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News

Reagan political years paralleled right's rise

The Gipper's legacy
Jun 29, 2004
Ronald Reagan’s influence on Christian politics in this country will be felt for years to come. The 40th president, who died June 5 at 93 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease, used his acting experience in communicating optimism to the public and also introduced many conservative Christians to real political power.

Presbyterian losses largest since '83

Decline "should call us to prayer and repentance"
Jun 29, 2004
Last year the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) suffered its biggest single-year loss in communicant members since the reunion of the “northern” and “southern” denominations in 1983. The net decline during 2003 was 46,658 members, leaving the year-end membership at barely above 2.4 million.

Bishop warns city on 'cooperation with evil'

Gay marriage in Worchester, Massachusetts
Jun 15, 2004
The new Catholic bishop of Worcester, Massachusetts, has declared that city officials or town clerks who are Catholic and approve gay civil marriages are “involving themselves in cooperation with evil.” Bishop Robert McManus said legalized gay marriages in Massachusetts are “clear and serious violations” of natural law and Catholic teaching.

Pastor resigns after admitting plagiarism

Sermons found on the Internet
Jun 15, 2004
A pastor in Keene, New Hampshire, has resigned after preaching sermons found on the Internet and consequently confessing to plagiarism. Robert C. Hamm stepped down in April from his post as senior pastor of Keene United Church of Christ.

Church leaders, UN chief discuss Iraq

Greater UN involvement needed
Jun 15, 2004
Hours before President Bush addressed the nation on his plans for a June 30 transfer of power in Iraq, church leaders met with United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan to support a larger role for the international body.