Pastor Tom Newton Letter to Ed.

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

Letters to the Editor

16 May 2009

Did you know that Sunday, May 17 is now the official International Day Against Homophobia in Cornwall?

City council has unanimously voted to officially acknowledge this day.

I looked for something to be said about this day in "Coffee Break" by Claude McIntosh. Nothing so far. In fact, I would not expect anything to be said in a questioning way by any of the media sources here in Cornwall-- it's not politically correct.

How is it that city council can officially enact observances without the consent of the people in Cornwall? Is that not something like "taxation without representation?"

City council is more like a bunch of bureaucrats, or even a bunch of aristocrats, bowing the knee to a special interest group instead of a representative type government for the good of all people. And what a show of pure lobbying power.

Slip it in at the last minute--great governmental procedure. Works well in the U. S.; it will work here in Cornwall, too.

I want everyone to see that such governmental acceptance is the goal of the gay community: "In Canada, recognition for lesbian and gay communities has been first and foremost a judicial acceptance brought about by the adoption of the Charter of Human Rights. However, judicial advances will remain only that until a complete, unlimited social acceptance of homosexuality is achieved and homophobia wiped out. To achieve this goal, the Foundation Emergence proposed in 2003, along with partners, to hold each year a special day dedicated to the social recognition of homosexual experience." (Foundation Emergence, emphasis mine).

This is a forced acceptance by the will of the government upon and above the will of the people. This forced acceptance is not done in a democratic way, nor in parliamentary way, but more like in a totalitarian state form of government.

So the rainbow flag will be flying Sunday, but how many of the good citizens of Cornwall will even know why it's flying, and even yet care? It's the will of the few over the will of the many. Maybe I can lobby city council, too, for the "Official Day Against Biblephobia".

Then I could fly the Christian flag! Equal time and privilege for all Canadians in this great country of ours-- right?

Pastor Tom Newton, Cornwall.

Comments on this Article.

As if the Public enquiry wasn’t enough, now the majority of our citizens have to put up with this "Gay Days" recognition on May 17. This city council should be dissolved, with their business as usual stance, loss of the Super Wallmart expansion, property tax increases, its failed attempts to get proper compensation from the Hydro lands, and dam the torpedoes views to peruse the 3 ring (circus) arena.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #1 By k94ur2,

Jealous, Tom? You poor thing, you. Interesting indeed that you're so interested in what's happening in Cornwall's gay scene. One wonders who else you're keeping an eye on. Feminists? Labour activists? Immigrants? Catholics? Muslims? Jews?

This latest spew of paleo-conservative hatred is from the same man who not only protests at Pride Cornwall but at the Children's Treatment Centre Bike-a-thon, the Santa Claus Parade, the annual Canada Day celebration, the annual Jehovah's Witnesses convention, the opening of the new downtown farmers market and other public events. The same man who on several occasions has come within a whisker of getting arrested for causing public disturbances by shoving his message of hellfire and damnation down the throats of passers-by without their consent. The same man who'll pounce on any chance to publicly demonize anyone who doesn't share his narrow, pinch-faced beliefs and cloaks it as free speech and religious freedom. Tom Newton will never be satisfied until he succeeds in forcing us all to live in a medieval fascist theocracy where anyone who isn't EXACTLY LIKE HIM is summarily executed as a heretic. But then, I suppose respect for diversity and human rights must be sinful, like being left-handed or allowing women to vote.

What a small and pathetic life you must have to willingly exist in such self-induced misery, Tom. And how pathologically selfish it is of you to try dragging the rest of the world down with you.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #2 By Artivist,

Why can't we all just get along and accept people for who they are not what they are.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #3 By rkake,

A question for Artivist....Is Pastor Newton wrong on this point?

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #4 By wildone,

Wildone: Tom Newton's point is that City Council passed a resolution (unanimously, I might add) that he personally disagrees with because it runs afoul his religious fanaticism. If you were to replace the word "****phobia" with "misogyny," "racism," "anti-Semitism," Islamophobia" or any other kind of prejudice, you'd get EXACTLY the same reaction out of him. His repeated and unprovoked verbal attacks against non-Christians, women, gay people and other groups he doesn't like speaks for itself. How obscenely hypocritical it is of him to call City Council "a bunch of aristocrats" when his own Christian supremacist views - which he so viciously tries to impose upon the rest of us without our consent – are the very antithesis of democracy and respect for human rights.

There was absolutely nothing undemocratic about what City Council did in officially observing the International Day Against ****phobia. Socially progressive candidates were freely chosen by Cornwall's electorate in the last election and they have acted accordingly. If Cornwall's voters would prefer that we revert to being a backwater, they have the chance to vote the current council out next year and replace it with a 1950's style old boys club. In fact, I would suggest that Tom Newton himself run for either Council or the mayor's chair if he's so determined to snuff out all vestiges of equality. I'm sure the first thing on his agenda would be to hold a referendum on imposing state-sanctioned persecution of anyone who's not a white, heterosexual Christian fundamentalist. How would you like that?

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #5 By Artivist,

Sorry Arivist - J....: Politics is not my game! When King Jesus comes back to reign as Sovereign, you will have to answer to Him personally. I would not want to face Him while being in my sins! Today is day of mercy, then it will be to late. Repent and believe the Gospel! Be wise and learn from His Holy Word: "Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power"(2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). Jesus Christ is Lord!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #6 By tnpreacher555,

God is a loving God and forgives EVERYONE.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #7 By rkake,

Yes, Tom. When all else fails, thump your bible and randomly spit out quotes like venom. Can you quote the Criminal Code as easily? You couldn't come up with a logical, let alone ORIGINAL, argument if your life depended on it, you intellectual coward. Lame, lame, lame.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #8 By Artivist,

Artivist...In your response to me, it had a great beginning and a great end!!

Wildone. How would you like that?

I do not like others agendas being rammed down my throat.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #9 By wildone

Wildone: You asked, I answered. Deal with it.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #10 By Artivist,

Artivist: Boy do you hate the Word of God! This shows how much you hate God - your Creator and Savior! I rather be filled with the precious Word of God, than to have your mind set for a second. There is hope for you, God is gracious.

And to Rake: yes God is loving, but what about those in hell right now? They are in hell right now because they rejected the Lord Jesus' offer of salvation and deliverance from sin. They are suffering the eternal wrath of God. God is loving, the Bible declares and exhibits that, but the Bible also declares that God is the Holy One - who will not suffer sin to go unpunished. The Lord Jesus came to save His people from their sins, not in their sins! There is forgiveness and new life in Christ - both must be there. Any one that continues to reject God's offer of salvation and goes on in their sinful rebellion and dies in that state, will definitely end up in hell. This is the clear teaching of the Bible, not just my opinion. Even Artivist knows that, that's why he is so bent out of shape over the Word of God. He can't refute the Word of God, so he attacks the messenger. That's normal for lost sinners to do. I know, I was there!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #11 By tnpreacher555,

Ya know what? Artivist annoys the hell right outta me sometimes, ---he or she is so full of themself, but you bloody bible thumpers are THE worst bunch of self righteous jerks God ever tolerated.

There isn’t one of us who chooses to be born hetero or ****, ----it is what it is, and everyone one of us alive has God’s gift of life within us to keep us that way.

God “is life”. God is that Holy Spirit that is the software running our biological body and when you look into the eyes of either a straight person or a gay person you are seeing God.

More to the point when you fools perpetuate hate of any kind including that toward a gay person, -a fellow child and creation of God, -you disrespect God and His work.

Further, the Bible is NOT the definitive record of God’s word, it is ‘man’s interpretation’ of God’s word and has been used by popes of the catholic church..( I negleted to capitalize on purpose BTW), kings and queens over the centuries to manipulate and control mankind. In fact, God had NO say whatsoever, in what was to be included and what was to be left out of the Bible, human beings like popes did and trust me on this, they are not connected to God anymore than you or I, and therefore, it cannot be used as the defining benchmark against which we measure each other.

No human, repeat, NO HUMAN, can presume to interpret God’s Will, we do not know the "whole story" yet, we can only try and do our best by being gentle with one another and hope that, when the end comes, we please Him.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #12 By rastis,

"I know. I was there!"

Yes Tom, go back to America and STAY THERE!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #13 By Artivist,

Do you really want Tom Newton to be on City Council, he is entitled to his opinions and that's just what they are opinions, if you don't agree with his way of thinking, in his mind we will all be going to hell. He is so against the gay community that its not funny anymore. Tom go live on a island with your followers who are not tolerant of others who don't think like you. I firmly believe that you are the one who will be going to hell. God accepts everyone. Religion is the root of all the civil unrest in the world today.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #14 By rkake,

Sorry Artivist - I am here to stay, Lord willing. By the way I am a Canadian citizen also!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #15 By tnpreacher555,

Kudos to council for recognizing special day

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

Leters to the Editor

20 May 2009

I would like to express my gratitude to city council for having unanimously voted to have officially acknowledged the International Day Against Homophobia.

Since its first edition in 2003, the International Day Against Homophobia has grown larger year by year. With this, May 17 has become the prime moment to remember that homophobia still exists and that we must combat it.

The proposed goal for the 2009 campaign is to make the general population and, more specifically, ethno-cultural communities of all backgrounds more aware of gay and lesbian issues, and sexual diversity. Ethno-cultural communities occupy an increasingly significant place in our societies. What's more, contributions by these communities are invaluable to our country and our city.

Being gay or lesbian is not easy and not something most of us have sought.

At some point in our lives we were forced to accept ourselves as we are. It is especially still a difficult situation for youth who discover their attraction for the same sex.

We are so very fortunate to live in this country and I must add in this city. When I moved back here six years ago after an absence of many years, back to my home town and long time friends and family I was far from expecting the overwhelming acceptance my partner and I have been blessed with, right here in Cornwall. We consider ourselves involved to some extent in the community and have been welcomed everywhere. We are out!

Everyone knows about our relationship. We get along with our neighbors very well. We just lead a normal life. We are especially grateful to the Swinging B's Square Dance Club with whom we dance on a weekly basis.

Contrary to some popular myth, a gay relationship can be the moral equivalent of a heterosexual marriage, in terms of love, mutual concern, dignity, respect, trust and fidelity. The problem lies in the ignorance, bigotry, ancient inherited prejudices and fear that form the bedrock of homophobia. Like racism, homophobia grows out of fear of what is different from them, or strange or unknown. Early in life, we also internalize it, and we come to hate ourselves for it. When we finally vanquish the homophobia from within, we learn to be happy with ourselves. Homophobia is a social problem which needs to disappear.

It is great to live here and I thank the many new friends we have made here who have seen beyond our "gayness" and have realized that we are just like everyone else.

Roger Duval-Frappier, Cornwall

Comments on this Article.

Mr. Roger: "Contrary to some popular myth, a gay relationship can be the moral equivalent of a heterosexual marriage..." "The moral equivalent" - by what authority does Mr. Roger speak? His opinion? From moral relativism? The moral standard that our Creator has given to us is found in the Holy Word of God - Like -"Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex.20:14). Man is a moral creature created in the image of God, therefore God sets the absolute standards whereby we are to judge and maintain morality.

"Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Ex.20:14)covers all forms sexual immorality. In a positive instruction Hebrews 13:4 expounds this moral precept this way: "Let marriage be kept honorable in every way, and the marriage bed undefiled. For God will judge those who commit sexual sins, especially those who commit adultery". It is God who has instituted the marriage covenant between a man and a woman. It is only as we as God's creatures obey this moral institution that we, in word and deed, honour Him and bring glory to His name. All other man-made institutions and morality, if not based upon the Word of God, must be rejected as human wisdom, with no binding authority. It is "thus saith the Lord", and not "thus saith Mr. Roger"!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #1 By tnpreacher555,

Mr Tom Newton it is God who will judge people not you, the way you are preaching to everyone is one of the reasons that people are turned off going to church and by the way how many (not all) preachers and officials of the church have been charged with molesting children. So don't go arround spreading your opinions which apparently a lot of people don't agree with. But in this country we allow people like you to spread there hatred of certain groups to spread there word in the name of GOD, and yes I do believe in a loving GOD just not your GOD who I believe to be the DEVIL.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #2 By rkake,

Also Tom I am married to a loving woman, but the difference between me and you is I can accept other peoples way of life, it doesn't hurt me what goes on in other peoples bedroom, as Pierre Elliot Trudeau once said"The state has no business in peoples bedrooms" As long as it is two consenting ADULTS it should have no bearing on you and your certain group of followers (if you have any that is) way of life. So Tom HAVE A NICE DAY.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #3 By rkake,

Rkake: Does it not say in the Bible that adultery,premarital sex, sodomy, and other forms of sexual sins are against God's moral law? IF you knew anything about the inspired Word of God, than you would understand it is not my opinion, it's God's revealed law-word that says such actions and lifestyles are sin. Your dispute is not with me, but with God's authoritative Word. Once you see this, and I pray God that would open your eyes to this, you can be set free from the bondage of sin, and begin to enjoy new life in Christ, with God.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #4 By tnpreacher555,

I am perfectly comfortable with GOD and certainly don't have to be set free. I believe treat people with respect to there beliefs and you won't have any problems with GOD. I wonder who will see the pearly gates me,you and all the so called sinners in this world. God loves everyone including you, but I wonder what GOD thinks of someone who preaches hatred of others.I will give you this thou you are a expert on preaching from the bible. But I wonder if you really practice and believe in what you preach. Again Have a nice day. Take care of yourself.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #5 By rkake,

Pastor's views help promote hatred, violence

Cornwall Standard Freeholder

Letters to the Editor

21 May 2009

Lest we become complacent, we are thankfully blessed with the presence of Pastor Tom Newton to remind us that we still have much work to do.

The International Day Against Homophobia was instituted to educate the population at large of the inherent dangers and consequences of homophobia. Those who are homophobic freely promote prejudice, hate and frequently, violence.

The uneducated and misinformed refuse to accept that there exist differences in human beings. Their refusal to accept anyone who, to them, does not conform to what they perceive as "normal", ultimately promotes said prejudice, hate and violence.

Happily for our children, the group who make up city council are informed and understand the reasons for The International Day Against Homophobia. Therefore, kudos to you (city councillors) for standing up for our children.

As parents of two upstanding citizens and well-educated, gay sons, we continue to work diligently for the safety of all our children.

We proudly fly our Rainbow flag on our property all year long; we respect its meaning and strive to make the world a safer place. Those who desire to fly the Christian flag are most welcome to do so, however stating one is Christian defines that person as Christ-like.

Would Christ have behaved as Pastor Newton?

God bless.

Louis and Denise-Marie Latulippe,

founders of PFLAG Cornwall

Comments on this Article.

Thank you so much for this letter! Your children are very, very lucky to have such wonderful parents. I grew up in Cornwall and was determined to get out - I saw too many people like Pastor Tom and couldn't, in good conscience, come back and raise a family in a place where such attitudes were common. The letters I've read in support of the International Day Against ****phobia and against ignorance and bigotry have helped me see that there ARE good, decent people in Cornwall and that the Pastor Tom's of the city are becoming the exception and are not the rule. Should I pass by your rainbow flag, I will certainly remember this and wave.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #1 By jenmulligan,

What does it hurt to accept people for what and who they are. We are in the 21st century, lets move on Pastor Tom, its time to let this go, Who is the gay community hurting. (NO ONE) What goes on between consenting ADULTS in there bedrooms are no ones business. This hatred of fellow human beings has to stop. But Pastor Tom will come out with phrases from the bible codeming everything that he sees wrong with todays society, but remember this Pastor Tom, all the wars (most) are because of religion and the way people view religion.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #2 By rkake,

The good Roman Catholic Louis and Denise-Marie Latulippe writes: "The uneducated and misinformed...". How could such a devote Roman Catholic be so ignorant of what the word of God says about those who practice the sin of sodomy? We must realize that it is not ignorance, but willful rejection of her church's main authority - The Holy Scriptures.

But there is one who is higher in authority than the Roman Catholic church. I quote the Apostle Paul on the subject at hand: "Though claiming to be wise, they became fools and substituted the glory of the immortal God for images that looked like mortal human beings, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles.For this reason, God has given them over to impurity to follow the lusts of their hearts and to dishonor their bodies with one another. They have exchanged God’s truth for a lie and have worshiped and served the creation rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen! For this reason, God has given them over to degrading passions. For their females have exchanged their natural sexual function for one that is unnatural, and their males, too, have given up the natural sexual function of females and burned with lust for one another. Males commit indecent acts with males, and so they receive among themselves the punishment they deserve for deviating from what is normal. And so, because they did not think it worthwhile to retain the full knowledge of God, God has given them over to degraded minds to perform acts that should not be done"(Romans 1:22-28).

What the good Roman Catholic Louis and Denise-Marie Latulippe calls "normal" God calls abnormal -"degrading passions". Who really is "The uneducated and misinformed"? The Lord Jesus spoke of such in his day - "Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God"(Matthew 22:29).

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #3 By tnpreacher555

Like I've said Pastor Tom will quote from the Bible, but he seems to forget that God forgives everyone and I am sure that God doesn't want anyone to spread hatred. I am also sure that the Gay community doesn't want Pastor Tom's forgiveness for anything as he has been spreading his discontent of the gay community for how long?? Give it a brake Tom, get on with life, what has the Gay community done to you for you to spread YOUR hatred towards them.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #4 By rkake,

tnpreacher555....Tom Newton I presume? Such a terrible shame that one who proclaims to be a servant of Christ, uses His name in vain. Shame on you. Your reputation proceeds you, not for your good work, but for your tyranny. When have you ever sent a kind or encouraging letter to the editor. Always condemning, always looking down your nose. Who are you to write such things? "Let he who has not sinned, cast the first stone"...perhaps some thoughtful reflection on your own actions would do you some good. These people have done nothing to you, so why do you strike them? I would not call you "Pastor", that is a title of respect, and you have demonstrated nothing to deserve such respect. If you really wish to help people, pray for them! God will do the rest, His will, NOT YOURS, will be done. You have no right to attack anyone, or judge others Tom Newton. That is not YOUR job.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #5 By newsseeker,

To Newsseeker: This is what the Lord Jesus said about those that hated Him: "If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause"(John 15:22-25).

Was the Lord Jesus wrong for exposing their sins? Absolutely not. Every God called preacher has a responsibility before God and his generation in which he lives to preach the Word. I could point to many Scripture passages that instruct preachers to do so, but the Word of God has no place in your heart. While preaching the Word, sin is exposed. Unless one's sins are exposed by the Word of God, there is no hope for such to be saved from their sins. I am sinner saved by His grace. I love God's word. By His grace He has called me to preach His word in order that sinners might be saved. Isn't that what you also want? The Word of God says that Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners, to seek and save them which was lost. This commission He has given to His church. Therefore we preach the Word, nothing else. We point sinners to their sins, and thereby they see their need of the Saviour. By God's grace they flee to Christ. It is faith in His blood that saves - nothing else will God accept. That's not my opinion - do you want chapter and verse? With forgiveness comes a new life of holiness. I don't love sin anymore - what about you? "Ye that Love the Lord hate evil..." Do you? By His grace I can love the sinner, and hate their sin. I love sinners enough to be truthful and declare to them the Word of God, not the religion and opinions of fallen, depraved, blinded sinners, even when they, like yourself, hate me to the core. By hating God's ordained called messenger, you show that you hate God and His precious Word. It as simple as that, Oh that you had eyes to see! In His grace, and yes for His glory!

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #6 By tnpreacher555,

Ever notice how Tom Newton never gives direct answers to direct questions?

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #7 By Artivist,

Thank you, council

Cornwall Standard freeholder

Letters to the Editor

21 May 2009

I would like to thank city council for its recognition of the International Day Against Homophobia.

I find it odd that Pastor Newton would expect some sort of outcry from the members of the press or citizens of Cornwall.

His statement that he "would not expect anything to be said in a questioning way by the media sources here in Cornwall . . . it's not politically correct" could have been more accurate; such a questioning would have been politically incorrect. It may be unfortunate that he did not have an opportunity to voice his opinion before the decision was agreed upon. However, the council members are elected by the citizens of Cornwall and as such make decisions that they feel best represent the city.

I do not feel that city council is "bowing its knee to a special interest group." I think that under the circumstances, that May 17 was around the corner, council did not have the luxury of time.

However, based on the unanimous decision, it doesn't appear to have been much of an issue. Also, I think that considering the motion was put forward, seconded and accepted by all members of council (voted into office might I add), he should research the definitions of totalitarian and democratic forms of government. His remarks suggest he might be confused between the two. His comments that he wants to expose the goals of the gay community by using the government as a means to force its acceptance onto the will of the people are both absurd and ludicrous. I highly doubt that he is in any position to know what the goals of such a community may be. I would believe that a common goal is to promote tolerance and acceptance of lesbian, gay, bi and transgender people.

And yes, to have the same rights as everyone else, as guaranteed by the Charter of Human Rights. But most importantly, that one day, LGBT persons, their children, family, co-workers, etc. will never have to read propagandist letters such as his, and that churches in our country will not be represented by such people.

Yes, the flag flew over Cornwall on Sunday, and many citizens might not have known why, and thankfully most probably don't even care.

No one forced Pastor Newton to fly the flag over his church or home.

Perhaps he should use his energy and time more constructively and lobby city council for the "Official Day Against Biblephobia", as he had stated.

Adrien Tessier,

Cornwall

Comments on this Article.

Pastor Tom will certainly have sometime to say about this letter, the day is still young. I wonder what his parishioners have to say about his opinions on the gay community. Hopefully there is not to many in Cornwall who think like he does. If only he could preach acceptance in his daily prayers (quotes), but somehow I don't think he really cares, he is looking for attention and believes he is getting it. I don't think that he has the respect of too many Cornwallites.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #1 By rkake,

Like I've said before Pastor Tom will not comment on all the civil unrest in the world and most of it is because of religious beliefs. There is only one GOD and I still believe that GOD accepts everyone for who they are, even Pastor Tom and his beliefs, its a good thing that we have religious freedom in this country, in some countries he would be arrested for his beliefs.Prey for Pastor Tom he needs all the forgiveness he can get. GOD even loves you TOM.

Reply | Report | Page Top Post #2 By rkake