Religion Briefs
Saturday, January 26, 2002
Christian Coalition head to speak in Honolulu
The new president of the Christian Coalition of America and a lobbyist who was recently in Afghanistan will be among the speakers at a Honolulu event Feb. 8 and 9.The program of speakers, workshops, a youth rally and banquet at the Sheraton-Waikiki Hotel will be sponsored by the Hawaii Christian Coalition. "Gala 2002: America, One Nation Under God" is not a fund-raiser but is intended "to activate and motivate people, to give Christians a voice in government once again," said Garret Hashimoto, executive of the local organization.
Hashimoto said that keynote speaker Clark Bowers was in Afghanistan earlier this month on a Christian humanitarian mission and was held captive for a week by warlords seeking ransom. Bowers is frequently asked to speak on conservative causes and lobbies in Congress on behalf of the Missile Defense Coalition of businessmen in support of the arms industry, he said.
Roberta Combs, who recently succeeded evangelist Pat Robertson as president of the national Christian Coalition, will speak at the Feb. 9 morning session and the banquet that evening. Other speakers will include David Barton of Wallbuilders Inc., an historian on the founding fathers; James Bopp Jr., national Christian Coalition legal counsel; Susan Weddington, chairman of the Texas Republican Party; and the Rev. Ralph Moore, pastor of Hope Chapel Kaneohe.
Workshops will be offered for pastors and on subjects such as organizing precincts and lobbying. Church groups and youth organizations will participate in a rally at 6 p.m. Feb. 8.
Singers Gay and Randy Hongo, Jan Brenner, Carolyn Vargas and a 20-piece orchestra will entertain at the banquet at 7 p.m. Feb. 9.
Tickets at $50 per person may be reserved by calling 623-2363 or 842-0707.
Whittier College Choir to perform 2 free concerts
The 55-member Whittier College Choir will offer two free Honolulu concerts this week.The program at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Clement Episcopal Church, 1515 Wilder Ave., will include sacred music from Germany, Finland, England and colonial America; secular and folk music from Australia and Argentina; selections by the Women's Barbershop Quartet; and the Varsity Handbell Choir.
The musicians from the private California college will perform at 7:30 p.m. next Saturday at Holy Nativity Church, 5286 Kalanianaole Hwy. A potluck at 6 p.m. will precede the concert. Call 373-2131 for information.
Minister to review Lutheran policy on gays
CHICAGO >> The Rev. James M. Childs Jr. starts work Feb. 1 as director of a four-year study of homosexuality ordered last year by an assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.The study will produce a sexuality statement and shape future policy. Liberal Lutherans have been advocating ordination of openly homosexual pastors and blessings for same-sex couples.
Childs said the process will be "open, fair, rigorous, and as representative and participatory as possible."
RELIGION CALENDAR
