Religion Press Release Services

** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY **

This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, May 5 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Perspectives: Bob Abernethy talks with Michael Cromartie, chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), about the recommendations to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on “countries of particular concern” — whose governments have inhibited religious freedom and human rights.

* Cover Story: "Church Health Sharing" — Lucky Severson reports on a growing number of Christian ministries that are offering non-insurance healthcare alternatives to help families cut the costs of medical bills.

* Profile: "Frederick Buechner" — Bob Abernethy talks with bestselling Christian author and Presbyterian minister Frederick Buechner about the implications of the theme “listen to your life,” which underlies much of his writings.

* Feature: “The Hugging Saint” — Kim Lawton reports on the very popular spiritual leader from India, Amma, known as the "Hugging Saint," who claims to have hugged millions around the world, in an effort to promote peace and compassion.

To request a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or go to the program Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics where the transcript and streaming video of each story will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.

SPECIAL NOTE: RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY has been nominated for the prestigious Webby Award from the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences in the religion and spirituality category. This nomination also makes the program’s Web site eligible to receive a People's Voice Award honoring the public’s favorite online pick. Cast your vote before Friday’s deadline at: http://peoplesvoice.webbyawards.com.


For information, contact:
Mary Schultz
Director of Communications
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly
202-216-2394
schultzm@religionethics.org

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