By Diane MarkinsGuest
Writer CBN.com
I just read Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski, a true story of two college guys who want to experience life as homeless people. They spent months on the streets of cities like Denver, Washington D.C., Portland, SanFrancisco, San Diego and my hometown, Phoenix.
What they learned is that "street people" are at best invisible and at worst reviled. They attended church every Sunday and were not very warmly received in most because of how they looked and smelled. They were even thrown off the property of one church lawn in our own city.
Of Phoenix the author says, "We experienced big programs, big churches, and big talk, without much love in action, at least for two unappealing transients like us."
I don't think any of us sees ourselves as unloving or unwelcoming but I'm not sure how excited any of us would be if two dirty, foul-smelling men wanted to occupy the seat next to ours in church or at Sunday brunch.
I'll admit I've been the first one to beat a retreat on occasion. We may judge them as being lazy or drug addicts and almost always try toescape before they ask us for something.
Yankoski points out that the people he met on his "experiment" didn't suddenly become homeless panhandlers. It happened slowly over time and was typically precipitated by events that damaged their lives horrifically.
The point I'm heading toward is that we need to remember the sacrifices Christ made and the attitudes he demonstrated. I'm not just talking about the Big One (His own terrible, painful death),but the time Jesus spent with the smelly, unappealing people He encountered every day. He talked with them, ate with them, touched them and genuinely cared for them and expectsas much from us.
"I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." Matthew 25:45
Do we really want the reputation of Big programs but Little compassion? Whether it is someone who is malodorous or just has a stinky disposition, we need to walk toward them, take a moment to listen, encourage them and see how we can help meet an immediate need. A granola bar, a smile, a kind word or a listening ear may feel like the love of God to someone who isn't used to being bestowed those gifts.
Will people we meet know we are Christians by our love? Do you need to make some changes so your alignment with Christ is more apparent? It will come back to you in a big way.
"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
NATIONAL AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A Proclamation ...
The history of African Americans is unique and rich, and one that has helped to define what it means to be an American. Arriving on ships on the shores of North America more than 300 years ago, recognized more as possessions than people, African Americans have come to know the freedoms fought for in establishing the United States and gained through the use of our founding principles of freedom of speech,freedom of the press, the right to assembly, and due process of law.
The ideals of the Founders became more real and more true for every citizen as African Americans pressed us to realize our full potential as a Nation and to uphold those ideals for all who enter into our borders and embrace the notion that we are all endowed with certain unalienable rights.
Since Carter G. Woodson first sought to illuminate the African American experience, each February we pause to reflect on the contributions of this community to our national identity. The history is one of struggle for the recognition of each person's humanity as well as an influence on the broader American culture.
African Americans designed our beautiful Capital City, gave us the melodic rhythms of New Orleans Jazz, issued new discoveries in science and medicine, and forced us to examine ourselves in the pages of classic literature. This legacy has only added luster to the brand of the United States, which has drawn immigrants to our shores for centuries.
This year's theme, "The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas," is a chance to examine the evolution of our country and how African Americans helped draw us ever closer to becoming a more perfect union. The narrative of the African American pursuit of full citizenship with all of the rights and privileges afforded others in this country is also the story of a maturing young Nation. The voices and examples of the African American people worked collectively to remove the boulders of systemic racism and discrimination that pervaded our laws and our public consciousness for decades.
Through the work of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, Martin Luther King and Thurgood Marshall, the African American community has steadily made progress toward the dreams within its grasp and the promise of our more Nation. Meanwhile, the belief that those dreams might one day be realized by all of our citizens gave African American men and women the same sense of duty and love of country that led them to shed blood in every war we have ever fought, to invest hard-earned resources in their communities with the hope of self empowerment, and to pass the ideals of this great land down to their children and grandchildren.
As we mark National African American History Month, we should take note of this special moment in our Nation's history and the actors who worked so diligently to deliver us to this place. One such organization is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People -- the NAACP -- which this year will witness 100 years of service to the Nation on February 12. Because of their work, including the contributions of those luminaries on the front lines and great advocates behind the scenes, we as a Nation were able to take the dramatic steps we have in recent history.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2009 as National African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities,and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of African American history.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
A Proclamation ...
The history of African Americans is unique and rich, and one that has helped to define what it means to be an American. Arriving on ships on the shores of North America more than 300 years ago, recognized more as possessions than people, African Americans have come to know the freedoms fought for in establishing the United States and gained through the use of our founding principles of freedom of speech,freedom of the press, the right to assembly, and due process of law.
The ideals of the Founders became more real and more true for every citizen as African Americans pressed us to realize our full potential as a Nation and to uphold those ideals for all who enter into our borders and embrace the notion that we are all endowed with certain unalienable rights.
Since Carter G. Woodson first sought to illuminate the African American experience, each February we pause to reflect on the contributions of this community to our national identity. The history is one of struggle for the recognition of each person's humanity as well as an influence on the broader American culture.
African Americans designed our beautiful Capital City, gave us the melodic rhythms of New Orleans Jazz, issued new discoveries in science and medicine, and forced us to examine ourselves in the pages of classic literature. This legacy has only added luster to the brand of the United States, which has drawn immigrants to our shores for centuries.
This year's theme, "The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas," is a chance to examine the evolution of our country and how African Americans helped draw us ever closer to becoming a more perfect union. The narrative of the African American pursuit of full citizenship with all of the rights and privileges afforded others in this country is also the story of a maturing young Nation. The voices and examples of the African American people worked collectively to remove the boulders of systemic racism and discrimination that pervaded our laws and our public consciousness for decades.
Through the work of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, Martin Luther King and Thurgood Marshall, the African American community has steadily made progress toward the dreams within its grasp and the promise of our more Nation. Meanwhile, the belief that those dreams might one day be realized by all of our citizens gave African American men and women the same sense of duty and love of country that led them to shed blood in every war we have ever fought, to invest hard-earned resources in their communities with the hope of self empowerment, and to pass the ideals of this great land down to their children and grandchildren.
As we mark National African American History Month, we should take note of this special moment in our Nation's history and the actors who worked so diligently to deliver us to this place. One such organization is the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People -- the NAACP -- which this year will witness 100 years of service to the Nation on February 12. Because of their work, including the contributions of those luminaries on the front lines and great advocates behind the scenes, we as a Nation were able to take the dramatic steps we have in recent history.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2009 as National African American History Month. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities,and programs that raise awareness and appreciation of African American history.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
BARACK OBAMA
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thousands of Faith Organizations to Participate in National Celebrations of Children's Sabbaths®
Children's Defense Fund's sponsors the 17th annual Observance
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Thousands of faith communities across the country will take part in the Children's Defense Fund's (CDF) 17th annual National Observance of Children's Sabbaths® Celebration beginning October 17 through the end of the month. The theme of this year’s Children’s Sabbaths, which asks “When Will We Hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Call to End Poverty America?" will be carried out through the service of worship and prayers.
Churches, synagogues, mosques, Buddhist and Bahá'í communities and other places of worship will hold special services and education programs using CDF's National Observance of Children's Sabbaths Manual as a guide. The manual includes resources for worship services, educational programs, direct service activities and social justice initiatives to guide faith communities in year-round child and family advocacy and in celebrating the Children's Sabbaths weekend.
"Though every Children's Sabbath celebration is unique, they all come together as a unified prophetic voice to nurture, protect and advocate for all children in America," said Matt Rosen, Children's Defense Fund Deputy Director of Religious Action. "Participating religious communities continue the strong tradition of engaging in social justice by joining this powerful movement. Every step the faith community takes to improve the lives of its children will improve the lives of every one of us."
The multi-faith National Observance of Children's Sabbaths Celebrations are sponsored by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Children's Defense Fund and supported by Catholic Charities U.S.A, the Islamic Society of Northern America, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá'ís in the U.S., the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, the Union for Reform Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and more than 200 religious organizations and denominations.
Children's Defense Fund's sponsors the 17th annual Observance
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Thousands of faith communities across the country will take part in the Children's Defense Fund's (CDF) 17th annual National Observance of Children's Sabbaths® Celebration beginning October 17 through the end of the month. The theme of this year’s Children’s Sabbaths, which asks “When Will We Hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Call to End Poverty America?" will be carried out through the service of worship and prayers.
Churches, synagogues, mosques, Buddhist and Bahá'í communities and other places of worship will hold special services and education programs using CDF's National Observance of Children's Sabbaths Manual as a guide. The manual includes resources for worship services, educational programs, direct service activities and social justice initiatives to guide faith communities in year-round child and family advocacy and in celebrating the Children's Sabbaths weekend.
"Though every Children's Sabbath celebration is unique, they all come together as a unified prophetic voice to nurture, protect and advocate for all children in America," said Matt Rosen, Children's Defense Fund Deputy Director of Religious Action. "Participating religious communities continue the strong tradition of engaging in social justice by joining this powerful movement. Every step the faith community takes to improve the lives of its children will improve the lives of every one of us."
The multi-faith National Observance of Children's Sabbaths Celebrations are sponsored by the nonprofit, nonpartisan Children's Defense Fund and supported by Catholic Charities U.S.A, the Islamic Society of Northern America, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá'ís in the U.S., the Sikh Council on Religion and Education, the Union for Reform Judaism, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and more than 200 religious organizations and denominations.
Monday, September 8, 2008
ANDREW YOUNG KEYNOTES DIVERSITY AND INTERFAITH SUMMIT
Andrew Young is Keynote Speaker for the 2008 National Diversity and Interfaith Summit in September 10-13 in Huntsville, Alabama. The three and a half day summit on "Globalizing Human Values--Resolving Conflict in a Pluralistic World" will bring together will include a series of lectures, panel discussions and breakout sessions.
This 3 and 1/2 day summit brings individuals together from across the country for lectures, panel discussions and breakout sessions addressing human values from different faith and cultural perspectives.
Young, the former U.S. Congressman and former Mayor of Atlanta, also will be featured at a reception. The long-time champion of civil rights and is namesake of Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.
Other Summit speakers include well-known experts in the fields of human values, diversity and spirituality:
*William Miller, author and internationally recognized expert on values-driven innovation for businesses;
* Debra Miller, co-founder of the Global Dharma Center which focuses on spirituality in leadership and work;
*Professor Yehezkel Landau, lecturer on Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations and Middle East peace issues;
*Elizabeth Kiss, president of Agnes Scott College, former founding director of the Kenan Institute;
*Dr. K.L.Sheshagiri Rao, chief editor, Encyclopedia Hinduism, Professor Emeritus at University of Virginia;
*Deborah Levine, editor of the American Diversity Report, Founder of the Women's Council on Diversity;
*Cynthia McCollum, president of the National League of Cities. Additional speakers will represent the National Holocaust Museum, Aga Khan Foundation and the Interfaith Youth Corp.
"Over time, we've gotten away from human values in our lives," said Laj Utreja, chair of the Summit. "Those in power have sought more and more while showing less and less regard for the other person -- leading to misunderstandings, and social and economic disparities. Before we reach the tipping point, we want to reintroduce the practice of human values in our conduct in business, in education, and at home."
The event is sponsored by Interfaith Mission Service, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama Faith Council, One Huntsville Diversity Coalition, and Multicultural Center.
Since 1969, Interfaith Mission Service has united congregations and communities of many beliefs and traditions including Baha'i, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Unitarian, Church of Religious Science, Buddhism, Hinduism, and New Thought. This Huntsville, Alabama organization is based on the philosophy that diversity should be celebrated, and that working together, people of faith can meet community needs that individual congregations may find difficult to address on their own.
Andrew Young is Keynote Speaker for the 2008 National Diversity and Interfaith Summit in September 10-13 in Huntsville, Alabama. The three and a half day summit on "Globalizing Human Values--Resolving Conflict in a Pluralistic World" will bring together will include a series of lectures, panel discussions and breakout sessions.
This 3 and 1/2 day summit brings individuals together from across the country for lectures, panel discussions and breakout sessions addressing human values from different faith and cultural perspectives.
Young, the former U.S. Congressman and former Mayor of Atlanta, also will be featured at a reception. The long-time champion of civil rights and is namesake of Andrew Young School of Policy Studies.
Other Summit speakers include well-known experts in the fields of human values, diversity and spirituality:
*William Miller, author and internationally recognized expert on values-driven innovation for businesses;
* Debra Miller, co-founder of the Global Dharma Center which focuses on spirituality in leadership and work;
*Professor Yehezkel Landau, lecturer on Jewish-Christian-Muslim relations and Middle East peace issues;
*Elizabeth Kiss, president of Agnes Scott College, former founding director of the Kenan Institute;
*Dr. K.L.Sheshagiri Rao, chief editor, Encyclopedia Hinduism, Professor Emeritus at University of Virginia;
*Deborah Levine, editor of the American Diversity Report, Founder of the Women's Council on Diversity;
*Cynthia McCollum, president of the National League of Cities. Additional speakers will represent the National Holocaust Museum, Aga Khan Foundation and the Interfaith Youth Corp.
"Over time, we've gotten away from human values in our lives," said Laj Utreja, chair of the Summit. "Those in power have sought more and more while showing less and less regard for the other person -- leading to misunderstandings, and social and economic disparities. Before we reach the tipping point, we want to reintroduce the practice of human values in our conduct in business, in education, and at home."
The event is sponsored by Interfaith Mission Service, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama Faith Council, One Huntsville Diversity Coalition, and Multicultural Center.
Since 1969, Interfaith Mission Service has united congregations and communities of many beliefs and traditions including Baha'i, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Unitarian, Church of Religious Science, Buddhism, Hinduism, and New Thought. This Huntsville, Alabama organization is based on the philosophy that diversity should be celebrated, and that working together, people of faith can meet community needs that individual congregations may find difficult to address on their own.
National Baptist Convention, USA
takes on questions about Moral Decisions
What are the imperatives that guide all moral decisions? What are the lenses through which we look, the framework around which we build in order to come to ways of thinking and acting that are in conformity with and acceptable to the will of God for us and all of God’s creation?
These are among the questions that will be raised by Dr. William J. Shaw, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA in an address at the 128th Annual Session in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 8-12 at the Duke Energy Center.
“The primary reference to morals is not to the misbehavior of Church persons,” said Shaw, whose address represents the third of four annual themes—Message, Music, Morals and Mission. Shaw points out that much of current religious and popular culture in America defines morality as dealing essentially with issue of abortion, same sex behavior, and babies born outside of marriage. “But are these the only arenas of moral attention,” he asks.
Dr. Shaw suggests otherwise. “The law surely sets standards for conduct—specific prohibitions and sometimes prescriptions for actions. But law is rarely comprehensive enough to cover all areas AND deals really and only with actions, not attitudes.”
In his convention speech Dr. Shaw seeks to answer questions like: “Are the arenas of justice, of economic securities and sufficiency of corporate or individual greed outside the domain of morality? How does the faith of the church speak to theses matters, informing our conscience and guiding our behavior?
Dr. Shaw says the “love ethic” is the basis of moral decision-making. It makes morality become more than a matter of lifeless, limited legality. “It becomes a powerful dynamic that keeps us alert to the connectedness, the relatedness of all of our lives and decisions. Through this connectedness and relatedness we experience true and full life, a growing, expansive life.
Pointing out that the supreme model of God’s love for us is revealed in the crucified Christ, Dr. Shaw says, “I pray that we will be challenged to look at the moral life through the lens of God’s love.”
He concludes that “As Baptists, we believe that the Bible is the Word of God and the Jesus is the Word made flesh. We believe that the Bible is the norm for faith and practice and that Jesus is the full revelation of the heart and mind of God towards and for all.
“Jesus presented the love ethic—love the Lord your God with the totality of yourself and love others as yourselves—as the greatest and summary imperative of all righteousness. The love ethic becomes the lens through which we see more clearly the totality of scripture, of how we relate to God and to one another in a fashion that affirms the primacy of God in our lives and decisions.”
Pointing out that the supreme model of God’s love for us is revealed in the crucified Christ, Dr. Shaw says, “I pray that we will be challenged to look at the moral life through the lens of God’s love.”
###
takes on questions about Moral Decisions
What are the imperatives that guide all moral decisions? What are the lenses through which we look, the framework around which we build in order to come to ways of thinking and acting that are in conformity with and acceptable to the will of God for us and all of God’s creation?
These are among the questions that will be raised by Dr. William J. Shaw, President of the National Baptist Convention, USA in an address at the 128th Annual Session in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sept. 8-12 at the Duke Energy Center.
“The primary reference to morals is not to the misbehavior of Church persons,” said Shaw, whose address represents the third of four annual themes—Message, Music, Morals and Mission. Shaw points out that much of current religious and popular culture in America defines morality as dealing essentially with issue of abortion, same sex behavior, and babies born outside of marriage. “But are these the only arenas of moral attention,” he asks.
Dr. Shaw suggests otherwise. “The law surely sets standards for conduct—specific prohibitions and sometimes prescriptions for actions. But law is rarely comprehensive enough to cover all areas AND deals really and only with actions, not attitudes.”
In his convention speech Dr. Shaw seeks to answer questions like: “Are the arenas of justice, of economic securities and sufficiency of corporate or individual greed outside the domain of morality? How does the faith of the church speak to theses matters, informing our conscience and guiding our behavior?
Dr. Shaw says the “love ethic” is the basis of moral decision-making. It makes morality become more than a matter of lifeless, limited legality. “It becomes a powerful dynamic that keeps us alert to the connectedness, the relatedness of all of our lives and decisions. Through this connectedness and relatedness we experience true and full life, a growing, expansive life.
Pointing out that the supreme model of God’s love for us is revealed in the crucified Christ, Dr. Shaw says, “I pray that we will be challenged to look at the moral life through the lens of God’s love.”
He concludes that “As Baptists, we believe that the Bible is the Word of God and the Jesus is the Word made flesh. We believe that the Bible is the norm for faith and practice and that Jesus is the full revelation of the heart and mind of God towards and for all.
“Jesus presented the love ethic—love the Lord your God with the totality of yourself and love others as yourselves—as the greatest and summary imperative of all righteousness. The love ethic becomes the lens through which we see more clearly the totality of scripture, of how we relate to God and to one another in a fashion that affirms the primacy of God in our lives and decisions.”
Pointing out that the supreme model of God’s love for us is revealed in the crucified Christ, Dr. Shaw says, “I pray that we will be challenged to look at the moral life through the lens of God’s love.”
###
Monday, August 25, 2008
More Americans Question Religion's Role in Politics :
Views of conservatives now more in line with those of moderates and liberals on this issue
Washington, D.C.— Churches and other houses of worship should keep out of political matters and not express their views on day-to-day social and political matters, according to a new national survey.
The survey of 2,905 adults was conducted from July 31-Aug. 10 by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Findings reveal that some Americans are having a change of heart about mixing religion and politics. Most of the reconsideration has occurred among conservatives. Today 50 percent of conservatives express the view that churches and other houses of worship should stay out of politics, compared to just 30 percent four years ago.
The study also found that previously existing sharp divisions between Republicans and Democrats on the issue have disappeared. Since 2004 the percentage of respondents saying they are uncomfortable when they hear politicians speaking about how religious they are has increased from 40 percent to 46 percent.
While the Republican Party is most often seen as the party friendly toward religion, the Democratic Party has made gains in this area,” the study found. Specifically, nearly four-in-ten or 38 percent now say the Democratic Party is generally friendly toward religion, up from just 26 percent two years ago. At the same time, considerably more people, namely 52 percent, continue to view the GOP as friendly toward religion.
The survey also finds increasing numbers of Americans believing that religiously defined ideological groups have too much control over the parties themselves. Nearly half of the respondents, or 48 percent, say religious conservatives have too much influence over the Republican Party, up from 43 percent in August 2007. At the same time, more people say that liberals who are not religious, (43 percent) have too much sway over the Democrats than did so last year (37 percent). Other findings and the complete survey are available at http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=334
Meanwhile, a recent survey conducted by Wilson Research Strategies found that more than half of the Christians in America believe religious freedom should be a high priority in crafting U.S. foreign policy.
The study shows that 96 percent of respondents believe strongly that religious freedom is a basic human right, and that more than eight in 10 believe it is a very important basic right.
"The findings of this study demonstrate that Senators McCain and Obama must address the issue of religious freedom in their foreign policy positions if they are intent on winning the vote of faithful Christians," said Carl Moeller, president and chief executive officer of Open Doors USA.
"Open Doors commissioned this study to try to understand what Christians in America feel about religious freedom. Clearly, it is a priority,” said Moeller.
Among respondents 54 percent of U.S. Christians polled consider religious freedom an important issue in making U.S. foreign policy, according to the survey commissioned by Open Doors USA, a Christian ministry that has served persecuted Christians around the globe for more than half a century.
“The persecution of Christians in the world today is on the rise, with an estimated 100 million suffering some sort of repression and even death for their faith," Moeller said.*
The study also found that this issue is a high priority for those who attend church most frequently (60 percent) compared with those Christians who never attend (40 percent). Those who feel most strongly about the issue are women who frequently attend church. Ninety-one percent believe it is a very important issue.
The strongest support among Christian groups came from Baptists, Lutherans, nondenominational/independent churches, and charismatics. The weakest group support came from Catholics, Presbyterians and Episcopalians. Of special interest is the finding that 98 percent of frequent listeners to Christian radio believe strongly that religious freedom is a basic human right.
Respondents did not believe that direct intervention should form our religious freedom foreign policy. Instead, they favored the U.S. using more indirect policies, such as economic sanctions (20 percent) and diplomatic measures to pressure persecuting regimes rather than having the U.S. directly intervene. See full study at http://www.opendoorusa.org/.
Wilson Research Strategies was commissioned to conduct a research study of 1,000 Christian adults nationwide. A sample of 1,000 has a margin of error of ±3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The study was conducted by telephone May 27-29, 2008. This sampling represents 72 percent of the United States population, which is equal to roughly 150.5 million people who call themselves Christians. Christians in this study were defined as people who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that by believing that He died for their sins they have eternal life. All respondents were contacted via Random Digit Dialing methodology. The sample was stratified by key demographics, including age, gender and area in order to representatively measure the United States' Christian population at large.
*An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to their website at http://www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Views of conservatives now more in line with those of moderates and liberals on this issue
Washington, D.C.— Churches and other houses of worship should keep out of political matters and not express their views on day-to-day social and political matters, according to a new national survey.
The survey of 2,905 adults was conducted from July 31-Aug. 10 by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press. Findings reveal that some Americans are having a change of heart about mixing religion and politics. Most of the reconsideration has occurred among conservatives. Today 50 percent of conservatives express the view that churches and other houses of worship should stay out of politics, compared to just 30 percent four years ago.
The study also found that previously existing sharp divisions between Republicans and Democrats on the issue have disappeared. Since 2004 the percentage of respondents saying they are uncomfortable when they hear politicians speaking about how religious they are has increased from 40 percent to 46 percent.
While the Republican Party is most often seen as the party friendly toward religion, the Democratic Party has made gains in this area,” the study found. Specifically, nearly four-in-ten or 38 percent now say the Democratic Party is generally friendly toward religion, up from just 26 percent two years ago. At the same time, considerably more people, namely 52 percent, continue to view the GOP as friendly toward religion.
The survey also finds increasing numbers of Americans believing that religiously defined ideological groups have too much control over the parties themselves. Nearly half of the respondents, or 48 percent, say religious conservatives have too much influence over the Republican Party, up from 43 percent in August 2007. At the same time, more people say that liberals who are not religious, (43 percent) have too much sway over the Democrats than did so last year (37 percent). Other findings and the complete survey are available at http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=334
Meanwhile, a recent survey conducted by Wilson Research Strategies found that more than half of the Christians in America believe religious freedom should be a high priority in crafting U.S. foreign policy.
The study shows that 96 percent of respondents believe strongly that religious freedom is a basic human right, and that more than eight in 10 believe it is a very important basic right.
"The findings of this study demonstrate that Senators McCain and Obama must address the issue of religious freedom in their foreign policy positions if they are intent on winning the vote of faithful Christians," said Carl Moeller, president and chief executive officer of Open Doors USA.
"Open Doors commissioned this study to try to understand what Christians in America feel about religious freedom. Clearly, it is a priority,” said Moeller.
Among respondents 54 percent of U.S. Christians polled consider religious freedom an important issue in making U.S. foreign policy, according to the survey commissioned by Open Doors USA, a Christian ministry that has served persecuted Christians around the globe for more than half a century.
“The persecution of Christians in the world today is on the rise, with an estimated 100 million suffering some sort of repression and even death for their faith," Moeller said.*
The study also found that this issue is a high priority for those who attend church most frequently (60 percent) compared with those Christians who never attend (40 percent). Those who feel most strongly about the issue are women who frequently attend church. Ninety-one percent believe it is a very important issue.
The strongest support among Christian groups came from Baptists, Lutherans, nondenominational/independent churches, and charismatics. The weakest group support came from Catholics, Presbyterians and Episcopalians. Of special interest is the finding that 98 percent of frequent listeners to Christian radio believe strongly that religious freedom is a basic human right.
Respondents did not believe that direct intervention should form our religious freedom foreign policy. Instead, they favored the U.S. using more indirect policies, such as economic sanctions (20 percent) and diplomatic measures to pressure persecuting regimes rather than having the U.S. directly intervene. See full study at http://www.opendoorusa.org/.
Wilson Research Strategies was commissioned to conduct a research study of 1,000 Christian adults nationwide. A sample of 1,000 has a margin of error of ±3.1 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. The study was conducted by telephone May 27-29, 2008. This sampling represents 72 percent of the United States population, which is equal to roughly 150.5 million people who call themselves Christians. Christians in this study were defined as people who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that by believing that He died for their sins they have eternal life. All respondents were contacted via Random Digit Dialing methodology. The sample was stratified by key demographics, including age, gender and area in order to representatively measure the United States' Christian population at large.
*An estimated 100 million Christians worldwide suffer interrogation, arrest and even death for their faith in Christ, with millions more facing discrimination and alienation. Open Doors supports and strengthens believers in the world's most difficult areas through Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy on behalf of suffering believers. To partner with Open Doors USA, call toll free at 888-5-BIBLE-5 (888-524-2535) or go to their website at http://www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Thursday, July 31, 2008
LCMS Black Ministry Convocation Held in D.C. area in July
LCMSNews
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod will convene its Black Ministry Family Convocation at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Va. July 31 to August 3 under the theme “Radiating the Flame” from Jeremiah 20:9. The convocation, which is expected to attract more than 600 participants, will include daily worships services, business sessions, inspirational messages and performances by Lutheran choirs and musicians.
This is the first Black Ministry Family Convocation to be held in the Washington, D.C., area, even though the nation’s capital is rich in African American history and has a strong LCMS Black-ministry population, according to Dr. Phillip Campbell, executive director of the Board for Black Ministry Services, which sponsors the biennial gatherings.
Workshop topics include: Loving Parents, Loving Dads, Conversational Evangelism, Vacant—and Still Ablaze, Walking the Talk: Lessons in Outreach, The Role of a Deaconess, and Addressing Conflict and Disagreements in the Church Family
Worship services will be led by Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab, national director for new mission fields development with LCMS World Mission, and Dr. Frazier Odom, mentor pastor of Great Commission Lutheran Church in St. Louis.
Keynote speaker for the four-day convocation is Gill Hill, former president of the Detroit City Council and a former Detroit police detective who played the role of Inspector Todd in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films. LCMS First Vice President William Diekelman, will speak on the convocation theme and bring words of encouragement to participants.
Comedian Sean Sarvis of Fort Washington, Md., and a dance and drama troupe from Peace Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C., will provide entertainment at the Friday night banquet.
A separate youth program for junior-high and high-school students will offer Bible studies, fellowship activities, and a trip to Six Flags amusement park in Largo, Md.
Pre-convocation sessions for educators, Black ministry district leaders, and pastors serving Black ministries will be offered July 30-31.
For more information, or to register online, visit the Board for Black Ministry Services Web site at http://blackministry.lcms.org/. Or, contact the Synod's Black Ministry office in St. Louis at (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1751, or black.ministry@lcms.org mailto:black.ministry@lcms.org .
Dr. Phillip A. Campbell
Executive Director
Board for Black Ministry Services
Dr. Campbell's primary focus is the expansion of Black Ministry in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.Campbell holds a BA in Philosophy from Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, IN; a Masters in Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO; and a Doctorate in Divinity from Howard University, Washington, DC.
He has written two books--Future Family, Ethical Directives f or African Americans and Others, and "Dare to Dream, Dare to Do."Campbell, who has received many honors and awards, has served in urban parishes for more than 20 years: Berea Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD; Our Savior Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, IN; and St. John Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI.
He has also served as instructor of philosophy at Coppin State College, Baltimore, MD; Martin Center University, Indianapolis, IN; Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI; and also Systematic Theology instructor for Concordia Theological Seminary's Delto program at Concordia College, Selma, AL.
Rev. Campbell and his wife Rose have three sons, Phillip, Yari and Matthew and three beautiful granddaughters, Ariel, Zenia and Kiuanna.
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod will convene its Black Ministry Family Convocation at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Va. July 31 to August 3 under the theme “Radiating the Flame” from Jeremiah 20:9. The convocation, which is expected to attract more than 600 participants, will include daily worships services, business sessions, inspirational messages and performances by Lutheran choirs and musicians.
This is the first Black Ministry Family Convocation to be held in the Washington, D.C., area, even though the nation’s capital is rich in African American history and has a strong LCMS Black-ministry population, according to Dr. Phillip Campbell, executive director of the Board for Black Ministry Services, which sponsors the biennial gatherings.
Workshop topics include: Loving Parents, Loving Dads, Conversational Evangelism, Vacant—and Still Ablaze, Walking the Talk: Lessons in Outreach, The Role of a Deaconess, and Addressing Conflict and Disagreements in the Church Family
Worship services will be led by Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab, national director for new mission fields development with LCMS World Mission, and Dr. Frazier Odom, mentor pastor of Great Commission Lutheran Church in St. Louis.
Keynote speaker for the four-day convocation is Gill Hill, former president of the Detroit City Council and a former Detroit police detective who played the role of Inspector Todd in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films. LCMS First Vice President William Diekelman, will speak on the convocation theme and bring words of encouragement to participants.
Comedian Sean Sarvis of Fort Washington, Md., and a dance and drama troupe from Peace Lutheran Church, Washington, D.C., will provide entertainment at the Friday night banquet.
A separate youth program for junior-high and high-school students will offer Bible studies, fellowship activities, and a trip to Six Flags amusement park in Largo, Md.
Pre-convocation sessions for educators, Black ministry district leaders, and pastors serving Black ministries will be offered July 30-31.
For more information, or to register online, visit the Board for Black Ministry Services Web site at http://blackministry.lcms.org/. Or, contact the Synod's Black Ministry office in St. Louis at (800) 248-1930, Ext. 1751, or black.ministry@lcms.org mailto:black.ministry@lcms.org .
Dr. Phillip A. Campbell
Executive Director
Board for Black Ministry Services
Dr. Campbell's primary focus is the expansion of Black Ministry in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.Campbell holds a BA in Philosophy from Concordia Senior College, Ft. Wayne, IN; a Masters in Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO; and a Doctorate in Divinity from Howard University, Washington, DC.
He has written two books--Future Family, Ethical Directives f or African Americans and Others, and "Dare to Dream, Dare to Do."Campbell, who has received many honors and awards, has served in urban parishes for more than 20 years: Berea Lutheran Church, Baltimore, MD; Our Savior Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, IN; and St. John Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI.
He has also served as instructor of philosophy at Coppin State College, Baltimore, MD; Martin Center University, Indianapolis, IN; Concordia University, Ann Arbor, MI; and also Systematic Theology instructor for Concordia Theological Seminary's Delto program at Concordia College, Selma, AL.
Rev. Campbell and his wife Rose have three sons, Phillip, Yari and Matthew and three beautiful granddaughters, Ariel, Zenia and Kiuanna.
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