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KPCC News In Brief
Posts about "Religion/Spirituality" Category
Monsignor says he believes his house survived Jesusita Fire
About 200 people stayed at the Dos Pueblos High School evacuation center in Goleta last night. Among them was Monsignor John Christopher Yanek, who's retired from the clergy.
He was forced to leave his craftsman-style house at Foothill and Mission Canyon Road in Santa Barbara. Yanek says he believes his house survived the fire, despite the fact that it's made of 100-year-old wood.
John Christopher Yanek: "The fire came down the hill, we lost our garage with the granny unit above, but miraculously the fire split and went around the house on either side and spared the main house with the chapel inside."
Yanek says that earlier this week he observed the Feast of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters.
- May 8, 2009 3:46 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality, Environment
Clergy abuse lawsuit filed against LA Roman Catholic archdiocese
Los Angeles' Roman Catholic Archdiocese is facing another civil lawsuit that alleges clergy sexual abuse. The priest named in this suit has already been convicted. He's spent time behind bars and he's been deported to his native Colombia.
Lawyers for the victim are suing the Catholic Church in Los Angeles and in Rome. Attorney John Manly told reporters that church officials should have known the priest was a pedophile before the Vatican sent him to Los Angeles.
John Manly: "We want to know what they knew before they sent him here. We want to know what the archdiocese knew. This guy does not just get here and get caught.
"He was here for a couple of years. He was taking this boy in the rectory. He was taking him on trips. He was taking other boys. He was spending all his time with boys. And they knew. And they did nothing."
The Los Angeles Archdiocese hasn't returned a call for comment. A jury convicted Reverend Fernando Lopez-Lopez of molesting several boys. The victim in this case was 14 when the abuse happened; he's 21 years old now.
- May 7, 2009 4:21 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Newport Beach Episcopal church takes property case to Supreme Court
A Newport Beach congregation that split from the Los Angeles Episcopal Diocese wants the U.S. Supreme Court to decide who owns the parish's property. KPCC's Frank Stoltze has more.
Frank Stoltze: St. James Church left the diocese five years ago after the Episcopal Church consecrated a gay bishop in New Hampshire. The congregation took church property with it.
In January, the state supreme court ruled that the property belonged to the Episcopal diocese. Later, the court modified its opinion and effectively sent the case back to an Orange County trial judge.
Lawyers for St. James say they'll ask the U.S. Supreme Court to decide the issue. Chapman University Law School dean John Eastman, who's representing St. James, said the question of who owns church property should be settled nationwide before local cases go to trial.
Three other breakaway parishes in Southern California face similar issues. They're All Saints of Long Beach, St. David's in North Hollywood, and St. Luke's of the Mountain Church in La Crescenta.
- May 5, 2009 7:12 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Muslim leader Dr. Hassan Hathout dies
A funeral service took place today for Dr. Hassan Hathout, a prominent Muslim leader in the Southland. KPCC's Brian Watt reports.
Brian Watt: For 20 years Doctor Hathout, a devout Muslim, worked at the Islamic Center of Southern California to build bridges between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. He also co-founded the Interfaith Council of Southern California.
Doctor Hathout was born in Egypt 84 years ago. He studied medicine in Scotland and taught in Kuwait before he emigrated to the United States in the 1980s.
He co-founded the International Organization of Medical Sciences. The group provides guidance to religious and secular professionals on controversial medical issues including abortion and genetic engineering.
Hathout's Web site calls him a physician, ethicist, and poet, a man of God, and a man of love.
Eleven years ago, he delivered the sermon at the first White House celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Dr. Hassan Hathout died Saturday at his home in Pasadena.
Link: Dr. Hassan Hathout
Link: Islamic Center of Southern California
- April 27, 2009 4:33 PM
- Categories: History, Religion/Spirituality
Dog owner talks about what annual animal blessing means to her
The annual blessing of the animals at Olvera Street near downtown Los Angeles is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Landscape designer Katherine Parra plans to take Miles, her one-and-a-half year old silver miniature poodle. From her L.A. studio Parra spoke with KPCC's Patricia Nazario about what the blessing means to her.
Katherine Parra: "This is the design room, the drafting table, the drawing table. Back over in here, I have all my reference books. [She calls dog] Miles. Good boy.
"You know, if I'm having a bad day, Miles, he's just come sit down next to me or lay down next to me and leans up against me, as if he could say, "I'm here. I'm supporting you. It's OK. Pet me!"
"The value for me in having him blessed is our animals are so special to us. They love us so much. Even though he might not know what's happening on Saturday by being blessed, to me it's like saying this is how much I love you and how much I cherish your companionship and your time with me.
"I think the microphone reminds him of his stuff toy, so he wants to tear all the stuffing out." [Sound of dog attacking mic]
Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony is scheduled to deliver the blessings at the 79th annual procession of animals. The 2 o'clock event will start with a cow wearing colorful flowers. It starts the parade, because tradition says that of all the animals, the cow gives the most to humanity.
- April 10, 2009 3:59 PM
- Categories: Arts, Religion/Spirituality
79th annual Blessing of the Animals to be held Saturday
The 79th annual Blessing of the Animals at Olvera Street near downtown Los Angeles is scheduled for tomorrow.
L.A. landscape designer Katherine Parra plans to take her one-and-a-half year old miniature poodle Miles. Parra referred to the Old Testament story of Noah to explain why she wants to honor her pet this way.
Katherine Parra: "Why were the animals saved on the ark then? What was the point if they don't have a place? It isn't just to serve us. It's also for companionship. So, no, I don't think it's going too far at all to have your animals blessed, any animal."
The event will start at 2 tomorrow afternoon with a parade led by a cow wearing colorful flowers. Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony is scheduled to deliver the blessings.
- April 10, 2009 3:04 PM
- Categories: Arts, Religion/Spirituality
Investigators piece together motive behind fatal Korean religious retreat shooting
Investigators are piecing together the motive behind a fatal shooting last night at a Korean religious retreat near Temecula. KPCC's Steve Julian says the suspect was well known among the guests.
Steve Julian: Police say the man who shot two people, killing a woman, is in his early 70s and called Uncle by many at the center. It's not yet clear why he allegedly shot two people and got into a fight with another couple, but it was that fight that injured the suspect, who's now hospitalized.
Officers were stymied by a language barrier when they arrived at the Korean Retreat Camp in Temecula, about an hour's drive north of San Diego. The campground is one of four U.S. branches of the Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus, a Roman Catholic organization that serves the poor and homeless. It's in a rural part of southern Riverside County in a region known for its wine production.
- April 8, 2009 12:10 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Shooting at Korean Christian Center leaves 1 dead, others injured
A shooting last night at a Korean Christian Center in southern Riverside County has left one person dead and a few others injured. KPCC's Steve Julian says investigators are working to figure out the motive.
Steve Julian: The center is a mile up a winding road near Temecula, known as one of California's prominent wine regions. Officers found one woman dead of gunshot wounds and a man who'd been shot and who's now hospitalized.
Inside another lodging trailer, police say they found a couple whose injuries were consistent with defending themselves. It was here, officers say, where the suspect was injured. He's in his early 70s, well known at the center – many people there call him Uncle.
The retreat is one of four U.S. branches of the Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus, a Roman Catholic organization dedicated to serving the poor and homeless. It was founded in 1976 in South Korea. The retreat is about 85 miles southeast of Los Angeles in Riverside County.
- April 8, 2009 12:08 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
President appoints Southland minister to faith-based advisory council
President Obama has appointed a prominent Southland minister to his advisory council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. KPCC's Cheryl Devall says Bishop Charles Blake leads one of Los Angeles' largest African-American congregations.
Cheryl Devall: About 24,000 people call West Angeles Church of God in Christ their spiritual home. In the 40 years that Charles Blake has headed the congregation, he's expanded its ministries that include a day school, prison outreach, and a bookstore.
Blake also supervised the construction of the West Angeles Cathedral on Crenshaw Boulevard in South L.A. In addition, he's the presiding bishop of the 6 million member Church of God in Christ, a Memphis-based Pentecostal denomination.
For a one-year term, Blake will join 24 other religious and nonprofit leaders to advise President Barack Obama's faith-based initiatives. President George W. Bush established the office to lower the legal and institutional barriers that prevented government and faith-based groups from working as partners. Through the office, the Obama administration plans to emphasize neighborhood and religious leaders' advancement of federal anti-poverty efforts.
- April 6, 2009 3:19 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Cardinal Mahony testifies in clergy sexual abuse case
Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony of Los Angeles made a rare court appearance yesterday. He testified in a clergy sexual abuse case in Fresno. KPCC's Steve Julian has more.
Steve Julian: Two brothers – George and Howard Santillan – sued the central California diocese over abuse they claim happened from 1959 through 1973. During many of those years, Mahony was a high ranking administrator in Fresno – and he supervised the accused priest and had access to secret files.
The brothers claim now-Monsignor Anthony Herdegen molested them in his bedroom; their attorney claimed Herdegen's housekeeper knew the boys were alone with the priest. Cardinal Mahony testified that he could not recall any allegation of sexual abuse.
He added that the church, in those days, looked upon such occurrences as "spiritual failures." Now, he says, the church knows that's not an appropriate response. The U.S. Catholic church has paid out more than $2.6 billion in settlements related to molestation claims.
- March 18, 2009 10:25 AM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Roman Catholic cardinal testifies in sexual molestation case
Los Angeles' Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony testified today in a sexual abuse case in Fresno. Mahony is not a defendant in the case brought by two brothers who say a priest molested them repeatedly over 14 years.
Garance Burke, a reporter for the Associated Press, told KPCC's "Patt Morrison" that the cardinal had worked in Fresno for some of the years the plaintiffs claimed they were abused.
Garance Burke: "The cardinal has said that he knew nothing of sexual abuse during the time he was a high ranking administrator in the Fresno Diocese during the years that George and Howard Santillan claimed they were molested."
Mahony has testified only once before, 11 years ago, in a case related to clergy sexual abuse. A federal grand jury is investigating his and other Catholic leaders' handling of hundreds of abuse allegations in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
- March 17, 2009 4:14 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Joshua Tree area hosts indigenous spiritual conference
Spiritual leaders from around the globe are gathering in the desert near Palm Springs this weekend. KPCC's Steven Cuevas says they're there to examine the spiritual challenges facing the economy and the environment.
Steven Cuevas: Just what does it take to re-ignite our "divine connection" with Mother Earth's sacred cycles? Is our quest for more money and better technology severing our ties to humanity? Those just a couple of the heady spiritual conundrums a group of global sages will try to enlighten people about at the Interspiritual Conference in Joshua Tree.
The conference will feature healers and shamans representing ancient spiritual traditions from Mexico, Africa, the Pacific Islands, and elsewhere. Many believe the global economic crisis stems in part from a global spiritual crisis.
[Music: Lei'ohu Ryder singing]
Among those participating is Lei'ohu Ryder, a traditional Hawaiian singer and peace worker.
Lei'ohu Ryder: We are called in service to uplift humanity and life as one, and yes we are not denying that there are many things out there in our world that are catastrophic, that are pulling at life. But we are also here to remember that our stories as humanity have taught us to be one breath of life.
[Music: Lei'ohu Ryder singing]
Cuevas: The Interspiritual Conference runs through Sunday at the Joshua Tree Retreat and Wellness Center.
LINK: Interspiritual Conference
- March 13, 2009 5:41 PM
- Categories: Business/Economy, Environment, Religion/Spirituality
Scientist: State in a good position to move forward with stem cell research
California scientists say the state is well-positioned to take advantage of any new federal dollars for human embryonic stem-cell research. President Obama announced today he's lifting restrictions on federal backing for that research. KPCC's Frank Stoltze reports.
Frank Stoltze: Bob Klein of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine says lifting restrictions on human embryonic stem-cell research will help clear the way for collaboration with British scientists. He says those scientists are using embryonic stem cells to cure blindness in large animals.
Bob Klein: They are successfully curing blindness in these animals, so we would hope to collaborate with them and California institutions, and bring that research to U.S. human clinical trials at a much earlier date, perhaps as early as 2011.
Stoltze: Some conservative Christian groups remain opposed to the use of human embryonic stem cells for research. Carrie Gordon Earll of Focus on the Family compares such cells to human beings.
Carrie Gordon Earll: We have prisoners that are going to die anyway. They might make excellent research subjects. But we are not going to conduct experiments on them because they are members of the human family.
Stoltze: California is a leader in stem cell research. The state's Institute for Regenerative Medicine has provided close to $700 million for stem cell research since voters approved its launch three years ago.
- March 9, 2009 1:13 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality, Science/Technology
Pastor describes challenge posed by start of Daylight Saving Time
Saturday's the night: It's time to "spring forward" and set your clocks and watches ahead one hour before you go to bed. At 2 a.m. Sunday, Daylight Saving Time officially begins, adding an extra hour of daylight.
Reverend Richard Bentley, Pastor of First United Methodist Church in Alhambra, says at this time of year, he prays that everyone in his congregation gets the message.
Reverend Richard Bentley: "Years ago, we used to make a bigger deal of reminding them. These days, we just put it in the bulletin and hope that it all works out."
Before the federal Energy Policy Act of 2005, Daylight Saving used to begin on the first Sunday in April. Reverend Bentley says that made for some tense moments.
Bentley: "The biggest challenge I remember were the years when we'd… when it was Easter and you'd have like this 6 a.m. service and the time would change and you'd (laughs) have to get there at 5 and stand there and wondering if anybody was going to get there at all."
In case you're wondering, Daylight Saving Time is observed in every state except Arizona and Hawaii.
- March 6, 2009 5:36 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
Islamic group says FBI informant instigated rather than informed
The head of a Southern California Muslim group says he and other Muslims feel betrayed by allegations that the FBI used an informant to infiltrate Southern California mosques. Craig Monteilh claims the FBI paid him to identify and thwart terrorist operations in the Orange County Islamic community.
Hussam Ayloush is executive director of the Greater L.A. Council on American-Islamic Relations. He told KPCC's Larry Mantle that Monteilh was more instigator than informant.
Hussam Ayloush: "At a same time when we're promoting a partnership – with our law enforcement – for the sake for national security, our FBI were hiring shady characters and individuals to try to instigate against the Muslim community.
"And instigate acts of violence to ruin the reputation of the Muslim community. We feel very betrayed by this very unprofessional behavior."
Ayloush notes that Monteilh had been convicted of grand theft and forgery in the past. Monteilh claims he was gathering information on Ahmadullah Niazi.
He's an Afghan national who authorities arrested last week on charges of lying on documents about his alleged connections to terrorist groups. Niazi denies the charges. The FBI has not confirmed Monteih's claims.
- February 27, 2009 2:29 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Muslim group members angry at FBI over informant
A Muslim group says its members are angry and disillusioned with the FBI. The statement by the L.A. office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations follows allegations by an Irvine man that he functioned as a paid FBI informant at several Southern California mosques.
Craig Monteilh claims he recorded one man, Ahmadullah Niazi, talking about plans to blow up local buildings. But Jarir Saaeoun told KPCC's Larry Mantle that he used to attend an Irvine mosque with Monteilh – and he thinks the alleged informant was an instigator.
Jarir Saaeoun: "There's been, like, many times when he's come and asked about jihad and verses in the Koran, what do they mean, how can we implement them, and what sort of things like that."
Saeeoun also said he never heard Niazi make any kind of extremist comments. Authorities arrested Niazi, an Afghan national, last week, claiming that he'd lied on passport and citizenship applications about his alleged connections to terrorist groups.
Niazi has denied being a jihadist. He claims the FBI is retaliating against him because he refused to become an informant.
- February 27, 2009 2:21 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
LA church dedicates mass to Solis' nomination for Secretary of Labor
The nomination of Congresswoman Hilda Solis for Secretary of Labor is stalled in the Senate. During a mid-day Mass today, worshipers at downtown L.A.'s La Placita Catholic Church prayed for the process to move forward. KPCC's Brian Watt reports.
Brian Watt: Father Richard Estrada began the Spanish-language service by asking how many people knew Congresswoman Solis. Most in the crowd of a hundred raised their hands.
Once the praying and singing were over, two dozen parishioners phoned members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in Washington. Sixty-two-year-old Maria Luna of Boyle Heights placed one of the first calls to support the El Monte Congresswoman she's seen a lot at the church.
Maria Luna: She's working for a long time, for the poor, the workers, for the families, for the union of the families. She is very important person for us.
Watt: President Obama's nomination of Hilda Solis as his Labor Secretary hit a wall last week, when reports surfaced about tax liens against her husband's business. The congregants at La Placita say the Senate should focus on Solis' qualifications, not on her husband's tax troubles.
- February 10, 2009 5:38 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
LA church dedicates mass to Secretary of Labor-designate Solis
Parishioners at La Placita Catholic Church in downtown L.A. sent phone calls – and some prayers – to the U.S. Senate today The church dedicated its midday mass to the congresswoman Hilda Solis. The El Monte Democrat's nomination to be secretary of labor is stalled in the Senate.
When mass was over, two-dozen churchgoers and labor activists phoned members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. Father Richard Estrada says they should move ahead now with the Solis nomination.
Father Richard Estrada: "Our country is in dire need of a leader, especially in the field of employment, of jobs, of the worker. And as secretary of labor, I think that President Obama picked the right person."
Obama's nomination of Solis is held up in the Senate over concerns about her husband's tax problems.
- February 10, 2009 3:43 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
FCC Commissioner visits to explain digital TV transition delay
The big transition from analog to digital television was supposed to be complete next week. But Congress has voted to delay the deadline until June. That gave millions of households not yet ready for the switch four more months to buy new televisions, subscribe to cable or satellite TV, or buy digital-to-analog converter boxes.
Federal Communications Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein is touring the Southland to ask churches and neighborhood groups for help with preparing in more households for digital TV.
Jonathan Adelstein: "The government does not have in place a field operation to make sure that people that can't do this for themselves have help in their homes if they need it.
"Not everybody wants a stranger coming into their home. They trust members of their congregation, and that's a particularly good source of help for those that need it."
Adelstein spoke with pastors at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in South Los Angeles, and to more than 100 people at the West Covina Senior Center. He said Los Angeles is home to more over-the-air TV watchers – that is, viewers without cable or satellite – than any other city in the country.
- February 9, 2009 4:27 PM
- Categories: Arts, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Christian bikers stage economic crisis prayer crusade in Inland Empire
Thunderstorms won't be the only thing rumbling through the Inland Empire this weekend. More than a hundred Christian motorcycle riders will roar across local freeways in what they call a "praying procession" for the region's battered economy. KPCC's Steven Cuevas has details.
Steven Cuevas: It's the second time a coalition of Inland churches has hosted the "Ride and Pray" event. Bikers will fan out across the region from Riverside to Yucaipa delivering prayer and ministry to people in financial and emotional distress. Riders will wear t-shirts emblazoned with a message the churches have already been sending through a yard sign and billboard campaign.
Debbie Hornsby: It says, "Cast your cares on him, for he cares for you. Give your life to Jesus."
Cuevas: Pastor Debbie Hornsby is one of the ride's organizers.
Hornsby: I think our heart is just, that if we can get the word out there that Inland people are hurting, they'll begin to turn to churches and begin to say to their neighbor, 'Who has that yard sign? Y'know, I'm really struggling. What's that sign all about?" And then that opens the door for people to love them and share the gospel with them.
Cuevas: Sunday afternoon, "Ride and Pray" participants will steer their choppers into the Stater Bros. parking lot in Fontana for the 1:00 start. The lot is just off the 15 Freeway at Summit Avenue. There'll be six more rides through the summer.
- February 6, 2009 6:35 PM
- Categories: Business/Economy, Religion/Spirituality, Transportation
Cardinal puzzled by grand jury investigation reports
Cardinal Roger Mahony says he's puzzled by reports that he's under investigation. The Los Angeles Times reports that U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien has launched a federal grand jury investigation into the way L.A.'s Roman Catholic cardinal dealt with priests accused of sexual abuse.
Two sources told the Times that the investigation is looking into whether Mahony committed fraud by failing to remove the priests from direct contact with children. L.A. Archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg told KPCC's "AirTalk" he's frustrated by the leaks.
Tod Tamberg: "We kind of are wondering why this was done, who did it, what their purpose was, and none of us really know what the focus of this investigation is about."
Tamberg said the Archdiocese knew that subpoenas had been issued, but added that his understanding is that Mahony is not the target of the investigation.
The Times reports that authorities are seeking to use a federal statute that makes it illegal to scheme to deprive others of the "right of honest services." Under that theory, the idea is that Mahony was responsible for keeping children safe from abusive priests.
- January 29, 2009 4:17 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
US Attorney launches grand jury investigation of Catholic cardinal
The U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles has reportedly launched a federal grand jury investigation into Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony. But a spokesman for the L.A. Archdiocese is denying that Mahony is the target.
Two law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times that the investigation focuses on whether Mahony committed fraud by failing to adequately deal with priests who were accused of sexual abuse.
KPCC's Larry Mantle asked Archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg about Mahony's reaction to the report.
Tod Tamberg: "Well, the cardinal has said he's puzzled and I think I would add to that, there's a sense of frustration here in the way that this investigation has been brought to light."
In a statement yesterday, Mahony's attorney called for an internal investigation into the leak.
The Times reports that authorities are using a novel legal theory as part of their investigation. They're trying to determine whether Mahony deprived parishioners of the right to honest services. The federal statute usually applies to people who defraud others of money.
- January 29, 2009 4:11 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
L.A. Times: Federal fraud investigation targets Cardinal Roger Mahony, L.A. Archdiocese
The Los Angeles Times says the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles has launched a grand jury investigation into Cardinal Roger Mahony and the clergy sexual abuse scandal in the L.A. Archdiocese. KPCC's Nick Roman has more.
Nick Roman: The L.A. Times reports that federal prosecutors intend to pursue a novel legal theory in this case. They're looking into whether Cardinal Mahony committed fraud as he dealt with allegations of sexual abuse by priests.
Abuse victims have claimed for years that Mahony and others within the Roman Catholic Archdiocese covered up the scandal by moving priests from parish to parish. To get a criminal case into court, federal prosecutors would have to show that Mahony used mail or other communication to deprive Catholics in L.A. of "honest services."
The L.A. Times refers to information from two law enforcement sources who are familiar with the investigation, but who refused to speak on the record.
An attorney for the cardinal says federal prosecutors have contacted the Archdiocese. He says church officials will cooperate with them. He also says he's been told that Cardinal Mahony is not a target of the investigation.
LINK: L.A. Times article
- January 28, 2009 5:53 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Rabbi urges action against Holocaust-denying bishop
A prominent Los Angeles Jewish leader is urging Pope Benedict the 16th to quiet a controversial Roman Catholic bishop and to reaffirm the church's position on the Holocaust.
Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Wiesenthal Center today challenged British bishop Richard Williamson's assertion that the Nazis had not killed millions of Jews in gas chambers during World War II.
Rabbi Marvin Hier: "How ironic, in the same week when nations of the world gather to commemorate the extermination of the Jews, a bishop in the Catholic Church rises and says, 'It didn't happen.'"
Rabbi Hier was referring to the official commemoration of Holocaust Memorial Day tomorrow at the United Nations. Bishop Williamson made his remarks in a Swedish state TV interview last week, days before the pope reinstated him and three other traditionalist bishops the church had ex-communicated.
Since the controversy over the Holocaust denier arose, Pope Benedict defended that action but told the Vatican's official newspaper that the bishop's statements violate Catholic teaching.
- January 26, 2009 1:13 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
African Americans gather at church hall to watch Inauguration
Hundreds of African-Americans at First AME Church in South Los Angeles shared applause, laughter and cheers during President Barack Obama's Inauguration today. That was especially true as civil rights leader Reverend Joseph Lowery concluded his benediction. Here's the moment:
Reverend Joseph Lowery: "And in the joy of a new beginning, we ask you to help us work for that day when black would not have to get back. (Audience gasps) When brown can stick around. (Applause) When yellow will be mellow. (Laughter) When the Red Man can get ahead, man. (Cheers) And when White will embrace what is right. (Screams and applause) Will all those who do justice and love mercy say, "Amen."
Audience: "Amen."
Lowery: "Say Amen."
Audience: "Amen."
Lowery: "And Amen."
Audience: "Amen!"
Note: KPCC's Patricia Nazario captured the moment during this morning's prayer breakfast at First AME Church. Obama spoke at the iconic South L.A. congregation a year and a half ago… long before he'd become the Democratic Party's nominee. Back then he asked worshippers to help him win the White House.
- January 20, 2009 3:08 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Pastor Rick Warren counsels humility during inaugural invocation
Amid the celebration that marked President Barack Obama's Inauguration, Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren reminded those present not to lose sight of humility when they fall short.
Rick Warren: "When we focus on ourselves. When we fight each other and we forget you, forgive us. When we presume that our greatness and our prosperity is ours alone, forgive us. When we fail to treat our fellow human beings and all the earth with the respect that they deserve, forgive us."
The new president chose Warren, one of the country's most influential evangelical ministers, to offer the invocation after the two became friends during the long campaign for the White House.
- January 20, 2009 2:12 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren delivers inaugural invocation
The pastor of Orange County's Saddleback Church, Rick Warren, delivered the invocation at this morning's Inauguration.
Warren told the listening crowd that Barack Obama's election as the nation's first black president represents a "hingepoint of history."
Rick Warren: "We are so grateful to live in this land, a land of unequaled possibility where the son of an African immigrant can rise to the highest level of our leadership. And we know today that Dr. King and a cloud of witnesses are shouting in heaven."
Warren is a nationally known evangelical minister. He was a controversial choice to deliver the invocation. Gay rights and liberal groups have been upset at Warren over his support of Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage in California.
- January 20, 2009 2:01 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Orange County pastor Rick Warren will be in D.C. to give Inaugural invocation
Orange County Pastor Rick Warren will take center stage at Tuesday's presidential Inauguration when he offers the invocation. KPCC's Frank Stoltze reports.
Frank Stoltze: Warren heads Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, one of the largest evangelical congregations in the country. The 54-year-old pastor is unique among evangelical leaders in his call for Christians to work with people of other faiths on global poverty, AIDS, and climate change. In a recent talk, he compared himself with President-elect Barack Obama.
Rick Warren: The point I want to make is, here are two guys who said, "We have to restore civility to civilization." I don't know if you've noticed this or not, but the world is getting ruder. It's getting more hateful.
Stoltze: Some gay rights activists call Warren hateful for his opposition to same-sex marriage, and his reported refusal to allow gay men and lesbians to join his church. They say they'll wave rainbow flags in protest during his inaugural prayer.
- January 16, 2009 7:33 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Riverside County passes restrictions on public protesting in residential neighborhoods
Riverside County supervisors today unanimously approved an ordinance to limits protests outside a private residence. The action was inspired by a recent demonstration that targeted a secluded Church of Scientology complex near Hemet. KPCC's Steven Cuevas has more.
Steven Cuevas: Activists held the protest last October outside a gated Scientology compound called "Golden Era Productions." Security guards were seen on video roughing up a protestor after he walked onto edge of the property.
Critics claim the facility is an interrogation center for recalcitrant Scientology members. Scientology officials insist it's just the Church's media production wing, though some Scientologists do live there. They say the occasional protests infringe on their right to privacy.
Riverside County supervisors approved the measure as an "urgency" ordinance, so it'll take effect immediately. It bars protestors from getting within 50 feet of a targeted residence's property line. That would make public demonstrations near the Scientology compound nearly impossible. The main road that leads to it is surrounded on both sides by church-owned land. The church now says it'll allow protests inside a designated area outside the compound's front gates.
- January 6, 2009 6:02 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Orthodox Christians observe Christmas Wednesday
Christmas greetings! Your calendar is on the right page. For many Orthodox Christians in the Southland and across the country, this is Christmas Eve. KPCC's Cheryl Devall says that's because liturgical calendars vary.
Cheryl Devall: The Armenian, Ukrainian, Russian, Serbian, Coptic, and Ethiopian Orthodox churches observe Christmas on December 25th - by the Julian calendar that's 13 days behind the more widely-used Gregorian calendar. That places Orthodox Christmas on January 7th. Special worship services and family celebrations take place in churches that serve about 40,000 faithful in the Southland.
Having Christmas around the same time many people mark the Epiphany - the visit to the infant Jesus from three wise men - isn't easy. Many Orthodox believers can't get time off from work, or - like adherents to other religions - they chafe at the overwhelming cultural emphasis on Christmas in late December. The Greek Orthodox Church - the largest of the branches in this country - addressed the matter more than 80 years ago by shifting its Christmas to December 25th – on the Gregorian calendar.
- January 6, 2009 3:43 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
Legal battle continues over Episcopal breakaway parishes
An attorney for one of three breakaway Episcopal parishes that lost the right to keep their property in yesterday's California Supreme Court ruling says the legal skirmish isn't over.
But Bishop Jon Bruno, head of Los Angeles' Episcopal Diocese, told KPCC's "AirTalk" he doesn't think the case will return to trial court.
Jon Bruno: "The reality is that we don't think that it will be going back to the Orange County court. We think that it will be handled by the appellate court, which the Supreme Court affirmed their decision yesterday."
Congregations in Newport Beach, Long Beach, and North Hollywood left the Episcopal Church almost five years ago after it ordained a gay bishop. Those parishes - along with about 100 others in the United States – affiliated with Anglican dioceses elsewhere in the world that share their position that the ordination was wrong.
- January 6, 2009 2:07 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Episcopal court battle not over
The attorney for a breakaway Episcopal congregation says the legal fight over the church's property is not over. The state Supreme Court ruled yesterday that three Southern California parishes that left the U.S. Episcopal Church don't have a right to keep their church buildings and land.
Eric Sohlgren is an attorney for one of the parishes, Saint James Church in Newport Beach. He told KPCC's "AirTalk" he thinks the case has to go back to a trial court.
Eric Sohlgren: "Based on the procedural posture of the case in the trial court below, this case has never really been litigated with discovery or a trial so all the Supreme Court has done here is issue some rulings about what the law should be."
Sohlgren believes that additional evidence may help the churches' case, or mitigate the effects of yesterday's decision.
The congregations broke away almost five years ago after the U.S. Episcopal Church ordained an openly gay bishop. The head of Los Angeles' Episcopal Diocese says he hopes the ruling will lead to reconciliation talks with the three parishes.
- January 6, 2009 1:18 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
LA Episcopal Diocese applauds state court property ruling
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles regards a ruling today by the California Supreme Court as a victory. In a unanimous decision, the court decided that a local parish that broke away from the national Episcopal Church can't take its property with it.
The case involved St. James Church in Newport Beach, All Saints Church in Long Beach, and St. David's Church in North Hollywood. Bishop Jon Bruno of the Diocese of Los Angeles praised the ruling.
Jon Bruno: "We have prevailed in all areas of law addressed in this case. We look forward to the possibility of reconciliation with these congregations and the members in those congregations. But we assure the Diocese of Los Angeles and the people of the Episcopal Church that we will continue mission and ministry in these areas where these congregations serve. "
The three congregations began to split off from the Episcopal Church four-and-a-half years ago after the national church ordained an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire. Like other breakaway parishes in the United States, they affiliated with dioceses in other countries that strongly object to the ordination.
- January 5, 2009 4:28 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
State court sides with Episcopal diocese over breakaway parish
Local Episcopal parishes that broke with the Episcopal Church of the United States don't have the right to take their parish property. That ruling by the California Supreme Court came down this morning. KPCC's Nick Roman says it's a damaging blow to parishes that left in a dispute over a gay bishop.
Nick Roman: St. James Parish in Newport Beach broke away from the Episcopal Church in the United States four-and-a-half years ago. It left in protest - along with several other Episcopal parishes - when the US church named an openly gay clergyman as the bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire.
St. James affiliated with a conservative Anglican diocese in Africa. The Episcopal Diocese in Los Angeles said St. James had to give up its church property - insisting the buildings and land belonged to the diocese and not the parish. St. James won a lower court ruling - but the Diocese won on appeal – and now it's won the case before the state Supreme Court.
The court ruled "the general church, not the local church, owns the property in question." Three other Southern California Episcopal parishes also broke with the U.S. Church. All could now face a choice between returning to the fold - and giving up their property and moving on.
- January 5, 2009 1:39 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
ACLU director fondly remembers favorite Hanukkah
The holidays are a time for family and friends. ACLU Director Mark Rosenbaum's favorite holiday memory happened years ago – his first Hanukkah with his daughter. He says it made him realize that Hanukkah means a great deal more when you have your own kids.
Mark Rosenbaum: "It was nice to have the entire family, including the extended family. It happened just a few years before my father died. And we knew at the time that my father was very ill. That meant a great deal. It meant the beginning of a set of gifts that still continue to boggle my mind."
By gifts, Rosenbaum means the physical and spiritual virtues of the holiday. He says from that first Hanukkah, he's seen his children bring those virtues into their lives every day, not just during the holidays.
- December 24, 2008 3:37 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality, Society/Culture
Arrests made in beating of Highland pastor
Authorities in San Bernardino County have arrested two suspects in connection with the beating earlier this month of an Inland pastor. KPCC's Steven Cuevas says one of the suspects is a 16-year-old girl.
Steven Cueavas: The girl's name is not being released because she's a juvenile. Her boyfriend – 20-year-old Allan Gomez – was also arrested. The duo is charged with receiving stolen property and fraudulent use of a credit card. Gomez could also be charged with robbery and attempted murder. Both suspects are being held without bail. Police are looking for a third suspect.
Pastor James Warman was attacked a few weeks ago at Church of the Valley in Highland as he was putting up Christmas decorations. Authorities say he was beaten with a blunt object and suffered severe facial and head injuries. He was in a coma for several days. The pastor is now recovering at home.
His wife told the Riverside Press-Enterprise that she and her husband want to help the young attackers get the help they need. Medny Warman says God forgives them, and she and her husband are called to do the same.
- December 24, 2008 3:33 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Dolores Mission Church marks 20th anniversary of homeless shelter
The Dolores Mission Church in East Los Angeles is marking its 20th anniversary as a shelter for the homeless.
To celebrate, the eighth-grade class at the church's on-site Catholic school sponsored a breakfast feast this morning. Their moms worked overtime to prepare Menudo, and the students helped serve up the traditional Mexican soup. Their teacher, Giselle Haro, says feeding and serving the hungry is a graduation requirement.
Giselle Haro: "In order to build that character in them, it's our main responsibility to teach them how to do it, and I think the kids take great pride in being able to provide that to the community."
The church takes in 55 men at a time for a three-month stay. They sleep inside the church, as well as in the parish community room and garage.
- December 12, 2008 1:36 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality, Society/Culture
President Bush to enact 'right of conscience' rule for health care providers
Before President Bush leaves office he plans to enact a "right of conscience" rule for doctors and other health care providers. It would allow medical workers whose facilities receive federal money to refuse to perform abortions or dispense contraception if they choose.
Anita Nelson is an obstetrics and gynecology professor at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine. She told KPCC's Larry Mantle that the rule is broadly - and badly-written.
Anita Nelson: "Anybody who believes that something works against his own personal beliefs does not have to offer it to the patient, even if the belief is based on misinformation. There is no protection for the patient."
Dr. David Stevens, chief executive of the Christian Medical Association, defended health care workers' right to act on their personal moral beliefs.
Dr. David Stevens: "We need to understand that this is a basic constitutional issue. We, in the First Amendment, say the free exercise of religion is a fundamental human right and therefore you should not compel someone to violate their deeply held religious belief unless it's an emergency situation or somebody's life is in peril."
Once he assumes office, President-elect Barack Obama could overturn the rule through a lengthy process. Congress also can adopt a resolution to reject it.
- December 3, 2008 1:38 PM
- Categories: Health, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Orthodox rabbi and wife killed in Mumbai, India attacks; son survives
An ultra-orthodox Jewish group confirmed this morning that a New York rabbi and his wife were among five people killed at the Mumbai headquarters of Chabad-Lubavitch. That's one of 10 sites gunmen attacked on Wednesday.
Commandos found the bodies of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rivka, this morning. Their 2-year-old son survived the ordeal. Rabbi Boruch Cunin is the director of Chabad's West Coast organization.
Rabbi Boruch Cunin: "We know him, we know his wife. They are emissaries of the Rebbe. His cousin is an emissary for us here in California. Very, very sweet people. And miraculously, God took the 2-year-old child out and saved his life."
The cousin is part of the Chabad organization in Monterey. West Coast Chabad plans to hold a memorial service for the couple.
- November 28, 2008 1:15 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
Orthodox rabbi and his wife killed at Jewish center in Mumbai, India
An American ultra-orthodox rabbi and his wife were among those killed at a Jewish center in Mumbai, India. The Chabad-Lubavitch organization has confirmed the deaths of Gavriel Holtzberg and his wife, Rivka. The couple had moved from New York to run the center.
Rabbi Boruch Cunin, the director of West Coast Chabad, reacted with sorrow to the news.
Rabbi Boruch Cunin: "They gave their lives not for business, not for commerce. They gave their lives to bring comfort to all of God's children."
Cunin said that he and others in West Coast Chabad knew the rabbi and his wife, and that Holtzberg's cousin is part of the Chabad organization in Monterey.
West Coast Chabad plans to hold a memorial service for the couple. Their toddler son survived the siege.
- November 28, 2008 11:25 AM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
Police recover bronze religious statue stolen from a church
A religious statue that had vanished from an Orange County church re-appeared, just as mysteriously, in the yard of a Newport Beach woman. KPCC's Cheryl Devall says police returned the statue to the church today.
Cheryl Devall: Newport Beach police believe someone swiped the 5-foot statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, from Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic parish. The bronze statue went missing Saturday from its pedestal outside the church.
The key word here is bronze. It's a combination of copper and other metals, and anything made of it – from commemorative plaques to public art – has become a popular target for thieves because of its value as scrap metal.
The woman who discovered the runaway church statue in her yard called police after she saw a photo of it in a newspaper. She suspects that her teenage son and his friends may have had something to do with its removal.
The Roman Catholic diocese of Orange is regarding the incident as a prank, and a spokesman said church officials are in a forgiving mood. They don't plan to press charges. Police said the statue by Mexican sculptor Victor Salmones is worth about $30,000.
- November 19, 2008 2:19 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
California high court asked to hear gay marriage cases
By LISA LEFF Associated Press Writer
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - The state attorney general and sponsors of the ballot initiative that banned same-sex marriage in California urged its Supreme Court to hear a series of lawsuits seeking to overturn the ban, saying the matter is too urgent to be unsettled.
"The petitions raise issues of statewide importance, implicating not only California's marriage laws but also the initiative process and the Constitution itself," Attorney General Jerry Brown argued in his filing.
"This court can provide certainty and finality in this matter," he said.
Proposition 8, which passed with 52 percent of the vote earlier this month, overturned the high court's May decision legalizing gay marriage in California. The measure inserts language into the constitution limiting marriage to one man and one woman.
Gay and civil rights groups, the city of San Francisco and other plaintiffs have asked the court to void the measure on the grounds that voters did not have the authority to make, what they say, is a fundamental constitutional change.
There is no deadline for the justices to decide whether they'll take the cases.
The litigation has made unwitting allies of supporters of the same-sex marriage ban and the attorney general, who voted against the proposition. Over the summer, anti-gay marriage groups sued Brown after his office changed the measure's wording to reflect that it would take away a right that same-sex couples then had.
Brown has since said that in his role as California's top public lawyer, he will fight to uphold Proposition 8 as an expression of public sentiment on same-sex marriage. The preliminary documents he filed Monday did not address that issue.
Andrew Pugno, a lawyer for the Yes on 8 campaign, said the measure's supporters are so confident the Supreme Court would uphold the initiative they want the court to take the cases and resolve the question quickly.
"There is no question Proposition 8 is exactly the type of amendment the framers of the Constitution envisioned for the people to be able to enact," Pugno said.
The Protect Marriage coalition is less confident about Brown's sincere interest in defending the gay marriage ban in court, according to Pugno. That's why the coalition asked the court for permission to intervene in the cases Monday.
"Everyone knows the AG opposed Proposition 8, did everything he could to undermine it and it still passed anyway," he said.
"There is little hope he would make much effort at all to defend Prop. 8."
Both the attorney general and Protect Marriage asked the court to reject a request from gay marriage supporters for a stay that would allow same-sex couples to resume marrying in California until the broader legal issues are addressed.
Meanwhile, the interfaith California Council of Churches and the Episcopal bishops of Northern California and Los Angeles added their petition Monday to those asking the high court to invalidate Proposition 8. They argue that if voters are permitted to take away rights from a group based on sexual orientation, the same could happen to religious minorities.
Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
- November 17, 2008 6:14 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Catholic group calls for withholding offerings once a month due to handling of clergy sex abuse scandal
A small group of Roman Catholics called "Send the Bishops a Message" wants to do just that. KPCC's Brian Watt explains that the new organization plans to employ the power of the purse.
Brian Watt: The group accuses the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church of failing to protect children from clergy sexual abuse – and of continuing to cover it up. Frank Douglas, a spokesman for the group, called on all parishioners to hang onto their financial contributions once a month on designated "Withholding Sundays."
Frank Douglas: They can send a message by doing nothing. All they have to do is pass the collection plate to the next guy without putting anything in. It's the perfect Catholic passive resistance activity.
Watt: His group says that although Los Angeles Cardinal Roger Mahony approved a $660 million settlement with sex abuse victims, he continues to keep secret church files he'd agreed to hand over to the victims' attorneys.
L.A. Archdiocese spokesman Todd Tamberg says Mahony is following a procedure for releasing those files that both sides had approved. Tamberg questioned the wisdom of a campaign to limit donations.
Todd Tamberg: This is a very bad idea at a very bad time.
Watt: Tamberg says that Catholics support a network of social service agencies handling a surge in need during the economic crisis.
- November 10, 2008 5:48 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
Roman Catholic group calls on fellow Catholics to protest church handling of clergy sex abuse
Some Roman Catholics are dissatisfied with the way the church's hierarchy is handling the issue of clergy sex abuse. A small new group of parishioners calls itself "Send the Bishops a Message" and wants to do just that.
It's urging others around the world to withhold financial contributions to the Roman Catholic Church once a month – beginning this Sunday. Spokesman Frank Douglas spoke with reporters today outside the Cathedral of Our Lady of The Angels.
Frank Douglas: "Bishops are still protecting pedophile priests, and what we want to is let the laity know. We want to empower them and give them knowledge that they are not powerless. They fund this church. Ninety-nine percent of the people in the church are lay people and they fund 100 percent of the costs of the church. "
A spokesman for the Los Angeles Archdiocese calls the campaign a bad idea during harsh economic times when there's a great need for the social services that Catholics support.
- November 10, 2008 3:53 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
Pastors plan to defy IRS ban on political speech from the pulpit
For more than 50 years, federal rules have said a tax-exempt group that endorses a political candidate in public endangers its tax-exempt status. This Sunday, more than 30 pastors from around the country plan to challenge those rules. The aim is to force the IRS to enforce those rules so the ministers can get a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Among those who'll preach politics from the pulpit is Wiley Drake, the well-known conservative Christian minister from Buena Park. Drake told KPCC's "Patt Morrison" that it's wrong to restrict him from saying what he wants say to his congregation.
Wiley Drake: "The church will not be endorsing anybody. The church can't endorse. The church is an entity, not someone that can endorse. But when the IRS and the government says they want to restrict what a pastor can say, they are in violation of the constitution."
While Drake and other conservative Christian pastors challenge the IRS rules, other religious leaders. including rabbis and imams. have signed a pledge to refrain from political speech.
- September 25, 2008 5:57 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality, Society/Culture
Episcopal bishops oppose gay marriage ban
Nine of California's Episcopal bishops voiced their opposition today to Proposition 8. That ballot measure would amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriages. KPCC's Brian Watt was at the Los Angeles Cathedral Center, where Episcopal clergy and laypeople urged voters to reject the proposition.
Brian Watt: A statement from the nine Episcopal bishops says that allowing same sex couples to marry enhances Christian values like monogamy, commitment, love, and mutual respect. Reverend Jon Bruno is the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
Jon Bruno: "I must vote no on this effort to rewrite our state constitution with language of exclusion rather than inclusion."
Watt: His message resonated with Warner Traynham, retired rector of St John's Episcopal Church in L.A.
Warner Traynham: In this country we used to have laws prohibiting the marriage of blacks and whites. Those laws discriminated against black people and excluded them from the community. We got rid of them as an act of love.
Watt: Proposition 8 will appear on the November ballot. Opponents of the state Supreme Court's ruling that granted marriage rights to same-sex couples collected enough signatures to put the question to voters. The court's decision in May overturned an earlier statewide ballot measure against same-sex marriage.
Note: The Los Angeles City Council also weighed in today on the debate over same-sex marriage. The Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of federal legislation that would eliminate language defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
- September 10, 2008 4:26 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Episcopal bishops oppose Proposition 8
Nine Episcopal bishops in California are voicing their opposition to Proposition 8. The ballot measure would amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriages in the state. Reverend Jon Bruno is bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles.
Jon Bruno: "As bishops, we have said we do not believe that marriage of heterosexuals is threatened by same-sex marriage. Christian values of monogamy, commitment, love, mutual respect, and witness are enhanced for all by providing this right to gay and straight alike."
Proposition 8 will appear on the November ballot. Opponents of the state Supreme Court's ruling in May that granted marriage rights to same-sex couples collected enough signatures to put the question to voters.
- September 10, 2008 12:25 PM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Influential American Muslim Wallace/Warith Deen Mohammed dies at age 74
A son of the Nation of Islam's founder, who led many African-Americans into the faith after breaking with his father's beliefs, has died. Relatives of W.D. Mohammed said he died in Chicago today at age 74. KPCC's Shirley Jahad has the story.
Shirley Jahad: The Web site Beliefnet has called Warith Deen Mohammed "perhaps the most influential American Muslim ever." He was the son and successor of Elijah Mohammed, founder of the Nation of Islam. After his father's death 33 years ago, the younger Mohammed embraced a more orthodox, scholarly approach to Islam.
In sharp contrast to the fiery Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, W.D. Mohammed described himself as mild-natured… a quiet speaker who didn't seek the spotlight. The rift between the two men persisted for years, but recently they shook hands in a kind of quiet truce.
By some estimates, 20 percent of the country's 3-and-a-half million Muslims are African-American. Most are followers of W.D. Mohammed or other orthodox teachers. The head of the Muslim Center in Detroit, where Mohammed spoke to a convention late last month, praised him as a reviver of the faith who "brought a whole lot of people to the correct worship of Islam."
Link: Beliefnet article on W. Deen Mohammed
- September 9, 2008 4:02 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality
Santa Ana police team with churches to combat violence
Santa Ana police are teaming up with five local churches to try to combat crime and violence in a neighborhood near the Civic Center. Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters says church volunteers went along on a three-day crackdown on gang members and other criminals. "Operation Restore Peace" netted more than five-dozen arrests. Walters says involving the churches helps to develop trust.
Paul Walters: "When the people are afraid, the gang members can do anything they want – when they're afraid to report and be involved. So we want to go in and have people that are non-police, go in along with police support people, to help them. How do you get involved? What can I do? How can I make the neighborhood safe and not be fearful? Because once that fear sets in and the gangsters intimidate people, then they have free rein."
The church volunteers work and talk with neighbors, and offer support with food banks and tutoring. They also act as go-betweens with police, reporting crimes that people are scared to tell officers about. Church leaders say they hope to reduce crime by generating hope.
- August 22, 2008 3:37 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Religion/Spirituality
Catholic university rejects petition to appoint feminist theologian, due to abortion stance
A Catholic university in San Diego today rejected a faculty petition to appoint a feminist theologian. KPCC's Cheryl Devall says the appointment foundered because the professor sits on the board of an abortion rights organization.
Cheryl Devall: Last spring, the University of San Diego appointed Rosemary Radford Reuther to an endowed chair in theology for the fall semester. But it withdrew the offer last month after finding out that Reuther is on the board of Catholics for Choice, an organization that challenges the Roman Catholic position that abortion is a sin.
Faculty at the university presented its administration with a petition bearing more than 2,000 signatures in support of Reuther, who's a visiting professor of theology at Claremont Graduate School. The petition did not sway the San Diego institution.
Anti-abortion activists had criticized the appointment of Reuther, the author of several books and a columnist for the National Catholic Reporter. Reuther and her advocates say the controversy reflects the tension between academic freedom and conformity with church doctrine on Catholic campuses.
- August 21, 2008 4:19 PM
- Categories: Education, Religion/Spirituality
Libertarian candidate Barr asks judge to order his inclusion in church forum with McCain and Obama
The Libertarian Party candidate for president doesn't want to be on the outside looking in at Saddleback Church tomorrow. KPCC's Nick Roman says he's asked a judge to get him into the Orange County church's candidates event.
Nick Roman: It's interesting to watch a less-government-interference-is-better libertarian try to get a federal judge to tell a church what to do. But Libertarian Party presidential candidate Bob Barr is giving it a shot. He's asked a federal judge in Santa Ana to order Saddleback Church to include him in its Civil Forum on Leadership and Compassion.
The church's well-known pastor, Rick Warren, will interview Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain separately. They'll answer the same questions while a few thousand people inside the church listen and a few million TV viewers tune in.
That's an attractive audience for a minor party candidate like Barr, but it's hard to see how the former Georgia congressman-turned-Libertarian Party standard bearer can convince a judge to let him in. It's not a debate. And the event is organized by Saddleback Church, not by a political party or a government-appointed or funded commission.
- August 15, 2008 4:44 PM
- Categories: Criminal Justice, Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Saddleback Church hosts forum tomorrow with McCain and Obama
Saddleback Church in Lake Forest will host a forum tomorrow night with presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. Mark Affleck is executive director of the Peace Plan, a ministry of the Saddleback Church. He told KPCC's AirTalk the purpose of the forum is to learn more about the two men beyond the campaign trail.
Mark Affleck: "I believe that the best possible outcome would be that, at the end of this, we would know who they are as men, and who they are and would be as leaders."
Saddleback pastor Rick Warren is expected to interview the two candidates separately for about an hour. They'll discuss issues like global poverty, the presidency and the Constitution, and the United State's role in the world. McCain and Obama will share the stage briefly, but will not debate. It starts at 5 o'clock. All three major cable news stations are expected to air the forum live.
Link: Saddleback Civil Forum
- August 15, 2008 11:56 AM
- Categories: Politics/Public Affairs, Religion/Spirituality
Memorial held for evangelist Laurie's son, killed in car accident
Friends and family today shared fond memories of the eldest son of Christian evangelist Greg Laurie, who died last week in a car wreck. The memorial service for 33-year-old Christopher Laurie was private, but KPCC's Steven Cuevas says it reached a global congregation.
Steven Cuevas: Only family and friends were invited to the actual memorial at Harvest Christian Church in Riverside. But in a nod to Harvest's massive worldwide audience, the two-hour service was broadcast on the Web, and on Christian radio station KWVE.
Laurie was the art director at Harvest, and helped coordinated his father's stadium-filling evangelical revivals across North America. His friend Levi Lusco said Laurie was passionate about the mission.
Levi Lusco (at funeral service): Time is short, life is quick, we have work to do in heaven and I know Chris is involved in the art department of heaven, still making things look better, because that's how he lived his life and I'm grateful to have been his friend.
Cuevas: Laurie was killed last Friday on the 91 Freeway near Corona when his car collided with a slow-moving Caltrans sweeper. No one else was hurt. The California Highway Patrol is still investigating.
His father, Pastor Greg Laurie, said at times, Christopher could be a "prodigal son" – but he recently had re-dedicated his life to the church.
Greg Laurie (at service): It's tough for a preacher's kid; you don't realize. People expect a lot of them – "The preacher's kid." And sometimes kids raised in preachers' homes, they have a greater struggle than others. If you're a prodigal son or daughter, your father loves you and he will welcome you home with open arms and forgive you of whatever you have done. (baby cries) That's how most people feel when I speak. (laugher)
Cuevas: Christopher Laurie leaves his wife Brittany and daughter Stella. The Lauries were expecting a second child in November.
- August 1, 2008 8:01 PM
- Categories: Religion/Spirituality, Society/Culture
Supervisor Molina angry over sale of arts building by L.A. Archdiocese
A Los Angeles County Supervisor, angry over the abrupt sale of an East L.A. building home to a nationally known arts group, called today for a meeting with the seller: L.A.'s Roman Catholic Archdiocese. KPCC's Adolfo Guzman-Lopez has the story.
Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: Supervisor Gloria Molina said it's an insult to East L.A. that the Archdiocese didn't inform Self Help Graphics it was about to sell the building the art workshop had occupied for nearly 30 years. To atone, she said, Catholic leaders should help the organization find a new home.
Supervisor Gloria Molina: "This is a valuable educational program in the Latino community. It has inspired Chicano artists throughout our community. I want to continue that program, and I think it's the Archdiocese's responsibility to continue the program."
Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: The Archdiocese sold the building to an L.A.-based private developer last week at the request of the owners, a religious order called the Sisters of Saint Francis.
L.A. Archdiocese spokesman Tod Tamberg told KPCC that Cardinal Roger Mahony will not meet with Molina, because the Archdiocese was only involved in the final process of the sale. Tamberg said he didn't know the building's final sale price, but the proceeds, he believes, will be split 50-50 between the religious order and the Archdiocese. He said the Archdiocese may use its portion of the money to help pay off hundreds of millions of dollars to victims in priest sexual abuse settlements.
- July 11, 2008 5:40 PM
- Categories: Arts, Business/Economy, Religion/Spirituality


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(918) 299-2334 – Please note that Wildlife Department is on the Aquarium campus, but in a separate building with its own phone and e-mail system.
Schedule a Speaker
The Oklahoma Aquarium has several dedicated volunteers and staff members available to speak to your organization about the history, development and future plans of the Aquarium. Our speakers are informative, entertaining and armed with a powerpoint full of fascinating photos. Please contact Janis Davis to reserve your date, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Requests for Donations
The Oklahoma Aquarium is grateful to the community for ongoing support and strives to give back whenever possible. However, we receive more requests for donated tickets than we are able to accommodate, so please review the following guidelines before sending your request:
- Requests should arrive one month in advance and must be submitted via the Donation Request Form link below.
- All requests must have all fields completed, including email, valid mailing address, contact number, and preferred method to receive donated tickets.
- Submission of a request form is not a guarantee that the request will be filled.
- Preference is given to fellow 501 (c) 3 organizations, schools and education or child-oriented groups.
- Requests are filled within a monthly budget, on a first come basis.
- Due to the high volume of requests we receive, we are unable to consider requests submitted through mail, email, or fax. We are also typically unable to field questions regarding the status of a request.
- Requests for a large number of tickets, such as for a school field trip, must come through the Fish Friends Scholarship application process.
Requests for Media Passes
We are constantly growing and changing, so we welcome members of the news media to become more familiar with the stories waiting around every corner. However, we are a nonprofit and want to be fair to everyone, so we do ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:
- Requests should arrive two weeks in advance and be sent to the attention of the Ticketing Office.
- Mail to: Oklahoma Aquarium, Attention Ticketing Office, P.O. Box 910, Jenks, OK 74037. You may also e-mail to the Ticketing Office.
- All requests, including e-mail, must include the letterhead, or equivalent identifying logo of the news media outlet, official mailing address and the full name, title or position and contact information of the person requesting the tickets.
- Only one request please, limited to a family four pack.


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Everybody does it, but masturbation is still not something that is openly discussed. Actually, masturbation is often times frowned upon more than sex itself.
Instead of embracing it as an act of self-exploration, it is an act kept behind closed doors. Typically a solo act, self-pleasure should be at the forefront of discussion when it comes to sexuality, especially since about 94 percent of men and 89 percent of women masturbate on a regular basis.
Luckily, the month of May is National Masturbation Month, which means you should feel obliged to explore your body and whatever feels good. You're probably wondering why you didn't see this one on your calender, aren't you? The merry month of May has long been symbolized with sexual awakening and whether or not you need an excuse to stick your hands down your pants, one thing is for sure — practice makes perfect.
This is something that should be celebrated every month, seven days a week. But there's nothing wrong with jumping at the opportunity to diddle around without judgement for a few weeks.
Dr. Carol Queen, lead sexologist at the sex-positive adult boutique Good Vibrations and co-founder of the Center for Sex and Culture in San Francisco, started the trend of May-sturbation in 1995 after then-Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders was fired for suggesting that masturbation should be taught in school.
From this protest the Masturbate-a-Thon was born, which encourages people to talk about it in a positive, non-shameful way. What started out as a Masturbation Hall of Fame and lists of self-pleasuring euphemisms and places to do the deed, soon became a private event where money was raised based on how long people spent masturbating or how many times they could come (comparable to the way a Walk-a-Thon is based on distance).
One person, or a couple, gets pledges from appropriate people and Good Vibrations then donates 100 percent of the funds to its NMM charities, which focuses on sexual health and education.
Here are five reasons why you should take advantage of the month of May and play with yourself:
It Is Healthy
Masturbating actually is one of the best ways to stay healthy. It can cure diseases like anxiety, insomnia, stress, menstrual cramps, depression, and even stimulate your immune system. Some researches have even said that it qualifies as a form of exercise since it burns quite a few calories. Although, this doesn't mean that you can skip that gym workout!
It Feels (Really) Good
Does this really need an explanation?
It Is Safe
The safest form of sex is masturbation. You can enjoy having one of the best orgasms of your life without worrying about getting pregnant or contracting an STD. Unlike sex, this act is free of cost. It's your own body, treat it right.
It's Natural
Forget the myths and misconceptions regarding masturbation. Despite what you've heard, it will never lead to sexual weakness, loss of libido or infertility. As a common form of autoeroticism, it's completely normal to explore self-pleasure.
There are countless things you can learn from masturbating. Through doing a little self-exploring women are able to determine what is erotically pleasing to them and can then share this with their partner.
Remember: Masturbation doesn't cause any harm to your body until and unless you over do it. Oh, and stay hydrated, people!More Like This: Relationships, Sex


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Sometimes I do wonder if there is something in the water in the Middle East. How else does one explain such complete insanity?
From Big Lizards :
By "madness," I do not mean the wholly justified Israeli invasion of Gaza -- but rather the mindlessly defiant Palestinian response, where they appear to be ready to immolate their entire world, just to avoid giving up one hostage Jew.
Now, a new group has run pell-mell into the buzzsaw screaming "Allahu akbar": Hezbollah, feeling neglected (and tired of living in this vale of tears), just streamed across the Israeli-Lebanese border and, it appears, abducted two Israeli soldiers. Evidently, they looked upon Gaza and saw that it was good, and said, "Geez, I sure wish I had me one o' them Israeli Defense Force invasions!"
You do have to wonder. I also wonder if Iran and Syria are behind this and if they are trying to up the ante by doing more than just helping to drive up oil prices. Like they say, what goes around comes around.
Read it all.
Sunday palate cleanser: The Proms, 2004
38 minutes ago


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Source: http://www.flickr.com. Copyright free via The National Archives (UK). License: All Rights Reserved.
Sample Child's Ration Book. Throughout the 1940s (and for nine years after the end of the war) every man woman and child in Britain owned ration books of coupons for food and clothing. The Ministry of Food's carefully formulated diet is generally believed to have improved the nation's health.


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Household batteries may contain toxic metals and should never be put in your trash or blue bin. Batteries come in all shapes, sizes and types; each with different disposal requirements. Learn how to tell battery types apart.
NYS Law mandates that rechargeable batteries be recycled. Trashing rechargeable batteries is an offense that can land you with a fine.
OCRRA and Call2Recycle teamed-up to provide additional rechargeable battery recycling options to the community, while reducing operating costs. Learn more about this mutually beneficial partnership.
See exactly how rechargeable batteries are recycled in Onondaga County by watching the Call2Recycle video below.
Battery collection boxes at these locations have separate collection containers for alkalines, rechargeables and button batteries (including hearing aid and watch batteries). OCRRA's alkaline battery recycling program is supported in part by the Corporation for Battery Recycling. To learn more, please visit: http://recyclebattery.org/
This drop off is for households only, batteries from businesses are not accepted.
Click here for business options.
ALKALINES, zinc-carbon and non-rechargeable lithium batteries go in the YELLOW bags for the July collection. No rechargeable or button types can be accepted due to federal regulations.
How the July curbside collection works: During the month of July, OCRRA teams up with local waste haulers to do a door-to-door battery collection. OCRRA provides residents with highly visible YELLOW battery bags and your hauler picks them up on regular trash collection days.
To get a battery bag, email us – in the email, provide your name, address and zip code. We'll be happy to mail a battery bag to you!
Simply fill the battery bag with your ALKALINE, ZINC-CARBON or NON-RECHARGEABLE LITHIUM batteries. No rechargeable or button batteries are allowed. Place the battery bag on top of your closed trash bag or trash container lid. Please DO NOT place them inside your trash can or trash bag, nor in your blue bin.
Haulers collect these batteries separately from the trash and recyclables and deposit the battery bags in a special battery container, prior to unloading their trash trucks at the Waste-to-Energy Facility. That container is then transported to the Rock Cut Road Drop-Off Site where they are properly managed.
Batteries can also be dropped off at OCRRA's Rock Cut Road Drop-Off Site. Please separate rechargeable batteries from alkalines, zinc-carbons, non-rechargeable lithium and button batteries. Put each rechargeable in a separate plastic bag.
Over 50 local places accept rechargeable batteries for recycling at no charge. Check out this drop off locator to find a spot near you! Put rechargeable batteries in individual plastic bags (provided) and place in special container labeled "Rechargeable Batteries."
Alkalines come in many different shapes and sizes. They are the typical household battery you would use in a remote control, radio, toy, smoke detector, etc. (AA, AAA, C, D, 6V, 9V, etc.) Some alkaline batteries look a lot like rechargeables and the only way to tell the difference is to read the label.
Button batteries are small, flat, circular batteries often found in hearing aids, watches, calculators, etc. Don't let their size fool you, they contain more heavy metals than most larger batteries, so it is very important to recycle them.
Rechargeables are found in power tools, laptops, phones and other electronic equipment, etc. Also, some look like alkalines, but are rechargeable; check labels to determine if they are rechargeable.
Annually, OCRRA's battery collection programs collect 80,000 lbs. or 40 tons of material!
If you are a business looking to recycle your batteries, click here.
Car batteries may be returned to any dealer who sells them, regardless of whether you bought it there or not. The following locations may even pay you a few cents per pound for old car batteries:
If you are a business interested in properly disposing of your batteries, you have several options.
1) There are many vendors that offer mail back programs, including Call2Recycle. Search the internet for companies that do "business battery recycling" for other options.
2) Environmental Products and Services of Vermont is a local company that can give you more information on business battery disposal.


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And, if you have ever been a newcomer trying to gain a foothold in the community, or a young family hoping to find a safe place to raise your kids, you likely checked out the listings on that web site, too.
Perhaps you attended one of its classes on mortgage financing or participated in its mutual self-help program that allowed you to work off part of the cost of your first home.
Lastly, if you recently lost your home during the recession, or had to leave a violent domestic situation, you might have turned to the same organization, MCHT, for emergency housing.
Whatever the situation, for the last 20 years MCHT has been the glue that has helped keep our community together.
During the city's rapid pre- and post-Olympic growth spurts, when businesses were strapped for employees and worker housing was practically nonexistent, MCHT's visionary leaders created alliances, found investors and brokered complex real estate agreements that made several low-cost housing projects possible.
Then, when the recession clamped its icy grip on the real estate industry, forcing many families into foreclosure, MCHT expanded its programs to include transitional housing and stepped up its efforts to connect local employees with housing they could afford.
It is hard to overstate the importance of what MCHT has done for Park City and the surrounding communities in Summit and Wasatch counties. It has made it possible for the resorts and other service-oriented businesses to hire and retain valuable employees, and has allowed policemen, firemen and teachers to live within the communities they serve. It has also created a safety net that has made our neighborhoods more resilient in times of prosperity and economic downturns.
On Monday, Mountainlands Community Housing Trust (MCHT) will celebrate its 20th anniversary from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Snow Park Lodge at Deer Valley Resort. The event is free and open to the public. Stop by and learn a little more about this invaluable organization and its contributions to your community. Or just drop in and say thanks for a job well done.


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Here's some brief biographical information (you can request my full resume package
by email):
I live in Northeast Florida, with my wife and three sons (11, 9, 8). We homeschool
our children - and love doing so. As you can see from the rest of this site, I am
a big believer in Bible study, and making excellent Bible study materials freely
available to anyone who wants them.
I am a doctrinal expositor. To me, the clearest explanation of the Word of God -
and therefore, the most impactful in the lives of God's people - is when a single
passage of Scripture is clearly explained and applied. God has promised to bless
His Word; that is what I proclaim.
I am available for
Here are two sample sermons for you to listen to:
Click the speaker to hear Dr. David S. Thomason preach from 1Th 2:13-14
Click the speaker to hear Dr. David S. Thomason preach from 1Th 2:15-16
You can drop me an email note by clicking here if you'd like to make arrangements
to have me in your pulpit (or for any other reason, for that matter!).
I look forward to hearing from you soon.


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TC TO JOHN A. CARLYLE; 1 May 1830; DOI: 10.1215/lt-18300501-TC-JAC-01; CL 5:95-99.
Craigenputtoch, 1st May 1830—
My Dear Brother Jack,
I meant to write last Wednesday; but was in a dreadful hurry, not having done with my task; and thought the Newspaper would answer instead. I forgot that I [had] some little thing to tell you, which might not so well wait: and tho' quite worn out tonight, having written like a Turk all day, I will send notice about that, at all events. You are to understand that Philosophe Jeffrey mit Weib und Kind [with wife and child]1 is in London; and I think it will at all events gratify you for half an hour to go and call on him. His specific address, he writing from Edinburgh could not give me; but said that anything directed (I think, for the man writes miserably):2 'J. Richardson, 21. Fludyer Street, Westminister,' would find him; and that 'nothing would give him greater pleasure than to see my Brother.' So spier [inquire] him out, if you like; and go and show face; your face will tell your errand sufficiently, and you will find Mr J. one of the daintiest, kindliest, best little men you ever set eyes on: a perfect jewel of a man. Whether he can do anything for you I know not; but if he can, it will give him great pleasure to do it. At all events, you will find a well-wisher there for my sake, and your own. And so, let this be considered settled.
Much it delights me, my dear Jack, to figure you now as in the way of clear well-doing; and that I can write to you without any little grudge or reservation, as to my worthy and well-beloved Brother, struggling forward beside me in the battle of Life; to whom I can give an 'Euge [Good luck]!' and word of encouragement if nothing more. Do not work too hard, for there is a measure in all things; do not encounter those 'dull headaches' lest they lead to something worse. Neither take too deep thought for the morrow: I care not, why should you care, how you prosper outwardly, so your heart and bearing be that of a true man; let the world take its own sway: 'meat, clothes and fire'3 are all that Rothschild or Guelf4 himself can wring out of it. There is no Act of Parliament in Heaven's Chancery that you or I are to be rich men, or famous men; only the sternest and solemnest enactment that we are to be good men, 'diligent in business and fervent in spirit'5—reverencing the inscrutable God, and 'friendly at once and fearless towards all that God has made.'
I long much to hear more minutely of your progress, and outlooks: pray take a large sheet, and fill it well with all this; not in a hurry, tho' you should miss the Post: we will get it three days later. When the printing of that Book begins, we shall have frequent opportunities, and it will be as of old in the days of M'Corkindale!6
There is nothing but favourable, at least indifferent tidings to send you hence; inasmuch as we are all alive and stirring, the most of us very busy. Alick got your Letter, and will write (he tells me this evening) when the first Parcel goes. He is very busy afield; has got his rent not paid, yet settled for this term, and signified officially that if times do not greatly mend, he must remove next Whitsunday; so that one bad business is for the time put by. Elliott is mowing greens (or rather the green) and laying out a new one most beautiful to look on where the Peatstack stood; and gravelling Garden walks; and working miracles in all directions. Jane goes out about him, and sees the 'Defence of Order' practically manifested: for the rest, she sits beside me here where I write, and reads or sews, and never utters Mum. I myself am toiling, as I have said, with impetuosity; writing from three to four pages daily (when it is easy, alas! many a day I have hammered my brains from morning to night, and written nothing): the first volume is to be done in a fortnight. I am now in the heart of the Nibelungen Lied, which I like much. The Book will be worth next to nothing, yet readable enough, and will do no mischief. I long and pray only that it were off my hands: for Compilation, and this is or can be little more, in the present state of things, pleaseth me little.
These fine days often bring me in mind of last Spring and you. Nay I have now mounted your hair cap,7 and ride with it (or rather mean to do so) when wind is up. I have been out three or four mornings lately in that way; for I get off sleep, and grow billus when scribbling. But as for the Cap, I will prize it above all caps, and think when it hangs on the cloakpin that I hear the voice of poor Doil, saying Brother remember me! Yes, my brave Doil, I will remember thee, and thy true heart, so long as memory lives within me.— But let us avoid the pathetic— Here is supper come!
Your Book-Parcel came duly in the very nick of time. I want nothing more for the first volume: could you get me a Luthers Werke (I think, Walch's with the Life, in the middle)8 I should be set afloat for Vol. Second too. Luden's Leben des Thomasius9 was sent for, and will perhaps come: I can do whether or not. The last two volumes will be plainer sailing: from Lessing to Goethe.— Can you tell me what Fraser is doing? But I suppose I shall hear from him on Wednesday.10 The two Town & Country Magazines11 have come; and are far better than I expected; a little too braggadocio—some, indeed, utter juit [weak, insipid drink], as that of the three Guiseppes.12 Tell the Editor that I will answer his Letter by deed (I hope) some day, had I more leisure: Fraser13 was to tell him the same thing.— Thank your kind friend and host14 for his little Book, great part of which I read that afternoon: but my Mother got it and carried it down with her, she seemed so anxious I could not refuse. In my humble opinion, if the common interpretation of the Bible is to be followed, our friend is perfectly right, nay indubitably and palpably so: at all events, the gainsayers are utterly, hopelessly, and stone-blindly wrong. My Mother who is a better judge than I, declared it to be soundest doctrine, often preached in her hearing[.]
She went away, that good Mother, precisely this day fortnight: Alick took her down; she 'did not like to go with Elliott, at least no so weel.' I have heard little specific since Alick returned: but understand and believe them to be all well. Mary is for Annan Fair on Thursday and will bring us fresh word.— Here comes the Newspaper up from Alick's and I must fold the same. Do you get it rightly? Is it worth sending? It does come from the able Editor, who sends it at half-price— God ever bless you my dear Brother! And so good night! good night!
T. Carlyle
We have heard that Goethe's Box got safe to Hamburg; but not yet from himself.15— O Jack, Jack I was never more tired, in my opinion, these seven years. I awoke at five—and swallowed Oleum Diaboli!16 The two Examiners came on Wednesday: we like them much. Things are not so certain to come on Saturday (tho' still very likely and sure for next Wednesday) Moniaive being much indicted to liquor. Walter Bell and Johnston (?) [Carlyle's query] the immense Cattle-dealers 'broke all to shards' last Wednesday: amount of debt not known (say 30,000): Johnston supposed to have played foul, Bell not. The Fox is worrying lambs here, not ours yet; for he lives in our wood and hill: they were out (Nethertown &c that is) yesterday hunting him: chaced [sic] him to Straquhan & back—umsonst [in vain]!


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Union Square Partnership
The Union Square Partnership is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization comprised of a local development corporation and Manhattan's first business improvement district. The organization was founded over 39 years ago to promote the economic, residential and cultural vitality of the Union Square-14th Street neighborhood. We provide sanitation, public safety, business and economic development and marketing services, host community events including networking and business education opportunities, and invest in the beautification and maintenance of Union Square Park.


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Things a Jerseyguy noted this week: No one has said anything officially yet, but I would take the odds that Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim will NOT coach a game in the ACC. Boeheim grew up as a Big East guy at Cuse and the feeling here is that he will opt to step away at the end of this season rather than take two-hour bus trips from Charlotte to play a game at Clemson in February.
One of my many favorite memories of Boeheim, who won his 900th game at Syracuse earlier this week, was during one Big East tournament in New York City when a March blizzard sent most people connected with the tournament into a panic. "It's just a little snow," said Boeheim, wondering what the fuss was about.
And the people who down play how good a coach Boeheim is are either not paying attention or incapable of paying attention. In order for any coach to win 900 games at any level means that you have to AVERAGE 30 wins a year for 30 years. That's hard to do at any level.
One of the keys to success for a football program is the way the athletic director and coach work together in putting together a schedule which can produce wins.
Former BC DOA Gene DeFilippo did a great job in helping former BC coach Tom O'Brien build a string of bowl teams together because of scheduling. Unfortunately, there were other clashes between the two men which doomed that relationship. But a good AD can make a good coach a better coach simply in terms of scheduling.
In putting New Mexico State on the schedule for next season, new BC DOA Brad Bates gave a boost to new FB coach Steve Addazio. Not only was New Mexico State one of the few teams at the FBS level to have a worse record (1-11) than BC (2-10) this season, but Bates slotted New Mexico State for a November game at The Heights.
Chances are New Mexico State won't be much better next season. Having them come to BC in November increases the odds of the Eagles playing a winnable game late in the year, By then New Mexico State could be game weary and taking a trip to Boston will be more draining than invigorating. BC also might also need help in terms of becoming bowl eligible (Yes, right now that seems like a stretch). But every little bit helps.
Bates also put the Eagles game against Stony Brook (which never should have been scheduled) on August 31st-another winnable game–in Addazio's debut.
Those are little things, but it also means that the Bates–Adddazio relationship is starting off on a cohesive note which could again turn the Eagles back into a bowl-eligible program.
We are in bowl season, which means, a game a day (outside of Christmas) right through the end of the year…Hope one of our favorite announcers, Sean McDonough, recovers quickly from major surgery to correct symptoms from something called superior canal dehiscence syndrome (SCDS), caused by a hole in the bone near McDonough's left ear that separated it from his brain…Is a steroid scandal looming in college football? The Associated Press just completed a wide-scale investigation which disputes the numbers of a near zero rate in positive steroid tests among college football players….Is the coaching carousel done for the year? Probably not, as we wait to see if the NFL cherry picks some college coaches. Oregon's Chip Kelly and Alabama's Nick Saban are the two coaches mentioned the most in all the rumors…Vegas wise-guys still have Alabama as a 10 point favorite over Notre Dame. 27-17 sounds about right. If Chip Kelly takes his quick pace offense to the NFL, say San Diego, wonder if he will try and get a QB to fit that style. Did anyone say Tim Tebow?. How can everyone be so smart on some things and so dumb on others? Ask the Jets. I can't remember anyone who thought that bringing Tebow to the Jets was a good idea when they announced the deal last spring. Now the Jets are shopping both Tebo and starting QB Mark Sanchez who has been horrible this season, no doubt spending most of the year looking over his shoulder to see if Tebo was warming up. He was but he never came in for more than a series until last week. Go figure… Two NFL teams with good credentials who have to prove themselves in the playoffs are the Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. What are the odds of a Patriots-Falcons Super Bowl in New Orleans? There are probably better odds of having a Manning Super Bowl between Denver and the Giants….A big time Alabama booster got his hands on 12 tickets plus hotel rooms for the Bama-ND BCS title game in Miami and offered his family this option: Sell the tickets, distribute the money among the family and then fly to Vegas and watch (and presumably bet) on the game on television in sunny and warm conditions. The family vote was 3-2 to keep the tickets and see the game in person…With Tim O'Shea at Bryant, Bill Coen at Northeastern, Ed Cooley at Providence and Mo Cassera at Hofstra, former BC coach Al Skinner has a nice coaching tree blooming in the Northeast. Shame of the matter is that no one is willing to hire Skinner, whose track of record of success at the ACC and Big East level is well documented. And Skinner still says he has the fire in his belly to go out and build another program.
Next conference shake up move will be how the Big East reconfigures itself into a basketball and football conferences going their separate ways. The Catholic 7 will probably start out as a 10 team league–adding Xavier, Butler and let's say VCU. ..Big East football will make first move West to Fresno State, if BYU continues to say No…Don't count out the Big Ten making one more move. Georgia Tech remains in Jim Delany's sites and Tech will listen if the projected numbers of revenue climb past the $40 million per year mark as projected. If that happens, Big Ten will need another team to cap out at 16. Did anyone say Virginia or North Carolina? Nah…
© 2012, Mark. All rights reserved.