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April 1, 2008 BENEDICT XVI
Pope's 'Loving' Fans an Added Security Challenge
Nicole Neroulias/Religion News Service (04/01/2008: pewforum.org)
NEW YORK -- High-profile political leaders get Secret Service agents and police escorts to guard against
assassins. Celebrities rely on bodyguards to shield them from overzealous fans. When it comes to Pope Benedict
XVI, who visits New York and Washington, D.C. April 15-20, both kinds of protection are equally needed.
CHURCH AND STATE
Supreme Court to Consider Religious Monuments Case
Adelle M. Banks/Religion News Service (03/31/2008: pewforum.org)
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court decided Monday (March 31) to review the case of a 33-year-old religious
organization that wants to have its tenets posted in a Utah municipal park near a monument of the Ten
Commandments. The justices will consider the case of Pleasant Grove City v. Summum after the Denver-based 10th
U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the city should erect the church's "Seven Aphorisms" monument.
Child's death tests Oregon law on faith healing
Jessica Bruder/Oregonian (04/01/2008)
An Oregon City couple who tried to heal their dying daughter with prayer walked hand-in-hand into a crowded
Clackamas County courtroom Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and criminal mistreatment.
EDUCATION
Student Sues Wisconsin School After Getting a Zero for Religious Drawing
Associated Press (04/01/2008: foxnews.com)
MADISON, Wis. — A Tomah High School student has filed a federal lawsuit alleging his art teacher censored his
drawing because it featured a cross and a biblical reference. The lawsuit alleges other students were allowed
to draw "demonic" images and asks a judge to declare a class policy prohibiting religion in art
unconstitutional.
FAITH LEADERS
Minister at Obama's church praised
Manya Brachear/Chicago Tribune (04/01/2008)
In a packed sanctuary Monday night, thousands gathered to thank Rev. Jeremiah A Wright Jr. for empowering them
for 30 years, then asked God to give him strength as the nation watches. At Trinity United Church of Christ,
as area clergy praised his longtime leadership, Wright listened but did not speak. He has not spoken publicly
since some of his earlier remarks surfaced and roiled Sen. Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
From the altar, a vow of protest
Rona Marech/Baltimore Sun (03/31/2008)
Some clergy say until Maryland allows same-sex marriage, they'll conduct religious rite but others must sign
legal papers
ARTS AND MEDIA
Turner Teams With Churches Despite Christianity 'Loser' Comment
Associated Press (04/01/2008: abcnews.go.com)
NEW YORK -- Ted Turner says he has formed a $200 million partnership with Lutherans and Methodists to fight
malaria. Turner made critical remarks about religion in the past but now says his thinking has developed as he
has become older.
Is Mike Myers' new film asking for trouble?
Associated Press (04/01/2008: cnn.com)
In the context of Sacha Baron Cohen's uncomfortable in-character interactions with unwitting Americans, Mike
Myers' parody of another cultural minority in the U.S. -- as the oversexed, overly ambitious, American-born
spiritual leader in the summer comedy "The Love Guru" -- would hardly seem cause for complaint. Still, weeks
before the movie is even ready for screening, some in the Hindu community feel that "The Love Guru" has the
potential to ridicule important elements of their religion.
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