Headlines
December 7th, 2009
Los Angeles Episcopalians Elect Openly Gay Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has elected Rev. Mary Glasspool, a lesbian, as assistant bishop. If her election is confirmed by a majority of dioceses within the Episcopal Church over the next several months, she would become the second openly gay bishop in a denomination which has been wracked with divisions over homosexuality. Glasspool’s election has also sparked new controversy across the 77-million-member worldwide Anglican Communion. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said the election “raises serious questions not just for the Episcopal Church and its place in the Anglican Communion, but for the Communion as a whole.” He renewed calls for restraint in moving forward. However, Episcopal representatives in Los Angeles said they believed God guided their votes. The first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, was elected in 2003.
December 4th, 2009
Religious Reaction to Obama’s Afghanistan War Plan Mixed
Religious groups had mixed reactions to President Obama’s new plan for the war in Afghanistan. Some expressed hope that the additional 30,000 American troops will indeed bring stability by 2011, when Obama said the US will start to withdraw. But others were disappointed by the military escalation. A coalition of moderate and progressive Christians had pushed for a “humanitarian” surge rather than a military one. In his speech to the nation, Obama said America began the war, in part, to defend what he called “the values we hold dear”:
President Obama: “America, we are passing through a time of great trial. And the message that we send in the midst of these storms must be clear: that our cause is just, our resolve unwavering. We will go forward with the confidence that right makes might.”
December 4th, 2009
Stem Cells Approved for Government Funded Research; Obama Establishes New Bioethics Commission
In a significant change from the Bush administration, the National Institutes of Health has approved new human embryonic stem cells for use in federally funded experiments. The 13 lines of cells are the first to be eligible for public funding under the Obama administration’s new stem cell policy. Supporters say the research could lead to life-saving cures. But opponents, including the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, say taxpayers should not have to fund research that destroys what they consider the earliest stage of human life.
Meanwhile, Obama has begun establishing a commission to advise him on bioethics issues. The chair will be Amy Gutmann, the president of the University of Pennsylvania, who is an ethicist and a political scientist.
December 4th, 2009
Gay Marriage Split Decisions in DC and NY; MA Episcopal Clergy May Officiate at Same-Sex Weddings
There were several flashpoints this week in the debate over same-sex marriage. The city council of Washington, DC gave overwhelming initial approval to a measure that would legalize gay marriage. A final vote will take place later this month. In New York, the state senate rejected a gay marriage bill. It had been approved earlier by the state assembly, but the senate turned it down by a wider than expected margin. And in Massachusetts, where gay marriage is legal, Episcopal bishop Tom Shaw gave permission for priests in his diocese to officiate at same-sex weddings. Despite a few exceptions, most denominations have not officially allowed their clergy to perform gay marriages.
December 4th, 2009
Islamic Militants Kill Dozens at Pakistan Mosque
In Pakistan, dozens of worshippers were killed and many more injured when suicide bombers attacked a mosque during Friday prayers (December 4). The mosque was a few miles from the capital city Islamabad near Army headquarters and known to draw many military officers.
December 4th, 2009
Swiss Vote to Ban New Minarets
Switzerland has come under a flood of international criticism for its new ban on minarets. In a referendum last weekend, Swiss voters approved a measure outlawing the construction of the towers used for the Muslim call to prayer. The government says the ban will not affect the religious freedom of Muslims. But religious and human rights groups around the world have condemned the ban.
December 4th, 2009
On Our Calendar
For Jews, Hanukkah begins at sundown next Friday (December 11). The eight-day festival marks a revolt in the second century BC, when Jews recaptured the temple in Jerusalem. According to tradition, they lit lamps in the temple with only a one-day supply of oil, but the lamps burned for eight days. During Hanukkah, Jews remember this by lighting an additional candle each night. By the way…all those candles and the popular Hanukkah foods, which are fried in oil, could be fire hazards. So the Orthodox Union has designated December as Fire Safety Month. The group is distributing fire prevention guidelines for Hanukkah celebrations.
Christians are observing Advent, the time of preparation leading to Christmas. In Bethlehem, the season was ushered in with a parade through the streets. The Catholic Custodian of the Holy Land then visited the ancient Church of the Nativity, which was built over the site where many Christians believe Jesus was born.
