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Wednesday, January 31, 2007

 

Scientist Provides Evidence That God Does Not Exist

New Book Examines Existence of Divine Creator Using Scientific Method

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2007

CONTACT: Jill Maxick
1-800-853-7545
jmaxick@prometheusbooks.com

Amherst, NY – Books on God and science, religion, and nonbelief have enjoyed unprecedented popularity in recent months—a trend Time magazine called an “atheist literary wave”—demonstrating the interest of American readers in intelligent debate on these topics.

The God Delusion by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins is number nine on the New York Times Best Seller List dated February 4, 2007; Sam Harris’s atheistic response to critics, Letter to a Christian Nation, sits at twenty-six. In interviews, both men have directed readers to an additional work that continues the “new atheism” trend: God: The Failed Hypothesis (Prometheus Books, January 30, 2007.)

In God: The Failed Hypothesis, physicist Victor Stenger argues that science has advanced sufficiently to make a definitive statement on the existence or nonexistence of the traditional Judeo-Christian-Islamic God. He invites readers to put their minds—and the scientific method—to work to test this claim.

After evaluating all the scientific evidence—the studies done by reputable institutions on the power of prayer; the writings of philosophers who have puzzled over the problem of God and of good and evil; the efforts of biblical scholars to prove the accuracy of holy scriptures; and the work of biologists, geologists, and astronomers looking for clues to a creator on Earth and in the cosmos—Stenger concludes that beyond a reasonable doubt the universe and life appear exactly as we might expect if there were no God. He convincingly shows that not only is there no evidence for the existence of God, but scientific observations actually point to his nonexistence.

Victor Stenger, always ready to engage in rational discourse with believers, is encouraged by the mainstream success of Dawkins and Harris because it shows a renewed public willingness to intelligently and openly debate these subjects. To interview Victor Stenger, or to request a review copy of God: The Failed Hypothesis, contact Prometheus Books at 800-853-7545 or publicity@prometheusbooks.com.

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

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

Contact Us
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Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson Headlines National Black Church Summit With A Gay-Affirming Focus

Contact:
Herndon Davis
Director of Communications
National Black Justice Coalition
www.nbjc.org
Office: 202-349-3755
E-mail: hedavis@nbjc.org
__________________________________________________

WASHINGTON, DC --Set in the city of Brotherly love and the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence where all people were declared to be created equal under the law, the National Black Justice Coalition, www.nbjc.org, continues the dialogue of equality and equal justice with a historic and nationwide forum on Black Church Homophobia.

Over three hundred people from across the nation will gather to debate the issue of homosexuality and its role within the Black Church as well as provide solutions on how to create a welcoming and gay-affirming church.

Black iconic intellectuals such as the Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson plus several other religious leaders both anti-gay and gay-affirming will headline the event and facilitate discussion ranging from HIV and the Black Church to debating the legitimacy of scripture referring to homosexuality.

In addition to Dr. Dyson, other confirmed participants include Bishop Harry Jackson (Maryland), Bishop Yvette Flunder (San Francisco), Rev. Eugene Rivers (Boston), Dr. Kenneth Samuel (Atlanta). Rev. Deborah L. Johnson (Santa Cruz, CA), and Rev. Irene Monroe (Boston).

The cost of registration is $75 and can be processed online at www.nbjc.org.


NBJC Black Church Summit Talking Points:

* What is NBJC?
The National Black Justice Coalition is a nationwide Black gay civil rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The mission of the organization is to end to racism and homophobia within the Black communities across America.

* Location/Date/Time:
The 2nd Annual Black Church Summit will be held at the historic Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia, PA, Saturday, March 10, 2007, 9am- 5pm.

* Media Briefings/Interviews:
9am – 11:30am, Saturday, March 10, 2007. To schedule time please and any special requests please contact Herndon Davis, at hedavis@nbjc.org or at 202-349-3755.

* Why is the Black Church Summit important? Why should my media outlet cover it?

The factors of HIV, anti-gay violence and emotional depression are rampant within the Black gay community. Often the Black Church is ill equipped to adequately address these issues which are often swept under the societal rug.

This year’s event will once again attract nationally prominent clergy, civil rights leaders, and many opposed to and also affirming of homosexuality. Our goal is to assist the Black Church on how to embrace their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender friends, neighbors, family, and members of their congregations.

The continued silence of the Black gay community on issues dealing with homophobia has left the entire community vulnerable to the divisive tactics of those who do not have the community’s best interest at heart.

* What does NBJC plan to accomplish through the Black Church Summit?
We plan to increase the size of our ongoing Black Church Social Justice Community Action Network which is a national coalition of gay-affirming Black churches and clergy who will provide activism on ending Black Church homophobia and discrimination.

* What is NBJC’s position on gay marriage?
There is no such thing as same-sex marriage, there is only marriage and we believe that all Americans regardless of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation should have the right to marry the person they love.

* Can I receive more information about NBJC or the Black Church Summit?
Yes, please contact Dr. Sylvia Rhue at srhue@nbjc.org or at 202-349-3755.

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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

 

Mobilizing Youth In The Fight Against International Child Labor: 2007 Essay Contest For Youth Worldwide

Contact: Edward Bradley, (703) 876-9020

For Immediate Release
January 31, 2007

VIENNA, Va. – Oakseed Ministries International today announced an international essay contest for youth on the topic: Compassion and the Working Child. Last year’s essay contest garnered approximately 1,100 essays from around the world.

Oakseed is also hosting a blogsite for youth that is designed to help young people to think critically about the issue of international child labor. The blogsite will feature insights from child labor experts as well as links to other sites featuring information on the working child. This blogsite also features winning essays from the 2006 international essay contest. The Oakseed blogsite address is: www.essayblog.oakseed.org

Essay Contest: Compassion and the Working Child
Essay Sponsor: Oakseed Ministries International, www.oakseed.org
Essay Website: www.essayblog.oakseed.org
Age Categories: ages 12 and under, ages 13 – 17 and ages 18 – 22
Deadline: April 16, 2007
Prizes: (In each category) First place - $1,000, Second place - $500, Honorable mention - $250.
Essay Guidelines: Detailed guidelines available at www.oakseed.org or by request by emailing essay@oakseed.org or calling (toll free) 877-876-9020.

“It is tragic to know that in our world today that millions are involved in child labor,” said Ed Bradley, president of Oakseed ministries. “By hosting the Compassion and the Working Child essay contest Oakseed Ministries hopes to empower children here in the U.S. and abroad to think critically about the worldwide problem of child labor. We can all learn by listening to the insights that young people bring to the issue of compassion for working children.”

A 2006 global report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), www.ilo.org, stated: “In 2004 there were 218 million children trapped in child labor, of whom 126 million were in hazardous work.” The report stated that in total there were “317 million economically active children aged 5 – 17 in 2004, of whom 218 million could be considered as child laborers.” According to the ILO, in 2004, 166 million child laborers were between the ages of 5 and 14.

Submitted essays should not be a clinical assessment of child labor, but instead a personal response to the crisis of the working child worldwide. The essay is a part of a yearlong effort to raise awareness of the plight of working children that will culminate in the Annual Day of Prayer for Children at High Risk on Sunday, June 3, 2007.

###

Editors Note: Oakseed Ministries International is a faith-based non-profit organization that seeks to respond to God’s heart by defending the cause of the poor, the fatherless and society’s castoffs in the megacities of the developing world. Oakseed assists ministries that serve abandoned children and the poor.

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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

 

The ARDA Website Offers Journalists New Search Engine and Features On American and International Religion

For further information contact:
E-mail: arda@pop.psu.edu
Phone: (814) 865-6258

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA (January 31, 2007)--The Association of Religion Data Archives (ARDA) has recently introduced new features on its website that provide a wealth of information on American denominations and international religion, as well as a redesigned search engine that allows for more comprehensive searches.

“The ARDA search engine has been completely overhauled,” said Christopher Bader, head programmer for the website. “Users can now search across all areas and features of the site.”

For example, searching for `evangelical’ will provide the user with quick links to maps of evangelical denominations, membership reports for evangelical denominations, histories and family trees of denominations with “Evangelical” in their name, and surveys with questions about evangelicals, according to Bader.

Also new on the ARDA website is the upgrading of National Profiles, which provides statistics on religious freedom, religious adherents, and religious beliefs and behavior for virtually all nations. The profiles make use of indexes created by The ARDA that measure religious freedom and regulation worldwide.

The National Profiles feature now allows users to compare statistics between regions and nations with the click of a button. Each regional and national profile now includes a pie chart showing the breakdown of religious adherents as well as of atheists and non-religious people.

Using data from the World Values Survey, a new tab called “Public Opinion” shows aggregated data on religious beliefs, practices, and attitudes on a wide range of issues for 80 nations. “For instance, users can quickly find out what percentage of people in Spain belong to a religious denomination, or what percentage of people in Saudi Arabia believe in Islamic sharia law,” Bader added.

The ARDA’s feature on American denominations has also received a major facelift. Users can view attractively designed family trees of religious traditions that trace the historical roots of American denominations. The feature is now interactive, allowing users to get thumbnail historical and statistical sketches of denominations by placing the computer mouse on a selected family tree.

Descriptions have also been added to most of the American denominations listed in The Denominational Profiles section, according to Bader.

The ARDA is housed at Penn State University and is funded by the Lilly Foundation and the John Templeton Foundation. Visit The ARDA website at:
www.TheARDA.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

 

American Bible Society Joins Salvation Army in Fight To Promote Literacy in New Jersey

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

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

Nancy Hite, RLMPR (212) 741-5106, ext 211
nancy@RLMpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York, NY – January 31 - The American Bible Society and the New Jersey Division of The Salvation Army have announced they will expand their cooperative literacy program, Mission:Literacy. Following a successful pilot program, the two organizations have signed a ten-year Copyright License Agreement that gives the New Jersey Division of The Salvation Army ownership of Mission:Literacy and the right to print, use and distribute it among other divisions of The Salvation Army across the United States.

The American Bible Society designed Mission:Literacy to equip readers with vital literacy tools and with biblical principles for daily living. The primary focus is on elementary and middle school students struggling with poor reading proficiency. The program provides children with a chance to improve their life, particularly since poor reading skills also increase their involvement with the criminal justice system. The Bible Society brought its 190-year legacy of communicating God’s Word to the program and The Salvation Army provided the children for the program and staff from three of its New Jersey corps: Newark Westside, Paterson and New Brunswick.

The pilot phase of the Mission:Literacy program, launched in 2006, was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Scripture-based curriculum that is designed to help break the vicious cycle that illiteracy creates. Tutors at Newark Westside, Paterson and New Brunswick guided academically at-risk children towards reading proficiency through games, character discussions and vocabulary building activities based on stories in the Bible Society’s illustrated texts. The individualized instruction was the catalyst many of the children needed. Seeing improvement in reading skills made The Salvation Army even more enthusiastic about continuing to offer Mission:Literacy in the future.

Thomas Durakis, Director for Publishing Services at the American Bible Society’s Bibles.com says, “The American Bible Society is very pleased to be partnering with the Salvation Army to share our Literacy Program with people all over the United States. We are confident that many lives will be positively impacted by people learning to read and being exposed to God’s Word.”

Captain Felicia Flora of Newark Westside said, “This program, without a doubt, has made a great impact on the learning and education of our youth ages Kindergarten through 3rd grade. We saw definite improvements in the children, and our staff is excited about the future use of this program. Some of our children, for the first time, are being introduced to the Bible and to the stories they have never heard before.”

Dawn Sharp, Divisional Child Care Consultant for The Salvation Army, states, “The Salvation Army will continue to honor the American Bible Society’s singular vision and generous investment by expanding its use of Mission:Literacy in New Jersey and other divisions – developing skilled readers who enjoy the stories of Scripture.”


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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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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

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

 

The Fund for Theological Education Announces New Vice President for Advancement

Senior Fundraising Executive Gary W. Key Joins FTE from Morehouse School of Medicine

Contact: April L. Bogle
(404) 727-1492
Tasha Schroeder
(404) 727-1137

ATLANTA, January 30, 2007 – The Fund for Theological Education (FTE) announced today the appointment of Gary W. Key as its new vice president for Advancement, effective Feb. 12.

Key will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising programs for FTE. He joins the organization from Morehouse School of Medicine, where he served as vice president for institutional development during the last five years, focusing on building endowment and increasing funding for research, programs and facilities. Key has more than 25 years of fundraising experience in higher education and in hospital and medical education settings where he has collectively raised more than $150 million.

“Gary brings an impressive record of leadership and achievement to FTE,” said the Rev. Ann Svennungsen, president of The Fund for Theological Education. “His focus, productivity and proven ability to work with colleagues and volunteers make him an excellent choice for this important role. What’s more, this position aligns Gary’s professional talents with his personal passion for the ministry of the church.”

Prior to joining Morehouse School of Medicine, Key served as assistant vice president for Development at Georgia State University and contributed to the success of a $95 million campaign effort. He moved to Georgia in 1998 from Southern California, where for 18 years he served in a variety of senior level fundraising positions for large medical center foundations, including Saddleback Memorial Foundation in Laguna Hills, San Antonio Hospital Foundation in Upland, and St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood.

A native of Jasper, Ala., Key grew up in South Orange County, Calif. He is married and has four children. He and his family reside in Marietta, Ga.

FTE is a leading national advocate for excellence and diversity in Christian ministry and theological scholarship. It also is 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 organization has awarded more than 5,800 fellowships in partnership with others committed to quality leadership for the church. Information about FTE is available on the Web at www.thefund.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

 

Will the World Muslim League Respond? An Open Letter to the Leadership Of Islam

Bel Air, MD – Howard (Howie) Gardner, author and Pastor of Bel Air Assemblies of God Church, Maryland, has composed a letter that has been approved by George Wood, General Secretary, of the General Council of the Assemblies of God and numerous other leaders within the Christian Church.

The letter is directed to the World Muslim League, which would be Islam’s equivalent to the Vatican. Howie’s goal is to gather more support from the National Association of Evangelical Christians so that the Muslim leaders are pressured into answering the very poignant questions presented in this letter.

This letter is neither a slam or nor a put-down of the Muslim religion—it is based on the comparison of the similarities of the Muslim and Christian beliefs composed to illicit a response from the Muslim leadership as to why they would condone the terrorism being thrust upon the non-Muslim believers throughout the world.

The letter Gardner states: “It is to be recognized that both of our faiths have much in common. We both recognize the existence of one God Who created the universe. We acknowledge that God is holy and that all of His ways are just and perfect. We stress the importance of worshiping God above all else. We acknowledge the importance of loving one another, of caring for the poor, the elderly, the sick or injured and those who are wrongfully outcast. We have an inward desire for peace and acknowledge that it can only be attained by seeking this God of peace.”

The letter contains eight in-depth questions of which the Christian leaders and populace would like a formal response.

For a full copy of the letter please contact:

Helen Cook
PrimeStar Publicity & Public Relations
800-792-1512
Helen.Cook@PrimeStarPublicity.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

Monday, January 29, 2007

 

Christians in Champaign County, IL, Issue a Friendly Challenge to Churches Across the U.S.: 'Increase Missions and We'll Match It!'

Contact: Sylvia Ronsvalle, empty tomb, inc., 217.356.9519, missionmatch@emptytomb.org, www.emptytomb.org

Champaign, Ill., 1/29/07--Church members and congregations in Champaign County, Illinois, are issuing a friendly challenge to churches across the U.S.: 'Increase Missions and We'll Match It!'

And these folks are putting their money where their challenge is. Individuals and congregations have been building a fund to match new missions spending by congregations nationally.

Mission Match(r), a project of empty tomb(r), inc., currently has $63,000 available to match new mission spending by congregations.

The first match was in 2002. As of 2006, Mission Match has distributed a total of $62,000 to match $106,609 in 'new mission money' raised for 47 congregational projects.

Now Christians in Champaign County, IL, want to step up the pace.

Funds have been contributed by individuals, such as Shannon Cook. Ms. Cook works as Helping Coordinator at Mission Match's parent organization, empty tomb. She works with area churches to assist local people in need. On her donation form Shannon wrote, "My first time going global!"

Congregations have also contributed to the fund. For example, First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy, IL, is already very active in its own mission projects. Now they want to encourage other congregations to increase support for missions as well. First Baptist dedicated its 2006 Christmas offering to the Mission Match fundraising effort. Their contribution totaled $7,287.25.

And because a young Champaign, IL, couple donated a special gift, $20,000 was available to double these contributions. The couple wanted to leverage their gift by encouraging other donors to build the available matching fund balance.

Findings in empty tomb, inc., research support the need to encourage increased support for missions. In its annual 'State of Church Giving' edition, empty tomb staff surveyed 34 denominations about their congregations' spending.

In 2004, of each dollar donated to congregations, 2 cents, on average, was spent on denominational overseas missions.

This figure contrasts with an average of 8 cents spent by congregations in the 1920s. And the 'State of Church Giving' highlights a congregation in South Korea that gives over 70 cents of each dollar to overseas missions.

Meanwhile, an empty tomb analysis of available data calculated potential giving. If church members had donated an average of 10 percent, instead of the actual 2.56%, there would have been an additional $164 billion available for mission work in 2004. Estimates are that $5 billion a year could stop most global child deaths, $7 billion a year could provide primary education for children around the globe, and $1 billion could fund world evangelization. Mission Match supporters feel the potential is great to impact these needs.

To encourage congregations to act on this potential, empty tomb staff developed a practical approach. If congregations raise money beyond current missions spending, Mission Match will contribute an equal amount.

To obtain funds, a congregation applies for a matching contribution. The congregation identifies a specific mission project it wants to support. Matching contributions can be requested in amounts from $500 to $3,000.

Once Mission Match reserves the money, the congregation asks its members to contribute for the specific mission project. When notified that the money has been donated by church members, Mission Match provides its matching contribution.

To date, congregations have received Mission Match funds for a variety of projects including: the building of a pastor-training center in Cambodia; a water system for a village in Haiti (sponsored by a youth group); a self-esteem program for low-income youth in Ohio; and educating women in Tanzania.

Congregations located in 16 states have received Mission Match funds so far. Projects have been located in 21 countries, in addition to eight projects in the U.S.

'Historically Christian' churches in the U.S. are welcome to apply for Mission Match funds. These include communions such as evangelical and mainline Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Baptist, and Pentecostal. More information, including the application and guidelines, is available at the Mission Match button at www.emptytomb.org.

-30-


Availabilities

For more information about Mission Match, contact:

Sylvia Ronsvalle, Executive Vice President
empty tomb, inc.
(217) 356-9519
missionmatch@emptytomb.org

Contributors to Mission Match and its 'friendly challenge to churches in the U.S.' include:
Rev. Randy Gauger, Senior Pastor
First Baptist Church of Champaign at Savoy
(217) 352-2240, ext. 108
First Baptist Church directed its 2006 Christmas offering, amounting to $7,287.25, to Mission Match in order to encourage other congregations to increase missions.

Quesnell Hartmann
Work: (217) 373-1590, ext. 100
Donor, with his wife, of a $40,000 contribution to Mission Match. They requested their donation be leveraged to encourage other donors to build the available Mission Match balance. Of the $40,000, $20,000 was used to match 200 gifts averaging 100 each.

Shannon Cook, Helping Coordinator
empty tomb, inc.
(217) 356-7943
Donor to Mission Match: "My first time going global!"
Linda Kennedy
Cell: (217) 841-1789
Donor and Member of Wake the Sleeping Giant(r) Funding Team for Mission Match

Contact Sylvia Ronsvalle for other congregations donating Mission Match funds to challenge churches across the U.S., and/or for contacts in congregations that have received Mission Match funds. (217) 356-9519 or missionmatch@emptytomb.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

Thursday, January 25, 2007

 

Manage Your Entire Volunteer Ministry Online with Access ACS™

Volunteer Workflow Shifted from Church Staff to Lay Leaders and Members

Press Contact:
Lauren Hunter Public Relations
Tel: 916-838-2184
lauren@laurenhunter.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FLORENCE, SC, January 25, 2007—Volunteers are the lifeblood of any church; that’s why it’s critical to have measures in place to manage open positions, spiritual gifts, talents and personality traits, in addition to volunteer qualifications such as background checks, special licenses and clearances. In the past, church staff members were the only ones with access to valuable volunteer data. With today’s announcement of new enhancements to Access ACS™ by ACS Technologies™, the entire volunteer process has been streamlined to give lay leaders and members the ability to set up volunteer positions, search for places to serve and sign up online.

“We have transformed the entire volunteer management process by reorganizing and shifting parts of the process to the right hands!” says Cindy Streett, product management for Access ACS. “The process of finding and managing volunteers is now simple for everyone to do thanks to the online capabilities we’ve added into Access ACS. Every client I talk to about these new features anticipates that their volunteer ministry will be run more efficiently.”

Access ACS now provides an easy-to-use section for churches to manage volunteer needs online. Based on their security level, users can:

* Set up the attributes and qualifications used in their church.
* Create volunteer positions and assign the appropriate attributes and qualifications to those positions.
* Allow members and attendees to select the attributes and qualifications that describe themselves.
* Create volunteer needs or openings and let people search for the ones that interest them and do an online request to fulfill those needs.
* Allow staff and leaders with permissions to assign volunteers to fulfill the available needs.

Churches can put a link on their website that lists all the openings that the church currently needs to fill. People can easily search to find the areas in which they are best suited to serve. Once an opportunity is selected, people will be able to sign up online to fill the opening. When they do so, the system will create a connection to be made by the contact person for that opening. The leader will easily be able to see who has volunteered and will contact them to help.

Adding volunteer management to Access ACS is the latest enhancement following the small group management enhancement, website communication features and other tools vital to church ministry.

“Everyday we’re committed to developing the ministry tools churches need online that are easy to use and powerful in effectiveness” Steve Cumbia, Executive Director, Research & Development, “Just wait till you see what great enhancements are coming next.”


About ACS Technologies Group, Inc.
ACS Technologies (www.acstechnologies.com) is the leading provider of information management solutions for churches, schools and other faith-based organizations and has made its most notable contribution to the church management software industry with its powerful desktop application, ACS™.

*****
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 Newsweekly Program Listings for January 26, 2007

A Production of Thirteen/WNET New York

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


This week's edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, January 26 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Georgia Sex Offender Law" - Tim O'Brien reports on a controversial Georgia state law that critics claim is unjust because it applies to all former sex offenders, including many who are not considered dangerous.

* Feature: "African-American Jews" - Menachem Daum talks with African Americans about the challenges they face as Jewish converts.

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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Wednesday, January 24, 2007

 

Fair Witness Questions America Book Review

Contact:
Sr.Ruth Lautt, Esq.
(212) 870-2320

(NY, New York) January 24 2007– Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East is troubled by the review of Jimmy Carter’s Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid in a recent edition of America Magazine. This book has come under widespread criticism for substantial factual errors and omissions not mentioned in this review.

Sr. Ruth Lautt, National Director of Fair Witness, says “Perhaps the most significant error is that President Carter rewrote the history of Camp David.” In the summer of 2000, Israeli P.M. Barak offered the Palestinians four clusters of territory on the West Bank. Yasser Arafat made no counteroffer, walked out of the Summit, and the Second Intifada began. Five months later, President Clinton crafted a final proposal whereby the Palestinians would get all of Gaza and 97 percent of contiguous West Bank territory. Arafat rejected this offer as well.
Dennis Ross, Clinton’s special envoy to the negotiations recently clarified that maps President Carter presents in his book as the divergent “Palestinian” and “Israeli” interpretations of Clinton’s proposal were actually taken from the Israeli map of Barak’s (initial) offer at Camp David and an approximation of President Clinton’s deal five months later, respectively.

In Carter’s book, the Clinton proposals seem so vague as to justify Arafat’s rejection. “Ambassador Ross has made it clear that this is untrue and we question why the America review doesn’t cite this troubling misinformation,” adds Sr. Ruth.

Another significant problem with the book is use of the term Apartheid. “The Israeli policies that President Carter analogizes to apartheid are not racially based; they were instituted as a passive defense against terrorism,” says Fr. James Loughran of the Graymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Institute. “Israelis should have the right to protect themselves from suicide bombing without being accused of being racists,” says Fr. Loughran.

“Carter’s book blames the current violence on Israel, ignoring the fact that Israel acquired the territories defending itself against collective Arab armies who vowed to destroy the Jewish state in 1967,” says Dexter Van Zile, Fair Witness Executive Committee member. “The continued Israeli presence in the West Bank is the unfortunate result of Yasser Arafat’s refusal to accept the 2000 land for peace offer.”

As Fr. Loughran states, “If Christians are to be peacemakers, we must present the true events, not a version slanted against one party -- in this case, the Jewish state.

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Tuesday, January 23, 2007

 

Meeting the challenge of "small": Denominations join to fund new small-church curriculum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 23, 2007
CONTACT: Mary Schuurmans
(616) 224-5872
Publicity@FaithAliveResources.org

Meeting the challenge of "small"
Denominations join to fund new small-church curriculum

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-In a world of mega-churches, the small church can get lost, especially when it comes to education. Few publishers develop material for Sunday school programs too small to support a traditional curriculum.

Although half of all churches in North America fall into the "small church" category, their Sunday schools struggle to meet the needs of fewer children, a wider range of student levels, and a limited teaching pool.

To meet these challenges, Faith Alive Christian Resources developed Kid Connection, the first North American curriculum in 10 years designed specifically for the small-sized Sunday school.

Kid Connection combines large group meetings with small groups clustered by age and focused on activity-based learning. Kid Connection was designed to minimize materials, keep costs low, simplify lesson-planning to accommodate even inexperienced teachers, and include student helpers. The curriculum also includes tips for one-on-one instruction.

Faith Alive Christian Resources intensively tested Kid Connection in church schools, midweek programs, and outreach ministries across North America.

"We got astonishing feedback," noted Ruth Vander Hart, managing editor at Faith Alive. Typical responses included, "very teacher friendly," "I loved the age-appropriate activities," and "When can I buy it?!"

Kid Connection was developed with the help of grants from the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America. Release date for the curriculum is Fall 2007. More information is available at www.KidConnectionOnline.org.

Faith Alive Christian Resources publishes resources for children's and youth ministries, small groups and Bible studies, church leadership, evangelism, and worship.

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The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.: Series to examine faith, giftedness, disability

News Release

WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2007 - The First Baptist Church of Washington will offer a speaker series, "Faith, Giftedness, and (dis)Ability," at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Jan. 24, Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14 in its sanctuary at 1328 16th St. NW.

Experts, theologians and others will explore the tensions between the goodness of God's creation and the particular hardships of living with disability. They will also discuss the unexpected gifts that may result.

On Jan. 24, the topic is "Physical: Made in the Image of God." Dr. Thomas Graves, president of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, who also has multiple sclerosis, will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Gordon Richmond and Dr. William Schutz, who both have notable careers in government and cerebral palsy; and Frank Hensley, a minister and burn survivor.

On Jan. 31, "Sensory: Seeing with Spiritual Eyes, Hearing with the Spirit," features moderator Dr. Peggy Johnson, pastor of the Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf in Baltimore and Adjunct Professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington. Panelists include Larry Woods, a minister to college students, who has a progressive visual disability, and Zellie Meadows, educator and board member of the National Black Deaf Advocates Inc.

On Feb. 7, two speakers will discuss "Intellectual Challenges: Knowing and Un-Knowing Amidst God's People." Dr. Tim VanDuivendyk, chaplain and system executive for Spiritual Care at Memorial Herman Healthcare System in Houston, will moderate and also share his perspective as the father of Abby VanDuivendyk, a 33-year-old with Down Syndrome. Ginny Thornburgh, director of the Religion and Disability Program at the National Organization on Disability in Washington, will also share her expertise and experiences.

On Feb. 14, Dr. Bruce Birch, Dean and Professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, will lead "Caregiving: In the Arms of Faith." He will be joined by Ollie Cantos, associate director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, who has been blind since birth; Patty Marceron, long-time caregiver; and Steven Tingus, director of the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.

"We hope to explore Christian views about and responses to disabilities and gifts in ourselves and in others," First Baptist Pastor Dr. Jim Somerville said. "We want to offer a valuable forum about an important topic for many people."

The audience may ask questions during each program and meet speakers at receptions following. Anyone interested is invited and encouraged to make reservations by e-mailing fg&d@firstbaptistdc.org or by calling (202) 387-2206 ext. 5.

FBC is located at the corner of 16th and O streets in NW. Free parking is available in the adjacent church lot at 17th and O Streets NW, or in the Colonial Parking Garage, 1616 P Street (tickets validated in the church), between 16th and 17th Streets. For directions and more information, please visit www.firstbaptistdc.org.

Reporters, contact: Dr. Art Sherwood, (713) 824-8151, or Dr. Jim Somerville, (202) 387-2206 x241.

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The Amazing Change, inspired by film Amazing Grace, Stirs Young People to Finish the Work of Abolition

MEDIA ALERT
A MOVIE BECOMES A MOVEMENT

The Amazing Change, inspired by film Amazing Grace, Stirs Young People to Finish the Work of Abolition as Tens of Thousands Plan For Amazing Grace Sunday on February 18


BOSTON, (January 23, 2007)-An estimated 27 million people are living in slavery today. It's hard to imagine, but there are more people living in slavery today than at any other time in history. The irony is that this year marks the 200th Anniversary of the end of the slave trade in the British Empire, an historic event brought about by British politician, William Wilberforce and a group of loyal friends. That group included John Newton, the slave trader turned song writer who penned the popular hymn Amazing Grace. Together they took on the most powerful forces of their day to end the slave trade.

Today, in advance of the release of a film chronicling their heroic actions, another even larger group of abolitionists are once again mounting a campaign to end slavery once and for all. In the process, they're also inspiring people to consider how they can get involved in improving the world in other ways. The campaign will culminate on Sunday, February 18th, when thousands across the globe will celebrate AMAZING GRACE SUNDAY.

THE MOVIE
Amazing Grace, based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, is directed by Michael Apted (The World is Not Enough, Coal Miner's Daughter) from an original screenplay written by Academy Award(r) nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things). Gruffudd plays Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. Albert Finney plays John Newton, a confidante of Wilberforce who inspires him to pursue a life of service to humanity. Benedict Cumberbatch is William Pitt the Younger, England's youngest ever Prime Minister at the age of 24, who encourages his friend Wilberforce to take up the fight to outlaw slavery and supports him in his struggles in Parliament.

Amazing Grace will be released in theatres nationwide by Samuel Goldwyn Films and Roadside Attractions on Friday, February 23rd. For more information about the film and cast and to view the trailer, go to www.AmazingGraceMovie.com

THE MUSIC
On Sunday February 18th, tens of thousands of people around the globe will cross racial and denominational divides to stand united against this ongoing human atrocity by praying for freedom and singing the historic song Amazing Grace. This Sunday will serve as an observance of both the historic battle against slavery and oppression and as a call to action for churches to pursue justice. Churches can register on a special website created for the event, download lyrics, music and bulletin inserts and get more information about the background of the hymn. www.AmazingGraceSunday.com

THE MOVEMENT
The Amazing Change campaign is inspired by the film "Amazing Grace" to continue the unfinished work of William Wilberforce. The campaign is raising awareness and funds to help abolish slavery, gather signatures on a petition to end modern day slavery, and motivate a new generation of activists who give back to the world.

NEWS COVERAGE PLANS FOR THIS HISTORIC WEEKEND
Church leaders in your community are galvanizing around The Amazing Change and Amazing Grace Sunday, adding their voices to thousands of others around the globe calling for an end to slavery. Available story elements include:
* The singing of the historic song Amazing Grace
* A show of international solidarity with the signing of the Petition to End Modern Day Slavery.
* Interviews with local pastors and church leaders taking part in the campaign.
* Interviews and video of 15 year old abolitionist Zach Hunter, spokesperson for The Amazing Change.
* Video from around the world depicting the deplorable conditions of slavery.
* Interviews with The Amazing Change Partners who head up the four abolitionist organizations identified by the campaign.
* Interviews with other experts on historical and modern day slavery and abolition, historians who can comment on the hymn, William Wilberforce and John Newton. Possible interview subjects include:

Amazing Grace Sunday (Sunday, February 18th)
* Eric Metaxas - author of the book Amazing Grace
* Kevin Belmonte - historian on the film Amazing Grace and author
* Chris Tomlin - recording artist who wrote and recorded a new bridge for the hymn Amazing Grace
* Bob Beltz - producer of the film Amazing Grace, expert on history of the hymn and the role in the church

The Amazing Change Campaign
* Zach Hunter -- student spokesperson, 15 year old abolitionist, author of Be the Change
* Leaders from The Amazing Change partners (www.ijm.org, www.childvoiceintl.org, www.freetheslaves.net, www.rugmark.org)
* David Batstone - Author of Not for Sale, entrepreneur and activist
* Penny Hunter, The Amazing Change Campaign Director

For more information or to request an interview, contact: Loretta Cooper at media@TheAmazingChange.com

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Georgetown University Press wins top Religion Prize

WASHINGTON D.C. — The American Society of Church History has awarded the Albert C. Outler Prize to Reverend Canon Dr. John Nurser for his book, For All Peoples and All Nations: The Ecumenical Church and Human Rights (Georgetown University Press, 2005). The award was announced this month at the American Society of Church History Annual Winter Meeting in Atlanta.

“We are extremely pleased that a book on human rights has received such prestigious recognition from the academic religious community,” said Richard Brown, director of Georgetown University Press. "And we are particularly honored to have John Nurser’s name associated with the Georgetown imprint."

The Albert C. Outler Prize is a highly coveted award given to the author of the best book published in the two previous calendar years in ecumenical church history. The research committee of the American Society of Church History evaluated numerous books concerned chiefly with problems of Christian unity and disunity (doctrinal, cultural, and institutional) and with interactions between Christianity and other religious movements before choosing For All Peoples and All Nations for the Outler Award.

For All Peoples and All Nations is part of the Advancing Human Rights book series at Georgetown University Press, and includes a foreword by renowned human rights scholar David Little. The book reveals a remarkable moment in history when heroic religious leaders and NGOs, in the face of cynicism and public ridicule, laid the groundwork for one of the world's most important international documents: the United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today the Universal Declaration remains the touchstone for political legitimacy and the human rights regime.

“This book is indispensable for everyone who is involved in the dramatic and ever growing acceptance of internationally recognized human rights," said Robert F. Drinan, S.J., professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center.

John S. Nurser is a fellow of the Human Rights Center at the University of Essex and Canon Emeritus of Lincoln Cathedral in the Church of England. He was the founding director of the ecumenical group Christianity and the Future of Europe (CAFE).

CONTACT: Kimberly Wilson, Publicist
(202) 687-9298, kaw46@georgetown.edu


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Friday, January 19, 2007

 

Religion Newswriters Launches Online Religion Stylebook

Contact: Debra Mason
RNA Executive Director
614-891-9001, ext. 1
Mason@RNA.org

The Religion Newswriters Association announces the first religion stylebook aimed at the mainstream media. ReligionStylebook.org, a stylebook and glossary created for journalists who write about religion, is free and posted online.

Modeled after the well known Associated Press Stylebook, RNA's stylebook includes definitions, usage guidelines, preferred spellings, religious titles, pronunciation guides, terms for current news stories and other entries the AP stylebook does not cover.

The guide is searchable online in beta form at www.ReligionStylebook.org. To suggest entries, please e-mail comments@ReligionStylebook.org.

A limited number of printed stylebooks will be published next spring.

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Thursday, January 18, 2007

 

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for January 19, 2007

A Production of Thirteen/WNET New York

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


This week's edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, January 19 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Turkey's Early Christian Roots" - Kim Lawton explores Turkey's role in the development of early Christianity.

* Feature: "Mentoring Inmates" - Lucky Severson goes behind the scenes at a maximum security state prison in Florida for a look at how a faith-based program is teaching inmates the skills they need to re-enter society.

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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Calvin College is establishing a new center that will help Christian school administrators better do their jobs

January 18, 2007 == MEDIA ADVISORY

Summary: Calvin College is establishing a new center that will help Christian school administrators better do their jobs. A $2 million gift is funding the center and Dr. Shirley Roels has been named the first director.

Contact Shirley Roels at 616-526-6557
For the full story see http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2006-07/vanlunen-center.htm

An innovative new center at Calvin College will bring fresh resources to beleaguered Christian school administrators.

The VanLunen Center for Executive Management in Christian Schools is being established at Calvin thanks to a $2 million gift to the college from the Richard D. VanLunen Foundation. The Center's purpose will be to provide world-class executive management education for heads of schools based on the historic Christian faith (of which there are some 20,000 across the continent).

The center will serve faith-based schools large and small across the U.S. and Canada. And it will practice a big-tent philosophy, reaching out to schools from a wide range of faith traditions, including Catholic, evangelical Protestant, Episcopal, independent Christian, Lutheran and Reformed Christian day schools.

Gordon VanderBrug, a trusteee with the VanLunen Foundation, says Calvin was a natural choice to host the center.

"We were looking for an institution that had a solid understanding of Christian schools and was excellent in management education," he says, "and we found it in Calvin College."

Dr. Shirley Roels has just been appointed as the first VanLunen Center director and will shift into the role after a 27-year career at Calvin that has seen her serve the college in a variety of ways, including as a professor of business management and the dean of academic administration. She will continue to serve as director of the Lilly Vocation Program.

Roels says now is a critical time for such a center.

She notes that many schools with a clear Christian mission, sound strategy and good planning are growing, but that the role of Christian school heads is changing -- often times in dramatic ways.

Jim Marsh, head of school at Westminster Christian Academy in St. Louis, Missouri, where he has served for two decades, agrees.

He says the role has seen a significant shift from internal to external, requiring skills and capacities far different from those of an educational leader who comes up through the ranks of the schoolhouse.

"School leadership is becoming more complex and challenging," he says. "Boards are looking to the head, the CEO if you will, to set and keep the school’s vision, take significant leadership in fundraising and strategic planning, and recruit and retain the best and brightest faculty and staff."

Echoing those sentiments is Bill Burke, head of school at St Sebastian's, a Catholic school in Needham, Mass.

He says a three-day course he took years ago on developing executive leadership (in which he was the only educator among 40 participants) was one of the most memorable experiences of his career. And he is eager to see the VanLunen Center make such experiences available to educators around the continent.

"The center will fill a huge void," he says. "It is an idea whose time is long overdue. I can't wait to get started."

Roels is eager to tap into that kind of excitement and to connect to educational leaders from a wide range of circles.

"The cultivation of senior leaders from many ethnic groups, both men and women, is important," she says. "God's church includes people from every culture and future Christian schools should mirror such diversity."

Contact Shirley Roels at 616-526-6557
For the full story see http://www.calvin.edu/news/releases/2006-07/vanlunen-center.htm

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Wednesday, January 17, 2007

 

Novel Shows Jesus Embodied and in Love

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BERKELEY, CA -- Jan. 16, 2007 -- A new novel presents an erotically alive Jesus Christ who blends masculinity and femininity as he does humanity and divinity. JESUS IN LOVE by Kittredge Cherry has just been released by AndroGyne Press.

The novel follows standard Christian doctrine while speculating on Christ's erotic, mystical inner life. Christ has today's psychological sophistication and queer sensibilities as he lives out his legendary life in JESUS IN LOVE.

"Christ's story is for everyone," said Kittredge Cherry, author of JESUS IN LOVE. "It's okay to imagine yourself in the story of Jesus. He is ALL of us."

She is not trying to prove that the historical Jesus had a homosexual relationship, although some Bible scholars do say so. JESUS IN LOVE is a work of fiction that aims to inspire as it addresses Christ's sexuality.

The novel is among a growing number of books and art based on the queer Christ. These resources are featured at Cherry's website, JesusInLove.org.

Cherry is a lesbian Christian author whose ministry put her at the forefront of the sexuality debate at the National Council of Churches (USA) and the World Council of Churches. She wrote JESUS IN LOVE after disability forced her into a more contemplative life.

Her previous books include HIDE AND SPEAK and EQUAL RITES. The New York Times Book Review praised her "very graceful, erudite" writing style.

Rev. Mel White, founder of Soulforce, endorses JESUS IN LOVE. "Kitt Cherry has broken through the stained-glass barrier," he said. "This is not a prurient look at the sex life of Jesus, but a classic re-telling of the greatest story ever told."

Theology professor Carter Heyward praises it as "a lovely, gentle, playful book." Toby Johnson, author of Gay Spirituality, calls it "a wonderful, gay-sensitive, and delightfully 'shocking' reassessment of the stories of the old-time religion."

Writing JESUS IN LOVE helped Cherry face her health challenges. "In my prayers, I met a Jesus who is both divine and human, including the full range of sexual orientations and gender identities," she said.

JESUS IN LOVE (ISBN 1-933993-18-9) is published by AndroGyne Press, a new queer studies press in Berkeley, CA. Ingram Book Group distributes it.

For review copies or more info, contact info@JesusInLove.org or publisher@androgynepress.com, or visit: http://jesusinlove.org/newbook.php
or http://www.androgynepress.com
Media contact: Kittredge Cherry, 323-221-2112.

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New Episodes of The Great Physician’s Rx for Health and Wellness Tackle Women’s Health Issues on Trinity Broadcasting Network

For Immediate Release
Contact: Rhonda Price (561) 371-9407 or rprice@gardenoflife.com
or Tamera Herrod (561) 753-2933 or herrodpr@aol.com

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Eight new episodes of Jordan Rubin's television show, "The Great Physician's Rx for Health and Wellness," have been picked up by Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) this year and will address women’s health issues. The groundbreaking health program debuted last year and covered such topics as cancer, diabetes, colds and flu and irritable bowel syndrome. TBN announced the popular program has been so well-received that episodes will air twice weekly this season on Mondays at 8:30 a.m. PT/11:30 ET and Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. PT/ 7:30 p.m. ET.

The eight new episodes are inspired by Jordan Rubin's latest book, "The Great Physician's Rx for Women's Health,” (Thomas Nelson) which is co-authored by his wife, Nicki Rubin. The show will focus on women’s top health concerns such as weight loss, detox and cleansing, hormones, PMS, menopause, digestive disorders, bone health and cancer.

Hosted by Jordan and Nicki Rubin, the program reaches approximately 30 million people in 15 countries. Guests on the show include top physicians such as Pancheta Wilson, M.D., co-author of "The Great Physician's Rx for Women's Health" and Joseph Brasco, M.D., co-author of "The Great Physician's Rx for Health and Wellness" book series and "Restoring Your Digestive Health."

Considered a revolutionary program in the Christian programming genre, the show features Rubin's biblical health plan, inspiring testimonies from people who have experienced dramatic health transformations, and physicians and health experts who share their expertise on abundant health for the body, soul and spirit.

"I'm excited because this show is going to offer some eye-opening health information for women and those they love," said Rubin, whose dramatic experience of recovering from a life-threatening disease has inspired millions and led to his mission to share God's plan for health and wellness with people throughout the world.

Rubin's "7 Keys to Unlock Your Health Potential" and Seven Weeks of Wellness Plan outlined in "The Great Physician's Rx for Women's Health" include: Eat to Live, Avoid Deadly Emotions, Reduce Toxins in Your Environment and Live a Life of Prayer and Purpose.

"These keys are not just for anyone who is sick or suffering from a disease, but for anyone desiring to live an abundant life of health and wellness. We're going to show women how they can dramatically improve their health and change their lives forever in just seven weeks," said Rubin.

For show dates and local listings, visit www.JordanRubin.tv or www.tbn.org.

Jordan Rubin is the author of the New York Times best seller "The Maker's Diet" and founder of The Biblical Health Institute (www.BiblicalHealthInstitute.com).

Known as "The Health Evangelist," Jordan Rubin has appeared on such national television shows as "Life Today" with James Robison, "This is Your Day" with Benny Hinn, "Good Morning America," and "Paula White Today." He has ministered in churches worldwide, including First Baptist Church of Atlanta pastored by Dr. Charles Stanley and Hillsong Church in Australia. He is also a regular guest columnist for "The Church Report" magazine.

For more information on biblical health and wellness or to receive a free daily e-newsletter, visit www.BiblicalHealthInstitute.com To schedule an interview with Jordan Rubin, call Rhonda Price at 561-371-9407 or Tamera Herrod at 561-753-2933.

*****
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PBS’s American Experience Presents thorough examination of Jim Jones and his followers

Jonestown to be presented at TCA Press Tour

January 12, 2007

Contact:
Lauren Prestileo
National Publicist
American Experience
617.300.5329
lauren_prestileo@wgbh.org

Boston-- In Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple, award-winning filmmakers Stanley Nelson, Marcia Smith, and Noland Walker reveal the true, tragic story behind enigmatic preacher Jim Jones and his promise of a world of economic and racial equality that ultimately led to the largest mass murder suicide in history. This new documentary tells the story of the people who joined Peoples Temple, following Jones from Indiana to California and ultimately to their deaths in Guyana in November 1978. Airing on PBS’s American Experience on April 9, 2007, Jonestown was an official selection of numerous 2006 film festivals, including Tribeca, Silverdocs, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and is on the short list for an Oscar nomination.

On Saturday, January 13, American Experience will present Jonestown at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, California. On hand at the session will be American Experience executive producer Mark Samels; filmmaker Stanley Nelson; Jim Jones, Jr., son of the cult leader; Claire Janaro, who lost two children in the tragedy; and Steve Sung, who was at Jonestown as part of a news crew and was wounded during the incident.

Hailed as “surreal and heartbreaking” (The Village Voice) and “chilling” (San Francisco Chronicle), the 90-minute film features first-hand recollections of former Peoples Temple members, including some who narrowly escaped death in those frantic, final days in the South American jungle; relatives of those who died; and candid interviews with Jim Jones, Jr. “We wanted the story to be told in the voices of the people who lived through it,” explains Nelson. “Of the five people who survived, there are – to my knowledge – three left alive. Two of them are in the film.”

Television’s most-watched history series, American Experience has been hailed as “peerless” (Wall Street Journal), “the most consistently enriching program on television” (Chicago Tribune), and “a beacon of intelligence and purpose” (Houston Chronicle). On air and online, the series brings to life the incredible characters and epic stories that have shaped America’s past and present. Acclaimed by viewers and critics alike, American Experience documentaries have been honored with every major broadcast award, including twenty-four Emmy Awards, four duPont-Columbia Awards, and fourteen George Foster Peabody Awards, one most recently for Two Days in October.

*****
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Quaker Organizations Oppose Plans for Troop Escalation in Iraq

AFSC, FCNL call on President to De-escalate, Negotiate, Withdraw

For more information, contact: Janis D. Shields, Director Media and Public Relations, (215) 241-7060; AFTER HOURS 302-545-6596

Philadelphia [January 11] - As Quaker organizations, the American Friends Service Committee and the Friends Committee on National Legislation oppose the violence and brutality of any war. We have long ministered to the victims and survivors of war, and we know the face of human suffering, despair, and fear that wars generate. War is not the answer. Peace and security in Iraq will not come from increased levels of U.S. troops and more warring. It will be achieved only by diplomacy, political processes, reconciliation, and reconstruction.

Last night, President Bush revealed his Iraq plan in a television address. He announced an escalation of 20,000 more U.S. troops in Iraq. Sending half a million troops for five, ten, or twenty years might, arguably, pacify the country, according to military experts, but sending these troops to Iraq did not work last summer and there is no reason to believe it will work today. The presence of U.S. military forces in Iraq feeds the violent insurgency, rather than dampens it. The United States should accept now that it has a responsibility to withdraw and to adopt a policy to responsibly withdraw troops from Iraq, not increase their number.

"We believe the U.S. should de-escalate, negotiate, and withdraw from Iraq," said Joe Volk, executive secretary of the Friends Committee on National Legislation in responding to the President's new proposal. "Sending more troops will not bring safety and security to the people of Iraq, but ending the U.S. war in Iraq would take a step in that direction."

From decades of humanitarian work in conflict zones, Quakers know the devastation that war brings and the long commitment needed for healing and repair. For lost lives there is no repair.

For the visible and less visible wounds of war, healing is long and hard. The President, who started the Iraq war based on faulty premises, now proposes to deepen U.S. involvement in the faulty belief that more violence will bring peace. He has rejected the substance of the Baker-Hamilton Iraq Study Group that was mandated by Congress. His decision reflects an arrogance of power that exceeds that of the Vietnam era presidents.

A policy that increases troop levels in Iraq is opposed not only by Quakers but also by current and former military leaders, including two of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Colin Powell, the former Secretary of State and chairman of the Joint Chiefs; and General John Abizaid, commander of the U.S. Central Command.

In November, Abizaid testified to the U.S. Senate Armed Forces Committee, "I do not believe that more American troops right now is the solution to the problem."
We agree with the general. There is no military solution to end the violence in Iraq.

Congress should compel President Bush to accept the Baker-Hamilton program of action and acknowledge that only a political solution offers Iraqis an opportunity to create a stable and sovereign nation. Only a U.S. commitment to withdraw its military forces from Iraq by a date certain will open the door to a political solution, and only a political solution will enable the U.S. to withdraw responsibly.

The United States government should reinvigorate its neglected diplomatic efforts within Iraq and with Iraq's neighbors - including Iran and Syria. President Bush's decision to continue the same old course will eventually result in a disorderly, irresponsible withdrawal such as we saw in Vietnam, after other obstinate presidents refused to change course.

An Iraqi-led reconstruction is an essential ingredient for security in Iraq and in the region. The United States has a moral obligation to fund Iraq's rebuilding, and to ensure that funds allocated are spent responsibly.

"We are encouraged that President Bush's plan calls for $1 billion in reconstruction projects over the next year in Iraq. Sadly this does not compare to the $2 billion that the U.S. spends each week on the occupation or the billions that were squandered on projects in the first two years after the invasion," said Mary Ellen McNish, general secretary of the American Friends Service Committee, an international peace and social justice organization.

The U.S. should disengage its troops from Iraq, pursue a diplomatic plan to quell the internal violence, and assist the Iraqi people with reconciliation and reconstruction. We commit ourselves to continue to work for an end to this war, as the American and Iraqi people both want. We look forward to the time when Iraqis can live in peace and security, able to build a vibrant society for themselves and their children.

Backed by an 89-year history working for peace and reconciliation in an atmosphere of war, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Best known for launching massive food programs that fed millions of children in post-war Germany, AFSC has provided crucial, life-saving assistance to people struggling for survival whether caught in the crossfire of war or suffering the horrors of earthquake or famine.

The Service Committee, along with its European counterpart, the British Friends Service Council, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize for humanitarian service on behalf of Quakers worldwide.

# # #

The American Friends Service Committee is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the belief in the worth of every person and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.

*****
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Thursday, January 11, 2007

 

Congressman Dennis Kucinich to keynote Cleveland Sabeel Conference on Middle East Peace

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 11, 2006

Contacts: Jeff Abood (330) 612-7968 or Brian Fry (216) 252-0440
Cleveland, Ohio
Email: ifc@neo.rr.com
Web: www.middleeastinterfaith.org

Expected to be one of Ohio's largest public gatherings on the issue of peace in Palestine/Israel, the 2007 Sabeel Middle East Peace Conference on Friday and Saturday, February 16th and 17th, 2007, at the St. Joseph Center in Cleveland, will be hosted by the Interfaith Council for Peace in the Middle East and Sabeel International and co-sponsored by over 25 other organizations. Congressman Dennis Kucinich, former mayor of Cleveland, will be the keynote speaker.

Sabeel International is an ecumenical liberation theology movement among Palestinian Christians and based in Jerusalem, which promotes a peaceful resolution with theological, moral, and legal bases and nonviolent means for ending the conflict. It is a rarely heard perspective in the Holy Land.

Interfaith Council Board member Jeff Abood says the conference is an unparalleled opportunity to learn first-hand from international experts and activists "on the ground" about the situation, how it affects us, and how we can help bring peace to the Middle East. "Sometimes as we watch or read the news about the Middle East we come to think of the conflict in the Holy Land being a religious one, rather than the political one that it is. We think that healthy dialogue among all religions and people is necessary to find peaceful solutions."

Brian Fry, Justice Coordinator for the Congregation of St. Joseph, says that the purpose of this two-day conference is educational, and open to people who are interested in ways American citizens can make a positive impact to help stave the conflict in Palestine-Israel. "This conference will provide workshops for those who want basic history and information, as well as for long term advocates who want to learn ways to work towards a just peace. It is a fabulous opportunity for the Northeast Ohio community."

Joining Congressman Kucinich, the other conference presenters include esteemed leaders, outreach workers and scholars from the Middle East and United States: The Reverend Naim Ateek, Director of Sabeel International in Jerusalem; Dr. A. Rashied Omar, Scholar of Islamic Studies, University of Notre Dame; Dr. Jeff Halper, retired professor at Ben Gurion University in Israel, director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions and a 2006 Nobel Peace Prize nominee; H.E. Afif Safieh, Palestinian Representative to the U.S. and former Ambassador to the Vatican and the UK; Corinne Whitlatch, Executive Director, Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP); Mitchell Plitnick, Director of Jewish Voice for Peace; Dave Robinson, Director, Pax Christi USA; and Brother David Carroll, Under-Secretary General of the Pope's Relief Agency in the Holy Land, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, who is thanked by President Jimmy Carter in his new book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid for "formulating reasonable peace proposals and encouraging democracy."

There will be a dinner following the Friday keynote address and light breakfast and lunch provided on Saturday.

Registration, program and workshop information is available at the conference website, www.middleeastinterfaith.org
or by calling (330) 612-7968 or (216) 252-0440.

*****
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U.S. Catholic Bishops' Liturgy Chair Raises Concerns Over New Worship Texts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Catholic Academy of Liturgy met on January 4, 2007 in Toronto, Canada, prior to the annual meeting of the North American Academy of Liturgy. The keynote speaker was Bishop Donald Trautman of Erie, Pennsylvania and chair of the Bishops’ Committee on the Liturgy of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In his address entitled “When Should Liturgists Be Prophetic?” Trautman raised concerns about current directions in the revision now underway of the English edition of the Roman Missal being prepared by the International Commission on English in the Liturgy (ICEL). The first edition in English of the Roman Missal was issued in 1973. Drawing on biblical scholarship, historical theology, and his many years of pastoral experience as a bishop, he contended that the new translations do not adequately meet the liturgical needs of the average Catholic and expressed fears that the significant changes in the texts no longer reflect understandable English usage. Trautman argued that the proposed changes of the people’s parts during the Mass will confuse the faithful and predicted that the new texts will contribute to a greater number of departures from the Catholic Church.

The Bishop cited various problematic texts, criticizing their awkward structure and arcane vocabulary that would be very difficult for the priest to pray aloud and for the people to follow. Just as problematic for Trautman was the recent decision to change the words of consecration that refer to Christ’s blood being shed “for all” to “for many.” That change could be easily misinterpreted as denying the faith of the Roman Catholic Church that Christ died for all people.

Bishop Trautman challenged Catholic liturgical scholars of North America to assist the bishops in promoting a liturgy that is accessible and pastorally aware. He urged them, in a spirit of respect and love for the Church, to be courageous in questioning those developments that would render the liturgy incomprehensible and betray the intention of the Second Vatican Council (1962-65).

The Catholic Academy of Liturgy’s Executive Committee is composed of three members. Rev. John F. Baldovin, S.J. of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, Cambridge, Mass., finished his three-year term and the Rev. Keith F. Pecklers, S.J. of the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, was elected to succeed him. The other two members are Sr. Kathleen Harmon, S.N.D. de N. of the Institute for Liturgical Ministry, Dayton, Ohio, and Sr. Mary Alice Piil, C.S.J., Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Rockville Center, New York and the Committee’s lead convener. The Catholic Academy of Liturgy will hold its next meeting in January, 2008 in Savannah, Georgia.


Contact: Rev. Keith F. Pecklers, S.J.

Email: kfpecklers@cs.com
tel. (617) 552-3572

*****
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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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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.

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