Rev. Dr. Chuck Currie

India: AIDS Fueled by Abuses Against Children

Human Rights Watch has issued a disturbing new report on discrimination children with HIV/AIDS face in India:

(New Delhi, July 29, 2004) — India’s explosive AIDS epidemic is being fueled by widespread abuses against children who are affected by HIV/AIDS, Human Rights Watch said in a new report released today. The Indian government’s failure to address these abuses is undermining its anti-AIDS policy and putting millions of lives at risk.

The 209-page report, “Future Forsaken: Abuses Against Children Affected by HIV/AIDS in India,” documents that many doctors refuse to treat or even touch HIV-positive children. Some schools expel or segregate children because they or their parents are HIV-positive. Many orphanages and other residential institutions reject HIV-positive children or deny that they house them. Children from families affected by AIDS may be denied an education, pushed onto the street, forced into the worst forms of child labor, or otherwise exploited, all of which puts them at greater risk of contracting HIV.

Click here for the press release and full report. These pictures are ones of Dalit children that I took last summer in Bangalore, India. The Dalit people are the poorest of the poor on earth and have no health care to speak of. All of these children were living in a slum across the street from a hospital they were not allowed to use. These children are at terrible risk for HIV/AIDS and other preventable health related problems.

LA Times: My Blog Is "top-tier"

The media has been covering the blogging of the Democratic National Convention in great detail. Today the LA Times mentions my blog as part of their coverage. Lisa Stone writes about the variety of blogs and what they speak to. Of my site she writies:

Still other blogs function as op-ed pages, and the quality is top-tier. "Many people of faith support stem cell research," typed United Church of Christ seminarian and blogger Chuck Currie after Tuesday night's speech by Ron Reagan, who declared that a vote for Kerry is a vote for embryonic stem-cell research into disease cures. "In 2002, I attended a forum on stem cell research sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. The Rev. Dr. Audrey R. Chapman, director of the Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion for the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C., was the speaker," Currie blogged.

It’s kind of nice to get noticed. Click here to read the full story. You can read the post they quoted from here.

John Kerry And The Role Of Religion In Public Life

John Kerry’s speech on Thursday night did more than introduce him to the American public. For the first time he talked in an extensive way about his own faith and the role he believes religion should play in public life:

My friends, the high road may be harder, but it leads to a better place. And that's why Republicans and Democrats must make this election a contest of big ideas, not small-minded attacks. This is our time to reject the kind of politics calculated to divide race from race, group from group, region from region. Maybe some just see us divided into red states and blue states, but I see us as one America – red, white, and blue. And when I am President, the government I lead will enlist people of talent, Republicans as well as Democrats, to find the common ground – so that no one who has something to contribute will be left on the sidelines.

And let me say it plainly: in that cause, and in this campaign, we welcome people of faith. America is not us and them. I think of what Ron Reagan said of his father a few weeks ago, and I want to say this to you tonight: I don't wear my own faith on my sleeve. But faith has given me values and hope to live by, from Vietnam to this day, from Sunday to Sunday. I don't want to claim that God is on our side. As Abraham Lincoln told us, I want to pray humbly that we are on God's side. And whatever our faith, one belief should bind us all: The measure of our character is our willingness to give of ourselves for others and for our country.

What a great statement. Americans, I think, will appreciate these remarks. The personal faith that John Kerry spoke of seems so much more profound than the insincere faith so many politicians (on both sides of the political aisle) seem to adopt purely for political gain.

Don't miss The Rev. Brenda Bartella Peterson's post on the DNC blog about how people of faith can become involved with the Kerry campaign.

John Kerry and Homelessness: Hope Is On The Way

What does it mean when people are huddled in blankets in the cold, sleeping in Lafayette Park on the doorstep of the White House itself and the number of families living in poverty has risen by three million in the last four years?

America can do better. And help is on the way.

- John Kerry, July 29, 2004

During his acceptance speech tonight John Kerry spoke of his desire to help those who are homeless in America. Is this a true promise or campaign rhetoric?

There are two ways to answer that question.

First, you don’t get votes for talking about homelessness in America. Speaking about the issue at all shows us something about John Kerry’s character.

John Kerry is also the primary sponsor of bi-partisan legislation in Congress to create a National Housing Trust Fund. The fund would be created to build affordable rental housing in communities across America. Kerry has made this legislation one of his top priorities in Congress. Visit the National Housing Trust Fund campaign web site to learn how you can help get this bill passed.

Yes, hope is on the way.

Poor People Are 'On God's Mind,' Rev. Dr. Forbes Says at Interfaith Service

From the National Council of Churches

July 29, 2004, Boston, Mass. -- More than 800 people of faith, including as many as 300 Democratic National Convention delegates, broke away from the Convention in Boston for a few hours Wednesday (July 28) to lift their voices and prayers on behalf of people living in poverty and to commit to do what they can to put ending poverty on the national political agenda.

The interfaith worship service and rally was held at the historic Old South Church in Boston and was the sixth stop in the national “Let Justice Roll: Faith and Community Voices Against Poverty” campaign, a joint effort of the National Council of Churches USA and the Center for Community Change in collaboration with other national, regional and local anti-poverty and religious organizations.

The campaign’s goal is to raise poverty as a priority issue in this election year and to educate, register, mobilize and protect voters, especially low-income voters. Related events are being planned for August 31 in New York, concurrent with the Republican National Convention, and for at least 10 more cities in September and October.

In a national poll of likely voters released just before the worship service, the Alliance to End Hunger -- one of the principal sponsors of the Boston event -- found that 75 percent of voters (including 61 percent of Republicans) would rather hear a candidate’s plan for fighting hunger and poverty than a candidate’s position on gay marriage (17 percent). The poll, conducted by McLaughlin & Associates, also found that 89 percent considered a candidate’s position on reducing hunger and poverty to be an important factor in voting for president; and, 94 percent believe government anti-hunger programs are important.

“You cannot speak for God if poverty has been cast away and is not spoken of,” said the Rev. Dr. James Forbes, Senior Minister of The Riverside Church in New York City, at the interfaith worship service. The Rev. Forbes, who is providing leadership in many of the cities in the national “Let Justice Roll” campaign, challenged participants to fill the real “God gap” by listening to God and doing God’s will.

“Let’s get the poor on our agenda because it’s on God’s mind,” said the Rev. Forbes. At the news conference preceding the service, he commented, "If you ever expect to get a reservation in heaven, you will have to have a letter of recommendation from the poor to get in.”

The service included testimonials from people with direct experience of poverty. Jessica Marrocco overcame homelessness to find housing and get an education. Now with the Boston group One Family, Inc., she said, “I will not feel content until every family can have a permanent roof over its head.” Fred Fox, with City Mission Society of Boston, said he didn’t know how to ask for help when he was released from prison. “I was free, but in the prison of poverty and need,” he said, urging development of systems of both material and moral support for newly released prisoners.

Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) also were in attendance at the interfaith service and rally on behalf of the Kerry-Edwards campaign. The Alliance to End Hunger, Bread for the World, Center for Community Change, National Council of Churches USA, United Church of Christ, Old South Church, Dunk the Vote and more than 20 local organizations co-sponsored the event.

DNC: Kicking Ass - Guest Post: Rev. Brenda Bartella Peterson

The Rev. Brenda Bartella Peterson, the new religious outreach director for the Democratic National Committee, has a post up on the DNC blog discussing her new job and what People of Faith for John Kerry are talking about at the convention. Check it out:

DNC: Kicking Ass - Guest Post: Rev. Brenda Bartella Peterson

Brenda is a friend of mine from the Clergy Leadership Network - where she served as executive director. Click here for more information on her job at the DNC.

Beliefnet Convention Blog

Beliefnet Editor-in-Chief Steven Waldman is among those blogging from the Democratic National Convention. Be sure to check out what he is saying about religion and the 2004 elections.

Eduardo Delacruz: A Policeman And A Hero

A New York police officer, Eduardo Delacruz, is on trial for refusing an order to arrest a homeless person for sleeping in a parking garage. Yes, when you are homeless it is illegal to sleep. Newsday reports:

An attorney for Delacruz, Norman Siegel, accused officials of punishing his client for following his conscience.

Delacruz "saw the homeless as people and showed them dignity and respect," Siegel said.

Police lawyer David Green argued that Delacruz's personal beliefs are "completely irrelevant."

When serving on the board of the National Coalition for the Homeless, I visited most major American cities and saw that people who are homeless are routinely harassed by police officers. Delacruz is a true hero for standing up and refusing to treat people who are homeless as less than human.

Liz Smith Currie Supports Pro-Choice Russ Carnahan

Russ Carnahan is the pro-choice candidate endorsed by Planned Parenthood running to replace Dick Gephardt in the US Congress. My wife Liz was asked to appear in advertising for his campaign. In his brochure mailed out to St. Louis voters you can see Liz just to the right of Russ. This was about two weeks before she gave birth to the twins.

Inter-Faith Declaration Opposes Discrimination Against People with HIV/AIDS

BANGKOK, Thailand/GENEVA, 28 July 2004 (LWI) - Churches and faith communities have declared their opposition to discrimination against people with HIV/AIDS. A joint inter-faith declaration adopted at the end of the 15th International AIDS Conference, which was held from 11 to 16 July in Bangkok, Thailand, contained contributions from Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. It was drafted with support of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance (EAA).

"Trust in God, hope and compassion make a great difference with AIDS," stated Dr Musimbi Kanyoro, general secretary of the World Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). She emphasized that "AIDS urges us to talk about sexuality." The religious leaders intend to mobilize their own resources to ensure that all people gain access to more information and receive treatment in keeping with the conference theme, "Access for All."

Full story

Ron Reagan, Stem Cell Research & Religion

Ron Reagan gave a terrific speech tonight at the Democratic National Convention on the value of stem cell research. There is a tremendous amount of promise in this science. Suffering could end for so many if the federal government made this effort a real priority. Sadly, as Reagan pointed out, there are religious extremists in the White House that have nearly stopped all progress on stem cell research. It should be noted, however, that many people of faith support stem cell research. The United Church of Christ adopted resolutions supporting stem cell research in 2001. In 2002, I attended a forum on stem cell research sponsored by Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon. The Rev. Dr. Audrey R. Chapman, director of the Dialogue on Science, Ethics and Religion for the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Washington, D.C, was the speaker. You can read her paper on the subject by clicking here. Chapman is both a United Church of Christ minister and a scientist.

Babies For Kerry-Edwards

Frances and Katherine take a quick nap before watching the Democratic Convention.

Political pundits across America are already talking Katherine and Frances up as potential presidential candidates. Here they are watching US Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton speak at the Democratic National Convention.

O'Malley won't offer blessing; Paulist priest to deliver invocation

By Michael Paulson and Patrick Healy, Globe Staff | July 26, 2004

In a break from past practice, the Democratic Party is not inviting the archbishop of Boston to offer a blessing at the Democratic National Convention, but instead is inviting a Paulist priest who has taken Senator John F. Kerry's side in a national debate over whether politicians who support abortion rights should receive Communion.

Full story

There are plenty of religious leaders – pro-life and pro-choice – who understand that the issue of abortion should not divide people of faith. It is unfortunate that some Catholic leaders have chosen this one issue as a litmus test. George W. Bush wages pre-emptive war, opposes programs to help people lift themselves out of poverty, and supports efforts to put corporate profits before the welfare of the environment. The scorecard is clear: John Kerry is a person of good faith who deserves the backing of religious voters. As a Christian, I can make that statement with integrity.

For more information on this issue visit:

Bishop Raymond Burke: Anti-Choice, Anti-Gay

Catholics Oppose Denial Of Sacrament

Kerry, Catholics, and Abortion

Summer Reading II

Now that the babies are here I’m pretty much tied to the house helping out Liz. Katherine and Frances feed about every three hours and the process takes about one and a half hours. Reading and watching television during the in-between periods are our entertainment options (I’m still trying to figure out when to sleep during all this).

My summer reading project, therefore, is just rolling along. This week I finished up the Bill Clinton book. As mentioned in a previous post, earlier in the summer I read William Sloane Coffin, Jr.: A Holy Impatience and The Heart Is a Little to the Left: Essays on Public Morality. I’ve just about finished up The Social Gospel Today and have added two related books to my list: A Theology for the Social Gospel by Walter Rauschenbusch and The Social Gospel of Jesus by Bruce J. Malina.

What was left out of the Bible – on purpose or by accident – is always fascinating. Stephen J. Patterson is our New Testament professor at Eden Theological Seminary and he has written extensively on the historical Jesus and the Gospel of Thomas. So last week I read his book The Gospel of Jesus and Thomas. Now I’m hoping to add more to the story of Thomas with Elanine Pagels book Beyond Belief: The Secret Gospel of Thomas.

Reading fiction is not a hobby of mine. However, I picked up the paperback version of Richard Preston’s The Cobra Event. This book about a bio-terrorist attack on New York City prompted then-President Clinton to order additional resources and planning for fighting terrorism.

This week I also began reading The 9/11 Commission Report. The opening pages tell the stories of all four lost flights, the response by various government agencies, and expose a national defense system totally unprepared for such an event. I’ll be writing more about this report later in hopes of offering a theological viewpoint for fighting terrorism.

Anyone else reading anything good this summer?

Read About Boston On The American Street

The American Street will be getting live reports from the Democratic National Convention. Check out Oregonian Jenny Greenleaf's post from tonight and visit The American Street over the next several days for more.

the american street: The Festivities Begin

Huge Success in Congress on Darfur!

Message from FaithfulAmerica.org

Wonderful news! Late last night, shortly before they adjourned until September, the US House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously passed resolutions designating Darfur a genocide and calling on the US government to stop the killing, including through a possible intervention.

The situation in Congress was “touch and go” until the last minute with several members threatening to water it down or block the vote. So the more than 52,000 messages sent by FaithfulAmerica.org members came at just the right time. Huge congratulations to everyone; we really made a difference. You can read the resolutions and relevant press coverage here: www.darfurgenocide.org/success.htm

These resolutions give us a powerful bipartisan mandate to push the US government to act.

Yet while a significant victory, this means little until we see real change on the ground to save lives. Unfortunately, the situation in Darfur is getting worse. The people of Darfur are still praying that we will answer God’s call to aid our brothers and sisters in distress.

We must redouble our efforts, and make sure this is not a summer we remember with regret. We hope to get a plan of action to you early next week.

Blessings,
The FaithfulAmerica.org Team

For more information on Darfur, or to get involved in local activism, please visit www.darfurgenocide.org

Democratic National Committee Names The Rev. Brenda Bartella-Peterson To Religion Post

The Democratic National Committee has just named The Rev. Brenda Bartella-Peterson as their new senior adviser on religious outreach. I’ve gotten to know Brenda over the past year while she served as the executive director of the Clergy Leadership Network. She has enormous talent that will be put to great use at the DNC.

"Brenda will act as liaison to religious organizations and will encourage people to let their faith inform their participation in democracy," DNC Chairman Terry McAuliffe said...

"Brenda has dedicated her life to showing us all how religion and politics intersect with integrity," McAuliffe said. "We are proud to have her join the DNC, in order to spread John Kerry's positive vision to people of all faiths."

Everyone involved with CLN is excited to see her take on these new responsibilities.

More Twins In The Family

Yesterday Liz’s cousin Paul and his wife Amy gave birth to twin boys. Benjamin and Matthew are doing well. Our twins Katherine and Frances would like to be among the first to welcome their new cousins into the world.

Democracy in the Balance

"OVER THE PAST few years, as the poor got poorer, the health care crisis worsened, wealth and media became more and more concentrated, and our political system was bought out from under us, prophetic Christianity lost its voice. The Religious Right drowned everyone else out.

And they hijacked Jesus. The very Jesus who stood in Nazareth and proclaimed, "The Lord has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor." The very Jesus who told 5,000 hungry people that all of you will be fed, not just some of you. The very Jesus who challenged the religious orthodoxy of the day by feeding the hungry on the Sabbath, who offered kindness to the prostitute and hospitality to the outcast, who raised the status of women and treated even the tax collector like a child of God. The very Jesus who drove the money changers from the temple. This Jesus has been hijacked and turned into a guardian of privilege instead of a champion of the dispossessed. Hijacked, he was made over into a militarist, hedonist, and lobbyist, sent prowling the halls of Congress in Guccis, seeking tax breaks and loopholes for the powerful, costly new weapon systems that don't work, and punitive public policies.

Let's get Jesus back. The Jesus who inspired a Methodist ship-caulker named Edward Rogers to crusade across New England for an eight-hour work day. Let's get back the Jesus who caused Frances William to rise up against the sweatshop. The Jesus who called a young priest named John Ryan to champion child labor laws, unemployment insurance, a minimum wage, and decent housing for the poor - 10 years before the New Deal. The Jesus in whose name Dorothy Day challenged the church to march alongside auto workers in Michigan, fishermen and textile workers in Massachusetts, brewery workers in New York, and marble cutters in Vermont. The Jesus who led Martin Luther King to Memphis to join sanitation workers in their struggle for a decent wage."

Read the full story by Bill Moyers

Convocation celebrates COREM’s bridge-building past, faces future with resolve

"A majority of people there did not know the [COREM] history, but as they heard the various people sharing the stories, they discovered the passion and the vision that was there in the early 1980s," says the Rev. Héctor López, Central Pacific Conference Minister.

By J. Bennett Guess
Editor, United Church News

Not since 1992 have members of the UCC’s racial and ethnic constituencies had an opportunity to come together, in large numbers, to discuss the denomination’s common mission and the church’s future direction, especially as it impacts people of color.

But from July 15 to 17, about 250 people attended the 2004 convocation of the UCC’s Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM) in Chicago, where participants relished the diversity of cultures represented and challenged the UCC to stay true to its stated multiracial, multicultural commitments.

"Probably the most valuable thing that happened was our coming together at this point in the church’s history, during a very tough, complex time for the church," says Carol A. Brown, incoming president of United Black Christians, who chaired the convocation’s planning committee. "It was an opportunity to learn from other people’s customs and traditions, and I think we accomplished that."

Created by General Synod 14 in 1983, COREM provides a place where the UCC’s racial and ethnic groups can collaborate and develop a common agenda regarding the mission life of the church and advocate for racial/ethnic concerns within the UCC. In its decision-making capacity, COREM is comprised of 10 persons who meet regularly and advise the denomination on racial/ethnic matters. At the table, two persons represent each of five groups: the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM), Council for Hispanic Ministries (CHM), Ministers for Racial, Social and Economic Justice (MRSEJ), Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministry (PAAM) and United Black Christians (UBC).

Full story

Outside The Box

Kurt Granzow was just added to my list of faith blog links. He writes Outside The Box. Kurt is another Oregonian who makes his home in the United Church of Christ. Right now he is working on his MDiv at Marylhurst University and plans to become a UCC minister. Drop by his site.

Al Franken Beats O'Reilly in NY Radio Matchup

Full story

(apologies to Matt Groening)

Reform Jewish Movement Joins Religious Organizations in Amicus Brief Against the Juvenile Death Penalty

(Washington, D.C.) The Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference of American Rabbis joined an amicus curiae brief today along with a diverse coalition of religious organizations. The brief is being filed in the case of Roper v. Simmons which is headed to the United States Supreme Court following a Missouri Supreme Court ruling condemning capital punishment for juvenile offenders as unconstitutional. Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:

We are proud to join in this amicus brief with almost 30 religious organizations who share our belief that juvenile capital punishment is unjust. Through this effort, we have a long-overdue opportunity to clear America's conscience of a barbaric and inhumane practice.

The Union for Reform Judaism and the Central Conference of American Rabbis have long held that juvenile capital punishment violates not only the 8th Amendment ban on cruel and unusual punishment but also the moral ideals of our religious tradition. In fact, every major Jewish denomination is fundamentally opposed to the death penalty for minors; six other Jewish organizations also signed this brief.

Though the Bible calls for execution for dozens of offenses, over 2,000 years of rabbinic wisdom teach us to reject an ultimate punishment that removes even the possibility of redemption and rehabilitation. Our opposition is even stronger in the case of juveniles, who do not have the full capacity to distinguish between right and wrong.

We commend the US Conference of Catholic Bishops for their leadership and moral vision on this issue and their work in crafting this brief. As we stated in a 1959 resolution on capital punishment and reaffirmed in the brief today, "We pledge ourselves to join with like-minded Americans in trying to prevent crime by removal of its causes, and to foster modern methods of rehabilitation of the wrongdoer in the spirit of the Jewish tradition of tshuva (repentance)."

The case is Roper v. Simmons (No 03-633). The brief was coordinated and authored in part by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Other signatories include: Alliance of Baptists; American Association of Jewish Lawyers and Jurists; American Friends Service Committee; American Jewish Committee; American Jewish Congress; Bruderhof Communities Church International; Buddhist Peace Fellowship; Church Women United; Community of Christ; Engaged Zen Foundation; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition; General Council on Finance and Administration of the United Methodist Church; Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America; Most Reverend Frank T. Griswold, Presiding Bishop and Primate, The Episcopal Church in the United States of America; Jewish Council for Public Affairs; Clifton Kirkpatrick, as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Rev. Dwight M. Lundgren, Board of National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA; Mennonite Central Committee; Muslim Public Affairs Council; Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights (Karamah); National Council of Synagogues; Prison Dharma Network; Progressive Jewish Alliance; Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Unitarian Universalist Association; United Church of Christ.

- from civilrights.org

Oregon Progressives Unite

At BlueOregon - a new blog "for progressive Oregonians to gather 'round the water cooler and share news, commentary, and gossip." This should be one of the first places you visit for Oregon news.

Casino ejects Ronstadt over 'Fahrenheit' praise

LOS ANGELES, California (Reuters) -- Singer Linda Ronstadt was thrown out of the Aladdin casino in Las Vegas on the weekend after dedicating a song to liberal filmmaker Michael Moore and his movie "Fahrenheit 9/11," a casino spokeswoman said Monday.

Ronstadt, who had been hired for a one-show engagement Saturday night at the Las Vegas Strip casino, dedicated a performance of "Desperado" to Moore and his controversial documentary, which criticizes President Bush and the U.S.-led war in Iraq.

That dedication angered some Aladdin guests who spilled drinks, tore down posters and demanded their money back, said casino spokeswoman Sara Gorgon.

Full story

This kind of corporate censorship of artists is a worrisome sign that signals the decline of open democracy in a free society.

Messages are pilling up on her homepage attacking her. You might considering visiting the site and leaving a message of your own defending her patriotism.

Some Darn Cute Kids

We've got more photos of the twins on our homepage. You can see photos of them coming home last week and our outing this evening to the campus of Eden Theological Seminary. Katherine and Frances are some darn cute kids. Frances is the one in this picture.

Ralph Nader's Axis of Evil

It started in Oregon. Rightwing activists have been working to help get Ralph Nader on the state ballot. The right-wingers hope that having Nader on the Oregon ballot will throw the election to George W. Bush. Nader welcomed the help.

Now Nader has his own private Axis of Evil pushing his candidacy: anti-gay rights groups, anti-tax organizations, and workers from the Bush reelection campaign. The Washington Post reports their efforts have moved beyond Oregon:

The Michigan Republican Party submitted more than 40,000 signatures last week in a bid to get independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader on the state's November ballot.

Of course, this is not really about helping Nader. It is all about helping President Bush and hurting Democratic presidential candidate John F. Kerry's campaign in a closely contested state.

Some have argued that Nader deserves respect for his long years of public service. My sense argues that we should take this man down by showing the progressive community that one of our must important leaders has become a man driven more by ego than principle. Nader, who is also being investigated for possible election fundraising violations, should be confronted through letters to the editors, radio call-in shows, and at his public rallies. Our message: Any man who gets his campaign backing from the most extreme right of the Republican party should not claim the mantle of the progressive movement.

It is time for Nader to retire. Sadly, forever his image will be tarnished. Maybe he’ll luck out and the anti-gay and anti-tax groups will build a statute of him to be placed at the gates of the Republican National Committee. Then he can always be remembered for what he is: an ego driven sell out.

Jesus and Jihad

By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF

Published: July 17, 2004

If the latest in the "Left Behind" series of evangelical thrillers is to be believed, Jesus will return to Earth, gather non-Christians to his left and toss them into everlasting fire:

"Jesus merely raised one hand a few inches and a yawning chasm opened in the earth, stretching far and wide enough to swallow all of them. They tumbled in, howling and screeching, but their wailing was soon quashed and all was silent when the earth closed itself again."

These are the best-selling novels for adults in the United States, and they have sold more than 60 million copies worldwide. The latest is "Glorious Appearing," which has Jesus returning to Earth to wipe all non-Christians from the planet. It's disconcerting to find ethnic cleansing celebrated as the height of piety.

If a Muslim were to write an Islamic version of "Glorious Appearing" and publish it in Saudi Arabia, jubilantly describing a massacre of millions of non-Muslims by God, we would have a fit. We have quite properly linked the fundamentalist religious tracts of Islam with the intolerance they nurture, and it's time to remove the motes from our own eyes.

Full story

"I trust God speaks through me"

Lancaster Online is reporting that while in Pennsylvania last week George W. Bush told a small group of Amish that:

“I trust God speaks through me. Without that, I couldn’t do my job.’’

No reporters attended the meeting and the quote cannot be independently verified. However, the remark would certainly be in character for the president. He reportedly believes that only the hand of God could have placed him in the White House after losing the election in 2000.

Maybe there is another well known figure from the Bible speaking to Bush...

...preemptive war against those who have never attacked us, cuts in programs for the poor, protection for environmental polluters…

These seem more like the projects of satanic forces than of God.

Read Jim Wallis’ wonderful article Dangerous Religion: George W. Bush's theology of empire for more background on Bush’s frightening religious beliefs and how they brought us to war.

(Thanks to I Like To Write for the tip)

Ecumenical "Christian Principles in an Election Year" Offer Criteria for Judging Candidates

How would you apply your Christian faith to decisions in the voting booth this November? The National Council of Churches has some suggestions. They have just published a new study guide called “Christian Principles in an Election Year” and are asking Christians to consider these principles when voting for candidates. Their press release states:

"This is an important voice in the public conversation about where this nation should be headed," said the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, who chairs the NCC's Justice and Advocacy Commission. That multi-denominational Commission developed the principles, which then were affirmed by the NCC's Executive Committee. "The principles are not intended to be partisan, but rather to lift up common principles that have been affirmed ecumenically and that can provide guidance in this election season."

Neither are these principles meant to be exhaustive of all concerns, Dr. Kinnamon said. "There are other issues on which some Justice and Advocacy Commission members wanted to speak and that Roman Catholics and conservative evangelical Christians might add, but on which churches aren't united; among them, abortion and gay marriage. For us, the issue is how to begin a conversation in the pews. We proclaim with a bold humility that this is where we stand right now, even as we invite others into the conversation."

A number of the principles have roots in ecumenical agreements that date back more than 50 years, noted Dr. Kinnamon, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister and professor at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Mo. For example, the first principle, "War is contrary to the will of God," was affirmed at the World Council of Churches' founding assembly in 1948. "It’s not a pacifist position," he said, "but it says 'no' to crusade. It acknowledges that 'while the use of force may, at times, be a necessity of last resort, Christ pronounces his blessing on the peacemakers.'"

Other principles echo such "key principles of the whole ecumenical movement" as the interrelatedness of all people, God's priority concern for the poor, the infinite worth of each person as created in the image of God, and the God-given responsibility to be stewards of God's creation, Dr. Kinnamon said.

Dr. Kinnamon is one of my professors at Eden.

You can read more about the study guide here and download the document here.

I Make Him Puke

Mr. Christopher P. Thompson of West Springfield, Virginia wrote me today:

I don't think I have ever read more phony bullshit put out to the public as words of wisdom than your ramblings in your crackpot website under the rubric of the socialist NCC. Masquerading the will of God in your inane liberalism, a liberalism that would destroy this country if given full reign, motivates me greatly to do what I can to help ensure that you Democrat scum remain out of power in Congress and the Executive Branch. I have to laugh when I read you intend to read Clinton's pathetic bio "just for fun"--Clinton, the most immoral president in American history whose writings even liberal reviewers scorn. You make me puke.

I’m glad to report that I’m about 700 pages into the Clinton book. It is not a bad read, but does falls short of some of the hype. Fellow Arkansas native Dale Bumpers wrote a better autobiography that I’d recommend to anyone interested in small town southern politics.

I’d respond more to Mr. Thompson’s charges but I’m quite busy right now between raising the twins and plotting the overthrow of Western civilization. Everyone has to have a hobby and world domination through the spread of socialism disguised as religion is obviously mine.

Rev. Dr. Robert W. Edgar Arrested at Sudan Protest

Press Release from the National Council of Churches

Washington, D.C., July 14, 2004 -- In an act of civil disobedience and protest of the genocide unfolding in Darfur, Sudan, the Rev. Dr. Robert W. Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA, was arrested outside of the Sudanese Embassy here today. Dr. Edgar presented himself for arrest as part of a campaign to call attention to what the United Nations calls the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today and to mobilize U.S. and world action to stop it.

The campaign, coordinated by Christian Solidarity International, includes daily noontime demonstrations in front of the Sudanese Embassy that began June 30. It is pressing Congress to pass House Concurrent Resolution 467 declaring genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and calling on the Bush Administration to lead an international intervention, impose targeted sanctions on the Sudanese government and establish a humanitarian aid fund.

At today's protest, about 50 participants, including many children, marched outside of the embassy to demand that the government of Sudan stop attacks by its military and proxy militia against civilians in Darfur. The Rev. Dr. Walter Fauntroy, Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., and a former member of Congress, led the demonstration, which ended shortly after Dr. Edgar and Dr. Carole Burnett, Professor of Ancient and Medieval Christianity at the Ecumenical Institute of Theology in Baltimore, were arrested. Drs. Edgar and Burnett were taken to a local police station, fined and released.

According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of people have died and more than one million people in the region have been displaced in an apparent attempt at ethnic cleansing in Sudanbs Darfur region. Refugees are living in makeshift camps, where mass rape of women and girls is common, living conditions are deplorable and diseases such as cholera, meningitis and polio threaten to take the lives of infants, children and the elderly. If nothing is done to prevent it, countless thousands will die in the weeks and months ahead.

"It is clear that a genocide is unfolding in Sudan," Dr. Edgar said today. "In April 2004, as the world commemorated the tragic Rwandan genocide of 1994, we all said we would never allow this to happen again. Yet we are faced today with another horror that is clearly preventable. The National Council of Churches joins with people of goodwill throughout the world who want to end the needless deaths of countless innocent Sudanese citizens.

"Getting arrested for this cause is the very least one could do to bring attention to the urgency of this situation. The solution rests at the door of the government of Sudan -- and also at the feet of the international community. We must face the fact that time grows dangerously short for action. As our governments hesitate to do what is right, the loss of precious lives accelerates with each passing week."

Dr. Burnett commented, "No thinking and feeling person can be indifferent to the magnitude of the crisis in the Sudan." She prayed alongside Dr. Edgar as the two were arrested by the Secret Service. Congressman Charles Rangel (NY) was arrested yesterday and the Rev. Fauntroy last week. Additional acts of disobedience are planned.

Read my June 30th interview with Dr. Edgar

Church officials applaud Senate vote against marriage amendment

United Church of Christ Press Release

CLEVELAND - Church leaders of the 1.3-million-member United Church of Christ today (July 14) applauded the defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment in the U.S. Senate.

"Historically, amendments to the U.S. Constitution have expanded the rights of citizens, not limited them," said the Rev. Mike Schuenemeyer, executive of the UCC's health and wholeness advocacy office. "The Senate has done the right thing by choosing not to write discrimination into the world's most enduring democratic document."

The procedural vote was 48-50, 12 short of the 60 needed to keep the measure alive and bring it to the Senate floor.

"As the vote reflects, a constitutional amendment on same-sex marriage is not the way to address this issue," said the Rev. Ron Stief, head of the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries Washington, D.C., office. "Now, with so many pressing national concerns before us, and little time left on the legislative calendar, it is time for the Senate to get back to helping people who are hurting."

The General Synod of the United Church of Christ has repeatedly called people of faith to work for civil rights and equality under the law for all children of God, including persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Among these General Synod actions is a declaration that all persons, as children of God, are endowed with worth and dignity that human judgment cannot set aside.

In April 2004, the UCC's Executive Council adopted a "Call to Action and Invitation to Dialogue." It not only called for the defeat of the Federal Marriage Amendment, but also for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996, and the defeat or repeal of any similar state legislation. The action also affirmed equal rights for all couples who seek to have their relationships recognized by the state.

"The UCC's Executive Council's invitation to dialogue recognizes that 'the sacred joining of individuals is deserving of serious, faithful discussion by people of faith,'" said Schuenemeyer. "We have an excellent opportunity to engage in study and dialogue about marriage, and I encourage all people of faith to do so."

The 1.3-million-member United Church of Christ, with national offices in Cleveland, has some 6,000 local congregations in the United States and Puerto Rico. It was formed by the 1957 union of the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church.

Additional resources on marriage can be found on the UCC website at http://www.ucc.org/justice/marriage.htm.

McCain, Democrats Defeat Bush Anti-Gay Constitutional Amendment

Senator John McCain and a handful of other brave Republicans joined Democrats in the US Senate to defeat the majority of Senate Republicans and George W. Bush who were seeking to amend the US Constitution to ban same sex marriages.

This was a great victory for justice over bigotry.

Religious leaders oppose Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage

Press Release from the United Church of Christ

WASHINGTON, DC -- On June 2, 2004, a broad coalition of religious leaders released a letter to Congress opposing any amendment to the Constitution that would ban marriage for same-sex couples. Representatives of this group then followed the release of the joint letter with a briefing on Capitol Hill outlining the specific religious and moral reasons behind their opposition to the Federal Marriage Amendment. This letter was circulated again on July 12 to members of Congress.

Signatories included: Alliance of Baptists; American Friends Service Committee (Quaker); American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League; Central Conference of American Rabbis; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Christians for Justice Action; Disciples Justice Action Network (Disciples of Christ); Episcopal Church, USA; Friends Committee on National Legislation (Quaker); Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (Sikh); Jewish Reconstructionist Federation; Loretto Women's Network (LWN) (Catholic Order); Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; National Conference for Community and Justice; National Council of Jewish Women; National Sikh Center; Metropolitan Community Churches; Presbyterian Church (USA), Washington Office; Protestant Justice Action; Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE); The Interfaith Alliance; Union for Reform Judaism; Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations; United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries; and Women of Reform Judaism.

Here is the complete text of the letter.

"June 2, 2004

"Dear Representative:

"As leaders representing many of the diverse perspectives on religion in our nation, we are writing to urge you to oppose passage of H. J. Res. 56/S. J. Res. 26, the "Federal Marriage Amendment." Although we have differing opinions on rights for same-sex couples, we believe the Federal Marriage Amendment reflects a fundamental disregard for individual civil rights and ignores differences among our nation's many religious traditions. It should be rejected.

"Few decisions by religious bodies are more central than who can take part in important religious rituals or services, including marriage. Fortunately, the Constitution bars any court or legislature from requiring any religious institution or person to perform marriage ceremonies for anyone. Indeed, the Constitution protects houses of worship in their freedom to limit marriages on whatever theological grounds they choose. The First Amendment already protects religious organizations from governmental interference in such matters, and constitutional definitions of marriage therefore are unnecessary.

"Regardless of judicial and legislative decisions defining the legal rights of gay couples, religious marriage will justly remain the prerogative of individual faith traditions in accordance with their doctrinal beliefs. And this is as it should be. It is not the task of our government and elected representatives to enshrine in our laws the religious point of view of any one faith. Rather, our government should dedicate itself to protecting the rights of all citizens and all faiths.

"For over two hundred years, the Constitution has had no provision on marriage, the matter being left to the states and the teachings of various religious groups. Our nation's founders adopted the First Amendment precisely because they foresaw the dangers posed by allowing government to have control over religious decisions. The religious freedom protected by the First Amendment has allowed religious practice and pluralism to flourish. Respecting the rights of those in the faith community who deem sacred text consistent with the blessing of same-sex relationships protects and ensures that freedom.

"We are particularly concerned that this proposal to amend the Constitution would, for the first time, restrict the civil rights of millions of Americans. That concern alone merits rejection of the Federal Marriage Amendment. We strongly believe that Congress must continue to protect the nation's fundamental religious freedoms and continue to protect our nation's bedrock principle of respecting religious pluralism. Congress should soundly reject any attempt to enshrine into the Constitution a particular religious viewpoint on a matter of such fundamental religious importance.

"Sincerely,

Alliance of Baptists

American Friends Service Committee (Quaker)

American Jewish Committee

Anti-Defamation League

Central Conference of American Rabbis

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Christians for Justice Action

Disciples Justice Action Network (Disciples of Christ)

Episcopal Church, USA

Friends Committee on National Legislation (Quaker)

Guru Gobind Singh Foundation (Sikh)

Jewish Reconstructionist Federation

Loretto Women's Network (LWN) (Catholic Order)

Lutheran Office for Governmental Affairs of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America

National Conference for Community and Justice

National Council of Jewish Women

National Sikh Center

Metropolitan Community Churches

Presbyterian Church (USA), Washington Office

Protestant Justice Action

Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE)

The Interfaith Alliance

Union for Reform Judaism

Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations

United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries

Women of Reform Judaism"

John Edwards And Religion

Senator John Edwards is pretty open about his faith. He was raised a Southern Baptist and now makes the United Methodist Church his home. PBS' Religion and Ethics Newsweekly has a story on their site about the role faith plays in his life and in his campaigns. Click here to read it or watch the video.

We Made It Home Today

We made it back home today from the hospital with Katherine Chalmers Currie and Frances Bright Currie. Both girls and their mother are doing great. All of us are a bit tired. You can find a few new pictures of the girls at www.chuckandliz.com or just click here.

A few people have asked where the names came from.

Frances Bright was my grandmother who passed away last December. Just before she died I was able to tell her we were having twins.

Chalmers is Liz's dad and is Katherine's middle name. Katherine is just a named we liked.

There you have it.

"U.S. Mulling How to Delay Nov. Vote in Case of Attack"

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. counterterrorism officials are looking at an emergency proposal on the legal steps needed to postpone the November presidential election in case of an attack by al Qaeda, Newsweek reported on Sunday.

Full story

Let me see if I understand this:

The same people who lost the election in 2000 are trying to figure out a way to "postpone" the election in 2004.....

When do we get to start using the word "coup?"

Update On The Babies & New Photos

Frances Bright Currie and Katherine Chalmers Currie are now more than 30 hours old. Click here for a photo album of their first two days. Liz’s mother Alice arrived here last night to meet her new grandchildren. My mother was here in time for the delivery. Liz is recovering quickly from her c-section and the twins are – as expected – perfect. One of these days I’ll get back to posting on matters of great national importance, but right now I’m pretty sure there is nothing more important going on than these girls. Make sure you check out the photos.

Introducing Katherine Chalmers Currie & Frances Bright Currie

Mom, Dad & the twins

Katherine Chalmers Currie

Frances Bright Currie

Grandma Judy

Liz and the girls are doing great. More in the coming days.

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The Babies Are Coming - Today

Our c-section has been moved up to this afternoon (around 2 pm). I'll post information via an audblog post after the babies are born. Prayers and good thoughts are welcomed. We're having babies!

US Pastors Bring Aid To Cuba

A group called Pastors for Peace is bringing 100 tons of goods to Cuba in defiance of the Bush Administration. Reuters reports:

A caravan of vehicles carrying 100 tons of goods crossed into Mexico from Texas on Wednesday bound for Cuba in a show of civil disobedience toward the U.S. embargo of the communist-run island.

It is the 15th year the Pastors for Peace humanitarian organization has delivered food, medicine and equipment to Cuba, but this year's trip comes as the Bush administration has toughened travel restrictions to put pressure on Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

Pastors for Peace is an arm of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization, "whose mission is to help forward the struggles of oppressed people for justice and self-determination," according to a statement on its web site.

"We feel this is a very crucial time to go because of the issues and hostilities being created between our country and other people of the world," director Lucius Walker said in a telephone interview from the Mexican border city of Reynosa.

"We're doing civil disobedience and we're prepared to suffer the consequences."

You can learn more about Pastors for Peace on the web site of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization.

NCC Young Adult Stewards Program

Patrice L. Rosner, Associate General Secretary for Education for the National Council of Churches, asked me to pass along information about the NCC Young Adults Stewards Program. This is an opportunity for young adults (18-30) to take part in the NCC’s General Assembly that will take place this November in St. Louis. Click here to download the application.

"Dick Cheney can be president."

That's right.

Does anyone else need a reason to vote Kerry-Edwards?

Wednesday: Toll-free Call-In Day to Promote Climate Stewardship

Action Alert from the Interfaith Climate Change Network

Capitol Switchboard: 1-888-909-8697

As the Senate returns from recess today, join religious leaders and people of faith in a "National Call-in day to Promote Climate Stewardship." Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 7th, please call your U.S. Senators, toll-free, and ask them to press Senate leadership to allow debate on the bi-partisan Climate Stewardship Act, and communicate the religious principles concerning action on global warming.

In doing this you will join a broad coalition of congregations, clergy, religious leaders and Nobel laureate scientists who have issued letters and statements in support of actions to reduce climate change now, while actions can still make a significant difference. (See below "A Religion and Science Plea: Support Climate Action.") Additionally, a nation-wide signature collection effort on a Senate letter has been underway in 45 states, and has garnered 1,000 U.S. clergy and religious leaders. You may want to review this letter for additional information before you make the call. Click here to view the letter.

TALKING POINTS

On the Scientific Consensus:

A U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) study requested by President Bush in late 2001 supported the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's finding, stating that, "Greenhouse gases are accumulating in the earth's atmosphere as a result of human activities, causing surface air temperatures and subsurface ocean temperatures to rise. Temperatures are, in fact, rising."

Scientists at the World Health Organization estimate that, worldwide, roughly 160,000 people already die every year from side-effects of global warming ranging from malaria to malnutrition, and that the numbers could almost double by 2020.

On the Religious Principles:

Let your Senators know that you are a person of faith, who believes that the following principles should guide our actions to reduce climate change:

Justice for all God's children Carbon dioxide pollution is contributing to global warming and carbon emissions must be significantly reduced so that we can protect all God's children from the resulting effects of global climate change. It is also a matter of justice for future generations who will be adversely affected by the harmful carbon pollution and other greenhouse gases that are being produced today.

Solidarity with people who live in poverty As people of faith, we want you to take seriously the threat of global warming to people around the world who are more dangerously affected by global climate change and who do not have the resources to adapt to the resulting realities.

Stewardship God instructed humans to care for all of God's creation, which sustains life on Earth, and is in danger due to global climate change.

And encourage your Senators to allow debate on global warming and on the merits of possible solutions to the global warming threat.

Make the call toll-free, Wednesday July 7th: 1-888-909-8697 (United States Capitol switchboard). A switchboard operator will connect you directly with the Senate office you request.

Capitol Switchboard: 1-888-909-8697

Our Man John Edwards

John Edwards is a great pick for vice-president. He was the only candidate during the primary campaign to offer a real initiative to reduce poverty. Just over a month ago I got the chance to meet Senator Edwards briefly when he spoke at the Clergy Leadership Network National Gathering. John Kerry should be congratulated for making such a solid choice.

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Update: If you listened to the above audblog post you'll know we were without power today after a series of huge thunderstorms came through last night. Our neighborhood looks like a war zone. I'm glad to say the power (along with the air) is back on. Here are a couple pictures of the damage.

I Will Not Be John Kerry's Running Mate

Whatever rumors you’re hearing I want to set the record straight and say that I most likely will not be John Kerry’s running mate. Sure, there are obvious reasons to pick me. I’ve got roots in Oregon (a Western swing state) and ties to Missouri (another mid-West swing state where I attend seminary). Yes, my boyish (some might say Kennedy-like) good looks and relative youth (just turned 35 this year so I’m constitutionally qualified) could be factors that would help out an old man like Kerry on the campaign trail. Tickets are also about a balancing of skills. Kerry, for example, is a master at working Congress. I, other the other hand, have lots of experience getting kicked out of Portland City Council meetings (the bastards). So he knows the national scene and I know where most of the good bars are in several cities across America. We’re a match. Unfortunately, I still have to finish seminary and that might be hard to do from the White House. Hopefully, Kerry will get along without me and still win in November (which I’m sure will happen as long as he doesn’t pick some has been congressman as his vp).

Speaking Of Faith....

WWP - Oregon United Methodist lay leader, blogger and FOC - is writing about the church, gay rights, and the press. If you need more evidence about the divide between religious progressives and the secular left here it is:

worldwide pablo: Hit and miss