Religion Briefs
Star-Bulletin staff &
Associated Press
|
HAWAII
2 churches to hold rummage sales
Churches in Mililani and Kailua will offer sales next week for bargain-seekers.
» The Windward United Church of Christ Thrift Shop will hold a half-price sale Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and next Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Knickknacks, housewares, clothes, books, small appliances and furniture are available, among a myriad of other items. The church is 38 Kaneohe Bay Drive across from Aikahi Shopping Center. Regular Thrift Shop hours are Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 254-3802 or e-mail windwarducc@hawaii.rr.com for information.
» Mililani Presbyterian Preschool will hold its annual Mega Garage Sale from 7 a.m. to noon next Saturday. Household items, clothes, books and toys have been contributed by more than 60 families. The sale will be on the campus at 95-410 Kuahelani Ave., across from Kipapa Park. Proceeds will benefit the preschool. For more information, call 623-6663 or visit www.mpc-hi.org.
Course teaches Buddhist concepts
Mililani Hongwanji Mission is offering a 12-session course on the basic concepts of Buddhism beginning Feb. 15 with lectures and discussions.
The registration deadline is Feb. 1. The cost is $10 and the mandatory textbook costs $13.
The Rev. Mary David will conduct the series from 7 to 9 p.m. at the mission, located at 95-257 Kaloapau St. Call 625-0925 for registration and further information.
Mililani Hongwanji will also offer an introductory lecture/discussion Feb. 25 by the Rev. Ken Tanaka, a professor at Musashino University. His topics will be "Nirvana for Americans," on the growth of Buddhism in America, and "Laugh 'Til You Cry" Buddhism, the heart of everyday Buddhism through humor and lighthearted stories.
NATION
Religion's use upheld in treating of veterans
MADISON, Wis. » The Department of Veterans Affairs' use of religion in treating ailing veterans does not violate the separation of church and state, a federal judge has ruled.
U.S. District Judge John Shabaz dismissed a lawsuit by the Madison-based Freedom from Religion Foundation earlier this month, saying religion can help patients heal and is legal when done on a voluntary basis.
The foundation, a group of atheists and agnostics, said it was the first time a judge upheld the constitutionality of the VA's use of religion in treating millions of veterans. The group's president, Annie Laurie Gaylor, said it would appeal the ruling.
The lawsuit challenged the agency's practice of giving patients spiritual assessments that ask questions about faith, such as how often they attend church. Agency officials say the assessments help them determine patients' needs. The agency acknowledged it believes spirituality should be integrated into care but said it allows patients to decide whether that involves religion.