Religion Today Daily Headlines - July 5, 2012

Religion Today | Updated: Jul 05, 2012

Religion Today Daily Headlines - July 5, 2012

Daily briefs of the top news stories impacting Christians around the world.

In today's edition:

  • Committee Advances Proposal to Change Marriage Definition in PCUSA
  • Focus on the Family Joins Community Groups to Host Wildfires Benefit Concert
  • Remembering Andy Griffith

 

Committee Advances Proposal to Change Marriage Definition in PCUSA

The Christian Post reports the Civil Union and Marriage Issues Committee at the 220th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has agreed upon two items to be considered by the assembly, one of which would amend the church's definition of marriage. Those on the committee voted 28-24 on Tuesday in favor of sending the proposal, which could change the church's definition of marriage "between a woman and a man" to being "between two people," to the General Assembly for consideration. The proposal would also change the definition of marriage from being a "civil contract" to a "covenant" that "according to the laws of the state also constitutes a civil contract." According to a live blog about the committee, they also approved sending another proposal, which would move the entire denomination "into a season of serious study and discernment concerning the meaning of Christian Marriage." This "season" would last until the next General Assembly in 2014, when the topic would be readdressed. For more on this story visit ChristianPost.com.

Focus on the Family Joins Community Groups to Host Wildfires Benefit Concert

OneNewsNow reports that Focus on the Family is joining with other community organizations in Colorado Springs to put on a benefit concert to help the thousands of people affected by the wildfires. In a recent "Exploring the Word" radio interview, Gary Schneeberger of pro-family organization reported that the concert will feature the Colorado Springs Philharmonic, country singer Michael Martin Murphey, as well as local bands and other personalities. He says 100 percent of the money raised will go to support the Waldo Canyon Fire Relief Effort. "We're having the benefit concert ... on July 4th here in Colorado Springs," Schneeberger details. "[It's a] free concert. We're hoping to collect a lot of donations in order to raise money that will go directly to the fire victims. For more on this story visit OneNewsNow.com.

Remembering Andy Griffith

Andy Griffith, the television icon Americans adored for his role as the town sheriff in the 1960s sitcom "The Andy Griffith Show" and later as a stern defense attorney in the drama "Matlock," died Tuesday (July 3, 2012). He was 86. CBN.com reports that Griffith passed away at his home in Dare County, N.C., around 7 a.m., according to close friend and former University of North Carolina President Bill Friday.  Local officials also confirmed an ambulance was called to the house around that time. A family statement said the actor died with his wife Cindi at his side and he's already "been laid to rest on his beloved Roanoke Island." "Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord," his wife said in a statement. Read more on CBN.com.

 

Religion Today Daily Headlines - July 5, 2012