EASTER
Christians celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection at Easter events
Christians worldwide have celebrated their belief that Jesus rose from the dead after dying to pay for mankind’s sins.
More than 150,000 people turned out for the Easter Mass that Pope Francis celebrated on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In Jerusalem, the Latin Patriarch led Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, on the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected.
In Washington, President Barack Obama and his family attended an Easter service at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church.
In a White House statement, Obama said they would “reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made for us and rejoice in the triumph of the Resurrection.”
Sound:
194-v-33-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor)–Christians worldwide have celebrated their belief that Jesus rose from the dead after dying to pay for sins. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. ((opens with sound)) (20 Apr 2014)
< 131-a-12-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, in interview)-“tamper with that”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says there is a reason why change comes slower to the Church than some people would like. COURTESY: CBS’ ‘Face the Nation’ ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 130-a-11-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, in interview)-“church to succeed”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says he credits Pope Francis for helping restore peoples’ confidence in the Catholic Church. COURTESY: CBS’ ‘Face the Nation’ ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 129-a-11-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, in interview)-“the last word”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says there is a very wise message that should be heard during Holy Week. COURTESY: CBS’ ‘Face the Nation’ ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 156-a-10-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, at Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral)-“of Easter morning”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says the remedy for the emptiness of life can be found in the resurrection that Easter recognizes. (20 Apr 2014) < 157-a-08-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, at Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral)-“like Good Friday”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan, at Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, says those in need across the world are in his thoughts and prayers. (20 Apr 2014) < 158-r-32-(Sound of choir singing, at Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral)–Sound of choir singing, at Easter Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. (20 Apr 2014) < 155-w-35-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York)–Worshipers packed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City for Easter Mass with Cardinal Timothy Dolan. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. ((opens with sound)) (20 Apr 2014) < 150-r-04-(Sound of camera shutters clicking, as the Obama family leaves the White House to head to Easter services)–Sound of camera shutters clicking as the Obama family leaves the White House to head to Easter services. (20 Apr 2014) < 122-r-26-(Sound of Pope Francis, speaking in Italian, delivering his message from central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica)–Sound of Pope Francis, speaking in Italian, saying all should pray for Syria, so that those suffering effects of the conflict can receive humanitarian aid, and “that neither side will again use deadly force” as they negotiate a “long-overdue peace.” COURTESY: Vatican TV ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 123-r-28-(Sound of Pope Francis, speaking in Italian, delivering his message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica)–Sound of Pope Francis, speaking in Italian, and praying for inspiration to spark intiatives that promote peace in Ukraine “so that all those involved will make every effort to prevent violence and chart a path for the country’s future.” COURTESY: Vatican TV ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 062-r-22-(sound of music, at Easter mass at the Vatican)–This is the sound of music at Easter mass at the Vatican. (20 Apr 2014) < 060-r-26-(Sound of choir singing, at Easter services in St. Peter’s Square)–Sound of choir singing at Easter services in St. Peter’s Square. (20 Apr 2014) < HOLY LAND EASTER Thousands celebrate Easter in Holy Land JERUSALEM (AP) โ Thousands of pilgrims from around the world have celebrated Easter in the Holy Land, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus almost 2,000 years ago. Latin Patriarch Fouad Twal led Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and rose from the dead. In the West Bank town of Bethlehem, worshippers prayed and lit candles at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Jesus. Easter was also celebrated in Gaza where less than three thousand Christians live among about 1.7 million Muslims. Christian communities in the Holy Land, as well as elsewhere in the Middle East, have been declining in recent years due to regional turmoil. VATICAN-EASTER AP Photos: Christians seek hope in Easter events VATICAN CITY (AP) โ In an Easter Mass on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis has called for peace and dialogue in Ukraine and Syria and for an end to terrorist attacks against Christians in Nigeria. The pontiff also called for more attention to the needy and the hungry. A crowd of more than 150,000 pilgrims and tourists overflowed from sprawling St. Peter’s Square. This year, Francis noted, the Catholic church’s celebration of Easter coincided with that of Orthodox churches, which have many followers in Ukraine. He prayed that God would “enlighten and inspire the initiatives that promote peace in Ukraine.” Francis makes a pilgrimage to Jordan, the Palestinian territories and Israel next month, so on Easter he prayed that hopes sparked by the resumption of Mideast peace negotiations will be sustained. OBAMA Obama, family cause a small stir at Easter service WASHINGTON (AP) โ President Barack Obama has started the week in church, receiving enthusiastic greetings and prayers at an Easter worship service. Obama, wife Michelle and their daughters sat in the second row at Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, nearly two miles north of the White House. They were given a standing ovation during the welcome, with dozens of worshippers gathering around to shake the Obamas’ hands and take pictures. The Rev. Derrick Harkins joked that he didn’t realize so many people were sitting in the front section. The pastor then urged his congregation to join him in praying that God would give the president wisdom and encouragement in the face of criticism. The service included a sermon titled “Resurrection Realities” and a praise dance and trumpet-led hymn. BOSTON MARATHON-CHURCH SERVICE Runners blessed at Boston church on marathon’s eve BOSTON (AP) โ Marathon runners have been blessed at a Boston church service that celebrated Easter as it also remembered the victims of last year’s bomb attacks near the finish line. Runner Jillian Pillsbury of San Diego became emotional Sunday morning at the Old South Church as she gathered with other runners. Her daughter was uninjured although she was near the site of the second bomb that exploded. Knitters from around the country donated blue and gold scarves that were presented at the service. The church said the congregation sought God’s blessings for the athletes, and that they be kept safe from harm or injury. Days before the 118th annual marathon, Jewish and Muslim runners also offered prayers and reflections in Boston houses of worship. Sound: 182-w-34-(Warren Levinson, AP correspondent, with bagpipe music, and Steve Spang, Boston Marathon runner)–The annual “blessing of the athletes” has taken place this Easter Sunday, at a landmark church near the Boston Marathon finish line. AP correspondent Warren Levinson reports. ((opens with music)) (20 Apr 2014) < 165-a-07-(Minister Nancy Taylor, in Easter service at Boston’s Old South Church)-“you in that”-Minister Nancy Taylor asked the Boston Marathon participants to stand up and be welcomed by the congregation. (20 Apr 2014) < 166-a-14-(Steve Spang, Boston Marathon runner, in Easter service at Boston’s Old South Church)-“in church ever (laughs)”-Boston Marathon runner Steve Spang says he enjoyed the special church service at Boston’s Old South Church. (20 Apr 2014) < 164-a-10-(Sound of bagpipes playing, in Easter service at Boston’s Old South Church, which welcomed the marathon runners)–Sound of bagpipes playing in Easter service at Boston’s Old South Church, which welcomed the marathon runners. (20 Apr 2014) < 163-a-14-(Sound of choir singing, in Easter service at Boston’s Old South Church, which welcomed the marathon runners)–Sound of choir singing in Easter service at Boston’s Old South Church, which welcomed the marathon runners. (20 Apr 2014) < GAYS-FRANKLIN GRAHAM Franklin Graham: Gays can go to heaven if they repent WASHINGTON (AP) โ The Rev. Franklin Graham says gays can go to heaven, but only if they repent. In remarks broadcast Easter Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” Graham compared gays to people living in adultery, but added that he’s a sinner too and that God forgives people who repent and turn from their sins. He also said that Vladimir Putin did “what’s right for Russia” by signing a law banning gay propaganda to young people. Graham added, “We used to have a president in this country that did what’s right for this country, but we don’t seem to have that right now.” The son of evangelist Billy Graham said his ailing 95-year-old father is doing “a little better” lately and “his mind is still sharp.” Sound: 205-a-05-(The Reverend Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in interview)-“a little better”-Evangelist Franklin Graham says his ailing father, the Reverend Billy Graham, has shown some improvement recently. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 202-a-16-(The Reverend Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in interview)-“accepted by God”-Evangelist Franklin Graham says gays must repent to go to heaven. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 204-a-13-(The Reverend Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in interview)-“children is wrong”-Evangelist Franklin Graham says Russian President Vladimir Putin did what’s right for his country by banning gay propaganda to young people. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 206-a-04-(The Reverend Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in interview)-“what’s so amazing”-Evangelist Franklin Graham says his father, the Reverend Billy Graham, remains lucid at the age of 95. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < 203-a-11-(The Reverend Franklin Graham, president of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, in interview)-“God will forgive”-Evangelist Franklin Graham says gays are sinners, but so is he. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (20 Apr 2014) < BOX OFFICE ‘Capt. America’ tops box office for third week LOS ANGELES (AP) โ The movie “Heaven is for Real” has debuted in third place in North American theaters over the Easter weekend. The dramatization of a child’s near-death experience and visions of deceased relatives and Jesus earned more than $21 million, according to box office estimates. “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” led in ticket sales for the third consecutive week, and “Rio 2” placed second, slightly ahead of “Heaven is for Real.” “Noah” and “God’s Not Dead” remained in the top ten, ranking ninth and 10th respectively. In theaters worldwide outside the U.S. and Canada, “Noah” was the Easter weekend’s fourth most popular film. SHIRT COMPLAINT Bible verse on Parkersburg S. T-shirts questioned PARKSBURG, W.Va. (AP) โ School officials in Wood County, W. Va., have asked their lawyers to review a wrestling team’s T-shirts with a Bible verse on them. Superintendent Pat Law says the Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation complained about the Parkersburg South High School team’s T-shirts, which have the words, “I can do all things through Him that strengthens me” on the back. Law says the group’s complaint alleges that the shirts violate the separation of church and state. Law says school officials don’t want to infringe on anyone’s right to practice their religion. But he says courts repeatedly have said public institutions such as schools can’t promote a religion. Attorney Bill Merriman represents one of the wrestlers and his parents. He says the wrestlers’ parents bought the T-shirts. MORMON LEADER-RELIGIOUS FREEDOM LDS leader: Protections on religious freedom erode SALT LAKE CITY (AP) โ A high-ranking Mormon leader said he believes protections for religious freedom of speech are eroding. Dallin H. Oaks, a member of The Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints’ Quorum of the Twelve, spoke on the topic at Utah Valley University in his first legal lecture since he left his post as a Utah Supreme Court justice and became a member of the second-highest governing body of the church. Oaks lamented the fact that some people are trying to push religious values “off the public square” by suggesting they are either irrational or based on hate. Oaks argued that “religious leaders and religiously motivated persons should have the same privileges of speech and participation as any other persons or leaders.” As an example of the incursions on this right, Oaks cited the boycotts, firings and intimidations that have come against people who supported California’s Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage six years ago.
