Religion Today Summaries - March 26, 2007

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff | Published: Mar 23, 2007

Religion Today Summaries - March 26, 2007

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.
 
In today's edition:

  • Positive Signs in PCUSA, Observer Says
  • Washing Feet Endangers Students, School Says
  • Billy Graham’s Grandson Injured in Iraq
  • Episcopal Bishops Reject Ultimatum

Positive Signs in PCUSA, Observer Says

According to OneNewsNow.com, an official with the Institute on Religion and Democracy says while there are many problems in the Presbyterian Church USA, there are also some encouraging signs that the denomination may retreat from its liberal leanings. Jim Berkley, director of Presbyterian Action for IRD, says although there are many challenges (feminine language for the Trinity, homosexual ordination, etc.), there have also been promising developments. "There are some good signs," he said, referring to the approval of a new executive director and an emphasis on traditional evangelism.

Washing Feet Endangers Students, School Says

If Jesus washed his disciples' feet at a Georgia college in 2007, he'd likely be accused of "hazing," CNSNews.com reports. A Christian ministry at Savannah State University has found itself in hot water after it washed the feet of its new members. The campus ministry Commissioned II Love (C2L) was also accused of "harassing" students by sharing their faith. The Christian group says the foot washing ritual "serves as a symbol of purity, a charge to share the gospel, and an act of service to others ... [it] is not a condition of gaining membership, status, or acceptance into C2L or holding an office." The explanation appears in a lawsuit brought by C2L against SSU after the group was suspended for "harassment" and "hazing." Savannah State has almost 60 student organizations, including "several" that are faith-based.

Billy Graham’s Grandson Injured in Iraq

Capt. Edward Graham, the youngest son of evangelist Franklin Graham, has been wounded while on active duty in Iraq, ASSIST News Service reports. Edward Graham, grandson of evangelist Billy Graham, sees his military commission as 'an unbelievable opportunity to lead troops and profess (God's) name. Graham is a 27-year-old Army Ranger and West Point graduate. He sustained shrapnel wounds to his arms, legs and back in Iraq, but these are not considered life-threatening injuries and Graham is recovering at an undisclosed hospital, according to news reports. "We know that he is fine and has asked for prayers for his men," Jeremy Blume, a spokesman for Franklin Graham, told the Citizen-Times newspaper in Asheville, North Carolina, adding that he had no more details on the incident. Born on September 11th (1979), Graham said he always will hold the remembrance of that day in 2001 as a reminder of why he has chosen a military career. Graham said at that time: "I pray to God that I never have to go to war, but 9/11 made me, like I think most Americans, willing to do so."

Episcopal Bishops Reject Ultimatum

Episcopal bishops risked losing their place in the global Anglican family Wednesday by affirming their support for gays and rejecting a key demand that they give up some authority to theological conservatives outside the U.S. church, an AP story says. The Episcopal House of Bishops said it views the Gospel as teaching that "all God's children, including gay and lesbian persons, are full and equal participants" in the church. The bishops also said they would not agree to an Anglican plan for leaders outside the U.S. denomination to oversee the small number of conservative American dioceses that disagree. "We cannot accept what would be injurious to the church and could well lead to its permanent division," the bishops said in a resolution from a private meeting in Texas.

Religion Today Summaries - March 26, 2007