Gay Marriage Bill Passes 33-29 in New York Senate

The bill passed after two undecided Republican senators switched their votes to "yes" in the final moments before the vote on the bill. The chapter amendment on religious exemptions was passed earlier, 36 to 26.

Cheering erupted in the Senate chamber and the Capitol hallways after the gay marriage bill passed.

The bill's passage will make New York the sixth and most populous state in the nation to legalize gay marriage.

Republican Sen. Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie, who was thought to be undecided, voted in favor of the bill. When he spoke on the religious exemption amendment, he said the gay marriage issue "has been an extremely difficult issue to deal with."

He acknowledged that his decision on the bill is going to "disappoint" a lot of people but that he has "defined doing the right thing as treating all persons with equality and that equality includes within the definition of marriage." Like us on Facebook

"I know my vote is a vote of conscience and I'm certainly at peace with my vote," he said.

Before the vote, Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz of Bronx explained his voting against the bill saying that, "God not Albany defined marriage a long time ago."

He lamented, "It is unbelievable the party that always defended family values, the party that always protected traditional values has become a tool of the Democratic government."

Republican Sen. Mark Grisanti of Buffalo voted "yes" on the bill. He changed his vote from undecided after "doing research."

Although he said that as a Catholic he was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, Grisanti said he could not "legally come up with an argument against same-sex marriage."

"Who am I to say that someone does not have the same rights that I have with my wife whom I love?" he said.

Grisanti also cited the addition of the religious exemption language as reason why he decided to vote in favor of the bill, saying Catholic groups would not be affected.

The Bishops under the New York State Catholic Conference issued a statement saying they were "deeply disappointed and troubled" over the gay marriage bill's passage because it would change the "historic understanding of marriage" and "cornerstones of civilization."

"The passage by the Legislature of a bill to alter radically and forever humanity’s historic understanding of marriage leaves us deeply disappointed and troubled," said a statement by the New York Catholic bishops, including Archbishop of New York Timothy M. Dolan.

"We strongly uphold the Catholic Church’s clear teaching that we always treat our homosexual brothers and sisters with respect, dignity and love. But we just as strongly affirm that marriage is the joining of one man and one woman in a lifelong, loving union that is open to children, ordered for the good of those children and the spouses themselves. This definition cannot change, though we realize that our beliefs about the nature of marriage will continue to be ridiculed, and that some will even now attempt to enact government sanctions against churches and religious organizations that preach these timeless truths."

"We worry that both marriage and the family will be undermined by this tragic presumption of government in passing this legislation that attempts to redefine these cornerstones of civilization."

"Our society must regain what it appears to have lost – a true understanding of the meaning and the place of marriage, as revealed by God, grounded in nature, and respected by America’s foundational principles."

View the original article here

Francis Chan’s Coming Book on Hell Gets Reviewed

Erasing Hell: What God Said about Eternity, and the Things We Made Up by Francis Chan, the founding pastor of Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley, Calif., and New Testament professor and writer Preston Sprinkle is “a valuable and accessible contribution, if not correction, to the conversation about biblical teaching on eternal destinies,” Steven Koster, director of ReFrame Media, said in his book review on the Think Christian blog Thursday.

Chan’s presentation and Sprinkle’s research form a “dynamic combination,” remarked Randy Alcorn, who wrote the foreword for Mark Galli’s recent book God Wins, which was also a critique of Rob Bell’s book.

Chan has explored hell from a “nearly opposite approach” from that of Bell, remarked Koster, who founded and still moderates a world-wide user community of professional film and video editors. Bell acknowledges hell’s existence on earth but finds it difficult to believe that it is forever and that God can punish non-Christians for all eternity. Chan, on the other hand, says while most people wouldn’t want to believe in the reality of hell, the Bible clearly speaks about it.

Neither of the two emphases is healthy, cautioned Koster. “…Where Bell sees hell only now at the expense of later, Chan emphasizes the later at the expense of now,” he noted, adding that the pain and suffering of broken people damaging themselves and their world in crime, genocide, and disease somehow implied that “these realities are the totality of hell, rather than being amplified in the fullness of hell after death.”

Koster said he wished Chan had explored more of the passages on eternal life “beyond just the ones with warnings of hell.” “Of course our sin is great and hell is deserved – our deep need for a Savior stands in the starkest contrast to Christ’s sacrifice and grace. But where Chan mentions only warnings of punishment, the Bible also offers security.” Like us on Facebook

However, Koster highly recommended Chan’s book. “In the midst of tears and reminders that we are not God, Chan holds strongly to the promises of a loving Lord, echoing Abraham in Genesis 18: ‘Shall not the judge of all the earth do what is just?’”

“You can almost feel him (Chan) trembling over the issues at stake. He recognizes this debate is about God, His nature and His authority. I sensed both humility and prophetic power in this book,” agreed Alcorn, director of the Eternal Perspective Ministries, reviewing Chan’s book on his blog Wednesday.

In his book, Chan honestly admits that when it comes to Matthew 25:46 – “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life” – “Everything in me wants to interpret it differently, to make it say something that fits my own view of justice and morality,” Alcorn quoted from the book.

Alcorn, author of Safely Home, supports Chan’s approach to the issue of hell. He said too many Christians had chosen to believe “whatever makes them feel good,” ignoring, denying, or reinterpreting Scripture to suit culture’s current definition of love and tolerance. “Hence, culture and the reader of Scripture become the authority, rather than Scripture itself. Faith becomes merely a collection of fleeting opinions, always subject to revision.”

While Chan has refuted Bell’s Universalist theory, which envisions God saving everyone eventually, he said Love Wins encouraged him to go back to the Bible and re-examine his own views on hell. And that showed him some new revelations.

In an interview with Relevant Magazine, Chan said he was surprised to discover that the passages on hell were written to believers. “Usually we only talk about hell in this evangelistic, ‘I’m going to preach the gospel’ and ‘Hell, fire and brimstone’ to these unbelievers, but these passages really were written to those who called themselves the church. It’s a very sobering thought, and a very interesting warning,” he was quoted as saying.

View the original article here

Threat of Rains 'Scariest' for Minot Flooding Victims

As the flooding from the Souris River reached unprecedented levels on Friday, city officials and relief workers were on Saturday morning bracing themselves for the expected peak to arrive as early as Saturday evening; earlier than an earlier prediction of Sunday.

The flooding has risen more than four feet in the past 24 hours, and officials have said in some areas the river is expected to rise as much as six to seven feet higher throughout the weekend, but this could be made even worse if storms arrive.

At the moment, forecasters are reporting at least a 50:50 chance of there being at least some storms in the coming few days.

The Souris River, known locally as the “Mouse River,” is being fed by heavy rains further upstream as well as water released from Canadian reservoirs.

The flood was in full-destructive force on Friday, already flooding some 2,500 homes by early evening. About 11,000 people, or a quarter of Minot’s population, have been evacuated. By the time the river crests it is expected the number of homes flooded could rise to nearly 5,000. Like us on Facebook

The flood has already become the biggest in the history of Minot, breaking the 1881 record of 1,558 feet, and things are still expected to get worse throughout the weekend before they get better.

Minot Mayor, Curt Zimbelman said, “A rain event right now would change everything. That's the scariest.”

He added that currently two schools, a nursing home and hundreds of local businesses were in the immediate danger zone.

Over the past two days emergency workers have concentrated efforts on protecting water and sewer systems, in efforts to avoid the need for more evacuations. It is thought that although the water system is holding up well, the sewer treatment plant is under more stress.

According to AP, there are also concerns about the important north-south route across the Broadway Bridge. Levees protecting the northern approach, as well as the Minot State University, are reportedly being raised but the situation remains uncertain at best.

Another town to be hit in the valley is Burlington, where about half the 1,000 population has already been evacuated by Friday. Some houses in the town have reportedly been hit with flood waters reaching to the first floor and higher by Friday evening.

As the situation continues to change hour by hour, officials are keeping their eyes on the weather report and hoping that the worst will soon be over, and that the storms threatening the region will pass by.

However, as Saturday morning arrived the only thing stopping water from rising in many parts of Minot were man-made dikes, which may not withstand the fruther impact of any intense storms.

Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D. said: “Nobody has even seen water levels at this dimension.”

View the original article here

Most Americans Skip Breakfast, Study Shows

Only 34 percent of those interviewed for the study actually make time to get their morning sustenance from breakfast because they are crunched for time.

Nearly all moms (89 percent) want their children to eat breakfast every day. However, 40 percent of moms report their child doesn't eat breakfast, the report said.

Eating breakfast improves concentration, problem-solving ability, mental performance, memory and mood, according to LSU Agricultural Center nutritionist Dr. Beth Reames.

"With breakfast, students think faster and clearer and have better recall," Reames said, adding, "Breakfast eaters also score higher on tests and have better concentration and muscle coordination."

Most studies show that children who eat breakfast are more alert and perform better on school tests than children who do not eat breakfast. They are also more creative and energetic. Like us on Facebook

Nutritionists say hunger, even short-term hunger, decreases attention span and ability to concentrate. Hungry children just can't do their best work. They're easily distracted, and become fidgety, irritable and tired. Also, children who eat breakfast are less likely to miss class, be tardy or report they are sick than children who miss the morning meal.

"Teachers shouldn’t forget breakfast either," the nutritionist said, noting that breakfast provides both kids and grownups with the energy and nutrients needed to start the day.

"It's especially important for parents to eat a good breakfast every day, since parents are role models for their children," Reames said. Children who see their parents eat breakfast are more likely to eat breakfast, too.

While nearly all toddlers and preschoolers are eating breakfast, consumption of breakfast falls as American children grow older. The study shows that 77 percent of young children eat breakfast every day, but that number dips to 50 percent in the middle-school years and 36 percent among high school students.

Moms report a desire to see their children relax in the morning and concentrate on eating breakfast. However, many kids are too busy watching television, getting their homework done or getting ready for school to do so, according to Kellogg.

"We've all heard breakfast is the most important meal of the day," said Dr. Laura Jana, pediatrician and award-winning author of Heading Home with Your Newborn and Food Fights.

"And that's for good reason. After sleeping, we need to refuel our brains and bodies for the day. Without a healthy breakfast, we simply are not as likely to function at our best," she said.

Some people believe that skipping breakfast may help them lose weight. Skipping meals, however, often leads to overeating later in the day. Becoming over-hungry often leads to a lack of control and the inability to determine when you’re full. This can result in taking in more calories than if you had an appropriate breakfast, said the LSU report.

If there's no time in the morning to eat breakfast, there are plenty of items you can bring along with you to school or work. For example, carry a resealable bag of easy-to-eat whole-grain cereal, or bring yogurt or a small box of skim milk, juice or fruit.

Even if you just tolerate food in the morning, try to have a little something, such as some juice, and bring along a mid-morning snack. Other good portable items include whole-grain crackers, hard-cooked eggs, cottage cheese, low-fat granola bars or even a peanut butter sandwich.

Single-serving hot cereals, such as oatmeal, also are handy, because all you have to do is add hot water, which is available at most cafeterias or at the office.

View the original article here

Choosing the Right Building Material

Believers build their lives on the Rock of Ages: Jesus Christ. Every motive, every deed, and every word is material for our spiritual house. The apostle Paul warned followers to construct with care because on the day of judgment, fire will test the quality of each person’s work. This refers not to a literal fire but to the purifying presence of Jesus Christ.

When I stand in the Savior’s perfectly holy and just presence, all the wood, hay, and stubble in my life will disappear. Good things done with wrong motives will vanish along with secret sins and bad attitudes. Only what has been done and said in Jesus’ name remains. And the moment the chaff is gone, we will see that God is right-those things didn’t fit the life of His child.

On hearing this explanation, someone usually says, “All that matters is that I get into heaven.” But that attitude is shortsighted because the judgment of believers is about rewards. In the parable of the unrighteous steward, Jesus explained the basic concept to His disciples: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Our time on earth is the beginning of an eternity serving and rejoicing in the Lord. God will reward us with heavenly responsibility according to our faithfulness here.

Wise people plan for the future (Prov. 27:12). I want to receive as much of God’s goodness as He offers, so I am determined to build with top-quality, enduring materials. The privilege of serving is only the beginning of the rewards. In heaven, God’s generosity will be even more abundantly unleashed.

Like us on Facebook

Copyright © 2011 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

Used with Permission

View the original article here

Pope: We Must Aid Thousands Fleeing North Africa Conflicts

The Roman Catholic Church leader was speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Vatican coordinating body, ROACO, where he made an appeal to all nations to explore “every possible form of mediation” to bring an end to the conflicts.

According to The Catholic Review publication, the pope made a request to the Vatican’s coordinating body of church funding agencies for Eastern Catholic churches to “do everything possible” to help the minority Christian populations within the regions.

In Syria more than 10,000 refugees have fled to the Turkish border following the Syrian authority’s brutal crackdown on anti-government protestors that have reportedly killed thousands.

In Libya Colonel Gaddafi is still hanging on to power, and daily reports of killings have become the norm as his troops battle with rebel forces.

Pope Benedict has said that his thoughts and prayers were with all who were “suffering and to those who are trying desperately to escape.” Like us on Facebook

“I pray that the necessary emergency assistance will be forthcoming, but above all I pray that every possible form of mediation will be explored, so that violence may cease and social harmony and peaceful coexistence may everywhere be restored, with respect for the rights of individuals as well as communities,” the pope said according to The Catholic Review.

The publication explained how the pope urged ROACO to ensure it continues its support of minority Christians in North Africa and the Middle East, and to make its best efforts to reach out to government authorities “to ensure that the priests and Christian faithful can remain in the East where they were born, not as foreigners, but as citizens who bear witness to Jesus Christ.”

A call was made for religious freedom throughout the regions in conflict. He said all Christians “must be recognized as having equal dignity and true freedom.”

View the original article here

Eminem Gig Could be Canceled due to Mission Convention

Eminem, real name Marshall Bruce Mathers III, has been set up as a headline act for the open air “Tennent’s Vital” music festival in Bangor, Northern Ireland on August 24, 2011.

However, there is now the possibility that the event’s entertainment license will not be granted, as it will clash with Bangor Missionary Convention’s 75th Anniversary prayer service.

The Tennent’s Vital music festival was set to take place in Wart Park and last for two days. However, the venue is located just meters away from Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, which is hosting the missionary event.

According to music site The Boom Box, the local Borough Council has received an official objection to the music festival being granted its entertainment license.

Local man Brian Ashworth, 47, is leading a group of concerned residents to oppose the music festival and is currently lobbying the local council to gain support for their objections. Like us on Facebook

In particular, the group is opposing Eminem as an artist whose lyrics are widely known for being crude and abusive.

According to The Boom Box, Ashworth explained: “I have no issue with a family-friendly concert in a park but this is a performer who uses the crudest language -- language that degrades women and has the foulest, most twisted content.

“I have been doing a survey to determine how far the lyrics will be heard and local residents tell me that they heard previous concerts at the park. The council should never have allowed this,” he added.

A spokesman for the council has confirmed that an objection has been received and that it was being taken into consideration.

Ashworth concluded: “The main motivation for this event is to make money, and while it is important to stimulate the economy, it shouldn't involve breaching decency.”

As well as Eminem, other acts scheduled to take part in the Tennent’s Vital festival include D12 and The Kaiser Chiefs.

A decision regarding whether the music festival’s entertainment license will be granted or refused will be made in July.

View the original article here

Why Christians Divorce

An essay by the late Sheldon Vanauken helps answer the question and reminds us that such temptations are all too common.

Vanauken, best known as the author of the powerful love story entitled A Severe Mercy, also published a collection of essays called Under the Mercy, which explores these feelings.

In one essay called "The Loves," Vanauken describes how a Christian friend named John shocked him by announcing that he was leaving his wife to marry another woman. John explained his sudden change of heart by saying, "It seemed so good, so right. That's when we knew we had to get the divorces. We belonged together."

As Vanauken explains, John was "invoking a higher law: the feeling of goodness and rightness. A feeling so powerful that it swept away . . . whatever guilt [he] would otherwise have felt" for what he was doing to his family.

Sadly, many people love their spouse not as a person, but as someone who evokes certain feelings. Their wedding vow was not so much to the person as to that feeling. So when such people fall in love with someone else, they just transfer that vow to the other person. And why not? says Vanauken, "If vows are nothing but feelings?" Like us on Facebook

Vanauken dubs these thrilling emotions "The Sanction of Eros." When John spoke of the goodness of his new love, "the sacred approval [he said he] felt could not possibly have come from [God,] whose disapproval of divorce is explicit in Scripture. It is Eros, the pagan god of lovers, who confers this sanction upon the worshippers at his altar."

Vanauken continues, "The pronouncement of Eros that this love is so good and so right that all betrayals are justified is simply a lie." But worst of all, those caught in its thrall of Eros are convinced their love is different, even sacred. They do not dream, Vanauken says, "that every other lover has the same assurance."

Now, can the Eros type of love -- this emotional and physical attachment -- be a healthy part of a marriage? Of course! But Eros is not the type of love that glues husbands and wives together “‘til death do us part.” That love would be Agape love -- the love modeled by Christ’s self-sacrifice on the cross for His Bride, the Church. Agape is the love Paul talks about in Ephesians 5:25, when he commands husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the Church.

Agape seeks to bless the other person; it is totally self-giving. Eros, especially outside of marriage, seeks only to use the other. Its goal is self-gratification. And that's why pastors have to work hard to teach engaged couples about the necessity of understanding Agape lvoe. At some point, Eros will almost certainly beckon with an exciting new love -- and the feelings of rightness, and even sacredness, may be overwhelming.

Couples need to know that only when Christ and Agape love are at the heart of their marriage can they withstand these temptations.

From BreakPoint, June 23, 2011, Copyright 2011, Prison Fellowship Ministries. Reprinted with the permission of Prison Fellowship Ministries. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of Prison Fellowship Ministries. “BreakPoint®” and “Prison Fellowship Ministries®” are registered trademarks of Prison Fellowship

View the original article here

Interview: Owl City's Adam Young and His God-Inspired Music

Although his music is not labeled as Christian, his second studio album, All Things Bright and Beautiful, now available in stores, includes a Christian-themed song, "Galaxies," that sends a message to people that "even amid tragedy, victory can be achieved through Christ and through Him alone," shared the Minnesota native.

The following are excerpts from the interview.

CP: When you first began, no one really knew you were a Christian. Since you began speaking about your faith people probably thought of you as a Christian guy writing great songs, of course, without having to put a Christian label on your music. Do you feel like the Christian audience expects more God-themed songs now?

Young: I honestly just try to stay out of it! My prayer is just that God give me the songs He wants me to sing and that they will be extremely "usable" by whatever capacity He chooses to use them. I feel like anything beyond that is almost none of my business!

CP: Since your success, have you encountered things going against your faith? Like us on Facebook

Young: Not really, to be honest; at least nothing that's come at me from the "industry" side of the tracks. I try to surround myself with great people and I think that's ultimately what keeps the temptations at bay while I'm out on the road.

CP: Do you have any stories to share of people telling you how much your music inspired them?

Young: One girl told me she was at the end of her rope and had a handful of oxycotton pills, ready to end her life ... and then my song started playing over the radio and it made her stop and think. She thanked me for saving her life and that meant more to me than you can imagine!

CP: You made your own version of "In Christ Alone," should we expect a few more songs?

Young: Maybe!

CP: I assume that "In Christ Alone" is special to you. Are there any other Christian songs or Christian artists that you follow and are inspired by?

Young: I'm very much inspired by the music of Mark Schultz and Nichole Nordeman.

CP: A few musicians and Hollywood actors abandon their faith for various reasons, the concern is not just for musicians or actors but kids leaving home and abandoning their faith after. What advice do you have to parents or to teens to prevent it from happening?

Young: Stay in the Word. The moment you start letting go of that, you're on the road to compromise. Stay grounded, remain pure, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

CP: What were you thinking of while working on this album All Things Bright and Beautiful?

Young: Generally, anything my imagination latched onto, I just started writing about. Thematically, however, the new album is very much centered around a very organic, natural, "forest" inspiration, very much fueled by my dislike of big cities and my appreciation for the pure, unspoiled innocence of the deep countryside.

CP: Is there a story behind the idea for the alum?

Young: Not particularly; the album is merely a collection of songs that portrays who I am as an artist in the present moment. I wrote the record as if it were my first and last piece of art ever to complete and I made sure I was writing from the heart, not for iTunes or Billboard or whatever else is trendy. It had to be very genuine and heartfelt.

CP: Can you tell us a little more about "Galaxies?"

Young: The song is a vivid portrayal to the idea that even amidst tragedy, victory can be achieved through Christ and through Him alone. The song is loosely based around the space shuttle Challenger disaster that occurred in 1986 and what I might've thought or felt if I were the flight commander on that ship, suddenly taken from reality into eternity in a split second.

CP: Is there anything you would like to share with the Christian audience specifically?

Young: My prayer is that the music of Owl City serves as a bright light in a very dark place, a ray of hope in this haunted house of a world. I want the Lord Jesus to use my music to do WHATEVER it is He wills.

On the Web: Owl City Music

View the original article here

GOP Presidential Candidates Speak at National Right to Life Convention

According to Matt Dixon, a reporter for The Florida Times-Union who was live-blogging the event, Santorum received the most enthusiastic support from the audience in convention in Jacksonville, Fla. Santorum was considered one of the leading pro-life voices in the U.S. Senate when he represented Pennsylvania from 1995-2006.

Santorum praised the work of those in attendance and compared them to the abolitionist movement and the civil rights movement saying that they are all “faith-driven” movements. He closed his remarks with comments about his daughter.

“In her I see how the Creator sees me,” he said, according to LifeNews.com. “I love her unconditionally, not because she did anything but because she is. She is disabled, but in the eyes of God we are badly disabled. I am fighting for every child to ensure their rights continue in America.”

Cain, the only black candidate in the race, also drew upon the Civil Rights Movement noting that Martin Luther King, Jr. “not only changed hearts of this nation, but of this world.” As Cain left the stage, a crowd member yelled, “We’ve got the wrong black president!”

Paul, a former OBGYN, supports allowing states to regulate abortion, a position out of step with some in the pro-life movement who would prefer to see abortion banned nationwide. He reiterated this position saying that he would, as a member of the U.S. House, introduce the “We The People Act” which would put abortion regulation in the hands of the states. Like us on Facebook

In a remark perhaps aimed at his fellow libertarians, Paul said, “Liberty is secondary to life.” Paul was originally scheduled to be at the event in person, but appeared via Skype without explanation.

Mitt Romney, who had been pro-choice but changed his mind after becoming governor of Massachusetts, did not speak at the event. In what may have been a jab at Romney's previous pro-choice position, Bachmann said this was “not the time for Republicans to put up a candidate who is weak on this issue and has a history of flip-flopping on this issue,” according to The Huffington Post.

Romney, along with Cain and Gary Johnson, have also been criticized for not signing the Susan B. Anthony List's Pro-Life Presidential Leadership Pledge.

Pawlenty spoke mostly of his record on abortion issues as Minnesota governor and touted a National Review Online article by Steven Ertelt of LifeNews.com, which argued that he is the most pro-life candidate in the 2012 field. Pawlenty – a favorite among evangelical leaders, a poll by the National Association of Evangelicals revealed this week – received the least amount of applause from the audience, by Dixon's estimation.

The National Right to Life Committee claims to be the oldest and largest pro-life organization in the country. It was incorporated in response to the 1973 Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion. The NRLC convention concludes Saturday.

View the original article here

Greg Laurie's Harvest Crusade 2011 Opens In New Zealand

Some 10,000 people came to Vector Arena on the first night to hear Laurie preach and music by Jeremy Camp, Phil Joel, Martin Smith, and The Katinas. According to the Harvest Crusade blog, 1,429 people came forward to commit or recommit their lives to Jesus. Another 102 online viewers indicated decisions to follow Christ during the live webcast of the event.

Laurie last visited Auckland in August 2010 when he spoke at a pair of outreach preview events-held at ASB Theater in Aotea Center and Life Convention Center, which was attended by 2,750 people.

“My message for the Kiwis is simple,” Laurie stated in a recent blog post. “I am going to tell them about who Jesus Christ is and how to come into a relationship with Him.”

About 200 churches from a variety of denominations throughout Auckland and surrounding areas are helping to host the free event called the "Greg Laurie: Auckland Harvest." Both nights of the outreach can also be viewed live by webcast at the Harvest.org site. Saturday’s event begins at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 6 p.m. local time in Auckland New Zealand. (3 a.m and 2 a.m. EST)

"Our congregation was part of the early planning for the Greg Laurie outreach and had an opportunity to hear Greg first hand at launch event in 2010. Greg communicates very well to the kiwi culture and his message was received very warmly," said the Rev. Andrew Norton, senior pastor of St Columba Presbyterian Botany Downs. "A number of people from St Columba went along and it was an absolute delight to see so many people respond to an invitation to become followers of Christ." Like us on Facebook

Founded in 1990, the “Harvest with Greg Laurie” events have drawn more than 4.2 million people in attendance, the organization states on its website. In 2010, online crusade attendance surpassed in-person attendance for the first time, doubling the amount of participants at events last year.

Laurie was interviewed this week by a New Zealand radio station and said that his Sunday message would focus on suffering. “People know a little about this subject of suffering with the crisis that’s happened in Christ Church and all the loss of life,” he said. “A lot of people are wondering about why there’s all the suffering in the world. I may not have all the answers to people’s questions, but I know that Jesus is the answer.”

View the original article here

New York Gay Marriage Bill: Enough Votes to Pass

Mike Long, the chairman of the New York Conservative Party, said late Friday afternoon that the gay marriage bill has at least 32 votes to pass the Senate.

Long, who has vowed to withdraw nominations from any Republican senator that votes in favor of the New York gay marriage bill, told The Weekly Standard that he believes the bill will pass the Senate "by the end of the night."

His comments come just as New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos confirmed Friday that the same-sex marriage bill will come to the floor for an up or down vote later tonight.

The bill was thought to have only 31 committed votes, one vote shy of being passed in the Senate. In the past several days, legislators have said there enough votes to pass the bill but would not comment on who the 32nd vote is.

"I'm sorry to say that the bill's going to pass," Long told the Standard a few minutes before 6 p.m. Like us on Facebook

"I know they've got the 32nd vote, and I think they've muscled two more people."

"Hopefully all of that blows up," Long said. "I don't see that happening."

No new Republican senators have publicly come out to support the same-sex marriage bill.

In recent days, two of the handful of undecided Republican senators confirmed they will vote "no" on the bill.

Sen. Andrew Lanza of Long Island released a statement Friday afternoon saying he will vote against the bill.

Sen. Greg Ball of Patterson said Thursday he would vote "no" on same-sex marriage.

Sen. Mark Grisanti of Buffalo remained undecided as of late Friday afternoon, according to Capitol Tonight via Twitter.

Sen. Stephen Saland of Poughkeepsie is also undecided, saying, "I'm getting there," according to New York Times Albany Bureau Chief Danny Hakim via Twitter.

The New York Senate has not given a time as to when the gay marriage vote will take place. The Senate will go through four bills on its agenda and hold a Rules Committee meeting before a vote on same-sex marriage will take place later tonight.

Saland's vote during the Rules Committee meeting could indicate how he may vote when the gay marriage bill hits the floor.

In the hours counting down to the vote, opponents of gay marriage like National Organization of Marriage have urged its constituents to make a last-minute push against the bill by continuing to call senators and telling them to vote "no."

On the Web:Watch the New York Senate vote live on the gay marriage bill.

View the original article here

Nearly 20,000 Americans Discover They're HIV-Positive

CDC officials also estimate 20 percent of the 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States did not know they were infected, so expanding testing is critical, the report said.

These recent test results are monumental, according to U.S. health officials.

The CDC study shows that after a three-year, $111 million program to expand HIV testing in 25 of the U.S. areas most affected by HIV has provided nearly 2.8 million HIV tests and diagnosed 18,432 individuals who were previously unaware of their HIV infection.

The results of the program were published in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

The CDC study found that homosexual individuals of all races and ethnicities were severely affected, especially blacks: 28 percent were infected by HIV, compared to 18 percent of Hispanics and 16 percent of whites. Like us on Facebook

“Ensuring that all Americans know their HIV status is critical to reducing new infections and putting an end to the epidemic,” said Kevin Fenton, M.D., director of CDC’s National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention.

"These results demonstrate that the nation is making steady progress toward that vision. But more than half of U.S. adults aged 18-64 still have never been tested for HIV, and our work is far from over.”

The CDC estimates that the majority of new sexually transmitted infections are transmitted by individuals who are unaware of their infection. Once people learn they are HIV-infected, most take steps to protect their partners, studies have shown.

CDC officials say persons with HIV must enter an HIV medical treatment program to reduce their risk for transmission.

Health officials visited multiple medical facilities to perform the HIV tests.

Hospital emergency rooms were particularly important venues for the CDC HIV testing study, accounting for 30 percent of all tests and 32 percent of all previously undiagnosed infections.

STD clinics also accounted for a significant number of new diagnoses. Community-based organizations, which accounted for most of the HIV tests provided outside of health care facilities, contributed 11 percent of new HIV diagnoses.

"These test results remind us that high-impact prevention works,” said Jonathan Mermin, M.D., director of CDC`s Division of HIV and AIDS Prevention.

“With collaboration and focus on those who are hardest hit by this disease, we are making great strides in the fight against HIV.”

The study’s results reinforce the President’s National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States which says “the United States cannot reduce the number of HIV infections nationally without better addressing HIV among gay and bisexual men” and lists homosexuals among a few priority populations to focus HIV prevention efforts.

The President’s strategy also sets targets for reducing the number of individuals living with HIV who are unaware of their HIV status.

For more information, log on to www.cdc.gov/hiv or www.actagainstaids.org.

View the original article here

Former Korn Guitarist to Play at Alive Fest in Ohio

It’s fitting that former Korn guitarist Brian Welch will take the stage this weekend in Mineral City, Ohio, to play at a Christian music festival called Alive Fest. His Twitter tag line explains why: “Used to be dead ... now I’m alive.”

Welch left one of the most successful metal groups of his era in 2005 after becoming a Christian. His conversion to Christ is well documented in his books, Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story, Washed by Blood: Lessons from My Time with Korn and My Journey to Christ and his newest release, Stronger: Forty Days of Metal and Spirituality.

Welch, 41, was into crystal meth, cocaine and alcohol, among other things, and battled his addictions off and on for years. After his marriage fell apart, he became a single father – taking his young daughter, Jennea, on tour, but he knew the environment was not suited for her and he could see she was losing respect for him as time went on.

That tore him up inside.

“Imagine being in this dungeon of depression and seeing this innocence every day, looking at me every day, wanting guidance from me,” Welch told the Canton Rep recently. Like us on Facebook

After receiving an invitation to church and hearing about the power of prayer, he went home and cried out to Jesus, while doing drugs. Over a two-week period, he could feel God removing his urge to do drugs. He says a “peaceful presence” swept over him, causing him to look up and acknowledge God.

Welch went on to release a solo album in 2008 called Save Me From Myself.

“A lot of the lyrics are just about life, going through difficult times and surviving,” he said in the Canton Rep interview. “Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you’ve got to just do the typical things.”

He wants to release his second album by the end of the year.

Knowing how many people are experiencing substance abuse, despair, and a crisis of faith – just like he did – he speaks in churches and continues to write about his experiences. Last weekend, he shared his testimony at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Ill.

“You think drugs are fun? Anybody here messing with drugs?” he asked at the event. “Try God invading your life, man. You’re here for a reason. You’re going to get the real high. God’s the Most High.”

“I felt like I was given the opportunity to jump on this world’s roller coaster and ride it,” he added. “I got everything I ever wanted. I bought everything I could buy. Nothing compares to a relationship with God.”

It’s a similar sentiment to what fans may hear from Welch this weekend at Alive Fest. His song, “Save Me From Myself” speaks openly about his battle with drugs and God’s redemption, which leads him to sing, “Father! Thank You / Father! I live for You now! / Oh my God I live For You now.”

View the original article here

Gay Activists to Emulate NY Win in Other States

“Keep up the momentum. With your victory in New York, the momentum for marriage is growing. Help us win more states,” says a bold red-colored message appearing on the website of gay rights group Freedom to Marry, urging supporters to “Donate Now.”

“This unprecedented support from Republicans, corporations, and even pro athletes demonstrates how mainstream ending the exclusion of gay and lesbian couples from marriage has become,” the group’s founder and president, Evan Wolfson, said in a statement early Saturday, providing the list of donors and supporters.

“This win in New York adds to the momentum for the work ahead: ending the cruel exclusion from marriage in so many other states, and tackling and ending federal marriage discrimination under the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, under which so much of the crucial safety-net that marriage is intended to provide continue to be denied to married gay and lesbian couples,” Wolfson added.

Gay activists now need to help frame the “national narrative” around marriage, transgender civil rights and other LGBT issues “so equality and justice do not end at our borders,” Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, said in a statement.

“When this is signed into law, the population of the United States with marriage equality doubles,” Gannett Albany Bureau quoted Levi as saying. “That’s certain to have ripple effects across the country.” Like us on Facebook

Having same-sex marriage in New York will have “tremendous moral and political force” for the rest of the country, “in part because New York is a large state, and in part because it hasn’t come easily,” Suzanne Goldberg, a professor at Columbia Law School, was quoted by Reuters as saying.

With Republican senators James Alesi, Roy MacDonald, Stephen Saland and Mark Grisanti voting in favor of the gay marriage bill, the move initiated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo was passed and signed into law late Friday. Earlier, in 2007 and 2009, Republican lawmakers at the senate had defeated similar bills.

The ripple effect of the new law is likely to provide more than just information, added Prof. Goldberg. “New Yorkers tend to move about the country quite a lot … High numbers of same-sex couples likely to marry here will increase pressure on other states to treat those couples fairly.”

Particularly the states where gay activists have made unsuccessful attempts at legalizing same-sex marriage, including Maryland, Oregon, Maine, New Jersey and Rhode Island, could be the next target.

“It seems inevitable that we’ll have same-sex marriage in most of the states within a decade,” predicts Michael Dorf, a Cornell Law School professor, according to Reuters.

But Christian groups opposed to gay marriage rights remain determined to fight the likely expansion of the gay movement. “We may have lost the battle, but not the war. We will continue to preach and teach against homosexuality, for God made marriage as a holy covenant strictly between man and woman,” Bishop Satin Greene, U.S. Metropolitan for the Church of Twelve Tribes Apostolic Kingdom, said in a statement.

“Despite today’s vote, the people of New York recognize that marriage provides a strong foundation for a thriving society,” the Rev. Jason McGuire, executive director of evangelical Christian group New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, said in a statement Friday.

State senators who had chosen to “pursue their own agenda or the agenda of liberal activist groups” are overlooking the fact that 62 percent of Americans still believe that marriage is “one man, one woman, nothing else,” he said.

“It is unfortunate that the vast majority of Democratic legislators and a handful of liberal-leaning Republicans have put personal agendas, ahead of principled positions. We had hoped for better, but now we look to next year’s November,” he added.

The New York gay marriage law will come into force within 30 days.

Of the five other states with same-sex marriage provisions, New Hampshire and Vermont legalized same gay wedding by legislative action while Iowa, Massachusetts and Connecticut were directed to do so by court orders.

View the original article here

Casey Anthony Trial Delayed, No Clear Details Given

Judge Belvin Perry Jr. cancelled the nearly 7 hours of hearings scheduled for Saturday and said the court would resume on Monday, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Attorneys on both sides declined to comment on the unexpected recess.

Perry recessed the court after meeting with defense attorneys on Saturday morning. The court was scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m., longer than normal for Saturday hearings.

Casey Anthony, 25, is accused of first-degree murder of her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, in June 2008. If convicted, she could face the death penalty.

Anthony’s attorneys claim Caylee died from drowning in her grandparents’ swimming pool and that Casey’s father, George, was involved in covering up the death and disposing the body. George has denied involvement in the death of his granddaughter.

Meanwhile, the state maintains that the defendant suffocated Caylee with duct tape, stored her in the back of her trunk for days, and then dumped her body in the woods nearby the Anthony’s home. Like us on Facebook

The toddler was last seen on June 16, 2008, reported missing on July 15, 2008, and the remains of her tiny body was found in December 2008.

On Friday, the court heard the testimonies of Casey’s mother, Cindy, and her older brother, Lee.

Lee gave an emotional testimony, claiming that the family ignored Casey’s pregnancy with Caylee until just days before she gave birth. He claimed no one acknowledged Casey’s pregnancy until nearly when Caylee was born and broke down in tears during his testimony.

The defense is thought to be trying to illustrate the Anthonys as a dysfunctional family. The prosecution, however, questions the accuracy of Lee’s testimony, which appears to differ from his 2009 deposition. When questioned by the prosecution earlier this month, Lee often responded that he didn’t remember his deposition and expressed little emotion.

In the deposition, Lee had said his parents were excited about news of a granddaughter and prepared a nursery for her as well as a baby shower.

On Friday, the defense also called back several investigators, including Orange County deputy Ryan Eberlin. Eberlin explained that he handcuffed Casey on the night of July 16, 2008, because her mother, Cindy, had accused Casey of stealing her credit cards.

Judge Perry told the jury to not consider Casey’s fraudulent use of credit cards in the case because it was unrelated to her current charge of murder.

A video of a happy 2-year-old Caylee and her mom, Casey, was also shown in the court room yesterday.

Perhaps the biggest shocker this week was the revelation by Cindy Anthony that she searched for the words chloroform and chlorophyll on the family’s computer. The prosecution had called computer experts to the stand earlier in the trial who gave damaging testimonies that there were Google searches for chloroform that were later deleted from the Internet search history. There was also a search for how to make chloroform, but Cindy said she did not remember if she made that search.

Cindy’s chloroform testimony shakes up the prosecution’s argument that Casey Anthony made searches for chloroform. The prosecution maintains that Casey used chloroform to knock Caylee out before using duct tape on her. There was also high level of chloroform found in the trunk of Casey’s car.

View the original article here

New York Gay Marriage Bill: Sen. Mark Grisanti Switches Undecided Vote to 'Yes'

NEW YORK – The New York Senate may have enough votes to pass the gay marriage bill after Republican Sen. Mark Grisanti of Buffalo changed his undecided vote to "yes" vote Friday night.

In his address before the Senate, Grisanti said he would vote in the affirmative on the same-sex marriage bill. He said he changed his vote after "doing research."

Although he said that as a Catholic he was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman, Grisanti said he could not "legally come up with an argument against same-sex marriage."

"Who am I to say that someone does not have the same rights that I have with my wife whom I love?" he said.

The gay marriage bill had 31 committed votes and Grisanti's vote could be the 32nd vote that would pass the bill. Like us on Facebook

Please check back with The Christian Post for more updates.

View the original article here

Vatican lends iPods to pilgrims

ROME (AP) — The Vatican is betting an iPod beats "Shush!" in lowering the tour guide noise level in basilicas.

By Gregorio Borgia, AP

Nelli Bojorquez, left, and Ricardo Amado, from Mexico City, listen to the iPod application guide during their visit inside the St. John in Lateran Basilica, in Rome, Tuesday.

By Gregorio Borgia, AP

Nelli Bojorquez, left, and Ricardo Amado, from Mexico City, listen to the iPod application guide during their visit inside the St. John in Lateran Basilica, in Rome, Tuesday.

It will even lend you one for free to try to prove its point.

From a tiny booth in the back of St. John in Lateran, the Holy See's pilgrim agency has been quietly asking tourists if they want to tour Rome's oldest basilica with an iPod in hand loaded with an app specially designed to access the place's art, architecture and Christian history.

It's a bid to cut down on the noise as well as to raise appeal to the young, not your typical pilgrim, the Rev. Caesar Atuire, CEO of the pilgrim agency, said Tuesday.

"It is designed to appeal to wider audience than the usual churchgoer," Atuire told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from the Holy Land.

The Vatican will formally unveil the experiment on Wednesday. But a visit Tuesday found curious tourists exploring the cavernous basilica with specially adapted iPods in hand.

"It's fantastic. I really appreciate it," said Agustin Valverde, a Spaniard visiting the basilica with his family, including his eight-month-old son and namesake, who looked wide-eyed at the iPod. "You can see a lot (more) beauty this way."

Atuire suggested that, with a tap of the finger, tourists can zoom in on high-resolution images of artistic details, like the starry blue canopy above the towering high altar, or decorating vaulted ceilings. The apps user also can refer to images from the Vatican Library not usually available to the public to enrich their understanding of their basilica tour.

As Atuire spoke, Americans following an English-speaking tour guide near a side chapel that myth says was gilded with gold from Cleopatra's warships craned their necks to try to see. Trying not to disturb others, the guide was lecturing barely above a whisper, practically out of earshot to those not closest to her.

The iPod audio has a chatty format, with some narration by "characters" in history, such as Constantine, the Roman emperor who converted to Christianity.

The multi-lingual audio also offers a conversational description of the battle of the Milvian Bridge spanning the Tiber, won in 312 by Constantine, who saw a flaming cross in the sky. Legend says Constantine lugged soil to the site of what was to become St. John in Lateran, the first basilica within Rome's ancient walls and sometimes dubbed "the first Vatican."

Pilgrim agency workers lending the iPods say teenagers often press their parents to take the device, and show the older generation how it works.

Twelve-year-old Jakob Rhein, from Pope Benedict XVI's native Bavaria region of Germany, chewed on his gum and pronounced the audiovisual aid "very cool. It is in an iPod." His mother Ulrike Rein called it "quite intuitive to use."

Said Valverde's mother-in-law, Berta Evangelista, a Roman: "All you need is to be a bit comfortable with a touch screen telephone to use it well."

"Basically, we have taken an iPod, we've filled it with plenty of content, with history, with everything you need to know about the basilica" said Rosa Maria Mancini, a spokeswoman for the Vatican pilgrim agency Opera Roman Pellegrinaggi. With the device, "you can discover it piece by piece," she said.

There are audio devices positioned around the basilica that tourists can sit next to and listen to explanations through an old-fashioned telephone-type receiver.But they tether the tourist to one spot. The iPod can be used in the basilica's cloister, letting users better appreciate this island of tranquility as their headphones shut out the chatter of tourists.

There's no charge, although users are told they can leave a donation if they like. Users must leave a document, like a passport or driver's license, as security.

After the experiment ends in December, the Vatican will decide whether to expand the iPod app to other Rome basilicas, although there are no immediate plans to use them for St. Peter's Basilica or Square, Atuire said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.We've updated the Conversation Guidelines. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation on how to use the "Report Abuse" button. Read more.

View the original article here

Miss USA contest evolves: 'Huge science geek' wins

UPDATE: There are more beautiful Darwin buffs than I first counted.

In listening to 51 preliminary interviews with Miss USA contestants, I lost count of the correct number of those who would teach evolution in the public schools.

The new Miss USA, Miss California Alyssa Campanella and Miss Massachusetts were not alone. I overlooked nuanced answers from the ladies from Vermont, Washington and New Mexico.

So, that's five in 51 clearly for teaching evolution while about 90% were opposed or called for teaching "both sides." Hat tip here to eagle-eyed F&R readers for catching this.

ORIGINAL POST:

Score one for Charles Darwin. The newly crowned Miss USA, Alyssa Campanella, 21, of Los Angeles, who calls herself "a huge science geek," says evolution should be taught in public schools.

No, it didn't happen on air in a replay of the Carrie-Prejean-Perez-Hilton showdown over a gay marriage question two years ago. Evolution was among the preliminary questions, not the televised finale.

Before her victory night, Miss California earned her way into the semifinals in preliminary judging including interviews in which she was one of only two among 51 contestants to unequivocally support teaching evolution.

Given the early Fox News alert that the contestants were rattled by the preliminary questions, I went to the site and watched all 51 interviews where they wrestled with the evolution question and other stumpers such as whether they have or would use an online dating service (mostly no), if they would pose for "tasteful" nude photos (split vote) and were asked to make the sounds of a cat, a motor, a police siren and a slot machine (painful to watch).

But the evolution answers would make Answers in Genesis -- the folks behind the Creation Museum and the upcoming Noah's Ark theme park -- proud.

One after another of the contestants, like Miss Maryland, confused the evolution of species with the origin of life (not the same) or said a variation of Miss Michigan's line that it's "silly" and "ignorant" not to know "both sides" including, evidently, religious views in public schools.

Three were flat out opposed: Miss Kentucky, home state of the Creation Museum; Miss Alaska who assures us "each of us was individually created by God for a purpose"; and Miss Alabama who doesn't believe in evolution.

Only Miss Massachusetts and Campanella stood up for Darwin.

The eventual winner (with an on-air question about legalizing marijuana -- she said medically yes, otherwise no) said,

I was taught evolution in high school. I do believe in it. I'm a huge science geek...I like to believe in the big bang theory and, you know, the evolution of humans throughout time.

Sunday night on the main stage, the first runner-up -- Miss Tennessee Ashley Durham -- was asked if burning religious books is protected by the same First Amendment free speech rules that cover burning an American flag.

She went with an answer that appeared to make the U.S. Constitution optional:

"I know that some people view it as a freedom of speech, however, burning the American flag is not patriotic at all. No American citizen should do that, and you should also respect other religions. I'm a Christian and a faithful person. I would personally not appreciate someone burning the Bible, and that's just a line you do not cross."

DO YOU THINK ... the evolution of the Miss USA/Miss Universe competition to include news-topical questions is a good direction?

See photos of: Perez Hilton

To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.

View the original article here

Church of England to allow gay bishops, sort of

LONDON — The Church of England has issued a set of "legal guidelines" that pave the way for openly gay clergy to become bishops — so long as they are and promise to remain celibate.

Details of the internal report, entitled "Choosing Bishops," were carried by Christian Today, an independent London-based publication, on its website on Monday.

The new guidelines aim to bring church policy in line with Britain's Equality Act, passed in 2010, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

The guidance says "openly gay clergy can become bishops so long as they are celibate," according to the Christian Today report. The Equality Act would not allow gay clergy to be prohibited solely because they are gay.

"A person's sexual orientation is, in itself, irrelevant to their suitability for episcopal office," the guidelines said, and "it would be wrong if account were taken of the fact that a candidate had identified himself as of gay sexual orientation."

The document continues that while the earlier guidelines "make it clear that someone in a sexually active relationship outside marriage is not eligible" to become bishop, that does not necessarily apply to a celibate relationship.

The church makes a strong distinction between "sexually active" and "celibate." As one observer put it, the new guidelines demand that gay clergy are being asked to "make a promise that they are and will remain celibate."

The legal advice in "Choosing Bishops" is expected to go before the church's General Synod when it convenes in York, England, in July.

For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.We've updated the Conversation Guidelines. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation on how to use the "Report Abuse" button. Read more.

View the original article here

Critics push Obama to change faith-based hiring rules

WASHINGTON (RNS) A group of clergy and lawmakers is trying to overturn a nearly decade-old policy that allows faith-based organizations that receive federal funds to hire and fire employees on the basis of religion.

2007 photo by Jonathan Ernst, Getty Images

Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, with Hillary Clinton in 2007, says "Tax dollars should not be used to discriminate."

2007 photo by Jonathan Ernst, Getty Images

Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, with Hillary Clinton in 2007, says "Tax dollars should not be used to discriminate."

Critics say President Obama has reneged on a campaign promise to repeal the policy, which was put into place by President Bush in 2002.

"It is shocking that we would even be having a debate about whether basic civil rights practices should apply to programs run with federal dollars," said Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va.

"There is just no justification for sponsors of government-funded programs to tell job applicants, 'We don't hire your kind.'"

Scott has sponsored legislation to repeal the policy. But advocates for the change say the most effective route would be for Obama to issue a new executive order to overturn Bush's, Scott told reporters on Tuesday (June 21).

Bush introduced the policy to advance what he deemed a more faith-friendly federal approach toward charitable organizations that receive federal contracts for social services. Previously, groups that received government money were forbidden to consider religion in their employment decisions.

Bush, however, argued that while an organization accepting federal support could not refuse to help people based on their religion, it should be able to take religion into account when hiring and firing employees.

Many religious organizations — particularly conservative ones — hailed the overall initiative and continue to support it.

"We will do whatever we can to make sure this stays," said Michele Combs, spokeswoman for the Christian Coalition, saying charitable organizations should have the right to employ those who share their groups' values.

"That's our freedom," she said, "to hire and fire people of our faith."

More liberal religious leaders, who typically toe a strict line on church-state separation, said the lingering Bush order undermines a century of progress in civil rights.

"Tax dollars should not be used to discriminate," said Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism.

Scott and others referred to a speech Obama gave on the campaign trail four months before his 2008 election in which he promised to reform Bush's faith-based program. Obama said a group receiving federal money shouldn't be able to "use that grant money to proselytize to the people you help and you can't discriminate against them — or against the people you hire — on the basis of their religion."

Asked for comment on Wednesday, a White House spokesman said "the Justice Department continues to examine this issue on a case-by-case basis."

For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.We've updated the Conversation Guidelines. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation on how to use the "Report Abuse" button. Read more.

View the original article here

Pawlenty's pastor stays politically neutral

When GOP presidential hopeful Tim Pawlenty goes to church, he knows he'll hear a 27-minute sermon — never longer, never shorter. But whether he'll hear a biblical endorsement of the Republican platform is far less certain.

Pawlenty gets his spiritual guidance from Leith Anderson, senior pastor at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie, Minn., and president of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). And while Anderson runs a tight ship as a megachurch pastor, he toes no partisan line — for better or for worse, depending on one's point of view.

"I've never preached a political sermon that says you ought to vote for this party or that candidate, or that we should be taking specific stands on certain legislation," said Anderson, who's been at Wooddale since 1977.

"I'm a pastor who teaches the Bible ? and if it relates to some contemporary issue, it's because it's there — not because I'm driven by some news topic."

Anderson, 66, had already served twice as interim NAE president but became president in 2007, a year after his predecessor, Ted Haggard, resigned in the wake of a gay sex and drug scandal. Around the same time, evangelicals were openly asking whether they'd become too closely aligned with Republican politics and lost their moral authority.

"When a church embraces a political party and becomes politicized, they lose their prophetic voice," said Jo Anne Lyon, general superintendent of the Wesleyan Church, which belongs to the NAE. "There's an enormous trust that people have with (Anderson), and that allows him to lead."

President Obama appointed Anderson to his faith-based advisory council, and on any given Sunday, Anderson's 5,000-member flock includes Fortune 500 CEOs, major league coaches and other Twin Cities leaders.

"I'm not the only one Leith Anderson has inspired; great leaders have many followers," Pawlenty wrote in his 2010 autobiography, Courage to Stand. "But he'd be the first to underscore that his mission is not about him; it's about drawing others to Jesus."

Anderson isn't shy to discern a political agenda in Scripture. When he reads in Psalms, "I knit you together in your mother's womb," he sees a strong anti-abortion message. He also opposes same-sex marriage on biblical grounds.

Yet on other issues — particularly immigration and the environment — Anderson parts ways with many social conservatives. And that has some conservatives wondering if Anderson's moderate streak could be a political liability for Pawlenty.

When former NAE lobbyist Richard Cizik angered social conservatives by calling for action on climate change, Anderson stood by him and signed a 2006 statement, "Climate Change: An Evangelical Call to Action." He continues to press the issue as a matter of justice for the poor in the developing world, working behind the scenes to craft an official NAE statement on climate change.

"He was very accepting of what people had to say" when a creation care working group met in March, Lyon said. "But he was immediately coming back with: 'How does Scripture speak to this? What are we called to say?"

But Erick Erickson, editor of the influential conservative blog Redstate.com, said "there is a real concern" among conservative evangelicals about Anderson's 25-year influence on Pawlenty.

"Some of Pawlenty's critics will attempt to capitalize on some of Leith Anderson's statements and stands, including his position on global warming," Erickson said in an email.

Earlier this year, when Erickson tweeted that "Pawlenty's preacher is going to cause him some problems" on the environment, Salon.com likened Anderson to Jeremiah Wright, the outspoken Chicago pastor who nearly derailed President Obama's 2008 campaign.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune leaped to Anderson's defense. "Pawlenty's presidential ambitions may or may not have a prayer," the paper said, "but that should not be because of his pastor."

Whatever the implications for presidential politics, observers say Anderson's moderate approach can help evangelicals rally bipartisan support on a number of issues, from human trafficking to religious freedom.

"No one knows what the evangelical position is on AIDS or global warming," said David Woodard, a Clemson University political scientist and a Republican consultant. "Christianity speaks to the whole of life ? and this broad approach gives (the NAE) a chance to talk to groups that they wouldn't normally be talking to."

After running a large megachurch and planting nine churches around the Twin Cities — including one at the Mall of America — Anderson does not tolerate sloppiness. Soon after taking the helm at NAE, Anderson found the quality of reports from several NAE committees and commissions to be an "embarrassment," according to George Brushaber, retired president of Bethel University and a 30-year member of the NAE board. Those deemed to be doing subpar work were swiftly dissolved.

As Anderson leads, the NAE seems to follow. Five years ago, the association was notably mum on immigration reform. But Anderson, a trained sociologist, sees Hispanics playing a prominent role in the future of evangelicalism, and the NAE now supports comprehensive immigration reform.

"I was with him at a large gathering of 10,000 Hispanic evangelicals in Orlando," Brushaber said. "Leith was just forging relationships, friendships and partnerships ? That just didn't happen in the old days of NAE. All of a sudden, the membership of NAE understands how significant is the Hispanic evangelical population in the United States."

For more information about reprints & permissions, visit our FAQ's. To report corrections and clarifications, contact Standards Editor Brent Jones. For publication consideration in the newspaper, send comments to letters@usatoday.com. Include name, phone number, city and state for verification. To view our corrections, go to corrections.usatoday.com.We've updated the Conversation Guidelines. Changes include a brief review of the moderation process and an explanation on how to use the "Report Abuse" button. Read more.

View the original article here

Almeda University Announces Offering of New Masters Degree in Church Management

Almeda University Announces Offering of New Masters Degree in Church Management

Almeda University has announced the creation of the graduate program in church management, beginning fall 2011.

    June 23, 2011 /Religion PR News/ -- In an effort to respond to a growing need within the Catholic Church to better manage its business operations, financial resources and personnel, Almeda University has announced the creation of the graduate program in church management, beginning fall 2011.

The program may include several options to students: a master's degree in pastoral ministry with concentration in church management and a joint MBA degree in pastoral ministry are two of the options currently on curricula.

The Masters Degrees in Church Management are geared towards individuals who work in pastoral ministry within a Church environment, as well as those dealing with the financial or personnel management of a diocese, Catholic hospital system or social service agency. Estimates are as high as $100 billon of business per year of business in the Catholic Church within the United States. Much of the management is done by individuals with little training in management and financial practices.

Almeda University's Former President Jayson E. Willard, III said he had hoped these new degree offerings would benefit individuals involved in management of church related institutions. Recent years of internal research by Jayson have shown there is a need for training in church management, especially in Catholic parishes, schools, universities and dioceses.

Almeda University has offered many degrees in Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry over the years and now adds a new management program developed in partnership with several major schools of management and religious study on these graduate programs.

Theology Professor Mark DePaul, who directs the Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry, first conceived of the idea while attending a conference of both business and Catholic Church leaders last year. It was apparent that the business leaders did not fully understand the language of the Church, and the Church leaders, including the bishops present, did not fully understand the language of business, said DePaul.

If we are to move beyond crisis to renewal, then it is essential that we train managers who are competent in both the theology and mission of the Church and in the best practices of management. Almeda University, with its strength in both theological education for ministry at the Institute for Religious Education and Pastoral Ministry and in management is ideally suited to help meet this most urgent need in the Church.

School of Management Dean David Hargrove praised the new initiative as a way for Almeda University to be of service to the Catholic Church and the wider community. In addition to developing highly skilled, values driven leaders, an important aspect of our mission as part of a Jesuit, Catholic university is to be of service to the many communities local, national and global--which sustain us, said Hargrove. To tailor a program of business and financial management education to suit the needs of religious institutions is a natural expression of that mission.

The master's degree in pastoral ministry with a concentration in church management will involve the standard master's curriculum in ministry with at least four management courses in the School of Management and a field placement in a church management role. It will take two years to complete full time and will also be offered on a part-time basis. Experienced based degrees are also an option.

The MA/MBA option will be available as a dual degree that can be completed full-time in three years. Intended for priests or religious working in significant roles in Church management, this option will also be offered on a part time basis.

Students in both programs will be required to participate in an integrative colloquium aimed at helping people to integrate the worlds of religious institutions and business. They will also interact with faculty and students in the theology department, the Center for Religion and Public Life, the Life Center for Leadership and Ethics and the Church in the 21st Century Life Center.

by: Wes Thompson
Almeda University
http://www.almedauniversity.org

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here

Ghost Hunting at Gainsborough Old Hall, with Simply Ghost Nights 25th June

Ghost Hunting at Gainsborough Old Hall, with Simply Ghost Nights 25th June

Are you brave enough to come on a ghost hunt in Gainsborough with Simply Ghost Nights, in this eerie looking most haunted of old buildings known as Gainsborough Old Hall

    YORKSHIRE, ENGLAND, June 15, 2011 /Religion PR News/ -- Are you brave enough to come on a ghost hunt in Gainsborough with Simply Ghost Nights, in this eerie looking most haunted of old buildings known as Gainsborough Old Hall. Another spirit that is reputedly said to frequent this former old hall, is that of the lost soul of a young lady, who is seen walking the long corridor upstairs.

The current Manor was built between 1465 and 1485 and it is said King Sweyn can be heard moaning in the Great Hall where the foundations of the original castle were built on.
Another spirit who is said to frequent Gainsborough Old Hall is that of a young lady, who is said to be seen walking the long corridor upstairs and then disappearing into thin air, she is believed to be the daughter of one of the former owners of the hall, she is said to have who fallen in love with a knight from Newark Castle. Her father not wanting his daughter to have a relationship with the Knight, is said to have locked her up in the tower. It is not known what happened to her after her incarceration or even if she survived it, but her ghost which is said to be seen many times still remains to this day, mourning the loss of her one true love.

Join us as we hold a paranormal investigation at the fabulous Gainsborough Old Hall.

Simply Ghost Nights offers a unique event package, a ghost hunting event whether it's for a corporate function, or for individuals. Simply Ghost Nights is at the fore front of providing a wealth of experience and all the latest ghost hunting equipment for their ghost hunters to use.
Join us if you dare!

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here

AsiaRooms.com - Enjoy Asanha Bucha Day in Thailand

AsiaRooms.com - Enjoy Asanha Bucha Day in Thailand

Thailand is getting ready to celebrate Asanha Bucha Day, which will take place on July 15th this year.

    ASANHA BUCHA, THAILAND, June 17, 2011 /Religion PR News/ -- Travellers can experience a fascinating taste of local culture in Thailand next month, when the country celebrates Asanha Bucha Day.

In 2011, the occasion falls on July 15th and will be celebrated as a national holiday in the country.

The day is dedicated to celebrating Buddha's first sermon, which was carried out in the Deer Park of Benares.

Sometimes known as Asalha Puja or Asanha Puja, it sees people line up to give gifts to local temples and listen to a selection of sermons.

The original sermon by Buddha concerned the 'four noble truths', which are that life is suffering, the origin of suffering is attachment, it is possible for the suffering to stop and this is done through a gradual process of self-improvement.

People can expect to see a range of activities taking place across the country to celebrate the occasion.

Last year, in Ubon Ratchthani an enormous wax sculpture was created and paraded in front of watching crowds.

Asanha Bucha Day is celebrated each year on the full moon day of the eighth month of the lunar year.

AsiaRooms.com offers a huge variety of Thailand hotels that may appeal to sightseers, such as the La Flora Resort & Spa in Khao Lak.

Editors Notes:

www.AsiaRooms.com is a leading online accommodation site in Asia offering deals in over 36,000 properties worldwide, including 7,000 hotels in the Asia-Pacific region ranging from individual beach huts to 5-star hotels and sprawling villas.

AsiaRooms.com offers customers a saving of up to 70 per cent off the normal room rate for a variety of independent and branded hotels. Customers can book online or by phone 24/7, whether booking 12 months or 12 minutes in advance - whatever time, whatever day.

The contemporary and inspirational online platform is styled for those seeking more interesting hotel options over the bland, obvious choices. Users can read from over 150,000 true hotel reviews, written by customers who have booked through AsiaRooms.com and actually stayed at the hotel.

To view more information about AsiaRooms.com, please visit http://www.asiarooms.com/about-us/.

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here

Oasis Church, A Non-Denominational Christian Church In Los Angeles, Presents The 2011 GodChicks Conference June 24-25 At The Angeles Temple

Raymond Southerland Ascends To The Ranks Of Stanford Who's Who

Raymond Southerland Ascends To The Ranks Of Stanford Who's Who

Stanford Who's Who welcomes Reverend Raymond Southerland to the ranks of leading professionals as a result of his remarkable work in the Religious Services Industry.

    PHOENIX, AZ, June 23, 2011 /Stanford Who's Who/ -- Stanford Who's Who welcomes Reverend Raymond Southerland to the ranks of leading professionals as a result of his remarkable work in the Religious Services Industry. As Senior Pastor of God's Family Church of Arizona since 1982, Reverend Southerland has consistently demonstrated the vision, dedication and diligence necessary to be considered among the best.

Reverend Southerland speaks, teaches, preaches and gives instruction to his cyber worldwide network of church members in an incredibly personal way. He assists his parishioners in their spiritual Christian growth through his weekly Sunday morning sermons as well as devotionals and Bible study materials. He created the God's Family Church for the purpose of assisting and encouraging believers who do not attend a local church.

Reverend Southerland has also authored several books, including Co-Authoring a safety book and a medical book. He is a Master Mason as well as a member of the Knights Templar. During his collegiate career, Reverend Southerland earned a PhD from Anderson University. In the time away from his busy schedule, he greatly enjoys making and building model trains.

To view more information on Reverend Raymond Southerland click here

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here

Rev. James J. Clarke, Ph.D., Honored for Excellence in Religious Education

Rev. James J. Clarke, Ph.D., Honored for Excellence in Religious Education

Rev. Clarke is an author, having published his first book, "Creating Rituals: A New Way of Healing for Everyday Life"

    CAMARILLO, CA, June 22, 2011 /Religion PR News/ -- Rev. James J. Clarke, Director of Spiritual Formation and Assistant Professor of Spiritual Theology at St. John's Seminary, has been recognized by Cambridge Who's Who for demonstrating dedication, leadership and excellence in religious education.

A servant of the church for the last three decades, Rev. Clarke has devoted himself to developing lay ecclesiastical leadership and preparing young men for Roman Catholic priesthood. He is presently in his ninth year as director of spiritual formation and assistant professor of spiritual theology. In these complementary capacities, he is charged primarily with overseeing the administration of programs and spiritual direction. Rev. Clarke, in addition to his duties in the seminary, is an author, having published his first book last February, "Creating Rituals: A New Way of Healing for Everyday Life," which aims to offer wisdom and healing to people during times of transition. He has also contributed articles to two journals.

Desiring to help people collectively, as well as individually, Rev. Clarke conducts retreats, workshops, conferences, and seminars. He has spoken before diverse groups, from priests and female religious leaders, to seminarians and school and parish staffs. He looks forward to reaching more people by embarking on public speaking engagements at the international level and writing more books.

Rev. Clarke earned a Ph.D. in mythology in 2008 and a Master of Arts in mythology in 2003, both from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Additionally, he obtained a Master of Arts in religion and religious education in 1994 from Fordham University; a Master of Arts in marriage, family and child counseling in 1994 from the Trinity College of Graduate Studies; a Master of Divinity in 1980 from St. John's Seminary; and a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy in 1976 from St. John's Seminary College. He maintains active affiliation in Spiritual Directors International.

For more information about St. John's Seminary, visit http://www.stjohnsem.edu.

About Cambridge Who's Who
With over 400,000 members representing every major industry, Cambridge Who's Who is a powerful networking resource that enables professionals to outshine their competition, in part through effective branding and marketing. Cambridge Who's Who employs similar public relations techniques to those utilized by Fortune 500 companies and makes them cost-effective for members who seek to take advantage of its career enhancement and business advancement services. Cambridge is pleased to welcome its new Executive Director of Global Branding and Networking, Donald Trump Jr., who is eager to share his extensive experience in this arena with members.

Cambridge Who's Who membership provides individuals with a valuable third party endorsement of their accomplishments and gives them the tools needed to brand themselves and their businesses effectively. In addition to publishing biographies in print and electronic form, it offers an online networking platform where members can establish new professional relationships.

For more information, please visit http://www.cambridgeregistry.com.

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here

Ghost Hunting At Nottingham Galleries of Justice, With Simply Ghost Nights 22nd July

Ghost Hunting At Nottingham Galleries of Justice, With Simply Ghost Nights 22nd July

It was said that you could be tried, convicted and hung to death in one day at the galleries of justice. The gaol held all manner of criminals from poor debtors, petty criminals, to murderer.

    DONCASTER, ENGLAND, June 24, 2011 /Religion PR News/ -- Dare you join the Simply Ghost Night team on a ghost hunting event at the Galleries of Justice, this former Court and Gaol is now a museum and dates back to at least 1450. The court itself is a majestic panelled room complete with the judges bench, the galleries above for the watching spectators and the dreaded dock, right next to the staircase that lead the prisoners to their awaiting hell, where torture and a brutal existence awaited these poor souls.

It was said that you could be tried, convicted and hung to death in one day at the galleries of justice. The gaol held all manner of criminals from poor debtors, petty criminals, to murderers, the more heinous the crime the further down the gaol you were held and the more squalid your existence.

On our previous visits to this location, we once heard the sound of chains been pulled through the shackles that were embedded into a prison cell wall, however there was no chains in the empty cell !! We also experienced such as amazing light analomies in one cell as for one ghost hunter to state that it was just "like Blackpool illuminations".

In the ladies quarters we heard such violent banging on request , when communicating with a ghostly soul who still inhabited there subterranean world.
We were once informed by a security guard at the galleries of justice, that on one occasion in the darkest depths of the gaol in the foreboding caves, a cats paw prints were seen to be walking across the caves causing indentations in the caves sandy floor by an invisible phantom feline.

We also experienced the noise of what could only be described as children's footsteps running up and down an empty corridor. Do the spirits of these poor wretched children still play in this building?
So participate at this world renowned most haunted of locations, and investigate which spectral beings still haunt this building, and why they still do so.

Simply Ghost Nights offers a unique event package, a ghost hunting event whether it's for a corporate function, or for individuals. Simply Ghost Nights is at the fore front of providing a wealth of experience and all the latest ghost hunting equipment for their ghost hunters to use.
Join us if you dare!

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here

New Jersey Community Benefits from Help of Community Activist Lucimar Dixon

New Jersey Community Benefits from Help of Community Activist Lucimar Dixon

Juggling time between a successful career and raising children can be quite a challenge--but Lucimar Dixon manages her time well. In addition, she spends countless hours volunteering in her local community.

    ROBBINSVILLE, NJ, June 19, 2011 /Religion PR News/ -- Juggling time between a successful career and raising children can be quite a challenge--but Lucimar Dixon manages her time well. In addition, she spends countless hours volunteering in her local community. She places high value on ensuring she gives generously to those less fortunate than herself.

Lucimar is a member of the Princeton Alliance Church, a place Lucimar tends to feel welcomed and encouraged to give to others. She often joins other members of the church to volunteer and work within the Plainsboro, New Jersey community. Belonging to church provides Lucimar with a way to become even more plugged in and aware of her community and ways in which she can help the people around her.

"There is such a dire need right here in our Plainsboro community," said community activist Lucimar Dixon. "It only seems right that I'd do everything in my power to make sure the needs of my neighbors are met."

On top of spending hours volunteering with members of Princeton Alliance Church, Lucimar also donates money to an elderly couple in Florida to ensure they do not go hungry. She also supports unwed Brazilian mothers and children living in poverty by donating sums of money they can use to purchase food, housing and other basic necessities. Since Lucimar was born in Brazil, the people hold a special place in her heart and Lucimar often gives generously to Brazilians who need assistance.

Lucimar is a supporter of Benny Hinn Ministries, as well as the 700 club. With these organizations, Lucimar is very involved in praying for others in Plainsboro and the surrounding areas, focusing her attention on reaching out to members of her community.

Lucimar is also involved with local schools, acting as a chaperone for various class trips. She cares deeply for the children of Plainsboro and is teaming up with the school system to ensure their educational needs are met.

Lucimar Dixon is busy with a successful career and raising 3 boys. Lucimar is a community activist who believes helping others should be a priority. She frequently volunteers and gives financially to both her local community and national organizations.

Website: http://www.lucimardixon.com

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here

M. Nathaniel Anderson Ascends To The Ranks Of Stanford Who's Who

M. Nathaniel Anderson Ascends To The Ranks Of Stanford Who's Who

Stanford Who's Who welcomes M. Nathaniel Anderson to the ranks of leading professionals as a result of his remarkable work in the Religious Services Industry.

    BALTIMORE, MD, June 19, 2011 /Stanford Who's Who/ -- Stanford Who's Who welcomes M. Nathaniel Anderson to the ranks of leading professionals as a result of his remarkable work in the Religious Services Industry. As a Pastor with Power of Christ Ministries for the past 9 years, as well as throughout his brilliant professional career, Pastor Anderson has routinely demonstrated the vision, dedication and diligence necessary to be considered among the best.

Pastor Anderson began his ministry as an Evangelist at the Holy Temple Deliverance Church where he served for 10 years under the leadership of the late Pastor Julia Williams. He was licensed as a Minister in 1993 at New Shiloh Baptist Church and later ordained in January, 2001 under the guidance of Dr. Harold A. Carter, Sr. Over the last 15 years, Pastor Anderson has worked and supported numerous organizations for the benefit of the greater good of mankind in the achievement of the Kingdom of God.

During his collegiate career, Pastor Anderson earned a Bachelor's degree in Theology and a Master's degree in Religious Education from the Eastern Theological Seminary. He also attended Coppin State College, where he majored in Psychology and minored in Management Science. Pastor Anderson is an ordained member of the Praise Covenant Interdenominational Fellowship. He also serves as Vice President of the Frederick Avenue Community Association.

To view more information on M. Nathaniel Anderson click here

To visit the Power of Christ Ministries website click here

---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com

View the original article here