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Res Publica Newsletter
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| The new Res Publica Newsletters offers a thematic review of religious and cultural news in America and around the world. For each theme there will be different points of view regarding various current news sources. Original links for the news stories cited are included below. |
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"Huckaboom" May Be More a Trend Than A Blip
January 2, 2008
As the strength of evangelical voters continues to surprise us in the Republican presidential primaries, a question arises: how will this trend effect American values?” Keep in mind that values often translate directly into statute and law.
How influential will evangelicals in America become and what will this new power do to our shifting landscape of cultural values and laws? Is the straight-line support of evangelical voters in politics for evangelical politicians such as Mike Huckabee - what conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh snidely calls "Christian identity politics" - a capture of one party by a narrow sectarian interest group, or the beginning of a broader trend where evangelicals become a general force in American politics as a whole.
Such questions remain open. Huckabee’s win in the Iowa primary is a portent of a growing evangelical clout much more significant than anything we have yet seen. In exit polling more than eight in 10 Huckabee supporters said they are evangelical Christians, compared to less than half of Romney’s.
A third of George Bush’s support came from evangelicals in the 2004 presidential election. Nearly two-thirds of Huckabee backers also said it was very important that their candidate share their religious beliefs, compared to about one in five of Romney’s. Meanwhile 60 percent of Huckabee caucusers said “values” are important in picking a president. As the queer online journal Queerty points out, “values” (which are as important to gays as they are to evangelicals - albeit different ones) is a code word for slew of issues favored by evangelicals most of which revolve around their particular vision of a Christian nation carrying out the judgment of God. (http://www.queerty.com/huckabee-tops-romney-in-evangelical-votes-20080104/).
If you happen to stand on the other side of any of these “value issues” you can expect, if nothing else, a continued fight to preserve those freedoms not approved by evangelicals and in fact, a continued erosion of them. This same issue - regarding “values” - was the subject of a recent Pew poll (Sept. 2007) on religion and politics that came to a much more tepid conclusion regarding the finding that seventy percent of Americans want a president with strong religious beliefs (http://www.universalpressagency.com/Faith-On-The-Rise-in-U-S-Elections_a13829.html).
Not mentioned in the Pew poll was that the evident trend toward Americans wanting just strong religious views, but certain kinds of strong religious views - namely “Biblical" ones. Hence, Romney’s loss.
Watching the Iowa caucus results on television, replete with countless interviews, certain conclusions might be reached about the growing strength of Iowa’s evangelicals. What came to this observer most immediately is one value shared by Iowa evangelicals seems to be an overindulgence in food consumption, not to mention having babies - many, many babies). While the Pew people have yet to do a poll on gay lifestyles, neither of these things seem to accord well their “values.”
One might wonder if these are values shared by evangelicals nationwide. If so we might expect continued robust population growth and the continued surge in obesity rates. One might further assume that this is good news for fast food chains.
A recent National Geographic article (http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0703/feature4/index.html) sees the future of American values circulating around the growth of evangelical mega-churches - a hybrid of piety and entertainment, or devotion and Disneyland. If we also consider the growth of American waistlines, the future crisis of American capitalism will be one of consumption rather than production, as Karl Marx predicted. This same article takes note that 1,210 Protestant Churches (i.e. evangelical) now have weekly attendance over 2,000 - double the number five years ago. The rise of American evangelicalism, like global warming, is off the charts. Now for the real question - how much of that can considered to be manmade?
What most polls do not say is what kind of religious beliefs are most desirable, not just in some abstract sense but in a democratic pluralistic order. Obviously Huckabee’s views found much more resonance in the short-run than Romney's, though ironically the latter's overall political values are more closely attuned to what used to be called the "religious right."
What Huckabee's ascent shows is that in the curious world of Christian politics what kind of "Christian" you are apparently counts more than your actual politics.
David Hale
Links
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119950064053069499.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/01/05/huckabee.innovation/
http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/PatrickJBuchanan/2008/01/04/last_hurrah_for_reagan_coalition
More Links
(Dec 29) Osama bin Laden has issued a warning against Iraq’s Sunni Arabs against joining tribal councils against al-Qaida or working for the new government. Bin Laden claims it is the duty of his followers to work to prevent any attempts to establish anything but an Islamic state in Iraq. In the same address, Osama Bin Laden has urged his followers to embark on a jihad against Israel, vowing that Al Qaeda will fight for its destruction. Bin Laden said his intent is to liberate the whole of Palestine, with no regard for any Jews who currently live in the area.
(Dec 30) The violence in Orissa state of India has claimed the lives of at least nine more Christians, and at least 50 churches and institutions have now been destroyed or desecrated. Two Christians were killed when police opened fire at protestors. The government has been criticized for failing to do more to halt violence and restore the peace.
(Dec 30) Public documents have raised questions about efforts by former Utah Governor Mike Leavitt and his staff to incorporate Mormon principles into state policy. Leavitt, now the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has asked that the discussions be kept private because they contain personal or even “sacred” thoughts from his staff. The documents were recorded during meetings in 1996.
http://www.inspiremagazine.org.uk/news.aspx?action=view&id=1987
(Dec 30) Philippine church leaders, government dignitaries and translators are celebrating the completion of a new Bible translation for Hiligaynon-speaking Filipinos. The translation took sixteen years and was done by seven translators and twenty reviewers from various Christian denominations. It is considered an accurate and contemporary translation. Two older translations exist in the language, but they consist of archaic language, unnatural grammatical constructions, and exegetical errors that make them difficult to use.
http://cbs11tv.com/local/woman.bible.get.2.620431.html
(Dec 30) A woman in Fort Worth, Texas was escorted off a bus for reading the Bible to her children. According to the woman, she and her children were on their way to church when the bus driver asked her to stop or get off the bus. They were escorted off the bus after refusing to stop reading. The woman claims that the bus service discriminated against her religion.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/31/asia/AS-REL-Malaysia-Allah-Ban.php
(Dec 31) The Malaysian government has reversed its decision to ban a Roman Catholic newspaper after its use of the word “Allah.” In the about-turn, the government renewed The Herald weekly’s 2008 permit without any conditions. The government had repeatedly issues warnings that the permit would be revoked if the newspaper continued, saying that “Allah” refers to the Muslim God and can only be used by Muslims.
http://www.myjoyonline.com/news/200712/11877.asp
(Dec 31) Ghana’s Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama has asked the country’s Muslims to support secular education and preach the tenets of Islam on their own. In his statement, he emphasized that the benefits of secular education outweigh any fear of their faith being diluted. In addition, he encouraged more Muslims to strive to occupy high government positions, stressing that their faith should not limit their ability to do other things in society.
(Dec 31) The Malaysian government has been urged to lift its ban on construction of the world’s tallest Taosit Goddess of the Sea on Borneo island. The opposition has warned that if the row is not resolved, it could hurt racial harmony in the Muslim-dominated country. It is claimed that objection to the construction is led by a small group of Muslims with ulterior political objectives. Malaysian commentators have voiced concern over the growing Islamization of the country and the increasing polarization of the three main ethic communities.
(Dec 31) The Egyptian government has awared $230,000 in compensation to 17 Coptic Christians whose property was damaged by a mob of angry Muslims early this month. Prominent local Muslims and Christian leaders have planned to meet in an effort to ease tension in the area.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/01/01/nchurch201.xml
(Dec 31) Researchers have released findings of a recent survey which suggests that women who stop going to church are at greater risk of mental health and drinking problems. According to the results, women who let their religious activity lapse are three times more likely to suffer from anxiety or become dependent on alcohol than those who keep their faith active. The same is apparently not true for men. One of the researchers said the difference may be because women are more integrated into the social networks of their religious communities.
http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=54971
(Dec 31) Deities in a Hindu temple recently demolished in Malaysia were carefully preserved and transferred to a new location, according to Deputy PM Datuk Seri Najib. The statement contrasts video footage that has been circulated recently. Najib emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring tolerance of religion in the country.
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/124765
(Jan 1) A public school in Israel has decided to prohibit students from holding group prayers on school ground during recess. However, school officials noted that students will be allowed to leave school grounds and attend prayer services in a nearby synagogue if they wish to. One official has blamed extremist sources of using school prayers to bring other students back to religion, and others have expressed similar fears.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7166566.stm
(Jan 1) Pet shops in Russia are reporting a shortage of domestic rats as buyers seek them out for the upcoming Chinese New Year – the Year of the Rat. Although the country’s main religion is Christian Orthodox, Chinese astrology is a popular pastime. The Chinese New Year begins on February 7 this year.
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6511
(Jan 1) More than 30 people were burned to death in Kenya this past week as they sought refuge from violence over last week’s election, which has already claimed more than 250 victims. An angry mob set fire to the Assemblies of God church in western Kenya while hundreds of people were hiding inside.
http://www.kxmc.com/News/Nation/193909.asp
(Jan 1) A cleric in Pakistan has spoken openly of his dream imposing Islamic law on the entire world. According to the imam, also a teacher at the town’s fundamentalist madrassa, he would like to see the change accomplished through preaching, but will do so by force if necessary. Qari Hifzur Rehamn has also expressed his support of imposing stoning and beheading. When asked if it would be right to nuke British infidels, Rehamn laughed and answered: “Probably.”
http://newsbyus.com/more.php?id=10690_0_1_0_M
(Jan 1) A writer on a prominent radical Islamic web site forum recently posted a victory message regarding Benazir Bhutto’s recent death. The article, “Another sworn enemy of Allah hit the dust,” was written in a forum on Al-Ekhlaas. The author expresses his opinion that Bhutto’s death was Allah’s will, and concludes by hoping that others will face the same fate.
http://www.livemint.com/2008/01/01234733/Temples-turn-into-mega-centres.html
(Jan 1) Temples across India are reasserting their traditional role in society as places of social interaction, learning and cultural assimilation. India’s rising affluence and a recent real estate boom have led to increased donations and growing real estate assets by temples. As a result, temples are against becoming places of social interaction, learning, cultural assimilation, and religious entertainment.
(Jan 1) Turkish police have arrested a young man after uncovering a plot to murder an Orthodox priest. The incident raises questions again about religious freedom and security for Christians in the country. Some Turkish nationalists feel that national security is being threatened by Christian missionary activities in the country.
http://www.chabad.org/news/article_cdo/aid/620422/jewish/Ukraine-Rabbi-Speaks-Up.htm
(Jan 1) The chief rabbi of Odessa, Ukraine, has urged Ukrainian President Victor Yuschenko to do more to counter anti-Semitism in the country. Recently, a previously unknown group distributed pamphlets in local Russian Orthodox churches that called for pogroms and the murder of Jews. Yuschenko has previously promised to combat interethnic hatred in the country.
http://www.chabad.org/news/article_cdo/aid/620396/jewish/High-Hopes-Down-South.htm
(Jan 1) Mississippi had its first public menorah lighting ceremony this past Chanukah as 18-year-old Wyatt Hall presided over the celebration. Hall, a high school senior, organized the event to bring hope to the town, still facing problems in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6513
(Jan 2) The Church of Scotland, other churches and church related development agencies have re-committed to humanitarian and spiritual support for Pakistan, following the recent death of Benazir Bhutto. The Church of Scotland has also resolutely rejected the “war on terror” rhetoric being used in some political quarters concerning the future of Pakistan.
http://www.catholic.org.sg/cn/wordpress/?p=1946
(Jan 2) Members of the Catholic Military Apostolate have re-emphasized the importance of prayer and a positive attitude for young Catholic men going through the two years of compulsory military service in the Singapore Armed Forces.
http://www.calcatholic.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?id=ab676838-79dc-4d24-a534-c895dde249f0
(Jan 2) 2007 was a rough year for the Catholic Church in Mexico, as it was forced to confront the coalition of leftist political parties in the government. The Church had to deal with government policies on legalized abortion, publicly funded sex changes, the decriminalization of prostitution, and some mob attacks. During the year, Mexico City’s Metropolitan Cathedral suffered 22 violent incidents, from verbal aggressions to sacrilegious acts and physical attacks.
(Jan 2) The leader of the Taize community has urged tens of thousands of young European Christians who were in Geneva for New Year celebrations to organize efforts for reconciliation and unity between churches. Brother Alois became the community’s leader after the death of its Swiss-born founder in 2005, and he stress the role of young people in the future of the church.
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7389
(Jan 2) The Anglican Bishop in Jerusalem has expressed his concern over plans for the Global Anglican Future Conference planned for later this year. The bishop has said he is troubled that the meeting will bring inter-Anglican conflict into the diocese, which has worked to be a welcoming place for all Anglicans.
http://blog.wired.com/wiredscience/2008/01/shiites-and-sun.html
(Jan 2) Successful efforts by Iranian scientists to clone a sheep has had a mixed reaction among Muslim religious leaders. Shiite Muslims have largely applauded the efforts, and leaders have issued decrees authorizing animal cloning but banning human reproductive cloning. Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, have banned cloning altogether, even in animals. The majority of Iran’s nearly 70 million people are Shiite Muslims.
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7398
(Jan 2) Thirty-one Episcopal colleagues from the Anglican Communion from around the world have released a statement supporting the decision of the Diocesan Convention of San Joaquin to leave the Episcopal Church and align with the Province of the Southern Cone. Supporters include the Archbishop of Sydney, Bishops of Rochester, Pittsburgh, and the Province of Kenya.
http://somalinet.com/news/world/Somalia/14027
(Dec 22) Somalia’s Young Islamic Movement, Al-Shabab, has released a statement claiming that Sheikh Mukhtar Abdirahman Abu-Zubeyr has been appointed as the new leader. The radical movement did not dig details about the change. Al-Shabab has been actively fighting for control of Somalia and its Ethiopian ally. Sheikh Abu-Zubeyr was reportedly trained in Afghanistan under the Taliban before entering the radial movement in Somalia.
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/292924.aspx
(Dec 22) One Washington resident has taken the protest of the commercialization of Christmas to a new level by raising a crucified Santa in front of his house. In addition, the man has sent out Christmas cards that have a photo of the Santa and the message, “Santa died for your MasterCard.”
http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=53594&Itemid=9
(Dec 22) An increasing number of people are getting religious tattoos. According to TattooJohnny.com, the world’s largest seller of tattoo designs, many people have chosen to express their faith or new or renewed commitment to their religion through religious tattoos. Among them are a significant number of people who are 40 or older. Among the top designs are crosses, angels, doves, Stars of David, Buddhas, and religious phrases.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2007/12/23/2126207.htm?section=justin
(Dec 23) Sydney’s Archbishop, Cardinal Pell, reminded people that religious should not be used as a reason or excuse for violence and warfare during his annual Christmas message. Instead, Cardinal Pell has asked for hope and peace across Australia.
(Dec 23) According to this article, more than half of the European population belongs to a new church denomination, called “Fuzzy Fidelity” by researchers, in which uncommitted believers feel attached to no particular church but have a real and genuine interest in spiritual matters. In response, some congregations have begun holding services in shops and gyms in an effort to attract uncommitted believers into their church.
http://www.canada.com/topics/news/world/story.html?id=603275bc-3ffa-4a98-97a5-388d22d60bb6&k=51286
(Dec 23) Catholics have overtaken Anglicans in church attendance in Britain, according to recent research. The survey, by Christian Research, shows that around 862,000 worshippers attended Catholic services each week in 2006, while 852,000 went to the Church of England. The release of the figures follows news that Tony Blair, raised as an Anglican, has converted to Catholicism.
http://www.radiojamaica.com/content/view/4044/26/
(Dec 22) A minister of religion in Jamaica has made a call for the resumption of hanging in response to the country’s spiraling murder rate. Reverend Hollis Lynch implred the government to bring back the death penalty while at the funeral for a police officer killed while on duty. Ten officers have been killed in two months in the country.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/ci_7788687
(Dec 23) Scientists are once again examining the link between prayer and patient recovery. Numberous studies have shown a link between faith and outlook, faith and well-being, and faith and healing times. This study will look at the value of faith as an instrument in healing. Numerous hospitals as well as scientists from California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, Duke University, and George Washington University for Spirituality and Health will be taking part in the study.
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-ctislam1223.artdec23,0,929090.story
(Dec 23) A billboard promoting Islam has been erected in Connecticut, inviting drivers to turn east, towards Mecca. The billboard is only a short distance from the construction of what will be the largest mosque in the state and encourages drivers to call a toll-free number to learn more about Islam. The Connecticut chapter of the Islamic Circle of North America, which paid for the billboard, has sponsored similar billboards nationwide to inform non-Muslims about Islam and correct negative stereotypes that have emerged since the Sept. 11 attacks.
(Dec 22) Tapes, CDs and MP3 downloads have become a popular way for Christians to experience the gospel. In one case, GoBible’s “The Listerner’s Bible,” the entire Old and New Testaments are available in 70 hours of 31,000 individually marked verses for easy access. A rescent study by the company in Spring 2007 showed that listeners come from all over the demographic map.
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/local/atlantic/story/7524299p-7425179c.html
(Dec 23) Christmas may be a recognized Christian holiday, but it is a special time for more than Christians. For example, many people who are not Christians and do not celebrate Christmas still take it off as a religious holiday and relax. At a Hindu Temple in New Jersey, the priest has decided to hold a special religious service on Christmas day and may set up a Christmas tree and setting up an image of Jesus Christ to think about him, who the religious views as an incarnation of Vishnu, the religion’s supreme being.
http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=806000
(Dec 23) Many churches in the U.K. have cancelled their Midnight Mass services this Christmas Eve due to possible risk to the ministers. Over the past few years, four priests have been murdered and many more have reported acts of violence against them.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/1224caroling1224.html
(Dec 24) Caroling is fading out across America as a smaller fraction of the population participates. There are many possible reasons for the decline: paranoia, laziness, intimidation, fear of offending neighbors, or interrupting privacy. Overall, neighborhoods appear to be less close-knit than they used to be. In 2005, only 6% of participants in a survey said they planned to go caroling. Still, caroling may never have been as widespread as many perceive it to have been.
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/163654.html
(Dec 24) A 50-year-old freshwater mangrove tree that was inside a Buddhist pagoda in Cambodia has been sold to a hotel for decorative purposes, causing some people to decry the decision. The Secretary of State for the Ministry of Cults and Religions has said that although the tree is part of the country’s national heritage, it wouldn’t be problematic if the money went to a good cause.
http://uruknet.info/?p=m39519&s1=h1
(Dec 24) Israel is apparently blocking Christian from reaching their churches and Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem and elsewhere in the Holy Land. In addition clergy and thousands of other visitors are being harassed and denied entry to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. The Israeli government has also resciended its year-long multiple entry visas of Arab clergy with churches in both Palestine and Israel.
(Dec 25) According to a recent poll, forty-five percent of New Zealanders believe that Christmas is significant in terms of religion. That number jumps to 60% for those in over 60 years old. Around 500 people were polled for the survey. The survey’s director believes the results contradict claims that Christmas has become commercialized.
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6483
(Dec 24) Writing contemporary Christmas carols seems to have become popular in Scotland, where new songs with catchy lyrics and tunes are making new appearances this season. One of the new carols describes Bethlehem as it is today, with a huge barrier dividing races and religions. While church-goers know the words of classical carols by heart, most Britons hum along to them, which they know mostly from popular advertisement jingles.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0707344.htm
(Dec 24) Christians in the Gaza Strip will be dealing with anxiety and uncertainty this year. Many Christians will attend an afternoon Mass and catechism classes, but not midnight masses, because of fear after dark of assault, rape, arrest, or their homes being attacked while they are absent. There are approximately 2,500 Christians in the Gaza strip, compared to 1.5 million Muslims.
http://www.iht.com/articles/reuters/2007/12/24/europe/OUKWD-UK-CHRISTMAS-MUSLIMS.php
(Dec 24) The leading Muslim scholars who recently proposed a dialogue with Christian leaders have sent out another address, this one a warm Christmas greeting to Christians around the world. The letter expressed hope that people will respect the sanctity and dignity of human life as well as offer humble repentance before God and forgiveness for each other.
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=11354
(Dec 24) A senior Malaysian official has ordered a Catholic newspaper to cease the use of “Allah” in its Malay language section if it wants to be able to continue publishing. The Herald, published by the Catholic Church in Malaysia, translated the word God as “Allah,” but the official says the usage is erroneous because “Allah” refers only to the Muslim God. Instead, he says the newspaper should use the general term for God, “Tuhan.”
(Dec 24) A number of tribal Christians have been attacked by Hindu extremists in India, after being accused of supporting the Congress Party. According to Dr. John Dayal, president of the All India Catholic Union, the attack is part of a wider conspiracy to deny human and fundamental rights, both religious and voting, to the Adivasis, a group of tribal people.
(Dec 24) Anglicans and Roman Catholics in British Columbia, Canada have joined forces to provide shelter for homeless friends and neighbors. In the effort, the Anglicans have provided the space, some volunteers, and some soup, while the Catholics handles arrangement for feeding, housing and caring for the homeless. On the first night, the program served five people. On the two subsequent times, the program served 23 and 35 people respectively.
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=4106
(Dec 24) More than 100 new Orthodox churches opened in Moscow in 2007. According to Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia, there are now 851 churches and chapels in the Russian capital, including seven Kremlin churches and two cathedrals.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/dec/25/yehey/top_stories/20071225top5.html
(Dec 25) According to Al-Azhar Sheikh Mohammed Sayyid Tantawi, an Egyptian man arrested in the Philippines for allegedly plotting a Christmas bomb attack is an envoy of Sunni Islam’s highest seat of learning and was arrested by mistake. The religious affairs ministry claims that the man was treated well and the two government are working together to try and secure his release. Envoys are chosen according to strict criteria to encourage moderation in Islam and the reununciation of violence and terrorism.
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=4101
(Dec 24) According to Dagestani President Mukhu Aliyev, religious extremists still pose a serious danger to the country, despite substantial efforts to suppress them and a decrease in terrorist attacks over the past few years. Despite the decline in terrorist attacks and other serious crimes, thirty law enforcement officers have died this year. There were 47 terrorist attacks in 2005, 18 in 2006, and only one in 2007.
http://www.wrmea.com/archives/December_2007/0712069.html
(Dec 25) A recent study suggests that the connection of American Jews to Israel is dropping sharply with each generation. Results show that middle-aged Jews feel less attached to Israel than older Jews, and younger Jews less attached than middle-aged Jews. Less than half of respondents under 35 agreed that Israel’s destruction would be a personal trajedy, compared with 78% of those 65 and older.
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/international/2007/12/26/136469/Mexico's-Catholic.htm
(Dec 26) Mexico is facing a shortage of Catholic priests, despite the large Catholic presence in the country. Eighty-five percent of the population is Catholic, but there each priest is expected to serve about 7,000 followers. In the U.S., where only 22% of the population is Catholic, there is one priest for every 1,500 Catholics. Causes for the lower number of priests could be the increasing number of job opportunities for young men and an increasing rejection of celibacy.
http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=4114
(Dec 26) According to the Moscow Patriarchate, Orthodox-Catholic dialogue is going slowly, just as it has for years. The main reason for the slow progress is a number of outstanding issues which prevent a meeting between Pope Benedict XIV and Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h7dYyZ_U_GGd_dSGEqEvFP_omf-AD8TP0OCO1
(Dec 26) Hindu extremists in India attacked Christians who were celebrating Christmas and ransacked and burned six churches after a dispute over a Christmas Eve cultural program, which they claim encouraged conversion. The government imposed a curfew after two days of violence that included revenge attacks by Christians. The Indian state in which the violence took place is the only one in the country with a law requiring people to obtain police permission before they change their religion.
http://www.dailyindia.com/show/202763.php/Japanese-monks-promote-Buddhism-in-a-liquor-bar!
(Dec 26) A group of Buddhist monks in Japan have reportedly begun frequenting a jazz bar to rekindle popular interest in the religion. The three Buddhists sit in the smoke-filled bar and engage in chanting sessions, followed by chats about Buddhism. Their feeling is that people are more receptive in a bar, when they are drinking and with friends. Although some Buddhists have been upset by the decision, the monks say they are unfazed.
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/6490
(Dec 26) At the second gathering of Central American Anabaptist Women Theologians, participants discussed domestic violence and what the church needs to do to respond to the problem. The meeting of about fifty women from Central American countries, Belize, and Panama took place last month in Guatemala City. Men were also present and allowed to contribute to the debate. Participants decided that increased attention must be devoted to practical pastoral responses and increased awareness.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/beaches/story/357045.html
(Dec 26) A new exhibit focusing on the comic industry’s Jewish origins is on display at the Jewish Museum of Florida in Miami Beach. The exhibit shows how superheroes like Superman and Captain America started as the hopes and dreams of Jewish children around World War II. This article discusses the origins of comic books and what you can expect if you visit the museum.
http://www.catholic.org/diocese/diocese_story.php?id=26274&cb300=vocations
(Dec 26) The role of the Catholic Church is growing in Vietnam, as can be seen not only by an increased celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, but also how priests are allowed to function freely in their parishes, and seminaries are filled. Vietnam has proportionally more Catholics than any other Asian country except for the Philippines. There are approximately seven million Catholics, about 9% of the total population.
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/12/27/asia/AS-GEN-Malaysia-Islam-vs-Civil-Law.php
(Dec 27) Malaysia’s highest court has rejected a woman’s plea to stop her Muslim-convert husband from changing their son’s religion to Islam. The woman’s bid had already been rejected by lower courts, and the Federal Court was her last resort. The case raises concerns over eroding minority rights in the country. The presiding judge claims that either husband or wife has the right to convert a child to Islam. However, sons who are converted to Islam are put under the jurisdiction of the Islamic courts, which will not give custody to a non-Muslim parent.
http://www.spcm.org/Journal/spip.php?breve5708
(Dec 26) A team of Gospel for Asia Bible college students in India was forced to leave the village where they were doing ministry work during Christmas break. The team was praying when anti-Christian extremists entered the home and told them to stop, took a Bible and some musical instruments away, and told them to leave immediately. The extremists accused them of trying to spread a foreign religion. After a group of pastors met with the extremists, they returned the Bible and instruments, but told the missionaries they must leave within half an hour.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/templates/local.aspx?articleid=27567&zoneid=77
(Dec 29) Churches continue to play a key role for immigrants in the U.S., providing clothes, food and vehicles. One participant says the efforts stem from a clear biblical duty to reach out to help the foreigner, the stranger, the weak, and the vulnerable. Because of such efforts, churches provide a safe place where immigrants can satisfy not only their spiritual needs but also their material ones.
http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/295200.aspx
(Dec 28) A U.S. federal appeals court has overturned a previous ruling against U.S.-based Muslim activists for their involvement in the terrorist death of an American teenager in the West Bank more than a decade ago. According to the court, the prior judge had failed to require evidence of a direct connection between the boy’s death and the fundraising activities of the charities. Because of the ruling, the case has been sent back to the original court for a possible retrial.
http://salemvoice.org/svmnews289.html
(Dec 28) Violence continues in Orissa, India, as mobs set churches, convents, and houses belonging to Christians ablaze. At least 55 churches have been destroyed so far in the rural tribal dominated areas of the state. The government has imposed a curfew in four towns in the district.
(Dec 28) The Boston-based Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations has launched its first national advertising campaign. The organization has placed ads in Time magazine and sponsored an ad that will appear in the programs to college fans at thirteen matches during this year’s football bowl games. The new approach comes in response to the aging of the member-base. Leaders also cite a realization that too many outsiders are unaware of what the church has to offer.
http://www.mrt.com.mk/en/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4482&Itemid=27
(Dec 29) During this year’s New Year meeting with representatives of religious communities and groups in Macedonia, Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski advised those present that religious tolerance and respect of religious diversity must continue to be their fundamental commitments. If it continues to be the focus, he believes that the country’s population will nourish humanity, strengthen inter-religious dialogue and further affirm that different religions can peacefully coexist.
(Dec 29) The group of 138 Islamic religious leaders who sent a letter to Christians a few months ago have accepted the invitation by the Pope for further talks. The groups suggested a meeting to be held in February or March. According to Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, three themes should underpin the talks: respect for human beings and their rights, the need for religious dialogue to include objective knowledge of the religion of others, and efforts to teach young people mutual respect and tolerance.
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=7370
(Dec 28) Anglican bishops of various African provinces have announced that they are sponsoring an alternative conference to the upcoming Lambeth Conference in July. Instead, they will be holding a conference in Israel in June 2008, and will not be attending the Lambeth the next month. The announcements further support claims that the Global Anglican Communion is severely fractured, and are tantamount to claiming that the Churches of the Anglican Family are now sufficiently apostate so as to place a moral urgency on others to secede from the fellowship.
(Dec 28) The Sudanese police are prosecuting an Egyptian man who claims he is a prophet like Mohammad. According to the man, God has sent him to complete the message of the Islamic religion. Police claim he told them that he went to Sudan for three reasons: to spread the new Islamic message in the country, to meet some Sudanese friends he worked with in Libya, and to search for a job.
http://www.statesman.com/life/content/life/stories/faith/12/29/1229muslimjew.html
(Dec 29) North America’s largest Jewish movement, the Union for Reform Judaism, and the Islamic Society of North America have announced a new interfaith dialogue curriculum and are urging their members to use it. The effort may be the broadest Jewish-Muslim interfaith effort in the continent’s history. The curriculum consists of five topics, including the place of Jerusalem in Jewish and Muslim tradition and history.
http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2007/12/29/2003394763
(Dec 29) In Macau, the birthplace of Catholicism in China and East Asia, the number of Roman Catholics and their proportion of the population has been in steep decline for the past thirty years. The church in Macau now counts just over eighteen thousand members. Today, there are as many casinos as churches, but while the churches are empty, the casinos are full and still growing in number. According to one priest, money coming in through casinos made the benefits the people enjoy possible, but in the process, they have forgotten about the church and God.
http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0707399.htm
(Dec 28) According to church officials, the relics venerated as the crib the baby Jesus used in Bethlehem are degrading at an alarming pace. The remains have become so fragile that officials at Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, where the crib is located, decided to suspend this year’s annual Christmas Eve tradition when the relics are carried from the crypt, processed around the basilica, and displayed in front of the alter on Christmas day. The relics were brought to Rome from Palestine in the seventh century.
http://news10now.com/content/all_news/?ArID=131315&SecID=83
http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071228/30663_Christians_Lament_Bhutto's_'Tragic'_Death.htm
(Dec 28, 29) A number of Muslims and Christians have gathered in memory of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, a vocal proponent of democracy in the country who was assassinated a few days ago. The future of democracy and stability in the country are now in question in the politically tumultuous country. Her death has sparked violence across Pakistan, but current-President Musharraf has announced he plans to go ahead with elections.
Richard Butler