Israel halts Nazareth mosque
The Israeli government yesterday ordered a stop to construction of a mosque next to Nazareth's Church of the Annunciation. Christian leaders have been opposing the mosque for years, and stepped up their criticism around the holidays as construction began. Pope John Paul II and President George Bush were among those criticizing Israel for agreeing to the construction. Some Christians—including Vatican leaders—even wondered if Israel approved the mosque work to foment division between the country's Christians and Muslims. Now Israel's Construction and Housing Minister Natan Sharansky says the construction is illegal, and promised, "We will examine everything that has happened within the past year and a half." Muslim leaders say they will continue with construction anyway. "The pope won't dictate to us, Bush won't dictate to us, and Sharon won't dictate to us," Islamic Movement leader Salman Abu Ahmad tells The New York Times. "We will not give up our holy places." He also called the order to stop construction a "declaration of war" on Muslims.
Into and out of the shadowlands
Lisa Beamer, widow of United Flight 93 hero Todd Beamer, gave birth to Morgan Kay Beamer yesterday morning. "My sons will be told their whole lives that their father was a hero, that he saved lives," she said earlier. "It's a great legacy for a father to leave his children." (The Beamer Foundation Web site will have more information, but it's very busy right now.)
W.A. Criswell, pastor emeritus of First Baptist Church of Dallas, died this morning at age 92. He was one of the most famous preachers of the last century (Billy Graham said he's "the best preacher I ever heard anywhere"), and probably the best-known pastor of the last 50 years. He had said he wanted to die in the pulpit, but he has been declining in health over the last year or so. The Dallas Morning News already has a lengthy obituary.
Forrest Boyd, former communications director for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and founder of what is now United News and Information, died Saturday at age 80 after a heart attack. He was still active in radio.
A revival of public religion—on Capitol Hill | For decades, the religious life of the U.S. Congress has been one of the better-kept secrets in Washington. But Sept. 11 brought issues of faith to the surface (The Christian Science Monitor)
Thumbs down to united church | Grassroots efforts derail plans to merge the Church of Scotland, Scottish Episcopal Church, Methodists and the United Reformed Church. (The Scotsman)
Bleeding-heart hypocrites | The phoniness of bleeding-heart liberalism is on display once again with a judge's decision letting the "homeless" sleep on church steps in Midtown (Arnold Ahlert, New York Post)
Banking on God | At places of worship, faith-based credit unions are bringing financial services to underserved communities. (Kiplinger's Personal Finance)
Religious leaders use census numbers | Figures suggest where to build churches, whether they need bilingual pastors, if they should offer day care. (Associated Press)
Adventures of a black missionary | Black Livingstone restores a forgotten life, crafting an enticing portrait of a man whose accomplishments defied the narrow and racist limitations of his times. (The Boston Globe)
Special delivery: Jesus, the video | Eighty local churches have banded together to mail 42,000 unsolicited copies of Jesus to every household in four ZIP codes (The Seattle Times)
Twenty years ago, Republicans, Democrats, evangelicals, gay activists, and African leaders joined forces to combat AIDS. Will their legacy survive today’s partisanship?
The late pastor theologian gave strong counsel to me and so many others in ministry.
Twenty years ago, Republicans, Democrats, evangelicals, gay activists, and African leaders joined forces to combat AIDS. Will their legacy survive today’s partisanship?
The Spirit’s descent at Pentecost is a model for diverse and distributed leadership.
