Religion Briefs
Star-Bulletin staff &
Associated Press
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HAWAII
School to add classes in Chinese and Korean
Saint Francis School will add Chinese and Korean language classes to its curriculum in July in recognition of the rising importance of China and Korea in the global economy.
According to Sister Joan of Arc Souza, the school's principal: "China's influence and future impact on the world economy will significantly affect the way business is conducted for generations to come.
"The opportunity to learn Chinese language and culture will mean they can be better prepared to embrace future challenges and opportunities in career, business and society."
The Chinese language program will be offered to grades 7 through 9 at the end of July. The Korean language program will be available through the Hawaii Catholic Language School classes on Saturdays.
The Manoa Valley school encompasses grades 6 through 12.
John 17:21 pastor to head Kauai church
Phyllis Meighen, pastor of the John 17:21 Ministry of the United Church of Christ, is moving to Kauai to head the Hanapepe UCC on Aug. 1.
Meighen will continue her involvement with the recently formed John 17:21 Ministry and fly to Oahu for Second Sunday gatherings at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Kahala and core team meetings.
Meighen was recognized as the Church Women United Valiant Woman of 2005 for founding John 17:21, a ministry for developmentally disabled people and their friends.
NATION
Puerto Ricans vote to exit United Church
CLEVELAND » The United Church of Christ announced that an assembly of one of its regional units, the United Evangelical Church of Puerto Rico, voted by 75 percent to leave the denomination due to its liberal policies on homosexuality.
The Rev. John Thomas, president of the 1.3 million-member United Church, said "theological differences" had worsened for years, especially "regarding the membership and ministry of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians." The end came when last year's United Church synod endorsed same-sex marriage.
Prior to the Puerto Rico decision, the United Church reported that 49 U.S. congregations had quit over the same-sex marriage decision, though dissenters count at least 77. Protesting congregations that did not quit have formed Faithful and Welcoming Churches, which confers July 2-4 in Grove City, Ohio.
Thomas said the Puerto Ricans' vote was "deeply painful and profoundly disappointing," but individual congregations there could retain United Church ties.
The Puerto Rico group originated with U.S. missionary work in the late 19th century and organized in 1931 as both a separate denomination and a regional unit within what became the United Church.
On vacation
Mary Adamski is on vacation. "A View from the Pew" returns in July.
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Star-Bulletin staff and the Associated Press