Religion Briefs
U.S. Catholic bishops discuss plenary council
WASHINGTON >> America's Roman Catholic bishops will hold meetings over the next two years to decide whether to convene an extraordinary council, the first since 1884, on the state of the U.S. church.The bishops voted during their gathering last week to discuss the idea of the proposed "plenary council" at their next meeting in June -- and then to devote a special June 2004 assembly to the idea.
A plenary council would include U.S. bishops, lay people and representatives of religious orders and schools.
Eight bishops originally suggested the council in the wake of the clerical sex abuse crisis, and the idea drew support from colleagues. They said it should examine broad issues while affirming church teachings.
Thanksgiving booklet celebrates America
NEW YORK >> The American Jewish Committee said it wants to promote the nation's uniqueness and help unite its people through "A Thanksgiving Reader," which is being distributed free in print form and via the Internet.The 16-page booklet of materials to be read before Thursday's meals was published in conjunction with the Islamic Supreme Council, the NAACP, National Urban League, Cuban American National Council, National Council of La Raza and the Japanese American Citizens League, among others.
The readings express thanks for the United States and its freedoms but note the national past included black slavery, devastation of American Indians and the sufferings of immigrants.
Indiana readies road for horses and buggies
GOSHEN, Ind. >> An "Amish road" designed so horse-drawn buggies can avoid dangerous traffic on U.S. 33 is nearly ready for use after two years of planning.Business people donated land and funding, and Amish residents raised more than $10,000 for the paved route, which will be off limits to motor vehicles.
It allows buggies to bypass U.S. 33 in traveling between a county route and a Wal-Mart complex.
"We've had enough accidents and horror stories there," said John Bowers of the Elkhart County engineering department.
Associated Press
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