Objective coverage of church-state and religious liberty developments, with extensive links to primary sources.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
U Wisconsin-Superior Settles Suit Brought By Christian Student Group
Last week, a Wisconsin federal district judge approved a settlement by the University of Wisconsin- Superior of a suit brought against it by the Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship. The University had attempted to apply its non-discrimination rules to deny formal recognition to the group which required its officers to sign a statement affirming their Christian beliefs. IVCF claimed the refusal violated its First Amendment rights. In the settlement agreement, the University agrees to recognize IVCF as a student organization, give it some $1500 in student fees for its activities for the year, and to pay $20,000 in legal fees to the Alliance Defense Fund that represented IVCF in the lawsuit. Today’s Winona Daily News, reporting on the settlement, says that the University’s student government agreed several months ago to recognize IVCF. ADF also reports on the settlement.
Portland Archdiocese Reorganization Plan Nears Confirmation
In an opinion issued Friday in the bankruptcy proceedings of the Portland, Oregon, Catholic Archdiocese, federal bankruptcy judge Elizabeth Perris indicated that she would confirm the Archdiocese's proposed plan of reorganization if one change is made in it. An exculpation clause in the plan must be narrowed to exclude potential liability of the Archdiocese for failing to disclose certain confidential settlement information as required by a prior court order. As summarized by an Associated Press report, under the plan some 175 victims of priest sexual abuse will settle their claims for $52 million. Another $20 million will be set aside for those who come forward after an agreed deadline. Finally, up to $3.8 million has been set aside to pay for claims that have not been settled in the bankruptcy negotiations. The court rejected an argument that this last amount is too small. (See prior related posting.)
Vatican Envoy Shuns Yom Hashoah Service In Israel Over Pius XII Depiction
The Vatican’s ambassador to Israel is refusing to attend Israel's official Holocaust memorial service tomorrow in Jerusalem in protest of the way in which Israel's Holocaust Museum describes the role of Pope Pius XII during World War II. Monsignor Antonio Franco is refusing to attend the annual Yom Hashoah commemoration at the museum, Yad Vashem, because of a paragraph—added in 2005-- accompanying a display of a picture of Pius XII. The caption says of Pius: "When he was elected pope in 1939, he shelved a letter against racism and anti-semitism that his predecessor had prepared. Even when reports about the murder of Jews reached the Vatican the Pope did not protest either verbally or in writing." It also says that the Pope in 1942 chose not to sign an Allied declaration condemning the extermination of Jews and did not intervene when Jews were deported from Rome to Auschwitz. The Guardian today reports that Yad Vashem said its description accurately reflects current historical knowledge. The museum said it is "prepared to continue examining the issue", and that the Vatican should open up its archives of documents relating to Pius XII.
Religious Voters and the 2008 Presidential Candidates
Religious voters are obviously seen as an important constituency for 2008 Presidential contenders. Associated Baptist Press on Friday carried a long summary of the religious background of each of the Republican and Democratic hopefuls. It also covers each candidate’s relations with the religious right, and his or her position on major issues of interest to religious voters. The issues included are abortion, gay rights, Iraq and church-state relations.
Meanwhile, on Friday the McClatchy Newspapers carried an article on religious conservatives "shopping around" for a Republican candidate to back in the Presidential race. Rudolph Giuliani speaks on Tuesday at Pat Robertson’s Regent University, but White evangelical Christians are looking for an alternative. A number of conservatives oppose Giuliani because of his support for abortion rights, gun control, and civil unions between same-sex couples.
Meanwhile, on Friday the McClatchy Newspapers carried an article on religious conservatives "shopping around" for a Republican candidate to back in the Presidential race. Rudolph Giuliani speaks on Tuesday at Pat Robertson’s Regent University, but White evangelical Christians are looking for an alternative. A number of conservatives oppose Giuliani because of his support for abortion rights, gun control, and civil unions between same-sex couples.
Friday, April 13, 2007
NC County Will Fight Prayer Lawsuit
By a 4-3 party line vote, the Forsyth County (North Carolina) County Commission yesterday decided to undertake an active defense of a suit challenging the Commission's practice of opening meetings with a sectarian prayer. (See prior posting.) The county will be defended by Alliance Defense Fund that will argue a sectarian prayer policy is constitutional as long it is inclusive of all faiths. ADF will pay all costs of defense, but will not damages, or legal fees of the plaintiffs, if Forsyth County loses. A new nonprofit group, the North Carolina Partnership for Religious Liberty, was formed this week to solicit funds to cover those costs. Development are covered today by the Winston-Salem Journal, which has also posted a link to ADF attorney Mike Johnson explaining the Commission's decision to fight the lawsuit. (MP3 file). He said in part: "Prayer should not be censored, not by government and not by the ACLU."
Gideon Bible Case Argued In 8th Circuit
Yesterday, according to CNS News, the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Doe v. South Iron R-1 School District. The decision being appealed enjoined a Missouri elementary school from permitting the distribution of Gideon Bibles on school property.(See prior posting.) An MP3 download of the 8th Circuit oral arguments is available.
Scalia Keynotes Conference On Religious Freedom
The Associated Press yesterday reported on the keynote speech made by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia at Portland University's two-day conference titled "The American Experiment: Religious Freedom." Speaking to the largely Catholic audience, Scalia said that among the eight religion cases in which he has dissented, the most troubling for him was the majority's striking down of a sales tax exemption for religious books and magazines in Texas Monthly Inc. v. Bullock. Scalia criticized the majority's Establishment Clause decision there as using the "formulaic abstraction" created in the Lemon case instead of "considering the long accepted practices of the American people."
NJ High Schooler Sues To Have "Day of Truth"
April 19 is this year's date for the national "Day of Truth" campaign in high schools. (ADF Release.) The event is designed to encourage Christian students to counter activities that will be sponsored the day before by GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Educational Network), known as the "Day of Silence" to call attention to anti-LGBT harassment. A student at Allendale, New Jersey's Northern Highlands Regional High School has filed suit in federal court Wednesday to prevent the school from interfering with his Day of Truth activities. North Jersey.com today reports that senior Jason Aufiero, head of the school's Christian Club, plans to hand out fliers and cards, and have an ad about the event read over the school's loudspeaker. He will also hold an after-school Q&A session. the school;s principal says that Aufiero has the right to hold the event. However the school is concerned about the content of materials to be distributed and locations where they will be handed out.
Senator Makes Theological Argument for Stem Cell Bill
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed two human stem-cell research bills-- S. 5 (a broad bill) and S. 30 (calling for research using only embryos that are "naturally dead"). One of the most interesting parts of the debate was the floor speech (full text) given by Oregon's Republican Senator Gordon Smith in favor of both bills. he made a theological case for stem cell research. Smith, a member of the Mormon church said that "religion and science are not in conflict in the Senate today." He concluded this after outlining his biblical arguments on when life begins:
Based upon my personal struggle with this issue, I now believe any reservations with embryonic stem cell research are misplaced, especially when one truly considers the question of when life begins.An article in yesterday's Bend Bulletin reports on his Senate remarks.
For me, it begins with the mother, with the implantation of the embryo.
I believe the Scriptures provide ample support showing that flesh and spirit become one within a mother. This is one of womankind's supernal gifts. I find verses in the Old and the New Testament, in Genesis, Jeremiah, the Psalms, Job, as well as in the Gospels.
All of these things lead me to feel comfortable with an ethical conclusion that life begins when flesh and spirit are united in a mother's womb and not before.
Jail Chaplain Suspended for Distributing Anti-Muslim Booklets
In Rockland County, New York, the county jail has suspended its long-time chaplain -- a Christian minister-- for distributing religious booklets that condemn Islam and contain derogatory descriptions of Allah and the prophet Muhammad. Teresa Darden Clapp has been suspended with pay pending the outcome of an investigation. Yesterday's Lower Hudson Valley Journal News says one of the booklets at issue describes Allah as an "idol" and devil and Muhammad as a criminal and a "religious dictator." It also contains drawings of Muhammad. Jail Chief William Clark says the investigation should be completed next week. [Thanks to Detention Ministry News for the lead.]
State Seeking Compromise With Catholic Hospitals On Treating Rape Victims
In Connecticut this week, state senators drafting a bill to mandate the furnishing of emergency contraceptives to all rape victims added provisions designed to win the support of the Catholic Church. On Wednesday, the AP reported that lawmakers added language to permit Catholic hospitals to contract with a third party to dispense Plan B. The Wilton Villager yesterday said that it is unclear whether the Catholic Church will support this compromise, or instead will object to the distribution of contraceptives on Catholic hospital premises remains unclear.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Jewish Voter Challenges Nashville's Setting Election For Rosh Hashanah
Suit has been filed in federal court against the Davidson County, Tennessee, Election Commission challenging its decision to hold the runoff election for mayor of Nashville and other positions this year on Sept. 13. That day is the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana. The Tennessean reported yesterday that officials decided not to reschedule the election-- called for on that date by Nashville's city charter-- after determining that Jewish voters could vote early or by absentee ballot. However, plaintiff Elinor J. Gregor, says that the scheduling violates her free exercise and free speech rights. Election officials plan to look at their decision again next Monday.
UPDATE: On Monday, April 16, the Davidson County Election Commission decided to move this fall's runoff election to Tuesday, Sept. 11, instead of the originally scheduled date that coincided with Rosh Hashanah. (Tennessean.com).
UPDATE: On Monday, April 16, the Davidson County Election Commission decided to move this fall's runoff election to Tuesday, Sept. 11, instead of the originally scheduled date that coincided with Rosh Hashanah. (Tennessean.com).
Prof Sues NC University For Religious Discrimination
A professor at the University of North Carolina- Wilmington has sued the school claiming that he was denied promotion to full professor on religious and ideological grounds. CNS reports that the suit was filed Monday by criminology professor Mike Adams who says that things "got ugly" in 2000 after he underwent a religious conversion and "came out of the closet ... as a conservative Republican...." Adams, now a conservative Christian, has been at the center of at least two complaints-- one by a student who claimed he improperly forwarded one of her political e-mails, and one by a colleague who says he broke into her office. Adams, though, has been cleared on both charges.
Umbrella Muslim Organization Formed In Germany
In Germany, a new umbrella group to represent Muslims in their dealings with politicians and government officials has been formed. The new Muslim Coordination Council (KRM) represents four existing Muslim associations in the country. Deutsche Welle yesterday reported that KRM plans to open contact offices in each of the German states.
Liberal Clergy Support Gay and Lesbian Rights Proposals In State Legislatures
On the heels of widespread religious opposition to gay rights, more liberal clergy are now speaking out in favor of laws protecting gays and lesbians, and in favor of civil unions. In Iowa, a coalition of a dozen church leaders held a news conference to announce their support for a proposed amendment to the state's civil rights law that would bar discrimination on the basis of sexuality and gender identity. 365Gay reported yesterday that the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa includes representatives of the United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Church, and the Episcopal Diocese.
Meanwhile, V. Gene Robinson, the Episcopal Church's only openly gay bishop, testified before a New Hampshire Senate committee in favor of legalizing same-sex civil unions. He said that the bill that would provide equal legal rights to gay and lesbian couples has nothing do to with religious bodies accepting or rejecting such unions. An Associated Press story yesterday quotes Robinson, referring to the desire of gay couples for legal recognition, as saying: ''Would that we could get all heterosexual couples to take these commitments and responsibilities so seriously."
Meanwhile, V. Gene Robinson, the Episcopal Church's only openly gay bishop, testified before a New Hampshire Senate committee in favor of legalizing same-sex civil unions. He said that the bill that would provide equal legal rights to gay and lesbian couples has nothing do to with religious bodies accepting or rejecting such unions. An Associated Press story yesterday quotes Robinson, referring to the desire of gay couples for legal recognition, as saying: ''Would that we could get all heterosexual couples to take these commitments and responsibilities so seriously."
Bankruptcy Judge Threatens San Diego Diocese With Contempt
The Catholic Diocese of San Diego, currently in bankruptcy reorganization, has been threatened with contempt by the bankruptcy judge for misrepresentations and attempts to illegally shift assets. On April 9, the bankruptcy court issued a Order to Show Cause as to why the diocese and various officials should not be held in contempt. At issue are attempts by parishes to obtain new taxpayer identification numbers and transfer parish accounts to them without court approval. The responses filed (1, 2, 3) said that there had been misunderstandings of what the court had approved in a prior hearing.
Yesterday's Washington Post reports that Diocese lead attorney Susan Boswell apologized for misunderstanding how parishes could protect their cash flows, but said: "We are not dealing with a commercial enterprise-- we are dealing with a church. What it does is give money to the parishes. This is not a nefarious function." The San Diego Union-Tribune also reports that Boswell was unaware of Bishop Robert Brom's regularly receiving bank statements for 770 bank accounts of the separate parishes when she told the court otherwise during a March 1 hearing. At an April 11 hearing, bankruptcy Judge Louise DeCarl Adler ordered an external audit of the Diocese.
Yesterday's Washington Post reports that Diocese lead attorney Susan Boswell apologized for misunderstanding how parishes could protect their cash flows, but said: "We are not dealing with a commercial enterprise-- we are dealing with a church. What it does is give money to the parishes. This is not a nefarious function." The San Diego Union-Tribune also reports that Boswell was unaware of Bishop Robert Brom's regularly receiving bank statements for 770 bank accounts of the separate parishes when she told the court otherwise during a March 1 hearing. At an April 11 hearing, bankruptcy Judge Louise DeCarl Adler ordered an external audit of the Diocese.
History Of Jewish Education In NYC Released Time Program Published
An unusual history of New York City's public school released time program has recently been published. The program, initiated in the 1940's, permitted public school children to be excused from class for an hour each week for religious education. While the program is generally thought of as one used by Christian groups, it turns out that a Jewish organization created by Chabad Lubavitch was active in offering an hour of Jewish education as part of the so-called "Wednesday Hour" program. The new book, Shiurei Limud Hadat: A Historical Review of the Released Time Program, contains information and rare photos of the program, along with Hebrew text. (News Release). Chabad continues the program today as scores of rabbinical students take study sheets, prayer booklets, kosher snacks and prizes to many New York City locations where the released time classes are held.
Iraqi Women Pressed To Follow Islamic Dress Code
Women in Iraq say that they are under increasing pressure to dress according to the dictates of Islamic law. An article in Tuesday's Cleveland Plain Dealer says that women blame the country's two-year old democratically elected parliament for using Islamic law to reduce women's rights. They say that is the only thing that the government agrees on. Baghdad's secular, cosmopolitan tradition has given way to what women call the "Islamic uniform"-- the black abaya that covers the body; the hijab (head scarf); or at least long, dark ankle-length skirts. Abdal-Majeed, who works with Iraq's women's affairs ministry says government officials, police officers and Muslim clergymen often insist she cover her head before they speak with her.
Attorneys Fees Ordered In Auto Sticker Case Settlement
In November, the city of Burbank, Illinois agreed to settle a suit brought by one of its residents who objected to displaying a vehicle sticker that included a picture of a soldier kneeling before a graveside cross. The city agreed not fine the resident for failing to display the sticker. (See prior posting.) However it has taken until now to resolve a dispute on payment of attorneys' fees. Yesterday's Daily Southtown reports that now a federal magistrate judge has ordered the city to pay $3300 in fees and costs to the plaintiff's lawyer for his 10 hours of work on the case. This is a compromise between amounts put forward by each side.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
U.S. Senate Memorializes Pentecostal Bishop
On March 28, the U.S. Senate by unanimous consent passed S.Res. 133 memorializing Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson who died on March 20. Patterson led Memphis, Tennessee's Temple of Deliverance Congregation, as well as the Church of God in Christ , a Pentecostal denomination which has 6 million members internationally. The Senate resolution, sponsored by Sen. Barack Obama, says that "Patterson reached millions across the globe with his direct and spirit-filled messages, encouraging the world to 'be healed, be delivered, and be set free'."
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