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Cancer-Battling Families Receive Free S.C. Trips from Surfside Methodist Group
Families dealing with a cancer diagnosis have a chance to put their worries aside and enjoy each other through free trips to Myrtle Beach, S.C., thanks to volunteer efforts of Surfside United Methodist congregants. Children who benefit from this missionary endeavor called "Jason's House" are referred by 14 hospitals in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Georgia. Approximately 50 to 65 families receive the trip each June, July and August. After 31 years, the value of the vacations this
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Kenya Judge Upholds Use of Anal Probes to Define Sexuality for Gay Suspects
A Kenyan court upheld the use of anal examinations to determine sexual orientation of men suspected of homosexual activity, which is a criminal offense in Kenya. Two men, after they were subjected to this type of exam as well as HIV and hepatitis B tests, sought a court ruling Thursday to halt future such procedures on men accused of being gay.
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Tennessee Public School Boards Draft New Policies for Religion Classes
Williamson County school board members in Tennessee will vote on a preliminary draft of a religion policy Monday night (June 20). The course of action, as required by a new state law, reinforces the expectation that religion will be taught objectively.
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‘Orange Is the New Black’ Teaches Lessons About Religion
Netflix's successful drama set in a women's prison, "Orange Is The New Black," starts its fourth season, still introducing audiences to the themes of women's religious practice, community and identity.
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Assault Weapons' Ban Called for by Boston Globe #MakeItStop Editorial
"There is no shortcut: If we want fewer gun victims, we need fewer guns," stated The Boston Globe through an editorial published Friday (June 17). "Prayers aren't enough."
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Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values
In order an effort to promote traditional Chinese culture, the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong, in collaboration with Macao YMCA, Guangzhou Suigang'ao Teenagers Institute, and the Teacher Chang Foundation of Taiwan, has conducted a survey on teens measuring their cultural awareness. They found that Hong Kong youths generally identify with and support the values of traditional Chinese culture.
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Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.
Yesterday, October 31, was Reformation Day, and Lutherans around the world held various events in commemoration. In Singapore, the Lutheran Church advocated for Christian communion, while the German Lutheran Church encouraged believers to face the challenge of “trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time.”
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Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.
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2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation
In the afternoon of Reformation Sunday, Oct. 27, some 2.1 million Christians gathered for a joint worship service from 2pm to 5pm in Seoul, Korea to “unite for repentance, revival, and restoration of holiness in our society.” According to organizers, an estimated 1.1 million joined onsite despite the bad weather with another 1 million joining online. The unprecedented joint worship service brought together Korean churches across denominations as they affirmed traditional marriage and family and
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Willow Creek Community Church invites believers to write prayer cards for the next president
This past Sunday, Willow Creek Community Church based in Illinois invited believers to “pray for the next president” during the service. The church not only expressed its concern for the upcoming election but also emphasized the role believers should play in the process and the importance of offering prayers for the nation's leaders.
