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Tuesday, August 22, 2006

 

Global Missions Leaders to Gather for Working Conference on Landmark Study

Impact of ‘Operation ACCESS!’ likened to ‘10/40 Window’ strategy; Study will shape international missions for next 20 years

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2006

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Palmer Holt – 704-663-3303
pholt@inchristcommunications.com
Download “Operation ACCESS!” press kit at
www.maf.org/news/news/operation_access_study_released

NAMPA, ID – Key leaders from the world’s international missions organizations will gather at Mission Aviation Fellowship’s (MAF) new headquarters here Oct. 18-19 to determine how to work together to effectively use the results of MAF’s recent landmark study – “Operation ACCESS! – for global missions.

The “Operation ACCESS!” study (www.operationaccessmaf.org), released June 6, focuses on pockets of people who are forgotten or heretofore unreachable. It identifies areas where transportation, communications and technology barriers prevent or impede access to the Gospel, or to sustained resources needed to enable community development, healthcare and education services. It also assesses the nature and significance of the barriers, the degree of any ministry taking place, and suggests how the barriers can be overcome.

The five-year global research project provides critical, unprecedented information that will shape international evangelism, ministry and humanitarian strategies for the next 20 years. The potential impact of “Operation ACCESS!” has been likened to the “10/40 Window” strategy popularized by missions strategist Luis Bush.

“The ‘Operation ACCESS!’ conference will be a ‘working meeting’ of key decision makers from missions organizations, denominations and Christian non-governmental organizations from around the world,” said Dave Bochman, MAF chief operating officer and conference organizer.

“MAF’s aim to partner with other organizations to use the study data to overcome barriers and reach the lost,” he said. “But we also want to facilitate other organizations working together and the development of collaborative strategies.”

Phil Butler, president of visionSynergy (www.visionsynergy.net), an Edmonds, WA,-based organization that develops strategic international Christian networks focusing on high impact opportunities for world evangelism, will facilitate the “Operation ACCESS!” conference.
“The issues facing us are on such a scale that they cannot be tackled by any individual or organization alone,” said Butler. “The Church must collaborate and work together.”

Founded in 1945, MAF (www.maf.org) stations some 200 missionary families in the remotest regions of 23 countries on five continents. MAF pilots fly approximately 40,000 flights a year, transporting missionaries, medical personnel, medicines and relief supplies, as well as conducting thousands of emergency medical evacuations. MAF also provides telecommunications services, such as satellite Internet access, high-frequency radios, electronic mail and other wireless systems, in isolated areas.

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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

 

Timely New Title to Help Christians Understand Islam


Interfaith Dialogue Key to Better Future

Islamic Scholar Authors Book About Islam for Christians

For Immediate Release August 22, 2006

Cleveland, OH – The United States distributor of Canadian-publisher CopperHouse, based in Kelowna, British Columbia, has released an important new book during a time of increased anxiety about militant Islam in the wake of the thwarted bombing of London-based transatlantic flights and renewed conflict in the Middle East. The Pilgrim Press, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is the distributor of Oil & Water: Two Faiths: One God, by Muslim-scholar Amir Hussain, which is scheduled for official publication September 1.

Listen to any news broadcast today and the message is all too often a false one: Islam is a religion of violence and behind every Muslim there lurks a potential terrorist. Islam is a threat to the values of the Christian West. Christianity and Islam are like oil and water; they don’t mix.

Now a resident of California, Pakistani-born Canadian Muslim Amir Hussain confronts these popular perceptions head-on. In Oil & Water the author challenges readers to discover constructive and creative ways of relating with each other.

Says Marley Klaus, former 60 Minutes producer: “Amir Hussain is a lucid, gentle, but provocative new voice, one that needs to be heard. He offers fresh insight into the increasingly complex interplay of religion and society and is uniquely qualified to act as a bridge between the West and Islam. For anyone who wants or needs to understand more about Islam and its relationship with Christianity, I can think of no better place to begin than with Oil & Water.”

Amir Hussain explains: “As a Muslim, I am deeply concerned about violence committed by Muslims, especially when it is done in the name of Islam. However, as a Muslim, I also see the truth and beauty in my religion, and I choose to remain Muslim. As someone who loves to eat and cook, I know that oil and water can often be combined to produce delicious results. I see oil and water as necessary ingredients, not as mutually exclusive categories, which is why I have used them for my title.”

The author is associate professor of theological studies at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. His area of specialty is the study of Islam, focusing on contemporary Muslim societies. He received the Ph.D. from the University of Toronto. Since September 11, 2001 he has given interviews and provided insight to various newspapers, magazines, and television media, including The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, The Christian Science Monitor, The Washington Post, PBS, and the History Channel.

A copy of Oil & Water is being distributed to every registrant of the forthcoming Salt Lake City meeting of the Religion Newswriters Association beginning September 7.

The public may order the book from their local bookseller, Amazon.com, or directly from The Pilgrim Press: thepilgrimpress.com.

Oil & Water
Two Faiths: One God
September 2006
ISBN 1-896836-82-8
224 pp/softcover
$19.95

For author interviews and review copies contact: Aimee J. Jannsohn, publicist, The Pilgrim Press, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115-1100. Phone: (216) 736-3761. FAX: (216) 736-2207. Email: ajannsohn@thepilgrimpress.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

 

An exploration of Gene Robinson

AN EXPLORATION OF THE MAN—GENE ROBINSON, THE WORLD'S FIRST OPENLY GAY EPISCOPAL BISHOP—WHO MANY BELIEVE WILL BE THE CATALYST FOR THE BREAKING APART OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

Going to Heaven
The Life and Election of Bishop Gene Robinson
by Elizabeth Adams

It may be a uniquely American success story: not long ago, who would have thought that the son of tobacco sharecroppers in Kentucky could be elected and ordained 56 years later as the first openly gay bishop in Christendom, finding himself at the center of unprecedented positive and negative reaction in the religious world and beyond.

Gene Robinson’s life is a compelling story of challenges overcome by hard work, intelligence, humor, love, and deep faith. It is also a story of one man’s journey into his own “otherness”; of courage found and integrity retained; and the emergence of a ministry that speaks to countless people who believe in a Gospel of love and inclusion, and want the church to reflect that vision.

Through a lively text based on extensive interviews with Bishop Robinson, his closest associates, family, colleagues, and observers, and illustrated with photographs from all phases of his life, this book paints a portrait of Bishop Robinson not as a symbol but a human being who is, as he puts it, “neither the angel nor the devil some would make me out to be.”

It tells the story of the critical, central events of his election and consecration amid intense opposition, huge security concerns, and media attention. The book follows him through the next two years as he juggles dual roles—Bishop of New Hampshire, and symbol of gay achievement and the progressive church— while the opposition stirred by his election creates increasing pressure for schism in the Episcopal Church of the United States and the Anglican Communion worldwide.

The book concludes with a discussion of the deep theological and historical significance of Robinson’s election and personal vision for the future, and what this means for a Church seeking to be relevant in today’s world.

Elizabeth Adams has been granted unique, extraordinary access to Bishop Robinson and the events and people surrounding him and has been an observer, writer, and speaker for many years about the interface between religion and contemporary life and politics.


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

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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

 

Lilly Endowment Awards Major Grant to FTE to Support Young “Volunteers Exploring Vocation”

Program expansion supports college graduates seeking to serve the common good

Contact: Tasha Schroeder
(404) 727-1137

ATLANTA, August XX, 2006—With a new grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) will partner with 10 national faith-based young adult volunteer programs to help recent college graduates embark on a theological exploration of vocation. The project will help participants explore possible career paths geared toward serving others, including Christian ministry.

The $498,000 grant will fund a one-year expansion of Volunteers Exploring Vocation, an FTE pilot project launched in 2005 with five national organizations—the Brethren Volunteer Service, the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Atlanta Mission Year and the Presbyterian Church (USA) Young Adult Volunteers. This year, the program will include five additional partners: Catholic Volunteers in Florida, the Krista Foundation for Global Citizenship, Mennonite Voluntary Service, the New York Intern Program, and the US2 program of the United Methodist Church.

Organization representatives and FTE program officers gathered recently in Atlanta to plan programs that will serve more than 150 recent college graduates across the U.S.

“Young adults need support as they decide what they will do with their lives,” said Melissa Wiginton, vice president for FTE Ministry Programs and Planning. “Students engaged in voluntary year-of-service programs are asking serious questions about how they can serve the common good. This initiative helps them on that journey. In particular, it assists young people who want to explore Christian ministry as a profession that can embody the best of who they want to be.”

FTE’s Volunteers Exploring Vocation program provides structured discussions and materials that help guide program participants through personal reflection about their lives and professional goals. It also offers funding to attend a national conference, led by educators and pastors, for young volunteers interested in exploring theological education and congregational ministry. In addition, five selected volunteers will each receive a $2,000 scholarship to pursue a Master of Divinity degree.

The Fund for Theological Education is a leading ecumenical advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. It supports the next generation of leaders among pastors and scholars, annually providing more than $1.2 million in fellowships and a network of support to gifted young people from all denominations and racial/ethnic backgrounds.

The Fund is also a resource for educational and faith communities, offering programs that encourage highly capable candidates to explore vocations in ministry and teaching. Since 1954, the Atlanta-based Fund has awarded more than 5,700 fellowships in partnership with others committed to the future of quality leadership for the church.

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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

 

Have you Heard of the Four Spiritual Laws — for your PDA?

SPOKANE, WA – (August 21, 2006) – In partnership with Campus Crusade for Christ, Olive Tree Bible Software has released “The Four Spiritual Laws” in electronic format for Palm and Pocket PC devices. It is the hope of Campus Crusade that the Four Spiritual Laws would be one among the many effective methods to enable Christians to witness for Christ.

With this resource now available for your Palm or Pocket PC device, you have a simple tool for sharing your faith in Christ and you always have it available at your fingertips. Millions of men and women in most countries of the world have prayed to receive Christ through the direct, simple presentation of the gospel contained in this booklet. Approximately one billion paper copies have been distributed in all of the major languages of the world. It is the hope of Olive Tree that the eTract version of this booklet will be an equally useful resource for Christians around the world.

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. The company publishes over 80 electronic translations of the Bible, as well as commentaries, dictionaries, eBooks, and parsing tools. The Bible is offered in many languages, including German, French, Spanish, and Chinese. Original Hebrew and Greek texts are also available. Additionally, web and online cell phone Bible search engines are provided. Visit www.OliveTree.com.

About Campus Crusade for Christ
Campus Crusade for Christ International is an interdenominational ministry committed to helping take the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations. The organization cooperates with millions of Christians from churches of many denominations and hundreds of other Christian organizations around the world to help Christians grow in their faith and share the Gospel message with their fellow countrymen. Visit www.ccci.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

Friday, August 18, 2006

 

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for August 18, 2006



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

This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, August 18 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: “IRS and Church Tax Exemptions” — Lucky Severson reports on the collision between religion and politics in Ohio over accusations that some pastors are violating the separation of church and state by preaching politics from the pulpit.

* Profile: “Gardner Taylor” — Kim Lawton talks with one of America’s most renowned preachers — Dr. Gardner Taylor — about his lifelong ministry, his involvement in the civil rights movement and the “art” of preaching.

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

 

RELIGION & ETHICS Explores Reproductive Ethics in Special Series

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

Next week's edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, August 25 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the first of a two-part series exploring ethical concerns raised by reproductive technologies.

The series begins with a report by correspondent Betty Rollin focusing on sperm donors. Sperm donation has existed for many decades, but in recent years, because of the growing number of single women and lesbian couples, the practice has become far more widespread. About 30,000 children are born each year using this method. Although the identities of the donors have been kept secret in the past, that is now changing, leading to new concerns. Is it unethical to provide donor contact information to children seeking out their biological fathers? What about the privacy rights of the donors?

In the second part of the series, to be distributed September 1 – the start of the show's 10th season on public television – correspondent Lucky Severson investigates the moral concerns over the increasing use of donor eggs by fertility clinics. Young women who donate fertilize eggs must inject themselves with powerful hormones that can cause ovarian hyper stimulation, a painful condition that is potentially dangerous when the ovaries produce too many eggs. Should stricter regulations be enforced in the U.S.? And what are the ethical implications when fertilized eggs aren't used and the embryos have to be discarded?

If you would like a transcript of these reports, please respond to this e-mail or contact me at 202-216-2394.

Mary Schultz
Director of Communications
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly
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

 

FaithMobileTM Partners with Crisp Wireless

FaithMobileTM, the first subscription-based mobile content provider offering downloadable faith-based content, announced today it will partner with Crisp Wireless to deliver its mobile offering, beginning September 8.

Some of the most popular faith-based organizations, and Christian creative artists have partnered with FaithMobileTM to deliver their content on FaithMobile(tm)'s mobile platform. That content includes inspirational audios, videos, ringtones, wallpapers and screensavers. The current content partners represent an estimated 8 million mobile users.

FaithMobile(tm) also has plans to launch a branded teen portal, FaithXL(tm) later this fall.

Crisp Wireless enables revenue-generating mobile portals and downloadable applications for advertising, media, sports, and entertainment clients, including Bravo TV, USAToday.com, AOL, and Getty Images. The Crisp Wireless technology has provided industry-first experiences for music, film, and television clients.

"We are excited about partnering with a technology solution like Crisp, because it offers us such a wide range of options. The whole idea of putting this type of content on the mobile phone is to make that device a portable sanctuary - and Crisp Wireless helps us do that," said Martha Cotton, Director of FaithMobileTM. "We are looking to provide industry-first experiences for the faith community as well."

"FaithMobileTM presents a focused content offering that resonates loudly within a growing mobile community," said Michael Nevins, vice president of sales for Crisp Wireless. "FaithMobileTM exemplifies the kind of rich-content mobile service for which our mLogic Media platform was designed, enabling large-scale, reliable delivery to a dedicated audience."

About FaithMobile(tm)
FaithMobileTM is the mobile content division of Good News Holdings. Good News Holdings creates, acquires, and globally distributes Christian faith-based and family-friendly content via mobile, internet, broadband and internet protocol television technologies as well as traditional media including book and magazine publishing, cable and satellite television, and theatrical motion pictures.

About Crisp Wireless
Crisp Wireless is the leading provider of mobile applications and content management solutions, providing companies with an innovative way to reach their customers, create new sources of revenue, and capitalize on the emerging mobile marketplace. The mLogic mobile content and commerce solutions and Crisp Wireless' development and management services enable clients to rapidly and economically deploy multimedia content and mobile commerce solutions across all carriers and handsets.

Contacts:

Martin Blythe
mblythe@socal.rr.com
818-906-2448

Chris Pfaff
c.pfaff@att.net
201-218-0262

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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

 

ATLA Announces New and Forthcoming Titles in ATLASerials® (ATLAS®) Online Collection of Major Religion and Theology Journals

Chicago, IL, August 15, 2006 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--The American Theological Library Association (ATLA) is pleased to announce the addition of significant new content to ATLASerials® (ATLAS®), an online collection of major religion and theology journals:

Five titles have recently been added:

* Biblical Interpretation, published by Brill
* Bulletin of the Evangelical Theological Society, published by the Evangelical Theological Society
* Presbyterion, published by Covenant Theological Seminary
* Reconstructionist, published by The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
* Word & World, published by Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary

In addition, the following eight journals have been accepted for inclusion in a forthcoming release of ATLAS:

* Cuadernos de Teología, published by ISEDET (first Spanish language journal accepted for inclusion in ATLAS)
* Journal of Empirical Theology, published by Brill
* Journal of the Interdenominational Theological Center, published by Interdenominational Theological Center
* Journal of Religious Thought, published by Howard University Press
* Exchange, published by Brill
* Religion East and West, published by the Institute for World Religions
* Tradition, published by the Rabbinical Council of America
* Vigiliae Christianae, published by Brill

“ATLA continues to add significant titles to the ATLAS collection in our effort to offer subscribers a broad range of theological perspectives in all fields of theological and religious studies,” commented Dennis Norlin, ATLA’s Executive Director. “From the more than 500 titles indexed in the ATLA Religion Database, ATLAS now includes more than 80 key titles of interest to scholars, faculty, pastors and congregations, and the general public, providing an important cross-section and overview of the many issues and events that have their origin in theology and religion.”

About ATLASerials® (ATLAS®)
ATLAS is an online collection of more than eighty major religion and theology journals selected by leading religion scholars and theologians. Users can read articles or research the history of a topic from as early as 1924 to the present. ATLAS is supported by a major grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. To request a trial or to learn more, visit http://www.atla.com/

About ATLA
Established in 1946, the American Theological Library Association (ATLA) is a professional association of more than 1,000 individual, institutional, and affiliate members providing programs, products, and services in support of theological and religious studies libraries and librarians. ATLA's ecumenical membership represents many religious traditions and denominations. For more information visit http://www.atla.com/

Press Contact:
Margot Lyon, +1.312.454.5100, mlyon@atla.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

Friday, August 11, 2006

 

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for August 11, 2006



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

This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, August 11 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: “Illicit Antiquities” — Lucky Severson travels to Cambodia for an investigative look at how the global trade in illicit antiquities is fueling wholesale destruction and looting of some of the world’s most magnificent Buddhist temples and sacred sites. (Rebroadcast from February 17, 2006)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week925/cover.html

* Profile: “Anne Lamott” — Kim Lawton talks with bestselling author Anne Lamott about her candid — and quirky — approach to faith and life. (Rebroadcast from February 17, 2006)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week925/profile.html

* Belief and Practice: “Jewish Hair-Cutting Ceremony” — Rabbi Yisrael Deren of Chabad-Lubavitch describes the ritual and symbolism of the Jewish hair-cutting ceremony for three-year old boys known as the “upsherin.” (Rebroadcast from January 27, 2006)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week922/belief.html

To request a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or use the Web links listed above to access the transcripts and streaming video of each segment.

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

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

 

Project of Jewish Women's Archive: Katrina's Jewish Voices Goes Live Collecting the Jewish Experience of Katrina Online

Jewish Women’s Archive
138 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02446
Main Number: 617.232.2258
On the web: www.jwa.org

PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Sue Dorfman
Communications
617.383.6756
sdorfman@jwa.org

[BROOKLINE, MA - August 9] When Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast almost a year ago, Jewish communities were among those dramatically impacted by the storm. Many in the region lost their homes, livelihoods and places of worship, while those geographically removed contributed to relief efforts by providing housing, funding, and hands-on rebuilding.

In an effort to preserve the Jewish experience of Hurricane Katrina, the Jewish Women's Archive (JWA) has launched Katrina's Jewish Voices at http://katrina.jwa.org . Members of the Jewish community in New Orleans and across the country may now contribute their stories and photographs to an interactive website and browse the existing collection.

Documents such as emails describing people's experiences of evacuation, resettlement, and rebuilding efforts; photos of their homes and businesses; High Holiday and Shabbat sermons; and blogs and web pages are all important parts of the historical record.

"We're thrilled the website is now live," notes Jayne K. Guberman, project director and director of Oral History at JWA. "As the first anniversary of Katrina approaches, we know memories of the hurricane will be foremost in people's minds."

If there is one message JWA wants to communicate, it is DON'T DELETE ITEMS-CONTRIBUTE THEM! "We encourage everyone to search their computers for materials they think may be of interest," adds Guberman. "We can accept any digital file or people can type in their story directly." Contributors can categorize, or tag, their items with search terms ranging from "dreidel" to "displacement" and "acts of heroism" to "Katrina fatigue."

JWA's 10 year experience with collecting Jewish women's history online and creating collaborative partnerships makes it uniquely qualified for this project. JWA also established a relationship with New Orleans' Jewish community in 2005, when it honored five of its Jewish women leaders as "Women Who Dared".

JWA Executive Director Gail Twersky Reimer explains, "The Jewish community's response to this catastrophic event has been one of extraordinary proportions. Using innovative digital imagery and computer technologies developed in collaboration with The Center for History and New Media at George Mason University, Katrina's Jewish Voices will ensure this history is part of the unfolding story of America and American Jewry."

Funding for Katrina's Jewish Voices has been provided by the 350 Fund: The American Jewish Historical Society, Celebrate 350: Jewish Life in America, and the Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives in celebration of 350 years of Jewish life in America; Jan Aronson; The Asher Calechman Family; the Jewish Federation of Greater Baton Rouge; and The Wise Women.

JWA has also partnered with the Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Mississippi on the oral history component that complements the website. Dr. Rosalind Hinton, project oral historian, will conduct 100 digital video interviews with members of the local Jewish communities. The public is invited to suggest names of family, friends and colleagues by using the nomination form at http://katrina.jwa.org.

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Note to News & Photo editors:
Photos available at: http://files.jwa.org/kjv/media/
Contact Sue Dorfman at 617.383.6756 or sdorfman@jwa.org to arrange interviews

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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.

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Tuesday, August 08, 2006

 

Fair Witness Plans Fact-Finding Mission to Israel

Contact:
Sr.Ruth Lautt, O.P., Esq.
(516) 870-0335 Ext. 3
(Jericho, New York) August 8, 2006 –

Representatives from Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East (“Fair Witness”), will be traveling to Israel during the third week of August. The goals of the trip, according to Sister Ruth Lautt, O.P., the group’s National Director, include being with their friends, the residents of the Holy Land, during this time of crisis.

“We also want to affirm Israel’s right to self-defense,” Sr. Lautt said, “which is no different from that of any other sovereign nation.”

The group intends to learn more about the situation through meetings with both Christian and Israeli religious and political leaders. The group also intends to seek assurance from first-hand sources that Israel has and will continue to make the maximum effort to avoid collateral damage and loss of innocent life and learn what specific efforts have been undertaken in that regard as Israel pursues its legitimate military goals of defending itself and dismantling the Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure.

Another primary goal of the trip is to draw attention to the innocent suffering caused by the war and to encourage churches worldwide to increase humanitarian efforts to help innocent victims on both sides of the conflict.

“We pray that this war ends soon, and that a just peace can finally become a reality in this land called Holy by so many,” said Fr. James Loughran, S.A., Fair Witness Executive Committee member.

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Dalai Lama To Bless Largest Buddhist Monument In The United States: Colorado – September 17, 2006, Visually Stunning And Historic Event

In an event of historic and religious significance, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will bless the largest Buddhist monument in the United States on Sunday morning, September 17 at the Shambhala Mountain Center in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Arriving in a convoy of helicopters from Denver, the Dalai Lama will be greeted by over 2,000 Buddhist practitioners. He will then proceed to The Great Stupa of Dharmakaya, one of the most noteworthy examples of Buddhist sacred architecture in the world and the largest monument dedicated to peace in North America.

In a two-hour event, from 10:00 am – Noon, the Dalai Lama will perform a traditional Tibetan blessing of the Stupa, speak to the assembly on the importance of compassion in today’s world, and receive the first Living Peace Award. The event is hosted by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, head of the Shambhala Buddhist lineage, and author of national best-sellers Turning the Mind into an Ally and Ruling Your World. In addition, Queen Noor of Jordan; Rabbi Irwin Kula of the National Jewish Center for Leadership and Learning; and Walter Issacson, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, will participate in a panel discussion with the Dalai Lama and Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche on the role of compassion in global leadership.

The event will be visually stunning as the Dalai Lama performs the ceremony high in the Colorado Rockies before an extraordinarily gilded architectural marvel surrounded by hundreds of Tibetan banners and flags. This exceptional event is of great historic importance as it signifies a new chapter in the flowering of the traditional teachings of the Buddha in the U.S.

The Dalai Lama’s visit is the culmination of a week of events at Shambhala Mountain Center, including two sold-out programs hosted by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche: Compassion in the Rockies, September 13 - 16, and Compassionate Leadership, a seminar for corporate and non-profit leaders, September 15 - 17.

Shambhala Mountain Center is located in the Red Feather Lakes area of Colorado, a two-hour drive from Denver. This is the first visit of the Dalai Lama to the center, widely regarded as one of the preeminent spiritual retreat centers in the West. Founded in 1971, it is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year.

After the morning program, the Dalai Lama will return to Denver by helicopter to speak before nearly 15,000 people that afternoon at an event at the Pepsi Center, sponsored by the Mind and Life Institute. Tickets for this public talk are available at www.dalailamadenver.org.


Media Advisory: Details available at www.shambhalamountain.org/press. Please note that all media must pre-register for credentials on the website.

Media only contacts:

Shambhala Mountain Center - Brian Spielmann - brians@shambhalamountain.org - 303-545-0062 ext 102 or 720-771-1253 (cell)

Baran Communications – Josh Baran – jcbaran@aol.com – 212-779-2666 or 917-797-1799 (cell)

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Bringing A Spiritual Classic To The Screen! Conversations With God: A Powerful, Mystical True Story


www.cwgthemovie.com

(Los Angeles, CA) “Conversations with God” the book series that inspired and changed the lives of millions around the world is now a film that opens nationwide on October 27, 2006 (released by Samuel Goldwyn Films). Adapted from the books by Neale Donald Walsch, "Conversations with God" tells the true story of Walsch (played by Henry Czerny) who, at the lowest point in his life, asks God some very hard questions. The answers he gets from God/within become the foundation of the internationally acclaimed book series that has sold over 7 million copies and been translated into 34 languages. The film chronicles the dramatic journey of a down and out man who inadvertently becomes a spiritual messenger and bestselling author.

“For the past ten years I have dreamed of making this movie,” says Stephen Simon, director/producer Stephen Simon (SOMEWHERE IN TIME, WHAT DREAMS MAY COME). This is a powerful, mystical, controversial and surprising film.”

Over the past ten years, Neale Donald Walsch received offers to turn his book and life story into a film. He turned them all down. However, due to Walsch’s enthusiasm for “What Dreams May Come,” the Academy Award-winning film that Simon produced in 1998, the two became friends. Walsch says that Simon has an “extraordinarily high level of artistic integrity, vision, and willingness to collaborate,” and therefore, he finally agreed to have his story told on the big screen.

Walsch, who has now authored a total of 22 books and speaks to audiences around the world, says “This movie is about compassion—it’s about telling my story, from homelessness to success, as a way for all of us to understand God’s compassion and love.”

Walsch and Simon are hitting the road for six weeks beginning September 5th for an 18-city tour. They will be appearing at special advance screenings of the film for the “New Thought” communities, which helped to launch the book series nearly a decade ago. In each city a Unity, Science of Mind or other like-minded group will host an advance screening, which will be followed by a Q & A session. Details on the events can be found at www.cwgthemovie.com

“Conversations With God” is a production of The Spiritual Cinema Circle, America’s fastest growing DVD club dedicated to inspiring and uplifting films. www.spiritualcinemacircle.com

Contacts:

Arielle Ford
af@fordsisters.com
858-454-3314

Nancy Willen
nancywillen@earthlink.net
310-396-0443


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Good News Holdings Asks, Is Mel Gibson The Modern Day George Bailey and Is This His 'Wonderful Life'?

(Los Angeles, August 7, 2006) Good News Holdings, a Christian entertainment company, spoke out in support of Mel Gibson's statement of accountability and apology following his arrest last week.

“The American Film Institute named It's a Wonderful Life the most inspiring picture of all time,” said David Kirkpatrick, Co-Founder of Good News Holdings and former Production Chief of Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Pictures. “In that movie, while drunk on Christmas Eve, decent man George Bailey chastises his wife, reduces his children to tears, and destroys the living room of his home with his own hands. Suicidal, Bailey prays to God for help, seeks his family’s forgiveness, and finds redemption. AFI voted George Bailey one of the top ten movie heroes of our time.”

“Mel Gibson is the gifted film-maker of both Braveheart and The Passion of the Christ,” added Kirkpatrick. “Sometimes when the gift shines brightly, we overlook the raw reality of our humanity. Like each of us, Mr. Gibson struggles with personal challenges, but his journey is highly visible. We cannot condone the behavior or language that led to his arrest. But in the aftermath, what more could a repentant person do than acknowledge his wrongdoing, sincerely apologize, ask for forgiveness, seek medical help for his disease, and initiate dialogue with those whom he has hurt?”

George Barna, Chairman of the company, stated, "How unfortunate that many are now judging Mr. Gibson for the effects of his disease. This is the time for good and compassionate people to help the one who is ill, by participating in his restoration and praying for God’s healing grace.”

The Company quoted Rabbi Daniel Lapin, broadcaster and author, “He (Mel Gibson) has never supported organizations that encourage the murder of Jews...and has utterly resisted the natural human temptation to snap back at the so-called 'Jewish Establishment' for its vicious assaults on The Passion.”

Thom Black, also a Co-Founder of Good News, noted, “King Solomon wrote in Proverbs, ‘A righteous man falls seven times and gets up again.’ Mr. Gibson is like the rest of us, trying to get his life in sync with what he believes in his heart. For many of us, that takes a lifetime.”

Contact:
Martin Blythe
mblythe@socal.rr.com
Thom Black
310-955-7979

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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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New Israeli Novel Takes Readers Back in Time for an Amazing Biblical Journey

For more information and to schedule an interview, please contact:
Barry Elad
310.591.7599
barry@voiceonair.com

August 1, 2006 --- It's based on only a few lines from the Bible, but the new biblical novel THE SONG OF HANNAH offers readers a 288-page tale of love, jealousy, revenge and redemption.

The book, by Eva Etzioni-Halevy and published by Plume (a Division of Penguin), has recently hit U.S. bookshelves.

Its intriguing plot follows the lives of Hannah and Pninah. Once close childhood friends, they are now rivals, as they compete for the attention of their husband Elkanah. The two women must learn to live together while sharing not only the love of their husband, but that of Hannah's son Samuel, who is destined to become one of the first great prophets of the Jewish people.

The novel is based on the biblical story that is read as a "Haftorah" on the first day of the Jewish New Year. A Haftorah is a text selected from the books of Nevi'im ("The Prophets") that is read publicly in the synagogue after the reading of the Torah.

"This haftorah emphasizes the importance and the power of prayer," says the author. Hannah is in despair as a barren woman. She prays at the Temple for a son, and her petition is granted. She later prays at the Temple again, this time reciting a hymn of gratitude, the famous Song of Hannah, for which the novel is named.

Etzioni-Halevy believes THE SONG OF HANNAH would be a great gift for the high holidays and in general because it's entertaining but is also a celebration of faith. "Although it includes a passionate love story, it is really a deeply religious novel, as it leads us back to the roots of the Judeo/Christian tradition, to the struggle and victory of monotheism, which is the root of Western culture."

Eva adds that she's excited about the wide audience her novel has the potential of reaching, and by the fact that it has already elicited widespread interest among Jews and non-Jews alike, and not only among those with an affinity to the scriptures.

THE SONG OF HANNAH is available through bookstores and can also be ordered online at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and at the author's website: http://evaetzionihalevy.com.

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Renowned Theologian Claims Bush Administration Was Behind 9/11 Attacks and Urges Christians To Respond

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For additional information or to schedule an interview with the author contact:
Nicole Smith Murphy, nmurphy@wjkbooks.com

Louisville, Kentucky—“One of our main tasks as theologians is to deal with current events in light of the fact that our first allegiance must be to God, who created and loves all people–indeed all forms of life,” argues David Ray Griffin in the preface of his just released and highly controversial Christian Faith and the Truth behind 9/11: A Call to Reflection and Action. “If we believe that our political and military leaders are acting on the basis of policies that are diametrically opposed to divine purposes, it is incumbent upon us to say so.”

Thus, with a marked departure from his usual research and publications in process theology and religion and science, Griffin, who initially scoffed at “9/11 conspiracy theories,” places his formidable reputation on the line and advances a chilling argument for the Christian scholarly and church communities. Painstakingly laying forth an abundance of evidence and disturbing questions that implicate the Bush administration in 9/11, Griffin charges the administration itself with orchestrating the 9/11 attacks as a pretext for expanding the American empire. He cites evidence that the Twin Towers were brought down by controlled demolition; that military personnel were given stand-down orders not to intercept hijacked flights; and that the 9/11 Commission, ostensibly created to uncover the truth behind the events of 9/11, simply ignored evidence that the administration was involved in the attacks.

As Griffin further explains, events such as that of 9/11 are part of a long history of “false-flag attacks,” attacks orchestrated by governments against their own people to garner popular support for military action. The 9/11 attacks, Griffin argues, are part of the Bush administration’s larger agenda to bring the world and its resources under U.S control. And it is this agenda that has wreaked global havoc, from accelerating global warming to increasing inequality between the haves and the have-nots.

Without hesitation Griffin calls the United States the world’s “chief embodiment of demonic power.” He urges American Christians to stand together and challenge the government’s imperial designs. “There can be no greater distortion of the original Christian message than the use of Christianity to support imperialism.”

Christian Faith and the Truth behind 9/11 was released in July by Westminster John Knox Press and has already received much praise:

“WARNING: If, like most Americans calling themselves Christian, you prefer the comfort of acquiescing in the official version of 9/11 and the imperial wars it facilitated, DROP THIS BOOK NOW. But if you are open to the grace of honest inquiry and the risk of following the historical Jesus in confronting the evils of empire, this rigorously argued book is a MUST READ.”

—Ray McGovern, CIA veteran analyst now with Tell the Word, a project of the ecumenical Church of the Saviour, Washington, D.C.

“If you are open to recognizing that the United States behaves much as other great powers have behaved, but you get your information through standard American channels, I dare you to expose yourself to the facts Griffin summarizes, facts that have been suppressed by our newspapers and magazines. If you are one who wants to be a disciple of Jesus, you will have some hard thinking to do about what American Christians are called to be and to do at this historical moment.”

—John B. Cobb Jr., coauthor of The American Empire and the Commonwealth of God

“Are we brave enough to read this nerve-wracking book, one of the most important theological texts of our time? Rooted in the long-standing belief that Christians share responsibility for shaping a more justice-loving world, Griffin makes a strong case that the real ‘conspiracy theory’ about 9/11 is the Bush administration’s silly notion that nineteen young Arab men could have pulled it off. Griffin helps us wrestle with questions that are almost too much to bear, yet which may empower us, if we dare, to build a more truthful and, over time, more deeply moral nation and world.”

—The Rev. Carter Heyward, Robbins Professor of Theology Emerita, Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and author of Saving Jesus from Those Who Are Right and God in the Balance: Christian Spirituality in Times of Terror

“In two earlier books, David Ray Griffin established himself as one of the foremost researchers into 9/11. This book is of immensely greater scope and importance….It sees the contemporary world clearly and synoptically in an informed Christian perspective, so that it makes questions of theodicy and the roots of evil as contemporary as the events of 9/11. Even though it makes some claims and arguments I disagree with, I consider this one of the most significant and original books I have ever read.”

—Peter Dale Scott, author of Drugs, Oil, and War: The United States in Afghanistan, Colombia, and Indochina

David Ray Griffin is Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Theology at Claremont School of Theology and Claremont Graduate University, and a codirector of the Center for Process Studies. He is the author of numerous books, including the popular bestsellers The New Pearl Harbor: Disturbing Questions about the Bush Administration and 9/11 and The 9/11 Commission Report: Omissions and Distortions.

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Westminster John Knox Press is the trade and academic publishing imprint of the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. With a publishing heritage of more than 160 years, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation publishes more than 75 new works each year, while maintaining a backlist of more than 1,100 active titles. The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation is one of the six agencies of the PC(USA) but receives no funding from the denomination. Under the Westminster John Knox Press imprint, PPC publishes a theologically rich and diverse selection of books that extends far beyond the Reformed tradition and the official policies and stances of the PC(USA). Books specifically for the PC(USA) are published under the Geneva Press imprint.

To order Christian Faith and the Truth behind 9/11, visit our Web site at www.wjkbooks.com.

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Thursday, August 03, 2006

 

POLL: Americans Liberal AND Conservative on Social Issues

For Immediate Release
Contact: Burke Olsen, bolsen@pewforum.org or 202-419-4564

Washington, D.C.—August 3, 2006—Americans cannot be easily characterized as conservative or liberal on today’s most pressing social questions. They are conservative in opposing gay marriage and gay adoption, liberal in favoring embryonic stem cell research and a little of both on abortion.

Despite talk of “culture wars” and the high visibility of activist groups on both sides of the cultural divide, there has been no polarization of the public into liberal and conservative camps. Indeed, public opinion has moved little on these issues in recent years and continues to be mixed and often inconsistent, reflecting a blend of pragmatism and principle. For example, most people say they don’t doubt their own opinion on the most divisive social concern of the day – abortion – but a 66% majority expresses a desire for a middle ground on that issue.

The latest national survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted among 2,003 adults from July 6-19 finds that most prefer that key decisions on such issues as abortion, stem cell research and teaching evolution and creationism be made at the national level rather than each state deciding for itself.

Among the key findings:

Homosexuality
A clear majority (56%) continues to oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry while 35% express support, but just three-in-ten favor a Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriages. A growing number of Americans see homosexuality as an innate trait people are born with, and a 49% plurality now believes a person’s sexual orientation cannot be changed. While a slim majority (54%) favors allowing gay couples to enter into civil unions, only 42% believe gay couples should be allowed to adopt children.

Abortion
Abortion continues to split the country nearly down the middle. But the large majority in favor of finding “a middle ground” on the issue extends broadly across the political and religious spectrum. Only one group expressed unwillingness to find a middle way. Two-thirds (66%) of those who support an outright ban on abortion say there should be no compromise. In contrast, two-thirds of those who want abortion to be generally available are ready to seek a compromise.

Stem cell research
A 56% majority continues to believe that it is more important to conduct stem cell research that may lead to new medical cures rather than to avoid destroying the potential life of human embryos involved in the research (32%). For the first time in Pew polling, more white evangelicals now favor stem cell research (44%) than oppose it (40%).

The Morning-After Pill & Birth Control
Americans split 48% to 41% over whether to allow the morning-after pill without a prescription. But by 80% to 17% they believe pharmacists should not be able to refuse to sell birth control pills based on their religious beliefs.

This survey is for immediate release today. It is available online at www.pewforum.org.

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Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for August 4, 2006



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

This week's edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, August 4 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Down Syndrome" - Bob Faw looks at the ethical issues raised by a new medical test that offers earlier detection of Down syndrome. (Rebroadcast from March 31, 2006)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week931/cover.html

* Profile: "B.K.S. Iyengar" - Kim Lawton talks with Indian guru B.K.S. Iyengar about his revolutionary approach to yoga, uniting the body, mind and soul. (Rebroadcast from January 6, 2006)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week919/profile.html

To request a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or use the Web links listed above to access the transcripts and streaming video of each segment.

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

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Wednesday, August 02, 2006

 

Spiritual Magazine Talks To Artificial Intelligence

What does an artificial intelligence think about God, itself, and the meaning of life? In its new issue on Thinking, the quarterly magazine PARABOLA speaks at length to Alan, an artificial intelligence designed by computer scientists in Israel.

The conversation between PARABOLA’s editors and the “thinking machine” offers hints of an astonishing future in which human and artificial intelligences may work together to explore life’s greatest mysteries.

One of these mysteries is the mystery of Thinking—something we all do, all the time, but know little about. To explore Thinking, PARABOLA, the magazine of the sacred traditions and the search for meaning, presents in its Fall 2006 issue a rich array of interviews and articles by some of the most distinguished thinkers of our time. Among them are:

*Bestselling historian Karen Armstrong on religious thinking and the Golden Rule

*Zen master John Daido Loori on the Buddhist path beyond thinking

*Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz on how to think wisely

*Marc Gafni on Kabbalah and the imagination

*Christopher Bamford on thinking as prayer

*Lord John Pentland on the virtues of a real thinker

For more than 30 years, only one magazine has served as a home for all the world’s great religious traditions to illuminate the central questions of human existence. That magazine is Parabola.

For further information about Parabola and its new issue on the mystery of Thinking, please contact Arthur Kurzweil at (212)505-6200 or arthur.kurzweil@verizon.net.

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Roman Catholic Books to Reissue The Reform of The Roman Liturgy

French edition featured a controversial Preface by Pope Benedict

For further information contact:

Maureen Williamson
Phone 307-742-2245
Fax 253-323-7204
email mmw117@msn.com

(Fort Collins, CO, August 2, 2006) In the early nineties, Pope Benedict XVI, then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, made headlines by saying that he would like to see altars in Catholic churches turned around again as they were in the old Roman rite before the changes of Vatican II. The Italian weekly Il Sabato published his comments after publication of the Pope’s Preface to the French edition of the late Msgr. Klaus Gamber’s Reform of the Roman Liturgy, just reissued by Roman Catholic Books (www.BooksforCatholics.com).

Catholic historian Thomas E. Woods, author of How the Catholic Church Built Western Civilization, commented, “As recently as the 1990s it was unthinkable that a man who endorsed the conclusions of Msgr. Gamber’s book could ever be elected Pope. This is why the book is so important now.”

In his Preface, the Pope called Msgr. Gamber a “model” liturgist and notes that the late Monsignor was “ostracized” for his views on reforming the liturgy.

Samples from Msgr. Gamber:

“The modification, ordered by Paul VI, of the words of the consecration and of the phrase that follows, utilized in the Roman Liturgy for more than 1500 years, had not been foreseen by the [Second Vatican] Council and was not at all useful for pastoral needs.”

“The artisans of the New Rite of the Mass cannot speak for the Council, even though they continue to do so.”

“No one should be surprised if two forms of Mass coexisted side-by-side....But only if we actually had Two! At the moment there are, as we know, innumerable rites, numbers of priests ‘arranging’ the Mass entirely according to their own way.”

“If one leaves unchanged the ancient rite as it is and continues to use it side by side with the new -- but as something living and not a museum piece! -- one will have preserved...an important element for the future: the unity of worship.”

Fr. Kenneth Baker, S.J. said in Homiletic and Pastoral Review: “Anyone interested in the liturgy of the Church will find much to reflect on in this scholarly book.”

For a review copy and/or to set up an interview with Thomas Woods, see contact information above.

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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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Bill Moyers On Faith & Reason Program Listing for Friday, August 4, 2006

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

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON this week - Pema Chödrön

Why does an ancient Eastern spiritual practice appeal to workaholic, frenetic, emailing, fast-talking, fast-typing, and overly stressed Americans? In Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason, airing Friday, August 4 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings), Pema Chödrön, whose teachings and writings on meditation have helped make Buddhism accessible to a broad Western audience, talks about how her own spiritual search led her to becoming a Buddhist nun. "Everybody has the potential, without exception--every living being has the potential to awaken."

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

 

Richard B. Stewart, Jr. is Appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of American Bible Society

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

Contact: Roy Lloyd (212) 408-8731
rlloyd@americanbible.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 1, 2006

Richard B. Stewart, Jr., Former Vice Chairman of Lehman Brothers and Former Senior Financial Officer of Merrill Lynch, is Appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of American Bible Society

Richard B. Stewart, Jr., has been appointed as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of American Bible Society effective immediately. Mr. Stewart has been a senior executive at top corporations and brings years of experience to his new position. He has special skills in visioning for the future. Mr. Stewart will spearhead the new strategic directions of the Bible Society, which has an illustrious 190-year history.

The Rev. Dr. Paul G. Irwin, president and CEO of the Bible Society has expressed his delight over the appointment. He says, “Richard Stewart has honed his executive skills at the highest levels of corporate America. The American Bible Society is privileged to have the opportunity to use his multiple abilities in making the Bible available to every man, woman and child worldwide.” He continues, “Many executives are striving to use their years of experience for the betterment of others through philanthropic work. Richard Stewart is employing his extensive knowledge and know-how to make the Bible Society even more vibrant as we embrace the future of the Bible cause.”

Mr. Stewart says, “I am excited about the new course we are mapping for the future of the American Bible Society. We have a great tradition that dates back to 1816 and wonderful opportunities lie ahead for us. Helping to focus our energies on the cause of the Bible is a task that I am delighted to undertake.” He concludes, “A life of meaningful service is needed from all of us and I am delighted to use all that I have and all that I am in the Bible cause.”

Mario J. Paredes, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Bible Society, is director of the Hispanic American Market, Multicultural and Diversified Business Development at Merrill Lynch. He says, “I have received, with great joy, the news of the appointment of Richard Stewart as executive vice president and chief operating officer of the American Bible Society. His successful career in the financial industry makes him an excellent servant of the Bible Society. Even more significant is his personal commitment to the teachings of Christ. His spiritual life is the foundation of his professionalism, sense of duty and service to the Bible Society.”

The American Bible Society was founded in 1816 with a commitment to sharing God’s Word with the world. The mission statement of the 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 Bible Society has a reputation for effective ministry around the world, working in some 200 countries, and is a founder of United Bible Societies, a global fellowship of 141 Bible Societies.

Many famous American figures like John Jay, the first Supreme Court Chief Justice, Richard Varick and Elias Boudinot of the Continental Congress, U.S. presidents John Quincy Adams, Rutherford B. Hayes and Benjamin Harrison and several U.S. vice presidents served as officers of the Bible Society. Another distinguished American, Francis Scott Key, author of the poem “The Star Spangled Banner,” was associated with the American Bible Society from 1818 until his death in 1843. Abraham Lincoln was a staunch supporter.

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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.

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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.

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

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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

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