Daily Archives: July 10, 2011
News Corporation: Statement from the C of E Ethical Investment Advisory Group
The behaviour of the News of the World has been utterly reprehensible and unethical….
(BBC) Church of England wedding price rise rejected
Plans to increase the price of weddings and funerals by 50% have been rejected by the Church of England.
A standard national fee of £425 for a wedding and £150 for a funeral would have been imposed, with parishes banned from charging extra for services such as heating, vergers and administration.
The Church’s law-making body, the General Synod, felt a price rise would discourage couples marrying in church.
(WSJ) Mitch Horowitz–When Spirituality Kills
Best-selling author and self-help guru James Ray was convicted last month of negligent homicide in the 2009 deaths of three people at a ceremony he led in an Arizona sweat lodge. His conviction raises enduring questions about how far society should go in monitoring therapeutic spiritual activities, particularly when matters of health and safety are at stake.
The nation faced similar issues in the late 19th century. After several Massachusetts residents died in the 1890s following Christian Science and “mental healing” treatments for illnesses, the state legislature drew up new licensing requirements designed to restrict anyone who offered healing without a medical degree. Pioneering psychologist William James lobbied against the measures, arguing that “mind cure” treatments seemed to relieve suffering and led to some documented cures….
A Prayer to Begin the Day
We beseech thee, O Lord Christ, to deliver thy Church from the worship of mammon, from bondage to the world, and from all complicity in social evil and silence at wrong. Bring all mankind into the glorious liberty of the children of God, and set the whole creation free from sin and corruption; for thy holy name’s sake.
From the Morning Scripture Readings
For man believes with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved. The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches upon all who call upon him. For, “every one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how are men to call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without a preacher? And how can men preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes by the preaching of Christ.
–Romans 10:10-17
Holy Cow–Japan Beats Germany in the Women's World Cup Quarterfinal
Japan have recorded a famous 1-0 extra-time win to eliminate reigning champions and host nation Germany from the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cupâ„¢ and reach the semi-finals for the first time.
Substitute Karina Maruyama scored the decisive goal on 108 minutes as Germany suffered a first defeat for 16 matches, dating back to the quarter-final stage at USA 1999. Japan will now face the winner of Sunday’s semi-final between Sweden and Australia.
(Press Association) Archbishop Rowan Williams attacks self-indulgence
The Archbishop of Canterbury has attacked “self indulgence” within the Church of England as he spoke of how his visit to the eastern Congo left him “wanting to be a Christian”.
Dr Rowan Williams said hearing about the “transforming” work of the Anglican Church in the central African country had helped put into perspective “fashionable sneers” faced by the Church of England in this country.
Priest back after 7 years to lead Trinity Church, Copley Square, Boston
The Rev. Samuel T. Lloyd, , former rector of Trinity Church in Copley Square, is returning to Boston after spending nearly seven years as dean of the National Cathedral in Washington.
Respected for major fund-raising efforts and for leading Trinity Church through a 25 percent growth in membership during his 12-year tenure there, Lloyd’s decision to return, announced yesterday, pleased his former congregation.
“The reaction that I’ve seen has been overwhelmingly positive,’’ said Robert Cowden III, senior warden of Trinity’s vestry, who oversees finances and church property. “Sam was much beloved and respected when he was here before.’’
The English Women's Soccer Team Loses in Agonizing Fashion in World Cup Quarterfinal
With so many players struggling, the fact that England were still in the game was a testament to their battling qualities and team spirit. The second period of extra time was almost exclusively played inside their half, but despite a header from substitute Eugenie Le Sommer going over the bar, few chances were created.
And so to penalties. Camille Abily saw her spot kick saved by Bardsley, while Kelly Smith blasted hers home despite limping to the spot. Bussaglia and Carney traded successful spot kicks, as did Thiney and Stoney. Bompastor made no mistake, but Claire Rafferty screwed her chance wide. With one penalty to go, it was sudden death. Le Sommer scored but Faye White’s penalty clipped the top of the crossbar. The skipper’s miss sent France through to a semi-final against Brazil or USA ”“ and England home without having lost a game in the competition.
Derek Jeter Hits #3000
The Yankees have won 27 championships with a diverse collection of baseball’s greatest players. From the groundbreaking power of Babe Ruth to the unmatched hitting streak of Joe DiMaggio to a trio of perfect-game pitchers, the Yankees’ starry constellation outshines all others.
But one thing the Yankees never had, until now, was a player with 3,000 hits. A few have passed through on their way to the milestone, but only one has collected 3,000 as a Yankee. He is Derek Jeter, the team captain, who got there in a most improbable way on Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
He hit a home run….