veto of bill to end border emergency
President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration, which he says allows him to redirect federal funds to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, will stay in effect after the U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to override his veto of legislation terminating the executive action.
Christian News
‘Sad Day’ in Algeria as Officials Seal Buildings of Country’s Largest Churches
Authorities in Algeria on Wednesday (Oct. 16) closed the Tafath (Light) church building in Tizi-Ouzou, a day after sealing shut the country’s largest church despite resistance, sources said.
Saudi Arabia to Allow Access to Ancient Biblical Sites, Including 'the Real' Mount Sinai
After being closed to tourism for the past few decades, Saudi Arabia is not only allowing tourists to visit but opening their doors for those who want to see the biblical sites the country has to offer.
Survey: Christianity declining rapidly in US, down 12 percentage points in last decade
A new survey shows American Christianity is declining steadily, with young Americans increasingly identifying as unaffiliated with any religious group.
'We’ve got a great deal': UK and EU agree to Brexit deal
The United Kingdom and the European Union have agreed to deal for splitting up, signaling a big breakthrough in the lead-up to Britain’s planned exit from the EU at the end of the month.
Pence Announces Ceasefire Deal With Erdogan to End Turkey’s Syria Offensive
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Thursday he had reached a deal with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan for a ceasefire in northern Syria to end an eight-day-old Turkish offensive against Kurdish-led forces.
US imposes record $7.5 billion tariffs on European goods
The United States on Friday imposed a range of punitive tariffs on European goods.
Pence says Erdogan knows Trump 'says what he means' after Syria cease-fire
Vice President Mike Pence told Fox News in an exclusive interview Thursday that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan 'knows President Trump says what he means what he says' about Trump's threat to slap sanctions on Turkey if its military defies the terms of a cease-fire meant to halt Ankara's offensive against Kurdish fighters in northern Syria.
Venezuela Wins Seat on U.N. Rights Council Despite U.S. Opposition
Venezuela was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council on Thursday with 105 votes and a round of applause, despite fierce lobbying against it by the United States and rights groups, and the late entry of Costa Rica as competition.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Gantz reportedly looking to form minority government with Liberman’s backing
Blue and White leader Benny Gantz is reportedly planning to invite representatives of Yisrael Beytenu and Likud to talks on forming a unity government if he is tasked with forming a coalition next week.
As US withdraws, Jerusalem spooked by Moscow’s growing control over Middle East
US President Donald Trump’s newly announced withdrawal of nearly all US troops from northern Syria has cemented Russia’s status as the predominant global military power actively engaged in the Middle East.
Pompeo lands in Israel for meet with Netanyahu, talks on Syria
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo landed in Israel overnight Thursday-Friday for talks on Syria following the pullout of American soldiers and Turkey’s launching of a military offensive against Kurdish fighters.
Gantz rejects unity offer from Netanyahu
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Blue and White leader Benny Gantz on Thursday and offered him a new framework on matters of religion and state and other issues that could help bring about the formation of a national-unity government.
Inside the United States
'Organized destruction': William Barr blasts 'militant secularists' over assault on religion
Attorney General William P. Barr offered a withering evisceration of anti-religious sentiment last week, defending the central role of Judeo-Christian moral standards in American democracy, accusing 'militant secularists' of an assault on religion that’s become as intolerant as religions they criticize.
U.S. Senate fails to override Trump veto of bill to end border emergency
President Donald Trump’s emergency declaration, which he says allows him to redirect federal funds to build a U.S.-Mexico border wall, will stay in effect after the U.S. Senate on Thursday failed to override his veto of legislation terminating the executive action.
Christian News
‘Sad Day’ in Algeria as Officials Seal Buildings of Country’s Largest Churches
Authorities in Algeria on Wednesday (Oct. 16) closed the Tafath (Light) church building in Tizi-Ouzou, a day after sealing shut the country’s largest church despite resistance, sources said.
Saudi Arabia to Allow Access to Ancient Biblical Sites, Including 'the Real' Mount Sinai
After being closed to tourism for the past few decades, Saudi Arabia is not only allowing tourists to visit but opening their doors for those who want to see the biblical sites the country has to offer.
Survey: Christianity declining rapidly in US, down 12 percentage points in last decade
A new survey shows American Christianity is declining steadily, with young Americans increasingly identifying as unaffiliated with any religious group.
Around the World
US jets destroy anti-ISIS coalition base in Syria after withdrawal, official says
Two Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) F-15 jets destroyed a base that was the headquarters of the anti-ISIS coalition in northern Syria on Wednesday after it had been vacated, according to a military official.
Syrian Forces Enter a Key Border Town, Thwarting Turkish Plans
Syrian forces on Wednesday night rolled into the strategic border town of Kobani, blocking one path for the Turkish military to establish a 'safe zone' free of Syrian Kurdish fighters along the frontier as part of its week-old offensive.
Police and Protesters Clash in Catalonia for a Third Consecutive Night
Rioting raged in Barcelona and several other Catalan towns for a third straight night Wednesday, with police fighting running street battles with protesters angered by lengthy prison sentences for nine leaders of the wealthy region’s drive for independence from Spain.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Friedman: US peace plan won’t call for settlement evacuations
The US administration’s much-anticipated peace plan will not call for the uprooting of even a single settler, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said Wednesday, drawing sharp criticism from Ramallah.
Path to Israeli Unity Government May Be Opening, With Gantz Indicating a Willingness to Sit With Netanyahu
Despite the current impasse in the Israeli coalition talks, signs emerged on Wednesday that a path to a unity government might be opening, with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz reportedly expressing a positive attitude toward such an arrangement.
Netanyahu demands commitment from allies they will not join Gantz coalition
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asked members of his right-wing/religious parliamentary bloc to sign a commitment not to join a narrow coalition led by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz that would rely on the support of the Arab parties.
Inside the United States
House Won't Vote to Formalize Impeachment Probe
House Democrats won't be voting soon to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
Federal Debt Up $1.2 Trillion in FY 2019; Borrowed $9,432 Per U.S. Household
The federal debt increased by $1,203,343,570,253.55 in fiscal 2019, according to data released by the U.S. Treasury Department.
House Republicans expected to force vote on revised Schiff censure
House Republicans are ramping up their efforts to formally rebuke House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) as they look to combat the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry into President Trump.
US Congress Supports Hong Kong Protesters, Passes Pro-Democracy Bill
The US House of Representatives has passed the bill that pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong believe would defend their freedom and basic human rights. Although it still has to gain approval from the Senate before becoming law, protesters consider this a big step forward in their fight for democracy.
San Francisco Expands Travel Ban to Pro-Life States
San Francisco expanded its city-funded travel and contracting bans to 22 states with pro-life laws.
US retail sales unexpectedly drop as Trump's trade war hits the backbone of the economy
A key measure of consumer spending unexpectedly dropped for the first time in seven months in September, raising concerns about one of the brightest spots in the US economy.
US House overwhelmingly condemns Trump’s Syria withdrawal, Turkey offensive
The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted its bipartisan condemnation of US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of American forces from northern Syria.
Volker Testimony Destroys Narrative Of Diplomatic Turmoil Following Ukraine Phone Call
The United States’ former envoy to Ukraine told congressional investigators neither country’s officials were concerned about anything in the July 25 phone call between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky until a campaign of leaks alleging abuse of power began surfacing in late August. Far from the media-fed narrative of officials being physically shaken by the call, Kurt Volker told lawmakers no one had expressed any concern to him about it, or about later allegations that requests for Ukraine’s help in corruption investigations was improper.
Top Diplomat Testified That Obama Admin, Not International Community, Orchestrated Ukraine Prosecutor’s Firing
A top U.S. diplomat and expert on Ukraine testified to Congress yesterday that the Obama administration -- with former Vice President Joe Biden as its point man -- orchestrated the firing of the Ukrainian prosecutor who was investigating a company connected to the Biden family, sources familiar with the testimony told The Federalist.
Christian News
UAE Becomes World's First Country to Restore Iraqi Churches Destroyed by ISIS
The United Arab Emirates is teaming up with UNESCO to rebuild two Christian churches in Mosul, Iraq that were destroyed by ISIS in 2014.
At Least 250,000 Students Gather to Pray on Athletic Fields across the Nation
Hundreds of thousands of students are joining together Wednesday on football fields across the nation to encourage their peers to pray, worship, read their Bibles, and commit their lives to Christ.
Christians risk arrest if they display Bible in Saudi Arabia, persecution watchdog group warns
Christians traveling to Saudi Arabia are being warned not to publicly display their Bible while in the country or travel with more than one copy of the text, despite the kingdom's recent openness to tourism.
US jets destroy anti-ISIS coalition base in Syria after withdrawal, official says
Two Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) F-15 jets destroyed a base that was the headquarters of the anti-ISIS coalition in northern Syria on Wednesday after it had been vacated, according to a military official.
Syrian Forces Enter a Key Border Town, Thwarting Turkish Plans
Syrian forces on Wednesday night rolled into the strategic border town of Kobani, blocking one path for the Turkish military to establish a 'safe zone' free of Syrian Kurdish fighters along the frontier as part of its week-old offensive.
Police and Protesters Clash in Catalonia for a Third Consecutive Night
Rioting raged in Barcelona and several other Catalan towns for a third straight night Wednesday, with police fighting running street battles with protesters angered by lengthy prison sentences for nine leaders of the wealthy region’s drive for independence from Spain.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
Friedman: US peace plan won’t call for settlement evacuations
The US administration’s much-anticipated peace plan will not call for the uprooting of even a single settler, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman said Wednesday, drawing sharp criticism from Ramallah.
Path to Israeli Unity Government May Be Opening, With Gantz Indicating a Willingness to Sit With Netanyahu
Despite the current impasse in the Israeli coalition talks, signs emerged on Wednesday that a path to a unity government might be opening, with Blue and White leader Benny Gantz reportedly expressing a positive attitude toward such an arrangement.
Netanyahu demands commitment from allies they will not join Gantz coalition
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday asked members of his right-wing/religious parliamentary bloc to sign a commitment not to join a narrow coalition led by Blue and White leader Benny Gantz that would rely on the support of the Arab parties.
Inside the United States
House Won't Vote to Formalize Impeachment Probe
House Democrats won't be voting soon to formalize the impeachment inquiry into President Donald Trump.
Federal Debt Up $1.2 Trillion in FY 2019; Borrowed $9,432 Per U.S. Household
The federal debt increased by $1,203,343,570,253.55 in fiscal 2019, according to data released by the U.S. Treasury Department.
House Republicans expected to force vote on revised Schiff censure
House Republicans are ramping up their efforts to formally rebuke House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) as they look to combat the Democrats’ impeachment inquiry into President Trump.
US Congress Supports Hong Kong Protesters, Passes Pro-Democracy Bill
The US House of Representatives has passed the bill that pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong believe would defend their freedom and basic human rights. Although it still has to gain approval from the Senate before becoming law, protesters consider this a big step forward in their fight for democracy.
San Francisco Expands Travel Ban to Pro-Life States
San Francisco expanded its city-funded travel and contracting bans to 22 states with pro-life laws.
US retail sales unexpectedly drop as Trump's trade war hits the backbone of the economy
A key measure of consumer spending unexpectedly dropped for the first time in seven months in September, raising concerns about one of the brightest spots in the US economy.
US House overwhelmingly condemns Trump’s Syria withdrawal, Turkey offensive
The House of Representatives on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted its bipartisan condemnation of US President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of American forces from northern Syria.
Volker Testimony Destroys Narrative Of Diplomatic Turmoil Following Ukraine Phone Call
The United States’ former envoy to Ukraine told congressional investigators neither country’s officials were concerned about anything in the July 25 phone call between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky until a campaign of leaks alleging abuse of power began surfacing in late August. Far from the media-fed narrative of officials being physically shaken by the call, Kurt Volker told lawmakers no one had expressed any concern to him about it, or about later allegations that requests for Ukraine’s help in corruption investigations was improper.
Top Diplomat Testified That Obama Admin, Not International Community, Orchestrated Ukraine Prosecutor’s Firing
A top U.S. diplomat and expert on Ukraine testified to Congress yesterday that the Obama administration -- with former Vice President Joe Biden as its point man -- orchestrated the firing of the Ukrainian prosecutor who was investigating a company connected to the Biden family, sources familiar with the testimony told The Federalist.
Christian News
UAE Becomes World's First Country to Restore Iraqi Churches Destroyed by ISIS
The United Arab Emirates is teaming up with UNESCO to rebuild two Christian churches in Mosul, Iraq that were destroyed by ISIS in 2014.
At Least 250,000 Students Gather to Pray on Athletic Fields across the Nation
Hundreds of thousands of students are joining together Wednesday on football fields across the nation to encourage their peers to pray, worship, read their Bibles, and commit their lives to Christ.
Christians risk arrest if they display Bible in Saudi Arabia, persecution watchdog group warns
Christians traveling to Saudi Arabia are being warned not to publicly display their Bible while in the country or travel with more than one copy of the text, despite the kingdom's recent openness to tourism.
Around the World
Russia says 'unacceptable' Turkish incursion into Syria must be temporary
Russia called Turkey’s military incursion into northeast Syria 'unacceptable' and said on Tuesday the operation had to be limited in time and scale, a rare broadside that suggests Moscow’s patience with Ankara is wearing thin.
Turkish-backed forces come 'very close' to US troops in Syria, official says
Turkish-backed forces came 'very close' to U.S. troops in Syria just west of a coalition base in the northern Syrian town of Ain Issa Tuesday -- so close that American jets and attack helicopters were called in to disrupt the approaching forces, a U.S official tells Fox News.
UK and EU closing in on ‘possible’ Brexit deal
Britain and the EU were seen to be closing in on a detailed draft Brexit deal on Tuesday, although officials voiced skepticism it would be ready in time for a key European summit this week.
U.S. carried out secret cyber strike on Iran in wake of Saudi oil attack
The United States carried out a secret cyber operation against Iran in the wake of the Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh blame on Tehran, two U.S. officials have told Reuters.
Russia Vows To Prevent Clashes Between Syrian, Turkish Armies
Russia says it won't allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces as Turkey pressed its offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
New clashes in Barcelona between separatist protesters and police
New clashes erupted between Catalan pro-independence demonstrators and riot police in the center of Barcelona late on Tuesday in tense protests over the jailing of nine separatists by the Supreme Court over a 2017 independence bid.
Iran’s Economy to Shrink 9.5 Percent This Year Amid Tighter US Sanctions, Says IMF
Iran’s economy is expected to shrink by 9.5 percent this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said, down from a previous estimate of a six percent contraction, as the country feels the impact of tighter US sanctions.
Turkey’s Erdogan positioned to be Putin ally in NATO
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could help Russia in multiple ways if he continues to undermine the effectiveness of NATO from within the transatlantic alliance, according to diplomats and analysts.
Putin invites Erdogan to Russia as Turkey advances in Syria
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin spoke with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan about Syria by phone and invited him to visit Russia in the next few days, the Kremlin said late on Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
‘No to Israel!’: Firebrand Iraq cleric calls for mass anti-corruption protest
Crying ‘No to Israel,” Firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr on Tuesday urged millions of worshipers taking part in Shiite Islam’s largest pilgrimage to protest against corruption in Iraq, following deadly demonstrations.
Inside the United States
Federal judge strikes down Obama mandate requiring doctors to perform sex reassignment surgery
A federal judge struck down an Obama administration mandate requiring doctors to perform gender transition procedures, deeming it in violation of conscience protections for medical professionals.
DC City Council to Hold Public Hearing Thursday on Bill to Fully Decriminalize Sex Trade
The Washington, DC City Council will consider legislation to fully decriminalize the sex trade in the District of Columbia. A public hearing on the proposed bill is scheduled for Oct. 17.
Trump vetoes measure to end his emergency declaration on border wall
U.S. President Donald Trump has vetoed a joint resolution of Congress that sought to terminate his declaration of a national emergency on the southern border with Mexico, the White House said on Tuesday.
Debating Democrats blast Trump, demand impeachment
Democratic White House hopefuls united in searing condemnation of Donald Trump during their fourth debate Tuesday, saying the US president has broken the law, abused his power, and deserves to be impeached.
Watchdog Finds Major Increase in TV Profanity and Violence, Says Congress Should Act
A new study has a message for the many families who have said television content has grown coarser with each passing year: You’re right.
Christian News
Franklin Graham: 'The Left, the Socialists Have Made It Very Clear That They Stand Against the Church'
In an interview with CBN News, evangelist Franklin Graham is standing firm against the recent controversial comments by 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, who said he would want to strip churches of their tax-exempt status if they don't support same-sex marriage.
Russia says 'unacceptable' Turkish incursion into Syria must be temporary
Russia called Turkey’s military incursion into northeast Syria 'unacceptable' and said on Tuesday the operation had to be limited in time and scale, a rare broadside that suggests Moscow’s patience with Ankara is wearing thin.
Turkish-backed forces come 'very close' to US troops in Syria, official says
Turkish-backed forces came 'very close' to U.S. troops in Syria just west of a coalition base in the northern Syrian town of Ain Issa Tuesday -- so close that American jets and attack helicopters were called in to disrupt the approaching forces, a U.S official tells Fox News.
UK and EU closing in on ‘possible’ Brexit deal
Britain and the EU were seen to be closing in on a detailed draft Brexit deal on Tuesday, although officials voiced skepticism it would be ready in time for a key European summit this week.
U.S. carried out secret cyber strike on Iran in wake of Saudi oil attack
The United States carried out a secret cyber operation against Iran in the wake of the Sept. 14 attacks on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, which Washington and Riyadh blame on Tehran, two U.S. officials have told Reuters.
Russia Vows To Prevent Clashes Between Syrian, Turkish Armies
Russia says it won't allow clashes between Turkish and Syrian forces as Turkey pressed its offensive against Kurdish forces in northern Syria.
New clashes in Barcelona between separatist protesters and police
New clashes erupted between Catalan pro-independence demonstrators and riot police in the center of Barcelona late on Tuesday in tense protests over the jailing of nine separatists by the Supreme Court over a 2017 independence bid.
Iran’s Economy to Shrink 9.5 Percent This Year Amid Tighter US Sanctions, Says IMF
Iran’s economy is expected to shrink by 9.5 percent this year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said, down from a previous estimate of a six percent contraction, as the country feels the impact of tighter US sanctions.
Turkey’s Erdogan positioned to be Putin ally in NATO
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could help Russia in multiple ways if he continues to undermine the effectiveness of NATO from within the transatlantic alliance, according to diplomats and analysts.
Putin invites Erdogan to Russia as Turkey advances in Syria
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin spoke with his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan about Syria by phone and invited him to visit Russia in the next few days, the Kremlin said late on Tuesday.
Israel-Palestinian Conflict
‘No to Israel!’: Firebrand Iraq cleric calls for mass anti-corruption protest
Crying ‘No to Israel,” Firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr on Tuesday urged millions of worshipers taking part in Shiite Islam’s largest pilgrimage to protest against corruption in Iraq, following deadly demonstrations.
Inside the United States
Federal judge strikes down Obama mandate requiring doctors to perform sex reassignment surgery
A federal judge struck down an Obama administration mandate requiring doctors to perform gender transition procedures, deeming it in violation of conscience protections for medical professionals.
DC City Council to Hold Public Hearing Thursday on Bill to Fully Decriminalize Sex Trade
The Washington, DC City Council will consider legislation to fully decriminalize the sex trade in the District of Columbia. A public hearing on the proposed bill is scheduled for Oct. 17.
Trump vetoes measure to end his emergency declaration on border wall
U.S. President Donald Trump has vetoed a joint resolution of Congress that sought to terminate his declaration of a national emergency on the southern border with Mexico, the White House said on Tuesday.
Debating Democrats blast Trump, demand impeachment
Democratic White House hopefuls united in searing condemnation of Donald Trump during their fourth debate Tuesday, saying the US president has broken the law, abused his power, and deserves to be impeached.
Watchdog Finds Major Increase in TV Profanity and Violence, Says Congress Should Act
A new study has a message for the many families who have said television content has grown coarser with each passing year: You’re right.
Christian News
Franklin Graham: 'The Left, the Socialists Have Made It Very Clear That They Stand Against the Church'
In an interview with CBN News, evangelist Franklin Graham is standing firm against the recent controversial comments by 2020 Democratic presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke, who said he would want to strip churches of their tax-exempt status if they don't support same-sex marriage.