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January 7, 2008 DEATH PENALTY
High court takes skeptical view of lethal injection challenge
David G. Savage/Los Angeles Times (01/07/2008)
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court gave a skeptical hearing today to lawyers who are challenging the use of lethal
injections to carry out executions in the United States. Death penalty foes had hoped the high court was about to rein in
the most commonly used method of execution, but there were few signs of that during today's oral argument.
Supreme Court takes up major death penalty case
James Vicini/Reuters (01/07/2008)
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Monday in a death penalty case being watched around the world, to
decide whether the lethal injections used to execute criminals cause unacceptable pain.
California to review use of death penalty in state
Howard Mintz/Mercury News (01/07/2008)
Against that backdrop and concerns about the fairness of how counties across the state use the death penalty, a key state
justice commission this week will begin to take the closest look in years at California's awkward approach to enforcing
capital punishment.
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
Romney's Mormon faith not so crucial in New Hampshire
Thomas Burr/Salt Lake Tribune (01/07/2008)
Political observers forecasted Romney's Mormon faith would hinder his White House bid, saying too many voters are wary of
the Salt Lake City-based religion or see it as heretical to their own beliefs. Romney attempted to downplay the issue,
then moved to put it behind him by addressing it in a much-hyped "Faith in America" speech. But Iowa made clear his
religion is a hurdle he has yet to overcome.
Huckabee Steps Back Into the Pulpit at Evangelical Church in N.H.
Perry Bacon Jr.Washington Post (01/06/2008)
WINDHAM, N.H. -- A pastor from Texas was scheduled to deliver the sermon Sunday at a church here called the Crossing.
But instead this small evangelical congregation heard from a different special guest: Baptist minister and 2008
presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, who delivered a sermon of more than 20 minutes on how to be part of "God's Army" in
the middle school cafeteria where the congregation meets.
US doomed if creationist president elected: scientists
AFP (01/05/2008: afp.google.com)
WASHINGTON — A day after ordained Baptist minister Mike Huckabee finished first in the opening round to choose a
Republican candidate for the White House, scientists warned Americans against electing a leader who doubts evolution.
ABORTION
Supreme Court won't intervene in Michigan abortion dispute
Associated Press (01/07/2008: iht.com)
The Supreme Court turned down efforts by Michigan and an anti-abortion group Monday to revive the state's law banning the
procedure opponents call partial-birth abortion.
Berkeley preacher calls for blacks to fight abortion
Leslie Fulbright/San Francisco Chronicle (01/07/2008)
Saying they are faced with a civil rights crisis that demands immediate attention, African American anti-abortion
advocates will hold three events in the Bay Area later this month in an aggressive push to combat the high number of
abortions among black women.
DOCTRINE AND PRACTICE
Bishops call for charitable wagering on tonight's big game
EthicsDaily.Com via dallasnews.com (01/07/2008)
Episcopal bishops from Ohio and Louisiana are calling for parishioners to bet on tonight's college football title game
between Ohio State and LSU. The proceeds are to go to Hurricane Katrina relief.
OPINION
The gospel of money
Mark I. Pinsky/USA Today (01/07/2008)
Megachurch pastors and broadcast ministries are drawing renewed scrutiny for living lavishly off the faithful’s funds.
Fortunately, a divide is emerging in the world of evangelicals: the ‘haves’ and the ‘will have none of it.’
ARTS AND MEDIA
Through Bible story, many others told
Maria Sacchetti/Boston Globe (01/07/2008)
On Three Kings Day, advocates act out skits illustrating the hardships immigrants face
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