EASTER
Christians in Holy Land, across world celebrate Easter
JERUSALEM (AP) — Christians in the Holy Land and across the world have celebrated Easter, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead almost 2,000 years ago.
The cavernous Holy Sepulcher church in Jerusalem was packed with worshippers on Sunday. The site is where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected.
After celebrating Easter Mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis recalled the young people, many of them targeted because they were Christians, who were killed last week in a Kenyan university, and he lamented kidnappings by Islamic extremists that have plagued parts of Africa, including Nigeria.
Francis also said he hoped the framework accord aimed at ensuring Iran doesn’t develop a nuclear weapon leads to “a more secure and fraternal world.”
In Washington, thousands of Christians packed the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for an Easter sunrise service where Michael Tait of the Newsboys sang “God’s Not Dead.”
In New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan said the good news of Easter always triumphs over the pain of Good Friday, when Jesus was crucified.
Sound:
150-a-06-(Capital Church Pastor Amos Dodge, in Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial)-“Jerusalem is empty (applause fades)”-Capital Church Pastor Amos Dodge says the tomb of Jesus isn’t like those of the other founders of the world’s religions. (5 Apr 2015)
< 151-r-17-(Sound of choir singing, at Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial)–Sound of choir singing at Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial. (5 Apr 2015) < 148-w-31-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with Capital Church Pastor Amos Dodge)–Organizers of an annual Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial say this year’s event drew a record crowd. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (5 Apr 2015) < 149-a-13-(Capital Church Pastor Amos Dodge, in Easter sunrise service at the Lincoln Memorial)-“Jesus is alive”-Capital Church Pastor Amos Dodge says Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. ((longer version of cut used in wrap)) (5 Apr 2015) < 152-w-35-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Chris March, participant, Easter parade)–The annual Easter parade along New York’s Fifth Avenue was a ‘see and be seen event,’ which those wearing elaborate hats posing for photos, and onlookers snapping pictures and giving compliments. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. (5 Apr 2015) < 143-w-35-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York)–Easter mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral featured a message of good trumping evil, delivered by Cardinal Timothy Dolan. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. ((opens with sound)) (5 Apr 2015) < 144-a-11-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, at mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral)-“over Good Friday”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says Easter is about “yes” even though sometimes we are tempted to think that life is one long string of Good Fridays because we sense a lot of “nos” in world today. (cut used in wrap) (5 Apr 2015) < 122-a-08-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, in interview)-“gonna conquer bad”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says Easter and Passover are about leaving the death of winter behind us and looking toward new life ahead. COURTESY: NBC’s “Meet the Press”((mandatory on-air credit)) (5 Apr 2015) < 124-a-11-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, in interview)-“bringing people together”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says it’s tragic that Islamic extremists claim to be killing and dying in the name of God. COURTESY: NBC’s “Meet the Press”((mandatory on-air credit)) (5 Apr 2015) < 123-a-14-(Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York, in interview)-“be discriminated against”-Cardinal Timothy Dolan says he’s grateful there’s public discussion about protecting the rights of the religious community as well as the gay community. COURTESY: NBC’s “Meet the Press”((mandatory on-air credit)) (5 Apr 2015) < OBAMA-EASTER Obama family worships at historic Baptist church in Virginia ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — President Barack Obama and his family have attended an Easter service at the Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia, whose history dates back almost 200 years to when Thomas Jefferson was in the White House. Obama, his wife and daughters were welcomed to the historic church by the pastor, the Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley. In his sermon, Wesley said the question is, “Where do you stand in the resurrection of Christ? You either believe it or reject it.” The choir sang a stirring rendition of the hymn “He Lives,” prompting most of the church, filled to capacity, to clap, sing and sway while ushers collected the offering. Churchgoers traditionally walk around to shake hands and give hugs during the greetings and announcements portion of service, but the pastor encouraged the crowd to stay in their seats and greet only their closest neighbors, as the sanctuary was tightly secured with Secret Service agents. Sound: 137-c-19-(Violet Ikonomova (ee-koh-NOH’-moh-vah), AP correspondent)-“quote selfie time”-AP correspondent Violet Ikonomova reports President Obama attended an Easter service at a Baptist church in Alexandria, Virginia. (5 Apr 2015) < 136-v-29-(Violet Ikonomova (ee-koh-NOH’-moh-vah), AP correspondent)–President Obama celebrated Easter at a historic Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. AP correspondent Violet Ikonomova reports. (5 Apr 2015) < 138-c-22-(Violet Ikonomova (ee-koh-NOH’-moh-vah), AP correspondent)-“George W. Bush”-AP correspondent Violet Ikonomova reports President Obama chose to celebrate Easter at a more than 200-year-old Baptist church outside D.C. (5 Apr 2015) < RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS-JINDAL Jindal defends Indiana Religious objections law WASHINGTON (AP) — Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal says he’s concerned that a revised Indiana law won’t protect private business owners who don’t want to go against their religious beliefs. Facing widespread pressure, including from corporations like Apple and Wal-Mart, lawmakers in Indiana and Arkansas rolled back their states’ new religious objections laws, which critics said could be used to discriminate against gays. Jindal, a possible Republican presidential candidate, told NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he’s “very supportive of defending religious liberty,” and that he thinks it can be done “without condoning discrimination.” But Jindal said private business owners shouldn’t face discrimination for refusing to participate in wedding ceremonies that violate their religion. Sound: 134-a-13-(Governor Bobby Jindal, R-La., in interview)-“without condoning descrimination”-Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal says he’s not sure he would support a state bill that allows private companies to deny benefits to employees in same sex marriages. COURTESY: NBC’s “Meet the Press” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (5 Apr 2015) < 133-a-15-(Governor Bobby Jindal, R-La., in interview)-“descrimination in Indiana”-Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal says he hopes the Indiana government will fix a law he believes has failed to protect private business owners who don’t want to go against their religious beliefs. ((a similar religious freedom bill has been introduced in Louisiana)) COURTESY: NBC’s “Meet the Press” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (5 Apr 2015) < 135-a-13-(Governor Bobby Jindal, R-La., in interview)-“those moments today”-Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal says he doesn’t believe gay couples should face descrimination when it comes to housing and employment, but he’s not sure new legistlation is needed to protect them. COURTESY: NBC’s “Meet the Press” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (5 Apr 2015) < RELIGIOUS OBJECTIONS-INDIANA ECONOMY Indiana faces long road to restore image after religious law INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana tourism agencies are rolling out campaigns emphasizing that everyone is welcome, but they may not be enough to quickly restore the state’s battered image after a backlash over its religious objections law. Allegations that the law would allow discrimination against gays and lesbians led convention organizers and performers to cancel events and some state and local governments to ban travel to the state last week. Business leaders say public relations campaigns may not be enough to immediately restore the state’s reputation. Gov. Mike Pence approved changes to the law to make clear it can’t be used to discriminate, although some economic impact has already been felt. The convention and tourism industry has been the hardest hit with at least two conventions canceled in Indianapolis. Sound: 171-w-36-(Violet Ikonomova (ee-koh-NOH’-moh-vah), AP correspondent, with Chris Gahl, vice president, Visit Indy)–Indiana’s religious freedom law is amended, but the costly fallout continues, and the state’s tourism agencies are scrambling to mitigate the damage. AP correspondent Violet Ikonomova reports. ((opens with sound)) (5 Apr 2015) < 159-a-11-(Chris Gahl (gahl), vice president, Visit Indy, in AP interview)-“another one teetering”-Chris Gahl, the vice president of Visit Indy, says ten convention groups have threatened to cancel events in Indianapolis since a religious freedom law was passed. (5 Apr 2015) < 160-r-07-(Excerpt of Indiana Tourism Association advertisment, part of new campaign to emphasize that everyone is welcome in the state)–Excerpt of Indiana Tourism Association advertisment, part of new campaign to emphasize that everyone is welcome in the state. (5 Apr 2015) < 161-r-18-(Excerpt of Indiana Tourism Association advertisment, welcoming tourists to the state)–Excerpt of Indiana Tourism Association advertisment, welcoming tourists to the state. (5 Apr 2015) < 157-a-15-(Chris Gahl (gahl), vice president, Visit Indy, in AP interview)-“the RFRA bill”-Chris Gahl, the vice president of Visit Indy, says the passage of a controversial religious freedom law in Indiana has cost the state a lot of tourism dollars. (5 Apr 2015) < 156-a-14-(Chris Gahl (gahl), vice president, Visit Indy, in AP interview)-“Indy welcomes all”-Chris Gahl, the vice president of Visit Indy, says his tourism agency is one of several in Indiana rolling out campaigns to let visitors know the state doesn’t discriminate. (5 Apr 2015) < 158-a-14-(Chris Gahl (gahl), vice president, Visit Indy, in AP interview)-“national media here”-Chris Gahl, the vice president of Visit Indy, says he and his team have been working around the clock to restore the state’s image after backlash over its religious objections law. (5 Apr 2015) < GAY WEDDING FLORIST 85K raised for Washington florist who refused gay couple RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) — A florist in Washington state who was fined $1,000 for refusing to sell a same-sex couple wedding flowers and is facing a consumer-protection lawsuit has netted more than $85,000 in a crowdfunding campaign. The Seattle Times reports that nearly half of the money on the gofundme.com page set up in February for 70-year-old Barronelle Stutzman came in the last several days. Supporters compare Stutzman’s benefit page to an Indiana pizza shop that raised more than $800,000 after closing when the owner said the shop wouldn’t cater a gay wedding if it was asked to do so. Stutzman, owner of Arlene’s Flowers and Gifts in Richland, Washington, received the fine in Benton County Superior Court in March after refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex couple’s wedding in 2013. Stutzman said same-sex weddings go against her Southern Baptist beliefs. ANTI-GAY CAKE DISCRIMINATION Colorado officials say gay-cake ban did not violate rights DENVER (AP) — The Colorado Civil Rights Division has rejected arguments from a man who said a bakery discriminated against his religion when it refused to make a cake decorated with criticism of gay marriage. Officials say William Jack wanted a cake showing two groomsmen with a red “X” over them, along with Bible verses about homosexuality being a sin. The state ruled that Azucar Bakery had a right not to make the cake because the message on the cake could be considered derogatory. The state said the bakery would have treated any other customer the same way. SCHULLER MEMORIAL Memorial planned for televangelist Rev. Robert Schuller GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (AP) — A public memorial will be held for the late televangelist the Rev. Robert H. Schuller in a plaza outside the glass-paned Crystal Cathedral he built in Orange County, California. Daughter Carol Schuller Milner says the service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20 on the campus of Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove. After the memorial, Schuller will be buried beside his wife in a private service at the campus cemetery. Schuller died Thursday. The 88-year-old started preaching in 1955 at a rented drive-in theater. He began a television ministry in 1970 called the “Hour of Power” and later built the cathedral to house his booming ministry. In recent years, the church was hit by falling membership and filed for bankruptcy in 2010. The Roman Catholic Church now owns the cathedral. GOP 2016-IOWA-PASTORS Iowa pastors play influential role in 2016 presidential race DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Cary Gordon isn’t a political operative, a top dollar donor or an elected official, but Jeb Bush’s team already has reached out to him as the 2016 Republican presidential campaign heats up in Iowa. Gordon is a well-known evangelical Christian pastor with a church in Sioux City that can draw 600 people on Sundays. When it comes to the Iowa Republican caucuses, evangelical pastors are seen as kingmakers, with sway over a key bloc of participants, so lots of potential 2016 candidates are stepping up the courting. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul have appeared before groups of religious conservatives. Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker talks frequently about being a pastor’s son. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, whose father is a pastor, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal recently addressed pastors in Des Moines. MORMON CONFERENCE 5 people vote against Mormon leadership in rare move SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — A handful of people have voiced their public opposition to the Mormon church presidency during the faith’s conference in Salt Lake City. During a part of the conference when attendees usually raise their hands in unison in a vote of support for church leadership, five of the 20,000 people in attendance stood up Saturday and yelled, “opposed.” They drew some gasps by surprised attendees. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, the faith’s third-highest ranking leader who was at the podium, noted their votes. He later reminded everyone that dissident Mormons are welcome to express the reasons for their opposition to regional church leaders. The protesters said in a statement that they’re unhappy with how little access they have to express concerns to church leaders. Open opposition at conference hasn’t happened for several decades. EASTER SERVICE-ROOF COLLAPSE Church roof collapses during Easter service; several injured RAHWAY, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say several people were injured when the roof of a northern New Jersey church collapsed during an Easter Sunday service. Congregants were reportedly singing at the Korean Union United Methodist Church in Rahway when they heard a cracking sound from above and debris began falling down on them. One person was seriously injured; about a dozen others had minor injuries. The injured people reportedly were members of a separate congregation that rents out space at the church. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening. It’s not yet known what caused the collapse Sunday afternoon. Everyone was able to quickly exit the church. Sound: 168-a-08-(Battalion Chief Daryl Rutter (RUH’-dur), Rahway Fire Department, in AP interview)-“down on ’em”-Rahway Fire Battalion Chief Daryl Rutter says one person was seriously hurt and about a dozen more were injured when a church ceiling fell on them Sunday. (5 Apr 2015) < 170-a-16-(Battalion Chief Daryl Rutter (RUH’-dur), Rahway Fire Department, in AP interview)-“in the church”-Rahway Fire Battalion Chief Daryl Rutter says some worshipers were injured after a ceiling of the Korean Union United Methodist Church collapsed during an Easter service. (5 Apr 2015) < ISRAEL-FUNERAL STAMPEDE Man crushed to death by surging crowd at funeral in Israel JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police say a man was crushed to death in a stampede during a funeral procession for a Jewish religious scholar. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says more than 100,000 mourners flooded the streets of the central Israeli city of Bnei Brak, where the funeral took place late Saturday. Rosenfeld said Sunday that a surge of people tried to enter and exit a building for an unknown reason, pushing some mourners up against a staircase and unable to move. Rosenfeld said paramedics struggled to reach the 27-year-old victim because of the crowd and he was pronounced dead at a hospital. Three other people were seriously injured. While such mass funerals for important rabbis take place regularly in Israel, it’s rare for anyone to be killed.
