Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly » Headlines

Religious Reaction to Obama’s Afghanistan War Plan Mixed

fred yi — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:37:06 +0000

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.”

Stem Cells Approved for Government Funded Research; Obama Establishes New Bioethics Commission

fred yi — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:35:56 +0000

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.

Gay Marriage Split Decisions in DC and NY; MA Episcopal Clergy May Officiate at Same-Sex Weddings

fred yi — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:33:37 +0000

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.

Islamic Militants Kill Dozens at Pakistan Mosque

fred yi — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:31:55 +0000

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.

On Our Calendar

fred yi — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:27:10 +0000

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.