Religion Here and Now: March 2012

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

World Overcomers Christian Church Hosts Fashion Exchange To Aid Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure

Church's Next Level Woman Ministry Raises Funds With "My Sister's Closet" Event

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, February 26, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- LaShawn Thompson, first lady of World Overcomers Christian Church (http://www.wocconline.org) and head of the church's Next Level Woman ministry, has announced that the Ministry raised more than $500 for the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure through its fashion exchange, "My Sister's Closet," on Feb. 4. During the event, World Overcomers Christian Church congregants, along with family and friends, swapped gently-used clothing, shoes and accessories, and engaged in a silent auction for specialty items.

For more information on all World Overcomers Christian Church activities and events, visit http://www.wocconline.org.

QUOTES:
"Next Level Woman consists of Godly women with an interest in showing Christ's love through serving the local community," said Thompson. "The 'My Sister's Closet' fashion exchange demonstrated that the women of World Overcomers Christian Church want to reach beyond our walls and help worthy organizations such as Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to make an impact in the lives of others."

NEW MEDIA CONTENT:
Video from First Lady LaShawn Thompson, wife of Senior Pastor Andy Thompson and leader of Next Level Woman:
http://on.fb.me/yvVQBj.

World Overcomers Christian Church Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/worldovercomers

ABOUT WORLD OVERCOMERS CHRISTIAN CHURCH:
World Overcomers Christian Church (WOCC) serves worshippers in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park community and beyond by creating a spiritual experience that is powerful and positive for participants. Since 2003, WOCC has offered a casual, contemporary, dynamic service ministering to people of all ages and backgrounds. Under the leadership of Senior Pastor Andy Thompson ("Pastor Andy"), WOCC provides quality community service as well as Biblical ministry as part of its mission to create a balanced victory with a God-designed life. The church believes that God is as concerned about your life on earth as He is with where you will spend eternity. Its charitable activities include the annual Thanksgiving food drive, Angel Tree donations and volunteer work throughout the year in local shelters and schools. Located at 2933 S. Miami Blvd. at the intersection with TW Alexander Drive in Research Triangle Park, WOCC has more than 8,000 members attending its non-denominational services on Sundays at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. "The Truth with Pastor Andy Thompson" airs weekdays at 6:30 a.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m. on WRDC. For more information, visit http://www.wocconline.org.

Jennifer Fair
MMI Public Relations
(919) 233-6600
jennifer@mmipublicrelations.com
http://twitter.com/MMIPR
http://www.mmipublicrelations.com

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Wayne Dennis Moses Recognized by Worldwide Who's Who for Excellence in Client Relations

Mr. Moses enables religious institutions to expand their organizations

BRENTWOOD, TN, February 23, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Wayne Dennis Moses, Vice President of Religious Institution Banking for Bank of the West, has been recognized by Worldwide Who's Who for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in client relations.

As a Vice President of Religious Institution Banking for Bank of the West, Mr. Moses specializes in cultivating relationships between the client and the bank. He is responsible for exploring customer needs and conducting business development initiatives on a national scale. Additionally, his consultative approach enables religious institutions of all denominations to expand their organizations and assist their strategic partners to raise funds. He attributes his success to his unwavering passion and love for what he does. Working within the religious sector allows him to positively impact lives.

He has found his niche to be in the religious arena. The satisfaction he receives from serving is a constant reminder of why he has never looked elsewhere. He started his career as a mortgage banker and, before joining Bank of the West, was a licensed securities broker and national underwriter for a securities firm. He also owned a real estate firm in Nashville, TN, where he was the managing broker.

Mr. Moses received a Bachelor of Arts with a major in economics from the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga in 1969. In addition to his formal education, he received a certificate in mortgage banking from Northwestern University in 1972, earned a real estate broker's license, as well as securities licenses in series 7 and 63. He is a member of the National Association of Church Business Administration, Christian Business Men Connection, Bank of the West's President's Club, and a former Deacon and Chairman of Stephen Ministries. Mr. Moses is highly dedicated to supporting a team of 10 Regional Vice Presidents and plans to remain in his constantly evolving position for years to come.

About Worldwide Who's Who
With over 500,000 members representing every major industry, Worldwide Who's Who is a powerful networking resource that enables professionals to outshine their competition, in part through effective branding and marketing. Worldwide Who's Who employs similar public relations techniques to those utilized by Fortune 500 companies, making them cost-effective for members who seek to take advantage of its career enhancement and business advancement services.

Worldwide 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.worldwidewhoswho.com.

Contact:
Ellen Campbell
Director, Media Relations
mediarelations@wwregistry.com

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The Promise in Glen Rose Returns for 24th Year of Inspiring Performances at the Texas Amphitheatre

In the fall of 2012, The Promise will celebrate 24 years of inspiring performances at the Texas Amphitheatre in Glen Rose, TX.

WEATHERFORD, TX, February 16, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- In the fall of 2012, The Promise will celebrate 24 years of inspiring performances at the Texas Amphitheatre in Glen Rose, TX. Year after year audiences travel from near and far to the Texas Amphitheatre to experience the life of Jesus unfold before their eyes.

The Promise begins on the banks of the Paluxy River in historic Glen Rose, Texas. In the opening scene, a grandfather and his grandchildren, Billy and Lisa, explore the woods and riverbed in search of the dinosaur tracks that have made Somervell County a popular destination for visitors. As the sun sets, they stumble across an old campsite that reminds Grandpa of a story his own grandfather used to tell him in the same spot--the one about the Promise sent by God.

As Grandpa begins to sing about the Promised One, the three find themselves among the Old Testament prophets who foretold the coming of Jesus. Immediately, Grandpa, Billy, and Lisa are swept up in the events of Jesus' birth, baptism, temptation, and ministry.

Based on Scripture and incorporating the music of award-winning contemporary Christian artists, The Promise brings a modern touch to the most amazing story ever told. Audiences experience a smiling, approachable Jesus who reaches out to people and changes lives. With its sweeping musical score, live animals, and a cast and crew of more than 150 dedicated Christian artists, The Promise is truly the experience of a lifetime.

In 2012, The Promise celebrates 24 years of performances at the Texas Amphitheatre--the largest permanent outdoor theatre in the state. With its Greco-Roman design and 3,200 seating capacity, this state-of-the-art facility is unexpectedly intimate, making it the perfect place to experience The Promise.

Many features of the Texas Amphitheatre help communicate the story in a modern way--a water-filled moat, rain curtain, lighting truss with 600+ instruments, digital sound system, and more. Audiences truly have an extraordinary experience at The Promise in Glen Rose, Texas.

The story of Jesus is timeless. But the season is not. The Promise will be performed Friday and Saturday evenings from August 31 - October 27, 2012.
For more information call 254-897-3926 or 1-800-687-2661 Visit online at www.ThePromiseGlenRose.com

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Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Elsa - The Must-Read Novel for 2012

Elsa tells the story of a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany and unlike most girls her age, Elsa and her close friends hated the Nazi's, but even they could not imagine how far the Nazis would go to create Hitlers perfect superior race.

BEELIAR, WA, March 08, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Elsa Baum dreams of moving away from Germany, a country she had watched everyday being dragged deeper into war by Adolf Hitler. Everyone had fallen under his spell, listening and believing in everything he told them.

Elsa and her close friends were the exception; they despised the Nazis and would soon learn the extent of their hatred towards others they considered a threat to their ideology of the perfect superior race. After a chance meeting with the daughter of a high ranking Nazi, feelings were kindled and she found herself a part of the minority the Nazis were trying to eradicate.

"I don't want my story to inspire people nor make them sad; I want it to educate them because hate, homophobia and racism still exist today, and although the chance of another event like the Holocaust is rare; the world will never be rid of the foundations that cause hatred among us." --Elsa Baum

http://www.elsanovel.com

A compelling tale filled with drama, Elsa paints a stark portrait of a dark time in history when hatred claimed the lives of many innocent people, whose only sin was to be born a Jew. It also brings to light the prejudices that continue to exist today and how violence can suddenly rear its ugly head despite seemingly peaceful times.

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Mill Brook Industries Helps Churches Navigate Options When Replacing Church Chairs

Churches are often on a tight budget. Mill Brook Industries helps churches make a smart investment when purchasing new church chairs.

ATLANTA, GA, February 22, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Mill Brook Industries knows that the common challenge most churches share is a tight budget. Getting the most out of assets is a key strategy to maintaining financial well-being, no matter the size of the congregation. Not least of these assets that must be managed and cared for are the church chairs and other seating.

Church chairs, if properly cared for, should provide years of use. The frequency of use and regularity with which they are cleaned will certainly have an effect on their longevity. Providing stable comfort should be a minimum to look for when adding to church seating or replacing older church chairs.

The growth of a congregation often requires additional sanctuary seating, stackable chairs, and other types of church chairs to accommodate new members. In addition, holiday seasons often require additional church chairs for an increased volume of attendees at these services and functions.

Charles Hobbs, President of Mill Brook Industries, Inc., states, "We always strive to offer selection and affordability in our collection of church chairs. We understand that most churches do not always have a great deal of money to spend on church seating, and we want these customers to get the most out of that investment."

When church seating is starting to look shabby, becoming unstable or uncomfortable, it may be time to start investigating options for replacement. At Mill Brook Industries we are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. Mill Brook Industries wants customers to find the church chairs they need at a price they can afford. To see the full line of church chairs and banquet chairs available from Mill Brook Industries, visit http://www.millbrookindustries.com.

About Mill Brook Industries:

Mill Brook Industries, located in Monroe, GA, is a supplier of banquet chairs, banquet tables, restaurant chairs and stools, church chairs, office chairs, classroom chairs, and more. MBI's focus is to listen to their customers, help them to select the best product for their needs at an affordable price, and then ship in a timely manner. Mill Brook Industries understands what it takes to build great products. Their management team has over 30 years experience and knowledge in the design, manufacturing, sales, and marketing of chairs and tables.

For more information visit: http://www.millbrookindustries.com

For all media inquiries, please contact:

Caity Cogdell
Project Manager
Cardinal Web Solutions
http://www.CardinalWebSolutions.com

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Global Business and Financial Summit Set for Los Angeles March 21-25

Christian business and financial leaders from across the world are set to convene in Los Angeles, CA, March 21-25 for the Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit (K.E.Y.S.).

LEANDER, TX, February 28, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- "Christian business and financial leaders from across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa, The Netherlands, Indonesia and many other nations will attend the 5th Annual K.E.Y.S. marketplace summit March 21-25, 2012, in Los Angeles," according to Dr. Bruce Cook, summit convener. Cook is Founder and President of Venture Advisers, Inc., Kingdom House Publishing, and Kingdom Venture Partners, and is a director, advisor and/or trustee of seven other organizations.

Theme for K.E.Y.S. LA/Hollywood will be "Kingdom Culture Quake" and location is the Los Angeles Airport Marriott. K.E.Y.S. is an acronym that stands for Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit.

Patterned loosely after the World Economic Forum, but with a Christian focus and perspective, K.E.Y.S. LA/Hollywood will feature some 65 keynote speakers and 45 breakout speakers dealing with business, finance, economics, ethics, leadership, sales, marketing, international law, entrepreneurship, angel capital, operations, corporate strategy, philanthropy and charitable giving, wealth management, insurance and investing, organizational culture, business as missions, and faith and work.

"We have an amazing lineup this year," said Cook, "and are expecting our best event yet." Early registration ends March 15th.

Speakers include Os Hillman, Mike Rovner, Kevin Coleman, Carey Arban Lewis, Dr. Larry Poland, Dr. Ted Baehr, Brad Fieldhouse, Carl LaBarbera, Doug Wall, Dr. Ron Jenson, Carolita Oliveros, Karen Covell, Cheryl Allen, Michelle Seidler, Wende Jones, Charlie Fisher, Troy Walker, Julio Herrera, Jerry Tuma, Dr. Craig Ponder Sr., Charlie Lewis, Johnny Enlow, David Van Koevering, Tom Barrett, Dr. Mark Kauffman, Dr. Tony Dale, Steve DeSilva, Steve Christensen, Dr. Rodney Sampson, John Muratori, Dr. Shaun Wang, David Roth, Dr. Gordon Bradshaw, Dr. Che Ahn, David Tai, Phil Tan, Charles Lee, Daniel Meylan, Shawn Bolz, Jason Sobel, Dr. Bob Cathers, Mel Ayres, Danita Patterson, Dr. Berin Gilfillan, Jim Barthel, David Yarnes, Morris Ruddick, Dr. Mike Cohen, Fulton Sheen, JoAn Risdon, David Wood, Rick Wright, Brett Johnson, Brian Godawa, Dr. David Andrade, Faytene Grassechi, Tim Taylor, Louis Barragan, John Shepherd, Jim Schmidt, Paul Lauer, Jonathan Shibley, Chevonne O'Shaughnessy, Brad Dacus, Dr. Robert Watkins, Dr. Robert Needham, Ken An, Dr. Jimmie Reed, Dr. Sharon Billins, Monique Reed, Charles Robinson, Dr. Joseph Peck, Duncan Campbell, Michael Oswald, Rob Moss, Jess Bielby, Peggy Cole, Doug Addison, Larry Davis, Renesia Martin, Cheryl-Ann Needham, Patrick Ingram, Hector Marquez II, Sean Dunn, Tim Price, Andy Bales, Marc Ottestad, Jon Grieser, Michael Smith, Mike Mellace, John Miller, Beverly Holloway, Tim Peters, Melody Rossi, Toure' Roberts, Dr. Steven Rundle, Robert Ricciardelli, Drs. Adam & Candice Smithyman, Doug Spada, Ed Turose, Woody Young, David Webster, Terry Leverett, Wolfgang Kovacek and Alan Hauge.

For more information on K.E.Y.S. LA/Hollywood, visit their web site at http://www.KingdomEconomicSummit.com or call toll free 1-877-409-3663, ext. 701.

About the Kingdom Economic Yearly Summit (K.E.Y.S.):

Media Contact:
Dianne Bennett
14912 Big Falls Dr.
Leander, Texas 78641
323-272-3160

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Afterlife Author Christine Duminiak Teaches Special Class for Clergy

New Concepts in Grief Healing: "Afterlife Signs--God's Gift to the Bereaved"

BENSALEM, PA, February 21, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Religious leaders are usually the first ones the grief-stricken come to when a loved one has passed over. Many times the family members will receive afterlife signs from the departed and will wonder about the spiritual meaning of these visits, as well as looking for more clarity, answers, and comforting guidance. This special and unique 90-minute class will give new insights to priests, ministers, deacons and rabbis to more fully understand the many different kinds of afterlife signs often experienced by bereaved members of their congregations.The information learned will assist religious leaders to meet the spiritual needs of their members in this sensitive area.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 - 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

WHERE: St. Katherine Drexel Mission Center - Auditorium, 1663 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, Pa 19020

WHO: Christine Duminiak, a Catholic Author, Speaker, and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist with a Spiritual Bereavement Ministry. Duminiak is the author of "Heaven Talks To Children" and "God's Gift of Love: After-Death Communications." Her work and books have been endorsed by Priests, Ministers, and Rabbis. Duminiak has been featured on "The God Squad" TV Show with Msgr. Hartman & Rabbi Gellman on Telecare TV of the Diocese of Rockville Center, NY, on Fox, NBC in Philadelphia and Arizona, on CBS News, in The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Bucks County Courier Times, and The Arizona Republic. Christine Duminiak frequently speaks and gives classes at The Learning Annex in New York City, The Compassionate Friends, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), Rotary Clubs, senior citizen groups, spirituality groups, church groups, bereavement groups, cancer groups, and to the general public.. She is a contributing writer for the Open to Hope Foundation's grief website founded by Dr. Gloria Horsley a national board member of The Compassionate Friends.

LIMITED SEATING
Pre-registration Required - Class Fee $50

PRE-REGISTER ONLINE:
http://www.christineduminiak.com/events.html
For more details call 215-639-6249 or
email: ChrisDuminiak@aol.com

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A Descent Checklist for Our Civilization Published

Some people would say we need a crash landing checklist for our civilization due to its course. Michael Stephen Dow presents another option, a descent checklist, to help guide us all into the good life.

TUCSON, AZ, February 29, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- With our consumption habits, our way of life is not sustainable. With our culture conflicts, wars seem to be inevitable. With our desire to make life better for ourselves and families, a modification to our civilization is within reach. With our ability to govern ourselves, we can find a path that leads us to the good life. With a Descent Checklist for our Civilization, we can find ourselves giving our descendants a society they can be proud of and one in which that we can be content with as we pass from this life.

A Descent Checklist for our Civilization is a short book that may take only 30 minutes to read. It presents 12 ideas in 12 chapters that re-write specific parts of history to show that turning points in our life can be found and capitalized upon to bring the good life to all. Some of the topics addressed are natural selection, conservation of electricity, water desalination plants, teaching principles and leadership. Integrating the 12 ideas into our common knowledge is an important adjustment to our perspective.

The 13th chapter presents a new future in which all civilization is based upon the usage of a calorie budget. Everyone needs to eat and the use of this skill by all will help unite us to confront the challenges of our limited natural resources. People of the United States are asked to petition their Governors to adopt a resolution integrating the use of a calorie budget into everyday life (see Project 13. Conserving food is an important first step for us to learn how to conserve all of our resources before they get depleted.

To purchase your copy of this book at Amazon.com, go to A Descent Checklist for our Civilization.

Michael Dow is the manager of Dow Creative Enterprises, LLC and the author of the following books:
The Pen and Paper Diet
The Basics of Finances
Leadership and the Adapting Organization
Family Development
Parenting Fundamentals
Examples of Synergism
An Instruction Manual
A Descent Checklist for our Civilization

Website: http://www.project13.org

Dow Creative Enterprises, LLC is a book and website publishing company. For further information, please email mdow@dowcreativeenterprises.com.

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Mingles Media is Please to Announce the Launch of an Online Community for Like-Minded Religious Individuals, with the Aim to Promote Cross Cultural Exchange and Mingling - www.interfaithmingle.com

andquot;Via Dolorosa: Stations of the Crossandquot; Book of Christian Meditations Released for Lent by Foolscap andamp; Quill

"Via Dolorosa: Stations of the Cross" Book of Christian Meditations Released for Lent by Foolscap & Quill

Publisher Foolscap & Quill has released a new book of daily meditations for the Lent season entitled "Via Dolorosa: Stations of the Cross" by Diane Zike. The Kindle edition will be available for free on Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012.

MORRISON, CO, February 15, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Via Dolorosa (Lat. "sorrowful way") or Via Crucis (Lat. "the way of the Cross") is the path believed to be taken by Jesus from the place of his condemnation by Pilate to Mount Golgotha, the site of his crucifixion, and then to his grave site. Early Christians continued the ancient Jewish practice of pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Out of this practice came the tradition of the Stations of the Cross as a series of commemorative devotions or meditations. Author Diane Zike continues this tradition with this new book of Lenten meditations: Via Dolorosa: The Stations of the Cross.

Who will you meet when you walk the Via Dolorosa? Take the journey and you will meet the mysterious woman with the veil. "Who was Veronica?" You will also meet the little girl who, as her mother hastily pulls her away, whispers to Jesus, "Please Jesus get up. Can you go just a little more-for me?" You will also come face-to-face with Jesus as he carries his cross, suffers and dies. Follow Jesus on his final journey from the Garden of Gethsemane to his tomb and ultimately to the day of his resurrection

The Kindle edition of Via Dolorosa: The Stations of the Cross will be available for free on the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday, February 22, 2012 from http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0078IGNRG.

Paperback editions will be for sale online and at select stores. Customers can ask their local store to order the book from the publisher, Foolscap & Quill http://www.foolscap-quill.com.

Via Dolorosa: The Stations of the Cross is Diane Zike's second published book of meditations. Annunciation, Incarnation, Manifestation: Advent to Epiphany Meditations, her first book of meditations, and her book of poems and prayers, Here I Am: Poems & Prayers were published in 2011.

Sharon Day of St. Peter 's Episcopal Church, Tulsa Oklahoma writes: "What a spiritual journey you will take as you read these Lenten meditations which include The Stations of the Cross. You will understand and more deeply appreciate the sacrifice that our savior Jesus Christ made for all mankind by dying on the cross."

A reader of Annunciation, Incarnation, Manifestation: Advent to Epiphany Meditations wrote "Diane Zike has published yet another inspirational and thought-provoking meditation book....She shares deeply moving and profound reflections and offers insights that captures the essence of the season...and a spiritual journey with God--that can become our own. The context, language and experience, the everyday thoughts and insights, provide and provoke us into a more intentional spirituality." (The Rev. Robert Taliaferro, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Newsletter, Amarillo, Texas, December 2011)

Author Diane Zike has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the City College of the City University of New York and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Ministry and Culture from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Diane is a member of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she provides lay Eucharistic visitation and leads a Wednesday Compline Service.

Website: http://www.foolscap-quill.com

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Religious and Educational Institutions Cover Up Sexual Abuse of Children

From Penn State to the Citadel to the Catholic Church, sexual abuse allegations in both public and private institutions are rampant--not just in the US but worldwide.

PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA, March 06, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- The Courthouse News Service even reported recently on the In the Father's Hands Children's Home, an orphanage in Haiti where the staff sexually molested and assaulted the young children in their care--and the ministry that ran the home attempted to keep this tragedy from coming to light.

According to Orphan Hope International, more than eight million boys and girls live in institutional care worldwide, and studies have shown they are four times more likely to be sexually abused than children who live with families.

"The inexcusable problem with almost all institutions is that there is no standard system in place to report child sexual abuse, sexual predators, and perpetrators of sexual criminal attacks," says [url=http:// www.letgoletpeacecomein.org]Peter S. Pelullo[/url], the founder of Let Go...Let Peace Come In, a foundation dedicated to helping adult survivors of sexual abuse. "Without clearly defined rules and a culture of zero tolerance, there is a proclivity to deny, cover up, and protect and defend the institution rather than the population it has been built to serve."

A frequent guest expert on the Dr. Drew show, Peter S. Pelullo is the author of the newly released book "Betrayal and the Beast," in which he reveals his struggles as a survivor of childhood sexual abuse. His Let Go...Let Peace Come In Foundation, in conjunction with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, works toward preventing sexual abuse and improving mental health-care treatment for survivors.

No type of institutional setting is immune to childhood sexual abuse. Some statistics:

* According to the American Association of University Women Foundation, more than 25 percent of girls and 10 percent of boys in eighth through eleventh grades reported being harassed or abused by school employees.

* Nearly 7 million kindergarten through twelfth grade students have been sexually abused by faculty.

* Insurance companies for Protestant churches, schools, and camps in the US revealed they receive 260 complaints per year from children under 18 of abuse by a church cleric or member.

* The Catholic Church revealed there have been more than 13,000 credible accusations against Catholic clergy in the last 60 years.

* The NYU School of Social Work found more than 28 percent of children in state care are abused while in the system--that includes foster care and orphanages.

"The first step toward stopping sexual abuse in an institution is to make everyone aware that it's a crime and the institution will strictly enforce the law, including reporting any accusations directly to the police rather than an internal manager or committee," says Mr. Pelullo. "If there's one thing we've learned, it's that institutions are incapable of policing themselves, and for that reason alone they require outside intervention."

Peter S. Pelullo was the founder of Philly World Records and owner of a premiere recording studio in the '70s, where he worked with the Rolling Stones, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Cashmere, and Eugene Wilde. He is now an entrepreneur and financier focusing on technology startups. During his journey in recovery, he created the Let Go...Let Peace Come In Foundation, which supports adult victims of childhood sexual abuse throughout the world.

For more information contact Gretchen Paules at gp@icminc.net or visit www.betrayalandthebeast.com.

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Coaching4Clergy Launches Mission To Turn Every Pastor Into A Coach

The Global Coach Initiative is a new offering from coaching company Coaching4Clergy. Church associations, judiciary groups and other denominational organizations can arrange coach training for groups of 50 or more.

PHILADEPHIA, PA, February 17, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- The Global Coach Initiative is a new offering from coaching company Coaching4Clergy. Church associations, judiciary groups and other denominational organizations can arrange coach training for groups of 50 or more, where their pastors and church leaders can learn and practice basic coaching skills, for just $49 per person.

Research and experience show that coach training can dramatically enhance the ministry leader's effectiveness as a leader and greatly increase their impact. More effective leadership means more churches can grow and thrive, and this benefits the entire local community.

"It's always been our mission to turn every pastor, ministry staff and church leader into a coach," says Coaching4Clergy Founder J. Val Hastings, "This is us being smarter with that goal. The Global Coaching Initiative allows us to impact larger groups of pastors in one single event."

Participating pastors, ministry staff and church leaders receive an introduction to coaching, including a coaching demonstration, coaching theory and model, hands-on practice, and an e-book for ongoing reference. And at $49 per person it's one of the most economical training options out there. As Hastings puts it, "There are no more excuses."

For more information about The Global Coach Initiative, contact:

Dr. Jim Robey, Global Coaching Initiative Co-ordinator
205-960-3157
globalcoachinitiative@coaching4clergy.com
http://coaching4clergy.com/the-global-coach-initiative/

After 20+ years as an ordained United Methodist Pastor, J. Val Hastings founded Coaching4Clergy and has now coached more than 3,500 pastors, denominational leaders and church leaders. He currently holds the highest coaching designation, Master Certified Coach (MCC), through the International Coach Federation, and is also a Past President of the Philadelphia Area Coaches Alliance.

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WMS Music Director Scott Speck to Discuss History of Jewish Hollywood

Scott Speck, music director for the West Michigan Symphony, will give a free talk at Temple B'nai Israel on the topic of Jewish Hollywood on March 21.

MUSKEGON, MI, March 09, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Scott Speck, music director for the West Michigan Symphony, will give a free talk at Temple B'nai Israel on the topic of Jewish Hollywood on March 21.

Speck's presentation will focus on the music of Hollywood films. The 7 p.m. talk will span film scores from the 1930s to the present, but will particularly focus on composers of the 1940s.

"A lot of our greatest film composers were Jewish," Speck said. "That was not a coincidence. The unfortunate circumstances of Hitler's Germany and Austria led many already successful composers to be chased out or to escape to the United States. These composers quickly found a home in Hollywood. So this boom in American musical composition that occurred really came out of tremendously horrifying circumstances."

Among the composers Speck will discuss are: Leonard Bernstein, "West Side Story," "On the Waterfront;" Bernard Herrmann, "Citizen Kane," "Psycho," "North by Northwest," "Vertigo," "Taxi Driver;" Max Steiner, "King Kong," "Casablanca," "Gone with the Wind;" and Franz Waxman, "Rebecca," "Suspicion," "Rear Window," "Sunset Boulevard."

"All these composers had several things in common: A love for the old masters and a desire to translate the Romantic symphonic sound into film," Speck said. "However, it's striking that with the exception of Bernstein, none of these composers particularly made a big deal about their Jewishness - nor is any of them really well known for having written 'Jewish-sounding' music. We will explore the themes in their music in what I plan to be an entertaining and engaging discussion."

About West Michigan Symphony
As one of the few professional regional orchestras in Michigan, West Michigan Symphony has played a leading role in the region's cultural community for more than 70 years. Founded as the West Shore Symphony Orchestra, WMS now serves a regional audience with eight pairs of concerts annually, along with dozens of educational and outreach activities for children and adults. WMS oversees operations for the West Michigan Youth Symphony. For more information, visit www.westmichigansymphony.org.

Sabo Public Relations is a full-service public relations company specializing in media relations, litigation communications and crisis management.

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Church, Charity and Business Leaders Call for Community Energy Revolution

The National Trust, along with church, charity and business leaders, has called for a community energy revolution, in order to meet the UK's climate change targets.

SWINDON, ENGLAND, February 17, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- The National Trust, along with a coalition of civil society leaders from UK organisations with over twelve million members, has called for community energy to play a substantial role in meeting the country's climate change targets.

Leading figures from The Co-operative; the National Trust; The National Federation of Women's Institutes; the Church of England and Campaign to Protect Rural England will today meet Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, to launch their joint 'vision for community energy', which supports dramatically scaling up the number of community owned renewable energy projects across the country, and to discuss how the Government can best assist.

The National Trust has been working on its low carbon villages (LCV) project which aims to tackle the disillusionment and helplessness that many people feel about climate change in two Trust owned villages, Coleshill in Oxfordshire, and Cambo on the Trust's estate at Wallington, Northumberland. Through a process of engagement over a three-year period, LCV aimed to develop positive and practical solutions that could set villagers on a journey to low-carbon living. The energy projects the charity has undertaken across all of its places as part of its commitment to generating half of the UK's energy from renewable energy sources by 2020 can be seen on the National Trust energy map, found on the charity's site.

Patrick Begg, Director of Rural Enterprise at The National Trust, commented: "Many other European countries are way ahead of the UK, as we found out when visiting German communities last year. Germany produces over 20 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources, with communities generating about a quarter of this. In the UK, less than 1 per cent is generated by our communities, a figure this coalition wants to dramatically increase by 2020. We are asking the Government to support us in this."

At the same time, local energy schemes will receive another boost today as The Co-operative launches its Community Energy Challenge, a competition which will result in six communities across the UK receiving support to set up their own energy projects. The Co-operative is setting aside GBP1 million in 2012 to support community energy. This will involve everything from mentoring for start-ups through to the underwriting of co-operative share offers in local co-operatives.

Paul Monaghan, Head of Social Goals at The Co-operative, said: "We want nothing less than a clean energy revolution, with communities controlling and benefiting from their own renewable energy. Talk of a new dash for gas shales, which could see up to 3,000 wells installed across the UK, highlights the choices we face - more and dirtier sources of fossil fuels or clean energy owned and controlled by communities."

In the coming months and years, the coalition, who were brought together by The Co-operative and its partners, sustainable development organisations Forum for the Future and Carbon Leapfrog, collectively plan to meet at regular intervals to make practical steps to drive the shared vision forwards and champion community energy among their members. Late last year coalition representatives visited Germany to see examples of other successful community schemes.

About The National Trust:
The National Trust cares for over 300 of England, Wales and Northern Ireland's greatest historic houses and gardens, 1,000 km of coastline and vast swathes of our most beautiful countryside. People of all ages - individuals, schools and communities - get involved each year with our projects, events and working holidays and over 60,000 volunteers help to bring the properties alive for the Trust's 4 million members and many more million visitors. Those interested in volunteering in the UK can find out more at: www.nationaltrust.org.uk.

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Mindfulness Meditation Moves from the Mountains to the Monitor

MindfulnessMeditation.org begins bi-weekly interactive mindfulness meditation sessions to help busy people create joy in life, restore health to the body and clear the mind of mental clutter.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ, February 23, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Mindfulness meditation has moved from the mountains of eastern Asia to the modern computer monitor in everyone's home. MindfulnessMeditation.org has recently launched semi-weekly online meditation sessions, letting people from all over the globe participate in a meditation community online. Mindfulness meditation, the art and science of paying attention to the moment, is a set of meditation techniques that have been applied not only to spiritual growth but also to medical recovery, healthy emotional development and even corporate performance. Online group meditations have just been launched this week and are offered each Sunday and Tuesday night at 10:00 pm Central Time. Recorded meditation sessions are posted each day.

Richard Nongard, a marriage and family therapist, says, "Mindfulness meditation is the daily practice of living in the present. It keeps people from ruminating on the pains and problems of the past, and prevents them from fearing the future." He notes that by learning simple mindfulness meditation techniques, many people find it easier to respond to stress and life's difficulties. "Doctors have been telling heart patients for years to learn meditation," Nongard says, "because they know that mindfulness meditation has the capacity to change not only the mind but the body as well."

Nongard has also created a Facebook group, integrating it into the MindfulnessMeditation.org portal to create a sense of community. According to Nongard, "In today's busy world, people often feel a sense of disconnect. By creating an interactive experience, people can learn together and share in the lives of others who are important to them." A mindfulness meditation forum can create that sense of community.

Mindfulness meditation is unlike other forms of meditation in that there is no requirement for specific poses or time periods. In fact, the goal of mindfulness meditation is to learn how to practice meditation in every aspect of life, with no formal processes required. Nongard points out that while Buddhist meditation may have been the forerunner of modern mindfulness meditation practices, his background comes from his experiences as a Christian minister and psychotherapist. "Most people have learned to separate religion from meditation, and mindfulness meditation techniques easily transcend every belief system and even are applied by those who practice no religious tradition."

MindfulnessMeditation.org offers a new meditation video and blog each day and online real-time group meditations Sunday and Tuesday evenings at 10:00pm Central Time. Contact Richard Nongard at www.MindfulnessMeditation.org for more information.

www.MindfulnessMeditation.org is an Internet portal providing information, education and training in the practice of Mindfulness Meditation. For further information, contact us at (800) 390-9536.

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Avis Israel Offers Unique andquot;On Demandandquot; Car Rental Program for Evenings and Weekends

Avis Israel Offers Unique "On Demand" Car Rental Program for Evenings and Weekends

Avis Israel's new "On Demand" service allows short-term evening or weekend car rentals with no pre-registration or obligation, with very competitive pricing.

TEL AVIV, ISRAEL, March 12, 2012 /Religion PR News/ -- Based on successful consumer research conducted through Facebook advertising, Avis Israel has launched its new "On Demand" car rental program. On Demand offers flexible and convenient access to short-term car rentals, without having to register or schedule ahead of time.

Focused on younger, urban drivers who would usually use public transportation or borrow a parents' vehicle, the On Demand program provides an attractive option. Drivers can now rent a car for short periods, ranging in time from only one hour up through a long weekend of Thursday afternoon until Sunday morning.

A wide variety of vehicles are available for rent at any one of Avis Israel's 28 branches, with more than 6,000 rental cars in 16 different categories: ranging from urban mini cars to family sedans and up through luxury executive vehicles, and everything in between. Prices are extremely competitive and the On Demand service is available from all of Avis, Israel's branches, ranging from Nahariya in the north to Eilat in the south.

"This segment of the population has not yet been targeted by Israel car rental agencies." commented Gil Sagiv, Head of Marketing for Avis Israel, "Providing attractive car rental options for them at great prices gives young people all over Israel the opportunity to easily and spontaneously have access to any car they'd like to drive. This is very compelling, as they don't have to count on trains or buses or borrow vehicles, and they don't need to register ahead of time."

As an example, a small automatic car, such as a Hyundai i20, rents for 121 shekels from 16:00 until 9:00 the following day, and 222 shekels for a short weekend. All prices include insurance from accident or theft, as well as VAT.

Avis is the leading Israel car rental company, providing business and leisure customers with a variety of auto services at 28 locations throughout Israel; from Nahariya in the North to Eilat in the South. Known all over the world for its value-added rental services and excellent customer service, Avis Israel offers:

Car rental and hire from the airport and cities in Israel and worldwide.
Operational and financial leasing for corporate and private customers.
Used car sales from Avis leasing and rental fleet.
Chauffeur Drive Service from the airport and cities to Israel.

Our everyday challenge is to show you that We Try Harder to meet your needs!

Website: http://www.avis.co.il

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Sunday, March 18, 2012

Dying to Meet Him: More Seizures and Feeling Like the Good Grinch

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"My heart, lungs, bones and muscles have all deteriorated beyond repair, according to doctors. My white blood cell count continues to match that of a last-stage chemo patient and my electrolytes are always on the edge."

For Elle's full Bio, click here.

Up Down, Round and Round, And Still Looking to Him From My Knees, on the Ground
Written March 10, 2012

The past few weeks have been fraught with more signs and symptoms of declining health, plus a few seizures. Some of the worst losses are my motor skills, my ability to read and write and problems actually focusing (lots of blurred vision, or feeling like my eyes are rapidly moving back and forth and I can't make it stop).

That is why my entries are becoming few and far between. I don't even know if maybe this will be the last. Like us on Facebook

For a Type A, perfectionist, in control personality, it has lately become like I'm a totally different person. I care less and less for the things of this world and more and more for the salvation of friends and family. I feel like the Grinch (cartoon version) "whose heart grew three sizes that day." That's not to say I have given up my super control of what goes into my mouth. (Which by the way, has been mainly liquids now, since my stomach rejects solid food). I'll spare my readers the details.

I sleep A LOT. A LOT. Every time I lie down to sleep, I pray God will take me to be with Him then, finally ending the sorrow, pain, anguish and exhaustion. It's too much for one human – God also gets me through the days, I HAVE to acknowledge this. But I pray my last breath is only getting closer.

I'm excited for heaven. What will it really be like? Our bodies will be perfect – what will that look like? Will I recognize those who have died before me? And will I even remember these questions or anything else in light of His Lovely Face?

I must end this entry now as I cannot get my eyes to focus. I don't know if this is my last entry; in all honesty I hope it is. I pray that tomorrow I will be worshiping in His very presence, at the physical feet of Jesus.

We do not know what the day may bring forth, but I am prepared!

Support Elle Devenish here

Check back with CP soon for more updates on Elle's condition in "Dying to Meet Him."

Gabrielle "Elle" Devenish is a Christian Post reporter in Utah.

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Can a Mormon From the Northeast Connect With Dixie's Protestants?

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GOP leader and self-defined Southern Baptist A.B. Lowther thinks voters in Alabama and Mississippi will look past religion and region to find the best candidate who can defeat President Obama in November.

"All I can say is I know a little about how Mitt Romney must feel," Lowther, who heads up Romney's efforts in Elmore County, Ala., told The Christian Post. "To me, Mitt seems to be an 'introvert' by nature and so am I. As someone who grew up in the Northeast, I understand what he's going through since I've been here for 20 years."

"Part of Romney's weakness is also his strength," Lowther said. "He seems to be more comfortable in a board room than he is on the campaign trail and I'm not saying that's all bad. I mean, let's look at Obama and Bill Clinton. The opposite is true for them and we haven't fared too well under their leadership either."

Yet Lowther, who holds a Ph.D in political science from the University of Alabama, thinks Romney is still in a better position to beat Obama than the other three GOP hopefuls.

"I empathize with Romney. It's tough to be all things to all people, but what matters most to me is their character – their forfeiture and their wisdom. That's where I think Mitt holds the edge. All I hear people say in Alabama is I'll vote for anyone but Obama." Like us on Facebook

When asked about the religion differences between Romney and his two primary rivals, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich (both of whom are Catholic), Lowther hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Well, how much does the average southerner know about Catholicism?" he asked. "Not much in my opinion."

"I firmly believe the vast majority of our Founding Fathers were religious and understood our country needed some type of moral undertone in order to succeed. I don't think Southerners agree that you need to go through a priest or Mary to have a personal relationship with Jesus. But most everyone I know in the South wants a government who has a moral compass and that's not what I see from the White House."

Herman Cain, who has endorsed Gingrich, was making a campaign swing through Alabama with Public Service Commission candidate Kathy Peterson, when CP caught up with him.

Cain said he thinks Romney has the same problem with Southern voters that he had in 2008. "He just doesn't connect with them," he said, but quickly added that to Romney's credit, "he now has one-third of the delegates" needed to win the nomination.

"Mississippi and Alabama are states that I am hoping Newt will do well in," added Cain. "But he (Gingrich) has a big uphill battle for the nomination. If neither Newt nor Rick [Santorum] do well on Tuesday, they'll have some soul searching to do. I know. Making the decision to leave the race is more difficult than to enter, in my opinion."

In the latest Rasmussen Reports poll in Alabama conducted on March 8, Gingrich held a slight one-point lead at 30 percent, followed closed by Santorum with 29 percent and Romney with 28 percent.

However, the margin of error among the 750 likely GOP voters was +/- four percentage points, which makes the contest a statistical dead heat.

Contact: paul.stanley@christianpost.com; @authorstanley (Twitter)

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Submission: Turning a Blind Eye

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Recent attacks on the group by Nigerian security forces dealt Boko Haram a deadly setback, but not before more than 500 Christians were killed by the group. These Christians joined countless of the brethren worldwide as victims of radical Islamic intolerance – an intolerance Western media seems uninterested in.

That's what Ayaan Hirsi Ali wrote in a recent cover story of Newsweek. Ali, a native of Somalia, is best known for the film "Submission," which denounced the mistreatment of women in Islamic societies. As a result, her collaborator, Theo Van Gogh, was murdered, and Ali went into hiding.

While Ali is a controversial figure, nothing in her article should be. The level of suffering inflicted on Christians in the name of Islam is well-documented and should be familiar to BreakPoint listeners.

In addition to what's going on Nigeria, Ali cites the genocidal war waged by the Sudanese government against the Christians of southern Sudan. Long before the world ever heard of Darfur, Sudanese Christians where brutally persecuted by the Islamic regime in Cartoon.

In Egypt, the "Arab Spring" has given way to a brutal winter for Coptic Christians. Hardly a week goes by without another report of murderous violence against that country's Christian minority. Like us on Facebook

Sometimes the perpetrators are Islamic radicals and other times it's the Egyptian army itself. But in both cases, the message is the same: the Copts, whose presence in Egypt long predates Islam, are no longer safe in the country.

There many other examples of what Newsweek calls the "global war on Christians in the Islamic world." Ali is right when she calls it a "a major and underreported problem." The question is "why is it so underreported."

If Nina Shea, whom Ali quotes, is right when she says that Christians in many Muslim societies have "lost the protection of their societies," why don't we hear more about it in the mainstream western media? After all, these outlets covered the "Arab Spring" and its aftermath in depth. Why not the attacks on Christians?

Ali suggests that this "reticence" is due to a variety of factors. One of them is a fear of "provoking additional violence," which, if correct, is perverse: It's like telling a person being mugged that you would like to help, but you are afraid that his attacker will only get even angrier.

Another is fear of being accused of "Islamophobia." This is even more perverse. Now we respect the majority of Muslims who want to live at peace, but what's at play here are radical groups spreading terror in the name of Islam. And Islamic nations should join us in denouncing the violence.

The sad fact is that the West along with many Muslim states has turned a blind eye to what is happening to Christian minorities in the Islamic world.

Hirsi Ali and Newsweek have reminded us that what's going on here isn't reticence but the most shameful kind of submission that only creates more victims.

From BreakPoint, March 12, 2012, Copyright 2012, 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

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Catholic Tony Blair Supports Legalizing Gay Marriage in UK

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U.K.'s The Independent on Sunday reported it found that Blair, a British Labour Party politician, had told his friends that he "strongly supports the Prime Minister's proposal" to enact a new law to make gay marriage legal.

The government of Prime Minister David Cameron, led by his Conservative Party in coalition with the Liberal Democrats, announced their plan last September. And the news of Blair's support comes days before the government is likely to release a consultation document concerning the proposal.

Blair, who was prime minister from 1997 to 2007, is backing gay marriage despite strong reactions by his church. Pope Benedict XVI on Friday urged the Catholic community to resists the "powerful political and cultural currents seeking to alter the legal definition of marriage."

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, has also called the plan "madness" and leading to a "grotesque subversion of a universally accepted human right." The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and the Archbishop of York John Sentamu have also expressed serious concerns.

When he was in office, Blair oversaw enactment of laws on civil partnerships and lowering the age of consensual homosexual behavior to 16. However, he was not known to have spoken in support of same-sex marriage. Like us on Facebook

Britain's minister responsible to bring about equalities, Lynne Featherstone, believes marriage is a domain of the people and not the church. Cameron has said, "Society is stronger when we make vows to each other and support each other. So I don't support gay marriage despite being a Conservative; I support gay marriage because I'm a Conservative."

Archbishop Williams met the pope Saturday night, but it was not known if he discussed Cameron's plan to allow same-sex marriage.

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Man Who Wrote Controversial Prayer Banner Lashes Out Against Atheist, Judge

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David A. Bradley from Stonington, Conn., recently wrote a letter to the editor at The Hartford Courant condemning the online news publication for writing an article "dignifying" a scholarship given to the 16-year-old student by fellow atheists and other supporters.

Blogger Hemant Mehta started the campaign on his Friendly Atheist website to raise money for Ahlquist whom he believed stood up for her beliefs with "class and style" despite opposition and threats from critics. The group collected more than $40,000.

After reading an article about the fundraising campaign on the Connecticut news site, Bradley, the writer of the prayer banner gifted to the school in 1963 by the graduating class, said, "I can't believe The Courant would dignify such an award by such a group and to such a person with a piece on its pages."

Ahlquist made headlines in 2010 when she challenged the prayer banner on display at her school's auditorium, calling it unconstitutional and in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment.

The prayer began with the words "Our Heavenly Father" and ended with "Amen." Like us on Facebook

The American Civil Liberties Union filed suit on behalf of Ahlquist and her father in April 2011, eventually winning the case. The school was ordered to remove the banner and pay legal fees amounting to more than $150,000.

"The R.I. judge's ruling in this case and the subsequent headlines fly in the face of all that is decent and moral about the United States and its Constitution," Bradley said.

"Jessica was duped by her ACLU-leaning father and uncle into bringing suit against the city of Cranston over the display of a school prayer that I wrote in 1960."

The writer of the banner claimed that Ahlquist was not "old enough to know the meaning of atheism" and that she was "used and permanently injured by powers and ideologies in the name of secular liberal progressivism," which she couldn't possibly understand at her "tender age."

Mehta, however, responded saying that Ahlquist was not duped by anyone nor was she a pawn of the ACLU.

"This was a decision she brought to their attention, not the other way around," he wrote on his blog.

Ahlquist stated on her own website that she became an atheist at a very young age and that even someone as young as herself had seen "frequent and flagrant disregard for our state's history and even the law."

Bradley argued that as the author of the "moral and upstanding school prayer in question," he should be entitled to "ten or a hundred times as much money as Jessica has been awarded for having torn it down and repudiated the decency and morality in our schools."

"Where are my donors?" he concluded.

But the only money Mehta believed Bradley should be concerned about was the large amount of legal fees owed by the district, which decided not to pursue an appeal due to their "fiscal condition."

"If he wants to help pay the $150,000+ in legal fees ... I'm sure they'd appreciate his help, considering he's part of the reason they got into this mess in the first place."

School officials confirmed last week that the controversial prayer banner was taken down on March 3 and placed in an undisclosed location to the outrage of many in the community who cherished the prayer's history and significance.

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Saturday, March 17, 2012

Univ. of Calif. Students May Be Asked to Check Box: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender

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The system's Academic Senate recommended in January to the UC Board of Admissions that students be given the option of revealing their sexual identity, saying the information would be useful in determining how to meet the needs of entering students.

In December of last year, Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools chairman Bill Jacob, sent a letter to Dr. Robert Anderson, who chairs the systems Academic Council, referencing Assembly Bill 620 that was passed and signed by the governor. The bill requested that the UC system provide students the option of revealing their sexual orientation.

"BOARS appreciates the larger intent of AB 620 to reduce discrimination and improve the educational climate for LGBT students on campus," Jacob wrote in his Dec. 9 letter. "We also emphasize that we support any efforts to convey a message that the University welcomes LGBT students and is interested in their welfare."

In another letter from Margaret Conkey, who chairs the systems committee on affirmative action and diversity, Conkey advised Anderson that the committee recommended the information be collected on the State of Intent to Register form.

"We were particularly concerned to give individuals as many opportunities as possible, in addition to the SIR form, to self- identify if they so choose; that is, the same opportunities that are open to students to self-identify according to other perhaps more traditional 'categories' that appear on forms," Conkey wrote in her Jan. 18 letter. Like us on Facebook

In a phone interview with The Christian Post, Anderson said the UC system was simply following a directive of the state legislature.

"Assembly bill 620 mandates that college and universities outside of the UC system collect this information on a student sexual preference. But it's important to note that per California's constitution, they cannot direct schools within our system to collect the information," said Anderson. "But, it goes without saying, we feel the information will help us provide better services to our students."

Anderson also noted that they would be collecting information on sexual preferences from faculty and staff too. However, like students, no one is obligated to reveal their sexual orientation.

The issue has not been finalized. Provost and Executive VP of Academic Affairs Lawrence Pitts will ultimately decide on the recommendation after he convenes an informal committee to determine how to best collect such information.

The students could self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. But the system could simply ask about their sexual orientation with a "yes" or "no" option.

Angela Arunarsirakul, a student representative who sits on the BOARS committee, said obtaining the information from the SIR form instead of the official application would be less invasive to the incoming students.

"If the option is on the application, there will be a lot of parents looking over it, which might discourage some applicants from responding truthfully," Arunarsirakul told the Daily Bruin.

UCLA senior Marcus McRae, who is a gay fourth-year Political Science major and director of the Queer Alliance, feels allowing students to self-identify would be beneficial for students and the system.

"The data may not be accurate, but something is better than nothing," McRae told the Daily Bruin.

The Christian Post attempted to contact both the UC Academic Senate office and the Christian Students organization at UCLA but did not receive a response prior to publication.

Contact: paul.stanley@christianpost.com; @authorstanley (Twitter)

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Santorum Says Wife Disapproved of His Obama, Snob Remark

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"She understands that sometimes I get fired up, as she can, too, and sometimes step over the line. I think she rightly comes after me and says, you know, 'Rick, you gotta go back and walk this back,'" Santorum said Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"She's a very good governor for me," Santorum added. "She makes sure that I try to keep things in perspective."

In a speech two weeks ago, Santorum said Obama was a "snob" for saying that everyone should go to college. (Several fact checking websites, including PolitiFact, have reported that Obama did not actually say that.)

In a CNN interview later that week, Santorum said, "it was a strong term, probably not the smartest thing. But you know what, I don't give prepared talking point speeches written by other people. I got a little passionate there and I used a harsher word than I normally would."

Karen Santorum also reportedly told her husband he used inappropriate language when he said that reading John F. Kennedy's 1960 speech about his Catholic faith made him want to "throw up." Like us on Facebook

Several pundits have argued that both of those remarks are partly responsible for his decline in national polls and failure to win the Michigan primary.

In an interview last week with Politico, Karen Santorum spoke about guiding her husband on his choice of words.

"When you're married, it is everything. Your hair is out of place. You didn't say that right. You should've said this. You didn't say that," Karen Santorum explained.

"She is very direct," Rick Santorum said Sunday. "We have a wonderful, very, very special relationship. She watches everything I do like a hawk."

Contact: napp.nazworth@christianpost.com, @NappNazworth (Twitter)

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Kony and the Devil

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Touring with (ahem) "Lady" Gaga?
Fomenting ethnic cleansing?
Planting Satanic churches?

Or…would he target, capture, and force children to serve him for violent purposes?

That's what Joseph Kony does. Just a week ago, not many knew the story behind the leader of The Lord's Resistance Army (or LRU) in Uganda. But chances are if you're one of the 17 trillion people who use Facebook, at least 2-3 people have posted the video called Kony 2012.

If you've not seen it, it is basically a documentary designed to make Kony "famous" in a bad way so that he'll be captured and brought to justice. Kony 2012 went crazy viral just a few days after its posting on YouTube and Vimeo, and it has garnered the support of some big time celebs.

And yes, I think Joseph Kony is about the closest thing we have on this earth to Satan in human form. There are many evil people on the planet, but when you target innocent children, it obviously crosses a line that should infuriate and enrage even the most callous of hearts. Like us on Facebook

It's inspiring to see so many people rally behind the righteous cause of defending young people from horrifying evil, and while we are on this topic, may I suggest adding another campaign against atrocities that are being perpetrated far beyond Uganda? Here's how God's Word describes the General of this army which is seeking to spread evil and destruction on a worldwide scale:

"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).

Satan is a spiritual war criminal who will one day be brought to justice, but in the meantime he is a ferocious monster who lurks and stalks unsuspecting people so he can enslave them into his violent purposes.

And like Joseph Kony, his main target is children.

Why? Easy…

Did you know that 85% of people who trust in Jesus as their only hope of salvation make that commitment before the age of 18? This means that the Devil must be more than hell bent on deceiving, distracting and destroying the children on this planet before they have a chance to respond to the gospel.

He deceives children into thinking that following Christ is boring and uptight - but Jesus said He came to this world to give us "real and eternal life, more and better life than we ever dreamed of!" (John 10:10).

He distracts teenagers with youthful lusts that lead them directly into the lion's den of shame and regret - but Jesus promised that "captives will be released, the blind will see, and the oppressed will be set free" (Luke 4:18).

And…Satan destroys lives on a daily basis through depression, guilt, and regret - but thanks be to God that "anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

How incredible it is to see YouTube used to get the word out about this vile and disgusting dictator who is responsible for the Invisible Children, but how much more amazing is it to be a part of THE Cause of Christ - to make disciples who make disciples?

Listen…you don't have to hop on a plane and travel to a distant jungle to be a part of bringing down evil. Just look around at your fellow students and get involved in "rescuing any who need to be saved as you would rescue someone from a fire!" (Jude 1:23). These are the "visible" children who are being harassed and assaulted by the enemy of their souls on a daily basis.

The critics of the Kony 2012 video accuse it of being a "slackumentary" - in other words it will raise awareness and get people emotionally riled up - but when the fire of the feelings fade, very little actual change will have taken place.

Let's NOT let that happen in the spiritual realm as we seek to live for THE Cause and battle against Satan and his dark forces. By sharing Jesus' message with others, YOU have the ability to impact the spiritual realm for all eternity!

My prayer is that you don't walk away simply feeling provoked at the Devil - rather that your furious emotions would kindle a holy fire that drives you each day to share the liberating message of the gospel. This nation and your friends need all of us to see each day as a battle for souls in our fight with Satan and his army.

Are you in?

Lane Palmer serves as a writer for Dare 2 Share Ministries (D2S) in Arvada, Colorado, a ministry committed to energizing and equipping teenagers to know, live, share and own their faith in Jesus. For more information about D2S, please visit http://www.dare2share.org/.

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Rare Judean Coin Sells for $1.1 Million at NYC Auction

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The coin an East Coast collector bought at Heritage Auctions is a Year 1 prototype silver shekel from A.D. 66, according to The Associated Press. It is one of the only two known Year 1 prototype silver shekels, one of which is part of the collection of the Israel Museum.

The reverse side of the coin sold Thursday for the highest price for any Judean coin paid at an auction, according to Heritage. It was bought at a 1991 auction for more than $240,000 by a Los Angeles-area collector and is part of his Shoshana Collection, which carries about 2,200 ancient Judean coins.

When the Jewish Revolt broke out against Roman rule in A.D. 66, the revolutionaries promptly captured the holy city of Jerusalem to gain access to the great Temple, which had vast treasury. From the silver they found, they struck the most famous of all Jewish coins – in shekel and half shekel denominations.

These coins are the first truly Jewish silver coins, according to the online Jewish Virtual Library. They feature a chalice on one side with the year of the revolt above, surrounded by the ancient Hebrew inscription "Shekel of Israel." Three budding pomegranates are featured on the reverse, with the inscription "Jerusalem the Holy."

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Conservative Leaders Gather in Texas to Raise Money for Santorum

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"The message was, 'we're all in,'" Bob Fischer, a South Dakota businessman and one of the event's organizers, told Politico Saturday.

The Houston Omni event raised a combined $1.78 million for the campaign and super PAC, according to organizers.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins and James Dobson, founder and former president of Focus on the Family, were among the leaders present at the event. Besides Fischer, conservative columnist Rebecca Hagelin, campaign fundraising pioneer Richard Viguerie, and Tim LeFever also played host.

Santorum met with the group on Friday night and told them he has a chance to win, but needs their help, Perkins told Politico. Perkins also said that Santorum would have a better chance if Newt Gingrich withdrew from the race and Gingrich supporters backed Santorum.

"If they were to converge together you would have a majority," Perkins said. Neither Perkins nor Family Research Council have endorsed a candidate in the presidential race. Like us on Facebook

When asked, Santorum did not call for Gingrich to withdraw from the race, but emphasized Sunday on NBC's "Meet the Press" that his chances would improve if Gingrich dropped out.

"I'd like everybody to get out. That would be great if they could just clear the field," Santorum said with a chuckle. "Congressman Gingrich, the speaker, can stay in as long as he wants, but I think the better opportunity to make sure that we nominate a conservative is to give us an opportunity to go head-to-head with Governor Romney at some point. Hopefully, that will occur sooner rather than later."

The next contests for the Republican presidential nomination will be on Tuesday in Alabama and Mississippi. Recent polls show Gingrich, Romney and Santorum in a three-way tie in Alabama and Romney leading in Mississippi with about 35 percent support.

Contact: napp.nazworth@christianpost.com, @NappNazworth (Twitter)

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Opening Statements in NASA Intelligent Design Case Begin Monday

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A trial involving Jet Propulsion Labs and former employee David Coppedge, who worked for NASA for 14 years as an information technology specialist on the Cassini mission to Saturn before being demoted, began last Wednesday. Opening statements are likely to begin Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Coppedge alleges he was discriminated against because he spoke to his colleagues about intelligent design, a belief that an intelligent power is responsible for the world, and that life did not come about by random occurrences. He also gave DVDs to his co-workers while at work. As a result, he says, he was stripped of his "team lead" title in 2009 and was fired last year.

William Becker, Coppedge's attorney, says his client had a reputation around JPL as an evangelical Christian and other interactions with co-workers led some to label him as a Christian conservative, The Associated Press quoted him as saying. However, "he did not go around evangelizing or proselytizing," he added. "But if he found out that someone was a Christian he would say, 'Oh that's interesting, what denomination are you?"

Coppedge's lawyers have also pointed out that no action was taken against other JPL employees for expressing similar views in opposition of intelligent design. "Employees shouldn't be threatened with termination and punished for sharing their opinion with willing co-workers just because the view being shared doesn't fit the prevailing view in the workplace," Becker argued.

The former NASA employee also said in his lawsuit that his support for conservative issues also contributed to his demotion. He backed a state ballot measure seeking to define marriage as between a man and a woman, and he requested that the annual holiday party be named as a "Christmas party." Like us on Facebook

"He's not apologizing for who he is. He's an evangelical Christian," Becker clarified.

Christian law firm Alliance Defense Fund and the Seattle-based Discovery Institute, which promotes intelligent design, are backing Coppedge's case.

"It's part of a pattern. There is basically a war on anyone who dissents from Darwin and we've seen that for several years," said John West, associate director of the Center for Science and Culture at the Discovery Institute, according to AP. "This is free speech, freedom of conscience 101."

Coppedge has claimed he was never told by a co-worker that his discussion of intelligent design was unwelcome or disruptive to their work. But his supervisor has stated that other employees complained about his actions, alleging they were harassing in nature and disruptive to the workplace, and Coppedge received a written warning prior to his demotion.

The National Center for Science Education, which rejects intelligent design, has rejected Coppedge's claims.

"It would be unfortunate if the court took what seems to be a fairly straightforward employment law case and allowed it to become this tangled mess of trying to adjudicate scientific matters," Programs and Policy Director Josh Rosenau noted, as reported by AP. "It looks like a pretty straightforward case. The mission that he was working on was winding down and he was laid off."

ADF said in a statement that Coppedge had always maintained that intelligent design is a scientific theory, "but JPL has illegally discriminated against him on the basis of what they deem is 'religion.'"

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Friday, March 16, 2012

Will Limbaugh Controversy, New Huckabee Show Mark Change in Conservative Talk Radio?

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Premier Networks, the company that syndicates Limbaugh's radio show for about 600 stations, sent a letter to stations carrying its programs listing 98 advertisers that no longer want to be associated with controversial radio hosts.

The news happens to come as Huckabee, who is less prone to controversy, is set to shake up the talk radio scene. The former governor of Arkansas and Republican presidential candidate in 2008 already has the most successful weekend news program, called "Huckabee," on Fox News.

The Premier Networks' letter stated that those advertisers "specifically asked that you schedule their commercials in dayparts or programs free of content that you know are deemed to be offensive or controversial (for example, Mark Levin, Rush Limbaugh, Tom Leykis, Michael Savage, Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity). Those are defined as environments likely to stir negative sentiment from a very small percentage of the listening public."

Ford, GM, Toyota, Allstate, Geico, Prudential, State Farm, McDonald's, and Subway are among the companies on the list, according to radio-info.com, which first reported the letter.

The letter comes after Rush Limbaugh called Sandra Fluke a "slut" and "prostitute." Fluke is a Georgetown college student who testified before a congressional committee about the cost of her birth control. Georgetown, consistent with its Catholic doctrine, does not provide birth control in its health care coverage. Limbaugh also said that Fluke should videotape herself having sex and put it on the internet so everyone could watch. Like us on Facebook

Limbaugh has since apologized for the remarks. Some, including Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul and Fluke herself, have said that the apology was insincere and was only done because his sponsors are withdrawing support from the show.

Controversial and divisive language has been a mainstay of conservative talk radio for over two decades. Limbaugh's market share has been declining, though, over the last three years. Furthermore, while most advertisers place high value on reaching middle-aged females, Limbaugh's audience is mostly old white males.

This is why Huckabee could pose a threat to Limbaugh's dominance after his show premier's in the same noon to 3 p.m. time slot on April 2, David Frum points out in a column for The Daily Beast.

"Huckabee's competition threatens Limbaugh not only because Huckabee has already proven himself an attractive and popular TV broadcaster, but also because Huckabee is arriving on the scene at a time when Limbaugh's business model is crashing around him," Frum writes.

While Huckabee is assuredly conservative, advertisers would be confident that the former Southern Baptist pastor would not use derogatory language, such as "slut."

Huckabee's more civil tone makes his TV show a safe place for a wide variety of politicians, movie stars and musicians. Huckabee is the only one on Fox News who has interviewed first lady Michelle Obama and two weeks ago celebrated actress Meryl Streep was on the show.

"I have to believe that there are people who are highly opinionated but who actually find it informative and engaging to find out what the other side is thinking. And not through a shouting match, but through an adult-level, civil conversation," Huckabee told Frum.

A radio business veteran told Frum that Limbaugh's business model is vulnerable because it relies upon a few large markets, and if one of those large market stations were to leave Limbaugh for Huckabee "it'll be an earthquake" for conservative talk radio.

Contact: napp.nazworth@christianpost.com, @NappNazworth (Twitter)

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Schuller Coleman Breaks Away From Crystal Cathedral

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Hope Center of Christ will be the name of the church. Coleman, a daughter of Crystal Cathedral founder Dr. Robert H. Schuller, expects to find a location for her breakaway church this week.

She said in a video message posted on the church's new website that they would announce where the new church will meet for worship in the next few days. It would not be more than five or 10 minutes from the old building, she added.

Soon after her announcement, a Crystal Cathedral pastor told congregants that regular Sunday services will continue in the famed glass building and members were free to decide where they would like to be next Sunday morning, according to The Orange County Register. "We are very sad, very sorry about this," Pastor Emeritus Juan Carlos Ortiz, who began the Hispanic ministry for the Crystal Cathedral, was quoted as saying. "I hope they both have success – those who stay and those who leave."

The split comes a day after the founder and his wife, Arvella Schuller, announced their resignation from the board of the megachurch, saying they had lost hope of settling disputes with directors over copyright infringement and payment for services in a positive atmosphere.

Coleman said Jim Penner, former executive producer from the "Hour of Power" television program, and Scott and Debbie Smith, who headed the church's music program, were coming with her to the new church. Like us on Facebook

Penner appeared alongside Coleman in the video posted on hopecenteroc.org. He said they would soon spread their mission around the world by television and the Internet.

The landmark campus of the Crystal Cathedral now belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange County after an agreement in February for a $57.5 million sale on a court's order. The megachurch had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2010. Crystal Cathedral can continue to worship on the campus for three years for $100,000 a month during the first year and $150,000 for the following two years.

In 2015, the congregation is expected to move out of the campus, which will then serve as the spiritual home of the 1.2 million Catholics in Orange County.

After the founder handed over the leadership of the Crystal Cathedral to his family in 2008, the megachurch faced numerous challenges, including a growing debt and a leadership struggle. Schuller founded the church with a $500 loan over 55 years ago.

In her final message at the Crystal Cathedral, Coleman reminded the dwindling congregation that despite the sale, they have not lost their "house."

"Where is God's house? Let us never mistake property for God's house … God's house that He wants all of us to remain focused on is eternal," she said, stressing that their home is in heaven with Jesus.

"Nothing can take that away from us. That is never ever ever … for sale because it's already been bought with the blood of Jesus Christ!" she exclaimed. "I have good news for you today – your escrow on your eternal home has closed!"

"If God allowed me and my family and all of us to go through the pain in the last couple of years to just learn that lesson and hear that message today, that escrow's closed, you don't have to worry about it, you've been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ."

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