Religion Today Summaries - Nov. 10, 2008

Compiled & Edited by Crosswalk Editorial Staff | Crosswalk.com | Updated: Feb 17, 2009

Religion Today Summaries - Nov. 10, 2008

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

  • Brazil Churches Conduct Massive Outreach
  • Activist Killing Sparks Fresh Attacks on Indian Christians
  • Dobson, Land Pledge to Continue Fight on Social Issues
  • Gays, Mormons Clash Outside L.A. Temple

Brazil Churches Conduct Massive Outreach

My Hope Brazil launched one of the largest evangelism efforts ever Thursday through Saturday, joining forces with thousands of Brazilian church to sponsor prime time television specials, according to a press release by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, of which My Hope Brazil is a part. The Thursday evening special featured Brazilian soccer superstar Kaká sharing his testimony of hope and faith in Jesus Christ, reaching millions of Brazilians. More than 48,000 churches participated by inviting neighbors, relatives, and friends to view the programs, and more than 850,000 homes participated by following the disciple Matthew's example of inviting others in to hear Jesus. Translated messages from Billy and Franklin Graham also featured during the programs.

Activist Killing Sparks Fresh Attacks on Indian Christians

The Christian Post reports that the second killing of a senior Hindu radical by suspected Maoists has unleashed another wave of violence against Christians in the state of Orissa. Dhanu Pradhani, 40, was killed Wednesday. "There was no major violence in the district since Sept. 30. The Wednesday murder has, however, renewed tension," a district administration official said. At that time, more than 50,000 people were fled into the jungle and at least 300 churches were burnt. Many who fled have yet to return. As in the first murder, although Maoists are suspected to be responsible for the killing, Christians have been accused of perpetrating it.

Dobson, Land Pledge to Continue Fight on Social Issues

While several Christian leaders have congratulated Obama on a historic victory, they have no intentions of relenting on social issues, according to the Christian Post. “I’m not grieving over Barack Obama’s victory, but over the loss of things that I’ve fought for, for 35 years," said Focus on the Family's Dr. James Dobson, noting Obama's stance on abortion and gay marriage. According to RNS, Richard Land of the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission said, "Where we agree, such as standing against genocide in Darfur and protecting basic human rights around the world, we're going to support him," said Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of Obama. "On issues on which we disagree, we'll do our best to persuade him." RNS also quoted Richard Cizik of the National Association of Evangelicals, who voiced hope in uniting over shared concerns. Nonetheless, "[p]ro-life Catholics and pro-life evangelicals aren't going anywhere," he said.

Gays, Mormons Clash Outside L.A. Temple

Religion News Service reports that Mormons and gay activists clashed over same-sex marriage on Thursday (Nov. 6) at the Mormon temple in Los Angeles in a skirmish that attracted about 1,000 protesters angry at the passage of California's Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage. Two were arrested, and several are under investigation for possible hate crimes. "The majority of the donations that came to the Yes on 8 campaign came from members of the Mormon church," said Lori Jean, executive officer of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, at a press conference. Atkinson said 40 percent of the funding in support of the measure came from Mormons but he added, "The church hasn't given money to the campaign. These were individual members."

Religion Today Summaries - Nov. 10, 2008