Religion Press Release Services

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

This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, July 28 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Perspectives: "Ethical and Religious Perspectives on Mid-East Conflict" — Bob Abernethy talks with Dr. Peter Ochs, professor of modern Judaic studies at the University of Virginia, and Dr. Mehdi Aminrazavi, professor of religion at Mary Washington College, about different religious and ethical perspectives on the violence between Israel and Hezbollah and whether religious teachings justify such actions.

* Cover Story: "Megachurches" — Judy Valente explores the evolution of megachurches within the U.S. and examines the reasons for their sharp growth over the past five years.

* Feature: "The Jesuits" — As the 450th anniversary of the death of Jesuit founder Ignatius Loyola approaches, Judy Valente looks at the mission and work being done by one of today’s largest religious orders in the Catholic Church.

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.

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

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

2006 check local listings at www.pbs.org/moyers/schedule.html

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON this week - Margaret Atwood and Martin Amis

On Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason, airing Friday, July 28 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), writers Margaret Atwood and Martin Amis show how the imagination of the creative mind can help cross the boundaries between faith and reason and to see the best and worst of human possibilities. Atwood's most famous novel, The Handmaid's Tale, depicts a democracy transformed into a theocracy of God-quoting true believers who strip women of their rights. In a recent piece for The New Yorker, Martin Amis imagines the last days of Mohamed Atta, the leader of the suicide bombers on 9/11. Bill Moyers explores how these two confessed agnostics come to grips with a world immersed in belief.


BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON features provocative conversations with unique voices drawn from the group assembled at the PEN World Voices Festival in New York: Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Martin Amis, Mary Gordon, Richard Rodriguez, and others. During the course of seven hour-long weekly episodes, Moyers takes viewers on a rare journey deep into these writers' works and their own experience to plumb new ways of thinking about the role of religion in shaping our world. Visit, www.pbs.org/moyers

Press Contacts:
Rick Byrne
Public Affairs Television
Ph: 212.560.8406
Email: ByrneR@thirteen.org

Diane Domondon
Public Affairs Television
Ph: 212.560.8530
Email: DomondonD@thirteen.org

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

Issues White Paper Analyzing the Administration’s Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Nathan Bupp
Phone: (716) 636-4869 x 218
Fax: (716) 636-1733
E-mail: nbupp@centerforinquiry.net

Amherst, N.Y. (July 26, 2006)—On Wednesday, President Bush issued the first veto of his presidency, rejecting a bill that would have removed some restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem-cell research. The Center for Inquiry vigorously opposes the Bush administration’s policy on this issue, which it describes as “as ill-advised as it is harmful.”

The Center’s Office of Public Policy, located in Washington, D.C., has prepared and issued a white paper on embryonic stem-cell research—analyzing in more detail arguments for and against such research. The Center believes that this paper will contribute significantly to the continuing debate over this important issue.

Paul Kurtz, the chairman and founder of the Center for Inquiry, declared that “a religious coterie in Washington is attempting to thwart scientific progress, all on archaic grounds, by claiming that the ‘soul’ is implanted in a biological process.” Kurtz pointed out that such antiscientific attitudes increasingly threaten America’s future as the preeminent scientific and technological nation. “Bush has blatantly defied the will of the American people; this research will most likely continue unabated in Europe and the Pacific Rim,” said Kurtz.

Ronald Lindsay, Legal Director of the Center’s Office of Public Policy and author of the Center’s white paper, said that as a result of Bush’s veto “immeasurable potential good resulting from scientific research in which [embryos] could be used will be delayed or lost needlessly.” Lindsay believes that the Bush administration’s policy is based on a flawed and indefensible view of the moral status of the embryo. The Bush administration considers spare embryos from IVF procedures, which are destined to be discarded, as the equivalent of human persons, even though they lack most of the capacities and properties of human persons and have absolutely no prospect of developing such capacities and properties. “The Bush policy on stem-cell research demonstrates once again that slipshod science and misguided ethics combine to make bad policy,” continued Lindsay.

The white paper can be read and downloaded as a printable PDF file by going to www.centerforinquiry.net/StemCell.pdf

The Center for Inquiry/Transnational is a nonprofit, educational, advocacy, and scientific-research think tank based in Amherst, New York. Its research and educational projects focus on three broad areas: religion, ethics, and society; paranormal and fringe-science claims; and medicine and health. The Center’s Web site is at www.centerforinquiry.net.

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

Parents crucial to bringing the Bible to a child's life

News Release
American Bible Society
1865 Broadway
New York, NY 10023

Media Contacts:
Roy Lloyd
American Bible Society
(212) 408-8731
rlloyd@americanbible.org

Tim Yates/David Barkoe
RLM Public Relations
(212) 741-5106 x228
Tim@RLMpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2006

New York, NY - In a recent survey conducted by the American Bible Society, 70% of 12-15-year-olds surveyed said there are correlations between the messages of the Bible and the way they apply those messages to their lives. African- American teens were significantly more likely to agree with this statement than teens of all other races and ethnic groups. More than 1,600 12-18-year-olds participated in a six-question survey conducted by Weekly Reader Research on behalf of the American Bible Society.

The survey also revealed these newfound statistics:

* 51% surveyed were introduced to the Bible by their parents, with African-American (60%) and Hispanic teens (50%) leading among the surveyed ethnic groups.

* 18% of teens said a pastor or a priest introduced them to the Bible; 12.5% were introduced by a youth leader.

* Roughly 56% of the respondents were introduced to messages of the Bible before age 10. Children who read the Bible before age 10 were more likely to read the Bible regularly as teenagers.

* More than half of the teens surveyed read the Bible daily, weekly, on Sunday or sometimes and an estimated six percent of the 30.2 million 12-18-year-olds in the United States read the Bible daily (with no significant age, race or gender differences).

American Bible Society president Dr. Paul Irwin explained, "We conducted the survey to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the role the Bible plays in the lives of teens in America. All of us were very excited to see, and have reinforced, the important role parents play in introducing the Bible to children at a young age."

Teens in Times of Crisis
Another major finding in the survey is how teens, especially girls, are likely to turn to the Bible in times of crisis.
* About 58.9% of girls - compared to 52% of boys - are more likely to read the Bible when "a family member or friend is sick or dying."
* When asked if they read the Bible "when they are depressed or feeling down," 52.2% of girls responded versus 44.4% of boys.

Teens & Sex
When asked if they turned to the Bible for education about sex and sexuality, 21% of all teens answered yes. Among those who said yes, 29% were African-American and 20% were Caucasian-White.

The study was representative of U.S. population of teens. The participants were 63% Caucasian, 16% of respondents African-American, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 4% Asian, 2% Native American, and overall the participants were 51% male and 49% female.
# # #

About the American Bible Society
Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the mission of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so that all people may experience its life-changing message. The American Bible Society Web site is www.americanbible.org

About Weekly Reader Research
Weekly Reader Research is the premier pre-teen and teen survey research organization providing clients with a continuous stream of insights into the thoughts, attitudes and beliefs of America's pre-teens and teens. To learn more about Weekly Reader Research, please go to www.weeklyreaderresearch.com.

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

Media Advisory

World’s first missionary broadcasting ministry – now worldwide media and healthcare organization – issuing news/feature release series, arranging interviews, during 75th anniversary year

To receive any of the news/feature releases listed below, arrange an interview or guest appearance, submit a story idea, or receive more information, contact Judy Hannestad at 701-484-5028 or judyhannestad20@aol.com.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Co – HCJB World Radio (www.hcjb.org), which broadcast its first program on Christmas Day 1931 from a tiny station high in the mountains of Ecuador, and has grown into a worldwide media and healthcare ministry, is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2006.

The world’s first missionary broadcasting ministry is issuing an interesting and informative news/feature release series to commemorate the anniversary year. It also is arranging interviews and guest appearances for its compelling spokespersons.

HCJB news/feature release topics:

* “World’s First Missionary Broadcasting Ministry Celebrates 75 Years of Innovative, Effective Ministry” (includes history, current works, future vision)
* “Indonesian Orphanage Children Train for Radio Ministry with Own Program”
* “Ministry Radio Programming in Russian Prisons Changes Lives”
* “Ministry-Designed, -Manufactured Solar-Powered SonSet™ Radio Ready for World Market”
* “Elusive River Blindness Eradicated in Ecuador by Innovative Medical Team”
* “Russ Lee, Christian Musician, Models Ministry’s Heart during ‘I Will Go’ Tour”
* Leadership profiles (see below)

HCJB spokespersons available for interviews and appearances include:
* Dr. Ron Cline – HCJB board chairman and host of the popular “Beyond the Call” radio program
* Dave Johnson – dynamic HCJB president, former professional soccer coach and church planter
* Sheila Leech – veteran international healthcare director
* Russ Lee – popular Christian musician and HCJB “ambassador”

HCJB provides a number of resources to assist media representatives in developing their own stories, including:
* Additional web sites – www.radioplanting.com, www.beyondthecall.org
* 75th Anniversary web site -- www.hcjb.org/75
* Press Room -- www.hcjb.org/about_us/hcjb_world_radio/press_room.html (includes ministry backgrounders, bios, photos, interviews, newsletters, key links, news release archive)

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

Contact:
Sr.Ruth Lautt, O.P., Esq.
(516) 870-0335 Ext. 3
(Jericho, New York) July 21, 2006 –

Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East (“Fair Witness”) is greatly disturbed by the escalating violence in Israel and Lebanon and the tragic loss of innocent lives on all sides. We are mindful, however, of the fact that the peaceful resolution of conflict can be elusive in the land that is holy to Jewish, Christian and Muslim believers. Moreover, simplistic calls for an immediate cease fire will not help achieve the goal of a just peace which will both protect human life and promote stability in the region.

Rev. Peter Pettit, Director of the Institute for Jewish Christian Understanding at Muhlenberg College says, “In light of the amount of collateral damage, especially in Lebanon, Christians will understandably raise questions regarding proportionate response. This is not fundamentally anti-Israel, but grows out of the ‘just war’ tradition. Legitimate military objectives must be pursued with every effort to limit collateral damage and cannot include actions that in any way amount to collective punishment.”

“Coming to a reasoned conclusion to this question requires an understanding of the history and nature of Hezbollah,” says Sr. Ruth Lautt, National Director of Fair Witness.

“Hezbollah, which operates with Syrian and especially Iranian backing, supports the destruction of the state of Israel and co-operates with other militant Islamic organizations such as Hamas in order to promote this goal,” says Sr. Lautt. “It has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and the European Parliament, and has repeatedly taken credit for attacks against Israeli military and civilian targets. Hezbollah also presents a serious threat to legitimate Christian interests in Lebanon.”

Thousands of Hezbollah activists are now located in Lebanon’s Beqa’a valley, Beirut and southern Lebanon. Since Israel’s unilateral withdrawal from Lebanon in May 2000, Hezbollah has been stockpiling weapons from Iran and has effectively built itself into a powerful military force with short and medium range missiles that can reach as far as Tel Aviv. Those weapons are now in use against Israel, beginning with an unprovoked cross-border raid by Hezbollah that included the capture of two Israeli soldiers.

However, as Dexter Van Zile, also of Fair Witness, points out, “This is not merely a reaction by Israel to its captured soldiers. With the emergence of a soon-to-be nuclear-armed Iran that has very recently called for Israel to be ‘wiped off the map of the world,’ the threat posed by Hezbollah has increased drastically and become imminent. The failure of the Lebanese government to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure of Hezbollah left Israel with little choice but to take some form of action. Merely calling for a cease-fire at this time will not eliminate the danger to Israel.”

Sr. Lautt adds: “A distinction must be made as to how the different armies are dealing with civilian populations. There has not been a single report of damage done to an Israeli army base, airport, power station, bus station, refinery or factory. With two exceptions, every Hezbollah rocket has been aimed at civilian targets. On the other hand, while Hezbollah operates from civilian areas, making it impossible to avoid civilians entirely, Israel has specifically targeted legitimate military objectives, and has leafleted areas prior to bombing, warning civilians to get out of harm’s way.”

All of these “on the ground” realities must be considered in determining a proportionate and morally acceptable response by both the Lebanese government and Israel to Hezbollah at this time. Therefore, Fair Witness strongly encourages the Lebanese Government to take immediate steps to dismantle the existing terrorist infrastructure of Hezbollah so that it cannot continue to threaten and imperil the entire region.

We encourage Israel to strive to attain its legitimate military objectives with no more force than necessary and to make every attempt to avoid collateral damage to civilian life and property. We also affirm that the Israeli Government has the right and the duty to protect its citizens, using force when necessary to counter the pattern of terrorism that threatens its people as well as the region’s hopes for security, stability and a lasting peace.

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

SPOKANE, WA – (July 24, 2006) – In partnership with Alpha USA, Olive Tree Bible Software has released a new eBook, The Da Vinci Code: A Response by Nicky Gumbel, available in both English and Spanish versions. This eBook is the first of several Spanish eBooks that Olive Tree will release for Palm, Pocket PC, and Symbian UIQ devices. It also marks the first release of an eBook formatted for Olive Tree’s BibleReader for BlackBerry devices.

The DaVinci Code: A Response – How do we as Christians intelligently answer the challenging assertions about our faith that The Da Vinci Code book and movie make? Nicky Gumbel, pioneer of the Alpha course, has written this short response to the Da Vinci Code that can help Christians answer some of the questions that others may ask as a result of the book and movie and the publicity surrounding them.

About Olive Tree Bible Software
Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions and study tools for Palm OS, Pocket PC, Smartphone and Symbian cell phones, and BlackBerry devices. They publish over 80 electronic translations of the Bible, as well as commentaries, dictionaries, eBooks, and parsing tools. The Bible is offered in various languages, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and many others. Original Hebrew and Greek texts are also available. Additionally, web and online cell phone Bible search engines are provided. Visit www.OliveTree.com.

About Alpha USA
What is the Alpha Course? The Alpha course is a fifteen-session practical introduction to the Christian faith designed primarily for non-churchgoers and new Christians. It is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to explore the meaning of life in a safe, fun, and non-threatening atmosphere. More than 8 million people have completed the Alpha course since it started more than twenty-five years ago at Holy Trinity Brompton church in London, England.

Today the course is being run worldwide—meeting in homes, churches, universities, military posts, prisons, and workplaces, and is supported by churches of every different and major denomination. During the weekly sessions, Alpha guests share meals, listen to a series of talks, and then have small group discussions. Each talk covers a fundamental question, such as: “Who is Jesus?” “Why Did Jesus Die?” “Why and How Do I Pray?” and “Does God Heal Today?”

Everyone is welcome to attend. People come from many different backgrounds and hold many different viewpoints, but most come with the same basic objective: to establish whether God and Jesus Christ have any real relevance for their lives.

Alpha USA
www.alphausa.org

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

A Production of Thirteen/WNET New York

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

This week's edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, July 21 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Mission Aviation Fellowship" - Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on the critical relief work being undertaken by pilots serving the Mission Aviation Fellowship and their efforts to further the growth of evangelical churches in the farthest reaches of the globe.

* Profile: "Dr. Francis Collins" - Dr. Francis Collins, head of the NIH's Human Genome Project and author of the new book, "The Language of God," talks with Bob Abernethy about his research, the conflict between evolution and intelligent design, and his views on a universal God.

* Belief and Practice: "Spiritual Chanting" - American spiritual teacher Krishna Das describes the ancient meditative practice of chanting.

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.

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

*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

check local listings at www.pbs.org/moyers/schedule.html

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON this week - Richard Rodriguez and Sir John Houghton

Why would two devout Christians cling to their faith despite their doubt? On Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason, airing Friday, July 21 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), author Richard Rodriguez and scientist Sir John Houghton take viewers deep into their personal beliefs and questions about their own faith. Rodriguez, a life-long Catholic, has remained in the Church even though it condemns his homosexuality. Houghton has remained a believer despite his allegiance to the discipline of science that demands proof and the evidence of trial and error. "One of the most important statements you should be prepared to make as a believer is: I don't know," says Houghton.

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON features provocative conversations with unique voices drawn from the group assembled at the PEN World Voices Festival in New York: Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Martin Amis, Mary Gordon, Richard Rodriguez, and others. During the course of seven hour-long weekly episodes, Moyers takes viewers on a rare journey deep into these writers' works and their own experience to plumb new ways of thinking about the role of religion in shaping our world. Visit, www.pbs.org/moyers

Press Contacts:
Rick Byrne
Public Affairs Television
Ph: 212.560.8406
Email: ByrneR@thirteen.org

Diane Domondon
Public Affairs Television
Ph: 212.560.8530
Email: DomondonD@thirteen.org

*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

Mahatma Gandhi launched his first campaign of non-violent direct action in South Africa on September 11, 1906.

To commemorate the Centennial of that event, Interfaith Paths to Peace, an independent non-profit group in Louisville, Kentucky, is sponsoring a five-day, 52-mile “Gandhi-Merton Pilgrimage for Peace and Non-Violence,” September 7-11, 2006. The purpose of the pilgrimage is to draw attention to the urgent need to find non-violent solutions to conflicts throughout the world.

The Pilgrimage will be led by noted peace activist Fr. John Dear, SJ, and Phil Cousineau, awarding winning author of The Art of Pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage is designed to bring together pilgrims representing all of the world’s great religions who are committed to non-violent work for peace and justice. The number of pilgrims for the full 5-day journey is limited to 50 (however, it is possible to walk only a portion of the full 52-mile distance.) The pilgrims will stay in churches and retreat houses. Meals will be provided by local religious or civic groups.

While there is no fee for taking part in the pilgrimage, it is hoped that all participants will make a contribution (according to their means) to help offset expenses.

The pilgrims will begin their journey on September 7, with a retreat at the Hindu Temple of Kentucky led by Fr. Dear. They will spend the night at the Abbey of Gethsemani begin their journey at Thomas Merton’s hermitage on September 8.

The pilgrimage will conclude on September 11 in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, at a site where, on March 18, 1958, Merton had the famous realization of his connectedness to and responsibility for all of humanity. That realization symbolically marked the beginning of Merton’s work for peace and justice, work that earned him the title of “Conscience of the Peace Movement” in the 1960’s.

INTERFAITH PATHS TO PEACE (IPP) is a Louisville-based organization whose mission is to bring together people of a variety of religious backgrounds for activities that foster deep dialogue. It is IPP’s hope that such dialogue will foster better understanding and thus make Louisville, the nation and the world more peaceful.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Call Terry Taylor, Executive Director of Interfaith Paths to Peace at (502) 214-7322, cell (502) 299-7591 or e-mail Terry@InterfaithPathsToPeace.org

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.

Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

SEATTLE, July 17--What is the purpose of our work? Is our workplace primarily a mission field where we seek through word and deed to carry out the Great Commission? Or, is it mostly to support our families and earn enough extra to support the missions of our local church and parachurch organizations? Or, is it something else? Could it be that secular work is the primary mission or ministry to which God has called most of us?

According to Dennis Bakke, "nothing is more important than leading people to a saving relationship with Christ. But it is no more important work or mission than stewarding our resources to meet the ordinary needs of others. God likes to use businesses and Christian business people as his primary agent for carrying out the Great Commandment to love our neighbors. That should be the primary purpose of business and all of our work."

Dennis Bakke's JOY AT WORK: A Revolutionary Approach to Fun on the Job (PVG; July 17, 2006; $14.95) is about the purpose of business and how he created one of the most fun workplaces in history. The average American puts in 111,800 hours at work in their lifetime, and Bakke's passion is to create workplaces where every person, from custodian to CEO, has the power to use his or her God-given talents to experience joy throughout those 50 or 60-hour work weeks.

An instant New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Business Week bestseller when published in hardcover last year, JOY AT WORK received enthusiastic praise from a number of national figures including Jack Kemp, Chuck Colson, and Tony Campolo.

Now available for the first time in paperback, this breakthrough work provides a blueprint for management to model, where employees genuinely look forward to work - not just a place to pick up a paycheck. Bakke outlines his unorthodox Joy at Work approach regarding corporate structure, decision-making, compensation, and maps out guidelines on how to build an organization where every team member can say: "Thank God It's Monday."

All of the ideas in the book are Biblically based principles, expressed in detail in the postscript "Enter Into the Master's Joy." There is also a Bible study companion and DVD for those wishing to delve deeper into the plan.

About the Author

Dennis Bakke co-founded AES in 1982, and served as its President and CEO from 1994-2002. Currently, he serves as President and CEO of Imagine Schools (www.ImagineSchools.com), which operates elementary and secondary charter schools according to the AES model: reducing middle management, putting budget and other decisions directly in the hands of teachers, and making it fun to work at school. Bakke's goal is to change education as we know it.

Dennis Bakke resides in Arlington, Virginia, and is available for interviews beginning July 17. A video interview, executive summary, and PDF of the media kit is available at www.DennisBakke.com.

Press Contacts

Tammy Richards-LeSure
817-453-6166; RichardsPR@charter.net

Pamela Cannon
917-930-1685; CannonLitServ@aol.com

www.DennisBakke.com

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
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A decade after the birth of Dolly the cloned lamb a top-notch conference at Calvin College will examine the relationships between Christian values and science and technology.

"Embedding Christian Values in Science and Technology" will take place at Calvin July 28-31, 2006 as the 61st annual meeting of the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA).

Among the keynote speakers will be Francis Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health; Rudolf Jaenisch of the Whitehead Institute at MIT; and Karen Lebacqz of the Yale University Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics.

It's a star-studded lineup. In fact both Collins, who mapped the human genome, and Jaenisch, a cloning expert, were featured in recent issues of TIME Magazine.

Collins was profiled in a piece called "Reconciling God and Science." That article paid particular attention to Collins' new book: "The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief."

Jaenisch was part of a story on the perils and progress of cloning, 10 years after the birth of Dolly.

Calvin professor of biology Hessel Bouma III is serving as program chair for the annual meeting and says the mix of speakers and workshops touches on some of society's hot-button issues vis a vis the intersections of faith and science.

"We'll be looking at everything from the ethics of human stem cells to evolution and how life began to the proper role of biotechnology in growing our food," says Bouma, whose expertise is medical ethics. "These are the issues that are the fodder for the nation's biggest and best newspapers, for the country's broadcast networks and for a growing number of blogs and websites that examine science and religion."

Bouma says that the ASA, and its counterpart the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation, are the premier organizations of Christian scientists, theologians, philosophers and historians interested in the intersections and interactions between science and the Christian faith in North America.

"As such," he says, "our annual meeting is always a place for people to come together and talk about the important scientific and technological issues of the day."

Contact Bouma at 616-526-6401 or boum@calvin.edu
For more, including the complete schedule, see http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2005_06/asa_conference.htm

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The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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SALT LAKE CITY - The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR), will be sponsoring its annual conference at the South Towne Exposition Center located at 9575 South State Street in Sandy Utah on August 3 - 4, 2006 from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm each day.

Speakers will address various topics defending Latter-day Saint doctrine, history and practice including the legal trials of Joseph Smith, DNA and the Book of Mormon, Mark Hofmann's Mormon document forgeries, the Book of Abraham, New World evidences of Book of Mormon historicity, reflections on race and the restored gospel, linguistic connections between the Middle East and the Americas, and other issues.

The public is invited to attend the conference. More information is available at www.fairlds.org.

FAIR is an independent organization dedicated to defending the LDS faith through sound research and logic. FAIR is not affiliated with nor do they receive support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. FAIR is made up of independent researchers who are both members and non-members of the LDS Church.

Contact information

Scott Gordon
FAIR President
(530)356-2070
FAIRPresident@fairlds.org

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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

This week, Reverend Franklin Graham spoke to RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY correspondent Kim Lawton about his views on North Korea based on his 2000 visit there, the humanitarian work being done in the country through his relief ministry Samaritan's Purse, and his thoughts about the Bush administration's policy towards the North Korean government. Below are highlights from that conversation, which will also be included in this week's edition of the show (distributed Friday, July 14 on PBS). If you would like a copy of the full interview transcript, please respond to this e-mail or contact me at 202-216-2394. The transcript will also be posted on the program's Web site by 5 p.m. today: http://www.blogger.com/www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics

Mary Schultz
Director of Communications
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly
schultzm@religionethics.org

****************************************************************************

According to Reverend Graham:

* "North Korea is the most dangerous place on the face of the earth right now. You've got a country that I feel is kind of backed up against a wall. I like to hunt, and I know if you ever back a dangerous animal up against a wall and don't give that animal a place to turn or to run, you've cornered him, he's going to come at you. And I just have a sense that with North Korea we may be kind of at that point with these people. We have to treat this very, very carefully. You don't want to get into a shooting war with these people. These are not like the Iraqis that are going to cut and run - where the army will just kind of fold in front of the American advance. These are people that will come at you wave upon wave. And millions of people could be killed - not hundreds, not thousands, but millions."

* I believe that the United States needs to talk one on one with the North Koreans, eyeball to eyeball. We have had our armies facing each other now for over 50-some years. It's time that we talked to them face to face, and we got to find a way to resolve this. Now, the six-party talks - I don't believe these are going to be successful. They haven't been successful up to this point . . . So, if we're going to find a way to solve this thing, I think the United States of America is going to have to talk face to face with the North Koreans. Doesn't matter if we like them. We don't have to agree with them, but we need to talk to them face to face.

* I don't speak for the evangelical community. I'm not a spokesperson for them. I 'm just a preacher of the Gospel who happens to have gone to North Korea, that happens to have worked in North Korea, and has seen some of the problems firsthand in North Korea, who believes the only way we can resolve this is through prayer with God's help, and then talking with the North Koreans face to face. I think that's extremely important. We need a dialogue, period. Without that dialogue, this policy is just going to stay drifting in this diplomatic sea . . . I would love to see President Bush just drop what he's doing someday and just get on a plane and go there and sit down and talk to Kim Jong-Il face to face, and shake hands, and invite him to come to this country, and let him get on a train and go from San Francisco to New York, and let him see it from one end to the other. I think it would change his perspective of us.

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

This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, July 14 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: “Infant Mortality” — Lucky Severson looks at efforts by the Memphis medical and religious community to reduce the number of infant deaths due to premature birth.

* Feature: "Storefront Churches" — Jody Hassett Sanchez reports from Chicago on how storefront churches are serving the spiritual needs of America’s urban communities.

* News Feature: "Franklin Graham on North Korea" — Kim Lawton talks with Reverend Franklin Graham about his 2000 visit to North Korea, his relief ministry there and his views on America’s diplomatic policy.

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.

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

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
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July 13, 2006

VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (ABNS)-Judson Press, a publishing ministry of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA, has announced "ABC Reads," an emphasis designed to bring together American Baptists--literally and figuratively--through the power of a book.

To kick off the first year-long "ABC Reads" campaign, Judson Press will take readers Down by the Riverside with Everett C. Goodwin's 2002 title by that name. Subtitled A Brief History of Baptist Faith, Goodwin's slight volume is 134 pages, including its bibliography and index. American Baptists across the country are encouraged to obtain a copy of the book and set aside a time, with another person or persons such as an established church group (Sunday school class, youth group, cell group, women's or men's group or Bible study) to read the book-or to establish a group for this purpose. (See details on a limited time offer discount below.)

"Down by the Riverside takes us back to the very foundations of our faith," said Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III, National Ministries' executive director. "We get to start on page one again, and consider the development of Baptist principles, the issues Baptists faced, the theology Baptists embraced."

Judson Press has released a companion study guide, new this year, for Goodwin's book to enable individuals and small group participants to build on the book's content in reflecting on questions such as, "What does it mean to be a Baptist?" and "How does my Baptist orientation influence my perspectives on other beliefs?" The eight-session study guide provides the opportunity to explore and discuss both the surprising and potentially challenging aspects of a Baptist perspective on Christian faith.

The two book set is available at the special price of only $10.00 (regularly an $18.00 value) during the year-long ABC Reads emphasis (July 1, 2006 - July 1, 2007). To order or obtain a complete catalog of Judson resources, call 800-458-3766 or visit Judson's newly redesigned website at www.judsonpress.com.

Founded in 1824, Judson publishes Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of persons, congregations, communities.

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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check local listings at www.pbs.org/moyers/schedule.html

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON this week - Jeanette Winterson and Will Power

On Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason, airing Friday, July 14 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), authors Anne Provoost and David Grossman give viewers new takes on the Biblical stories of Noah and Samson that make us question what it means to claim we are a "chosen people." "How can God say, 'You get on the ship because you're good, and all the others need to drown because they are bad?'" says Provoost about God choosing Noah and his family to survive the flood. "As an Israeli, and as a Jew, I find a lot of symptoms of our behavior today, as a society, as a state, coded in the character of the Biblical Samson," says Grossman. "The Bible, thank God...is not politically correct."

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON features provocative conversations with unique voices drawn from the group assembled at the PEN World Voices Festival in New York: Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, Martin Amis, Mary Gordon, Richard Rodriguez, and others. During the course of seven hour-long weekly episodes, Moyers takes viewers on a rare journey deep into these writers' works and their own experience to plumb new ways of thinking about the role of religion in shaping our world. Visit, www.pbs.org/moyers

Press Contacts:
Rick Byrne
Public Affairs Television
Ph: 212.560.8406
Email: ByrneR@thirteen.org

Diane Domondon
Public Affairs Television
Ph: 212.560.8530
Email: DomondonD@thirteen.org

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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Chicago-area event to feature composer Ivan Moody, theologian Thomas Hopko, ensemble St. Romanos Cappella

CHICAGO – PSALM, a national organization devoted to promoting networking among Orthodox Christian church musicians, is sponsoring its first national conference on Orthodox liturgical music Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 2-5 at St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church, 1220 S. 60th Court, Cicero, Ill.

The conference will consist of presentations, panel discussions, workshops and services designed to provide a balance of study, singing, worship and fellowship on a theme of “Sing Praises with Understanding.” It will feature more than 20 internationally known Orthodox musicians and theologians, including composer Ivan Moody and author the Very Rev. Thomas Hopko.

Moody will moderate a panel discussion on composing sacred choral music for the English language. Fr. Hopko will deliver the keynote address on "Asceticism and Creativity.”

Moody was born in England and studied music and theology at the universities of London and York there and at the University of Joensuu in Finland. His music has been performed and broadcast worldwide, including choral works “Canticum Canticorum I,” “Prayer for the Forests” and “Passion and Resurrection,” and concertos “Vigil of the Angels,” “Epitaphios” and “Pnevma.”

Fr. Hopko, dean emeritus of St. Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary, Crestwood, N.Y., holds several academic degrees, including an M. Div. from St. Vladimir’s and a Ph.D. from Fordham University. He holds the rank of protopresbyter in the Orthodox Church in America and has served as pastor of churches in New York and Ohio. His latest book is “Speaking the Truth in Love: Education, Mission and Witness in Contemporary Orthodoxy” (SVS Press, 2004).

St. Romanos Cappella, a Chicago-based professional vocal ensemble that specializes in Orthodox liturgical music from the Byzantine and Slavic traditions, will perform a concert dedicated to American Orthodox composers on the evening of Thursday, Aug 3.

Registration for the full three days of the conference is $190 ($175 for PSALM members) with separate daily fees available. The concert is open to the general public with an admission price of $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and students for those not registered for the full conference.

The other evening conference sessions are also open to the public. There is no admission charge for the Wednesday and Friday evening events; however, a free-will offering will be taken.

For a conference schedule, registration form and hotel information, visit PSALM’s Web site at www.orthodoxpsalm.org or e-mail info@orthodoxpsalm.org. For tickets to the St. Romanos Cappella concert, call (773) 539-9670. For further information on the ensemble, visit www.societyromanos.org/cappella.html. A group rate on hotel rooms is available at the Holiday Inn Expo and Conference Center, Hillside, Ill., phone (708) 544-9300.

PSALM is a grass-roots organization founded in 1999 by a group of Orthodox Christian musicians from various Orthodox jurisdictions in North America. Its mission is to build a community of church musicians, clergy and others interested in Orthodox sacred music and to support their musical and spiritual growth through the sharing of knowledge and resources. For further information, visit www.orthodoxpsalm.org.
# # #

CONTACTS:
Valerie Yova
PSALM
(734) 330-7549 cell
vysheets@aol.com

Peter Jermihov
St. Romanos Cappella
(773) 463-3570
pjermihov@sbcglobal.net

David Adrian
Adrian & Associates, Inc.
(248) 322-9226
(248) 515-4607 cell
david.adrian@adrianassoc.com

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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Los Angeles, CA… July 11, 2006 – Los Angeles–based multimedia company Good News Holdings and Wheaton, Illinois-based Tyndale House Publishers have announced their intent to work together on THE ATTICUS PROJECT, a partnership designed to leverage the power of print media with the magic of film. The project was announced today by George Barna, Chairman of Good News Holdings and Doug Knox, Senior Vice President at Tyndale House Publishers.

One of their first projects together will be a horror series designed for release both in film and book-form called DUDLEYTOWN, based on a true story concerning the legendary evil that has held Dudleytown, Connecticut in its grip for hundreds of years. Dudleytown has been pronounced by some, including film star Dan Aykroyd, to be “the scariest place on earth.” This venture is expected to yield seven projects targeting a teen audience.

"Our objective is to be the forerunner in a new genre of multimedia we are calling spiritainment," says Good News Chairman George Barna. "Our research has shown that people - especially young people - absorb an amazing degree of their values, beliefs and lifestyle practices from the media content to which they are exposed. Our desire is to raise spiritual questions and draw people closer to God and His truths."

"THE ATTICUS PROJECT is the first attempt to deliberately produce stories in one medium for the purpose of transferring the story into another," says David Kirkpatrick, former Paramount Picture President and co-founder of Good News. "Over the last three years, 85% of the movie box office was generated from films that happened to be previously franchised in another medium. THE ATTICUS PROJECT will now do that intentionally."

Tyndale will contribute as the publishing partner in THE ATTICUS PROJECT. "It has always been our desire to use our significant influence to shape what people read and see," says Tyndale Senior Vice-President Doug Knox. "Creating stories that will move from the page to the screen will contribute mightily to Tyndale's mission to entertain people on a spiritual level - it is what Spiritainment is all about."


Publicity Contacts:

Good News Holdings
Martin Blythe
mblythe@socal.rr.com
TEL 818.906.2448

Tyndale House Publishers
Mavis Sanders
mavissanders@tyndale.com
TEL 630.784-5275

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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Outstanding Books Honored In Six New Categories

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, July 11, 2006

Contact: Mark Kuyper, President
480-966-3998 ext. 210
mkuyper@ecpa.org

Denver, CO—The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) today announced the winners for the 2006 Christian Book Awards during the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) convention. Presented annually to the finest in Christian publishing since 1978 (originally as the Gold Medallion Awards), the 2006 Christian Book Awards recognize excellence in six categories:

Bibles – The Message Numbered Edition by Eugene H. Peterson (NavPress, ISBN 1576836738, Pub Date: October 2005)

Bible Reference & Study – Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, General Editor (Baker Academic – A Division of Baker Publishing Group, ISBN 0801026946, Pub Date: November 2005)

Christian Life – A Sacred Sorrow by Michael Card (NavPress, ISBN 1576836673, Pub Date: February 2005)

Children & Youth – Teen Virtue by Vicki Courtney (B&H Publishing Group, ISBN 0805430563, Pub Date: April 2005)

Fiction – The Ezekiel Option by Joel Rosenberg (Tyndale House Publishers, ISBN 1414303432, Pub Date: July 2005)

Inspiration & Gift – Coach Wooden’s Pyramid of Success by John Wooden and Jay Carty (Regal, ISBN 0830736794, Pub Date: March 2005)

The 2006 Christian Book of the Year, awarded to the overall highest-ranking book among category winners, is Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of the Bible, edited by Kevin J. Vanhoozer. This book won a 2006 Christianity Today Book Awards earlier this year in the Biblical Studies category. Editors at Christianity Today called the dictionary “a landmark volume for the church's engagement with Scripture.”

“These six winners represent the wide variety of excellent books available from Christian publishers,” says Mark Kuyper, President of ECPA. “From contemporary page-turner fiction to significant theological works, the Christian Book Awards recognize the best within our industry. ECPA publishers are producing more varied and sophisticated titles than ever before, as proven by this list of winners.”

Early this year, ECPA announced that the Gold Medallion Awards had been renamed and were being completely revised in all areas—from title nominations to the judging process to the number of categories offered. ECPA president Mark Kuyper believes the re-design is positioned to increase exposure and book sales for the winning titles and authors.

Major retailers have agreed to significantly promote the 2006 Christian Book Awards winners. The Parable Group, one of the largest associations of independent Christian retailers, has agreed to in-store merchandising, dedicated advertising space in its 2006 catalogs and significant web promotion. Barnes & Noble will be featuring all six winners in selected stores during August 2006. Other national retail outlets committed to in-store and consumer promotions of the 2006 Christian Book Awards include LifeWay Christian Stores, Family Christian Stores, Lemstone Christian Stores, Berean Christian Stores and CBD/Christianbooks.com.

Christianity Today Inc. (CTi) has committed to a significant promotion of the 2006 Christian Book Awards via its print publications and consumer website. CTi has offered magazine advertisements this fall—at no cost—in ten consumer publications (such as Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Woman and Today’s Christian) to announce the award winning titles. The value of these advertising spots totals more than $78,000 and will reach nearly 2.1 million readers. Additionally, CTi’s award-winning consumer website, Christianitytoday.com, will promote the 2006 Christian Book Awards. Christianitytoday.com attracts more than 2 million unique visitors and delivers 12 million page views each month.

The Christian Book Awards, established by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association in 1978 as the Gold Medallion Book Awards, recognizes the absolute highest quality in Christian books. Based on excellence in content, literary quality, design, and significance of contribution, the Christian Book Awards are among the oldest and most prestigious awards programs in the religious publishing industry.

# # #

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization, comprised of 260 member companies worldwide, representing a combined revenue of more than $2.3 billion. Founded in 1974, ECPA is dedicated to serving the Christian publishing industry through equipping its members through cutting-edge technology, meaningful data, dynamic educational opportunity and unprecedented access to markets.

For more information about ECPA, contact us at: 480-966-3998 phone, 480-966-1944 fax, 9633 South 48th Street, Suite 140, Phoenix, Arizona 85044, info@ecpa.org www.ecpa.org

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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Skipping Towards Armageddon:
The Politics and Propaganda of the
Left Behind Novels and the LaHaye Empire

"Standaert has done his homework... his book is an important look at the premillennialist movement, illuminating the potential for such a group to evolve into the kind of violent religious factions that the U.S. and others are struggling to stamp out across the globe."-Publishers Weekly

As a religious denomination, the personal faith of Protestant Evangelicalism brings hope to millions of followers, just as other forms of religious belief enrich and give meaning to the adherents of these faiths.

But below the surface lies a more dangerous, ominous and cynically manipulated message bent on enforcing a political ideology in the US and around the world, a political-Evangelicalism compared to what some call the takeover of the Islamic faith with a form of virulent political-Islam-one uses barbarous terrorist tactics, spiteful propaganda, and violence to achieve its goals, the other uses flashy and pervasive television, radio, savvy publishing and technological propaganda as means to deliver its message.

Indeed, Standaert argues, they are the most effective propaganda yet developed by the Christian Right in their long-running campaign to create theocracy. "The series has reached a larger unduplicated audience of non-believers than most religious television or radio ministries draw through their programs," says the Barna Group, a Christian market research organization.

Skipping Towards Armageddon traces LaHaye's evolution as America's leading political evangelist, and the development of the Left Behind series as his most powerful tool. The book exposes the connections between LaHaye and the leading figures of religious intolerance, as well as the influence of the ideology of these books on the most radical tenets of the neo-conservative political movement.

In so doing, Standaert demonstrates that these books have much more in common with The Turner Diaries than with Tom Clancy, and that they masquerade as "fiction" in the same fashion that the Protocols of the Elders of Zion purport to be "non-fiction."


Michael Standaert has contributed to the Los Angeles Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Boston Review, Far Eastern Economic Review, Christian Science Monitor, The Wall Street Journal Europe, and Salon.com.

Publicity Contact: Kristin Pulkkinen kristin@softskull.com ph. 718.643.1599

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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Pastor and Best-selling Author Reiterates He Will Go Anywhere to Preach the Gospel, Regardless of Politics

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:
A. Larry Ross 469/774-6362
Whitney Kelley 214/457-1398

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAKE FOREST, CA, July 10 - Dr. Rick Warren confirmed plans to visit the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on July 17 to meet with church and business leaders, despite the current standoff over recent missile firings by the isolated communist country.

"Regardless of politics, I will go anywhere I am invited to preach the Gospel," said Dr. Warren, pastor of Saddleback Valley Community Church in California and best-selling author of "The Purpose Driven Life" and "The Purpose Driven Church."

Contrary to recent media reports, Dr. Warren's visit to North Korea later this month is to meet with leadership in preparation for his return to preach in March 2007, in conjunction with the 100th Anniversary of the Pyongyang Revival in what is now the capital city.

In late June, prior to his departure on a 35-day tour of 13 Asian and African countries, a delegation of South Korean businessmen working with representatives from North Korea visited Dr. Warren at Saddleback Church. They told him they had quietly received permission to hold the first public outdoor Christian service in North Korea in 50 years.

Knowing the impact of his books in South Korea, the delegation invited Dr. Warren to be the preacher at the event to be held at a 15,000-seat stadium next spring. Since the United States does not maintain diplomatic relations with North Korea, this group will facilitate his participation.

Dr. Warren arrives in South Korea on July 12 for meetings with government, political and church leaders, including pastoral training and large evangelistic events at outdoor stadiums in Seoul and Busan. After speaking to US troops at a military base near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Dr. Warren and his team will cross the border to meet with the invitational committee in Kaesong.

Dr. Warren said that he hopes that through these visits he can promote religious freedom in a country where individual faith practice has been tightly controlled and virtually prohibited since 1945.

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News Release
July 5, 2006
Contact: Marjorie Signer, 202-628-7700 ext 12, msigner@rcrc.org

Reverend Carlton W. Veazey, the Baptist minister who established The National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality, has called on other African American ministers to take immediate action to address the health crisis in the African American community. He issued a call to action as more than 500 clergy, religious educators, parents, guardians, and youth prepared to gather July 12-14 for the 10th annual National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality, at Howard University School of Divinity, 1400 Shepherd Street NE, Washington DC.

“Clergy who continue to ignore the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the harmful effects of teen pregnancy are failing their congregations and, in effect, abdicating their role as spiritual advisors,” said Reverend Veazey, a minister in the National Baptist Convention, Inc.

“Every minister and youth educator must be actively engaged in education about sexual responsibility,” he said.

Thirty-eight percent of the more than half a million Americans who have died from AIDS are African Americans. Seventeen percent of African American teens under age 20 have given birth, compared to the national average of 10.3 %. HIV/AIDS and teen pregnancy can weaken families and contribute to the cycle of poverty.

The National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality, a project of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice (RCRC)’s National Black Church Initiative, is launching its second decade with an expanded program. Reverend Veazey, President and CEO of RCRC, will announce plans for providing faith-based sexuality education in states with African American teen pregnancy rates above 15%, including Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, South Carolina, and Tennessee. He will also announce plans for a project to reach at-risk teen girls and boys in urban areas with high rates of teen childbearing and HIV/AIDS.

Since The National Black Church Initiative was established in 1996, more than 700 churches from historically Black denominations have taken part in faith-based sexuality education and dialogue. The program has been so effective in opening dialogue about sexuality that it has been replicated in Cape Town, South Africa, an area hard-hit by the AIDS pandemic.

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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LEFT BEHIND?
THE FACTS BEHIND THE FICTION
LeAnn Snow Flesher

“The ‘Battle for the Bible’ continues, largely in a context where fear feeds ignorance. Flesher presents a careful, well-informed comment on dispensationalism in general and “left behind” eschatology in particular. Flesher shows the way in which Scripture is distorted to serve a political ideology that is grounded in fear. Her book is an accessible invitation to find out what the real scoop on the matter is. There is much to unlearn, and Flesher contributes to that task.”
—Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary


Millions of readers have bought, literally and figuratively, the Left Behind fiction series, co-authored by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Although the books are fictional, they are based on a particular understanding of end-times events drawn from the authors’ interpretation of Scripture. These interpretations are not shared by an overwhelming majority of Bible scholars. Here, Flesher casts doubt on both the interpretive foundations and the conclusions that serve as the basis for the popular Left Behind series, and provides alternative understandings–rooted in Scripture–of end-times events.

Flesher outlines how to read the Bible with integrity, offers background to the books of Daniel and Revelation, and examines the literary genres of prophecy and apocalypse. She also discusses the ideology that surfaces in the Left Behind series as it relates to issues such as family values, homosexuality, racism, misogyny/feminism, abortion, terrorism, war, and natural disasters. In two chapters on end-times events, she exposes the abuse of Scripture to support the doctrines of rapture and tribulation in the Left Behind series, then ends with a chapter on reclaiming the message of Revelation for a postmodern world. Left Behind? The Facts Behind the Fiction is must reading for anyone familiar with the Left Behind books.

About the Author
LeAnn Snow Flesher is Professor of Old Testament at American Baptist Seminary of the West in Berkeley, California, and also serves on the faculty of the Graduate Theological Union. She is the author of the entries on Job and Lamentations, published in the IVP Women's Bible Commentary. Professor Flesher holds master’s and doctoral degrees from Drew University.


Contact: Linda M. Peavy, Associate Publisher and Marketing Manager, Judson Press
610-768-2114 Linda.peavy@abc-usa.org


REVIEW COPY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST TO BOOK MEDIA
P.O. Box 851 · Valley Forge, PA 19482 · 800-4-JUDSON · www.judsonpress.com

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

Contact Us
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** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY **

This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, July 7 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Catholicism in Spain" — Saul Gonzalez explores the reasons for the Catholic Church’s waning influence in Spanish society.

* Profile: “Barbara Brown Taylor" — Bob Abernethy talks to noted rector and writer Barbara Brown Taylor about her spiritual journey, documented in her new book, “Leaving Church.”

* News Feature: “Kurdish Refugees’ Sentencing” — Lucky Severson looks at the legal and ethical questions and concerns raised by the use of the Patriot Act to convict three Kurdish refugees on charges of unlawfully transferring money to their Iraq homeland.

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.

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

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About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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*****MEDIA RELEASE*****

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 6, 2006

Shelby, NC: Hallelujah Acres, Inc. is holding their annual Summer Health Conference August 10 – 12, 2006 at the corporate headquarters located at 900 South Post Road in Shelby, NC.

This year’s theme is Wake Up! And Be Healthy, an informative, inspiring, educational and fun event, where you can learn how to make the Hallelujah Diet and LifestyleSM part of your life. Find out how to improve your health, overcome challenges, prepare healthy delicious meals your whole family will love, and much more.

In addition to the renowned speakers, soul-stirring music, raw food demonstrations, and powerful testimonies, attendees will also have an opportunity to win practical and fun door prizes and savor mouth-watering meals. Rev. George Malkmus and wife Rhonda, founders of Hallelujah Acres, will take the podium along with Olin Idol, C.N.C., N.D. and many other key members of the Hallelujah Acres team.

Popular Christian artists, The Jackson Family, who all live the Hallelujah Lifestyle, will lead the daily Praise and Worship sessions and perform a concert on Friday, August 11th at 5:00 p.m. This talented group brings new meaning to the concept of togetherness and musical excellence! Parents, Bruce and Brenda Jackson, are joined by their four children in rich vocal harmony and instrumental music. The children, who range in age from ten to twenty-two, have delighted audiences worldwide with an energetic musical style that lifts up traditional family values.

So, don’t miss this fun-filled, informative three-day event. The Wake Up! And Be Healthy Summer Conference starts at 6 pm on Thursday, August 10, and costs just $99.00 per person. For more information, a complete schedule of events, and registration information, please call (800 915-9355) or visit our website at www.hacres.com.

For more information, please contact Linda Hill, Senior Public Relations Specialist at 704-481-1700 ext. 727

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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Indianapolis Center for Congregations Sees Increasing Interest in Outreach and Mission

Indianapolis Center for Congregations
303 N. Alabama St., Suite 100
Indianapolis IN 46204

NEWS RELEASE: For Immediate Release
For More Information Contact: Brent Bill
bbill@centerforcongregations.org or 317-237-7799

Issues such as strategic planning and mission development, faith formation, outreach and leadership development are growing concerns among congregations.

That is the assessment of the Indianapolis Center for Congregations, a non-profit organization that has worked since 1997 to help Central Indiana congregations find and use the very best resources to help them meet practical challenges.

While congregations continue to focus on familiar issues such as building, expansion, renovation, stewardship and technology, the staff of the Center for Congregations has discovered that more and more congregations are taking a “balcony view” of not only congregational life but the immediate world around them.

“The relevance of a congregation’s mission in relationship to its neighbor is becoming an important conversation in congregations,” said Susan Weber, the Center’s director of evaluation and congregational learning.

Working with 184 congregations last year, Center staff learned that:
* Congregations are becoming increasingly consumer-savvy, looking for the best value for their dollar when purchasing resources.
* Outreach and discipleship continue to grow as priorities, while the “mission field” is closer to home these days – in many cases right in the backyard of the congregation.
* Congregations – particularly in urban settings -- are becoming more interested in connecting with other congregations about common issues in challenges.
* Strong communication efforts are becoming more important, particularly during complex building projects or strategic planning processes.
* More than a few congregations have changed their names to better reflect their personality and goals, rather than focusing on locations.

The Indianapolis Center for Congregations is affiliated with the Alban Institute and funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc. The Center works closely with a congregation to understand its need and then conducts extensive nationwide research for resources that fit the congregation’s faith tradition, size and budget.

In 2005, the Center recommended more than 500 resources to 184 congregations, spanning a broad range of issues including technology, facilities, education, planning, community outreach, worship, youth ministry, leadership development, children’s ministry, and leadership development.

Last year the Indianapolis Center for Congregations staff worked with nearly 140 congregations on building issues such as expansion, renovation, repair and construction. Center staff worked with about 130 congregations last year on issues of technology assistance, while another 60 congregations sought consultations on fiscal issues.

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Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.

The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.

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Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777