Kirk Franklin heading to OKC
It’s official: Gospel recording artist Kirk Franklin is bringing his “Fight of Our Life Health Tour” to Oklahoma City on Nov. 22. 
Franklin’s concert will be at 6 p.m. at Fairview Baptist Church, 1700 NE 7. The concert is free and will feature guest appearances by local Gospel artist Sean Johnson and Wings of Harmony, a performing arts ensemble.
The tour is in partnership with the American Heart Assocation’s Power to End Stroke initiative. Franklin performed in concert in Tulsa over the summer. An Oklahoma City concert was planned, but officials were working with Franklin’s busy schedule and trying to find an Oklahoma City location to host the event. Many people had been asking me if a date had been set for the Oklahoma City concert so I’m glad that I can finally give them some facts.
I just saw Franklin perform at the 2009 Woman Thou Art Loosed Conference at Bishop T.D. Jake’s church The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas. He was, as usual, outstanding. As part of the upcoming health tour, the Grammy Award-winning artist will encourage concert-goers to pledge to take control of their health, reduce their risk of stroke and learn the warning signs of stroke.
Save the date.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Catholic bishops launch Web site on health care reform
Health care reform is on everybody’s lips these days.
Some faith groups have joined the fray.
They have their own opinions and they want to share them.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops recently launched a new Web site to promote its support of “truly universal health policy with respect for human life and dignity.”
You can find it here: www.usccb.org/healthcare.
The page includes letters from bishops to Congress, videos, facts and statistics, frequently asked questions, and links for contacting members of Congress.
A news release about the new site said people can access Web videos of conference policy staff discussing the bishops’ position on health care.
Expect to see facts and statistics about Catholic health care in America, as well.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Rules for conscience-driven health care providers
The 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
