Religion Press Release Services

‘American Idol’ House Band Member Makes ‘Saintly’ Music

2008-04-29T11:57:00.001-04:00

Contact:
Bruce Crane
Redemptorist Fathers & Brothers
Denver Province
1-303-565-5438
bcrane@redemptorists-denver.org
www.redemptorists-denver.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

‘American Idol’ House Band Member Makes ‘Saintly’ Music
L.A. Session Player Introduces the Music of St. Alphonsus Liguori to America

DENVER...April 29, 2008 ... For over 20 years, Grammy-award winning musician Ray Herrmann has been performing, recording and arranging music for some of the biggest names in American music: LeAnn Rimes, Whitney Houston, Christine Aguilera, Bob Dylan, Santana, Herbie Hancock, and George Benson; he’s appeared on Leno, Letterman, and numerous TV specials. Ray can be heard on over 100 motion picture soundtracks (Shrek, e.g.); he’s recorded countless albums with pop and jazz greats; and he was a regular with the Brian Setzer Orchestra.

Ray’s also a member of the house band on the hit television show, American Idol. He can always be seen playing his saxophone in his trademark red shirt. This summer Ray will be touring the United States and Europe with the ‘70s rock band, Chicago, playing his saxophones and his flute. (www.rayherrmann.com)

Ray started playing the piano when he was six and the clarinet a year later. He earned his master’s degree in music from the University of North Texas. Today, Ray is proficient on all woodwind instruments and is considered one of the finest musicians around. Two years ago, he co-founded, along with his wife, Theresa, Little Lamb Music, a company dedicated to composing and producing Catholic music for families and their children. In July of last year, Ray teamed up with the Redemptorists, one of the world’s largest congregations of Catholic priests and brothers, to produce a music CD unlike anything produced before for the Catholic market.

“Praying the Rosary with St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori” is the first rosary CD ever to feature the music of a saint. Founder of the Redemptorists and a Doctor of the Church, St. Alphonsus Liguori’s music has never been heard before in this country up until now. Only through this CD and others produced by Ray will Americans be able to hear for the first time the glorious compositions of St. Alphonsus Liguori.

Because of his name and reputation, Ray has been able to gather some of the finest musicians and choral performers to participate on these recordings, including members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

The next CD, “Praying the Seven Sorrows of Mary with St. Alphonsus Maria Liguori,” led by Fr. Pablo Straub of EWTN fame, will be released on June 27, the feast day of Our Mother of Perpetual Help. The featured work on this CD, “To Jesus in His Passion,” is St. Alphonsus’ most poignant and sorrowful hymn.

Excerpts from the Rosary CD can be heard on both the Redemptorist and Little Lamb Music websites.

To order CDs, call Little Lamb Music at 1-800-231-1207 or 1-805-492-5302 or visit its website at www.littlelambmusic.com.

###

Some 6,000 Redemptorist fathers and brothers minister in some of the poorest and most abandoned parts of the world in the tradition of St. Alphonsus Liguori, who founded the order 275 years ago in the hill country overlooking Naples, Italy.

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

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

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The Best Kept Secret for 500 Years

2008-04-29T11:56:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Diane Mancher onepotata@aol.com or 212-353-3478

The Best Kept Secret for 500 Years
New book on-sale today will change the way we look at Michelangelo's masterpiece

April 29, 2008: On-sale today, HarperOne will publish what is sure to be one of the most controversial and talked-about books of the year. THE SISTINE SECRETS: Michelangelo's Forbidden Messages in the Heart of the Vatican by authors Roy Doliner and Benjamin Blech offers an inside look at hidden symbols and messages painted by Michelangelo that were discovered only after the cleaning and restoration of the Sistine Chapel. The book will be will be featured on ABC-TV's "Nightline," on May 1 and on "Good Morning America," May 2 and is the subject of an ABC prime time special "The Secrets of the Sistine" to air Friday, May 2 at 8:00PM.

The authors, one a well-known Rabbi, the other a Vatican docent, met when the Rabbi came to Rome as the head of a delegation of Jewish leaders to thank Pope John Paul for his efforts to bring about greater understanding between Judaism and Christianity. What happened when the Rabbi and the docent started to exchange their insights about the masterpieces in the Sistine Chapel has proven to be a groundbreaking turning point, a milestone responsible for a revolutionary new approach to unlocking the secret messages of Michelangelo.

Reading like a real life Da Vinci Code, the authors explain how Michelangelo's genius expressed itself on a number of levels. Driven by the truths he had come to recognize during the years of his study in "The Secret School" in Florence, truths rooted in his involvement with Judaic texts as well as Kabbalistic training, Michelangelo needed to find a way to let viewers discern what he truly believed. What the Church would not permit him to openly communicate; he ingeniously found a way to convey to those diligent enough to learn his secret language. He embedded messages of brotherhood, tolerance, and freethinking to encourage "fellow travelers" to challenge the repressive Roman Catholic Church of the time--all hidden in plain view in one of the Vatican's most sacred sites.

THE SISTINE SECRETS reveals some of the chapel ceiling's many hidden messages. For example:
* Pope Julius commissioned Michelangelo to paint a series of portraits of Jesus and the Apostles on the Sistine ceiling; in fact, it is Old Testament heroes and heroines who play starring roles on the ceiling.

* In the Original Sin panel, Michelangelo painted the Forbidden Tree of knowledge not as an apple tree, but rather as a fig tree, as written in the Talmud.

* Over the altar where Mary was supposed to be, he placed the Jewish prophet Jonah, whose hands and legs form two Hebrew letters, sending a message of religious tolerance to all those being oppressed.

* In the Creation of Adam panel, Michelangelo paints a perfect cross section of the human brain, combining messages from his forbidden anatomy studies with lessons from the Talmud and the Kabbalah, books that were burned by the Inquisition.

Author Biographies
Rabbi Benjamin Blech is a professor of Talmud at Yeshiva University and an internationally known educator and religious leader. Roy Doliner is a highly respected Vatican Docent with a dual specialty in the Renaissance in Rome and Jewish history in Italy.

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

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

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Christians For Fair Witness on the Middle East Denounces Methodist Divestment Proposals

2008-04-28T11:59:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact
Sr. Ruth Lautt, O.P., Esq.
Christians For Fair Witness on the Middle East
(917) 502-2009

Christians For Fair Witness on the Middle East Denounces Methodist Divestment Proposals

(Fort Worth, Texas - April 25, 2008) The United Methodist Church, the largest mainstream Protestant denomination in the U.S., is currently meeting in Ft. Worth, Texas, where it will be voting on several resolutions for divestment from companies doing business in Israel. Fair Witness is very concerned that divestment, which in other contexts has been a good and a powerful tool for social justice, is being used here as a weapon to unfairly target the Jewish state and greatly oversimplify the complex Arab/Israeli conflict.

The divestment resolutions that the Methodists are considering reflect a troubling bias on the part of certain factions within the denomination. They focus on the alleged misdeeds of Israel and on Palestinian suffering, while virtually ignoring Israeli suffering and any culpability that the Palestinians and Arab nations have for the violence and discord in the region. They condemn the Israeli occupation, security barrier and settlements, but turn a blind eye to years of Arab aggression, Palestinian terrorism aimed at Israeli civilians and the recent non-stop Qassam rockets that have terrorized the southern Israeli town of Sderot. The resolutions also fail to acknowledge the Palestinian refusal to accept the Clinton peace parameters that would have ended the occupation in 2000/2001.

Invidious allegations of apartheid leveled by proponents of divestment at the Jewish state distract from factual realities on the ground in Israel/Palestine. Blame for the fact that some Palestinians still live as refugees lies squarely at the feet of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which instead of resettling the Arab refugees after 1948 (as the Jewish refugees at the time were resettled) maintains them to this day in camps on the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. The blame is surely shared by the Palestinian leadership for refusing the offer of a Palestinian state at Camp David and Taba.

Israel can be faulted for continuing a policy of settlement expansion. However, Israeli leaders more than demonstrated their willingness to abandon those settlements in 2000 and 2001 when they accepted the Clinton parameters that would have created a Palestinian state on approximately 97% of the West Bank and all of Gaza. Israel demonstrated this willingness again in 2005 when it moved every one of 8,000 Israeli settlers out of Gaza.

The troubling aspects of the Methodist divestment proposals are compounded by the denomination's publication of material that appears to be strongly anti-Israel and perhaps anti-Semitic. In 2007 the Women's Division of the Methodist General Board of Global Ministries published "Israel-Palestine: A Mission Study" which is replete with factual errors, misrepresentations and distortions that serve to portray Israel as the sole villain in the Middle East. The "Mission Study" is filled with inflammatory references such as "religious racism ... [as] inherent in some of the traditional writings and interpretations of Rabbinic Judaism ...” and the founding of the Jewish state in terms of "original sin." These and similar references found throughout the "Mission Study" seem designed to portray Jews and Israelis in as damning a light as possible.

The "Mission Study" goes so far as to exploit Nazi Holocaust themes in the service of efforts to indict Israel. It employs a pseudo-psychological approach by inventing a "Holocaust consciousness" which it claims infects Israeli society with "attendant rage" and renders Israelis incapable of peacemaking. This attempt to exploit a tragic episode in Jewish collective life is not only un-Christian, it crosses the line of decency.

The Methodist "Mission Study" and the divestment proposals may be symptomatic of a strong bias to the point of antipathy. Instead of passing unbalanced resolutions, United Methodists should commit to taking a long and serious look at their attitude towards Israel and the Jewish people and try to find ways of becoming effective peace makers rather than merely condemning and attacking one side.

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

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

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Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Program Listings for April 25, 2008

2008-04-24T14:39:00.000-04:00

Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Program Listings for April 25, 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, April 25 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Wrap-up Analysis of Pope’s Visit — Kim Lawton provides analysis of Pope Benedict XVI’s U.S. trip and its impact inside and outside the Roman Catholic Church, then joins guest anchor Fred de Sam Lazaro for a studio discussion focusing on the papal visit.

* Utica Refugees — Lucky Severson looks at how the city of Utica in upstate New York and its local churches are working together to help — and embrace — thousands of immigrant newcomers to its community.

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 on what Kim Lawton has to say about how Americans have responded to Pope Benedict XVI’s U.S. visit, his statements on the sex abuse scandal and Catholic higher education.

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
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2008 Best Christian Workplaces US

2008-04-24T14:29:00.002-04:00

2008 Best Christian Workplaces US
April 24, 2008

Mercer Island, WA -- April 24, 2008 -- The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) and Christian Management Association (CMA) announced the Best Christian Workplaces in the US Finalists for 2008.

Christian Schools

Bellevue Christian School
Bellevue, WA

Christian Heritage Academy
Northfield, IL

Indian Rocks Christian School
Largo, FL

Lenawee Christian School
Adrian, MI

Stoneybrooke Christian School
Ladera Ranch, CA

Wheaton Academy
West Chicago, IL

Higher Education

Evangel University
Springfield, MO

Huntington University
Huntington, IN

Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnas, IL

Phoenix Seminary
Phoenix, AZ

Parachurch & Mission

Apartment Life
Hurst, TX

Coalition for Christian Outreach
Pittsburgh, PA

Crown Financial Ministries
Gainesville, GA

EQUIP
Duluth, GA

Joni and Friends
Agoura Hills, CA

MOPS International
Denver, CO

New Mission Systems International
Fort Myers, FL

Open Doors with Brother Andrew
Santa Ana, CA

Partners International
Spokane, WA

Tacoma Rescue Mission
Tacoma, WA

Anonymous

The survey, administered by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI), involved more than 7,834 employees in 67 organizations across the US to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values.

Based on the survey, people love to work for the Best Christian Workplaces for two reasons: the cause and the culture. As one staff member said, "I get to use my skills to help thousands of the poorest children in the world...and work at a place where people care about me." "This is a good example of why people are measurably more engaged and fulfilled in their jobs working for these Christian organizations," says Al Lopus, President of BCWI.

The Best Christian Workplaces Institute has surveyed more than 60,000 employees across North America in the past six years. BCWI is a research based organizational and human resources consulting firm based on Mercer Island, Washington.

"With the tight labor market, organizations are more concerned than ever about finding and keeping their talent. Having high levels of employee engagement not only leads to superior results but is like a magnet for attracting loyal staff," says Lopus.

For more information about the survey log on to http://www.bcwinstitute.com or contact Al Lopus, (206) 230-8111 or alopus@bcwinstitute.com.

Best Christian Workplaces Institute's purpose is to serve faith-based organizations by creating processes of discovery, facilitating organizational effectiveness and encouraging practices that build healthy workplaces.

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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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Rallies Target N. Korean Abuses

2008-04-24T14:27:00.001-04:00

MEDIA ADVISORY

Rallies Target N. Korean Abuses:

Ironically, Olympic Torch ‘Journey of Harmony’ Passes Through
Abusive Country During ‘N. Korea Freedom Week’ April 26-May 3:

China Repatriation Policy Condemns Refugees to Prison or Death

SANTA ANA, Calif. (April 23, 2008) – North Korea will host a leg of the Beijing Olympic Games torch relay on Monday, April 28.

Ironically, North Korea Freedom Week (NKFW) (http://www.nkfreedom.org) will be held April 26-May 3. During that week the United States and other countries around the world will focus on the massive human rights abuses by the communist government headed by Kim Jong Il.

While the theme of the torch relay is “Journey of Harmony,” the multi-nation run has drawn widespread protests directed at China’s poor human rights record. However, don’t expect any protests in Pyongyang.

China and North Korea have a friendly relationship, including the return of North Korean refugees by China. A United States commission said April 15 that North Korean refugees suspected of meeting with religious groups are often marked for harsh interrogation, torture and long detentions without trial after they are forced by China to return to North Korea. A report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom called for nations to press China to stop sending North Korean refugees back to their homeland.

North Korea is ranked as the No. 1 abuser of religious rights by Open Doors and the 2007 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices issued last month by the U.S. State Department.

Special events during NKFW – sponsored by North Korea Freedom Coalition members – include an “International Protest Against China’s Violent Repatriation of North Korean Refugees” Saturday, April 26, at Chinese embassies and consulates around world.
Also, on Tuesday, April 29, a Capitol Hill rally in Washington, D.C. will be held at Taft Memorial Carillon Park at noon. North Korean defectors and members of Congress will participate. The rally will be followed by Congressional lobbying – organized by Open Doors USA – by participants around the country on behalf of the North Korean people.

For more information and a complete schedule, go to www.OpenDoorsUSA.org.
To set up an interview with Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller, call Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or Email jerryd@odusa.org.

Jerry Dykstra
Media Relations Director
Open Doors USA
616-915-4117
jerryd@odusa.org
www.odusa.org
Celebrating 50 Years of Serving the Persecuted Church

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

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

Contact Us
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United Methodist General Conference to Consider Divestment

2008-04-24T14:24:00.001-04:00

Methodist Federation for Social Action
212 East Capitol St. NE
Washington, DC 20003
(202-546-8806) www.mfsaweb.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Stapleton
Methodist Federation for Social Action
202-577-8712 amy@mfsaweb.org

United Methodist General Conference to Consider Divestment

Washington, DC, April 21, 2008 - United Methodists from Europe, Asia, Africa and the United States will gather April 23 – May 2 in Ft. Worth Texas at the denomination’s quadrennial conference. The General Conference, the church’s official legislative body, will discuss and act on matters related to polity and social challenges that face the world today. One issue that has generated much debate already and will be considered at General Conference is corporate divestment from companies profiting from the occupation of Palestine.

The Methodist Federation for Social Action, an independent caucus group of United Methodist laity and clergy working on issues of justice and peace in the United Methodist Church and world since 1907, has submitted a resolution to General Conference asking the body to use its moral authority and take nonviolent action to support justice, peace and security in both Palestine and Israel by developing a process for responsible and ethical investment. The Federation calls upon the church to undertake a process of phased, selective divestment from companies that support the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and other violations of human rights in Palestine/Israel.

On April 17, the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society withdrew its resolution to begin the process of divestment from Caterpillar Corporation as a result of Caterpillar’s agreement to meet with the board to continue dialogue.

Rev. Kathryn Johnson, Executive Director of the Methodist Federation for Social Action made the following statement in response to the General Board decision:

“The Methodist Federation for Social Action is pleased that Caterpillar Corporation is willing to sit down with faith-based groups to discuss its role in Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestinian land. We are hopeful that this dialog will go beyond a discussion of the Caterpillar code of conduct and produce concrete changes in the actions of Caterpillar in the occupied territories.[1]
With the withdrawal of the only single-company divestment petition before General Conference, the way is clear for United Methodist delegates to focus on the major question before them related to divestment: Will United Methodists continue to profit from the Israeli occupation of Palestine, an occupation the denomination is on record opposing?

Beth Corrie, a United Methodist and cousin of Rachel Corrie (who was killed by a Caterpillar bulldozer in 2003) issued the following statement:

"While I am pleased to hear that my Church has begun productive dialogue with Caterpillar (CAT) over widespread concern that CAT's business dealings with the Israeli Defense Forces are in conflict with international law and CAT's own Worldwide Code of Conduct, I will be convinced of the company's seriousness by its deeds, not its words. Since the death of my cousin 5 years ago under the blade of a CAT D-9 bulldozer, a death that was not the first nor the last as a result of the Israeli Defense Forces’ illegal policy of demolishing civilian homes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, numerous faith and human rights groups had made it clear to the Company that its products are being used in war crimes. Five years is long enough -- we are calling on CAT to act."

The Methodist Federation for Social Action joins that call, and urges those at General Conference to adopt a broad-based resolution that sets clear timelines and procedures for corporate accountability and actions by all companies, not just Caterpillar. During the four years since the last General Conference passed a resolution opposing the occupation, almost 2400 people (168 Israelis and 2209 Palestinians) have been killed. “Every life is precious,” said Johnson “and we believe that ending the occupation will help protect Israelis as well as Palestinians. Waiting four more years to act is not an option.”

“Divestment is consistent with United Methodist Social Principles, our Book of Discipline, and perhaps more importantly our commitment to justice for all people,” continued Johnson. “Proposals before General Conference represent a grass roots effort. The Methodist Federation for Social Action and six Annual Conferences have submitted divestment proposals to General Conference.”

To reach spokespeople from MFSA for comment during General Conference, call Amy Stapleton at 202-577-8712 or email amy@mfsaweb.org.

[1] (See Caterpillar’s Worldwide Code of Conduct at http://www.cat.com/cda/files/89286/7/worldwide_code.pdf.)

For more information on General Conference petitions visit http://www.unitedmethodistdivestment.com

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

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

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United Methodists Receive Divestment Support from Israelis

2008-04-17T16:03:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Susanne Hoder
Member, Divestment Task Force
New England Conference of the
United Methodist Church
umdivestment@aol.com
(401) 595-9887

United Methodists Receive Divestment Support from Israelis

April 16, 2008 - More than 130 Israelis have signed a letter expressing support for United Methodist divestment from companies that sustain Israel's occupation of Palestinian land. They join many Jewish groups and a number of Holocaust survivors in backing divestment proposals which will be considered at the denomination's General Conference, April 23 - May 2, 2008, in Ft. Worth, Texas. These proposals and statements of support are provided at www.unitedmethodistdivestment.com.

Letter of support from Israelis to the 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church (excerpt)

"We, as Israelis, express our support of the 2004 resolution adopted by the General Conference of the Methodist Church that states "The United Methodist Church opposes continued military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, the confiscation of Palestinian land and water resources, the destruction of Palestinian homes, the continued building of illegal Jewish settlements and any vision of a 'Greater Israel' that includes the occupied territories and the whole of Jerusalem and its surroundings [Book of Resolutions, 2004, #12]." Should the Methodist Church in the wake of the above resolution elect to divest from companies that enable the occupation to continue, we the undersigned shall applaud your courageous initiative, and fervently hope that it will set an example for many others to follow.

We assure the Methodist Church that it is no more anti-Semitic to criticize and oppose Israeli government policies than it was anti-American to oppose the Vietnam war or is anti-American to oppose the present war in Iraq. It is never anti-Semitic to oppose injustice, destruction, gross inequity, and inequality. We also assure the Church that Israel, having the fourth most powerful military in the world, is in no existential danger.

As citizens devoted to the promotion of peace and democracy in the region, we denounce the international community's continued economic investments in our country which directly and indirectly support Israel's daily violations of international law and colonization of the occupied territories. We fear the potentially irreversible damage created by Israeli occupation, by Israel's unilateral plans, and by the international community's impotence in ending Israel's occupation. We realize that Israel's occupation of Palestinians and their lands will probably not end without international sanctions.

Moreover, Israelis, as well as Palestinians, will benefit from ending the occupation Symmetry neve exists between occupier and occupied, oppressor and oppressed. Yet Israelis suffer from loss of life, increase in militarism, and a steady devaluation of human life. This latter is particularly evident in the socio-economic sphere and the affliction of post-traumatic distress.

Successive Israeli governments have spent enormous amounts of money on expansion, to the detriment of social benefits for the Israeli population. While it is true that had there been no occupation, Israeli governments might not have spent the money on social benefits, the fact that expansion continues apace alongside continued endeavors of ethnic cleansing reveals Israel's intention to rid the West Bank of as many Palestinians as possible and to prevent the emergence of a Palestinian state.

To this end, money is spent on maintaining a large military presence in the occupied Palestinian Territories, on erecting the apartheid wall at 4 million dollars a mile, with 400 miles planned (twice as long as if it had been built on the 'green line'), and constructing more housing units in highly subsidized settlements. In December 2007, for instance, the Israeli Housing Ministry announced that it was building 300 more units on Har Homa (Jabal Abu Ghnaim to Palestinians), with another 1000 intended, and more recently has begun construction of 60 homes in the Ras Al-Amud section of East Jerusalem. Israel claims Har Homa to be a part of Jerusalem, but the international community regards Israel's construction on it and in East Jerusalem to be further illegal colonization of Palestinian land. Given the subsidies and other perks with which Israel lures Israelis to colonize the West Bank, it is small wonder that population increase in the occupied Palestinian territory is five to six percent, by contrast to the two to three percent maximum growth in Israeli communities within Israel proper. Israel additionally spends much on constructing super-highways for Israelis-only in the occupied Palestinian Territories, as well as for lookout towers (that can double as sniper towers), and checkpoints galore. Furthermore, the majority of the more than 500 checkpoints separate Palestinian communities from one another.

While all this is taking place at considerable economic cost, poverty in Israel has increased sharply. Israel in 2006 gained the dubious notoriety of having the worst poverty level in the Western world, and has retained this position through 2007. Over one quarter of Israelis now live under the poverty line..."

To read the letter in its entirety and view signatures go to: www.unitedmethodistdivestment.com/Israeliletter.htm. Dorothy Naor, author and originator of the letter, can be contacted in Israel at dor_naor@netvision.net.il.

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

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

Contact Us
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Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Program Listings for April 18, 2008

2008-04-17T16:02:00.001-04:00

Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Program Listings for April 18, 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, April 18 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

Pope Benedict’s U.S. Visit — Kim Lawton reports on the special events and meetings taking place during Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Washington, D.C.

Charlie and Sedar — Betty Rollin talks with a Jewish rabbi and a Muslim businessman about how their friendship is helping bridge the divide between their theological differences.

Creative Seder — Murray Spiegel, author of “300 Ways to Ask the Four Questions,” describes creative ways in which Jewish families can use the four questions of the Passover Haggadah to enrich the seder experience.

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 what Kim Lawton has to say about the possible impact of Pope Benedict XVI’s U.S. visit on the 2008 presidential election and check out all the latest coverage and special features of the papal trip.

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

China Slammed for Return of North Korean Refugees

2008-04-17T16:01:00.001-04:00

OPEN DOORS USA
Jerry Dykstra, Media Relations Director
Phone: 616-915-4117 Email: JerryD@odusa.org

MEDIA ADVISORY

China Slammed for Return of North Korean Refugees

Open Doors USA Helps Head Up NK Freedom Week Events April 26-May 3; Interviews Available

SANTA ANA, Calif. (April 16) – A United States commission said Tuesday that North Korean refugees suspected of meeting with religious groups often are marked for harsh interrogation, torture and long detentions without trial after they are forced by China to return to North Korea, according to reports from several news agencies.

A report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (http://www.uscirf.gov) called for nations to press China to stop sending North Korean refugees back to their homeland. The commission was created in 1998 to monitor religious freedom around the world and make policy recommendations.

Open Doors USA, along with other members of the North Korea Freedom Coalition, are partnering during North Korea Freedom Week (NKFW) (http://www.nkfreedom.org) April 26-May 3 in key cities around the county. During that week, the United States and other countries around the world will focus on the massive human rights abuses by the North Korean communist government headed by President Kim Jong Il. The North Korea Freedom Coalition is also urging China to stop the repatriation of North Korean refugees.

“We must speak out about this human rights issue,” says Open Doors USA President Carl Moeller. “Please go to our Website (www.OpenDoorsUSA.org) to see how you can advocate on the behalf of these refugees; many of whom are targeted because of their faith in Jesus Christ.”

To set up an interview with Moeller or Open Doors Advocacy Program Manager Lindsay Vessey, call Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117 or Email jerryd@odusa.org.

An estimated 200 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with another 200 to 400 million facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers.

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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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Kidspirit Magazine, a Unique Quarterly Magazine by and for Youth, Goes to Press

2008-04-17T16:00:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elizabeth Dabney Hochman
Telephone: (917) 734-8451
Email: info@kidspiritmagazine.com

Kidspirit Magazine, a Unique Quarterly Magazine by and for Youth, Goes to Press

Nonprofit magazine about life's "Big Questions" is created by and for young teens

KidSpirit Magazine, a new Brooklyn-based magazine with an all-kid Editorial Board, is trying to empower kids eleven to fifteen to explore values, spirituality and life's big questions in an explicitly non-affiliated and inclusive forum. KidSpirit, the only youth-driven spiritual magazine of its kind, releases its Premiere Issue in April, 2008. It is ad-free and printed in full color on recycled paper.

Recent polls show that the United States is one of the most religious countries in the world. A 2005 Harris poll found that roughly half of the teens in the country feel that religion is "extremely/very important" in their lives and an AP/MTV poll conducted in 2007 reached two striking conclusions: young people who describe themselves as very religious or spiritual tend to be happier than those that don't; and they are generally tolerant of the beliefs of their peers.

While the number of kids' magazines subscriptions purchased each year approaches ten million, most of what is available is driven by popular trends and celebrity news. KidSpirit Magazine aims to reach a national audience and to offer a probing alternative to the flood of commercial teen magazines.

The Premiere Issue features young writers tackling complex issues including the relationship between spirituality and nature, climate change, Tai Chi Chuan, along with original poetry, book reviews, and artwork.

The young Editorial Board meets monthly to discuss upcoming themes, edit articles and engage each other on what they dub the "big questions." In the words of their Mission Statement, KidSpirit "is a coed magazine for deep thinkers with big ideas. It is a unique forum for kids who are curious about the meaning of life."

Kids working on KidSpirit feel empowered to express their ideas in their own voice. Anna, an eighth grader on the Editorial Board, is passionate about the magazine's purpose: "We're kids trying to talk to kids about important matters. We are the future; we need to share who we are and our ideas..." Another young editor, Tyler, says that KidSpirit "allows kids to express their feelings about the world." He adds that "it is a very personal magazine and all kids can relate to." A fourteen year old named Susan, says that before writing for KidSpirit, she hadn't really reflected on spiritual topics with people her age, but that since she has been writing for the magazine, feels that KidSpirit "has provided [her] with a real spiritual outlet."

Through the process of creating and editing the content, starting with the Editorial Board and expanding through the interaction made possible on their web site (www.kidspiritmagazine.com), KidSpirit is facilitating meaningful discussions among young adolescents in an unprecedented way.

For further information or to interview Founding Editor Elizabeth Dabney Hochman, contact Emily Condon at (612) 203-1142 or email her at info@kidspiritmagazine.com.

*****
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 & PBS World Channel Provide Live Coverage and Analysis of Pope Benedict XVI's Address to UN

2008-04-15T16:15:00.000-04:00

For Immediate Release

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY & PBS WORLD CHANNEL PROVIDE
LIVE COVERAGE AND ANALYSIS OF POPE BENEDICT XVI'S ADDRESS TO UN

Washington, D.C., April 15, 2008 - The public affairs program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY, produced by Thirteen/WNET New York, will offer live coverage of Pope Benedict XVI's address to the United Nations' General Assembly this Friday, April 18 on PBS WORLD.

Host Bob Abernethy, along with program managing editor Kim Lawton, will begin the live coverage of the Pope's speech at 11:25 a.m. with a brief look at the pontiff's role in international relations prior to his scheduled address at 11:30 a.m. Benedict, as pope, is also the head of state for the independent territory of Vatican City and the Holy See. His address to the UN was his original reason for coming to the U.S. this week and many experts believe that speech could be the most important of his trip. Following the half-hour address, Abernethy and Lawton will offer brief analysis of the Pope's comments.

In conjunction with the Pope's historic six-day visit to Washington, D.C. and New York, RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY is providing special coverage of the papal trip in a series of consecutive reports. Last week, the program featured a segment on the unique role the Pope and the Vatican play on the world stage: (www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week1132/cover.html). In this week's broadcast, distributed Friday, April 18, Lawton, who has previously covered the Pope's visits to Turkey in 2006 and Brazil 2007, will focus on Benedict's meetings with representatives of various faith groups. And she will conclude her coverage next week (April 25) with a post-analysis report of the historic trip and the impact of the papal visit inside and outside the Roman Catholic Church.

Launched last August, PBS WORLD features documentary, public affairs, and news programming from public television's award-winning signature series and acclaimed independent filmmakers. The channel is produced and distributed by PBS, WGBH Boston and Thirteen/ WNET, in association with American Public Television (APT) and the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA).

Since its debut in 1997, RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY has focused on providing distinctive, cutting-edge religion coverage and analysis. It is distributed Fridays at 5 p.m. ET to PBS stations nationwide. Major funding is provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. with additional support from Mutual of America Life Insurance Company, the Henry Luce Foundation, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and individual supporters. Executive producer is Arnold Labaton; Thirteen/WNET executive-in-charge is Stephen Segaller.

###

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

American Bible Society Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI to America

2008-04-14T15:28:00.001-04:00

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Rebecca Silver
RLM Public Relations
(212) 741-5106 x 218
abs@RLMpr.com

American Bible Society Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI to America;
Special Printing of Gospel of Luke Given to Worshippers at Special Events

New York - April 14, 2008 - The American Bible Society is marking the first visit to the United States by Pope Benedict XVI with a special printing of the Gospel of Luke featuring the likeness of His Holiness on the cover. The Bible portion was created with the approval of the Vatican in the Good News Translation of the Bible Society, which has the Imprimatur of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, and it honors the 200th anniversaries of five American dioceses and archdioceses: Louisville, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia and New York.

In recent decades, the Bible Society has marked each visit from the head of the Roman Catholic Church with a significant expression of welcome. Each person attending the Papal Mass at Yankee Stadium, as well as those attending several of the smaller gatherings in New York, will receive their own commemorative copy of the Bible portion.

The American Bible Society is an interconfessional Christian organization with representatives of various branches of Christianity as members of the Board of Trustees and of the Bible Society itself. The Roman Catholic Church is a vibrant part of the Bible Society and that is why the Bible Society has not only created the special Bible portion, but has also created a radio welcome to the Holy Father through spot announcements running on radio station 1010 WINS in New York City, and as such, the Bible Society is helping to sponsor the extensive coverage of the Papal Visit.

The Rev. Dr. Paul Irwin, president of the American Bible Society, and Rev. Dr. Richard Jeske, director of ecumenical and interfaith relations, will meet with the Holy Father at a special meeting held with Christian leaders. In addition, Dr. Irwin will be the guest of Edward Cardinal Egan of the Archdiocese of New York at the Yankee Stadium Mass that will mark the conclusion of the Papal Visit.

Involvement with such unique opportunities is not something new for the Bible Society. In 1995 the American Bible Society printed a half-million copies of a commemorative Gospel of John that was used during the visit of Pope John Paul II and distributed at a Mass in Central Park. And the president of the Bible Society personally presented a copy of that booklet to the Holy Father.

In 1985 representatives of the American Bible Society went to the Vatican to give Pope John Paul II a unique new translation of the Bible in Italian, which was the work of sixteen Protestant and Roman Catholic translators who worked closely together on the translation. It was an example of growing interconfessional cooperation found around the world.

And in 1969 a Catholic Edition of the Good News Bible in Today's English Version, a proprietary translation of the American Bible Society, was presented to Pope Paul VI.

The American Bible Society, founded in New York City in 1816, continues in innovative ways to follow its original goal of sharing God's Word around the world in the languages people commonly use and understand so that they may come to know the purpose and power of God in their lives.
---

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.Bibles.com.

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

National Geographic Channel Presents An Unprecedented Glimpse Inside The Behind-The-Scenes World At Nazi Death Camps

2008-04-14T15:25:00.002-04:00

NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INSIDE THE KILLERS’ RECREATIONAL LIFE: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL PRESENTS AN UNPRECEDENTED GLIMPSE INSIDE THE BEHIND-THE-SCENES WORLD AT NAZI DEATH CAMPS

Landmark Television Premiere of Nazi Scrapbooks from Hell Offers First Television In-Depth Look at Newly Discovered Photo Album of Nazi Life at Auschwitz

“It shows the killers as humans…this scrapbook forces us to look at the killers in a way that I think pushes our comfort level where we don’t want it to go.” – Sara J. Bloomfield, Director, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum

Nazi Scrapbooks from Hell Premieres on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 9 p.m. ET/PT

(WASHINGTON, D.C. — April 10, 2008) The death camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau is considered ground zero for the killings during the Holocaust, a place where the Nazis and their collaborators murdered more than one million people. And while history has clearly judged those responsible for the killings, the world has never really seen what their world was like inside the camp…until now. These one-of-a-kind photos from a newly discovered album are far from the gruesome iconic images of living skeletons or ash-choked ovens – they show life from the other side of the barbed wire, where the banality of evil is left behind for Nazi cocktail parties and sing-a-longs. This album is nothing short of a scrapbook from hell.

On Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the National Geographic Channel (NGC) journeys back to Auschwitz to witness Nazi life beyond the death camp in Nazi Scrapbooks from Hell. Woven together with harrowing testimonials from survivors and scholars, archival audio, video footage and haunting trial statements by an SS officer, the special brings to life these fascinating and disturbing photographs of Auschwitz and challenges viewers to contemplate the individual’s capacity for evil.

Presented to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in January 2007 by an anonymous donor, the album was originally compiled by Karl Höcker, an SS officer who served as the assistant to the commandant of the Auschwitz complex during some of the most murderous months of the camp's existence. He took photos of the most senior SS officers laughing, frolicking, drinking and engaging in recreational activities – as if Auschwitz were an enjoyable place to live.

The album even contains the first authenticated pictures of the notorious Josef Mengele at Auschwitz, where he conducted many of his gruesome and cruel medical experiments. Höcker also appears in many photos in the album, but is rarely referenced in historical records, as he was acquitted of involvement in genocide – a controversy that may now be given new perspective.

Michael Berenbaum, director of Ziering Holocaust Institute in Bel Air, California, describes the ironic nature of the album: “Here what you see is, you see the faces of killers who were trying to unwind. ‘Boy we had a tough day at the office. It was hard out there.’ And these were men who…took a professional pride in what they were doing. That doesn’t make it right. It was awful. It was evil. It was horrendous. It was terrible. But it was significant.”

The special also examines the only other photo album of images from the summer of 1944 at Auschwitz. Taken at the end of May 1944 by SS officers who photographed Jews as they arrived by train, the “Auschwitz Album,” found after liberation by Holocaust survivor Lilly Jacob, provides the only known surviving visual evidence of the selection process at Auschwitz-Birkenau. In a fascinating twist, Karl Höcker arrived at the camp only one day before Lilly Jacob and may appear in one of the photos, selecting prisoners for the gas chamber. The contemporaneous albums sharply juxtapose the horrific fate awaiting those innocent prisoners with that of the privileged life led by those overseeing genocide.

One of the mysteries surrounding Höcker’s role at the camp is whether or not he was present on the ramp where prisoners were selected for gassing. In postwar trials, Höcker maintained that he was not involved in the selection process. While accounts from survivors and other SS officers all but placed him there, no conclusive evidence could be located proving the claim, thus sparing him from a likely death sentence. Using images of Höcker from the newly discovered album, the special follows forensic experts applying state-of-the-art photo analysis as they attempt to verify Höcker’s identity in the images from the “Auschwitz Album.”

From the hideous irony of Auschwitz’s most senior SS officers drinking on work breaks, to their pious lighting of a Christmas tree, this album reveals a world where mass murder is reduced to the mundane.

The archives of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum are now home to the 116 photographs of the Höcker album. To view the album online, visit www.ushmm.org/ssalbum.

Nazi Scrapbooks from Hell is produced by Creative Differences Productions, Inc. for National Geographic Channel. Executive producers are Erik Nelson and Dave Harding. For National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Kathleen Cromley; senior vice president of special programming is Michael Cascio; and executive vice president of content is Steve Burns.

# # #

National Geographic Channel
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channel (NGC) is a joint venture between National Geographic Ventures (NGV) and Fox Cable Networks (FCN). Since launching in January 2001, NGC initially earned some of the fastest distribution growth in the history of cable and more recently the fastest ratings growth in television. The network celebrated its fifth anniversary in January 2006 with the launch of NGC HD, which provides the spectacular imagery that National Geographic is known for in stunning high-definition. NGC has carriage with all of the nation's major cable and satellite television providers, making it currently available to nearly 66 million homes. For more information, please visit www.nationalgeographic.com/channel.

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum
A living memorial to the Holocaust, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was created to inspire leaders and citizens to confront hatred, prevent genocide, promote human dignity and strengthen democracy. Federal support guarantees the Museum's permanence, and donors nationwide make possible its educational activities and global outreach. For more information, visit www.ushmm.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Russell Howard, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6652, RHoward@natgeochannel.com
Chris Albert, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6526, CAlbert@natgeochannel.com
Andrew Hollinger, U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, 202-488-6133, AHollinger@ushmm.org
National Broadcast: Dara Klatt, 202-912-6720, Dara.Klatt@natgeochannel.com
National & Local Radio: Johanna Ramos Boyer, 703-646-5137, Johanna@jrbcomm.com
National Print: Christie Parell, The Fratelli Group, 202-496-2124, CParell@fratelli.com
Local Print: Licet Ariza, The Fratelli Group, 202-496-2122, LAriza@fratelli.com
Photos: Heather Huston, National Geographic Channel, 202-912-6536, heather.huston@natgeochannel.com

NGC-420-041008

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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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Pew Forum's Religion & Politics '08 Earns Webby Nomination

2008-04-14T14:59:00.002-04:00

For Immediate Release
April 11, 2008
Contact: Robbie Mills, Communications Associate, 202.419.4564

Pew Forum's Religion & Politics '08 Earns Webby Nomination

Washington, DC - The Webby Awards have named the Pew Forum's Religion & Politics '08 one of five finalists for Best Politics Website of 2008.

Described as "the Oscars of the Internet" by The New York Times, the Webby Awards honor online excellence. This year's contest received nearly 10,000 entries, from all 50 states and 60 countries.

Launched in April 2007 as a new section of pewforum.org - the website of the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life - Religion & Politics '08 is an online resource that features religious biographies, survey findings and must-read articles on all the major presidential candidates. A unique feature allows users to compare summaries of the candidates' positions on a dozen values-laden issues, such as abortion, gay marriage and the Iraq war. Q&A discussions between Associate Director Mark O'Keefe and Senior Fellow John Green address topics such as "Courting Catholics in 2008" and "Does McCain Need Evangelical Voters?"

Religion & Politics '08 was built with assistance from Q-Industries, an interactive agency based in Washington, and NetCampaign, an Internet development and consulting firm, also based in Washington.

"This Webby nomination confirms the hunger for timely, impartial and accessible information on the important role of religion in this presidential campaign," said Pew Forum Director Luis Lugo. "As the campaign continues to unfold, we plan to release new features and research findings that shed light on the nexus of religion and politics."

Members of The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences will choose Webby Award winners in each category. Winners will be announced on May 6 and honored at a gala in New York City on June 10.

Nominees are also eligible to win the People's Voice Awards, which will be determined by online public voting in each category. Cast your vote here!

About the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life delivers timely, impartial information on issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs. The Forum is a nonpartisan, non-advocacy organization and does not take positions on policy debates. Based in Washington, D.C., the Forum is a project of the Pew Research Center, which is funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

About The Webby Awards
Hailed as the "Oscars of the Internet" by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet, including websites, interactive advertising, online film and video, and mobile web sites. The Webby Awards is presented by The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences.

*****
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 April 11, 2008

2008-04-14T14:58:00.000-04:00

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR APRIL 11, 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, April 11 at 5 p.m., check local listings) with guest anchor Deborah Potter will feature the following reports:

* Pope Benedict’s Foreign Policy — Kim Lawton provides a preview of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to the U.S. with a special look at his foreign policy priorities and the significance of the pontiff’s scheduled address to the United Nations.

* Polygamous Wives — Lucky Severson talks with two women living in the polygamist community of Centennial Park, Arizona, about their decision to become plural wives.

* Virginia Tech: Voices of Hope” — Virginia Tech Catholic Campus Minister Fr. John Grace and volunteer musicians from the student community share their efforts to respond to last year’s tragedy by recording and releasing a 10-song commemorative CD.

SPECIAL NOTE: This week on the show’s “One Nation: Religion & Politics 2008 Blog” available at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/blog.html, more on the role of religion and its impact on 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

The Society For The Increase Of The Ministry Announces Thomas Moore, III As Its New Executive Director

2008-04-14T14:56:00.000-04:00

Press Release

From: The Society for the Increase of the Ministry, April 1, 2008
Contact: Canon John L.C. Mitman, Current Executive Director
924 Farmington Avenue, Suite 100, West Hartford CT 06107
(860) 233-1732, contactandinfo@simministry.org

THE SOCIETY FOR THE INCREASE OF THE MINISTRY (SIM) ANNOUNCES THOMAS MOORE, III AS ITS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Society for the Increase of the Ministry (SIM) announces the appointment of Thomas Moore, III as its new Executive Director. Mr. Moore comes to SIM after working most recently with the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in the United States (FOCCUS); the Church Pension Group (CPG); and the Episcopal Church Center at 815 Second Avenue, New York.

In Washington, DC, Mr. Moore served as Executive Director of the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in the United States to establish FOCCUS as a fully functioning, independent, not-for-profit (NFP) organization-raising its own funds, producing its own publications, initiating a web site presence, sponsoring a recent pilgrimage to Canterbury and organizing fund-raising events at parishes around the country. For the Church Pension Group, Moore worked for three years as senior advisor to CEO Alan Blanchard until his retirement. While at CPG, Mr. Moore was called by Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold to serve as the Episcopal Church's Interim Treasurer and CFO for the summer of the 2003 General Convention in Minneapolis. Mr. Moore served for six years in a not-for-profit executive position as Senior Project Director at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston.

Tom Moore is a graduate of the University of Virginia and holds an MBA from Emory University. In his early career, he attained his CPA and held various positions in financial management with corporations and financial services companies in Tennessee and the Northeast. He moved to the not-for-profit world in 1988 with his appointment at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is married to the Rev. Helen M. Moore, a priest of the Episcopal Church. Helen has served parishes in Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Connecticut and Virginia. In addition to their five grown children, Tom and Helen have seven grandchildren.

The Society for the Increase of the Ministry which Moore will head is in its 151st year of providing both financial and pastoral support to Episcopal seminarians in need across America. Since its founding in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1857, the Society has supported about 4900 seminarians. In the current academic year, SIM is providing support to 71 students attending all eleven of our seminaries, students who represent nearly half the dioceses of the Episcopal Church, from coast to coast. In 2006, SIM began a fund-raising effort, "Funding Future Leaders: A National Endowment for Episcopal Seminarians", to raise an endowment of $200 million to insure that our seminarians would no longer add indebtedness while responding to God's call to ordained ministry and studying in our seminaries. Seminarian indebtedness is one of the most critical challenges facing ordained ministry today as too many of our ordinands are burdened with levels of debt which threaten the effectiveness of their ministries and the stability of their family life. The Society also serves as advocates for our seminarians in the councils of the church. Thomas Moore will succeed the Rev. Canon John L.C. Mitman who has led the Society since 2001. Mitman will continue with SIM in a reduced role as Chief Development Officer.

*****
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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.

Contact Us
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Muslim Scholars Begin Revision of the Hadith

2008-04-14T14:52:00.001-04:00

For Immediate Release

Contact: Howie Gardner
ORUEAGLE3@Yahoo.com

Muslim Scholars Begin Revision of the Hadith

Bel Air, MD – The requests of the organizers of the Christian/Muslim Dialogue website, www.cmdialogue.com are finally being heard.

Muslim scholars in Ankara, Turkey have begun a massive revision of passages in the Hadith; the Islamic text which offers various interpretations and elaborations of what Muhammad’s intended meaning was in various passages of the Quran. That these scholars would take on such an undertaking is extremely exciting as they have given indication that Hadith interpretations regarding violent terrorist attacks and harsh treatment of women are highly suspect and likely to be amended.

In light of this information King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has announced an upcoming dialogue between representatives of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The King also announced that Saudi Arabia will allow the opening of between 5 and 10 Christian Church congregations within their borders.

A more thorough and complete analysis of the 7 points that we at CM Dialogue are asking them to make in the Hadith can be found at www.cmdialogue.com. These would include:
* a different interpretation of the term “infidel”
* a revision of the Wahabbi text promising 72 virgins to those killing infidels
* the rights of women
* Muhammad’s endorsement of the Bible as well as the historicity of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Isa) and salvation by grace.

At present our only method of contacting these scholars is through meetings that we have had with various clerics as well as through their web site at www.acommonword.com. This site contains a message that we have declined to endorse since we feel that it should be preceded by a denouncement of the teaching in Arab schools that Christians and Jews are actually pigs and apes designed to look human by the devil. However it does give us an open window for discussion and we are thankful for both the web site and the aforementioned revisions of the Hadith.

We are asking people of all faiths to go to their web site, click on the comments section and to express words of thanks and encouragement as well as suggesting that they continue on with these revisions. In addition to their web site, many readers will undoubtedly know Muslims personally as well as how to contact their leadership. If so then please encourage then to move in this direction.

Again, for a more thorough analysis of these proposed revisions as well as our initial September 2006 letter to the leadership of Islam, go to www.cmdialogue.com

*****
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

2010 congress to explore faith communication issues

2008-04-08T17:44:00.001-04:00

2010 congress to explore faith communication issues

News media contact:
Linda Bloom
United Methodist News Service, New York
(646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org
Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org

April 8, 2008 -- NEW YORK (UMNS)-Changes in perceptions about religion, its influence in the public arena and how technology delivers the message are among the issues communicators will consider at Religion Communication Congress 2010.

The congress, with the theme "Embracing Change: Communicating Faith in Today's World," is scheduled for April 7-10, 2010, at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Chicago.

Participants will represent a broad spectrum of communications specialties, faith traditions and theological perspectives.

Shirley Whipple Struchen, a United Methodist and coordinator of RCCongress 2010, said the use of "instantaneous communication" is probably the biggest change since the last congress in 2000. That could mean networking through Web sites such as MySpace and FaceBook, offering different perspectives through blogging or providing downloadable podcasts for MP-3 players and cell phones.

Jeffrey Cole, director for the Center for the Digital Future, University of Southern California Annenberg School for Communication, is among speakers who will address that issue during the 2010 event.

In addition to the plenary sessions on timely issues, RCCongress 2010 will feature more than 50 skills-building workshops and time for participants to interact and learn from each other.

Interfaith interaction has become increasingly important, and Struchen said it was recognized in 2000 that because worship does not mean the same thing to everyone, it was more appropriate to add "faith expressions" to the agenda.

Inviting such a broad range of participants, including international representation, to the congress "is more than networking," she added. "It's really (about) understanding each other."

A diverse group of North American communications professionals are planning the event. Among United Methodists involved are the Rev. Dan Gangler of Indianapolis; Lesley Crosson, New York; the Rev. Ken Sloane, Nashville; Larry Hygh, Jr., Pasadena, Cal.; the Rev. Erik Alsgaard, Lakeland, Fla., and Cam Howard, Nashua, NH.

The 2010 event follows a 40-year tradition. The first congress was in 1970 in Chicago, followed by congresses in 1980, 1990 and 2000. In 2000, more than 80 cooperating organizations participated as partners and 1,300 attended.

For the upcoming congress, 64 cooperating organizations have signed up thus far and include United Methodist Communications, United Methodist Association of Communicators and UMR Communications.

Struchen said more cooperating organizations are being sought for RCCongress 2010 and financial assistance, particularly for international scholarships, is welcome. More information about the gathering is at www.rccongress2010.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

Muslim Scholars Begin Revision of the Hadith

2008-04-08T17:42:00.001-04:00

For Immediate Release

Contact: Howie Gardner
ORUEAGLE3@Yahoo.com

Muslim Scholars Begin Revision of the Hadith

Bel Air, MD – The requests of the organizers of the Christian/Muslim Dialogue website, www.cmdialogue.com are finally being heard.

Muslim scholars in Ankara, Turkey have begun a massive revision of passages in the Hadith; the Islamic text which offers various interpretations and elaborations of what Muhammad’s intended meaning was in various passages of the Quran. That these scholars would take on such an undertaking is extremely exciting as they have given indication that Hadith interpretations regarding violent terrorist attacks and harsh treatment of women are highly suspect and likely to be amended.

In light of this information King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has announced an upcoming dialogue between representatives of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The King also announced that Saudi Arabia will allow the opening of between 5 and 10 Christian Church congregations within their borders.

A more thorough and complete analysis of the 7 points that we at CM Dialogue are asking them to make in the Hadith can be found at www.cmdialogue.com. These would include:

* a different interpretation of the term “infidel”
* a revision of the Wahabbi text promising 72 virgins to those killing infidels
* the rights of women
* Muhammad’s endorsement of the Bible as well as the historicity of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ (Isa) and salvation by grace.

At present our only method of contacting these scholars is through meetings that we have had with various clerics as well as through their web site at www.acommonword.com. This site contains a message that we have declined to endorse since we feel that it should be preceded by a denouncement of the teaching in Arab schools that Christians and Jews are actually pigs and apes designed to look human by the devil. However it does give us an open window for discussion and we are thankful for both the web site and the aforementioned revisions of the Hadith.

We are asking people of all faiths to go to their web site, click on the comments section and to express words of thanks and encouragement as well as suggesting that they continue on with these revisions. In addition to their web site, many readers will undoubtedly know Muslims personally as well as how to contact their leadership. If so then please encourage then to move in this direction.

Again, for a more thorough analysis of these proposed revisions as well as our initial September 2006 letter to the leadership of Islam, go to www.cmdialogue.com

*****
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

‘Let My People Sing’ Festival Celebrates Israel's 60th

2008-04-08T17:40:00.001-04:00

‘Let My People Sing’ Festival Celebrates Israel's 60th
'Bloggers for Israel' Will Publish 60 Posts in 60 Days

Los Angeles, April 4, 2008 - Jewish entertainer Craig Taubman will be producing the third annual 'Let My People Sing Festival' May 4-11. This year's festival, titled 60for60, will feature 60 hours of events celebrating Israel’s 60th anniversary.

As part of the festival, Craig 'N Co. (www.craignco.com) has teamed up with Rabbi Yonah Bookstein, founder of the Jewlicious Festival, and David Abitbol, founder of Jewlicious.com, to produce '60 Bloggers for Israel'.

Beginning on April 8th and continuing for 60 days, bloggers from around the world will share their thoughts about Israel with thousands of readers at the festival website, www.letmypeoplesing.com, at 60bloggers.com, and on their own sites as well. Rabbi Yonah shared, "Bloggers for Israel is a unique opportunity for us to celebrate Israel's 60th and unite in our love for Israel. Now, more than ever, we need something to sing (and blog) about."

60for60 festival events will take place throughout Los Angeles and are free of charge to the public. Major Sponsors include The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Sinai Temple, ATID, the B.R. Cohen Family Foundation, and many other Jewish as well as non-Jewish institutions.

"I'm so proud to be partnering with key pillars of Jewish communal life to deliver this project to the Los Angeles community," said Taubman.

The centerpiece of the festival will be Israel60 at the Kodak, a gala concert celebration on Saturday, May 10. Other events include Faith Jam for Israel on May 8th, featuring award-winning artists Alberto Mizrahi, Rick Muchow and Yuval Ron. The following day, a special edition of Friday Night Live will host the Consul General of Israel and musical guests Hadag Nachash. On Saturday morning, the celebration continues with a special One Shabbat Morning service at Adat Ari El in North Hollywood. Visit www.letmypeoplesing.com for a full listing of events.

Contact:

Rabbi Yonah Bookstein

rabbiyonah@jewlicious.com

www.letmypeoplesing.com

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

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

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

How Did Jesus Become Christian?

2008-04-08T17:38:00.002-04:00

For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Ms. Colleen Schwartz, Publicist,
St. Martin's Press, NY
email: Colleen.Schwartz@stmartins.com
phone: 646.307.5563.

How Did Jesus Become Christian?

How Jesus Became Christian "...is beyond doubt one of the most significant works on early Christianity to appear in decades."
James Tabor (Chair, Religious Studies, UNC Charlotte)

NEW YORK, NY -- How Jesus Became Christian (St. Martin's Press NY) answers questions many people have asked about early Christianity. How did this new religion emerge out of Judaism? How did Jesus, a Jewish teacher, rapidly become the Son of God, a divine-human being?

What's a Messiah and what's he supposed to do? Why did early Christianity drop Judaism's central observance, following the Torah (Law)?

As Barrie Wilson, Professor of Religious Studies at Toronto's York University, says, "These are really good questions. I wrote the book to answer them in terms the general reader can understand."

Building upon contemporary scholarship, Wilson recreates a colorful portrait of the different movements and expectations within Judaism and the Roman world of the 1st century. Jesus is situated within these cultural battles, leading a Kingdom of God movement versus the Romans' Pax Romana touted as their greatest gift to civilization. The teachings of Jesus continued on after his death in "the Jesus Movement," under Jesus' brother James in Jerusalem. "Jesus," says Wilson, "through his Kingdom of God message, proclaimed the greatest coup of all times, the overthrow of all world governments."

Despite this powerful message, a new and separate religion arose shortly after the death of Jesus, led by Paul. This religion - "The Christ Movement" - differs significantly from that of Jesus in terms of origins, beliefs and practices. Wilson notes that Paul never met the Jesus of history, rarely refers to him or quotes him. Paul never mentions the parables, the Sermon on the Mount or even the Lord's Prayer. Paul also avoids Jesus' original followers in Jerusalem. How the two differing religions became merged is part of Wilson's careful detective work as early Christianity moved on to the world stage.

Wilson also discloses the real basis for anti-Semitism as the new religion turned on its rival with a nasty vengeance, attacking Jewish leadership, scriptures and covenant.

How Jesus Became Christian is available at all major booksellers or online at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com. It's ideal for study groups, book clubs, adult Jewish or Christian education groups, or by individuals interested in exploring the exciting world of early Christianity.

"Wilson...offers a point-by-point rebuttal to Paul's reading of Jewish scripture as accommodating a divine Christ." Boston Globe

"...a significant and sensational work of scholarship. And it is truly religious dynamite." Globe and Mail, Toronto

"The book is certainly controversial." The Times, London

For more information, please consult the author's website: http://www.barriewilson.com/hjbc.html

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

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

Contact Us
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Venice Summer School on Science and Religion Explores God and the Laws of Nature

2008-04-08T17:35:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thomas Jay Oord
208-467-8816
208-284-2730 (cell)
tjoord@nnu.edu

Karl Giberson
781-801-2189
karl.w.giberson@enc.edu

Venice Summer School on Science and Religion Explores God
and the Laws of Nature
Polkinghorne, Gingerich, Davies to speak at interdisciplinary conference

Venice, Italy (April 1, 2008) — A select group of top scholars and theologians will attempt to define the relationship between God and nature at the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti in Venice, Italy, for the Venice Summer School on Science and Religion, a three-year program of one-week seminars on themes in the science-and-religion dialogue. The first session of the program will be held from May 27-June 1, 2008.

Conference participants represent colleges and seminaries from around the world and will present papers on topics that explore the role God plays in the natural world. Abstracts draw from the writings of some of the foremost thinkers in the debate––Charles Darwin, John Haught, and Aristotle––as well as connect the fields of mathematics, philosophy and physics to the position religion plays in defining natural law. The highlight of the seminar will be the keynote addresses from three current experts in the field of science-and-religion: Paul Davies, physicist and science writer; Owen Gingerich, astronomer; and Sir John Polkinghorne, physicist-turned-theologian, and winner of the Templeton Prize.

The Summer School is co-sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation and the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti. A complete list of seminar participants and their abstracts is available at the Venice Summer School on Science and Religion Web site, at http://vssr.info. For more information about the conference, including a full schedule of events and speakers, contact program directors Thomas Jay Oord, at 208-467-8816, or Karl Giberson, at 781-801-2189.

The mission of the John Templeton Foundation is to serve as a philanthropic catalyst for discovery in areas engaging life’s biggest questions. These questions range from explorations into the laws of nature and the universe to questions on the nature of love, gratitude, forgiveness and creativity. Also recognizing the importance of character and virtue toward building a free society, the foundation supports a broad spectrum of programs, publications and studies that promote character education from childhood through young adulthood and beyond. Its vision is derived from John Templeton’s commitment to rigorous scientific research and related scholarship, and its motto “How little we know, how eager to learn” exemplifies the foundation’s support for open-minded inquiry and its hope for advancing human progress through breakthrough discoveries. Information about the John Templeton Foundation can be found at www.templeton.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
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Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

Christians for Fair Witness Responds To False Accusations on Website Supporting Methodist Divestment

2008-04-08T17:34:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 4, 2008
Contact: Sr. Ruth Lautt, O.P., Esq.
Christians For Fair Witness on the Middle East
(212) 870-2320

Christians for Fair Witness Responds To False Accusations on Website Supporting Methodist Divestment

A website entitled “Understanding United Methodist Divestment” (“UUMD”) recently appeared on the internet identified as a joint effort by (unnamed) “clergy and lay volunteers” from several UMC conferences. It contains pernicious accusations aimed at the state of Israel and serious misrepresentations about Fair Witness.

For example, UUMD accuses Fair Witness of proffering “false information” including “claims that Presbyterians and the UCC were persuaded by [Fair Witness] to reverse their earlier stances on divestment.”

“UUMD provides no citation for this allegation and with good reason -- it is untrue,” states Sr. Ruth Lautt, Fair Witness National Director. “Fair Witness did not work within the Presbyterian Church on the divestment issue and never claimed to. We were present at the 2007 UCC Synod which adopted a resolution acknowledging that they may have overlooked many aspects of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and obligated the UCC to conduct a balanced study to obtain a deeper understanding. But we never described it as a reversal of divestment, nor did we claim to have ‘persuaded’ the UCC to do anything.”

“Whoever is responsible for this website should have checked facts before leveling false and possibly defamatory accusations at us,” adds Sr. Ruth.

Equally disturbing are rampant factual errors such as an allegation that President Clinton and Robert Malley ( incorrectly identified as Clinton’s chief negotiator at Camp David) both contradicted Fair Witness’ lament that the Palestinians made a grievous error by not accepting the Clinton parameters in 2000/2001. In his book Pres. Clinton said:

It was historic: an Israeli government had said that to get peace, there would be a Palestinian state in roughly 97 percent of the West Bank, counting the swap, and all of Gaza, where Israel also had settlements. The ball was in Arafat’s court.
(Bill Clinton, My Life, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2004, p. 938).

“Robert Malley explains Yasser Arafat’s refusal to accept a peace deal in the context of many factors including Arafat’s fear of being trapped by the Israelis and misgauging Barak’s negotiating style,” explains Rev. Dr. Roy Howard, pastor of Saint Mark Presbyterian Church (USA). “But the UUMD website misuses a quote from Malley in an attempt to make it appear that his narrative contradicts Fair Witness’ description of the Clinton parameters. It does not.”

Robert Malley notes that “strictly speaking, there never was an Israeli offer” because the ideas offered at Camp David were “orally conveyed” and “presented as U.S. concepts.” (Hussein Agha and Robert Malley Camp David: The Tragedy of Errors August 9, 2001).

Arafat turned down the Camp David offer. Malley quoted President Clinton telling Arafat:

If the Israelis can make compromises and you can’t I should go home. You have been here fourteen days and said no to everything.
(Camp David: The Tragedy of Errors).

Months later (in Washington D.C.) the Clinton parameters (more generous than the Camp David proposal) were presented. Barak accepted them, Arafat did not. Rather than cherry pick isolated sentences in the service of distorting history we invite the architects of UUMD to read Mr. Malley’s statement which is in agreement with the facts as we (and both President Clinton and his chief negotiator at Camp David, Dennis Ross) have expressed them:

Under the settlement outlined by the President, Palestine would have sovereignty over 94 to 96 percent of the West Bank and it would as well have land belonging to pre-1967 Israel equivalent to another 1 to 3 percent of West Bank territory. . . . In Jerusalem, all that is Arab would be Palestinian, all that is Jewish would be Israeli. Palestine would exercise sovereignty over the Haram and Israel over the Western Wall . . .
(Camp David: The Tragedy of Errors)

Rev. Dr. Archer Summers, Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto, California says “calling this conflict complex is not a ‘tactic’ as the UUMD charges. There is widespread misinformation as a result of the very sort of material that appears on this website.”

Rather than addressing each of the myriad misrepresentations on the UUMD website, we invite United Methodists to visit the front page of our website (www.christianfairwitness.com) for further information.

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

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

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Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Program Listings for April 3, 2008

2008-04-08T17:32:00.001-04:00

RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR APRIL 3, 2008
** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY ** MEDIA ADVISORY **

This week’s edition of the PBS newsmagazine program RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY (distributed Friday, April 1 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

Public Displays of Religious Monuments — Bob Abernethy is joined by correspondent Tim O’Brien to discuss a pending U.S. Supreme Court case focusing on the public display of religious monuments.

Army Chaplain Boot Camp — Saul Gonzalez travels to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, for a behind-the-scenes look at an Army boot camp for chaplains.

Krista Tippett — Bob Abernethy talks with “Speaking of Faith” radio host Krista Tippett about how her family background and career influences her life and work.

SPECIAL NOTE: This week on the show’s “One Nation: Religion & Politics 2008 Blog” available at http://www.pbsorg/wnet/religionandethics/blog.html, Kim Lawton looks at the still-swirling furor around Barack Obama's former pastor, Jeremiah Wright, and describes political controversies that have also surrounded Hillary Clinton's former pastor, Rev. Philip Wogaman. And Lawton also explores how crucial Catholic voters will be in the upcoming Pennsylvania primary and in the November election.

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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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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Christians for Fair Witness Applauds Recent United Church of Christ Executive Council Action

2008-04-01T10:18:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2008
Contact: Sr. Ruth Lautt, O.P., Esq.
Christians For Fair Witness on the Middle East
(212) 870-2320

Christians for Fair Witness Applauds Recent United Church of Christ Executive Council Action on Israel/Palestine Conflict and Asks United Methodists to Follow Their Lead

Christians for Fair Witness on the Middle East is concerned about a resolution submitted by the Methodist General Board of Global Ministries ("GBGM") to the upcoming United Methodist Church General Conference.

"The resolution, entitled "Israel-Palestine Conflict" (Petition Number 80441-GM-R323), is nothing more than a one-sided attack on the state of Israel camouflaged by the verbiage of peace and justice," according to Sr. Ruth Lautt, Fair Witness National Director. "It refers only to 'Palestinian suffering' without acknowledging that Israelis also suffer. There is no mention of Palestinian terrorism, suicide bombing during the Second Intifada, or the current non-stop firing of Qassam rockets and Iranian-made missiles from the Gaza Strip into Israel. The resolution also mischaracterizes U.N. resolutions and international law in a manner designed to point the finger of blame squarely at Israel," Sr. Ruth explains.

"Although Israel is far from blameless in this conflict, a resolution with this blatant lack of balance should be a red flag," says Rev. Dr. Archer Summers, Senior Minister, First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto, California. "Especially when it comes from a Methodist agency that recently published a book that accuses Jews of ' becoming monsters' and characterizes the founding of the Jewish state in terms of 'original sin,'" added Rev. Summers.

In June 2007, the United Church of Christ ("UCC") Synod adopted a resolution on Israel-Palestine which acknowledged that it "may have overlooked many aspects of an extraordinarily complicated situation . . ." and obligated the denomination "to establish a Task Force to engage in ongoing and balanced study of the causes, history and context of the conflict." In its first meeting after the Synod, the Executive Council of the UCC adopted an Action (October 2007) that directed the Task Force or panel to "engage in dialogue with traditional as well as new voices . . . representing diverse perspectives" regarding the Israel/Palestine conflict. "Fair Witness wholeheartedly applauds this new and balanced approach adopted by the UCC Executive Council and urges the United Methodists to follow their lead," says Sr. Ruth.

An analysis of the GBGM's resolution is available on the Fair Witness website:
www.christianfairwitness.com

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

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

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

Open Theologians and Scientists Converge on Azusa Pacific University

2008-04-01T10:15:00.001-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Thomas Jay Oord
208-467-8816
208-284-2730 (cell)
tjoord@nnu.edu

Open Theologians and Scientists Converge on Azusa Pacific University
Seminar hopes to create a new field of science-and-religion research

Azusa, Calif. (April 1, 2008) - Some of the world's most respected scientists and theologians will come together for the opportunity to create a new direction of research in science-and-religion at the Open and Relational Theology Seminar. Events will be held Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12, 2008 at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, Calif. The three-day seminar will feature a series of lectures and debates on a number of topics-cosmology, biology and the human sciences-all designed to generate interest in the growing field of open theology and to further explore the relationship between science and religion.

Open theology takes the view that the future is open and that God does not fully know the details of what may actually happen. God and everything in the universe-animals and humans alike-can influence each other. This seminar serves as a follow-up to the Open Theology and Science Conference held at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass., in June 2007. Participants will present papers on open theology and science that were produced as a result of the foundations laid at last year's conference. Presenters include: Francis Collins, National Human Genome Research Project; John Sanders, Hendrix College; Anna Case-Winters, McCormack Theological Seminary; Clark Pinnock, McMaster Divinity College and Michael Lodahl, Point Loma Nazarene University.

In addition to the paper presentations, there will be a series of keynote lectures and panels:

* April 10, 7 p.m., Upper Turner Campus Center
"The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief"
Francis Collins, director, National Human Genome Research Project

* April 11, 7 p.m., Wilden Lecture Hall
"A Flexible Sovereignty: A Biblical Understanding of Providence and the Nature of the Future"
Greg Boyd, Woodland Hills Church, Maplewood, Minn.

* April 12, 7 p.m., Wilden Lecture Hall
Panel: "Answering the Critics"

The Open Theology and Science Conference is sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation. For a full list of participants and speakers, the conference schedule and a series of in-depth resources on open theology, visit www.enc.edu/opentheo. For more information about attending or covering the seminar, please contact Thomas Jay Oord, program organizer, at 208-467-8816, or tjoord@nnu.edu.

The mission of the John Templeton Foundation is to serve as a philanthropic catalyst for discovery in areas engaging life's biggest questions. These questions range from explorations into the laws of nature and the universe to questions on the nature of love, gratitude, forgiveness and creativity. Also recognizing the importance of character and virtue toward building a free society, the foundation supports a broad spectrum of programs, publications and studies that promote character education from childhood through young adulthood and beyond. Its vision is derived from John Templeton's commitment to rigorous scientific research and related scholarship, and its motto "How little we know, how eager to learn" exemplifies the foundation's support for open-minded inquiry and its hope for advancing human progress through breakthrough discoveries. Information about the John Templeton Foundation can be found at www.templeton.org.

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

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

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

Reincarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha Is Revealed

2008-04-01T10:14:00.002-04:00

For Immediate Release
Contact:
Laura Carpenter
703-516-4118

Reincarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha Is Revealed

Washington, DC (March 26, 2008) -- H.H. Master Wan Ko Yee, an international master of Buddhism, is the actual reincarnation of the primordial Buddha according to leaders from all major sects of Buddhism worldwide. It is the second time in more than 2,500 years that Dorje Chang Buddha has manifested himself in human form and the third time that Dorje Chang Buddha has manifested in the universe. Master Wan Ko Yee's identity as Dorje Chang Buddha III is revealed and authenticated through evidence contained in a book recently published and kept secret until today.

The book records and verifies H.H. Master Yee's spiritual enlightenment and his many accomplishments as a world-class Yun sculptor, artist, poet, calligrapher, philosopher, painter, and medical expert in healing illnesses. More than twenty holy leaders of Buddhism have formally determined and affirmed through personal attestations and written proclamations that H.H. Master Yee is the holy and most honored leader of Buddhism and the true incarnation of Dorje Chang Buddha -- that is, Dorje Chang Buddha III.

"H.H. Master Yee's accomplishments outshine the accomplishments of all others, both ancient and modern. His Holiness is a paragon of enlightenment," said H.H. Dharma King Jigme Dorje Rinpoche, the supreme leader of the Jonang sect, one of the most evolved Buddhist Masters whose testimony appears in the book. "H.H. Master Yee comprehends the supreme and profound Buddha-Dharma (teachings). He is the Buddhist equivalent of the Pope."

The book will be presented to the Library of Congress on Thursday, April 3, 2008. Copies will be distributed to all public libraries and to Buddhist temples. Revered leaders of most of the 360 million adherents of Buddhism worldwide (of which six million reside in the United States), the President of the International Buddhism Sangha Association, the Chairman of the World United Buddhism Federation, and sixteen Dharma Kings and Rinpoches from around the world will also attend the presentation of the book H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III.

H.H. Master Yee was born in Sichuan, China. Like many other individuals, religious freedom drew His Holiness to the United States and in1999 he arrived with his wife, Yuhua Wang, and his two children, Hang Kung Yee and Pui Chu Yee. H.H. Master Yee is a permanent resident and resides in both Pasadena and Oakland, California.

Buddhism is a body of religious traditions, philosophies, and teachings all in pursuit of enlightenment and truth. The religion was founded approximately in the 5th Century BCE by Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince who renounced his throne to dedicate his life to teaching his insights (dharma) on the nature of the universe and the alleviation of suffering in the world. Having attained enlightenment (bodhi), he was known as Buddha, or "Enlightened One." The many traditions that make up the worldwide Buddhist Sangha, or society, maintain his legacy by preserving and teaching his philosophy. Buddhism is the fourth largest religion after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism.

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

Why Are Powerful Men Drawn To Prostitution?

2008-04-01T10:13:00.001-04:00

Contact: Eve Vanzant, Publicist
Phone: 615.749.6593
Email: evanzant@abingdonpress.com
Date: 3/27/2008

Why Are Powerful Men Drawn To Prostitution?

NASHVILLE, TN – The recent allegation that New York governor Eliot Spitzer solicited a prostitute begs the question, Why would he do it? Why do politicians, celebrities, and clergy take such huge gambles, risking humiliation and shame, loss of family and position, by soliciting prostitutes?

The Rev. Becca Stevens, general editor of the forthcoming book Find Your Way Home, reveals “It is clearly not just about the need for sex…. Men of power are drawn to prostitution for exactly the same reasons as men in other stations of life. From our experience, the reason for soliciting is the same – the appeal is the anonymity of the sexual encounter.” And Stevens should know; as the founder of Magdalene, a residential community of women with a criminal history of drug abuse and prostitution, she has for more than a decade worked and lived with women who have, on average, one hundred arrests on record.

Stevens continues, “Our work is helping to dispel some of the myths of prostitution – that it’s victimless or that it’s the oldest vice in the world. From working with women all across the country, we have seen that prostitution devastates not only the women, but men, their families, and their communities. And as the average age that a woman in our program was introduced to sex is around nine, sexual abuse is at least one generation older than prostitution.”

In addition to her work as an Episcopal priest, community activist, and founder of Magdalene, Becca Stevens is the author of Hither and Yon, Finding Balance, and Sanctuary, nominated by Christianity Today as ‘Best Spirituality book of 2005.’ Find Your Way Home releases in September 2008; in it, the women of Magdalene write about twenty-four rules to live by, inspired by the classic Benedictine Rule. Stevens was previously named "Nashvillian of the Year" by the Nashville Scene and "Tennessean of the Year" by The Tennessean. Her role as founder and director of Magdalene and the non-profit business Thistle Farms has been featured on CNN and other national media.

The Rev. Becca Stevens maintains sympathy for all involved in the scandal surrounding Gov. Spitzer. “I feel for the governor, for his family, and for the woman transported secretly to Washington who served his needs. I imagine her story is as tragic as the governors.” Adds Stevens, “At Thistle Farms and Magdalene, we operate on the principle that love is the most powerful force for social and individual change in the world. Whether it’s the governor of New York or a woman who bears the scars of being bought and sold, we believe that healing is possible for all of us. ”

For more information or to arrange an interview with Becca Stevens, please contact Eve Vanzant at 615.749.6593 or evanzant@abingdonpress.com.

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

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

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

2008-03-27T15:20:00.001-04:00

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

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

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

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

2008-03-27T15:18:00.001-04:00

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

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

Contact Us
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Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings For March 28, 2008

2008-03-27T15:16:00.000-04:00

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

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

2008-03-26T15:29:00.000-04:00

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

2008-03-26T11:28:00.001-04:00

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

2008-03-24T12:09:00.001-04:00

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
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LUIS PALAU BRINGS HISTORIC EVENT “HOME” TO ARGENTINA

2008-03-21T16:20:00.000-04:00

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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RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR MARCH 21, 2008

2008-03-21T16:19:00.000-04:00

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

2008-03-19T12:20:00.001-04:00

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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Kairos Prison Ministry History

2008-03-19T12:19:00.000-04:00

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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38th Annual Good Friday Event Helps Many Through Prayer

2008-03-18T16:39:00.000-04:00

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

2008-03-18T14:03:00.001-04:00

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

2008-03-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

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

2008-03-18T14:01:00.001-04:00

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

2008-03-17T11:22:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-14T16:47:00.001-04:00

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

2008-03-14T16:46:00.000-04:00

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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RELIGION & ETHICS NEWSWEEKLY PROGRAM LISTINGS FOR MARCH 14, 2008

2008-03-14T16:45:00.000-04:00

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

2008-03-14T16:41:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-13T10:06:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-13T10:03:00.002-04:00

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

2008-03-11T17:01:00.001-04:00

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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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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Habitat for Humanity's 'Catholicos Karekin II Work Project' begins

2007-04-11T09:48:00.000-04:00

Volunteers to help eradicate poverty housing in Armenia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Duane Bates
HFHI in the United States
1-229-924-6935, ext. 3079
dbates@habitat.org
www.habitat.org/newsroom

Dominique Schärer
HFHI in Europe/Central Asia
+361-411-2170
dscharer@habitat.org

Gohar Palyan
HFH Armenia
+374 10 55 6114
gpalyan@hfharmenia.org

YEREVAN, Armenia (April 10, 2007) - Paint brushes, trowels and hammers will swing into action this week, as Habitat for Humanity begins to lift 37 families from poverty housing in Armenia.

The second annual Habitat for Humanity "Catholicos Karekin II Work Project" kicks off in Armenia today. Volunteers from around the globe will descend upon Armenia to build homes side by side with homeowner families, local sponsors, volunteers, dignitaries and monks from the Armenian Apostolic Church.

"The Armenian Apostolic Church is delighted to launch this event once again with Habitat for Humanity. It's not only a celebration of people coming together to help families in need, but it's also an important step toward removing the blight of poverty housing in Armenia," says Archbishop Vicken Aykazian of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

During building events around the country from April through October, 37 homes built in partnership with families in need will be completed in Armenia, symbolizing 36 worldwide dioceses, plus the Holy See. His Holiness, Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians, is expected to bless the event's official opening at the Etchmiadzin Gevorgyan seminary on April 10.

Churches and individuals are challenged to fully sponsor or to contribute to a home. The Catholicos Project Family Sponsorship Cost (FSC) for 2007 will be $7,360, which is an average for the cost of renovations, half-build homes and new construction.

The first building event kicks off with a volunteer team coming from the United States. The Habitat volunteers will be completing homes that were abandoned and left unfinished after the economic collapse in the early 1990s in Armenia where nearly half of the country still lives in poverty conditions.

The Haroyan family of the Khor Virap village is the first selected among the 37 families. Sahak, 43, and his wife Piruza, 36, are vegetable farmers currently residing in a neighbor's basement with their three children, ages 18, 16 and 14. Economic strife forced the family to live in the basement for seven years, as they have been unable to raise enough funds to complete their own home. Piruza suffers rheumatism in her legs due to the humidity. "If you help us, we will finish and move to our new house by the next winter," Piruza said to a visiting Habitat team.

The Armenian Church signed a historic partnership with Habitat for Humanity in April 2006, aimed to combat poverty housing in Armenia and worldwide. The first "Catholicos Karekin II Work Project" was held in Gavar, Armenia, where a building was renovated in partnership with 24 families, with an additional 13 homes built around the country.

In Michigan in 2005, the Catholicos participated in Habitat's annual home blitz build, the Jimmy Carter Work Project, where he met with President Carter. Following that, the Catholicos gave his blessing for a home-building event to be created and held in Armenia.

Armenia is a country of 3 million nestled in the southern Caucasus. Over the past decade, a devastating earthquake, conflict, the Soviet Union's collapse and a newfound independence have led to economic crisis. Thousands still live in metal "domiks," iron containers used for temporary earthquake relief, which act like refrigerators in the winter and boilers in the summer. Habitat for Humanity Armenia has been working with families in need since 2000 and provided homes in partnership with more than 1,000 people.

For more information about Habitat for Humanity in Armenia, visit:
www.hfharmenia.org.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in Americus, Ga., in 1976, Habitat has built more than 225,000 houses in nearly 100 countries, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.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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Thousands Leave the Largest Church in Illinois to Take Their Ministry to the Streets

2007-04-06T09:56:00.000-04:00

In what will be the most ambitious, largest community outreach initiative, Rev. Senator James T. Meeks of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago and members from his 25,000 congregation will head to key neighborhoods across the city for 26 weeks to share and discover the true meaning of servanthood

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2007
NEWS RELEASE

For more information, please contact:
Tasha Harris, tharris@sbcoc.org
Communications Director
o: 773.371.2338, c:773-701-2732

CHICAGO (April 5, 2007) - Driven by the need to shake up the comfortable, yet unfulfilling routine of “church” and its uninspiring impact on congregations, Reverend Senator James T. Meeks will close the doors of Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, the largest African American church in the state of Illinois, on April 7 so he and members from his 25,000 congregation can head to the streets of Chicago to provide help in areas of greatest need.

Salem will kickoff Vision 2007, a 26-week community outreach initiative on Saturday, April 7 at 9:00 a.m. from the House of Hope, 752 E. 114th Street, Chicago. In what may very will be the most ambitious, largest community outreach initiative organized by a single organization, Vision 2007 will send church members to key communities and institution across the city to engage in 14 various projects that are all designed to build relationships with total strangers, demonstrate compassion and learn the values of giving without expecting anything in return. From April 7 through the end of September, members will designate Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 noon as their day of service. Instead of weekly Sunday school, members will engage in Service School where church members will apply their knowledge of the Bible’s command to help, give and serve. Instead of just hearing the Word of God, members will be empowered to “do” the Word.

“Church has become a football game that's never played. Imagine the frustration fans would feel if their favorite football team suits up for the game, goes into the huddle, gives the pre-game interview but never steps on the field to actually play,” said Reverend Senator James T. Meeks, who in addition to being a pastor, is a state senator. "Well that's the current routine of today's church. Members pack the pews, sing worship songs but never go into the streets to help the people God called on us to take care of such as the homeless, the sick, the hungry and the lonely. We're using Vision 2007 as an opportunity to close the church doors so we can go out and meet people right where they are. The people of Chicago can expect us on their block, in the streets, in the hospitals and the shelters. "

Key projects include Adopt-A-Block, which entails groups of six team members who will clean and tend to the needs of residents who reside on the 100 identified blocks in the 60628 zip code (surrounding area of the church). Whether it’s painting, raking leaves, assisting with household chores or providing essential food supplies, the Salem team will be there to accommodate.

Most projects will take place at ten targeted locations in the 60628 zip code, and will rotate over the 26 weeks. Other projects include:
Feed the Hungry: the goal is to distribute food for 5,000 families.
Clothing Drive: will distribute new and gently worn clothing to community residents
Health & Legal Services: this mobile unit will provide health screenings (HIV, diabetes, Blood pressure & cholesterol). Attorneys will also be on hand to provide legal assistance.
Mobile Sunday School: Fun and excitement, mixed with Biblical truths is in store for children when Salem’s ice cream truck hits targeted communities.
Prison Ministry: will conduct worship services and discussion groups at prisons throughout the state.
Shelter Visits: will help with repairs (plumbing, painting) as well as essential supplies
Nursing Home Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church.
Senior Citizen Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church, as well as provide essential supplies.
Sunday Shelter Visits: will conduct Sunday School classes at targeted facilities in place of holding them at church, as well as provide essential toiletries.
Youth Street Projects: Salem’s youth will reach out to community youth in a way they best know how – through shared activities and experiences with their peers
Mentoring Projects: will tutor and provide transitional assistance for 8th graders as they head to high school.
Hospital Visits – in partnership with hospitals across the city, will volunteer their time to help families deal with their medical crisis.
Housing Project- Salem men will build five new homes for first-time homebuyers.
Corner Prayer- individuals will saturate all corners in the 60628 zip code and pray for residents’ needs every Wednesday in the month of June.

For more information or to get involved with Vision 2007, please call 773-371-2300 ext. 400 or send an email to Vision2007@sbcoc.org.

About Salem Baptist Church
Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, under the leadership of the dynamic Reverend Senator James T. Meeks, is the largest African American church in Illinois with over 25,000 members and has been recognized as one of the fastest growing churches in the nation. The church serves as a beacon of peace and hope for countless thousands in Chicago’s Roseland community. With sincere compassion, genuine care and concern for people from all walks and backgrounds, Salem’s faith propels its congregants into action. Salem’s primary’s focus is to provide a spiritual, social and community outreach to serve and help others. For more information about Salem Baptist Church of Chicago, please visit www.sbcoc.org or call 773-371-2300.

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

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

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Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Program Listings for April 6, 2007

2007-04-06T09:55:00.000-04:00

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, April 6 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Easter Hope in New Orleans" - Kim Lawton revisits two New Orleans' ministers, profiled last season, for a look at how they're finding new meanings - and messages of hope - in this year's Easter celebration.

* Feature: "Volunteers in Tanzania" - Lucky Severson reports from Tanzania on how volunteers vacationing abroad are helping those in need in some of the world's poorest countries

To request a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or go to the program Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics where the transcript and streaming video of each story will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

Vanderbilt professor writes about child care and spirituality

2007-04-06T09:54:00.002-04:00

April 4, 2007
Media contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Some search for God in the contemplative routine of a monastery. Bonnie Miller-McLemore found the divine in piles of laundry, the sounds of her sons carousing in a playground and “the stench of a dirty diaper.”

“I would stand there caught in the intimacy of eye-to-eye, face-to-face, body-to-body contact with this small being, overwhelmed by a flow of love toward my sons that somehow did not feel restricted to them,” she writes in her new book In the Midst of Chaos: Caring for Children as Spiritual Practice.

The book is Miller-McLemore’s third about the spiritual potential of parenthood.

“These are not self-help pop psychology books where you finish them and feel worse about yourself because you aren’t the perfect parent,” said Miller-McLemore, the E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Professor of Pastoral Theology at Vanderbilt University Divinity School. “I’m hoping to provide affirmation and release, not pressure.

“I want to help people see the potential for deeper moral commitment and conviction in what they’re already doing.”

Though religious and spiritual searching tend to be associated more with solitude than Little League games and family chores, Miller-McLemore cites Martin Luther’s Protestant Reformation as a “remarkable beginning” to another perspective that feminist theologians have been exploring in recent decades.

“There is some deep ambivalence in traditional Christianity to family life,” she said. “There is a lot of celebrating of celibacy and Jesus exhorting his disciples to leave their families behind.

“But there is also the Jesus who welcomed children, blessed wedding wine and valued family.”

As part of the Reformation, Luther renounced his vow of celibacy, married a former nun and they together raised six children.

Miller-McLemore says Luther wrote of having to “rock the baby, wash its diapers, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights ...” He declared the duties as “adorned with divine approval as with the costliest gold and jewels.”

In a perfect world, even adults without biological children share in the duties and personal development of bringing up children, Miller-McLemore said.

“Adults are better and spiritually deeper if they’re in some relationship with children,” she said. “Most religious traditions make the point that you love your family but you don’t stop there. You build on that for the common good or wider community.”

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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

Pew Forum Launches Religion & Politics '08

2007-04-05T18:11:00.000-04:00

New online resource features survey data, religious biographies and stances on key issues

For Immediate Release
Contact: Burke Olsen, 202-419-4564

WASHINGTON - April 3, 2007 - The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life today unveiled Religion & Politics '08 - a new online resource that features survey findings and religious biographies for both parties' major presidential candidates.

A unique feature also allows users to compare summaries of the candidates' positions on a dozen values-laden issues, such as abortion, gay marriage and the Iraq war.

"Religion has already become a major issue in news coverage and discussions about the next presidential election," says Pew Forum Director Luis Lugo. "Our goal is to provide up-to-date, reliable and impartial information on religion and the 2008 elections."

To help launch Religion & Politics '08, Pew Forum Senior Fellow John Green analyzes a recent Pew Research Center for the People & the Press survey revealing presidential preferences, at this stage of the campaign, of white evangelical Republicans, white non-Hispanic Catholics and white mainline Protestants.

Religion & Politics '08 debuts with profiles of three Democrats (Hillary Clinton, John Edwards and Barack Obama) and three Republicans (Rudolph Giuliani, John McCain and Mitt Romney). Additional candidate profiles will be forthcoming.

The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life delivers timely, impartial information to national opinion leaders on issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs; it also serves as a neutral venue for discussion of these matters. The Forum is a project of the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan "fact tank" that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. For more information, visit www.pewforum.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.

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FAIR Corrects Misinformation from Anti-Mormon DVD

2007-04-05T18:09:00.000-04:00

"Search for the Truth" video distorts and fabricates history and teachings

CONTACT:
Scott Gordon
PO Box 491677
Redding, CA 96049
(530) 356-2070
fairpresident@fairlds.org

The Foundation for
Apologetic Information
and Research (FAIR)

Redding, California - April 2, 2007 - The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR) announced today it has made information available online to correct various misrepresentations and fabrications about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) that are being propagated through a DVD titled "Jesus Christ/Joseph Smith." Corrections to the video are available at www.josephsmithdvd.org, a web site created by FAIR. Press editors and others are encouraged to review the corrected information when reporting on the video.

Beginning on March 25th, the DVD was distributed primarily to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) through various organizations including "Concerned Christians" as well as through a coalition website listed as GoodNewsforLDS.org.

"The film unfortunately is highly inaccurate in its portrayals of key Mormon beliefs and practices, and severely distorts Mormon history," stated Scott Gordon, president of FAIR. "It is merely a rehashing of long refuted attacks against the LDS Church, except this time it is being characterized by its producers as a Christian outreach to Mormons."

Most of the videos were left at the doors of LDS homes, while some were left on the windshields of vehicles parked in church lots during Sunday services. DVDs have been distributed in Utah, Idaho, Washington, Texas, New York, Alberta, British Columbia and various other locations.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a watchdog group that monitors hate speech against Jewish and other groups, had previously identified "Concerned Christians" as being "Mormon bashers" when the group similarly distributed an anti-Mormon video "The God Makers." The ADL has denounced this latest anti-Mormon video as well. "It was wrong then, and it's wrong now" (see http://www.adl.org/PresRele/ChJew_31/5013_31.htm).

About FAIR

FAIR, or the Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research, is a tax exempt 501 (C) 3 Corporation staffed by faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints seeking to defend the Mormon Church, its leaders, teachings, and practices from inaccurate or deceitful claims of critics. It operates websites at www.fairlds.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

“Christ The Lord: Out Of Egypt” To Shoot In Israel This October

2007-04-05T18:07:00.001-04:00

Los Angeles, CA – March 30, 2007 – CHRIST THE LORD: OUT OF EGYPT, the motion picture based on Anne Rice’s best-selling novel about Christ’s early years, will begin shooting in Israel this October. Good News Holdings’ decision to make the film in Israel has the full support of the Israeli government and casting has begun in Israel to find the boy who will play Jesus at the age of 7. A theatrical release is planned for Fall 2008.

The Consul General of Israel in Los Angeles, Ehud Danoch, said: “We are pleased that Good News Holdings chose Israel as the location for the making of this movie. Israel has much to offer filmmakers in general and is obviously the most suitable backdrop for films of a religious nature, specifically films dealing with Christian history.”

David Kirkpatrick, co-founder of Good News Holdings, said “It was always important to Anne Rice that we make every effort to be authentic to the cultural context in which Jesus grew up. We felt the best way to match her exhaustive background research on Jesus’ life and times was by shooting the film in Israel.”

CHRIST THE LORD: OUT OF EGYPT tells the story of Jesus Christ at age seven as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. Told from his childhood perspective, it movingly celebrates the character and strength of the young Jesus as he grows into his religious identity. Its many highlights include Jesus coming to terms with the circumstances of His birth in Bethlehem and his growing realization of his calling. Set in a turbulent era against the backdrop of Roman domination, the story brings to life day to day Jewish life during the era of Second Temple Judaism. From the beauty of worship in the largest temple of the ancient world to the regular prayers and readings of Jewish family life, Rice’s research included the latest publications in archaeology, geography and social history, as well as intense biblical study.

Good News Holdings is planning to announce a director, key casting and production hires as well as the theatrical distributor in coming months.

Los Angeles-based Good News Holdings is a multimedia studio specializing in the development and distribution of Spiritainment.

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

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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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Matt Lanter Signs As Dudleytown Lead For Good News Holdings

2007-04-05T18:06:00.000-04:00

First ever Christian teen horror film to shoot in Connecticut this May

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

Los Angeles, CA – March 30, 2007 – Matt Lanter (Commander-in-Chief) signs on today to star as the lead in Good News Holdings’ horror/thriller DUDLEYTOWN, due out theatrically this Fall. Lanter is also known for his recurring roles in Heroes and Shark and recently finished production in the starring role of Will Farmer in MGM’s feature film War Games 2: The Dead Code.

In DUDLEYTOWN, Lanter -- as Bodie Ingelvie-- leads a small band of teenagers into the heart of the legendary forest in Dudleytown, Connecticut. The movie is being directed by Greg Michael and produced by Dave Steward II at Good News Holdings, a privately held multimedia company.

Dudleytown is a legendary historic 1000 acre hamlet located near Cornwall, Connecticut. The demonologists who first wrote about the legendary Amityville Horror have written extensively about the Dudleytown legend: ghosts, demonic possessions, madness, suicide and life-threatening skin diseases. These occurrences largely have been attributed to a 400-year-old satanic curse effectuated by King Henry VIII on the heirs of Edmund Dudley, whose sons left England and founded the township in Connecticut.

“The characters in Bodie Ingelvie’s journals are compelling and unforgettable,” says David Kirkpatrick, co-founder of Good News Holdings. “The young characters are struggling with self-excoriation (or cutting), addiction to internet porn, violence, self-esteem and trying to find their place in the world. Bodie Ingelvie emerges as a true hero for a thirsty world.”

“The Journals were so ground breaking in what we call the New Horror genre that they captured the attention of Thomas Nelson,” says Good News partner Thom Black.

The first of the three journals from Bodie Ingelvie is in bookstores this July, from Thomas Nelson, Inc., the sixth largest publisher in the world. In addition, Realbuzz Studios will publish a line of graphic novels, focusing on the back-stories of several of the characters featured in the journals due out this Christmas.

A major youth initiative will take place in the fall of 2007 involving as many as 10,000 youth leaders that will actually feature the books and clips from the upcoming movie as tools to educate and inform teenagers.

Mitch Smelkinson of Stone, Meyer, Genow, Smelkinson and Binder brokered the deal on behalf of Matt Lanter, who is repped by Abrams Artists Agency and managed by Faras Rabadi of Emerald Talent Group.

*****
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

FREE Stained Glass Sourcebook Available Now!

2007-04-05T18:05:00.001-04:00

Sourcebook 2007, a publication of The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), is now available in an enhanced edition on CD-ROM and available as a download from www.stainedglass.org.

The Sourcebook was created for architects, churches, liturgical consultants and others who commission, maintain or work with stained glass. In the new enhanced CD format, we have been able to include even more information to assist you in learning about beauty of architectural stained glass and the studios that produce it.

The CD features articles about the types of stained glass, selecting and working with stained glass craftspeople, stained glass repair and restoration, the programs of and membership in the SGAA, and an all-new article on the spirituality of stained glass. Full color pages of portfolio advertising by Accredited Members of the SGAA illustrate the breadth of the architectural stained glass arts.

Sourcebook 2007 is free to any church, institution or architect. To request yours, call (800) 438.9581 or email: headquarters@sgaaonline.com. The Sourcebook can also be found on our web site at www.stainedglass.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

Prison Ministry Helps To Reverse The Effects Of Mom’s Mistakes

2007-04-05T18:03:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact:
Dr. David Schuringa
President and CEO
Crossroad Bible Institute
Phone: 1-800-668-2450
Fax: 616-530-1302
rachelle@crossroadbible.org
www.crossroadbible.org

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. March 29, 2007—On May 13th America will celebrate the positive impact mothers have on the lives of their children. Moms of little tots will plaster their refrigerators with scribbled creations while mothers of adult children will find their mailboxes and answering machines filled with messages of love and appreciation. None dispute that the nurture, training, influence and love of mothers can catapult a person into a healthy and successful life.

However, as thousands of people behind bars know first-hand, the wrong choices of a mother can create enormous obstacles in the life of a child. Compared to 2 out of 1,000 people in the general public, 1 out of 4 behind bars suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Because their mothers drank while pregnant, these people have obvious physical characteristics of the disease, and/or mental disability.

As research on this topic continues, more connections can be made between pregnant mothers drinking and their children ending up in jail. In addition to those who possess the physical and mental symptoms of FAS, thousands more behind bars suffer from the social, emotional and developmental effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). Recent research reports that over 50% of people in prison may have some form of FAS, and Dr. David Schuringa, president of international prison ministry Crossroad Bible Institute, estimates that this figure may be as high as 80% for repeat offenders.

The symptoms of FASD and FAE include behavioral problems, emotional immaturity, poor abstract thinking skills, inability to foresee consequences and communication deficiencies. It is not hard to imagine that many children born with these diseases end up struggling through school, unable to hold a job, brushing with the law and eventually behind bars.

Crossroad Bible Institute, a non-profit organization reaching people in prison with faith-based reentry education, seeks to help these sufferers of FAS and its related diseases. CBI’s program links imprisoned people with caring mentors who correct their lessons and respond with letters of encouragement. Through consistently completing CBI’s courses, students slowly develop the skills required for successful reentry. Rather than continuing to repeat the destructive patterns of their disease, CBI students with FAS, FASD or FAE are equipped for successful integration into society. With curriculum that encourages the development of spiritual disciplines and practical skills, CBI is reaching out to the sufferers of a mother’s poor judgment or ignorance with the truth of the Bible.

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

7 Ways To Get People Involved In Your Church

2007-04-05T18:02:00.000-04:00

Reach People and Help Them Grow with Online Ministry Tools

Media Contact:
Lauren Hunter Public Relations
(916) 838-2184
lauren@laurenhunter.net

MEMPHIS, TN, March XX, 2007— To reach people and help them grow, you have to get them involved. But the more events that you have, the more potential there is for confusion and frustration, for your staff and your members and visitors. The right system and processes will significantly reduce the time it takes your staff to manage events, registrations, volunteers, etc. The result is more time spent in ministry instead of administration. Here are 7 ways that your church can get more people involved:

1. MAKE YOUR EVENT CALENDAR OPEN TO COMMUNITY
One survey found that 70% of church website visitors were seeking event information. Show the latest event information on your site, instantly and automatically updated to reflect any changes. Each department or ministry should have its own calendar, making it easy for people to find information that matches their interests.

2. USE EVENT TICKETS ONLINE & ON-SITE
People expect convenience everywhere they go. Offer the convenience of ordering tickets to concerts, Christmas programs, Easter services, and more by offering online tickets for church events right on your website. Give your staff the ability to use the same system to take ticket orders in your lobby. Provide the flexibility of paying online with credit cards or virtual checks. Allow online purchasers to print e-tickets, request them by mail, or pick them up at will-call.

3. REACH THEM WITH E-MAIL
Why make people come to your website to get information? Send them an e-mail each week with the exact event information they are interested in. Give each subscriber a list of upcoming events that match personal interests (youth, sports, music, etc.).

4. REGISTER FOR YOUR EVENTS ANYTIME, ANYWHERE
Give people the convenience of anytime, anywhere event registration through your website for Bible studies, Retreats, Youth Trips, or any events. Regardless of ministry, people can visit your website anytime day or night and let you know what events they’ll be attending, making it possible to get more accurate numbers for head counts and future planning. You can even take registration fees online.

5. CUSTOMIZE YOUR COMMUNICATIONS
Let visitors to your site subscribe to your e-newsletter, choosing to receive only information from the ministries that interest them. Automatically send a personalized e-newsletter to each subscriber every week that includes news for each selected department, plus a personalized list of events based on their interests. After the messages are sent, determine which information and events attract the most interest by viewing reports showing which recipients opened their message and which links they clicked.

6. USE RESERVED SEAT TICKETS AS AN OUTREACH TOOL
Tickets can be a powerful tool for outreach; however, a general admission ticket is anonymous. A reserved seat creates a deeper commitment – the person knows that the seat will be empty if he or she does not attend. Reserved seating also eliminates the hassles of finding a seat or meeting a friend.

7. MAKE GIVING CONVENIENT
Some people have jobs or other commitments that keep them from attending church regularly. Let contributors set up and manage their giving through your church website. Enable each person to have total control of his or own giving. Automatically send an e-mail reminder before each contribution is made.

*Tim Whitehorn is the founder and CEO of ServiceU Corporation. Serving churches since 1999, ServiceU (www.serviceu.com) is the leader in online event management software used by churches, schools, ministries and all types of nonprofit organizations. ServiceU’s product line includes three core products: EventU provides a way to easily manage event scheduling and registration; TransactU allows organizations to accept online payments and donations; TicketU is a solution for online ticketing and box office management. For more information, email info@serviceu.com or call 1-888-638-7439.

*To reprint article, contact Lauren Hunter at lauren@laurenhunter.net.

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

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

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

Religion News Service Unveils New Columnist Lineup

2007-04-05T18:01:00.000-04:00

Contact: Kevin Eckstrom, Editor
Kevin.eckstrom@religionnews.com
(202) 383-7864

WASHINGTON (April 1, 2007) - Religion News Service (RNS) is proud to announce its new lineup of regular columnists to offer insightful, provocative and illuminating views into the role of religion in American life.

The new columnists include Phyllis Zagano, Cathleen Falsani and Dick Staub. They will join popular RNS columnists Tom Ehrich and Rabbi A. James Rudin.

"We wanted to diversify our columnist lineup, so we scoured the country to find some of the most creative and thought-provoking writers for our subscribers," said RNS Editor Kevin Eckstrom. "Each of them brings a fresh perspective on the intersection of faith, culture and spirituality in contemporary American life."

Tom Ehrich will continue his popular weekly column every Tuesday. Phyllis Zagano and Cathleen Falsani will alternate on Wednesdays, and Dick Staub and Rabbi Rudin will alternate on Thursdays.

Tom Ehrich is a writer, church consultant and Episcopal priest in Durham, N.C. He is the author of "Just Wondering, Jesus: 100 Questions People Want to Ask," and the founder of the Church Wellness Project. His Web site is www.morningwalkmedia.com.

Phyllis Zagano is senior research associate-in-residence at Hofstra University on Long Island. She is the author of several books in Catholic studies, including the award-winning "Holy Saturday: An Argument for the Restoration of the Female Diaconate in the Catholic Church." One of her first RNS columns landed her a spot on Fox's "The O'Reilly Factor."

Cathleen Falsani is the award-winning columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her book, "The God Factor: Inside the Spiritual Lives of Public People," was published in 2006. Cathleen was the 2005 Supple Religion Writer of the Year by the Religion Newswriters Association. Her upcoming book is "Sin Boldly: A Field Guide for Grace." Her "The Dude Abides" blog can be read at http://falsani.blogspot.com.

Dick Staub is an award-winning broadcaster, writer, and speaker whose work focuses on the intersection of faith and culture. He is the host of The Kindlings Muse, (www.thekindlings.com) and is author of "The Culturally Savvy Christian: A Manifesto for Deepening Faith and Enriching Popular Culture in an Age of Christianity-Lite," "Christian Wisdom of the Jedi Masters" and "Too Christian, Too Pagan."

Rabbi A. James Rudin is the senior interreligious adviser for the American Jewish Committee and author of "The Baptizing of America: The Religious Right's Plans for the Rest of Us." He is also a visiting professor of religion at Saint Leo University in Saint Leo, Fla.

Religion News Service is the only secular wire service focused exclusively on religion, ethics, spirituality and moral issues. A large worldwide network of correspondents, stringers and columnists delivers syndicated news and opinion daily to more than 100 major daily newspapers, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times and USA Today. In addition to such media organizations as Time magazine, Newsweek, National Public Radio and PBS, hundreds of award-winning magazines, broadcasters, religious publications and Web sites subscribe to the service.

RNS also provides a photo service with thousands of current and stock photos and graphics. RNS is part of Newhouse News Service, which is owned by Advance Publications Inc.

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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

Amor Ministries is voted one of the Best Christian Places to Work of 2007

2007-04-05T17:59:00.000-04:00

March 27, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Alon Banks, Director of Development, alonb@amor.org, 619.247.4828

Palm Springs, CA – March 15, 2007 – Amor Ministries was announced as a finalist for the Best Christian Places to Work of 2007 at the Christian Management Association Conference in Palm Springs, California.

Amor Ministries, founded in 1980 by Scott and Gayla Congdon, is a non-profit organization that works in the border cities of Mexico. Amor strives to provide education and mission experiences that change people, eradicate spiritual and physical poverty, and impact the future of the church. This happens through a number of different programs, which support the families in Mexico, including house building, a back-to-school program, house sponsorship opportunities, and a food bank.

The Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI) conducted a survey involving more than 11,000 employees in 93 organizations across the United States to identify great workplaces with a Christian mission and/or values. In addition to the 5th annual awards ceremony held at the CMA Conference in Palm Springs, CA, the top 40 survey finalists will be listed on ChristianityToday.com.

Based on the survey, the Best Christian Places to Work in the United States are characterized by leadership teams that demonstrate integrity and compassion for their employees. One employee from Amor Ministries states “Amor Ministries has incredible leadership. Our CEO sets the tone and it is very clear that it carries down to all the departments. My supervisor is continually encouraging me and looking for ways they can incorporate my strengths on a daily basis. In addition, the culture is like a family with complete honesty, love, and tons of fun! This is an incredible place to work and I consider it a privilege to be able to come to this place every day.”

These survey results exemplify Amor Ministries as demonstrating high levels of employee engagement. Al Lopus, President of BCWI states, “This engagement translates into growing performance outcomes positively benefiting the quality of our global society. Further research indicates five unique drivers of employee engagement: 1) commitment for learning, 2) culture of character, 3) competence of management, 4) climate for action, and 5) fair total compensation. Leaders in these workplaces are engaging their people by enabling personal growth and building responsive and adaptable organizations while meeting their employees’ expectations for character, competence and transparency.”

“It is a thrill and an honor to have Amor Ministries recognized as one of the top Christian places to work! We strive to empower our employees to be highly successful, and I am incredibly proud of each individual that works to make Amor an exciting, dedicated, and fun place to serve,” shares co-founder and CEO, Scott Congdon.

Amor Ministries Website : http://www.amor.org/

Christianity Today website: http://ChristianityToday.com/ctmag/

To schedule an interview on this press release, contact Alon Banks at (619) 247.4828.

For more information about the survey log on to http://www.bcwinstitute.com or contact Al Lopus, (206) 230-8111 or alopus@bcwinstitute.com.

# # #

Best Christian Workplaces Institute’s purpose is to serve faith-based organizations by creating processes of discovery, facilitating organizational and leadership alignment, and encouraging practices that build healthy, effective workplaces.

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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

Film Premiere Attracts Major League Baseball’s Biggest Stars

2007-04-05T17:58:00.000-04:00

“Champions of Faith: Baseball” Showcases the Intersection of America’s Favorite Pastime and Deep Faith

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: (678) 990-9032;
Lisa Wheeler Ext. 102, c: (404) 519-1987, lwheeler@maximusmg.com;
Ashley Walker Ext. 109, c: (404) 791-9725, awalker@maximusmg.com

Phoenix, AZ March 26, 2007 – The Arizona Desert set the stage Sunday night for the World Premiere of a breathtaking new film featuring the biggest stars in Major League Baseball. Champions of Faith: Baseball is a stunning sports special which depicts America’s favorite pastime as a metaphor for life.

Major League Baseball champions Mike Piazza, Jeff Suppan and Mike Sweeney attended the debut screening that unveiled an All-Star line-up of baseball greats speaking frankly about how their faith has shaped their Major League Baseball careers. The 60-minute movie tells the story of faith-in-baseball like no other film ever made.

Designated Hitter for the Oakland A’s and twelve-time All-Star Mike Piazza was visibly moved. “This is not just a sports film,” Piazza said. “It’s a work of art.” Shot in breathtaking hi-definition video and set to a rousing musical score, the soundtrack features Grammy-award winning band Third Day and legendary recording artist Bob Dylan. Champions of Faith: Baseball serves to humanize some of the most celebrated and accomplished ballplayers of our time and restore the "sports hero" to its proper place in American culture.

Champions of Faith: Baseball provides an emotionally powerful, action-packed glimpse into what makes a baseball player -- and a human being -- great. Featured in the film are some two-dozen leading players, managers and coaches who speak frankly about family, sacrifice, leadership, humility and the many virtues and spiritual lessons they have learned from the game.

Mike Sweeney, Captain of the Kansas City Royals and five-time All-Star was overwhelmed by the story told in Champions of Faith - Baseball. “Champions of Faith is a treasure that will inspire others for generations. I have never, in my entire life, been more proud to be part of a fraternity or cast of men like this,” said Sweeney.

Tom Allen, President and Editor-in-Chief of Catholic Exchange, saw great potential in a film featuring baseball and faith. Working with John Morales, veteran sports broadcaster, its full potential as a film with broad appeal across the Christian world and the secular mainstream was realized. "Making Champions of Faith has been one of the most challenging and exhilarating experiences of my life,” says Allen who served as the film’s producer and director. “It’s my hope that the film touches every household in America the way it has already touched mine."

Champions of Faith: Baseball will be available on DVD next month in both English and Spanish subtitle formats just after Opening Day of the Major League Baseball Season. Visit www.ChampionsofFaith.com for a complete list of the players, managers and coaches who participated in the project.

To schedule an interview with one of the Major League Players, Allen or Morales, please contact Wheeler or Walker at (678) 990-9032. High-Resolution images from the screening are available for media outlets as well as “B” roll and video-interviews with players.

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

Orientale Lumen IX West Conference in San Diego, CA June 25 - 28, 2007

2007-04-05T17:57:00.000-04:00

Press Release

Date: March 26, 2007
Contact: Jack Figel (703) 691-8862
President
Eastern Christian Publications

For Immediate Release

Fairfax VA: The Orientale Lumen Conferences will be held in four different cities around the world this coming year. These ecumenical conferences focus on the Christian East and are open to the public, for both lay persons and clergy. The well known presenters come from four main religious groups: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Oriental Orthodox. These conferences encourage ecumenical dialogue (discussion of the similarities and differences among the groups) on a specific theme through presentations and discussions. The conferences include a variety of prayer services, from a wide range of Church traditions. In this way, the conferences provide a learning experience and intellectual discussion, as well as a unique spiritual experience.

The goals, then, of the Orientale Lumen Conferences are to:
-- educate and promote information about the Eastern Christian Churches, their traditions, liturgy, spirituality, monasticism, theology, and more
-- provide an unofficial forum for ecumenical dialogue at the "grass roots" level among lay persons and clergy, as well as include senior Church officials and theologians who normally participate in official dialogues.

Orientale Lumen XI West will be held in San Diego, CA June 25 - 28, 2007, at the beautiful University of San Diego Campus overlooking Mission Bay. The theme of this year's conference will be "Icons - Expressions of Our Faith". Icons represent the stories, people, and events of the church, and guide the spiritual thought and experience for many people. They are found in all human activity, and are helpful visual guides for each person, sometimes differently for each person. They can be touchstones of beauty and inspiration, used with many caring and devoted purposes for all of us. The speakers will discuss the conference theme from the perspectives of their own traditions.

The distinguished speakers and guests are from around the world:

Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Johnstown, PA, USA
Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia, Oxford, United Kingdom, (by recorded video from Constantinople)
Archimandrite Robert Taft, SJ, Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome, Italy
Father Mark Morozowich, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
Prof. Richard Schneider, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Metropolitan Gerasimos, Greek Orthodox Church of North America, San Francisco, CA, USA
Father Thomas Loya, Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church, Chicago, IL, USA

The moderator will be Rev. Msgr. George Dobes, US Navy Chaplain Corps, Retired, Washington, DC, USA.

Each speaker will give a plenary session followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience. All of the papers presented will be published and provided to the attendees in a Proceedings book after the conference. A variety of liturgical services will be conducted during the conference to provide an opportunity for attendees to pray together for Church unity. Opening and closing remarks will also be made by various Church leaders in attendance.

Church leaders, lay persons, monastics, clergy and students are all welcome and invited to participate. These conferences have been appreciated and discussed all across the world, and have been mentioned in meetings among the religious leaders in the Vatican, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Greek Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch, and many others.

The Pope's visit to Istanbul in November, 2006, as well as the official dialogue of Catholic and Orthodox Churches that was held in September, 2006, demonstrate the improved relations among the Christian Churches. The Orientale Lumen conferences function in an unofficial capacity parallel to those official discussions. They are unique because of the extensive participation of lay persons, and because of the involvement of Eastern Catholics -- a small minority within the Catholic Church, and who are rarely represented at other dialogue meetings.

The OL XI West Conference is one of the four OL Conferences held this year. It follows the EuroEast Conference II which will be held May 7 - 10, 2007 in Istanbul, and the OL XI East Conference held in Washington, DC. Both OL Conference XI East and West will have the theme of "Icons - Expressions of Our Faith".

The fourth Orientale Lumen Conference this year will be in Melbourne, Australia, on September 26 - 29, 2007. The theme will be "The Life in Christ."

The Orientale Lumen Conferences have been meeting annually since 1997 in Washington, DC and other locations around the world. Primarily sponsored by the Society of Saint John Chrysostom and Eastern Christian Publications, other co-sponsors include the Halki School of Orthodox Theology in Constantinople, the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and the University of San Diego, in San Diego, CA.

Registration details are available on the website: www.olconference.com.

Contact:
Jack Figel
Orientale Lumen Conferences
PO Box 192
Fairfax, VA 22038-0192
(703) 691-8862
info@olconference.com

For further information:
Society of Saint John Chrysostom: www.ssjc.org
Eastern Christian Publications: www.ecpubs.com
The Catholic University of America: www.cua.edu
The University of San Diego: www.sandiego.edu

*****
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 Life Of Meaning: Reflections On Faith, Doubt, And Repairing The World

2007-04-05T17:55:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kelly Hughes
kelly@dechanthughes.com
312-280-8126

Ruth Weiner
ruth@sevenstories.com
212-226-8760

“This is a feast of ideas and insights, a banquet of hard-won wisdom to which you can return time and again when your heart yearns for inspiration and your intellect for illumination.”
—Bill Moyers

“This is a rich feast of accumulated wisdom.”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

The Life of Meaning
REFLECTIONS ON FAITH, DOUBT, AND REPAIRING THE WORLD

Bob Abernethy and William Bole
And the contributors to PBS’
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly

“This rich, meaningful book is, literally, an answer to your prayers or, if you prefer, a fascinating journey through the labyrinth of questions we all have about life, faith, God, choices and doubts…. Bob Abernethy and William Bole have done us all a great favor with this collection….”
—Tom Brokaw, from the Foreword

Extraordinary people will say extraordinary things, especially when it is Bob Abernethy and his team at PBS’s Religion and Ethics NewsWeekly doing the asking. The Life of Meaning (Seven Stories Press, April 28, 2007) presents 59 extraordinary contributors speaking candidly about their search for meaning in their own personal lives, their experience of God, and for some, the struggle to reconcile faith and doubt. They include Jimmy Carter, Francis Collins, The Dalai Lama, Robert Franklin, Irving Greenberg, Seyyed Hossein Nasr, Harold Kushner, Anne Lamott, Madeleine L’Engle, Thomas Lynch, Martin Marty, Mark Noll, Rachel Remen, Marilynne Robinson, Barbara Brown Taylor, Studs Terkel, Thich Nhat Hanh, Phyllis Tickle, Desmond Tutu, Jean Vanier, Marianne Williamson and many others.

Be it Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s simple description of a presence like a warm fire, or Reverend William Sloane Coffin affirming that “the glory of God [is] a human being fully alive,” whether it is Eileen Durkin’s view that “grace is everywhere,” or Rabbi Irving Greenberg seeking a system of belief that can withstand the violence of the contemporary world, the voices in The Life of Meaning describe the ways in which individual leaps of faith can repair the world—and ourselves.

Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly, which Bob Abernethy conceived for PBS in 1997 and anchors, has been described as “the best spot on the television landscape to take in the broad view of the spiritual dimension of American life . . .” by the Christian Science Monitor. “Finally,” wrote the San Francisco Chronicle, “something intelligent on TV about religion.” In The Life of Meaning, the core ideas of the program are collected for the first time in book form.

Before launching the series, Bob Abernethy served as a correspondent for NBC News for more than four decades, reporting from Washington, Los Angeles, London, and Moscow. He lives in Washington, D.C. William Bole’s articles have appeared in the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Commonweal magazine. A research fellow of the Woodstock Theological Center at Georgetown University and an editorial consultant at Boston College, he lives in Andover, Massachusetts.

The Life of Meaning
Reflections on Faith, Doubt, and Repairing the World
Seven Stories Press
April 28, 2007
$29.95 / Hardcover / 6.75 X 9.25
ISBN-13: 978-1-58322-758-9

For further information, contact:

Kelly Hughes, 312-280-8126 or kelly@dechanthughes.com
Ruth Weiner, 212-226-8760 or ruth@sevenstories.com

Praise for The Life of Meaning:

“A noted theologian (Paul Tillich) has said that religion is a search for the truth about our relationship with God and our fellow human beings. This book will help us in that search."
—Jimmy Carter

“Some books—almost all books, in fact—are for reading. Only occasionally is there that stately book which is so substantial and yet so open and present, that it is for being with. This is a book for being with.... The Life of Meaning is more infused with wisdom than any I have seen in many, many a year."
—Phyllis Tickle

“Many of us have been commenting much about a spiritual hunger at work beyond the walls of organized religion. In assembling these probing reflections on life and meaning Bob Abernethy and William Bole have prepared a marvelous feast for the hungry.”
—Richard J. Mouw, President, Fuller Theological Seminary

“If you want to know how a wide and divergent array of thoughtful Americans understand and practice their religious faith, no other one book can tell you more than this collection of honest and often powerfully moving reflections.”
—Peter Steinfels, Co-director, Fordham Center on Religion and Culture and religion columnist for the New York Times

*****
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

Second Season of American Bible Society Presents Premiers

2007-03-27T15:50:00.000-04:00

One of the nation's oldest Bible organization's syndicated TV program begins a new season

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

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

Nancy Hite/Katherine Foster
RLM Public Relations
(212) 741-5106 x211 / x232
nancy@RLMpr.com / katherine@RLMpr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York - March 26, 2007 -American Bible Society (www.americanbible.org), the largest and among the country's oldest Bible organizations, today announced the second season of American Bible Society Presents, its award-winning half hour TV news magazine showcasing the enlightening and transforming power of God's word at work. A weekly syndicated series, American Bible Society Presents, airs on 358 stations nationwide.

The Reverend Dr. Paul Irwin, American Bible Society's President and CEO, introduces each segment of American Bible Society Presents and subsequently profiles individuals whose lives have been changed by the Bible, in addition to organizations that apply its message to helping others. These stories of faith and fellowship demonstrate how God's word empowers ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others.

"We are extremely excited about the second season of American Bible Society Presents," Dr. Irwin explained. "By moving to the news magazine format and going on location we can illustrate the Word of God working in people's lives in an entertaining and thought provoking manner."

In the last season American Bible Society Presents utilized a talk show format featuring distinct panelists who were experts in their fields discussing each show's unique topic.

Filmed in association with Associated Television International, American Bible Society Presents is carried by the affiliates of Faith TV, the CW network, ION, America 1, and independent stations nationwide. The first season of American Bible Society Presents was awarded a Telly, the honor for the best in local regional and cable programming, in the Religious/Spiritual fields.

"The goal of the American Bible Society is to make the Bible available to everyone in a language and format that is affordable and easily understood," Dr. Irwin said. "We want to provide programming the entire family can truly enjoy and even learn from."

The first episode of American Bible Society Presents spotlights a New York Faith Walk tour honoring heroes of September 11th; a relief center in Paterson, NJ, that redefines "service;" and an outreach ministry that is actually a drive-thru prayer booth in Irvine, CA. Future episodes include impact of Feed the Children on a neighborhood deep in the city of New York and a group of Los Angeles-based Christian magicians using their astounding talents to spread the message of the Bible.

For stations and airdates for American Bible Society Presents, please log on to www.abspresents.com.

About the American Bible Society
Founded in 1816 and headquartered in the City of New York, 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 may experience its life-changing message. The American Bible Society Web site is, www.americanbible.org

About Associated Television International
Associated Television International has been successfully producing and distributing television series, specials and feature films for over three decades. ATI's corporate mission is to produce projects that are both educational and entertaining for audiences worldwide. Its programs have aired on all US broadcast networks and the major cable channels. In the last year, such programs as The National Health Test, Laura McKenzie's Traveler, The Unauthorized Biography of Johnny Cash, and Unlocking DaVinci's Code, all received acclaim.

*****
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 23, 2007

2007-03-23T17:02:00.000-04:00

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 23 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: "Pacific Garden Mission" - Robert Jordan visits Pacific Garden Mission in Chicago for a behind-the-scenes look at how its award-winning international radio drama "Unshackled!" is touching - and inspiring - people around the world.

* Perspectives: "Iraq War Anniversary" - Bob Abernethy is joined by William Galston, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Dr. Richard Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Nancy Sherman, a professor of philosophy and ethics at Georgetown University, for a studio discussion focusing on the moral principles and religious perspectives that should guide America's exit strategy in Iraq.

* Belief and Practice: "Zoroastrian New Year" - Farzad Aidun shares his family's celebration of the Zoroastrian New Year (Norooz) from their home in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

To request a transcript of these reports, send an e-mail to schultzm@religionethics.org or go to the program Web site at http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics where the transcript and streaming video of each story will be available after 8:30 p.m. on Friday.

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

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

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

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

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

Parker J. Palmer to Speak at Second Gerald May Seminar

2007-03-21T16:03:00.000-04:00

21 MARCH 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: TARA M. LEPORINI
(301) 897-7334 X.213

BETHESDA, MD -The Shalem Institute will feature best-selling author and educator, Parker J. Palmer, in a lecture and workshop seminar entitled, "A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life." The lecture will be held on Friday, May 18, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and the workshop will take place Saturday, May 19, 2007, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Both events will be held at Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, 10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville, MD. The cost for the lecture is $25; the workshop is $75.

This second seminar is offered in memory of the life and legacy of Gerald G. (Jerry) May, Shalem's beloved Senior Fellow for Contemplative Theology and Psychology, who died in April 2005. This annual event will strengthen the great themes of contemplative understanding and practice that Jerry so valued.

In his Friday evening lecture, followed by discussion, Dr. Palmer will explore the dynamics that cause us to build a wall of separation between our inner and outer lives-and the spiritual insights and practices that can help us reclaim our "hidden wholeness." At the Saturday workshop, participants will be invited to relate the insights explored on Friday night to their own life and work-exploring ways to "rejoin the soul and role," making and remaking the decision to live "divided no more."

Parker J. Palmer is a writer, speaker and activist on issues in education, community, leadership, spirituality, and social change who received his Ph.D. in sociology from the University of California at Berkeley. He serves as senior advisor to the Fetzer Institute and founder and senior advisor to the Center for Courage & Renewal; for fifteen years he served as senior associate of the American Association of Higher Education. His books include A Hidden Wholeness, Let Your Life Speak, The Courage to Teach, The Active Life, To Know as We Are Known, The Company of Strangers, and The Promise of Paradox. His work has been recognized with eight honorary doctorates, two Distinguished Achievement Awards from the National Educational Press Association, an Award of Excellence from the Associated Church Press, and major grants from the Danforth Foundation, the Lilly Endowment, and the Fetzer Institute. In 1998, the Leadership Project, a national survey of ten thousand administrators and faculty, named Dr. Palmer as one of the thirty "most influential senior leaders" in higher education and one of the ten key "agenda-setters" of the past decade. In 2005, Living the Questions: Essays Inspired by the Work and Life of Parker J. Palmer, was published by Jossey-Bass/John Wiley.

For more information and to register for this event, contact the Shalem Institute at (301) 897-7334 or visit www.shalem.org.

-###-

The Shalem Institute has been a resource for prayer and deepening in the life of the Spirit for over 30 years and has earned a reputation for assisting people in developing a deeper spirituality in their work and personal lives. Shalem provides programs and support for all who seek to deepen their relationship with God and bring the gifts of contemplative living and leadership to their lives and ministries.

*****
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

Gospel Music Channel Chosen as #1 Network: #1 to Add to Cable Systems; #1 in Family Viewing; #1 in Connecting with Audience

2007-03-20T16:49:00.000-04:00

Distribution Gains, World Premiere Programming and New Sponsors Drive Nation’s Only Family-Friendly Music Television Network Through its Strongest Growth Period

CONTACT:
Jim Weiss
Phone: 770-692-4579
Jim@GospelMusicChannel.com
www.GospelMusicChannel.com

ATLANTA, March 20, 2007-- Gospel Music Channel (GMC), the nation’s first 24-hour music television channel dedicated to all styles of Christian and Gospel music, has ranked as the #1 emerging or mid-size network in the new annual survey of cable operators, it was announced today. GMC also ranked #1 in “audience attentiveness to advertising” and #1 in “feeling comfortable viewing with family” in a recent major advertising industry research report. These results come at a time when the network is enjoying the strongest period of growth across all facets of business since its launch just 28 months ago.

Results of the annual Beta Research Cable Operator Study found that Gospel Music Channel ranks as the #1 emerging or mid-size network among cable providers with large systems in large markets (200K+ and 100K+ subscribers.) Gospel Music Channel rated ahead of two dozen other cable networks, including The NFL Network, WE: Women’s Entertainment, Soapnet, Hallmark Movie Channel, The Tennis Channel and Lifetime Real Women.

These results portend additional growth in the months ahead while coinciding with Gospel Music Channel’s already strong recent increases in distribution. GMC is now seen in more than 100 markets (DMAs) around the country representing more than 3,000 cities and towns coast-to-coast. The channel projects an additional 50% increase on top of that, expecting to finish the year in more than 150 of the top 210 DMAs. Gospel Music Channel added one million subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2006 alone. Comcast Cable—the nation’s largest cable programming provider—has added GMC in such major cities as Chicago, Washington DC, Memphis, Salt Lake City, Baltimore, Richmond and Portland, OR. These new markets were in addition to Comcast’s earlier successful launches of Gospel Music Channel in Atlanta, Nashville and Detroit.

Two other of the country’s largest cable providers, Cox Communications and Charter Communications, also are continuing to add Gospel Music Channel, as is Verizon FiOS in all its rapidly expanding video markets. And, the channel is now carried by nearly 50 independent cable operators and telephone companies offering video. The immediate acceptance and positive response to Gospel Music Channel in new markets has been overwhelming.

Gospel Music Channel’s growth extends to its expansion of world premiere original programming production. Gospel Music Channel has become the largest producer of original Gospel/Christian music television in the world, producing more than 200 hours of concerts, series, specials, and video with a commitment to producing the majority of new content in High Definition. Gospel Music Channel also just launched a seven-channel video on demand (VOD) service offering all genres on Gospel/Christian music. Gospel Music Channel On Demand is already available in more than 10 million homes and already ranks among the top third in popularity and usage in those homes.

Just two weeks ago, the channel wrapped a two-day, 10-artist, HDTV performance shoot in Nashville. The content captured in those few days will create numerous programs and have many applications including the network’s Front Row Live concert series, countdown series Hot List, music videos, artist wrap-arounds, on-air promotion and more. Among the popular artists performing and participating were The Clark Sisters (in their TV farewell), Michael W. Smith, Mike Farris, Randy Owen of Alabama, Tammy Trent, Hawk Nelson, The Isaacs, Family Force Five, Austins Bridge and KJ-52. A similar shoot featuring Latino artists, led by popular star Julissa, will take place in Miami this Friday and Saturday and another Nashville production is scheduled for May.

With accelerated growth in distribution and increase in original programming has come a similarly impressive gain in attracting major advertisers. GMC has signed numerous advertising partners, including Coca-Cola, Kraft, General Mills, Hallmark Stores, Walgreens, Unilever, Lincoln Mercury, Reckitt Benckiser, Geico, Sony, Allstate, Lions Gate, Sara Lee, Sunny D, Paramount Pictures and Wal-Mart. According to a recent major advertising industry research report—The Myers Emotional Connections Study measuring viewers’ emotional connections to nearly 50 emerging and mid-sized cable television networks—Gospel Music Channel ranks #1 in “overall emotional connections with audience,” #1 in “audience attentiveness to advertising,” #1 in “feeling comfortable viewing with family” and #3 in “audience engagement with network.”

Charles Humbard, president and chief executive officer, Gospel Music Channel, said, “It is very gratifying and humbling that our vision to provide family-friendly entertainment programming with strong Christian values is being embraced on so many levels. We look forward to continued growth and success in the months ahead and pledge to our loyal viewers that we will continue to deliver the very best that Christian and gospel music have to offer.”

About Gospel Music Channel
Gospel Music Channel (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) is the first 24-hour, all music television entertainment network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music that is gospel. From the soulful sounds of artists like CeCe Winans, to the country gospel roots of Johnny Cash and Randy Travis, to the contemporary Christian music stylings of Kirk Franklin and Jars of Clay – Gospel Music Channel celebrates music that has a deep, spiritual place in people’s lives. It embraces an audience that crosses cultures and captures generations delivering a fan base so large and passionate it deserves its own network.

From the soulful voices that fill the storied halls of Harlem to the contemporary sounds of today’s Christian pop, rock, hip hop and R&B, gospel music has never been more diverse, and Gospel Music Channel has it all.

*****
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

Jewish Worship Leader Craig Taubman Brings Mega-Church Style Prayer Experiences to Atlanta in Bid to Invigorate Synagogue Life

2007-03-20T16:48:00.000-04:00

Synagogue 3000’s Atlanta Initiative presents composer/recording artist Taubman and local clergy leading services in aim to pack the pews March 23rd and 24th 2007

MEDIA CONTACT:
Joshua Avedon, Director of Communication
Office 310.553.7932
Mobile 310.291.5171
media@synagogue3000.org

ATLANTA, March 20, 2007 – Craig Taubman, the worship leader who created the “Friday Night Live” Shabbat service, comes to Atlanta this weekend for a series of “seeker” services aimed at the two thirds of Atlanta’s Jewish citizens who don’t belong to a synagogue, as well as existing members of congregations. The three Shabbat services are part of “The Atlanta Initiative,” a project of Synagogue 3000 (S3K), an institute dedicated to revitalizing synagogue life. “Craig’s approach to worship is inclusive and participatory,” says S3K President and co-founder Ron Wolfson, “…and that’s the exact feeling people want to get from their spiritual community.”

“The goal is to create an experience that leaves people wanting more,” according to Taubman, who helps congregations around the country to create services that use upbeat contemporary music to engage spiritual seekers. Similar approaches have become standard fare at many mega-churches and, in fact, Taubman has even helped lead services in places like Saddleback Church in Southern California, the mega-church founded by “The Purpose-driven Life” author Rick Warren. “Pastor Rick Warren is a genius at creating worship experiences that speak to believers and seekers alike,” says Taubman. “S3K hopes to create that same kind of welcoming atmosphere in synagogues.”

Synagogue 3000’s Atlanta Initiative is a project to increase synagogue membership and create a renaissance in Jewish spiritual communities in Atlanta which includes a series of workshops for congregational leaders, the Taubman Shabbat services and “Hallelu Atlanta,” a concert celebrating synagogue life on November 4, 2007.

Synagogue 3000 (S3K) (http://www.synagogue3000.org) empowers congregations to create sacred communities that are compelling moral and spiritual centers of Jewish life. The S3K Atlanta Initiative is a project launched in November of 2006 to help increase synagogue membership and create a renaissance in Jewish spiritual communities in Atlanta, Georgia.

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

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World Premiere of New Film Featuring Major League Baseball Players and Faith Opens in Phoenix

2007-03-20T16:47:00.000-04:00

FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: (678) 990-9032;
Lisa Wheeler ext. 102, c: (404) 519-1987, lwheeler@maximusmg.com;
Ashley Walker ext. 109, c: (404) 791-9725, awalker@maximusmg.com

*** CALENDAR ADVISORY ***

WHAT: World Premiere of Champions of Faith: Baseball

Major League Baseball’s Mike Piazza, Jeff Suppan, Jack McKeon, Mike Sweeney, David Eckstein and Rich Donnelly lead the line-up in this All-Star baseball sports special.

Discussing how their faith has shaped their Major League careers, these superstars of America’s favorite pastime speak frankly about family, faith, sacrifice, leadership, humility and the many virtues and spiritual lessons they have learned from the game.

Shot in high-definition video and featuring thrilling game highlights from Major League Baseball Productions and music from legendary recording artist Bob Dylan, Champions of Faith is an emotionally powerful, action-packed glimpse into the lives and personal faith of the nation’s most popular sports heroes. Other players, coaches and managers featured in the film include: Tom Glavine, Craig Biggio, Sean Casey, Pudge Rodriquez, Jim Leyland, Mike Scioscia, Juan Pierre, Mark Prior, Ozzie Guillen, A.J. Pierzynski, Lance Berkman, Chris Speier, Roberto Beltran, Sandy Alomar and many more.

Additional features include music from Grammy Award-winning Christian band Third Day. “Champions of Faith – Baseball Edition” is scheduled for DVD release at the start of the 2007 Major League Baseball season.

WHEN: Sunday, March 25
7 p.m. – Exclusive Premiere featuring Major League Baseball Stars; the Bishop of Phoenix, Thomas J. Olmsted; Executive Producer Tom Allen; Writer/Narrator John Morales and other special guests.

WHERE: AMC Desert Ridge 18
21001 N. Tatum Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85050
NE Corner of 101st and Tatum

WHO: All-Star Catcher and now Oakland A’s designated hitter Mike Piazza, Kansas City Royals Captain Mike Sweeney and 2006 NLCS MVP Jeff Suppan will join Executive Producer Tom Allen of Catholic Exchange and Writer/Narrator John Morales.

INFO: Visit www.ChampionsofFaith.com/Premiere or call (678) 990-9032.

MEDIA: Interviews, in advance or on-site, can be arranged by contacting Lisa Wheeler or Ashley Walker at (678) 990-9032. Please visit the “Champions of Faith” website at www.ChampionsofFaith.com.

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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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Growing Up “Nothing”: Reflective Memoir Puts Female Face on Nonbelief

2007-03-20T16:45:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2007

Media Contacts:
Kelly Hughes, DeChant-Hughes & Assoc. Inc. Public Relations
(312) 280-8126, kelly@dechanthughes.com

Jill Maxick, Prometheus Books
800-853-7545, jmaxick@prometheusbooks.com

Amherst, NY -- The public face of atheism has recently been that of bestselling authors Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Victor Stenger, and Daniel Dennett, academic males and vocal critics of religion. A new memoir puts a kinder, gentler face on religious dissent.

Nica Lalli—wife, mom, and former PTA president—adds a personal perspective to the conversation about nonbelief with Nothing: Something to Believe In ($17, Prometheus Books, http://www.prometheusbooks.com/catalog/book_1876.html).

Lalli is not a scientist or a philosopher. Rather than critique God, religion or theology, Lalli dissects her own history, examining how she came to embrace being “nothing.” Lalli prefers to call herself “nothing” instead of atheist, explaining, “I like the word nothing because it makes no reference to a god, it cuts out that root (‘theo’) to stand on its own. I decided to share my journey to show people that I could be sure of my beliefs and my convictions, even if they are not based on a holy book, messiah or organized church.”

Lalli grew up nothing, with resolutely secular parents. She felt odd about it as a kid, because everyone else was something—her school friends were Catholic, Presbyterian, Jewish. Her memories of evangelists knocking on her door, her time at a religious ski retreat, and the lesson of life and death when she memorialized a dead bird, portray why the religion issue was such a big deal, and why, at times, being nothing was scary.

By the time Lalli married and had children, she was comfortable as a nonbeliever. But her born-again Christian in-laws did not accept her, she says: “They made it clear that without my conversion to Christianity, there could be no real friendship and maybe not even familial cordiality.” The strained relations with her in-laws spurred her to sit down and revisit all the times religion has come into her life.

She chronicles her experiences while confronting the broader issues of faith, tolerance and respect in the confusing religious landscape of America.

In the end, she finds the courage to define what she is rather than what she’s not. “Just because I call myself ‘nothing’ doesn’t mean I don’t have ideas. I have belief, I just don’t have religion,” she says.

So what does she believe? Her two young children have challenged her to articulate her beliefs, asking the same question she once asked her parents: “What do we believe in?” She tells them: “We believe in the human spirit, the strength and regenerative possibilities of people. And the kids ask, ‘What about God and Jesus?’ So I say that I do not believe in God and I do not believe that Jesus was the son of God.”

Lalli says she had to figure out how to present the lack of religion in their lives as something to be proud of: “We may not have a church, but we have community, and we work hard to help our neighbors and strengthen our neighborhood.” Her confidence has given her children a sense of security about what they are. “They see it as a way to keep open to possibilities in the world. They see wonder and mystery in life, love, and even in death.”

“Through helping the children find respect for their beliefs, I have had to find respect for mine,” Lalli says, “and tolerance for others, even for those who cannot tolerate me.”
Visit www.nicalalli.com and http://www.prometheusbooks.com/catalog/book_1876.html.

# # #

NOTE TO MEDIA: Nica Lalli (Brooklyn, New York) is an educator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art working in the Outreach, Access and Family Programs. To interview Nica Lalli, contact Kelly Hughes at (312) 280-8126, kelly@dechanthughes.com. To request a review copy of Nothing: Something to Believe In (ISBN: 978-1-59102-529-0) contact Prometheus Books publicity at 800-853-7545 or publicity@prometheusbooks.com.

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

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

Contact Us
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Belief vs. Disbelief Debate Broadens With TV Documentary

2007-03-20T16:44:00.000-04:00

Jonathan Miller Reveals the Hidden Story of Atheism
Three-Part Series Premiers May 4 on Public Television

"... the history of the growing conviction that God doesn't exist." - Jonathan Miller

March 15, 2007 - This spring the debate over belief versus disbelief, faith versus atheism, intensifies with the national airing of A Brief History of Disbelief on public television stations, premiering May 4. Hosted by Jonathan Miller, the three-part series comes in the midst of the upcoming release of two provocative books on atheism: Christopher Hitchens' God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything and Joan Konner's The Atheist's Bible.

God has rarely been such a contentious issue. The God Delusion and Letter to a Christian Nation are the top two bestselling religion hardcover books in the country, according to Publishers Weekly (week of March 12). Those and other bestsellers have forcefully challenged the sacred cows, doctrines and dogmas of conventional religious belief.

A Brief History of Disbelief is a deeply intelligent and rational journey through the highly divisive topic. A Brief History of Disbelief premiers in the U.S. on most public television stations on Friday, May 4, 2007 (check local listings). The series is presented by the Independent Production Fund, executive director Alvin Perlmutter.

Written and narrated by acclaimed British intellectual Jonathan Miller - author, lecturer, TV producer/host, director of theater, opera and film, and neurologist - A Brief History of Disbelief originally aired on the BBC in the U.K. It was the first-ever historical look at the controversial topic on television. It is only during the last few years in the U.S. that atheism can be fully and widely discussed. More and more leaders and celebrities are "coming out of the closet." Just this week, longtime U.S. Congressman Pete Stark publicly declared that he does not believe in a supreme being.

"This series is about the disappearance of something: religious faith," Miller says in the opening. "It's the story of what is often referred to as 'atheism,' the history of the growing conviction that God doesn't exist."

A Brief History of Disbelief combines an exploration of the origins of Miller's own lack of belief with historical perspective and interviews with leading authorities, including biologist Richard Dawkins, philosopher Daniel Dennett, recently deceased playwright Arthur Miller, and physicist Steven Weinberg.

"In making this series I have inevitably discovered that the history of faith and doubt is a great deal more complicated than it might seem," Jonathan Miller declares. Among the program's surprising revelations is that philosophy, not science as often assumed, played a larger role in the gradual erosion of belief. And contrary to what many Christian fundamentalists today consider America's founding principles, the first presidents were actually skeptical of religion. A Brief History of Disbelief traces the history of the first "unbelievers" in ancient Greece through the role of disbelief in America's founding to its flourishing today.

Part I: Shadows of Doubt
Miller visits the site of the absent Twin Towers to consider the religious implications of 9/11 and meets Arthur Miller and the philosopher Colin McGinn. He searches for evidence of the first "unbelievers" in ancient Greece and examines some of the modern theories around why people have always tended to believe in mythology and magic.

Part II: Noughts and Crosses
With the domination of Christianity from 500 AD, Miller wonders how disbelief began to re-emerge in the 15th and 16th centuries. He discovers that division within the Church played a more powerful role than the scientific discoveries of the period. He also visits Paris, the home of the 18th century atheist Baron D'Holbach, and shows how politically dangerous it was to undermine the religious faith of the masses.

The Final Hour
The history of disbelief continues with the ideas of self-taught philosopher Thomas Paine, the revolutionary studies of geology, and the evolutionary theories of Darwin. Miller looks at the Freudian view that religion is a "thought disorder." He also examines his motivation behind making the series touching on the issues of death and the religious fanaticism of the 21st century.

A Brief History of Disbelief is presented by the Independent Production Fund, which has produced highly acclaimed information programming for over thirty years. The company and its producers have used television to educate, engage and challenge viewers to consider issues, ideas and public figures from new perspectives.

Major funding for the U.S. showing of A Brief History of Disbelief is provided by the Center for Inquiry, with additional funding from American Ethical Union, American Humanist Association, Institute for Humanist Studies, and HKH Foundation. The program is being distributed to public television stations by the Executive Program Service.

###

Media Advisory: Writer and narrator Jonathan Miller and some of the program's experts are available for interviews.

Contacts: Scott Tillitt - 917-449-6356, scott@antidotecollective.org

Website: www.abriefhistoryofdisbelief.org

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Israel's Fastest-Growing School Opens U.S. Office

2007-03-20T16:41:00.000-04:00

SHAMOON COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING PLANS FOR 130% STUDENT INCREASE MAJORITY ARE SOUTH ISRAEL'S UNDERSERVED BRAIN TRUST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Annabelle Stevens - 310-435-6996
Dahlia Greer - 310-339-1060

March 19, 2007, New York ... The American Friends of Sami Shamoon College of Engineering in Beer Sheva and Ashdod has opened its first American office, at 5 West 36th Street in Manhattan. Douglas Stern, President of AFSSCE remarked, "With the leadership of our new Executive Vice President, veteran fundraiser Joshua Karlin, we are creating a high profile Executive Committee in the Northeast United States to raise $12 million by 2012." This will finance Shamoon's 130% planned increase in student enrollment from 3,000 to 7,000, Stern explained.

Israel's fastest growing college, Shamoon plays a unique role in Israel's development by recruiting, training and retaining the Negev's brain trust, which helps spur the region’s economic growth. Recognizing Shamoon's uncompromised academic excellence, Israel's Council for Higher Education selected Shamoon to be the first and only college to open a second campus, in the southern port city of Ashdod.

Eighty percent of Shamoon students hail from the Negev and south Israel, fulfilling the government mandate to make higher education more accessible to people living on the periphery. "We reach out to young adults who lack the typical opportunities," Prof. Jehuda Haddad, Shamoon College President said. "We give them a vision - that of becoming professional engineers - to make better lives for themselves, and for all who live in Israel’s south. Then we give them a chance to realize that vision."

Shamoon has developed a special psycho-technic test to identify those with high scientific aptitude. "Once they qualify, we train them to be counted amongst the finest engineers in the country," explained Haddad.

Founded in 1996 with just 95 students, Shamoon is now Israel's largest engineering college. It offers special scholarship programs for Israeli-Ethiopians, Bedouins, Israeli soldiers, single mothers and others with financial hardships. Israeli Arabs, Bedouins, and Druze comprise 15% of the student body. Shamoon has produced the first, and to date, only, female Bedouin engineer. Eleven Israeli Ethiopian engineers have graduated, the most from any Israeli college or university.

Shamoon's graduates are helping fill the extreme shortage of engineers in Israel, especially in the southern region. Approximately 77% of Shamoon graduates stay in south Israel, employed at companies such as Intel, Amdocs, El-Op, Dead Sea Works (DSW), and Bromine Compounds.

Shamoon is involved in numerous co-ventures with world industry leaders, such as research with General Motors to develop safer, "greener" automobiles. Microsoft-Israel's Forum for Young Developers and Shamoon are jointly motivating more young females to enter careers in engineering. The new Negev Monte Carlo Research Center has already begun to identify markers of Alzheimer's disease, developed a test for early cervical cancer detection, and is the nation’s leader in paradigm-building for military preparation for atmospheric dispersion of radiation in terror attacks. Additionally, Shamoon is the only Israeli college or university with Green engineering or earthquake studies.

The College's architecture embodies its philosophy of innovation and outreach. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Haim Dotan, the Minkoff Building, known as "the spaceship", stands adjacent to Beer Sheva’s oldest neighborhood, Shikun Aleph. "This juxtaposition is symbolic of Shamoon's providing a bridge from the hardships of the past to the promise of the future," commented AFSSCE Executive Vice President Karlin.

While Karlin builds the New York office for Shamoon, he continues to operate his consulting firm, Aliya Marketing and Fundraising Group, in Rhode Island where he previously raised more than $25 million as Director of Development and Endowment for the Jewish Federation of Rhode Island.

For more information, contact Annabelle Stevens, 310-435-6996, annabelle@annabellestevens.com or Dahlia Greer, 310-339-1060, dahlia.greer@gmail.com. Visit Shamoon College's website: www.sce.ac.il

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Orientale Lumen XI East Conference in Washington, DC June 18 - 21, 2007

2007-03-20T16:39:00.000-04:00

Press Release

Date: March 12, 2007
Contact: Jack Figel (703) 691-8862
President
Eastern Christian Publications

For Immediate Release

Fairfax VA: The Orientale Lumen Conferences will be held in four different cities around the world this coming year. These ecumenical conferences focus on the Christian East and are open to the public, for both lay persons and clergy. The well known presenters come from four main religious groups: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Eastern Catholic and Oriental Orthodox. These conferences encourage ecumenical dialogue (discussion of the similarities and differences among the groups) on a specific theme through presentations and discussions. The conferences include a variety of prayer services, from a wide range of Church traditions. In this way, the conferences provide a learning experience and intellectual discussion, as well as a unique spiritual experience.

The goals, then, of the Orientale Lumen Conferences are to:
-- educate and promote information about the Eastern Christian Churches, their traditions, liturgy, spirituality, monasticism, theology, and more
-- provide an unofficial forum for ecumenical dialogue at the "grass roots" level among lay persons and clergy, as well as include senior Church officials and theologians who normally participate in official dialogues.

Orientale Lumen XI East will be held in Washington, DC, June 18 - 21, 2007, at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in northeast Washington, DC next to the campus of The Catholic University of America. The theme of the conference will be "Icons - Expressions of Our Faith". Icons are the graphical representations of scripture, the people and events of the church, and guide the spiritual thought and experience for many people. They are found in all human activity, and are helpful visual guides for each person, sometimes differently for each one. They can be touchstones of beauty and inspiration, used with many caring and devoted purposes for all of us. The conferences will explore the theology and symbols of icons and how they are used for religious devotion.

The distinguished speakers and guests are from around the world:

Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Church, Johnstown, PA, USA
Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia, Oxford, United Kingdom, (by recorded video from Constantinople)
Archimandrite Robert Taft, SJ, Pontifical Oriental Institute, Rome, Italy
Father Mark Morozowich, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
Prof. Richard Schneider, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Father Daniel Findikyan, St. Nerses Armenian Orthodox Seminary, New York, NY, USA Father Andrij Chirovsky, Sheptysky Institute, Ottawa, Canada.

The moderator will be Rev. Msgr. George Dobes, US Navy Chaplain Corps, Retired, Washington, DC, USA.

Each speaker will give a plenary session followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience. All of the papers presented will be published and provided to the attendees in a Proceedings book after the conference. A variety of liturgical services will be conducted during the conference to provide an opportunity for attendees to pray together for Church unity. Opening and closing remarks will also be made by various Church leaders in attendance.

Church leaders, lay persons, monastics, clergy and students are all welcome and invited to participate. These conferences have been appreciated and discussed all across the world, and have been mentioned in meetings among the religious leaders in the Vatican, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Greek Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch, and many others.

The Pope's visit to Istanbul in November, 2006, as well as the official dialogue of Catholic and Orthodox Churches that was held in September, 2006, demonstrate the improved relations among the Christian Churches. The Orientale Lumen conferences function in an unofficial capacity parallel to those official discussions. They are unique because of the extensive participation of lay persons, and because of the involvement of Eastern Catholics -- a small minority within the Catholic Church, and who are rarely represented at other dialogue meetings.

The OL XI East Conference is one of the four OL Conferences being held this year. It follows the EuroEast Conference II which will be held May 7 - 10, 2007 in Istanbul. The next following conference will be in San Diego, CA, on June 25 - June 28, 2007. Both OL Conference XI East and West will also have the theme of "Icons - Expressions of Our Faith".

The fourth Orientale Lumen Conference this year will be in Melbourne, Australia, on September 26 - 29, 2007. The theme will be "The Life in Christ."

The Orientale Lumen Conferences have been meeting annually since 1997 in Washington, DC and other locations around the world. Primarily sponsored by the Society of Saint John Chrysostom and Eastern Christian Publications, other co-sponsors include the Halki School of Orthodox Theology in Constantinople, the Pontifical Oriental Institute in Rome, the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and the University of San Diego, in San Diego, CA.

Registration details are available on the website: www.olconference.com.

Contact:
Jack Figel
Orientale Lumen Conferences
PO Box 192
Fairfax, VA 22038-0192
(703) 691-8862
info@olconference.com

For further information:
Society of Saint John Chrysostom: www.ssjc.org
Eastern Christian Publications: www.ecpubs.com
The Catholic University of America: www.cua.edu
The University of San Diego: www.sandiego.edu

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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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"Disastrous" Iraq War Must End; Victims Require Church Advocacy And Assistance, WCC General Secretary Says

2007-03-16T17:10:00.000-04:00

Media contact: Juan Michel +41-79-507-6363 media@wcc-coe.org
WCC president from North America, Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson,
is preaching today at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC,
as part of a Christian Peace Witness for Iraq. See:
http://www.christianpeacewitness.org

In a statement for the fourth anniversary on 19 March of the invasion of Iraq, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia warns of “further carnage and destruction” because “the sponsors of this tragic war insist on carrying on military pursuits”.

“We hear the cries of the Iraqi people, the women, the children and the innocent civilians who are in pain and agony and despair,” Kobia says, citing studies that report over 600,000 Iraqi casualties as a direct and indirect result of violence since the 2003 invasion, as well as more than 1,6 million refugees displaced by the war.

This situation “demands that the churches continue not only to assist and support the victims of this disastrous war, but also to speak on their behalf and to redouble interventions for peace with governments and with intergovernmental bodies”.

Kobia praises the encouraging “upsurge of anti-war sentiments all over the world [and] particularly in the United States,” whose churches “are called to witness to Jesus Christ, the life of the world”. He calls on WCC member churches “to pray and intercede on behalf of the people of Iraq, before God, that the war forced upon them may come to an end and that peace with justice and dignity may prevail”.

The WCC general secretary recalls that in 2003 “political brinkmanship and the arrogance of power triumphed over reason and good sense” as appeals to exercise restraint by churches and civil society as well as by the international community “were ignored with contempt and disdain”.

At that time, the WCC executive committee called the war “immoral, ill-advised and in breach of the principles of the United Nations Charter”. The committee warned that the war would cause an “humanitarian crisis of great magnitude with untold human suffering, specially for the children of Iraq, loss of life, property, environmental destruction and waste of precious resources”. The WCC body also warned of regional consequences, saying the war would “reinforce and polarize division and hatred between communities, resulting in further destabilization in the region”.

Kobia notes that “four years down the road, the above has come true”. Today, Iraq “is in turmoil and disarray,” with “strong indications that the country may fragment, creating greater chaos and human suffering”. In particular, “ethnic and sectarian tensions and conflict” are putting the country “on the brink of a civil war”.

Only a “federal system of governance that meets the aspirations of the three communities” - Sunnis, Shias and Kurds - can avoid “chaos, confusion and blood-letting even worse than what we witness at present”. For such “an equitable and just formula of power-sharing” to be achieved, “adjustments, concessions and, most of all, understanding and patience” from all sides are needed.

The full text of the statement is available at: http://www.oikoumene.org/index.php?id=3271

Additional information on the WCC and the Iraq war is available at: http://wcc-coeorg/wcc/what/international/iraq.html

The World Council of Churches is the world's most inclusive ecumenical organization, whose purpose is to promote Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. A fellowship of churches inaugurated in 1948, today the WCC brings together 347 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches in over 100 countries, representing more than 550 million Christians. The Roman Catholic Church works cooperatively with the WCC.

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

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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 16, 2007

2007-03-16T17:09:00.001-04:00

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 16 at 5 p.m., check local listings) will feature the following reports:

* Cover Story: “Huntsville: Death Capital” — Lucky Severson journeys to the nation’s death capital to talk with prison chaplains, a state prosecutor and a victim’s mother about the debate over capital punishment and the role of religion in the healing process. (Rebroadcast from May 16, 2003)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week637/cover.html

* Profile: “William Sloane Coffin” — Bob Abernethy talks with the late Presbyterian pastor and anti-war activist William Sloane Coffin about his views on faith, civil rights, U.S. policies in Iraq and his lifelong commitment to world peace. (Rebroadcast from August 27, 2004)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week752/profile.html

* Feature: “Buddhist Mandala” — Cameras provide a behind-the-scenes look at the construction of a seven-foot-wide mandala by Tibetan monks at the Smithsonian Institution in the aftermath of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. (Rebroadcast from January 18, 2002)

Web link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/transcripts/520.html

Please note that because this week's show may be pre-empted in several markets due to special PBS Pledge programming, the reports listed above were originally broadcast on earlier dates and can be accessed on the Web site links provided.

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

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

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

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THE JOY OF LIVING: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness, by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche

2007-03-16T17:07:00.000-04:00

“This book is a fresh breath from the meditation room, written with kindness, energy and wit. Three cheers for a cheerful contemplative.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“A beautiful tapestry of Buddhist insight woven together with modern science, this book is a landmark in the development of a contemplative neuroscience . . . a must-read for anyone interested in the causes and consequences of happiness.” —Richard J. Davidson

“Marvelous. . . . I heartily recommend this to anyone interested in the healing arts, consciousness studies, and genuine contemplative practice today.”—Lama Surya Das, author of Awakening the Buddha Within

A recent major study investigating the effects of meditation on the brain found that mental training in the areas of compassion and loving kindness can have dramatic effects on brain function. One of the subjects in this study was Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, who was handpicked by the Dalai Lama to participate. Mingyur Rinpoche is considered a prodigy among the masters of Tibetan Buddhism, and in his new book, THE JOY OF LIVING: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness (Harmony Books, March 13, 2007), he shares his wisdom and guides readers down the path to a healthier, happier life through meditation.

All humans share the same basic concern—the desire to be happy and to avoid suffering. THE JOY OF LIVING helps readers navigate their way through the maze of personal pain and discomfort that characterizes our everyday lives. Born in 1975 in Nepal, Mingyur Rinpoche spent much of his childhood in a persistent state of fear. His panic attacks were so severe that it was several years before he found any source of relief. He was finally able to overcome these fears by learning how to relax and rest his mind through meditation. Understanding meditation is not as complicated as many think. In the beginning some might feel frustration as they become distracted by the sounds around them, but soon they will realize that these distractions are actually a sign of progress! Becoming more aware of the constant stream of thoughts that enter your mind is essential to meditation.

In THE JOY OF LIVING, Mingyur Rinpoche teaches us how to change the direction of our thoughts and perceptions through meditation, revealing how we can create positive changes in our lives. The aim of Buddhist teachings is to develop the capacity to recognize that this universe exists in the here and now. In order to recognize it, however, it is necessary to learn how to rest the mind. Who wouldn’t want to feel confident and calm in the face of difficulties or reduce or eliminate their sense of isolation? All it takes to accomplish these goals is a little patience, diligence, and willingness to let go of conditioned ideas about yourself and the world around you. THE JOY OF LIVING combines the ancient wisdom of Buddhism with the latest breakthroughs in Western medicine to help you achieve these goals, and ultimately, greater health and happiness.

CONTACT: Sarah Breivogel, 212-572-2722; sbreivogel@randomhouse.com or
Josh Baran, jcbaran@aol.com, 212-779-2666

Mingyur Rinpoche is on a North American book and teaching tour, March – July. He will be visiting San Francisco, Phoenix, Houston, Seattle, Chicago, Madison, Boulder, New York, Boston, Toronto, Vancouver and other cities. His full schedule – www.mingyur.org. He is available for interviews.

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

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

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

Series examines faith, giftedness, disability: Final session to focus on caregiving

2007-03-16T17:06:00.000-04:00

The First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.
News Release

WASHINGTON, March 15, 2007 – The First Baptist Church of Washington will offer the last session of a dynamic speaker series, “Faith, Giftedness, and (dis)Ability,” at 7 p.m. this Sunday, March 18, in its sanctuary at 1328 16th St. NW.

The final topic is “Caregiving: In the Arms of Faith.” Experts, theologians and others will explore the tensions between the goodness of God's creation and the particular hardships of caring for those with disability. They will also discuss the unexpected gifts that may result.

Dr. Bruce Birch, Dean and Professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, will lead the discussion. 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 the program and meet speakers at a reception 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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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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Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777

Humanity’s Team Congratulates Charles Taylor on Winning Templeton Prize

2007-03-16T17:05:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2007

CONTACT:
Gerry Harrington
(845) 331-7168
gerry.harrington@humanitysteam.org

NEW YORK -- Humanity’s Team congratulates Canadian philosopher Charles Taylor on being named the recipient Wednesday of the Templeton Prize for Progress Toward Research or Discoveries About Spiritual Realities.

Taylor’s observation that the world’s problems can only be solved by considering their spiritual roots is aligned with the Humanity’s Team mission.

Like Taylor’s, our position is that humanity’s struggle is not merely economic or military. If it were, then the struggle would be over because the richest country with the mightiest military would easily win.

The struggle, as we see it, has to do with what people believe about each other and their views about God and life, which come from the sum total of our cultural values and most sacred beliefs, or our spirituality.

Only when people change their minds about these things can humanity claim victory in the struggle to bring peace and harmony to the world at last.

And this will only occur when humanity understands that the world’s problem is not a military problem, nor a political problem, nor an economic problem. The problem facing humanity today is a spiritual problem.

Yet when this is understood, then military, political and economic tools can help solve the problem.

Humanity’s Team is a grassroots spiritual movement whose purpose is to communicate and implement the belief that people are all one, one with God and one with life, in a shared global state of being, so that humanity’s behavior may shift to reflect this understanding. Dubbed “a civil rights movement for the soul,” the movement has some 15,000 adherents from more than 90 countries on six continents.

It is set to begin a 39-day, six-continent world tour to promote its ideas next week.

The tour stops are Auckland and Wellington, New Zealand, March 22-24; Tokyo March 27; Estoril (Lisbon), Portugal, April 4; Chisinau, Moldova, April 7; Birmingham, England, April 10; Offenbach (Frankfurt), Germany, April 12-13; Pretoria, South Africa, April 15; Buenos Aires April 22-23; Atlanta April 27-29; and Vancouver, British Columbia, April 29.

For more information, visit www.humanitysteam.org and www.htworldtour.org or call (845) 331-7168.

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

New Jewish Museum Opens in Birthplace of Nazism

2007-03-16T17:04:00.000-04:00

New Jewish Museum Opens in Birthplace of Nazism
Work of American Comic Book Artist Jordan B. Gorfinkel
Included in Permanent Exhibition

Munich Jewish Museum to Open March 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Shira Dicker
212.663.4643/917.403.3989
shira.dicker@sd-media.com

New York, NY (March 14, 2007) -- A monument to Jewish survival will open on March 22nd in the very city that was the birthplace of Nazism – Munich, Germany.

On that day, the city’s first-ever Jewish Museum will open its doors to the public. Therein, the story of Munich’s Jewish community will be told through the form of a four-panel American newspaper comic strip – a conceptual leap of faith – that will become part of the museum’s permanent exhibition.

Veteran comic book artist, Jordan B. Gorfinkel, creator of Everything’s Relative -- a comic strip that has been featured in Jewish newspapers around the world for the past ten years – is the creator of the innovative and edgy artwork. “It is a great honor -- but also, a tremendous responsibility -- to be entrusted with portraying one of the most central and important narratives in contemporary Jewish history in cartoon form,” said Mr. Gorfinkel.

The opening of this new museum in Germany’s “other city” is the culmination of a process that began in 1928 and was cruelly derailed by the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party. Over 4,000 Munich Jews perished during the Holocaust and the proximity of the infamous death camp, Dachau, to Munich is a constant reminder of the horrors inflicted by the Nazis.

The Nazis sought to erect museums to the “extinct Jewish race,” yet the creation of the new Munich Jewish Museum celebrates Jewish survival.

“Opening an exhibition on the history of the Jews is something that Hitler had planned as well, to be able to celebrate their extinction. But the exhibition on these walls tells another story. It defies the world to take notice of the return of Judaism to the streets of Munich in fulfillment of the prophetic promise, 'The eternity of Israel shall never be forsaken,’” stated Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder and dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

To read more about Jordan B. Gorfinkel and his important new exhibition, please visit www.jewishcartoon.com. For further information about the MJM, please visit www.juedisches-museum-muenchen.de.

To request an interview with Mr. Gorfinkel or see samples of his work, please contact Shira Dicker at 212.663.4643 or 917.403.3989 or at shira.dicker@sd-media.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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Children’s HopeChest Organizes Run for One Charity Race

2007-03-16T17:03:00.000-04:00

Proceeds will benefit orphans in Russia and Swaziland

Media contact: Matthew Monberg, phone: 719-487-7800; e-mail: matthew@hopechest.org

March 14, 2007

Colorado Springs, CO – Children’s HopeChest, a non-profit organization and world leader in orphan outreach and care, is organizing a summer Run for One racing event to raise funds and awareness for the plight of teen orphans worldwide.

Walkers and runners of all skill levels and ages are invited to join the Run for One team, which will complete the Rock ’N’ Roll half-marathon in Virginia Beach, VA, on September 2, 2007 (travel dates August 31-September 3, 2007).

Run for One is dedicated to the memory of Katya Toschakova, a 15-year-old Russian orphan who took her life in the fall of 2004 shortly after her departure from a Russian orphanage.

“Run for One will shine a light on tragedies like Katya’s in the hopes that we can provide even more ongoing guidance, support, skills, and hope to young people like her,” said race organizer Matthew Monberg.

Children’s HopeChest currently works with over 3,000 individuals in 50 orphanages in 2 countries. Its successful programs have helped many children and young people avoid falling into crime, prostitution, drug abuse, alcoholism, or suicide, and make the successful transition to adulthood outside the walls of an orphanage.

The organization will provide athletic coaching and fundraising training to the 50 runners who are chosen to raise $4,000 each to benefit orphans currently served by Children’s HopeChest programs worldwide. The organization is an Official Charity Training Program of the Virginia Beach Rock ‘N’ Roll half-marathon, and will provide round-trip transportation, lodging, and entry fees for the race.

Runners and walkers will be coached from Lisa Rainsberger, winner of the 1985 Boston Marathon and world class running coach. “Anyone can start a 1/2 marathon,” said Rainsberger, “but we can help you finish one!” Rainsberger and her daughter Meghan will participate in the charity race.

Walkers and runners who are interested in participating in Run for One can contact Matthew Monberg at 719-487-7800 or runforone@hopechest.org.

Children’s HopeChest, founded in 1994 and based in Colorado Springs, has a staff of more than 80 employees in Russia. Over the past decade the organization has helped meet the long-term needs of more than 15,000 orphans. In addition to Russia, Children’s HopeChest has work in Ukraine, South Africa and Swaziland. Funding for its programs comes primarily from churches, corporations, foundations and individuals in the U.S.

For more information about Children’s HopeChest visit: www.hopechest.org.

For more information about the Virginia Beach Rock ‘N’ Roll half-marathon visit www.rnrhalf.com.

For media information contact Matthew Monberg, phone: 719-487-7800; e-mail: matthew@hopechest.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