Bishop Skylstad

Quote of the Day: Roman Catholic Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Wash.

"There are many wonderful and excellent priests in the church who have a gay orientation, are chaste and celibate, and are very effective ministers of the gospel. Witch hunts and gay bashing have no place in the church."

-- Roman Catholic Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, writing in his diocesan newspaper, the Inland Register, about a forthcoming Vatican document about gay men and the priesthood.

Lesbian UM pastor loses bid; the burden of student loan debt for new pastors

RNS starts off Monday with an update on the trial of lesbian United Methodist minister, Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud. Kevin Eckstrom reports that today she lost her bid to return to the pulpit Monday (Oct. 31) when the church's highest court upheld her conviction on charges of being a "self-avowed practicing" homosexual. And, in a separate decision that could have even wider implications, the church's Judicial Council said gays and lesbians have no automatic right to church membership and may be turned away by local pastors. The twin rulings represent a major setback for liberals who advocated greater inclusion of homosexuals in the nation's second-largest Protestant denomination, and served to reinforce church policy on homosexuality as ironclad.

Eckstrom also reports on the burden of student loan debt for new pastors: A new study by Auburn Theological Seminary in New York shows that the average student loan debt for new pastors more than doubled in a decade, from $11,043 in 1991 to $25,018 in 2001. Perhaps more troubling, the report said nearly a quarter of borrowers had postponed health care in order to pay bills, or didn't have enough money to make their payments on time.

Calls for clergy abuse database; Point of Grace

Friday's RNS report starts off with a report by Jeff Diamant about renewed calls from victims' advocates for a national database of clergy abusers, following last month's grand jury report on abuse in Philadelphia: Amid all the disturbing tales of priests being charged with sexually abusing minors, stories about Nicholas Cudemo stand out. When a grand jury released its report last month on clergy sex abuse in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia, it revealed Cudemo had been accused of abusing 16 minors, raping an 11-year-old and helping her get an abortion. He was laicized -- formally dismissed from the clergy -- in June after four decades as a priest in eastern Pennsylvania. Despite that Vatican action, which was publicized, Cudemo presided in July at a baptism at Christ the King Church in Haddonfield, N.J., where the resident priest did not know his status.

Greg Garrison writes about Point of Grace, a quartet of female singers who have been a fixture on the Christian music scene for 15 years, and who are trying to teach teenage girls about modesty and chastity: Across the country, they are leading two-day "Girls of Grace" conferences. They blend concerts with a workshop for teen girls that promises to take on such issues as premarital sex and being fashionable without showing too much skin. The conferences feature tips on cosmetics and shopping.

The Right nominee; Episcopalians prepare for split; Rosa Parks remembered

Thursday's RNS report starts with a story by Adelle M. Banks about the Christian Right's eagerness to unite behind a new nominee now that Harriet Miers has withdrawn as President Bush's Supreme Court nominee: "We stand ready to support a nominee who truly is in the mold of Antonin Scalia or Clarence Thomas," said Wendy Wright, executive vice president of Concerned Women for America, in a statement issued Thursday (Oct. 27), the day of Miers' withdrawal. Wright echoed comments made by other leading religious conservatives, who had been split over the Miers nomination. Even James Dobson, one of Miers' most prominent religious supporters, said he was disappointed by recent revelations that she gave speeches a decade ago saying "self-determination" should guide decisions about abortion.

We're also reporting on liberal Episcopalians preparing for a split in their church. Kevin Eckstrom writes: Liberal Episcopalians, concerned that a split over homosexuality may be inevitable next year, have begun laying the groundwork for seizing control of church property and replacing bishops who leave the church. Leaders of Via Media, a looseknit alliance of liberal groups in 12 conservative-leaning dioceses, sketched out the plan in a Sept. 29 meeting in Dallas. Draft minutes from the meeting were leaked to the media. The "Day After" blueprint -- combined with conservative plans for "widespread civil disobedience" and bishops who are already mulling ways to divide property -- is the latest indication that all sides are preparing for a battle royal when the church meets next summer in Columbus, Ohio.

And David White writes from Tuskegee, Ala., the birthplace of Rosa Parks: People who knew civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks before her arrest on a Montgomery bus in 1955 remember her as a quiet seamstress whose faith in God gave her strength, confidence and authority. "She was always very serene, very calm and quiet. But there was a fire smoldering under all of that quietness," said E.D. Nixon Jr., 77, an actor and singer whose stage name is Nick LaTour. Nixon and others praised Parks at memorial services Wednesday (Oct. 26) that drew a few hundred people to the town square and to the municipal complex in Tuskegee, where Parks was born in 1913. She died Monday in Detroit, where she'd lived since 1957. A public memorial service is scheduled for Sunday.

How should military chaplains pray?

Quote of the Day: Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C.

"Chaplains ought to be able to pray based on who they are. Otherwise, it's hypocrisy."

-- Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-N.C., who joined efforts by Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., to send a letter to President Bush asking him to issue an executive order that would permit military chaplains to pray according to their faiths. He was quoted by The Washington Times.

50 Propositions

After a Lively Start, Synod Affirms Priestly Celibacy and Other Traditions

RNS' Vatican correspondent, Stacy Miechtry, reviews the output of the recent Catholic bishop's synod in our article of the week, linked above.

Quote: But in the end, the bishops were not ready to take dramatic action at the synod, which traditionally convenes every two years. As an advisory body, the synod prepared a list of 50 propositions that bishops presented to the pope Saturday. Religion News Service obtained a copy of the list, which has not been publicly released.

Remembering Rosa Parks

Quote of the Day: Coretta Scott King

"Surely Mrs. Rosa Parks was sent to us by God, because few among us were so well prepared to play such a momentous role in history."

-- Coretta Scott King, widow of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., on the Monday death of Rosa Parks, a woman whose refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala., bus launched the civil rights movement. Mrs. King was quoted by The Birmingham News

The marketing power of the Christian community

Quote of the Day: Marketing Firm President A. Larry Ross

"With 330,000 churches in America, it's potentially the largest distribution network in the country and probably in the world."

-- A. Larry Ross, president of a Dallas public relations and marketing firm, on the marketing power of the Christian community for recent religious films such as "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Left Behind: World at War." He was quoted in the Washington Post.

God quotes on coffee cups?

Quote of the Day: Author and Pastor Rick Warren

"You are not an accident. Your parents may not have planned you, but God did. He wanted you alive and created you for a purpose. ... Only in God do we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny."

-- Pastor Rick Warren, megachurch leader and best-selling author of "The Purpose Driven Life," quoted on a Starbucks coffee cup. Warren was quoted in a USA Today story about how his words will be featured on cups in 2006 after he responded to the company's solicitation for customer contributions.

A gay Catholic priest; and a pastor who collects ghost stories

Friday's RNS report starts with a story about an openly gay Catholic priest considering the anticipated Vatican document on gays in the church. Renee K. Gadoua writes: It wasn't until two years after his ordination as a Roman Catholic priest that the Rev. Fred Daley of Utica, N.Y., acknowledged he might be gay. ... A light went on, he said. "I began to become aware of my sexual feelings and desires," he said. He was 27. Almost 30 years later -- after a painful, prayerful and mostly lonely journey -- he disclosed his sexual orientation to his Utica congregation in May 2004. As speculation grows that the Vatican is preparing a document addressing gays and ordination, Daley says he's proud to be a celibate, gay priest.

Sarah Mausolf has a story on a pastor who records ghost stories in his town of Riegelsville, Pa.: Footsteps awaken Jeffrey A. Wargo as he sleeps in the parsonage at St. John United Church of Christ. Voices call his name. And the clocks on the first floor stop at exactly 3 a.m. each morning. In this sleepy village, the pastor has assumed an unlikely second role: collector of ghost stories. His book, "Ghosts in the 'Ville: True Stories of the Unexplained in Riegelsville, Pa.," chronicles strange happenings in the former paper mill town. Perhaps the most fascinating tale is his own, a story of a pastor who doubles as scribe for the supernatural.

To split or not to split?

Quote of the Day: The Rev. David Carrico of West Virginia

"I see (the vote) as a message that the homosexual issue deserves careful and continued consideration. It is a deep concern for our denomination."

-- The Rev. David Carrico, executive minister of the West Virginia Baptist Convention, commenting about a 391-325 vote at his group's annual meeting on Thursday (Oct. 19) that rejected a proposal to split from the American Baptist Churches USA over its stance on homosexuality. He was quoted by the Associated Press.

Lesbian UM pastor appeals; Islamic charities help quake victims

In Thursday's RNS report Kevin Eckstrom writes about the Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud, a United Methodist pastor who was ousted because she is in a lesbian relationship, and who is now fighting back with a 2003 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that overturned sodomy laws. Stroud will face the church's highest court at a hearing in Houston on Oct. 27: Stroud, 35, was initially convicted last December of violating a church ban against "self-avowed, practicing" gay clergy. An appeals court threw out the verdict in April, citing legal and procedural errors. Conservatives have longworried that the Lawrence v. Texas decision that overturned a Texas sodomy law would have unforeseen consequences, and now it appears the ruling has found its way into a prominent church dispute.

Andrea Useem reports on Islamic charities generously helping earthquake victims in Pakistan, and what effect this might have on the perception of these organizations: Charity leaders say they hope that their success will help lift the pall of suspicion that has hung over Muslim non-profits since 9/11. Islamic Relief USA, the largest Muslim international aid agency in the United States, has received more than $2 million in donations, almost double the total raised by the American Red Cross. Donations from American Muslims have been immediate and generous, reflecting the relatively high economic status of Muslim immigrants, according to Muslim community leaders around the nation. With their fund-raising success, Muslim leaders are now making renewed calls to the Bush administration to recognize the contributions and legitimacy of Muslim charities.

Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson on black leaders

Quote of the Day: The Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson of Brotherhood Organization of New Destiny

"Jesse Jackson and Louis Farrakhan, the NAACP, the Congressional Black Caucus, most of the black preachers who are not called by God, but by their mama, represent evil. And so those people who are on the side of good have to stand up and let the light shine on that evil so that the people can see and see the right way to go."

-- The Rev. Jesse Lee Peterson, founder and president of the Los Angeles-based Brotherhood Organization of New Destiny. He was quoted by Citizen Link, the e-newsletter of Focus on the Family.

No Concrete Changes Expected From Bishop's Synod

No Major Changes Expected on Communion, Politicians

RNS's article of the week (linked above), by Vatican correspondent Stacy Miechtry, analyzes the expected recommendations from the synod of bishops advising Pope Benedict XVI.

Quote: "Ultimately, the majority view will be presented" to the pope, Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana told reporters on Tuesday. But, he added that "a consensus is not easy to fashion" in a synod of more than 250 bishops representing a "diversity of backgrounds."

`Let my palm fronds go'

Quote of the Day: U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman

"I said, `Let my palm fronds go.' ... We're trying to avoid the Egyptians from looking like the grinch that stole Sukkot."

-- U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman, D-N.Y., commenting on Israeli complaints that prices for palm fronds imported from Egypt have skyrocketed from $2 in 2004 to $20 this year. The palm fronds are used in the Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. Ackerman, quoted by The Washington Post, has contacted Egyptian officials about the high prices.

Pope's synod of bishops; Anne Rice writes about Jesus

RNS's Vatican correspondent Stacy Meichtry is monitoring the first synod of bishops of Pope Benedict XVI's pontificate. The meeting began Oct. 2 and will continue through Oct. 23. According to Meichtry: A synod of bishops advising Pope Benedict XVI is not expected to recommend any concrete changes to church policy, according to a draft version of the bishops' final report. The bishops have spent weeks deliberating on topics ranging from priestly celibacy, to the status of remarried Catholics, to how the church should respond to Catholic politicians who defy church teaching. Initial indications are that nothing is expected to change.

Today we are also offering a feature on author Anne Rice's departure from the vampire and witch novels for which she's known. Bene Cipolla writes: The queen of darkness has seen the light. In her latest book, "Christ the Lord," Anne Rice turns away from the doomed souls of her best-selling vampire and witch tales in favor of a first-person account of the 7-year-old Jesus. "I was sitting in church talking to (God) about it and I finally realized there was no holding back anymore," said Rice, who returned to the Catholic Church in 1998 after a 30-year absence. "I just said, `From now on it's all going to be for you.' And the book I felt I had to write was the life of Christ." With a distinct emphasis on the devout Jewishness of Jesus and his extended family, the novel, out in November with an announced first-print run of 500,000 copies, depicts their first year in Nazareth after leaving Egypt following the death of King Herod.

Rev. Medley on American Baptist Churches focus

Quote of the Day: American Baptist Churches General Secretary A. Roy Medley

"ABC is not collapsing. Our mission focus and call are clear. We intend to focus on them like a laser beam."

-- The Rev. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of the American Baptist Churches USA, speaking about his denomination's recent challenges, including divisions over homosexuality and a recent decision to close its communications department. He was quoted by Associated Baptist Press.

Living by the tenets

Quote of the Day: Actor Wesley Snipes

"The good Lord says `Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.' These are the tenets I live by."

-- Actor Wesley Snipes, reacting to a New York court's dismissal of a paternity suit against him. He was quoted by the Associated Press.

Rev. Mahoney on Miers' nomination

Patrick Mahoney, Director of Christian Defense Coalition

"Do not patronize us by assuming that we will immediately support Ms. Miers as a Supreme Court justice because we hear she is an evangelical Christian."

-- The Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the conservative Christian Defense Coalition, criticizing President Bush for asking conservatives to support Miers' nomination because she is an evangelical Christian.

Religion v sports

Quote of the Day: Jeff Halpern, captain of Washington Capitals hockey team

I wish we didn't have a game. But it's too important to me, my family and the community that has supported me, not to participate. I'm not the most religious person in the world, but this is something my family has always observed."

-- Jeff Halpern, first-year captain of the Washington Capitals, explaining his decision to sit out the NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes to observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day on the Jewish calendar.

Religion and the Mall

RNS senior correspondent Adelle Banks looks at the growing importance of events at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. for religious and faith-based organizations. To see the full text of the story, click here.

Quote: "It is the national green," said Steve Chavis, director of communications for Promise Keepers, an evangelical Christian ministry that gathered hundreds of thousands of men on the Mall for its "Stand in the Gap" rally in 1997. "It is the front lawn. ... The media's there. ... Congress is looking one way and the White House is the other way."

Pastor's wife on Harriet Miers

Quote of the Day: Church member Kaycia Key, on Supreme Court Nominee

"Let's just say she makes a joyful noise unto the Lord."

-- Kaycia Key, wife of the pastor at Valley View Church, where Supreme
Court nominee Harriet Miers served as an active member and Sunday school
teacher. Key said she expects the nominee to continue practicing her
evangelical faith. She was quoted in The Washington Post.

Have a little faith?

Quote of the Day: Interfaith Alliance President Rev. C. Welton Gaddy

"It appears that the White House is soliciting support for
(Supreme Court nominee) Harriet Miers by focusing on her evangelical faith.
Just as opposition to a candidate for the Supreme Court because of their
faith is wrong, so is using faith to garner support. The administration
can't have it both ways."

-- The Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, president of the Washington-based
Interfaith Alliance, responding to reports that President Bush is telling
worried conservatives to support Miers because she is an evangelical
Christian.

Giving God his due

Quote of the Day: Muslim leader Wajdi Said

"Everyone knows (April 15) is the day on which you give the
government what you owe. Ramadan is the time in which you give God what you
owe."

-- Wajdi Said, executive director of the Oregon-based Muslim Educational
Trust, comparing the day federal income taxes are due to the Muslim holy
month of Ramadan, which is marked by fasting, alms giving and prayer. He was
quoted in The Oregonian of Portland, Ore.

Conservative group concerned about Miers' philosophy

Quote of the Day: Texas Eagle Forum president Cathie Adams

"President Bush is asking us to have faith in things unseen. We only have that kind of faith in God."

-- Cathie Adams, president of the Dallas-based conservative group Texas Eagle Forum, expressing skepticism about the lack of a legal paper trail illustrating Supreme Court nominee Harriet Miers' philosophy. Adams was quoted in The Washington Post.

Gay rights "Great Awakening"

Gay Rights Advocates Say Vatican Can't Stop Religious Momentum

RNS' full-text article of the week, linked above, looks at gay rights and religion, in light of the Vatican's potential ban on gay seminarians.

Quote: "As far as the Episcopal Church goes, as far as the Anglican Communion goes, there will be a split," [the Rev. James Tasker of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church] said. "I would predict eventually there will be a split in every denomination."

Evangelist is looking for a Christian reawakening

Quote of the Day: Evangelist Franklin Graham

"There's been satanic worship. There's been sexual perversion. God is going to use that storm to bring revival. God has a plan. God has a purpose."

-- Evangelist Franklin Graham, speaking at Liberty University on Oct. 3, about how he thinks Hurricane Katrina may spark a Christian reawakening in New Orleans, which he considers a city of sin. He was quoted by the News & Advance in Lynchburg, Va.

Cardinal McCarrick jokes about recruiting

Quote of the Day: Catholic Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington

"I look at these young boys who aren't married yet; they'd be good priests. I was thinking Jack Roberts might be a candidate, but we might have to wait a few years."

-- Cardinal Theodore McCarrick of Washington, joking about Jack Roberts, 4, the playful son of newly confirmed Chief Justice John Roberts. McCarrick was quoted by The Washington Times at the annual Red Mass, held Sunday (Oct. 2), a day before the Supreme Court began its session.

Is God a baseball fan?

Quote of the Day: Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon

"We know it's going to come down to this weekend. It's the master plan. God's way. Yankees-Red Sox."

-- Red Sox outfielder Johnny Damon, predicting that the outcome of the American League East baseball standings will be determined when his team meets its rival, the New York Yankees, face to face to close out the regular season. He was quoted by The Boston Globe.