News

News

Jews, PCUSA still at odds on Israel policy

Divestment plan challenged
Oct 19, 2004
A high-level summit between Jewish and Presbyterian leaders covered little new ground in a sharp, ongoing dispute over Middle East policy, but both sides promised to stay in close contact as the church considers selectively divesting from Israel.
Century Marks

Century Marks

Oct 19, 2004
Down to earth: Writer-teacher-activist Parker Palmer was leading a retreat for government officials in Washington, D.C., all of whom were motivated by an ethic of public service.

Briefly noted

Oct 19, 2004
The National Council of Churches has applauded an agreement unionizing foreign farmworkers who pick cucumbers sold by the Mt. Olive Pickle Company, which the NCC had boycotted in protest of previous worker treatment.

House OKs bill to block court rulings on 'under God'

Onslaught of court-stripping proposals
Oct 19, 2004
The U.S. House approval of a bill that would prevent courts from ruling on whether “under God” belongs in the Pledge of Allegiance has prompted a quick response from groups concerned about religious freedom and what critics called a series of “court-stripping” bills.

Muslims rap decision on former pop singer

Yusuf Islam, formerly Cat Stevens, denied entry to U.S.
Oct 19, 2004
British and American Muslims say they remain bewildered by U.S. authorities’ decision to refuse entry to the former singer Cat Stevens, a British citizen who became a Muslim in 1977 and is now known as Yusuf Islam.