PALM SUNDAY-THE GATHERING
Palm Sunday service fills stadium in Texas
WACO, Texas (AP) β Tens of thousands of Christians have packed a football stadium in Texas for a Palm Sunday service where they were challenged to publicly proclaim their faith.
Dozens of churches collaborated in the event called “The Gathering” at Baylor University’s stadium in Waco.
The Rev. Tony Evans said Christians need to openly serve the risen Christ and “stop treating him like he’s dead” by hiding their faith. Evans told the crowd, “Everybody else is coming out of the closet. You might as well come out too.”
He said God will use Christians who are publicly committed and faithful to save a dying world.
Sound:
228-a-08-(The Reverend Tony Evans, Dallas pastor, author and broadcaster, at Palm Sunday service in Baylor University’s football stadium)-“come out too”-The Reverend Tony Evans says Christians shouldn’t hide their faith. ((longer version of cut used in wrap)) (29 Mar 2015)
< 229-a-19-(The Reverend Tony Evans, Dallas pastor, author and broadcaster, at Palm Sunday service in Baylor University’s football stadium)-“have enough disciples”-The Reverend Tony Evans says too many Christians keep their faith to themselves. ((note lengyth of cut)) (29 Mar 2015) < 226-w-28-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with the Reverend Tony Evans, Dallas pastor, author and broadcaster)–Tens of thousands of Christians have packed a football stadium for a Palm Sunday service where they were challenged to publicly proclaim their faith. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (29 Mar 2015) < 227-a-10-(The Reverend Tony Evans, Dallas pastor, author and broadcaster, at Palm Sunday service in Baylor University’s football stadium)-“for our commitment”-The Reverend Tony Evans says Christians are supposed to be serving a risen Christ. ((longer version of cut used in wrap)) (29 Mar 2015) < 230-a-14-(The Reverend Tony Evans, Dallas pastor, author and broadcaster, at Palm Sunday service in Baylor University’s football stadium)-“God is alive (applause fades)”-The Reverend Tony Evans says many terrorists have a strong religious commitment. (29 Mar 2015) < 231-r-24-(Sound of worship leaders singing, at Palm Sunday service in Baylor University’s football stadium)–Sound of worship leaders singing at Palm Sunday service in Baylor University’s football stadium. (29 Mar 2015) < PALM SUNDAY-NYC Palm Sunday procession stretches blocks down Broadway NEW YORK (AP) β Christianity’s Holy Week has started in New York with a Palm Sunday procession that stretched for three blocks down Broadway. Members of Trinity Wall Street church sang and handed out palm fronds to commemorate Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem just days before his crucifixion. Trinity Rector Bill Lupfer said his congregation was “trying to walk in the footsteps of Jesus” in a public display of faith. During Holy Week, Christians commemorate Jesus’ last supper on Thursday, his death on the cross on Good Friday and his resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday. Sound: 172-a-12-(Reverend Bill Lupfer (LUHP’-fur), Rector of Trinity Wall Street Church, in AP interview)-“to do that”-Reverend Bill Lupfer, the Rector of Trinity Wall Street Church, says parishioners are marching down Broadway handing out Palms to remind people of the sacrifice Jesus made for them. ((cut used in wrap)) (29 Mar 2015) < 173-a-15-(Amanda Gomez, worshiper, Trinity Wall Street Church, in AP interview)-“why we’re here”-Worshiper Amanda Gomez says it was important to bring her two young children to the Palm Sunday procession and service. (29 Mar 2015) < 171-w-37-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Reverend Bill Lupfer, Rector of Trinity Wall Street Church and Dana Cole, worshiper)–Palm Sunday was observed in New York City where worshipers held a traditional procession from St. Paul’s Chapel to Trinity Wall Street Church. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. ((opens with sound)) (29 Mar 2015) < 174-a-10-(Robert Danes, worshiper, Trinity Wall Street Church, in AP interview)-“Sunday or Christmas”-Worshiper Robert Danes says he brought his young daughters to take part in the Palm Sunday processional and service. (29 Mar 2015) < 175-r-33-(Sound of worshipers singing, as they take part in a Palm Sunday procession from St. Paul’s Chapel to Trinity Wall Street Church along Broadway in lower Manhattan)–Sound of worshipers singing, as they take part in a Palm Sunday procession from St. Paul’s Chapel to Trinity Wall Street Church along Broadway in lower Manhattan. (29 Mar 2015) < PALM SUNDAY-HOLY LAND Worshippers pray at historic Holy Land sites on Palm Sunday JERUSALEM (AP) β Hundreds of Christians in Jerusalem have marked Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week that concludes with Easter. Crowds of faithful gathered in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Many waved palm fronds to symbolize how worshippers greeted Jesus over 2,000 years ago as he triumphantly returned to Jerusalem. Later in the day, Christian pilgrims followed a white donkey from the Mount of Olives to the holy city, retracing Jesus’ traditional route into Jerusalem. Christian worshippers also gathered in the Nativity Church in Bethlehem, the traditional site of Jesus’ birth, clutching olive branches and bouquets as they sung in praise. Sound: 102-r-09-(Sound of Palm Sunday procession, outside Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem)–Sound of procession heading towards the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as thousands of Christians mark Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week that concludes with Easter. (29 Mar 2015) < 104-r-08-(Sound of choir singing, at Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem)–Sound of choir singing as clerics stand in front of the tomb at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and wave palm fronds to symbolize how worshippers greeted Jesus over 2,000 years ago as he triumphantly returned to the city. (29 Mar 2015) < 103-r-13-(Sound of pipe organs, at Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem)–Sound of pipe organs during Palm Sunday ceremony at Church of the Holy Sepulcher. (29 Mar 2015) < PALM SUNDAY-VATICAN Pope Francis leads Palm Sunday procession ahead of Holy Week VATICAN CITY (AP) β Pope Francis has led a Palm Sunday procession through St. Peter’s Square to usher in this Holy Week ahead of Easter. Francis clutched a palm frond for the Mass outside St. Peter’s Basilica. In keeping with the simple tone of his two-year-old papacy, Francis leaned on a plain wooden pastoral staff instead of a traditionally more ornate one as he stood under a red canopy on the basilica steps. Francis and other prelates at the Mass wore red vestments to recall Jesus’ death. Tens of thousands of faithful held olive branches during to commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem days before his crucifixion. At the end of the Mass, Francis prayed for those who died in last week’s plane crash in the French Alps, and paid tribute to Christians who endure persecution for their faith. Tourists and pilgrims have poured into Rome, and many will follow the pope’s Way of the Cross service at the Colosseum on Friday. Sound: 124-r-12-(Sound of Pope Francis, speaking Italian, as he celebrates Palm Sunday Mass)–Sound of Pope Francis saying during Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square that he is praying for the victims of Germanwings plane which crashed in the French Alps. (29 Mar 2015) < 123-r-26-(Sound of Pope Francis, speaking Italian, as he celebrates Palm Sunday Mass)–Sound of Pope Francis telling faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday Mass that he thinks about those who are “persecuted because they are Christians”, calling them “martyrs of our own time.” (29 Mar 2015) < RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS Indiana governor: New law ‘not about discrimination’ INDIANAPOLIS (AP) β Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is defending his state’s new religious rights law from criticism that it could foster discrimination against gays. Pence appeared on ABC’s “This Week” to discuss the Religious Freedom Restoration Act he signed last week prohibiting state laws that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The Republican did not answer directly when asked whether it would be legal for a business to refuse to serve gay customers. Pence said the law is “about empowering people to confront government overreach” and is modeled on a 1993 federal law. Pence said if lawmakers send him a bill to clarify the law’s intent, he’ll look at it, but insisted that the law won’t be changed. The president of Butler University in Indianapolis issued a statement calling the law ill-conceived and stressing that the school welcomes everyone without discrimination. Sound: 131-w-38-(Diane Kepley, AP correspondent, with Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind.)–As protests grow against a new religious freedom law in Indiana, the state’s governor is speaking out. AP correspondent Diane Kepley reports. (29 Mar 2015) < 117-a-16-(Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., in interview)-“is just outrageous”-Indiana Governor Mike Pence says he’s upset with the lack of tolerance shown toward Indiana’s move to protect religious freedoms. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (29 Mar 2015) < 116-q-13-(Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., in interview)-“with this law”-Indiana Governor Mike Pence is asked whether he will press for protections for sexual orientation in the state’s civil rights laws. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)). (29 Mar 2015) < 118-a-11-(Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., in interview)-“Freedom Restoration Act”-Indiana Governor Mike Pence says he stands by his decision to sign the law. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (29 Mar 2015) < 115-a-15-(Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., in interview)-“open to that”-Indiana Governor Mike Pence says the law will not be changed, but he will consider clarifying it. COURTESY: ABC’s “This Week” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (29 Mar 2015) < 037-a-07-(Annette Gross, member, Indy PFLAG (Parents Families, Friends and Allies of Lesbians and Gays), in interview)-“served or not”-Rally organizer Annette Gross says gays and lesbians are worried about what might happen under the new law. COURTESY: WRTV ((mandatory on-air credit)) (29 Mar 2015) < 040-a-10-(Jennifer Fox, protester, in AP interview)-“marry in Indiana”-Protester Jennifer Fox says she thinks the bill is a reaction to the legalization of same sex marriage. (29 Mar 2015) < 039-q-14-(Jennifer Fox, protester, in AP interview)-“different from them”-Protester Jennifer Fox was asked what concerns her the most about the bill. (29 Mar 2015) < 034-a-08-(Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., at news conference on Thursday, March 26, 2015)-“have vetoed it”-Indiana Governor Mike Pence says he does not believe the Religious Freedom Restoration Act will lead to discrimination against anyone. (29 Mar 2015) < 035-a-12-(Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., at news conference on Thursday, March 26, 2015)-“by government action”-Indiana Governor Mike Pence says the Religious Freedom Restoration Act mirrors a federal law in protecting religious freedoms. (29 Mar 2015) < 036-a-17-(Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., at news conference on Thursday, March 26, 2015)-“of every faith”-Indiana Governor Mike Pence says the Religious Freedom Restoration Act protects the rights of people of faith. (29 Mar 2015) < 032-w-34-(Carlotta Bradley, AP correspondent, with Jason Lee, resident, Indianapolis)–Indiana Governor Mike Pence says he would support legislation to “clarify the intent” of the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. AP correspondent Carlotta Bradley reports. (29 Mar 2015) < SOUTHERN BAPTISTS-RACE Southern Baptists discuss race, slavery and segregation NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) β The Southern Baptist Convention is taking its biggest step to date to confront the legacy of support for slavery and segregation that still looms over the denomination. A two-day “Gospel and Racial Reconciliation” summit in Nashville last week was a call to arms, with speaker after speaker proclaiming the evil of the racial divisions that they said were hurting the Christian church and faith. Speakers did not shy away from controversial topics like the recent killings of unarmed African Americans by police that have propelled the “black lives matter” movement. But there were few specifics on how to change the status quo. Meeting organizer Russell Moore acknowledged that “we don’t know how to do this” but said that God was giving the denomination a chance to get things right. The Rev. Tony Evans, an African-American pastor, author and broadcaster, said, “Jesus is not asking for me to be you or you to be me, but for both of us to be like him.” FAMILY DETENTION-TEXAS Clerics urge US to end family detention of immigrants DILLEY, Texas (AP) β About 80 faith leaders from around the U.S. have signed a letter to President Barack Obama urging the government to stop detaining immigrant families, while high-ranking clerics visiting a South Texas detention facility criticized the practice. The U.S. government opened the detention centers, including two in Texas, in response to the tens of thousands of immigrants who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border last summer. Most were women with children or unaccompanied minors from Central America. In their letter, released Friday, Christian and Jewish clerics decried the policy of detaining mothers and children as “inappropriate and unjust.” Detention is harmful to children, they said, and leaves the mothers with diminished access to the legal system. U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement said in a statement that the centers are an effective and humane way to keep families together. ICE said its centers “operate in an open environment, which includes medical care, play rooms, social workers, educational services, and facilitate access to legal counsel.” STELLAR AWARDS-DESTINY’S CHILD Destiny’s Child reunites at Stellar Gospel Awards LAS VEGAS (AP) β A reunited Destiny’s Child took the stage at the Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Saturday as singer Erica Campbell took home six awards, including the night’s top honor. BeyoncΓ© and Kelly Rowland joined Michelle Williams in a surprise performance of Williams’ single, “Say Yes,” which also netted an award for music video of the year. Campbell was the night’s big winner at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, winning artist of the year as well as female vocalist and CD of the year for “Help.” Tiffany Joy McGhee’s “Amazing” was named song of the year, and Deitrick Haddon took male vocalist honors. Haddon’s LXW also won in the contemporary choir category. The awards will be broadcast April 5 on the TV One network. MATZO DEPARTURE Century-old matzo factory to move out of NYC NEW YORK (AP) β The last ever Passover matzos have rolled out of a century-old bakery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side β a neighborhood that’s been dubbed the “Jewish Plymouth Rock.” Streit’s is the oldest factory in the United States churning out the unleavened flatbread that’s an essential element of Jewish holidays. Nearly 1.3 million matzos were baked for the upcoming Passover and distributed worldwide. Streit’s is now counting the days before it closes its eight-decade-old ovens and moves to a 21st century computerized plant somewhere in the New York area β likely New Jersey. The contract has yet to be signed. Annie Polland, a historian at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, says the factory symbolizes a once struggling, mostly Jewish neighborhood that’s turning into pricey, trendy real estate turf. Sound: 009-a-07-(Aaron Gross, co-owner, Streit’s, kosher food maker, in AP interview)-“to remain relevant”-Streit’s co-owner Aaron Gross says the company can’t afford to produce matzo on the lower east side of Manhattan anymore. (29 Mar 2015) < 008-w-35-(Warren Levinson, AP correspondent, with Aaron Gross, co-owner, Streit’s, kosher food maker)–After a century on Manhattan’s lower east side, New York’s last major maker of matzo — the Jewish unleavened bread — is moving its prouction out of the city. AP correspondent Warren Levinson reports. (29 Mar 2015) < 010-a-11-(Annie Pollard, vice president, Lower East Side Tenement Museum, in AP interview)-“in the world”-Annie Pollard, vice president of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, says the neighborhood once teemed with matzo factories. (29 Mar 2015) < 011-a-14-(Annie Pollard, vice president, Lower East Side Tenement Museum, in AP interview)-“in new forms”-Annie Pollard, vice president of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, says the exit of Streit’s emphasizes what’s changing and what remains the same about the neighborhood. (29 Mar 2015) < RUSSIA-OPERA Russian theater director fired over Wagner opera MOSCOW (AP) β Russia’s cultural minister has fired the director of a theater whose staging of Wagner’s opera “Tannhauser” offended the Russian Orthodox Church. The announcement was made as thousands of people rallied outside the theater in Novosibirsk to protest the opera, which they said was offensive to Christians. They waved patriotic flags, including some with pictures of President Vladimir Putin. Among the signs they held during Sunday’s protest was one that said: “Orthodox Christianity is the foundation of the great Russian culture.” As the controversy over “Tannhauser” grew in recent weeks, many Russian cultural figures spoke out in defense of the theater’s modern interpretation of Richard Wagner’s 19th century opera. But on Sunday, Cultural Minister Vladimir Medinsky fired Boris Mezdrich as director of the Novosibirsk State Opera and Ballet Theater. ISLAMIC STATE Islamic State group beheads 8 Shiites in Syria’s Hama BEIRUT (AP) β A new video released by the Islamic State group shows its fighters cutting off the heads of eight men said to be Shiite Muslims. The video posted on social media Sunday said the eight men were beheaded in the central Syrian province of Hama. The men, wearing orange uniforms with their hands tied behind their backs, were led forward in a field by teenage boys. They were then handed over to a group of IS fighters, with each fighter receiving a knife from one of the boys before beheading the men. An Islamic State fighter speaks in the video, using a derogatory term for Shiites and calling them “impure infidels.” IS has beheaded scores of people since capturing large parts of Iraq and Syria last year.
