Religion Briefs
Free lecture to clarify concerns about Islam
Is Islam sexist, does it promote terrorism and why do some Muslims hate America are questions isle Muslim Saleem Ahmed will address next Saturday at Punahou's Wo International Center.The 7 p.m. talk on "Islam: Beyond Veil and Holy War" will be followed by a discussion with panelists Ibrahim Aoude of the University of Hawaii ethnic studies program; Saba Usman, a businesswoman; and the Rev. Vaughn Beckman, senior pastor of First Christian Church.
In his book by the same title, Ahmed makes comparisons between the Bible and Islamic teachings and practices.
The public event is free.
Baptist missionary's child abuse revealed
RALEIGH, N.C. >> A Southern Baptist missionary who was fired for abusing children inIndonesia is working at a Raleigh church where the minister knew of his past.
William McElrath, 70, teaches English to new immigrants and students in a program of the Forest Hills Baptist Church.
He wrote the 1,800 church members that during a time of "stress and culture shock" in Indonesia, he was guilty of "touching, tickling, cuddling and fondling that went too far."
The mission board resolved a complaint against McElrath, then fired him in 1995 after further charges surfaced. Forest Hills said there were no incidents of abuse after 1973.
McElrath said he told the Rev. Larry Harper about the
accusations, and they agreed McElrath would take no position of authority with children. McElrath said he and his wife "occasionally accepted one-time requests to share with children or youth." But Harper said McElrath will not be allowed to work with youths.
Salvation Army won't abide by same-sex law
PORTLAND, Maine >> The Salvation Army must comply with Portland's domestic partners ordinance or lose contracts for the only activity center and meals-on-wheels program serving the city's elderly.City council members voted 6-3 against exempting religious groups from a 2001 ordinance that requires recipients of federal funding to provide benefits to workers' domestic partners.
The Salvation Army says it cannot comply because the Bible forbids same-sex relations.
The Salvation Army receives $60,000 a year from the city to operate its $400,000 meals
program and the center for seniors, so it expects to reduce or cancel programs.
Presbyterians reaffirm early abortion rights
COLUMBUS, Ohio >> The Presbyterian Church assembly reaffirmed a woman's right to an abortion if the fetus is too young to survive outside the womb. After that, abortion is acceptable only to save a woman's life, avoid fetal suffering or in rape or incest cases.The assembly also says the mother must receive counseling from pastors and doctors.
Supporters said the vote is in line with the church's pro-choice stand. But Terry Schlossberg of Presbyterians Pro-Life protested: "This allows for so many exceptions, there's no way for the church to counsel that any late-term abortion would be objectionable."
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