The Minnesota Independent

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Americans United investigating Bachmann and Associates funding

By Andy Birkey | 07.07.10 | 4:11 pm

The watchdog group Americans United for Separation of Church and State says it’s opening an investigation into taxpayer funds going to Bachmann and Associates, Inc., a Christian mental health counseling clinic owned by Rep. Michele Bachmann and her husband, Marcus.…

Judge: Anti-gay group allowed to hand out bibles at LGBT Pride

By Andy Birkey | 06.25.10 | 3:35 pm

Brian Johnson and his family will be allowed to hand out Bibles and preach against homosexuality at the Twin Cities Pride Festival on Saturday and Sunday in Minneapolis’ Loring Park, according to a ruling by district court Judge John Tunheim.…

Living Word Christian Center, CAIR issue statements on Bradlee Dean

By Andy Birkey | 06.03.10 | 2:56 pm

Living Word Christian Center (LWCC), a Brooklyn Park megachurch, released a statement following the controversy over  statements made by Bradlee Dean, front man of You Can Run But You Cannot Hide, Intl., Inc. In recent weeks, Dean has spoken in…

Ex-gay group condemns Bradlee Dean’s comment on executing gays

By Andy Birkey | 06.02.10 | 9:28 am

Randy Thomas, executive vice president of Exodus International, a group that advocates “freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ,” condemned the words of hard rock ministry You Can Run But You Cannot Hide Intl., Inc., and its frontman…

Bachmann military prayer amendment defeated

By Andy Birkey | 05.27.10 | 1:56 pm

After pressure from church-state separation groups, House leaders rejected Rep. Michele Bachmann’s amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which would’ve allowed chaplains to insert their personal religious beliefs into non-religious events.

Moorhead votes down domestic partner registry

By Andy Birkey | 05.27.10 | 8:43 am

After sometimes angry and emotional debate Monday, the Moorhead City Council defeated an ordinance that would’ve created a domestic partner registry. Some at the council meeting said the registry of same-sex couples would reflect Moorhead’s inclusive values, while others warned it could lead to the breakdown of traditional marriage. “I don’t like queer relationships,” one man said. “Do you want the city of Moorhead to be known as a queer community?”

At Day of Prayer, politicians advocate for God in government

By Andy Birkey | 05.07.10 | 10:53 am

About 100 people turned out Thursday for Minnesota’s National Day of Prayer event at the state Capitol, and many politicians were there to take part. Rep. Michele Bachmann sent a message by way of her husband, Marcus; a Secretary of State candidate said the military helps bring people to Christ; and an absent Gov. Tim Pawlenty gave his seal of approval for the event by way of an official proclamation.

Religious right asks God to forgive Minnesota for electing a Muslim

By Andy Birkey | 05.04.10 | 8:49 am

Religious right leaders from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., on Saturday for “May Day 2010: A Cry To God For A Nation In Distress.” Topics addressed from the podium…

Pawlenty signs evangelical book deal

By Andy Birkey | 05.03.10 | 8:35 am

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed on with evangelical literary agent Alive Communications and evangelical publisher Tyndale House Publishing to write his memoir. The book doesn’t yet have a title, but according to a press release from Alive Communications

Bachmann defends National Day of Prayer

By Andy Birkey | 04.21.10 | 3:53 pm

At a press conference Wednesday, Rep. Michele Bachmann went after liberals who she says are responsible for causing “God to be stricken from public life.” Last week, federal Judge Barbara B.…