Religion Press Release Services

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2006

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

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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

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

"The effort to decode the symbols in the Book of Revelation... is the quest to find the ultimate answer to the ultimate human riddle: 'How does this story end?'"

(Washington, D.C. - June 28, 2006) The hooded silhouettes of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. The terrifying beast numbered 666. The pit of fire. The war to end all wars at Armageddon. The second coming of Jesus Christ. These haunting images, seared into the popular imagination, are all from the Book of Revelation, the final book of the New Testament. For millions, it is a precise blueprint of God's plan for the future, and some even interpret recent wars, natural disasters and devastation as evidence its prophecies are upon us now.

For nearly 2,000 years, the Book of Revelation has haunted mankind. On Sunday, July 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) premieres Secrets of Revelation, a one-hour special that explores the mysteries behind this ancient and provocative text that has endured as the ultimate story of good triumphing over evil. Was the Revelation meant to be interpreted only as a prophecy? Written by a man persecuted for his religious beliefs, was it also a coded political manifesto against the oppressive Roman Empire? How did its author intend for the Revelation to be read?

Tradition holds that the Book of Revelation was probably written by a man named John about 60 years after Jesus' crucifixion. Jesus was a living memory at the time, and Christianity was a Jewish sect trying to survive the horrors of the Roman Empire. Secrets of Revelation features experts in theology, history, archaeology and psychology who examine John's dreamlike visions and his status as a political exile, which some believe may shed light on the true meaning of his writings. At a time when Christians were actively persecuted by the Romans, the mere writing of the Revelation was a political act. But are there deeper layers of meaning hidden in the imagery John so graphically described?

"Most people think that the Book of Revelation is a prophecy of what's going to happen in the future. For believers, it remains an absolutely contemporary text, just as relevant as the morning newspaper," asserts Dr. Paul Samuel Boyer, professor of history at the University of Wisconsin.

"The effort to decode the symbols in the Book of Revelation... is the quest to find the ultimate answer to the ultimate human riddle: 'How does this story end?'" adds John L. Allen, Jr., a reporter for the National Catholic Reporter.

Additional experts featured in Secrets of Revelation include the Rev. Dr. Barbara Rossing, professor of New Testament at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago; Pastor Antonio Adamo, Valdese Church (Rome, Italy); Pastor Doug Batchelor, prophecy instructor; Professor Eric Cline, archaeologist, George Washington University; Dr. Tim LaHaye, creator, "Left Behind" book series; Bishop Carlton Pearson, senior pastor, New Dimensions Church; Pastor Bill Scheer, Guts Church; Father Ugo Vanni, professor emeritus of sacred scriptures, Gregorian University (Rome, Italy); and Dr. Paul Watsky, clinical psychologist and Jungian analyst.

Secrets of Revelation is produced for the National Geographic Channel by National Geographic Television & Film. Producer and writer is Jonathan Halperin; editor is Andrew Gersh. For NGC, Kathleen Cromley is executive producer; Michael Cascio is senior vice president of production; John B. Ford is executive in charge of production.

# # #

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Television & Film (NGT&F) and Fox Cable Networks. Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high definition. NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available to 59 million homes. For more information, please visit www.nationalgeographic.com/channel.


MEDIA CONTACTS:
Russell Howard, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6652, RHoward@natgeochannel.com
Chris Albert, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6526, CAlbert@natgeochannel.com
National Broadcast: Dara Klatt, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6720, Dara.Klatt@natgeochannel.com
National Broadcast: Cathy Saypol, CSPR, 212-288-8496, Saypolpr@aol.com
National Broadcast: Laura Reynolds, Reynolds Public Relations, 434-295-1128, Laura@reynoldspublicrelations.com
National Print: Nord Wennerstrom, The Fratelli Group, 202-496-2124, NWennerstrom@fratelli.com
National & Local Radio: Clare Hertel, Clare Hertel Communications, 845-340-0731, CHertel@aol.com
Local Print: Licet Ariza, The Fratelli Group, 202-496-2122, LAriza@fratelli.com
Photos: Matthew Royse, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6707, MRoyse@natgeochannel.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

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

BILL MOYERS ON FAITH & REASON this week - Mary Gordon and Colin McGinn

How is it that two reasoned minds can come to such different conclusions on faith? Two provocative authors Mary Gordon and Colin McGinn bring their views on religion to Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason, airing Friday, June 30 at 9 p.m. on PBS (check local listings). Gordon, the well-known American writer, brings her viewpoint as a Christian. "I like a religious perspective," she says. "It seems to create a language that explains more things about human beings than other languages do." McGinn, a philosopher, who talks about his own journey from belief to disbelief, sees the world differently. "I think there's too much tolerance of faith, and there's not enough respect for reason," he says. "For the last 30 to 50 years reason has been under attack."

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 Contact:
Rick Byrne
Public Affairs Television
Ph: 212.560.8406
Email: ByrneR@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

Contact: Katherine Nightingale 917-325-6628

>>> Mr Nobuaki Tanaka and Mr Daniel Prins
to speak at 26 June multi-religious service
at Church Center for the UN (18:30)

>>> Bishop Denis Sengulane and ambassador Didier Destremau
to participate in 27 June debate on ethical dilemmas
at Dag Hammarskjold Library at the UN (13:15-14:45)

A multi-religious prayer service and a debate on ethical dilemmas in micro-disarmament are being organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) within the framework of the UN Review Conference on the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons taking place in New York from 26 June - 7 July 2006.

In addition to representatives from different faith communities, speakers at the 26 June multi-religious service include UN under-secretary-general for disarmament, Mr Nobuaki Tanaka, and Mr Daniel Prins, deputy head of mission of the Netherlands delegation to the UN conference.

The service is being co-sponsored by the WCC with the World Conference of Religions for Peace, the Anglican observer to the UN, and the Office of the Church Center for the UN (CCUN), and is being held in the CCUN's Tillman Chapel, beginning at 18:30.

At the 27 June debate, Bishop Denis Sengulane of Mozambique, Caritas Internationalis leader and former French ambassador Didier Destremau, representatives of the Ecumenical Network on Small Arms and invited diplomats will discuss the ongoing and future ethical dilemmas in micro-disarmament in general, and the arms trade in particular.

This WCC-organized event takes place in the Dag Hammarskjold Library at the UN from 13:15-14:45.

More information on the action of NGOs at the UN Review Conference is available on the International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA) website
www.iansa.org

World Council of Churches
http://www.oikoumene.org

Sign up for WCC press releases at
http://onlineservices.wcc-coe.org/pressnames.nsf

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 560 million Christians in over 110 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, from the Methodist Church in Kenya. Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

*****
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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. June 26, 2006 - Thirteen/WNET New York announced today that Lilly Endowment Inc. has renewed its funding for the 10th season of RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY, the award-winning PBS newsmagazine program hosted by Bob Abernethy. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and Mutual of America Life Insurance Company have also provided additional support for the new season, which begins September 1 (check local listings).

Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based private family foundation devoted to the causes of religion, education and community development, has committed $6.25 million towards the weekly series for the 2006-2007 season. In addition, the show has received $250,000 from Mutual of America Life Insurance Company and a grant of $100,000 from CPB.

Since 1945, Mutual of America Life Insurance Company has specialized in providing pension and retirement-related products and services to nonprofit organizations, corporations and individuals. CPB is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967 and serves as the industry's largest single source of funds for national public television and radio program development and production.

"We are honored the Lilly Endowment is renewing its substantial, enduring commitment to RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY. On the eve of our 10th anniversary season, the endowment once again gives us cause to celebrate by augmenting its belief in the power of public television with continued benevolence," said William F. Baker, chief executive officer of Educational Broadcasting Corporation (EBC). "This gift, coupled with generous contributions from Mutual of America Life Insurance Company and CPB, allows us to provide a broad and diverse audience with relevant, up-to-the-minute news stories relating to the moral dilemmas, ethical matters and religious practices central to so many lives."

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY is broadcast over more than 280 PBS stations nationwide, reaching an estimated 550,000 viewers each week. Executive editor and host for the program is Bob Abernethy; executive producer is Arnold Labaton; Thirteen/WNET executive in charge is Stephen Segaller.

###

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

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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

Date: June 21, 2006

Media Contact: Karen Walker mobile: 949/370-1442 karen@walker-comm.com

REDLANDS, CA— Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., director of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will be speaking on the topic, “Bios Through Logos: Seeing God in the Human Genome,” at the C.S. Lewis Foundation Summer Institute this July 7 – 16 at Williams College in Williamstown, MA.

The Human Genome Research project is considered by many, including the Academy of Achievement, to be one of the largest undertakings in the history of science. Dr. Collins led the successful completion of the 13-year-long project, and developed techniques to map and identify genes responsible for the diseases of cystic fibrosis, neurofibromatosis, Huntington’s disease and Hutchison-Gilford progeria syndrome.

Dr. Collins’ talk at the C.S. Lewis Summer Institute befits the conference theme: “Love Among the Ruins: the Renewal of Character and Culture.”

“We are delighted to present this, our inaugural, stateside Summer Institute on the beautiful and historic New England campus of Williams College,” observes Stan Mattson, Ph.D., founder and president of the Redlands, California-based C.S. Lewis Foundation. “Having enjoyed the extraordinary privilege of convening triennially in Oxford and Cambridge over the past 18 years, it will be a privilege to introduce this extraordinary program to the many admirers of Lewis here in the States. It offers a unique opportunity for families and individuals of all ages to renew both mind and spirit amid our daily, relentless engagement with the prevailing culture.” The Foundation’s past conferences in England have typically drawn more than 700 attendees each week, principally from the states.

Other conference presenters include Atessa Afshar, Associate Minister at First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, CT, one of few Iranian women working in fulltime Christian ministry; Malcolm Guite, chaplain and fellow of Girton College in Cambridge, England; Thomas Howard, prolific author and professor of English emeritus at St. John’s Seminary College in Boston; Jeanne Murray Walker, professor of English at the University of Delaware; James Como, professor of rhetoric at City University of New York and author of C.S. Lewis at the Breakfast Table; Joseph Pearce, professor of English literature at Ave Maria University and noted biographer of modern Christian literary figures; James Emery White, president-elect and professor of Theology and Culture at Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and many more.

In addition to seminars on Lewis, the Inklings, the Great Books, art history, popular culture, and other subjects, there will be workshops in the visual arts, dance, theatre, and creative writing. There will also be a Children’s Track that will focus on a theme from Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia, and a “College Briefing” for college-bound high school juniors and seniors. The theme of the conference will be developed through several artistic performances, including an evening concert by the Boston Symphony at their famed summer home at Tanglewood, featuring a performance by the acclaimed pianist, Emanuel Ax, as well as performances by the Shakespeare Theatre Festival (Merry Wives of Windsor) and the Williamstown Theatre (Cole Porter’s Anything Goes). Other artistic performers include Michael Kelly Blanchard, accomplished songwriter, and Tony Lawton, renowned for his powerful one-man performance of C.S. Lewis’ The Great Divorce.

For more information or to register, please visit the Foundation’s website at www.cslewis.org, or call toll free 1-888-CSLEWIS.

About the C.S. Lewis Foundation: Founded in 1986 by Christian scholars who were inspired by the life and legacy of renowned English professor, author and speaker C.S. Lewis, the C.S. Lewis Foundation is dedicated to advancing the renewal of Christian thought and creative expression throughout the world of learning and, by extension, the culture at large. The Foundation owns and maintains “The Kilns,” Lewis’ long time residence in Oxford, England, now home to the C.S. Lewis Study Centre. For more information, please visit www.cslewis.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

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joshua Avedon, Synagogue 3000
Cell 310.291.5171
media@synagogue3000.org

LOS ANGELES – Following his historic visit to Sinai Temple's Friday Night Live Sabbath service, Pastor Rick Warren has invited Jewish musical innovator and Synagogue 3000 (S3K) Leadership Network member Craig Taubman to participate in services at Saddleback Church in Orange County on Sunday, June 25, at 9:00am and 11:15am.

This Sunday’s appearance marks Taubman's second formal visit to Saddleback, where he will share songs from the Jewish liturgy as part of the worship service, which Warren will lead. Synagogue 3000 has organized a delegation of Los Angeles Jewish leaders to the 11:15am service.

Warren and Taubman first met in June 2005 when Warren addressed the S3K Leadership Network. Taubman and Sinai Temple’s Rabbi David Wolpe then invited the Saddleback Church founder to visit Sinai Temple's nationally acclaimed Jewish seeker service, which Wolpe and Taubman created and co-lead. On June 16, approximately one thousand people came to Sinai's Friday Night Live services to hear Pastor Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life, speak and answer questions.

The Shabbat evening began with a traditional Shabbat dinner hosted by Synagogue 3000 President Dr. Ron Wolfson for Warren, his guests, and leaders of the Los Angeles Jewish community. Immediately following the service, Warren and Wolpe engaged in dialogue with an audience of several hundred participants about the need to tackle the enormous challenges of poverty, illiteracy, illness, and hunger that plague the world. According to Wolpe, “Rick Warren's appearance at Friday Night Live was an opportunity for a major spiritual leader to connect to the Jewish community, and for two communities to learn about one another, and the ways in which they can cooperate to promote tikkun olam, the betterment of God's world.”

Craig n’ Co. (http://www.craignco.com) is Craig Taubman’s production company. Craig is a celebrated composer and singer-songwriter whose dynamic music and moving performance style have been an inspiration to the Jewish community for over 22 years in addition to his successful career in television and film composing.

Synagogue 3000 (http://www.synagogue3000.org) empowers congregations to create sacred communities that are compelling moral and spiritual centers of Jewish life. The S3K Leadership Network includes working groups on Spiritual Leadership and on Emergent Sacred Communities. The S3K Synagogue Studies Institute is dedicated to action-focused research for synagogue transformation.

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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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 20, 2006

Contacts: The Rev. Canon Richard K. Toll, D.Min.
Chair, Friends of Sabeel—North America
(503) 653-6625 friends@fosna.org

The Rev. Canon Naim Ateek, a Palestinian Anglican priest and the founder and director of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem, was presented with the Episcopal Peace Fellowship’s 2006 John Nevin Sayre Award June 17 at Trinity Church in Columbus, Ohio. The award was in recognition of Ateek’s work among Palestinian Christians, his efforts to engage western churches in the work for justice and peace between Palestinian and Israelis, and most notably his message of nonviolence and reconciliation. Sabeel is a movement of Palestinian Christians working with mainstream churches in North America and Europe to host regional and international conferences, witness trips to the Holy Land, and theological education.

The event was held during the 10-day 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church U.S.A. in Columbus. Ateek’s opening remarks included his thank to The Rt. Rev. Edmond Browning, former presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church U.S.A. and founder of Friends of Sabeel—North America. Ateek said that Browning “saw the injustice and translated it into leadership through Sabeel.”

The Rev. Canon Brian Grieves, director of the Episcopal Church’s Office of Peace and Justice Ministries, introduced Naim Ateek and his “non-violence ministry in the pursuit of peace and justice.” Grieves, commenting on “slander and demonizing” tactics against Ateek by pro-Israeli occupation groups, said that EPF’s award serves as “a rebuke to those voices who would silence Naim’s own strong voice as a Palestinian and a Christian living under occupation.”

In his keynote address Ateek reflected on the Sermon on the Mount and the special blessing given to Christian peacemakers. He noted the award as a “wonderful burden” which “helps you to keep going” while also asking more of you. “It means “more accountability before God for the purposes of peacemaking,” he said.

In a reference to media attacks against him personally and the Episcopal Peace Fellowship by groups participating in the Episcopal Convention who support Israel’s military occupation, Ateek thanked those “who have the courage to speak the truth” and offered his four essential commitments necessary for performing the ministry of peacemaking. He noted “nonviolence as the first and only option, the strategy, and the key to resisting evil.” The second essential he said is “a commitment to truth, because of the power of truth and love; the third essential, said Ateek, is a commitment to international law, noting the failure of Israel and the U.S. to hold up existing resolutions of the international community which condemn Israeli military occupation and the ruling of the International Court of Justice condemning Israel’s separation barrier inside Palestinian territory. And the final essential commitment, he said, is an “inclusive theology” which includes “the love of enemies.”

The EPF statement of award noted, “Canon Naim Ateek’s voice is heard around the world as a strong voice of faith and nonviolence. His message of nonviolence states, ‘as a Christian, I know that the way of Christ is the way of nonviolence and, therefore, I condemn all forms of violence and terrorism whether coming from the government (of Israel) or from militant (Palestinian) groups.’”

Ateek is the author of Justice and Only Justice: a Palestinian Theology of Liberation and editor and contributor of Challenging Christian Zionism: Theology, Politics, and the Israel-Palestine Conflict, a compilation of papers from Sabeel’s international conference in Jerusalem in April 2004. Ateek also publishes a quarterly theological journal, Cornerstone, circulated in many countries.

Sabeel’s 6th international conference will be held in Jerusalem November 2-9 and will focus on the life and witness of Palestinian Christians.

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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 - (June 19, 2006) - In partnership with Tyndale House Publishers, Olive Tree has released two new eBooks aimed to strengthen fundamental Christian beliefs being questioned in today's culture. Both are available for Olive Tree's BibleReader for Palm OS, Pocket PC, or Symbian UIQ devices.

The DaVinci Code: Fact or Fiction?, co-authored by Hank Hanegraaff and Paul Maier, shows the reliability of scripture, the divinity of Christ, as well as the historical facts for the Priory of Zion and the Knight's Templar. It can also help turn debate about the controversial DaVinci Code book into an evangelistic opportunity.

The DaVinci Deception written by Dr. Erwin Lutzer, well-known theologian and pastor of the world-famous Moody Church in Chicago, examines the "facts" behind the best-selling novel The DaVinci Code, clarifies the issues involved in this book, and equips readers with the truth. "The Da Vinci Deception will help you navigate through the claims of a culture that has abandoned the true Jesus for an image made in its own likeness." -Thomas H. L. Cornman, PhD Church Historian.

About Olive Tree Bible Software
Olive Tree Bible Software provides Bible versions, eBooks 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 Tyndale House Publishers
Tyndale House Publishers was founded in 1962 by Dr. Kenneth N. Taylor as a means of publishing The Living Bible and has since grown into one of the premier publishing houses in the industry. Tyndale products include the popular Left Behind series and numerous other New York Times bestsellers. Tyndale also publishes the New Living Translation Bible and many other resources for church and family. Tyndale House Publishers is located in Carol Stream, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago.


Press Info:
Contact:
Drew Haninger
drew@olivetree.com
phone: 503-708-0566

*****
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 new research initiative at Calvin College and Regent University will address that type of question and the many others found at the intersection of science and spirituality.

The two schools recently were awarded a grant of $162,078 from the John Templeton Foundation for a project called "Science and the Spirit: Pentecostal Perspectives on the Science/Religion Dialogue."

Heading up the effort will be Amos Yong, a theology professor at Regent's Divinity School, and James K.A. Smith, a philosophy professor at Calvin.

With the funding, they have assembled a team of scholars from across the country to study the places where science and Pentecostal faith meet. The research team includes scholars from a wide array of fields, including biology, chemistry, psychology, anthropology, sociology, physics, as well as theology and philosophy.

Outcomes will include a book that could be used in science courses at Pentecostal and charismatic universities around the world.

The time is right for such a study the two say since this year marks the centenary of the Azusa Street Revival that was a catalyst for the Pentecostal movement, the fastest growing sector of Christianity in the world.

"There is a clearly a need for Pentecostal and charismatic traditions to take science seriously," Yong says.

Smith adds: "We believe that the need here is reciprocal: we believe that Pentecostal spirituality, with its distinct emphasis on the Spirit and pneumatology, can yield unique insights for the broader science and religion dialogue."

Contact Smith at jkasmith@calvin.edu or 616-526-6419
For the full story see http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2005_06/smith_grant.htm
For the Science and the Spirit website see http://www.calvin.edu/scs/scienceandspirit

*****
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

For Immediate Release

For Interviews Contact:
Matti Stevenson
(719) 388-1603
matti@legacyroad.com

Colorado Springs, CO – With all the recent attention concerning disturbing environmental issues and the glaring absence of evangelical Christians openly caring for this value, author and pastor Tri Robinson in his new release Saving God’s Green Earth makes a persuasive case for the biblical precedence behind environmental stewardship and caring for the earth. Robinson challenges Christians and the Church to implement environmental stewardship in their daily lives and shows the church what it can do about this eroding value!

Ted Haggard, National Association of Evangelicals President, finds Saving Green God’s Green Earth compelling and has this to say about Tri’s book, “This book made me want to hop on my scooter (80 miles per gallon!), ride into the mountains, and go hike on a designated trail - making sure to pack out everything I pack in. Tri Robinson has written the first creation care book I could confidently give to every evangelical I know.

Not only does Robinson inspire the reader to care for the environment, he reveals a clear pathway to making the value of environmental stewardship real in both the life of the reader and the Christian community in which he or she is involved.

“This is not weird or radical,” says Tri Robinson, “it’s obedience! Environmental stewardship is simply caring, managing and nurturing what we have been given – And there’s something unique about using environmental community service to show others the beauty of the creator!”

With a degree in education and biology, Tri was a secondary teacher for ten years before entering full time ministry. Tri is the Founding Pastor of Vineyard Boise Fellowship Church in Boise, ID. One Sunday, after feeling called by God and much prayer and consultation with church leaders & staff, Tri approached his pulpit to speak on this subject of environmental stewardship - Knowing this could be polarizing and controversial, he watched in awe after both services as his congregation rose to their feet and applauded.

Since that day, Tri and his church have put their enthusiasm and concern for the environment into action with such church programs such as “Tithe Your Trash,” “Christmas Tree Reforestation,” recycling cell phones for Katrina Relief Aid, and various conservation projects throughout Idaho.

Tri’s church and their innovative environmental work have caught the eye of many ministry and National organizations. Currently PBS is in production of a documentary on Christian environmentalists featuring Tri’s church, Vineyard Boise Church. You can also read more about Tri’s work online at Ministries Today, The Idaho Statesman & the Boise Weekly. For more information and to view a documentary on their work please visit www.savinggodsgreenearth.com and www.letstendthegarden.org.

Tri served on the national board for the Association of Vineyard Churches USA for ten years until 2004 and as a regional overseer for more than 100 churches. With a strong teaching background that includes a Masters degree in administrative education, he is a sought-after conference speaker and passionate about transferring his working insights and experience on church leadership to a wide spectrum of churches. He is also the author of Revolutionary Leadership by Ampelon Publishing. Tri and his wife, Nancy, live in Sweet, Idaho, and have two grown children, Kate and Brook.
###
To book interviews or speaking engagements please contact:
Matti Stevenson • The LegacyRoad Group• 719-388-1603• matti@legacyroad.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.

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NEWS RELEASE

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR, PLEASE CONTACT:
DAVE HACKETT
425.673.5644
dhackett@visionsynergy.net

(EDMONDS, WA) When Christians work together, not only are they more effective but their work offers a clear demonstration of God’s power to the world. That’s the foundation of Well Connected: Releasing Power, Restoring Hope Through Kingdom Partnership, a new book by Phill Butler. Well Connected (read endorsements: http://www.connectedbook.net/endorsements.html) provides leaders and ordinary lay people with tools for launching and sustaining effective ministry collaboration.

Butler says the book offers lessons learned from more than forty years of working with leaders around the world, during which time he has seen good people doing good things – but often in isolation – without fellowship, encouragement, or coordination with others. Butler adds that “Knowing Jesus’ desire for us to work in unity, as expressed in John 17:21, it seemed there was a major gap between what we believed and what our ministries experienced.”

Well Connected clarifies the value of Kingdom collaboration then provides a biblical and theoretical framework. The book also focuses on practical “how to” questions that believers face when bringing God’s people together for more effective ministry such as, “How can people and ministries of different backgrounds work together?” and “The task seems so complex, where do I start?” Key principles, case histories and unique explanatory charts and diagrams move the reader from early vision and exploration to launching and sustaining an effective Kingdom partnership.

The more than 80 stories and case histories include: local neighborhood initiatives, city-wide efforts, international medical programs, and unreached people evangelism. Chapters are dedicated to ministering in urban areas, Christians in business, and future opportunities. A companion study guide will be released within six months. The Well Connected website (www.connectedbook.net) allows readers to give feedback on the book and share their ministry partnership stories.

Well Connected is published by Authentic Media and World Vision and is available to order online at www.connectedbook.net.

AUTHOR BACKGROUND
Phill Butler’s career began in the media, first as a journalist of over 10 years with ABC News. Butler is the founder of Intercristo and InterDev. Today he heads visionSynergy, a ministry that equips leaders with the tools and training needed to begin collaborative ministry including a regular eNewsletter on partnership (www.powerofconnecting.net).

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

Indianapolis—Indianapolis Center for Congregations released the results of a nine-month study that revealed successful approaches to helping congregations heal from internal conflicts.

“Early in our work the topic of conflict transformation surfaced as a major need for congregations,” said Dr. Nancy DeMott, director of resources at the Indianapolis Center for Congregations. “Pain abounds in congregations, but the possibility for transformation of congregational life awaits those who learn to deal well with conflict.”

Indianapolis Center for Congregations helps Indianapolis-area congregations find solutions to pressing practical problems. The center connects congregations with excellent local and national resources for a variety of issues, including information technology, congregational vitality, building maintenance, leadership training and board development. The Center for Congregations shares what it learns from experiences in Indianapolis with congregations across the country. Affiliated with The Alban Institute in Herndon, Va., and funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., the center’s services are offered free of charge to congregations.

For this study, the center interviewed 11 congregational conflict consultants of varying faiths and denominations.

Key findings of the study include:

> The nature of conflict has changed. “In the 1960s it was race issues,” said Speed Leas, senior consultant at The Alban Institute. “In the 1970s and 1980s it was the leadership roles of women. Since the millennium the issues have to do with homosexuality or worship styles. But the most frequent topic of congregational fighting continues to be related to the authority of the clergy to make decisions in the congregation.”

> Congregational conflict is inevitable and helpful. Most of the consultants believe conflict is a vital part of individual and congregational growth. “The Community of Christ (formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints) emphasizes that conflict has been a part of the church from the beginning of time,” says Sandee Gamut, executive minister. “We believe this is intentional by God, not an accident.”

Research participant Dave Ebling, who works for Peacemaker Ministries in Billings, Mt., said he helps congregations see that conflict is an assignment from God. “It is an opportunity to grow in spiritual maturity if everyone is willing to take responsibility for their own contributions,” said Ebling, whose work is based on a biblical model of peacemaking.

> Most consultants employ theology and spiritual discernment into interventions. DeMott said this application helps congregations understand the presence of God in the situation. The study also showed many of the mediators pray with the congregants for healing of conflicts.

The approach of John Savage, founder of LEAD consultants in Canal Winchester, Ohio, is founded in creation theology—the belief that God creates new birth and new beginnings from endings. A belief he shares with congregations is that “pain is your friend, not your enemy,” Savage said. “God is in the pain to renew it.”

> Most congregations wait too long to get help. The study found that congregations in unhealthy behavior and communication patterns wait too long to seek outside assistance, DeMott said. Conflicts escalate before consultants are called.

“Many churches are “comatose,” said Savage. “They are sitting on so much pain they are half dead.”

“The healthier the congregation the more quickly it will seek help,” said Jill Hudson, retired executive presbyter for the Whitewater Valley Presbytery in Indianapolis.

Congregations who have a history of being healthy want to be healthy again,” said Rabbi Samuel Joseph of the Union Hebrew Seminary in Cincinnati. Rabbi Joseph grounds his approach in the Hebrew word Shalom, which means peace or wholeness.

The study also showed that although the spiritual basis for mediation approaches varied, the consultants shared common tools of data gathering, listening to all voices in a non-biased, even-handed manner, and creating a safe space for members and clergy to share feelings.

Fees for outside mediation ranged between $1,200 to $1,500 per day, plus expenses. Consultants spent from three to 15 days with the congregation, depending on its needs. Most of the consultants provided written reports of recommendations and made follow up visits and phone calls.

The study reported that the consultants measured the success of their interventions by observing feelings of hope and forgiveness, reduction in tension and ongoing use of healthy communication strategies learned during the intervention.

Virstan B.Y. Choy, general presbyter for the San Francisco Presbytery, said he looks for healing of relationships and restored trust and respect for members involved in a conflict. “I don’t believe all problems can be solved, but we are successful when the congregation can say, ‘We can handle this now.’”

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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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– THE MESSENGERS Features the Power and Emotion of the Spoken Word –

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jennifer Petro
Ink Foundry Public Relations
(323) 931-7600 X 204

(Silver Spring, Md.) – The power and force of the spoken word and the motivation it inspires form the essence of the new TLC series, THE MESSENGERS. This eight-part series kicks off with a 2-hour premiere on Sunday, July 23 at 10 PM (ET/PT). THE MESSENGERS showcases 10 speakers from a variety of perspectives and their ability to communicate the many complexities of some of life’s toughest lessons, addressing issues viewers face in their everyday lives and communities. In the end, THE MESSENGERS is built around a simple but lofty goal: to find America’s next great inspirational speaker.

"THE MESSENGERS is an innovative and uplifting series with challenging individual experiences that act as a catalyst for the celebration of inspirational public speaking in contemporary America. The participants really have to walk the walk before they can talk the talk," said David Abraham, executive vice president and general manager for TLC.

The foundation of each episode is a field trip designed to give the speakers a profound learning experience – the opportunity to live life by walking in someone else’s shoes. In the first episode, the participants face the harsh reality of homelessness by spending 24 hours on the streets of Skid Row and then deliver speeches based on the topic of charity. In subsequent episodes, field trips range from the participants living as a blind or wheelchair-bound individual for a day, to sharing in a powerful moment of forgiveness between a man convicted of vehicular homicide and the deceased’s mother. At the end of each field trip, the group is given their speaking topic – one simple word such as hope, perseverance or forgiveness to use as the basis for their speeches.

Over the next 24 hours, the speakers blend their in-field experiences with their own life lessons to create powerful speeches of motivation for a studio audience. After each speech is delivered, a panel comprising of public speaking experts Richard Greene and Bobby Schuller offers valuable commentary and criticism to the participants. Richard Greene, author of Words That Shook The World, is a speech advisor and public speaking analyst who gives the speakers constructive guidance on their delivery, technique and content development. Bobby Schuller, a pastor at the Crystal Cathedral in Southern California and grandson of Reverend Robert H. Schuller, focuses his guidance on the content and emotional connection the speakers make with the studio audience.

At the conclusion of each episode, one person is eliminated by the studio audience’s vote until one speaker is crowned “The Messenger” and awarded a publishing deal and the opportunity to host his or her own TLC television special.

THE MESSENGERS is produced by Original Productions with executive producers Thom Beers and Tom McMahon and series producer Deboriah Dupree. For TLC, Elizabeth Browde is executive producer and David Abraham is executive-in-charge of production and general manager.

TLC is the only television network dedicated to lifelong learning for viewers who want to grow up, not old. Featuring programming that explores life’s key transitions and turning points, TLC presents high-quality, relatable and authentic personal stories. TLC connects more than 94 million homes in North America to the human experience with life’s lessons you can’t learn from books. TLC is a property of Discovery Communications, Inc., the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI’s over 90 networks of distinctive programming represent 25 network entertainment brands. DCI’s other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates 120 Discovery Channel Stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI’s ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company’s Founder and Chairman.

To preview THE MESSENGERS, download high-resolution photography and access additional press resources, please visit TLC’s media website at www.press.discovery.com or THE MESSENGERS e-kit at www.press.discovery.com/ekits/themessengers

Interviews with the contestants and panelists are available upon request. In addition, review copies and sneak preview DVD’s are available upon request

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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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BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
United Nations Office
866 United Nations Plaza, Suite 120, New York, NY 10017 USA
Telephone: 212-803-2500, Fax: 212-803-2566, Email: uno-nyc@bic.org

The Baha’i International Community

Date: June 15, 2006
For Immediate Release

For background information: http://www.bahai.org/persecution/egypt
Contact: Bani Dugal, New York office: 212-803-2500 / mobile: 914-329-3020 or Diane ‘Ala’i, Geneva office: mobile: +41 (-78) -60-40-100

CAIRO, 15 June 2006 (BWNS) -- Proponents of religious freedom around the world are expected to watch closely the appeal by the government of a case on which an Egyptian court will hold a hearing next Monday.

The case concerns an administrative court's ruling in April in favor of an Egyptian Baha'i couple who sought not to have their religion falsely identified on government documents, such as ID cards, without which most rights of citizenship are unobtainable.

Under pressure from conservative elements of Egyptian society, the government has appealed that decision, taking it before the Supreme Administrative Court.

The initial ruling and the appeal have drawn extensive media attention in Egypt and the Arab world as the implications go far beyond the Baha'is who are directly involved, explained Hossam Bahgat, director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), an independent Egyptian human rights organization.

"This case is important not only for Baha'is but for all Egyptians as it will set an important precedent in terms of citizenship, equality, and freedom of religion," said Mr. Bahgat. "There is a huge interest in this case."

"The human rights community, the legal community and the media are closely following it," he said. "We have at least a hundred press clippings from May alone."

The attention came after a lower administrative court ruled in favor of the Baha'is on 4 April 2006, ordering the government to issue identity cards and birth certificates that correctly state their professed religion as members of the Baha'i Faith.

Elements of society here, particularly Al Azhar University and the Muslim Brotherhood, raised an outcry in the wake of the decision, objecting to any kind of recognition of the Baha'i Faith as a religious belief. That reaction, in turn, triggered a wholesale debate in newspapers and blogs throughout the Arab world over the right to freedom of religion and belief.

"People on both sides of the case are mobilized," said Mr. Bahgat. "There are people who are in support of the Baha'is, and people who see this as a threat to society or Islam."

In early May, the government appealed the lower court's ruling, and the hearing next Monday will focus on procedural issues concerning the case, which could go on in the courts for some time, said Mr. Bahgat.

The emotions stirred by the case were evident at the initial hearing on the government's appeal of the case by the Supreme Administrative Court, held 15 May.

A description of that hearing was posted by the EIPR to its website last month.

"Lawyers and other individuals seated in the courthouse interrupted and heckled defense counsel each time they tried to address the court and yelled insults at them, calling them 'infidels' and threatening them with physical violence during the hearing," said the EIPR in the statement issued on 15 May and posted on its website.

"Unable to impose order in the courtroom, the Court briefly adjourned the hearing before resuming the proceedings 'in camera'," the EIPR statement continued. "When the hearing was adjourned, courthouse security officers refused to protect lawyers who were surrounded by members of the crowd, verbally threatened, pushed, shoved and not allowed to walk away from the area."

Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations, said she hoped next Monday's hearing would not be marked by similar kinds of abuse and threats. "We believe that such actions, if allowed by the Court, are prejudicial to the case," said Ms. Dugal.

"Further, our hope is that the Court will not allow the emotions that have arisen regarding this case to cloud their judgment on what is an otherwise clear-cut matter concerning the right of individuals simply to profess their own beliefs -- a right that is firmly upheld in both international and Egyptian law.

"The Baha'is represented in the case, and by extension the entire Baha'i community of Egypt, only ask that they be given the same rights as other Egyptian citizens, which in this case concerns the right not to have one's religion falsely identified in government documents. Such false reporting, in addition to being fraudulent, is for the Baha'is a denial of their Faith."

One reason the issue rose to prominence after the initial court ruling in April is because Egypt officially recognizes only three religions: Islam, Christianity and Judaism. And even though the lower court acknowledged that Islamic jurisprudence does not recognize the Baha'i Faith for "open practice," it ruled nevertheless that the religion of Baha'is should be acknowledged in official documents, rather than falsely identified as Muslim or one of the other religions, which government agencies currently insist upon.

"This is not about forcing the Egyptian government or anyone to accept or recognize the divine origin of the Baha'i Faith," said Ms. Dugal. "It is simply that Baha'is, like all other Egyptian citizens, are legally required to obtain government-issued ID cards. And without such documents, Egyptian Baha'is are unable to gain legal access to employment, education, and medical and financial services, and are deprived of freedom of movement."

Ms. Dugal said human rights organizations in Egypt and elsewhere will closely watch the appeal process.

"For Baha'is, the issue is simply a matter of obtaining the same rights granted to every other Egyptian citizen, and being allowed to live their lives in peace," said Ms. Dugal. "But there is little doubt that the issue has taken on a wider significance in Egyptian and Arab society, as evidenced by the intense discussion on issues of religious freedom and tolerance that this simple case has stimulated."

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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's edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, June 16 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Uganda AIDS Update" - Fred de Sam Lazaro reports from Uganda on the debate over the balance between abstinence and the use of condoms in containing the deadly spread of AIDS within African nations.

* Feature: "Episcopal Church Convention" - Kim Lawton provides coverage of the Episcopal Church Convention from Columbus, Ohio.

* Perspectives: "Bill Moyers on Faith and Reason" - Bob Abernethy talks with journalist Bill Moyers about his new PBS series, "Faith and Reason," featuring conversations with renowned writers who share their perspectives about the role of religion in the world.

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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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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Columbus, Ohio, June 15, 2006 - Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East condemns the Episcopal Peace Fellowship for bestowing a peacemaking award on the Rev. Canon Naim Ateek during the Episcopal General Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Ateek is the founder of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem and has portrayed Israel as crucifying the Palestinian people.

“The use of this imagery against the Jewish state is inexcusable," says Sister Ruth Lautt, O.P., Esq., National Director of Fair Witness. "This language is not the language of peace and justice. It does not uplift the Palestinians, but demonizes Israel."

In a recent article in the Columbus Dispatch, Rev. Richard Toll, Sabeel's chairman in the U.S., admitted that Rev. Ateek has toned down his rhetoric, demonstrating awareness that this imagery is unacceptable. Nevertheless, a more robust repentance on Ateek's part is necessary says Rev. Dr. Bruce Chilton, Bernard Iddings Bell Professor of Religion at Bard College in Annandale, New York. "Anti-Semitic language is sinful. If Canon Ateek wishes to put his past rhetoric behind him, I welcome that, but he should repent of what he has done and express an intention to change. By the same token, if he wishes to acknowledge today that his previous suggestion of dismantling the State of Israel was destructive, the way of repentance is open to him."

On repeated occasions, Ateek has expressed support for a one-state solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, which would effectively mean the end of Israel as a Jewish state, says Dennis Hale, Ph.D., a professor of Political Science at Boston College.

“An acknowledgement of Arab refusal to admit Israel's right to exist behind safe and secure borders is the bottom line to any legitimate peace campaign," Hale said. "The Palestinians have been offered a state of their own on numerous occasions, but have turned it down in favor of a fantasy of destroying Israel. Church leaders who do not acknowledge this reality are not serving the interests of peace."

Dexter Van Zile, a member of Fair Witness' executive committee, says churches embrace Ateek's agenda at their own peril.

"A number of churches have asked Israel to take down the security barrier without asking the Palestinians to stop terror attacks," Van Zile said. "Unfortunately, all these churches rely on Ateek for guidance."

Contact: Sr. Ruth Lautt (516) 870-0335 ext. 3

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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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Colorado Springs, CO - Muscling up 605 pounds on the bench press demonstrates impressive physical power, but Ed McGlasson knows it’s nothing compared to the power that rests within each father. McGlasson believes it’s a father’s ability to empower his children to know their destiny, pursue their dreams and change the world in the process.

McGlasson, a former NFL lineman for the Giants, Jets, and Rams in the early 1980s and currently a pastor at the Stadium Vineyard in Anaheim, Calif., has captured the heart of an empowering message for fathers: Dads need to help their children understand what it means to be a man or a woman and uncover the dreams God has placed on their hearts. In his new book, The Difference a Father Makes: Calling Out the Magnificent Destiny in Your Children, McGlasson explains what this means along with giving everyday practical applications.

“I know what a difference a father can make in the life of a child,” says McGlasson, whose natural father was killed in a U.S. Navy plane crash while his mother was pregnant with him. “My stepfather helped me reach my dream of playing in the NFL. And when he called me out to be a man, something in me changed – even though the way it happened was accidental.”

The Difference a Father Makes easily connects with the hearts of fathers and mothers, giving invaluable insight into how the little things parents do can result in major life changes for kids.

McGlasson, who passionately shares this same message at conferences and seminars across the country, hopes the message that dads can make a difference will penetrate the heart of a country desperate for an understanding of what it means to truly be a father.

“I want parents to have a tool that empowers them to make a difference in their parenting, or even in mentoring those without fathers, by calling out the next generation to be men and women of God who will change the world,” McGlasson says.


###

TO BOOK AN INTERVIEW or SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT contact
Matti Stevenson · Publicist · The LegacyRoad Group · 719-388-1603 matti@legacyroad.com • www.dfm-book.com

Publisher: Ampelon Publishing Retail Price: $11.95 • 128 pgs, hardback

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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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Program aims to improve supply, quality and diversity of young candidates

Contact: Kerry Traubert
(404) 727-1170

ATLANTA, June 12, 2006 - To improve the supply, quality and diversity of young candidates for ministry and teaching, The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) will award $1.3 million in fellowships and other support to more than 190 college, seminary and doctoral students nationwide named as 2006 FTE Fellows.

Recent studies show a significant decline across most Christian denominations in the number of clergy under age 35, as well as declining interest among seminary students in answering the call to ministry-today, only about half of seminary students plan to be ordained, and fewer still plan to serve a local congregation. Diversity in theological education is also a concern; among the 251 member institutions of the Association of Theological Schools, one-third report that they do not have a person of color on their faculties.

FTE Fellowships help fill the pipeline of young talent for ministry and theological scholarship-providing financial assistance and a network of support to gifted students from diverse backgrounds. The Fund is awarding 2006 fellowships in four categories:

* Ministry Fellowships: 40 students entering Master of Divinity degree programs across the country will receive $5,000 for self-designed ministry projects, expenses to attend the FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry and other vocational enrichment opportunities.

* Congregational Fellowships: 40 young people will receive FTE Congregational Fellowships, which provide $2,000 to $5,000 in matching funds toward tuition and living expenses for the first year of seminary for students who are nominated and financially supported by their churches.

* Undergraduate Fellowships: 70 college juniors and seniors will receive $1,500 stipends for educational expenses, funds to obtain mentoring for their vocational discernment and expenses to attend the FTE Conference on Excellence in Ministry.

* Doctoral Fellowships: 47 gifted doctoral students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups who are pursuing Ph.D.s in religion, biblical studies and theology will receive stipends of up to $15,000 for living expenses. African-American fellowship recipients also receive expenses to attend the FTE Doctoral Fellows Conference, which offers tips for successfully completing the doctoral degree, as well as faculty and peer support.

"The church and the academy face a growing need for talented and diverse leaders," said the Rev. Ann Svennungsen, president of The Fund for Theological Education. "Young people with gifts for ministry and teaching need our encouragement and financial support more than ever to pursue what has become an uncommon calling."

FTE 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, providing 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 to help encourage highly capable candidates to explore vocations in ministry and teaching. Since 1954, FTE has awarded more than 5,700 fellowships in partnership with others committed to quality leadership for the church. Information about FTE fellowships is available on the Web at www.thefund.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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Anglican Bishop of Mozambique co-chairs Christian-Muslim Collaboration against Malaria in Mozambique

U.S.-based Working Group organized by CGJR supports Inter Religious Campaign against Malaria in Mozambique

For immediate release
June 8, 2006

Contact: Elizabeth Mullen
202-537-6248, office
emullen@cathedral.org

Officials of the U.S. Agency for International Development announced Thursday major funding to combat malaria in Mozambique, Malawi, Senegal, and Rwanda. The funds, granted as part of the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), are part of a five year $1.2 billion program for malaria prevention and treatment throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Similar funds have already been allocated to Angola, Tanzania and Uganda.

The announcement was made on behalf of the President by Mrs. Laura Bush today at 10 am at the National Press Club.

Bishop Dom Dinis Sengulane, Anglican Bishop of Lebombo, Mozambique, spoke at the announcement on a panel entitled Fighting Malaria in Africa: Challenges and Partnerships. He is working closely with Washington National Cathedral’s Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation which supports the Inter Religious Campaign against Malaria in Mozambique (IRCMM). The IRCMM is co-chaired by Bishop Sengulane along with the Christian Council of Mozambique and Roman Catholic, Muslim, Seventh-day Adventist and Assembly of God leaders.

Long known as a peacemaker (he negotiated the peace between the Frelimo government and the Renamo rebels in 1992), Bishop Sengulane has focused his recent efforts on integrating the church into issues of economic justice, including health and education. “Before creating human beings, God who is a good mathematician, started by putting on the ground the resources necessary to their survival,” he says. “The principal reason of the poverty of our populations is thus primarily the bad distribution of these riches.”

With malaria killing an African child every 30 seconds, prevention and treatment of this mosquito-born disease is imperative. Bishop Sengulane says religious organizations can play a pivotal role, “If we pool our resources, the faith community can reach all over the country. We are in every village all over the country. We go where government cannot go”.

Twenty-six Christian, Muslim and other faith leaders came together in Maputo, Mozambique on April 19, 2006 to formalize their commitment to collaborate against malaria and to establish the Inter Religious Campaign against Malaria in Mozambique. Co-Chairs of the IRCMM are leaders of the Christian Council of Mozambique comprising 22-member churches, which includes Anglicans, United Methodists, Presbyterian Churches, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Roman Catholic Church, the Assemblies of God, the Islamic Congress of Mozambique, and the Islamic Council of Mozambique.

Dr. Mouzinho Saide, Mozambique’s health director said on April 19, 2006, in Maputo, “Civil society has the responsibility to participate in the communication efforts to change attitudes towards malaria. Specifically we expect religious leaders to use their knowledge and spiritual power in helping transform the efforts of the struggle against malaria in a way that is culturally appropriate for our people”.

All 26 religious leaders signed a statement that reads:

“We, Mozambican Religious Leaders Met at the S. Cipriano School on April 19, 2006, in the context of the celebration of the Africa Malaria Day (25 April). We are deeply shocked for the continuing loss of human lives in the country due to malaria. Having in mind our communities’ sensibilities inside and outside the country, with regard to the protection of human lives put by God in Mozambique, we commit ourselves to strengthen the fight against malaria as Mozambican citizens, and also as God-fearing men and women.”

The religious leaders then committed to mobilizing resources to support various actions in prevention, treatment and research.

Mr. Hassan Makda, chair of the Mozambique Islamic Congress and co-chair of the IRCMM, says that issues of social justice can be addressed by religious organizations without being “religious.” “Malaria does not discriminate between Muslims and Christians. Our whole society suffers when Mozambican children and pregnant women die. We embrace collaboration with other faiths against malaria. Working together against the common problem of malaria binds us also in other ways.”

Bishops Sengulane and Mr. Makda called a Working Group to action in support of their efforts to urgent action on March 16, 2006. Members of the Working Group include the United Methodist Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Episcopal Relief and Development, Catholic Medical Mission Board, Population and the Friends of Charities Association.

Advisors to the Working Group include Centers for Disease Control, National Institutes of Health, UN Foundation, and USAID. The Working Group is convened and staffed by the Washington National Cathedral’s Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation. The Center, which operates under the auspices of the National Cathedral’s Cathedral College, is organized to promote global justice and reconciliation through inter religious and ecumenical collaboration. Drawing upon the biblical imperative to end poverty as a requirement for justice, the Center forges partnerships among Christian denominations, with interfaith partners, governments, NGOs and the private sector to address the root causes of human suffering.

General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation Dr. Ishmael Noko, who was among the leaders of the September 2005 Consultation on Global Poverty calling for interfaith partnership to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, reiterates the importance of collaboration. “This commitment to pool capacities and resources for humanitarian relief of suffering from malaria is exactly the kind of interfaith partnership we imagined when we called for urgent action by the worldwide faith community in the ‘Call to Partnership’ consensus document delivered to the UN General Assembly on the eve of its opening meeting.”

“Speaking from a public health perspective, and as a member of the Working Group to support IRCMM, I am tremendously hopeful that by combining the extensive congregational resources of the various faith communities we can make a significant and lasting impact on malaria in Mozambique,” remarked Dr. Allan Handysides, Director of Health Ministries of the World Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Among the Center’s current priorities is forging inter religious collaborations to address the scourge of malaria. Although preventable, malaria is the leading cause of death throughout the world. Closer collaboration between religious centers, health organizations, and government programs will increase the effectiveness and reach of anti-malaria programs. The Center has established an Inter Religious Working Group on Malaria and was considered by many to be instrumental in assisting Mozambique in gaining anti-malaria funding.

Bishop Sengulane will be available for interviews regarding anti-malaria efforts in Mozambique and throughout sub-Saharan Africa on Friday morning, June 9, at Washington National Cathedral.

For more information or to schedule an interview contact Elizabeth Mullen at emullen@cathedral.org or call 202-537-6248. For more information on the Cathedral College’s Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation go to www.cathedralcollege.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

For Immediate Release
Contact: Michael R. Shannon
703–583–6277 or mandate@comcast.net

Washington, DC – Monday, June 12, the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation will present the ‘Friend in Need’ award to Lynchburg’s WSET–TV and its partner Concord, VA based charity Gleaning for the World (GFTW). The award is the result of a partnership between GFTW and WSET–TV’s Heart of Virginia broadcast that took up rebuilding Katrina victim’s homes after FEMA left off.

Gleaning for the World located and shipped 43 tractor trailer loads of life saving supplies with a value of $6.3 million in the early stages of the disaster. The supplies included bunk beds for FEMA workers, water, food and new clothing for the victims of the disaster and furniture for a Spouse and Child Abuse Center in New Orleans.

The Rev. Ronald T. Davidson, President and Founder of Gleaning for the World, knew that replacing the roof on a hurricane–damaged house was just the beginning. “An empty house is just shell,” explains Rev. Davidson, “to make it a home you have to have furniture and a way for the people inside to start rebuilding something resembling a normal life.”

Since GFTW began the furniture replacement effort shortly after the Katrina disaster, the group has shipped and delivered over 112 tractor–trailer loads of furniture — containing over 20,500 individual pieces — to the Gulf area with a value of almost $11 million. “We began last year by delivering a bed and a chest of drawers, but now due to the generosity of furniture companies that include Charter, River’s Edge, Gable Furniture and International Furniture Distributors, we are installing as many as 25 pieces of furniture in each home,” Rev. Davidson explained. “Now more than 2,000 homes in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas are ready to begin a new post–Katrina life.”

Rev. Davidson pointed out that donors to the Gleaning/WSET effort are receiving over a 6 to 1 return on their charitable dollar. “We have leveraged $1.6 million in cash donations from Heart of Virginia Lifeline and Churches of Christ Disaster Relief into almost $11 million in supplies, equipment, furniture and programming.”

Rev. Davidson will be in the Washington, DC metro area on Monday, June 12th, and will be available for interviews.

Gleaning for the World seeks to provide life–saving support to communities in critical need throughout the world by applying a powerful concept called "Gleaning"™. GFTW provides surplus medical and essential supplies to humanitarian projects worldwide using expedited distribution channels, efficient logistical support and dependable service between corporate donors and mission groups at the lowest possible costs.

For more information, please visit:
http://gftw.org/index.html
http://www.nab.org/Newsroom/PressRel/Releases/050406_sta2006_winners.html

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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