The top religion story of 2000 and other media dispatches

Gay unions likely to be top religion story of 2000, says Associated Press

The United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and Episcopal Church all face major votes or decisions at upcoming meetings. In the article, Lyle Shaller suggests a solution to the schism: “let the local pastor decide.”

Stop misquoting the Bible, says Boston Globe

Globe staffer Jan Freeman rants about “suffer the little children,” “money is the root of all evil,” the Golden Rule, and other phrases that simply don’t appear in the Bible—even though many of us think they do.

Duke University tries to build a better pastor

A three-year, $3.5 million project will try to define “good” ministry and determine how best to support clergy. “Remaining a pastor has become even more difficult,” says Raleigh News and Observer.

After Y2K no-show, Armageddon in news after all

But it’s not because of the Apocalypse. Instead, reports the New York Times, recent archaeological excavations at Meggido (the suggested final battleground) may “cast doubt on the Bible as a reliable document of the history of early Israel.” But, notes the article, “The jury’s still out.”

Canada’s Trinity Western University wants accreditation, but not homosexuals

The British Columbia College of Teachers won’t endorse the evangelical university’s application because of its conduct code prohibiting extramarital sex. In response, Trinity Western is launching a $125,000 (US$86,200) publicity campaign.

Aid organizations push for change in U.S. Sudan policy

Even organizations that usually avoid political activity are now lobbying for “a new policy” that’s more moderate. “When hundreds of thousands die year in and year out because of politics, we are forced to become involved,” Save the Children President Charles F. MacCormack told the Washington Post. Also involved are World Vision, Lutheran World Relief, CARE, Oxfam America, and the U.S. Committee for Refugees. But Clinton administration is resisting.

Catholic Bishops clash on Australian job programThe head of the Australian Bishops’ Committee for Social Welfare criticizes bishop of Wagga Wagga for suggesting that the church should stay out of Australia’s job-placement program.

Are Roman Catholics plotting to oust Kenyan president?

That’s the claim by a former Kenyan MP, according to Nairobi paper The Nation. He says Catholics and Anglicans are joining together to hijacking the Constitutional review process and “force their agenda on Kenyans.”