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Tuesday, April 29, 2008
‘American Idol’ House Band Member Makes ‘Saintly’ Music
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.
*****
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
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.
*****
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 Best Kept Secret for 500 Years
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.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Contact: 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.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Monday, April 28, 2008
Christians For Fair Witness on the Middle East Denounces Methodist Divestment Proposals
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.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Contact
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.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly Program Listings for April 25, 2008
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
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
A 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
*****
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
2008 Best Christian Workplaces US
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.
*****
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
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.
*****
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
Rallies Target N. Korean Abuses
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
*****
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
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
*****
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
United Methodist General Conference to Consider Divestment
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
*****
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
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
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Thursday, April 17, 2008
United Methodists Receive Divestment Support from Israelis
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.
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
Contact: 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.
*****
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 18, 2008
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
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
A 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
*****
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
China Slammed for Return of North Korean Refugees
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.
*****
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
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.
*****
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
Kidspirit Magazine, a Unique Quarterly Magazine by and for Youth, Goes to Press
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
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
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly & PBS World Channel Provide Live Coverage and Analysis of Pope Benedict XVI's Address to UN
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
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
Monday, April 14, 2008
American Bible Society Welcomes Pope Benedict XVI to America
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
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 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
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
National Geographic Channel Presents An Unprecedented Glimpse Inside The Behind-The-Scenes World At Nazi Death Camps
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
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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
*****
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's Religion & Politics '08 Earns Webby Nomination
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
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
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
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
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.
*****
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
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.
*****
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
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
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
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
2010 congress to explore faith communication issues
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
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
News 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
*****
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
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
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
‘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
*****
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
'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
*****
About Religion Press Release Services
Religion Press Release Services distributes press releases, press advisories, photos and other stories on behalf of religious organizations, denominational offices, think tanks, watchdog groups, advocacy groups, coalitions, foundations, colleges, universities, seminaries, publishers and others.
The organizations and/or individuals who submit materials for distribution by Religion Press Release Services are solely responsible for the facts in and accuracy of their materials. Religion Press Release Services will correct any errors brought to its attention.
Contact Us
To distribute press releases through Religion Press Release Services, contact Claudia Sans at csans@religionnews.com or 202-383-7870. For more information check out our PDF brochure.
Religion News Service, 1101 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 463-8777
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About Religion Press Release ServicesReligion 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
