March 19, 2008

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
McCain Missteps on Iraq; Democrats Pounce
Michael Cooper/New York Times (03/19/2008)
Mr. McCain said several times in his visit to Jordan — in a news conference and in a radio interview — that he was concerned that Iran was training Al Qaeda in Iraq. The United States believes that Iran, a Shiite country, has been training and financing Shiite extremists in Iraq, but not Al Qaeda, which is a Sunni insurgent group.

Local clergy say pastor's devotion, deeds overlooked
Michael Paulson/Boston Globe (03/19/2008)
As the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr.'s most prominent congregant, Barack Obama, is distancing himself from his pastor's most inflammatory remarks, leaders of the United Church of Christ, and African-American clergy of multiple denominations, say they are increasingly angry at what they view as a misinterpretation of Wright's views and an effort to use the preacher's words to damage the first African-American with a real shot at winning a presidential election.

FAITH LEADERS
Pope to Reduce Activity at Good Friday Event
Reuters (03/19/2008: washingtonpost.com)
VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict will reduce his activity at this week's Good Friday procession by watching most of the service from a vantage point instead of walking around Rome's ancient Colosseum, a spokesman said on Tuesday.

MEDICINE
Will God Get You Out of Your Depression?
Lauren Cahoon/ABC News (03/19/2008)
Religion Can Help or Harm Mental Health, Depending on Your Denomination

ABUSE CRISIS
Oregon Court of Appeals rejects claims against archdiocese
Associated Press (03/19/2008: theworldlink.com)
PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Oregon Court of Appeals says there is a limit to how much responsibility the Archdiocese of Portland must take for the conduct of its priests.

ARTS AND MEDIA
Internet Congregation Responds in Many Voices
Jose Antonio Vargas/Washington Post (03/19/2008)
In the church of the Internet, call him the preacher heard all around our YouTubing world, where believers not only watch the videos of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright's controversial and racially charged sermons but also edit them, comment on them, pass them around. And make them their own.