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Thursday, March 27, 2008

 

Trafford Publishing Launches Thought-Provoking New Book: Would Jesus Discriminate? The 21st Century Question

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Rev. Dr. Cindi Love
Tel. 972-358-5907

Trafford Publishing Launches Thought-Provoking New Book:
Would Jesus Discriminate? The 21st Century Question


(Abilene, TX) -- Trafford Publishing has released a thought-provoking new book by Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, former Inc 500 entrepreneur and Fortune 500 executive. Titled "Would Jesus Discriminate? The 21st Century Question," the book combines the transformational community engagement work of Jesus Christ with modern day consumer market adoption theory developed by Dr. Frank Bass. Dr. Love tackles one of the biggest challenges facing the modern Christian church -- including, rather than excluding, people.

Dr. Love, chief executive of the denomination Metropolitan Community Churches (www.jesus.com), recounts her own story as a capitalist-turned-minister, as well as the story of a campaign that began in a handful of churches and has now touched the lives of millions.

Dr. Love says, "The Would Jesus Discriminate? campaign that MCC churches have facilitated in Indianapolis, Minneapolis and 30 more cities in the U.S., Australia, and the United Kingdom is an important exercise for Christians and non-Christians. Religious-based bigotry is the leading cause of endemic discrimination and the inevitable outcome thereof, violence. This is not the legacy we want for our grandchildren."

Dr. Love suggests that Jesus is the central figure and example for Christians to follow, and the rhetoric of the radical right fundamentalists who suggest otherwise is just that: rhetoric, rather than truth. "The church changed its course and repented of the ideas of slavery and the disenfranchisement of women. The church can repent again," she writes.

Harry Knox, Director of Faith & Religion at the Human Rights Campaign in Washington, D.C. says, "Dr. Love’s pastoral nature and keen sense of what moves people…have already made her a powerful spokesperson. Through her eyes, you will see a Jesus who does not exclude and a hope for Christian community worldwide."

If you want to know more about the woman called one of the "100 women we love" by Go New York City Magazine, catch her in action as she confronts protesters of gay families on the HBO Documentary All Aboard by Rosie O'Donnell, or visit the church’s anti-discrimination web site at www.wouldjesusdiscriminate.com.

Dr. Love’s book is now for sale at a list price of $17 (USA) online at www.trafford.com/07-2967; telephone orders can be placed at 1-888-232-4444. The book’s ISBN is 1-4251-6439-0. Orders can also be placed directly at 806-577-4747.

Dr. Love is available for telephone interviews, video conferences and in-studio interviews. Journalists are encouraged to call to schedule interviews or request a review copy of the book. You can reach her at RevCindiLove@MCCchurch.net or 972-358-5907.

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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

 

Hofstra's Dr. Phyllis Zagano Wins Fulbright Fellowship to Teach in Ireland

Media Contact:
Ginny Greenberg
University Relations
202 Hofstra Hall
Phone: (516) 463-6819
Fax: (516) 463-5146
Send an E-mail
University Relations


Date: March 27, 2008

Hofstra's Dr. Phyllis Zagano Wins Fulbright Fellowship to Teach in Ireland
Will Lecture on History Catholic Women, Conduct Research on Ordination Liturgies


Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – Hofstra Senior Research Associate-in-Residence and Religion News Service columnist Phyllis Zagano, Ph.D., has been awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to teach a course at an Irish university on the history of women in ministry in the Catholic Church.

In addition to teaching at Mary Immaculate College of the University of Limerick for the Spring 2009 semester, Dr. Zagano will continue her research into the validity and legality of ordaining Catholic women as deacons, focusing on similarities among early ordination liturgies used for men and for women.

"I am grateful to the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, Mary Immaculate College, and the U.S. Board of Foreign Scholarships, for allowing me this extraordinary opportunity to conduct research and lecture on the history of Catholic women in ministry,” Dr. Zagano said. “I look forward to teaching in Ireland, which has such a unique and interesting religious history."

Dr. Zagano’s fellowship is jointly sponsored by the Irish Fulbright Commission and Mary Immaculate College. The Fulbright Program provides grants for international educational exchange for scholars, educators, graduate students and professionals. Founded by United States Senator J. William Fulbright, it is considered one of the most prestigious award programs and operates in 144 countries. The Fulbright Program has 37 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni, more than any other program.

Mary Immaculate College, founded in 1898, is a 2,500-student College of Education and Liberal Arts founded in 1898. It became part of the University of Limerick in 1991.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution where students can choose from about 145 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law.

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

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

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

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

 

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings For March 28, 2008

Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings For March 28, 2008
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, March 28 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Lethal Injection — Tim O’Brien reports on a pending U.S. Supreme Court case examining the constitutionality of lethal injection executions.

* Continuing King’s Legacy — Kim Lawton looks at the vastly different ways in which African-American ministers are carrying out Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of faith-based social activism.

SPECIAL NOTE: This week on the show’s “One Nation: Religion & Politics 2008 Blog” available at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/blog.html, Kim Lawton provides more in-depth coverage on the intersection of faith and politics in the 2008 presidential campaign.

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 segment will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

 

New Episodes of Jordan Rubin's Perfect Weight America Tour Airing on Trinity Broadcasting Network

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rhonda Price 561-371-9407
rprice@gardenoflife.com
or Susan Fonger 561-386-2801
sfonger@gardenoflife.com

NEW EPISODES OF JORDAN RUBIN'S PERFECT WEIGHT AMERICA TOUR AIRING ON TRINITY BROADCASTING NETWORK

WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Extraordinary Health with Jordan Rubin, the popular Christian health and wellness show, will begin airing new episodes on Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) on Monday, March 31. Hosted by America's Biblical Health Coach Jordan Rubin, the series will focus on his successful weight-management program Perfect Weight America as well as highlights of his bus tour to more than 200 cities.

Extraordinary Health with Jordan Rubin airs on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. EST and Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. EST. TBN is the world's largest religious network and America's most watched faith channel with more than 30 million viewers.

"I am concerned about the millions of people who genuinely want to lose weight, but are discouraged from failing on so many diets," said Rubin. "With this program, I am showing how anyone can achieve a "perfect weight" or realistic weight loss so they can look and feel their best."

Traveling in a 45 foot red, white, and blue Perfect Weight America bus, Rubin is recognizable to many fans. They greet him at bookstores, health food stores, organic farms, hotels, churches, businesses, and town halls to hear about how "globesity" will lead to chronic diseases and 75 percent of adults being classified as overweight by 2015. Since starting the tour on January 2, Rubin has traveled approximately 16,000 miles, spoken to more than 7,000 people and has signed an estimated 5,000 copies of his book.

Extraordinary Health with Jordan Rubin features interviews with guests who have succeeded with Rubin's Perfect Weight America weight-management program. Guests share tips about how they overcame common weight control dilemmas and learned how to eat more organic, living foods to nourish their bodies. The book's sub title, "Change Your Diet, Change Your Life, Change Your World" has been an inspiration to many readers, including Melissa Gertz of Findlay, Ohio. Once tipping the scales at 225, Gertz dropped 65 pounds and was motivated to organize a Perfect Weight America group with more than 300 members in her town.

In addition to Gertz and special guests, the show will also feature local families in various cities as part of Rubin's "Adopt a Family" program. Lucky families chosen for an extreme health makeover will get assistance from Rubin and his team in how to shop for healthy foods that will help them trim pounds. Families will also learn how to exercise, remove toxins from the household, and make "greener" choices to benefit the environment.

Jordan Rubin is the author of the New York Times best-seller The Maker's Diet and 18 other health related titles. His newest book, Perfect Weight America (Siloam), was released nationwide January 1, 2008.

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

For more information, visit http://www.JordanRubin.com or http://www.perfectweightamerica.com For interviews, contact Rhonda Price at 561-371-9407 or Susan Fonger at 561-386-2801.

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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

 

Catholic bishops from Nigeria, Burundi, Uganda, Colombia and the Philippines to join other peacebuilders at Notre Dame in April

Media contact:
Joan Fallon
574-631-8819
jfallon2@nd.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Catholic bishops from Nigeria, Burundi, Uganda, Colombia and the Philippines to join other peacebuilders at Notre Dame in April
Speakers will address the Church’s role in international affairs

NOTRE DAME, In. -- Catholic bishops from war-torn regions around the world who are deeply involved in peacebuilding will meet at the University of Notre Dame in April. A number of them have been directly involved as mediators between warring parties, including governments and rebel groups.

On April 15 (Tuesday), Archbishop John Onaiyekan of Abuja (Nigeria); Bishop Joachim Ntahondereye of Muyinga (Burundi); and Msgr. Matthew Odong of the Gulu Archdiocese (Uganda) will address “Catholic Peacebuilding in Africa” at 7:45 p.m. EDT in the Hesburgh Center for International Studies auditorium. Streaming video will be available at http://kroc.nd.edu/events.

On April 16 (Wednesday), Archbishop Luis Augusto Castro Quiroga of Tunja will speak on “Colombia: The Church as Peacebuilder” at noon EDT in the Hesburgh Center auditorium. Castro is one of the leading mediators between the Colombian government and the FARC, Colombia’s oldest and largest guerilla group. He played a key role in the release of soldiers kidnapped in 1996. Streaming video will be available at http://kroc.nd.edu/events.

The bishops will be on campus with hundreds of other peacebuilders -- clergy and laity, scholars and peacebuilding practitioners from 30 countries -- for the Conference on the Future of Catholic Peacebuilding. The conference is sponsored by the Catholic Peacebuilding Network and 17 other organizations. A full list of speakers is available at http://cpn.nd.edu.

On April 13 (Sunday), the conference’s opening plenary, “Peace as the Church’s Vocation: The Role of Bishops,” will include the bishops listed above as well as Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, S.J., of Cagayan de Oro on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines and Bishop Evariste Ngoyagoye, president of the Burundi Episcopal Conference. The plenary, moderated by Bishop John Ricard of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, will begin at 7:30 p.m. EDT in McKenna Hall. Streaming video of this and other plenary sessions will be available at mms://streaming.nd.edu/cpn.

Official conference registration is closed. These presentations, as well as conference plenary sessions and panels, are open to the public. Some bishops and other speakers are available for interviews before, during and after the conference. For more information, visit http://cpn.nd.edu.


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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, March 24, 2008

 

Allied Vaughn's Faith Media Services Group Presents Survey Findings at NRB

Allied Vaughn's Faith Media Services Group Presents Survey Findings at NRB

Leading distributor of physical and digital content makes research available on the impact of New Communication Technologies in Faith Organizations

Minneapolis, MN (March, 2008) - Allied Vaughn's Faith Media Services Group made available, in its booth at NRB, the results of an online survey it conducted to gain insight regarding trends in the use of new communications technologies by faith-based organizations. Important members of the faith-based community were contacted for their opinions on communications technology and how it had changed the way faith-based messages were delivered now and in the future. Copies of the research are available at Allied Vaughn's website, www.AlliedVaughn.com/faith-based-organizations.htm.

The research successfully addressed the broad initiatives of the survey, which were to:

* Determine the type of content generated, used and distributed by faith organizations, and who the audiences for the content are

* Understand the most used delivery formats for the content

* Identify the most commonly used distribution channels for delivering communications

* Determine the biggest opportunities and challenges offered to faith organizations by new communications technologies

"The research shows demand for print and optical media for faith based content continues to grow, but the option of web based delivery of their messages is a reality," observed Richard Skillman, Vice President of Sales and Director the Faith Media Services Group. "Significant interest is being generated in exploring the alternatives of online video and audio delivery, e-commerce order centers and the emergence of new methods for secure delivery of video via the web. We were especially struck by the interest in adopting digital asset management solutions for libraries. The survey validates Allied Vaughn's ability to use all of these tools and channels to provide direct and intimate connections between faith organizations and their audiences.

About Allied Vaughn
Clients rely on Allied Vaughn (www.alliedvaughn.com) for a variety of physical and electronic content and delivery options, including DVD/CD copies and fulfillment, streaming, and downloading. Allied Vaughn also offers its proprietary Media-On-Demand online solution, and Fortune 500 clients are using its Digital Asset Management Services to manage their rich media libraries. Allied Vaughn is also partnering with some of the leading technology companies in the U.S., uncovering the additional potential of proprietary Burn-On-Demand and Download-To-Burn product offerings. Richard Skillman may be reached at (407) 264-5479 or by email at richard.skillman@alliedvaughn.com.


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

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

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

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

Friday, March 21, 2008

 

LUIS PALAU BRINGS HISTORIC EVENT “HOME” TO ARGENTINA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2008

CONTACT Craig Chastain craig.chastain@palau.org
503-614-1554

LUIS PALAU BRINGS HISTORIC EVENT “HOME” TO ARGENTINA

(Buenos Aires, Argentina) Hundreds of miles and decades removed from the world’s broadest street, Buenos Aires’ famed Ave. 9 de Julio, a young Matilde Palau prayed daily that her son Luis would someday impact the world for Christ. This past week, global evangelist Luis Palau’s Si A La Vida festival brought an historic response to a mother’s prayer as the Argentine capital saw over 800,000 fill the avenue over two days for one of the largest faith celebrations ever seen in South America.

In an unprecedented cooperative effort among government officials, the media, and thousands of churches, the Palau team coordinated a week of activities that included meetings with Argentine president Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner; the nation’s vice president, national deputies and senators; and hundreds of civic and church leaders. Palau spoke at gatherings for women and for business and union leaders representing hundreds of thousands of Argentine workers. A conference for pastors focused on training clergy to lead a growing number of congregations across the country.

The media coverage surpassed any experienced by the Palau ministry in over four decades of outreach. By the time the Salem Baptist Church Choir of Chicago took the stage on Friday night, most of the nation’s print and broadcast outlets had covered the preparations extensively. A press conference featuring Palau and several festival entertainers drew representatives from both national and local media. Television stations broadcast live from the site with many repeating their stories again and again. The massive crowds – an estimated 300,000 on Friday and 500,000 on Saturday – were captured on the front pages of the nation’s major newspapers and magazines.

In the tradition of the Luis Palau festivals seen in over 70 countries, the program was diverse in content and focused on a straightforward Gospel message from Palau and his son Andrew. Musical genres ranged from the tango to hip-hop, rock to gospel, all presented on a massive stage constructed at the foot of Argentina’s legendary Obelisk. Online viewers around the world joined in to watch a live “streaming” while hundreds of thousands more watched images captured by news helicopters hovering over the site.

More than 23,000 trained “Friends of the Festival” provided personal counseling to the thousands who responded to Palau’s invitation to follow a life of faith in Christ. More than 16,000 “decision cards” were collected at preliminary events and on the weekend, with officials anticipating thousands more as festival follow-up continues.

As the Palau ministry celebrates the historic events in Buenos Aires they continue planning for upcoming festivals in Jamaica, Mexico and Palau’s home base in Portland, Oregon. Luis Palau’s latest book, co-authored with Chinese leader Zhao Qixheng titled “A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian” (Zondervan) was recently released in English and Spanish. www.palau.org


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

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

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

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

 

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR MARCH 21, 2008

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR MARCH 21, 2008
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, March 21 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* After Obama's Speech - Bob Abernethy is joined by Reverend Richard Cizik with the National Association of Evangelicals and Dr. Robert Franklin, president of Morehouse College, for a studio discussion focusing on the prophetic preaching tradition within the Black church and what role religion can play in racial reconciliation.

* Easter Music - Kim Lawton looks at the many ways that music helps convey the mood and message of the Easter season.


SPECIAL NOTE: This week on the show's "One Nation: Religion & Politics 2008 Blog" available at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/blog.html, hear sound bites from Senator Barack Obama' speech about America's racial divisions and the controversy surrounding his former pastor Jeremiah Wright, and listen to what prominent African-American religious leaders are saying about race and religion in this campaign.

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 segment will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.

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


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

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

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

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

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

 

Padre Pio has never been a stranger to controversy —even 40 years after his death

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Karen Minster
Tel: (508) 255-4685, ext. 355
karenm@paracletepress.com

Padre Pio has never been a stranger to controversy
—even 40 years after his death


The word from the Vatican is that the exhumed body of Padre Pio will be on display for at least a few months starting on April 24, 2008, to honor the 40th anniversary of the saint’s death. The Italian press focused on the objections of Padre Pio’s family to the exhumation itself, which happened in early March, and the suggestion that the exhumation was being done for the purpose of examining Padre Pio’s stigmata wounds, yet again.

Controversy is nothing new for Padre Pio, and the publication of his letters may add to the fray. Mother Teresa of Calcutta was ridiculed by many last fall because of revelations that she went through dark periods in her life in which she did not feel that God existed. Popular atheists pointed to Mother Teresa’s self-revealing comments as evidence that her life was somehow wasted, or even worse, a fraud.

We now know that Padre Pio went through similar dark times in his spiritual life, made evident in Words of Light: Inspiration from the Letters of Padre Pio (Paraclete Press / March 2008 / Hardcover / 206 pages / $23.95) compiled with an introduction by Father Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household.

“What would be the aim of making available [these letters] that until now have only been diffused locally? I believe that this anthology fills a serious gap. Those who suspect the existence of a Padre Pio different to the one officially ‘divulged’ are ever more numerous, and they wish to know this Padre Pio…. [In these letters] I quickly discovered the same states of soul that were described by the great mystics. Padre Pio’s own ‘dark night’ was in no way inferior to that described by John of the Cross; and equally the ‘living flame’ of his love for God dazzles the reader and allows them to catch a glimpse of another world.” —Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, from the Introduction

Padre Pio (1887-1968) was born Francesco Forgione, lived most of his life as a Franciscan Capuchin friar in Italy, and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002. He became famous for his piety, counsel to pilgrims, and for the stigmata visible in his hands. He is widely recognized as the most venerated Catholic saint of the last century.

Father Raniero Cantalamessa is a Franciscan Capuchin priest and a retired Professor of the History of Ancient Christianity at the Catholic University of Milan. Pope John Paul II appointed him Preacher to the Papal Household, a position that he still holds.

# # #

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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

 

Kairos Prison Ministry History

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: John A. Thompson, Jr., Kairos Prison Ministry International, Inc.
(407) 629-4948

Kairos Prison Ministry History

ORLANDO, Fla. – When Tom Johnson, an attorney and Catholic Cursillista from Miami, FL, decided to attend an ecumenical Cursillo gathering in Atlanta, GA in 1975, he had no idea how much that weekend would change his life or the profound impact that event would eventually have on thousands of people.

The Atlanta Cursillo (a Spanish word for “little course”) brought together delegates from many denominations. It was there that Johnson learned through his friend, Pastor Gene Hermeier, that some of his fellow delegates were planning a prison weekend in Iowa. Johnson, who was intrigued by the possibilities of a Cursillo program in prison, attended that Iowa weekend and was excited about the experience. He returned to Miami and set to work planning a prison Cursillo experience in his home state.

In the fall of 1976 at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, FL, Johnson’s hard work became reality when he and fellow Cursillista presented a three-day spiritual renewal retreat for inmates. From there, the program grew and within the next two years ministry volunteers led by Johnson were conducting Cursillo short courses in prisons in more than a half dozen states. By 1979, after realizing the need for more structure and organization to continue growth, the Kairos name was adopted and the ministry became an independent, non-profit, ecumenical, Christian organization.

In April of 1990, the ministry expanded to serve wives and loved ones of the incarcerated. The first Kairos Outside Ministry was held in Northern California and today the Kairos Outside program serves twenty-six states, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, South Africa and the United Kingdom. The Kairos Outside program of weekend retreats is designed to support those loved ones who “do time” along with their spouses or family members.

The third Kairos ministry to be added was the Torch program for juvenile offenders. The Torch program begins with a weekend retreat inside the prison and continues with a mentoring process for six months. Currently, the Kairos Torch program serves in 13 states as well as Australia and South Africa.

Kairos Prison Ministry is active in 31 states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. Kairos is also active outside the U.S. in Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

A full-time staff of ten operates from the Kairos International Office in Winter Park, FL, led by Executive Director John A. Thompson, Jr. For more information, please call (407) 629-4948 or visit the Kairos website at http://www.kairosprisonministry.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, March 18, 2008

 

38th Annual Good Friday Event Helps Many Through Prayer

For Immediate Release

Contact: John Baroody (212) 370-9700x118
DJG/PR for Guideposts


38th Annual Good Friday Event Helps Many Through Prayer

OurPrayer Ministry Responds To A Growing Need for Prayer

Pawling, New York, March 2008 … OurPrayer, coordinating a year-round volunteer outreach service, is preparing for a flood of activity again at this year’s Annual Good Friday Day of Prayer on March 21st at the Peale Center in Pawling, NY. Peola Hicks, Prayer Department Manager, acknowledges that uncertainty in peoples lives and problems in the world may result in record numbers of prayer requests in 2008.

OurPrayer accepts requests nationally and internationally - pledging to pray, individually, by name and by need for anyone who writes, calls, or visits the www.ourprayer.org website requesting prayer. Thousands of prayer requests have been received already leading up to Good Friday. According to Reverend Dr. Hicks, “The prayers people are asking for most this year fall into four top categories: 1) health or healing; 2) stress in one’s marriage and broken relationships within the family; 3) job or employment concerns and financial difficulty; 4) recovery from substance abuse by a family member.”

“Prayer is a strong and meaningful exercise of love, faith and hope. We welcome all to join us as OurPrayer reaches out to inspire, unite and help people worldwide through prayer on Good Friday,” added Dr. Hicks.

People from the New York area are encouraged to come by on Good Friday, March 21st, anytime between 6:00 am – 6:00 pm, to personally spend time praying for the requests of those in need. People from elsewhere around the country, who may not be able to attend, may instead pray from home by viewing prayer requests received for Good Friday Day of Prayer on our website at www.ourprayer.org/goodfriday

OurPrayer, part of the Outreach Division of Guideposts, is a central part of the non-denominational organization created by the husband and wife team of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and Ruth Stafford Peale. As a way to reach out and serve people in need, a live, toll-free, Prayer Line was set up – and benefiting from modern technology, this ministry has expanded to the Web. Whether they operate via telephone lines or their personal computer, dedicated people volunteer their time to listen to and support those in need--offering spoken and silent prayers of hope in response to their requests.

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The Good Book Goes Digital on Sony’s Reader Digital Book

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

Contact:

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

Joel Mazmanian
RLM Public Relations
(212) 741-5106, ext 228
abs@RLMpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Good Book Goes Digital on Sony’s Reader Digital Book
The Contemporary English Version of the Bible from American Bible Society
Available as an eBook Download on the eBook Store from Sony


New York -- March 18, 2008 -- The most widely distributed book in the world just found a new outlet. Now, users of the Reader Digital Book by Sony can make the Bible a part of their portable library.

The American Bible Society’s Contemporary English Version will be available on Sony’s eBook Store (ebookstore.sony.com) for $14.99. Those interested in certain books and biblical passages can download portions of the Bible such as Proverbs and Psalms, the Gospels or the Pentateuch for just $1.99 each.

The CEV Bible was first published by the American Bible Society in 1995 and is marked by its uncompromising simplicity. Not a paraphrase, the CEV Bible is an accurate and faithful translation of the original manuscripts in language that is contemporary and easily read by readers of all levels.

Dr. Paul Irwin, president and CEO of the American Bible Society, is enthusiastic about this new venture, saying, “The American Bible Society has been on the forefront of using every means to reach people with God’s Word since our founding in 1816. This is but another example of how we can share Scripture with the entire world.”

The Reader’s high-resolution, high contrast electronic paper display technology provides a reading experience very much akin to ink-on-paper, which many may find superior to reading on displays typical of computers and personal digital assistants . The result is crisp text and graphics that are highly readable, even in bright sunlight.

Roughly the size of a paperback novel, but thinner than most (about .5 inches thin), the device can store hundreds of books and other documents internally and thousands more using optional Memory Stick® or Secure Digital (SD) flash memory cards. In addition to electronic books the Reader can also store and display personal documents in Adobe PDF format, RTF, text and JPEG photos. From the eBook store from Sony, readers choose from more than 30,000 electronic book titles.

- - -

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 http://www.bibles.com.

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2008 Christianity Today Book Awards Announced

Press Release:
2008 Christianity Today Book Awards Announced


Embargoed until Tuesday, March 18, 2008, 10 a.m. Central Time

Contact:
Ashley Gieschen
Christianity Today International
465 Gundersen Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630.260.6200
agieschen@christianitytoday.com

Carol Stream, Ill., March 18, 2008 -- For two decades, the annual Christianity Today Book Awards have recognized outstanding volumes that shed light on people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission. This year, 49 publishers nominated 359 titles published in 2007. Christianity Today editors selected the top books in each category, and then panels of judges—one panel per category—voted. In the end, we chose 10 winners and also recognized 11 awards of merit.

An online link to the awards—including the 11 winners of the awards of merit—will be posted at 10 a.m. Central Time on March 18, 2008, at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2008/april/10.28.html.

Christianity Today, in its sixth decade of publication, is the nation’s premier evangelical Christian magazine. Its parent company, Christianity Today International, publishes 13 magazines. CTI’s vision: “To be a leading journalistic voice of evangelicals, equipping Christians to renew their minds, serve the church, and transform their cultures to the glory of God.”

The 2008 CT Book Awards
Apologetics/Evangelism
THERE IS A GOD: How the World’s Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind
Antony Flew with Roy Abraham Varghese (HarperOne)

Biblical Studies
THE JESUS LEGEND: A Case for the Historical Reliability of the Synoptic Jesus Tradition
Paul Rhodes Eddy and Gregory A. Boyd (Baker Academic)

Christianity and Culture
FAITH IN THE HALLS OF POWER: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite
D. Michael Lindsay (Oxford)

Christian Living
CARING FOR MOTHER: A Daughter’s Long Goodbye
Virginia Stem Owens (Westminster John Knox)

The Church/Pastoral Leadership
THE CALL TO JOY AND PAIN: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry
Ajith Fernando (Crossway)

Fiction
QUAKER SUMMER
Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)

History/Biography
A SECULAR AGE
Charles Taylor (Belknap)

Missions/Global Affairs
DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS: Pillars of World Christianity
Lamin O. Sanneh (Oxford)

Spirituality
THE JESUS WAY: A Conversation on the Ways That Jesus Is the Way
Eugene H. Peterson (Eerdmans)

Theology/Ethics
RESOUNDING TRUTH: Christian Wisdom in the World of Music
Jeremy S. Begbie (Baker Academic)

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Dr. Joseph Jabbra, president of the Lebanese American University, to speak on the Presbyterian legacy in Lebanon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2008

MEDIA CONTACT
Bob Johnson, Marketing & Communications Manager
Bob.Johnson@lau.edu * 212.870.2582 * www.lau.edu.lb

Dr. Joseph Jabbra, president of the Lebanese American University, to speak on the Presbyterian legacy in Lebanon, Sunday, April 6 at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church

NEW YORK-Dr. Joseph Jabbra, president of the Lebanese American University (with campuses in Beirut and Byblos), who will be visiting the United States in April, will speak on "The Presbyterian Legacy in a Troubled Land: Lebanese American University, Lebanon & the Middle East" at the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 6 at 1 pm.

This event is free and open to the public. The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church is located at 5th Avenue at 55th Street.

Last fall, President Jabbra wrote a guest editorial about higher education in the Middle East, which was published by the Providence Journal: http://www.projo.com/opinion/contributors/content/CT_lebuniv23_09-23-07_H8765JV.1941efa.html.

He participated in the 27th International Congress of Administrative Sciences last summer in Abu Dhabi. At the congress, he served as the rapporteur general and set the tone for the five day event by delivering a defining speech on globalization.

During spring 2007, at the 7th Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade, Dr. Jabbra spoke on "Building Arab Capacity through Education." The April forum served as a framework for a dialogue aimed at promoting reforms and working out future strategies regarding the strengthening of mutual efforts to maintain global security, peace and stability.

A native of Lebanon, Dr. Jabbra is the author of ten books and is a respected university administrator. For more than 25 years, he has been a leading advocate of using higher education as a conduit for tolerance and peace in the Middle East. For more biographical information visit: http://www.lau.edu.lb/administration/executive-officers.php.

LAU's history dates back to 1835 when it was founded as the American School for Girls by Presbyterian missionaries. Today, LAU has a coed student body of more than 7,000 at two campuses in Lebanon and includes respected programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Engineering & Architecture and the region's largest graduate Pharmacy school. For more information about LAU, visit: http://www.lau.edu.lb/about/.


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Monday, March 17, 2008

 

Young Catholic author explains to the Millennial Generation how faith requires practice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Lynch
Tel. (508) 255-4685, ext. 357
publicity@paracletepress.com

Young Catholic author explains to the Millennial Generation how faith requires practice

A Gen-X'er himself, Jeremy Langford knows what it means to struggle with faith, and also how to practice it, daily. For people of any generation wanting to take their spirituality to the next level, Langford has created this new collection of practices ancient, new, and innovative. SEEDS OF FAITH: Practices to Grow a Healthy Spiritual Life (Paraclete Press / March 2008 / Original trade paperback / 176 pages / $15.95) compels Christians who desire to better recognize God at work in their lives, to practice.

Harkening back to Thomas Merton's New Seeds of Contemplation, Langford offers valuable help to those of us who seek to deepen spiritual roots, offering lessons and wisdom on:
* Why Believe? The Practice of Doubt
* Awareness: The Practice of Seeking
* Loneliness vs. Being Alone: The Practice of Solitude
* When Did We See You Hungry? The Practice of Mercy
and many others

James Martin, S.J., author of My Life with the Saints, says: "Jeremy Langford's multiple talents-as a superb writer, a loving father, a dedicated worker, and an ardent believer-combine to make his new book perfect for anyone seeking to lead a faith-filled life in the real world. Through an artful use of the Christian tradition, insights from the spiritual masters, and compelling real-life examples, Langford shows seekers and believers alike how God can be found in all things, and how the ordinary events in our lives can be places of extraordinary grace."

Richard J. Foster, Quaker minister and bestselling author, says: "Seeds of Faith covers an astonishing variety of spiritual practices, and does so in such a joy-filled and inviting way that we instantly feel at home."

Emilie Griffin, author Small Surrenders, says: "What a joy. . . Seeds of Faith is a glorious and illuminating contribution to the new literature of spiritual life for earnest Pilgrims. I will read it again and again."

Jeremy Langford received his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and his M.A. in theology from Catholic Theological Union, and is the director of communications for the Chicago Province of the Jesuits in the U.S.

To request a review copy or schedule an interview, please call 1-800-451-5006, ext. 357 or e-mail jennyl@paracletepress.com.

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Friday, March 14, 2008

 

New book LEFT BEHIND Answered Verse by Verse pits Luther and Calvin against Tim LaHaye

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WAREHAM, MA -- “Left Behind denies what Bible-readers have believed for centuries," says David A. Reed, author of LEFT BEHIND Answered Verse by Verse. "I'm just giving the preachers of the Reformation an opportunity to reply."

Reed's new book features Martin Luther and John Calvin on the cover, along with illustrious preachers Jonathan Edwards, William Tyndale, John Wesley, John Wycliffe and Charles Haddon Spurgeon - all pointing fingers of condemnation at Tim LaHaye's blockbuster novel Left Behind. "The founders of the Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian and Congregationalist traditions all testify against the teachings of LaHaye's novels," Reed explained.

A 'second chance' for unbelievers and half-hearted churchgoers at Christ's return - that's the main sticking point in Left Behind that Reed attacks. "Such a 'second chance' is found neither in the Bible, nor in the historical teachings of the church," he said. "Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish virgins shows those not ready at Christ's return face judgment, not a second chance."

Reed has authored more than a dozen controversial books, including two others in the verse-by-verse style that has become his signature: Mormons Answered Verse by Verse and the popular Jehovah's Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse (Baker Book House). He served for a decade as a contributing editor of Dr. Walter Martin's Christian Research Journal, and has been interviewed countless times on radio and television, besides speaking to church groups from Japan to England.

"Tim LaHaye claims his novels are not just fiction, but rather a portrayal of things that will really happen some day," according to Reed. "And his fans view it that way, too, almost as if Left Behind were an extension of the Gospel." LEFT BEHIND Answered Verse by Verse examines the Bible passages LaHaye quotes, and pits LaHaye's interpretations against the commentaries of Luther, Calvin and other more traditional teachers. "The Left Behind novels have taught millions of readers to believe in a coming seven-year Tribulation ruled over by an Antichrist, but the great teachers from Wycliffe in the 1300's to Spurgeon in the 1800's saw no such thing in the Bible," Reed declared. "They saw the Tribulation as a past event, while looking forward to Christ's return to judge the world."

david_a_reed@usa.com
David A. Reed
P.O. Box 46
Wareham, MA 02571
http://www.leftbehindanswered.com/

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New Book: Is the Pope Kidding Me? A Breakdown of Catholic Apologetics

Aurora, Co March 2008

*Release Source: Tyrone Short

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Is The Pope Kidding Me? A Breakdown of Catholic Apologetics

Of interest to editors and journalists covering: Catholicism, Religion, Christianity, and Spirituality

Tyrone Short Announces Is The Pope Kidding Me? A Breakdown of Catholic Apologetics
at Lulu.com.

Aurora, Co – March, 2008 / - Tyrone Short announces publication of Is The Pope Kidding Me? A Breakdown of Catholic Apologetics in conjunction with Lulu (www.lulu.com), the world's fastest-growing provider of print-on-demand books.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

We always carry around body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

But yet the Pope endorses the belief that we are not Christians. Is he kidding me?

Tyrone Short designed Is The Pope Kidding Me? A Breakdown of Catholic Apologetics to breakdown some of the false teachings of the Catholic Church taught by Catholic Apologetic groups such as Catholic Answers.

Is The Pope Kidding Me? A Breakdown of Catholic Apologetics is available for purchase at www.lulu.com/PrinceTrog.

About the Author

Tyrone Short serves the body of Christ as Prince Trog, Colorado's One and Only Christian Reggae Rapper. He can be reached at the following:

E-mail: ChristianSilver@aol.com
Phone: 303-378-1346
Web-site: http://www.PrinceTrog.org

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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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RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR MARCH 14, 2008

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR MARCH 14, 2008
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, March 14 at 5 p.m., check local listings) with guest anchor Kim Lawton will feature the following reports:

* Minnesota Religious Diversity — Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on the tensions and difficulties faced by Minnesota’s immigrant communities as they try to integrate their differing — and sometimes controversial — religious practices into American society. (Rebroadcast from April 27, 2007)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1035/cover.html

* Easter East and West — Kim Lawton looks at the differences and the similarities in how Eastern Orthodox and Western Christians celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. (Adapted rebroadcast from April 6, 2001)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week432/cover.html

* Spiritual Chanting — Internationally renowned spiritual teacher Krishna Das describes the ancient Hindu practice of “kirtan.” (Rebroadcast from July 21, 2006)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week947/belief.html

SPECIAL NOTE: This week on the show’s “One Nation: Religion & Politics 2008 Blog” available at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/blog.html, Hear more from Kim Lawton on how the Democratic Party is reaching out to people of faith.

For a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or use the Web links listed above.

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

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OurPrayer.org Aims to Provide Largest Online Prayer Site

For Immediate Release

Contact: John Baroody, DJGPR for Guideposts
(212) 370-9700 x118

OurPrayer.org Aims to Provide Largest Online Prayer Site

New Web Site a True Global Community of Faith


Pawling, New York, March 2008 ... Many people have a favorite place to pray outside of their place of worship. For some it may be a quiet room, or outdoors someplace beautiful and secluded, or maybe even in the car. Increasingly, though, people pray online. OurPrayer, part of Guideposts' Ruth Stafford Peale Prayer Power Network, has launched a dynamic new site to answer that need and provide more people with more ways to enrich their prayer life online at www.OurPrayer.org

"It is our desire to inspire and unite the people visiting OurPrayer.org," said Reverend Dr. Peola Hicks, Guideposts Prayer Department Manager, "and to become a global community of praying people maximizing the proven power of prayer...all while maintaining our unique commitment to pray by name and need for each individual request received. We are greatly expanding our prayer ministry to be able to help many more people from all walks of life so each can enrich their personal prayer life. Free to join and easy to use, OurPrayer.org provides new ways to use technology for prayer, devotion and spiritual intimacy." Reverend Hicks added, "The internet hasn't really changed what people do, just how we do it. It's truly transformed the ability to reach out and connect with others around the world. Our focus is reaching out and connecting others to God through prayer. For with God nothing will be impossible." (Luke 1:37)

According to Reverend Dr. Pablo Diaz, Guideposts Vice President of Ministries, "Prayer is the greatest contribution we can offer one another. It is a strong and meaningful exercise of love, faith and hope. We welcome all to join us as OurPrayer transforms the world through prayer."

OurPrayer.org is a faith-filled community brimming with inspiring devotionals, answered prayer, uplifting articles, and much more. The most innovative and unique features on the new site aim to make OurPrayer.org the premiere destination for online prayer and prayer community. Using state-of-the-art social networking technology, there are simple, user-friendly tools to form online prayer groups with friends, family, whole church congregations, and even people anywhere in the world. There are easy and creative ways individuals can have personalized prayer pages where people can come to get to know each other, create prayer blogs or keep an online spiritual journal. OurPrayer.org features purpose-driven content, available in multi-media formats, and is poised to be the most technologically advanced and accessible worldwide prayer ministry in history.

Guideposts has a long history of providing ways for people to come together in prayer and through the power of shared personal experience. For over 50 years, aided by local prayer volunteers across the country, they have prayed for tens of thousands of weekly prayer requests coming from the mail, on the phone and now through the internet. Each request is prayed for by name and need. That won't change at OurPrayer.org where a variety of options for prayer are offered including: prayer requests can be private (only OurPrayer trained volunteers will see and pray for it) or public (request will go to the main prayer page for the general public to see and pray for). One of OurPrayer's special features, real time prayer, provides the ability to have a one-on-one real time prayer session with an OurPrayer volunteer. Members will also have the ability to send prayer requests to friends and/or groups so they can pray for them as well and users requesting a personal prayer response will receive a personalized prayer sent directly back to them.

Anyone with a prayer request can go to www.OurPrayer.org. Our Prayer.org will also be the hub for special prayer activities, such as our annual Good Friday Day of Prayer on March 21, 2008 and our Thanksgiving Day of Prayer events in the fall.

OurPrayer is seeking hundreds of volunteers to help handle the increased number of prayer requests that come in each day. Prayer volunteers are able to help in three areas: Web volunteers are given access to a secured area to pray for each need while online. Other volunteers answer calls at home, as their schedules permit, on our toll-free prayer line. Personal Prayer Response Volunteers are trained to write personal prayers to encourage and comfort those struggling with distressing circumstances.

Anyone wishing to become a prayer volunteer can find out more by visiting www.OurPrayer.org or calling 1-800-935-0158 ext. 4347.


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Thursday, March 13, 2008

 

An Easter Message from Rev. Dr. Paul Irwin, President, American Bible Society

News Release
American Bible Society /1865 BroadwayNew York, NY 10023

Contact:

Roy Lloyd
American Bible Society
212.408.8731
rlloyd@americanbible.org

Joel Mazmanian
RLM Public Relations
212.741.5106, ext 211
abs@RLMpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We Can Arise Because He Is Risen!
An Easter Message from Rev. Dr. Paul Irwin, President, American Bible Society

New York -- March 12, 2008 -- I remember a time in my early ministry when Easter truly came alive for me.

It was a snowy Easter Day in Massachusetts and I realized that many would not make it to church to sing Christ the Lord is Risen Today and to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord because of the weather. As I walked up to the church entrance I passed the multitude of lilies along the sidewalk shrouded in snow. The flowers were thrusting through a mantle of white into the morning air.

It suddenly dawned on me that the lilies were proclaiming a great message that has resonated throughout the centuries. The lilies were rising out of the snow and showing beauty and vigor in spite of their circumstances. They proclaimed a clear message that all of us, in spite of our problems, pain and difficulties can raise the triumphant shout of Easter: Christ is Risen!

Easter is about the proclamation of the eternal presence of the living Christ, the daily experience of a living hope. The Bible is clear: those who were distraught found hope. And the resurrection of our Lord and of God’s grace has been shared from generation to generation from one person to another and through God’s Word, the Bible. Easter is, in fact, a restart for all Christians and a time when we are ready for something new in our lives.

On that snowy Easter Day, the lilies were a profound symbol of resurrection for me. Like them, because of our risen Lord, we can bloom wherever we are.

We can arise because He is Risen!


I invite you to visit easterrestart.com where you will be encouraged to bloom with resurrection joy.

- - -

Founded in 1816 and headquartered in New York City, the American Bible Society is a non-profit, interdenominational organization that works to transform lives, particularly among the young, by promoting personal engagement with the Holy Scriptures. The American Bible Society web site is www.bibles.com

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TV Commercial Informs Americans about Threat to Israel, Enlists Their Help to Protect Jewish State

For Immediate Release
International Fellowship of Christians and Jews
March 12, 2008

The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews (IFCJ), headed by Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, has been leading an ongoing campaign in the U.S. to publicize the deplorable situation facing Israeli civilians who live daily with "Code Red" alarms that signal the approach of terrorist rockets fired from Gaza. These attacks have caused death, injury and severe emotional trauma to residents of the town of Sderot and other communities in southern Israel.

In recent months the situation has escalated sharply. Using more sophisticated rockets supplied to them by Iran, Hamas-led terrorists have extended their deadly reach to Ashkelon, a major community of 120,000 people located seven miles from Gaza. Citizens of this once-peaceful city have learned that a "Code Red" alarm means that they have about 15-20 seconds to seek shelter from terrorist rocket attacks.

In an effort to extend better protection to Israelis, IFCJ funded the renovation of 32 public bomb shelters in Sderot at a cost of $1.5 million. In addition, the organization has recently pledged to upgrade 400 bomb shelters in privately owned residences in Ashkelon at an expected cost of $2 million.

To better inform the American public about this intolerable situation and also help raise the necessary funds to continue these important projects, IFCJ will begin broadcasting a special 60-second commercial on the FOX News Channel on Wednesday, March 12th. The new spot can be viewed on-line by members of the media at the following address: www.ifcj.org/CodeRed.

The IFCJ commercial involves Rabbi Eckstein, IFCJ President and Founder, describing the ongoing missile threat from Gaza and the impact it has had on Israeli men, women and children residing in communities in peril. Images of Israeli civilians running for shelter, actual Qassam missile launches and a simulated missile strike on an Israeli town effectively drive home the point that the Jewish state is facing a serious and evolving threat from terrorist groups in Gaza and is in need of help. This is where IFCJ and its largely Christian supporters step in to provide aid to ensure current and future safety for the people of Israel.

Founded in 1983, IFCJ has a dual mission to foster better understanding and cooperation between Christian and Jews and to build broad support for Israel and the Jewish people around the world. IFCJ works to help Jews immigrate to Israel from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia, India and other troubled countries; fight poverty and aid victims of war and terrorism in Israel; and extend aid to poor elderly Jews and orphans in the former Soviet Union. For general information about IFCJ, please visit: www.ifcj.org.

For more details about this release or to request an interview with a senior IFCJ representative, please contact:

Michael Stoltz
Communications Director
IFCJ, Chicago
Cel: 847-560-1275
Tel: 312-641-8688
michael.stoltz@ifcj.org


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Tuesday, March 11, 2008

 

Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies receives "Blessed are the Peacemakers" award from Catholic Theological Union

March 11, 2008

Media contact:
Joan Fallon
Kroc Institute director of communications
574-631-8819, jfallon2@nd.edu

NOTRE DAME, In. - The University of Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies has received the 2008 "Blessed are the Peacemakers" Award from Catholic Theological Union (CTU), the largest Catholic graduate school of theology in North America.

The award is offered each year to an institution or individual "whose accomplishments and commitments reflect the values of our own mission, particularly in the areas of reconciliation, justice, and peacemaking," according to the award letter.

Fr. Donald Senior, C.P., president of CTU, wrote that the board of trustees wished to "honor the Institute for the extraordinary contribution it has made in preparing graduate students and in promoting research and study on issues of peacemaking. CTU feels a deep affinity with the mission and spirit of the Institute . . . At a precarious time in world history, we believe that honoring peacemakers is itself an important witness."

Past award recipients include Lea Rabin, widow of Prime Minister Yitzak Rabin; Sargent and Eunice Shriver; the Rev. Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of Notre Dame; Latin Patriarch Michel Sabbah of Jerusalem; Queen Noor of Jordan; Nobel Laureate John Hume of Northern Ireland; Cardinal Walter Kasper, head of the Vatican Office for Ecumenism; Steven Spielberg, for his establishment of the Shoah Visual History Foundation; the One Voice Movement for Peace in Israel and Palestine; Jean Vanier, the founder of the L'Arche community for mentally disabled adults; the Council of Religious Leaders for Metropolitan Chicago; and Sen. John Danforth, former ambassador to the United Nations.

Kroc Institute director R. Scott Appleby will accept the award on April 28 in Chicago at a dinner attended by more than 800 religious, civic and business leaders.

Appleby said the Kroc Institute is "deeply honored, and very pleased that the award shines a spotlight on the important role that academic research and education play in advancing peace worldwide and supporting the Church's efforts in peacebuilding."

The Kroc Institute is a leading center of peace research and education at the University of Notre Dame. Faculty members study the causes of violent conflict and contribute to strategies for just and sustainable peace. The institute offers undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D. degrees in peace studies. More information: http://kroc.nd.edu.

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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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