Probably the most extreme comment I’ve read thus far is the one reportedly made by the Rev. Wiley Drake, a Southern Baptist pastor in Buena Park, Calif.

“I’m glad George Tiller is dead,” Drake was quoted in an Associated Baptist Press story today.

According to the story, Drake, a former Southern Baptist Convention second vice president,  made the comments Monday on his Crusade Radio broadcast.

“There may be a lot who would say,  ‘Oh that is mean. You shouldn’t be that way,” Drake said. “Well, no, it’s an answer to prayer.”

Tiller, who attended Reformation Lutheran Church in Wichita, Kan., was well-known as an abortion provider, particularly of partial-birth abortions.  

Among the leaders of faith groups and anti-abortion  organizations around the country sharing their comments is an Oklahoma Roman Catholic leader, the Most Rev. Edward Slattery, bishop of the Tulsa Diocese. Slattery, like many of the leaders, condemned Tiller’s slaying.

“Dr. Tiller was one of three doctors in America who was willing to perform late-term abortions. The news of his murder saddens all the members of the pro-life movement in America since it is just such violence that we deplore,” Slattery said.

“For this reason, I want to be among the many in the pro-life movement to publicly condemn this violent action against life,” he wrote in a prepared statement.

“Such violence does nothing to further the cause of life. Rather, it sullies our effort and allows others to dismiss us as terrorists.”

Here are a few other comments from leaders across the country:

Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberties Commission: “Murdering someone is a grotesque and bizarre way to emphasize one’s commitment to the sanctity of human life. People who truly believe in the sanctity of human life believe in the sanctity of the lives of abortion providers as well as the unborn babies who are aborted. … Clearly the killing of abortion profiders is unbiblical, unchristian and un-American. Such callous disregard for human beings brutalizes everyone.” 

Melinda Delahoyde, president of Care Net, which runs a network of more than 1,100 pregnancy centers providing help and support to those facing unplanned pregnancies: “Care Net strongly condemns the brutal act of violence that ended the life of Dr.  George Tiller on Sunday. It is never consistent with the pro-life ethic to take the life of another human being made in the image of God.” 

Rick Scarborough, president of Vision America, part of the “Values Voter” movement: Our hearts go out to his family and friends. May they find comfort in their hour of grief. We condemn this heinous crime in the strongest possible terms and hope the person responsible for Dr. Tiller’s death is brought to justice speedily.”

Andrea Lafferty, executive director of the Traditional Values Coalition: “The pro-life movement is non-violent and does not encouage vigilante justice against abortionists. We seek to bring an end to abortion through peaceful and legal means. As evil as Tiller was in killing late-term babies for profit, he did not deserve to be executived by a vigilante.” 

The Rev. Galen Guengerich, board chairman of the Interfaith Alliance, a group which celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights: “The abortion issue evokes deep passion from people on all sides, but resorting to murder should never be an option. The fact that it happened at a church is all the more distressing.”  

The Rev. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life: “I am saddened to hear of the killing of George Tiller this morning. … Whatever the motives, we at Priests for Life continue to insist on a culture in which violence is never seen as the solution to any problem. Every life has to be protected, without regard to their age or views or actions.” 

Shaun Kenney, executive director of the American Life League: “Leaders within the pro-life movement often discuss justice in connection with our mission to end the tragedy of abortion. Today, Dr. George Tiller’s life ended in an act defying those principles.”

(AP PHOTO above: Kip Bloss, of Wichita, Kan., prays outside Women’s Health Care Services in Wichita, Kan., today. Bloss, an anti-abortion demonstrator, was making his regular weekly appearance at the clinic which was owned by Dr. George Tiller who was gunned down during church services Sunday. )

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Today, Priests for Life, a national pro-life organization dedicated to ending abortion and euthanasia, issued a news release that said the Vigil for Life will feature Priests for Life director the Rev. Frank Pavone (pictured at right) as guest speaker. The vigil is set for Sunday, the day of the university’s commencement.

This is related to the controversy surrounding Pres. Barack Obama’s scheduled plans to deliver the commencement address at Notre Dame, a Catholic university in South Bend, Ind. Many Roman Catholics, particularly bishops, have expressed outrage that Obama, who is pro-choice, was asked to deliver the graduation speech.

The bishops, including the archbishop of the archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the bishop of Tulsa, said the selection of Obama flies in the face of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop’s stance on abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

In his statement released today, Pavone said he has joined with the students groups that comprise the ND Response in calling all the faithful to pray a million rosaries in reparation for the “scandal” that has arisen with Notre Dame’s decision to honor Obama.

In response to his invitation to speak at Sunday’s vigil, Pavone said “In standing with these students, I am standing with the true spirit of Notre Dame: a pro-life spirit, in harmony with human reason and Catholic faith. The scandal that has been generated does not represent what Notre Dame is all about; it represents a radical betrayal of what Notre Dame is all about.”

Pavone also urged graduating seniors to take control of the situation by showing up at the vigil instead of their commencement.

“The seniors who do this are manifesting the real meaning of commencement: they are carrying out the witness to truth and service that their hard-earned degrees have prepared them to give in the world.”

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

An Army chaplain is being criticized for calling a day of prayer and fasting today, the first day of Passover.

The Religion News Service reports that Maj. Gen. Douglas Carver, a Southern Baptist and Army Chief of Chaplains, issued his call for prayer and fasting in response to the rising suicide rates among soldiers.

Last year, the RNS reported, the Army reported the highest suicide rate since record-keeping began in 1980.

“I therefore call the Chaplaincy to a Day of Prayer and Fasting, in keeping with your religious traditions, to be observed on 8 April 2009 that the united cry of our Corps will be heard and answered regarding the protection, preservation, and peace for our Soldiers and Families,” Carver said in his proclamation, which was issued March 2.

The RNS reported that Carver told Baptist Press, the Southern Baptist Convention’s official news agency, that “April 8 is a Wednesday and prayer meeting night for Southern Baptists, so we really encourage not only Baptists but all local churches to pray for the military.”

The Religion News Service pointed out that Carver, as chief of chaplains, has oversight of Army chaplains of all faiths, including Jewish rabbis.

The news service said dozens of Jewish soldiers and chaplains have filed complaints with the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, a watchdog group that advocates religious neutrality in the military. Mikey Weinstein, president of the group, told the RNS that there has been a “tsunami” of complaints against the Day of Prayer, and believes the conflict with Passover is inexcusable.

“The fact that this would fall on this same day is not just wrong or bad, but unforgivable, and Carver should be severely disciplined,” Weinstein said.

Weinstein’s group is currently suing the Department of Defense for a “pernicious and pervasive pattern and practice of unconstitutional rape of the precious religious freedoms” of those in the military, and the group believes the Day of Prayer is just the latest example, the RNS reported.

The Jewish holiday of Passover begins at sundown. It commemorates the Israelites exodus from Egypt. A seder, a ceremonial meal traditionally held during Passover, is typically held on the first and second nights of the holiday. 

(PHOTO above taken by Jaconna Aguirre, The Oklahoman)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

Evangelist Billy Graham comes to mind as I write this posting.

I did not personally meet Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel when he spoke at Oklahoma City University several years ago during activities related to the 10th anniversary of the Oklahoma City  bombing. However, as part of my job, I attended Wiesel’s presentation and was moved by his speech.

Wiesel, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and the author of the acclaimed book “Night,”  is in the news this week because he and his wife were apparently victims of Bernie Madoff’s alleged fraudulent investment scheme that has made headlines in recent months.

CNN recently reported that Wiesel said he invested $15.2 million from his charitable foundation with Madoff.  For people interested in learning what Wiesel had to say about Madoff’s alleged scheme and its impact on Wiesel’s charitable endeavors, see CNN’s report on the issue: Elie Wiesel speaks out about Madoff.

(PHOTO AT RIGHT: Elie Wiesel, Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner.)

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor 

According to a story by The Associated Press, DuBois is a political strategist who was religious affairs director in the Obama campaign.

Those who wish to learn more about DuBois, can check out the Religion & Ethics Newsweekly “One Nation” Religion and politics blog which features a report by managing editor Kim Lawton about DuBois selection, reaction to his selection and challenges his council will face.

To see the report, click here:  Joshua Dubois.

Bob Abernethy will moderate a discussion on the ethics of covering a candidate’s personal and religious life featuring PBS Ombudsman Michael Getler, Kelly McBride with the Poynter Institute and Tom Rosenstiel from the Project for Excellence in Journalism.

On the same program, Kim Lawton will take a look at the religious beliefs of John McCain, Barack Obama, Sarah Palin and Joe Biden.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor  

The Jonas Brothers’ stance on purity — they wear purity rings to symbolize their decision not to have premarital sex — was mocked at Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards, but the popular trio was championed by a fellow singer.

Awards show host Russell Brand, a Brit of dubious character (that’s my opinion, judging from reports of his tasteless comments about everything from the Jonas Brothers (pictured at left: Kevin, Nick and Joe) to President Bush), made fun of the Jonas Brothers’ purity rings several times during the show, according to the Associated Press and other news outlets.

Brand struck a nerve with Jordin Sparks, best known as last year’s “American Idol” winner.

Sparks (pictured below), who also wears a purity ring, championed the Jonas Brothers when she took the stage to present an award.

“I just wanna say, it’s not bad to wear a promise ring because not every guy and a girl wants to be a slut, OK?,” Sparks reportedly quipped.

My guess is that MTV chose Brand to provide a little spice to the award show. After all it’s known for outrageous spectacles a la the Britney Spears/Madonna kiss, etc.

The Associated Press reported that Brand “happy to apologize for any hurt feelings, but only to such a degree.”

Apparently after the show he told an AP reporter “I feel a bit bad that I kept talking about their vows to chastity and I’d like to take this opportunity to say no one ever have sex again. It’s a mad idea. What a way to spend an evening.”

I’ don’t know if Brand had any fans in America, but I do know that the Jonas Brothers have scores of them. Methinks Brand didn’t win any of them with his mockery of brothers Joe, Nick and Kevin and their stance on purity, based on their Christian faith beliefs.

What do you think about host’s jabs at the brother’s stance for purity?

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor     

And unless you have not seen a television or newspaper in the last couple of days, you already know that Palin is the running mate  of Republican presumptive presidential candidate Sen. John McCain.  As such her life, for better or worse, is an open book, she and her family are finding out today.

Several leaders of national Christian groups have come out in support of Palin’s daughter, Bristol, and Palin’s family for the way they have dealt with this situation thus far. According to news reports the family is supportive of Bristol’s decision to have her baby and they have announced that she is to marry the child’s father.

Read on for excerpts of statements from some Christian leaders:

Melinda Delahoyde, Care Net president: “Every day, a parent learns the shocking news of a child’s unplanned pregnancy. Some, while disappointed, respond with unconditional love and offer their support and care. Others, for numerous reasons, often pressured by what others may think, encourage their child to choose abortion. Children, out of deference to a parent’s career and reputation – whether it’s as a pastor or as an elected official – may choose abortion. This decision brings grief to the entire family.

“The Palin family, however, has chosen a path not without difficulty, but one without the grief of abortion. They have showed to their daughter what so many children go without – unconditional love. Their example will pave the way for other parents, especially those in high profile careers, who are faced with the same circumstances.

“With the love and support of her family, Bristol has made a brave and difficult decision. She and her future husband will be in our prayers. Instead of choosing a quick escape, they have embraced the circumstances and chosen to have hope in what the unknown future may bring.”

Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee: “The surprise announcement that Gov. Sarah Palin’s daughter is pregnant provided another opportunity for the vice-presidential candidate to make a politically convenient choice or the right one. The family could have treated the innocent baby as a ‘punishment’ and secretly snuffed out the child’s life to avoid a high-profile embarrassment. Instead, they are embracing this unexpected baby as a child worthy of love, a human being who deserves respect, a weak member of their family who needs their care. The Palins have opened their family’s challenge for all the world to see, providing a beautiful example for other families, many who have faced the same predicament.”

Rev. Bob Schneck, National Clergy Council president: “This is a private family matter. The Palins, especially their teenage daughter, are entitled to privacy on this matter. Anyone who cares about young people will back off and give this young woman the space she needs. Anyone who exploits her for political or commercial gain is disgraceful.”

(AP Photo above right:  Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin comes off the stage to greet the crowd after appearing with Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., not in photo, during the “Road to the Convention Rally,” in Dayton, Ohio on Aug. 29. With her are her children Bristol, left, holding Trig, and Willow, center.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor

 

As part of the program’s ongoing “2008 Campaign” coverage, managing editor and correspondent Kim Lawton began her series of convention reports on Aug. 22 with a look at the impact of religion on both parties as they head into the November election.

This week, Lawton will be on location in Denver at the Democratic National Convention to examine the Democrat’s new faith-based outreach strategy and the role religion has played during the convention.

The series concludes the week of Sept. 5 with a report from the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis where Lawton will explore the challenges facing the Republicans as they try to hold onto the support of social conservatives and reach out to faith-based moderates.

Log onto Religion and Ethics Newsweekly’s Web site here, R&E 2008 Campaign, or you can watch the show on your local public television station. The program can be seen in the Oklahoma City area at 2:30 p.m. Sunday on OETA-13.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor    

he U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued proposed rules on protecting health care workers who object to performing certain procedures, including abortion, for religious or moral reasons, the Religion News Service reported.

The proposed rules were released Aug. 21 by Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt.

The RNS said the 42-page document is available for public comment for the next 30 days and organizations on both sides of the abortion issue are urging their supporters to contact Health and Human Services.

According to the RNS story, several groups are already weighing in on the matter.

“Planned Parenthood continues to be concerned that the Bush administration’s proposed regulation poses a serious threat to women’s health care by limiting the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate health information and services,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged abortion opponents to thank Leavitt for his action, and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said the proposal will “help protect religious organizations and individuals.”

To read a news release about the proposal and the document itself, click here: Regulation Proposed to Help Protect Health Care Providers from Discrimination.

Carla Hinton

Religion Editor