FILM-EXODUS
Exodus actors revel in biblical roles
LONDON (AP) β Actor Christian Bale, who stars in “Exodus: God and Kings,” says he felt a great responsibility portraying Moses.
The biblical epic opens in American theaters next week.
Bale says the conflict between Moses and Pharaoh is the “story of two men, one compelled by the voice of God and one believing that he is a god.” Bale notes it’s “a story that means an awful lot to a great deal of people” so he felt a lot of pressure to realistically show Moses’ struggle to fulfill God’s mission.
Actor Aaron Paul, who plays Joshua in the film, says he’s read the entire Bible because he grew up as the son of a Southern Baptist minister. Paul says his father was “very excited” that he got the role.
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334-a-05-(Christian Bale, actor, in AP interview)-“is a god”-Christian Bale says the film shows the conflict between Moses and Pharaoh. (3 Dec 2014)
< 335-a-15-(Christian Bale, actor, at news conference)-“what Moses did”-Christian Bale says as Moses he portrays a man whose life has a supernatural turning point. (3 Dec 2014) < 333-a-10-(Christian Bale, actor, in AP interview)-“portraying this character”-Christian Bale says he felt a great responsibility portraying Moses in “Exodus: Gods and Kings.” (3 Dec 2014) < 337-a-14-(Ridley Scott, director, in AP interview)-“as, as Christ”-Ridley Scott, director of “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” says he presents Moses as a historical figure. (3 Dec 2014) < 332-w-33-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor, with actors Christian Bale and Aaron Paul)–Actor Christian Bale, who stars in “Exodus: God and Kings,” says he felt a great responsibility portraying Moses. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (3 Dec 2014) < 336-a-18-(Aaron Paul, actor, at news conference)-“was very excited”-Aaron Paul, who portrays Joshua in the film, says he’s the son of a Southern Baptist minister. ((note length of cut)) (3 Dec 2014) < VATICAN-SWISS GUARDS Pope fires head of Swiss Guards VATICAN CITY (AP) β Pope Francis is reportedly removing the commander of the Swiss Guards. The Vatican newspaper — (L’Osservatore Romano) — reports that Colonel Daniel Rudolf Anrig will remain in his post until the end of next month, when the extension granted to him at the end of his five-year mandate will be concluded. No official reason for the Pope’s decision was given by the Holy See, but journalists assigned to the Vatican have said the informal Francis considered the Swiss Guards’ comportment to be too strict. The Swiss Guards were founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II. Ever since, for more than 500 years, Switzerland has been supplying soldiers to the Vatican. The 110 colorfully dressed guards provide ceremonial duty, assist at Vatican functions and swear an oath to give up their lives to protect the pope. Sound: 269-v-32-(Steve Coleman, AP religion editor)–Pope Francis is removing the commander of the Swiss Guards, according to the Vatican’s newspaper. AP Religion Editor Steve Coleman reports. (3 Dec 2014) < VATICAN-US NUNS Vatican to release findings from study of US nuns NEW YORK (AP) β The Vatican plans soon to release a long-awaited report on its review of women’s religious orders throughout the United States. The Rev. Thomas Rosica, a Vatican spokesman, told the Detroit Free Press that a Rome news conference is planned for Dec. 16 to issue the findings. The study began in 2008 and ended about three years later. The Vatican said the review would assess the quality of life for U.S. nuns. The number of religious sisters has dropped dramatically in recent years. The study is separate from the contentious Vatican-ordered overhaul of the largest umbrella organization for U.S. nuns, called the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. Rosica did not reveal any findings Wednesday, but said the report’s release will be a “hopeful and encouraging” moment for religious sisters. NATIVITY DISCLAIMER Couthouse Nativity scene has disclaimer MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. (AP) β The Christmas nativity scene at an Arkansas courthouse will feature an additional element this year: a disclaimer saying Baxter County officials have nothing to do with it. The Baxter Bulletin reports that the county Quorum Court voted to point out that private residents β and not the county β are responsible for a display featuring the baby Jesus and his family. Last year, County Judge Mickey Pendergrass received complaints after he wouldn’t let someone erect a banner reading “Happy Winter Solstice.” He said he feared others would propose “hundreds” of displays. This year, Pendergrass suggested a disclaimer saying private residents put up the creche without the use of public funds. The disclaimer reads in part: “Whatever your religion or beliefs, enjoy the holidays.” HEALTH CARE WORKERS-EBOLA 2 doctors say hospital needs more volunteers CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) β Two doctors working with a North Carolina-based Christian mission group are heading to West Africa to help Ebola-stricken patients and others seeking medical help. The doctors are volunteers with SIM USA, which operates a 200-bed hospital and a 50-bed isolation unit for Ebola patients in the Liberian capital of Monrovia. This is the third time that Dr. John Fankhauser of California is returning to Monrovia. It’s the first trip for Dr. Dan Crawford of Oregon. Both are headed out Friday. The doctors note that while other physicians are treating Ebola patients, there’s a shortage of health care workers to treat patients with illnesses such as malaria, typhoid, trauma, and complicated pregnancies. Crawford said he knows there’s a risk, but he volunteered for a three-month tour along with his wife because people need help. CHURCH ARSONS 3 fires set in Delaware churches in 1 morning FELTON, Del. (AP) β Authorities are investigating three arsons at Delaware churches, all in one morning. The Delaware State Fire Marshal’s office says someone started the fires in the Felton area Tuesday morning. The first fire happened just before 2 a.m. at the Healing Hands Christian Church, which was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. As crews were battling that blaze, another fire was reported at the Manship Chapel. Crews were able to contain that fire. The last fire came at 5:30 a.m. at the Laws Mennonite Church. The damage to all three churches is estimated at $86,000 total, with the bulk of that at Healing Hands, which was completely destroyed. No one was injured. Healing Hands Pastor Wilber Moorer told The News Journal that he will rebuild. CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC-VIOLENCE Ex-Central African rebels attack officials BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) β Fighters from a disbanded Muslim rebel group in Central African Republic are attacking government officials trying to re-exert control over the country’s north. The Seleka rebels toppled Central African Republic’s president last year and installed their own leader. Christian militias rose up to fight the rebels, unleashing sectarian violence. A transitional government, with help from French and U.N. forces, is trying to restore stability. The Christian militia recently declared it was laying down arms. The Seleka rebels are largely confined to their bases, but some are retrenching in the north. Government spokesman Modibo Bachir Walidou said Wednesday former rebels have attacked officials this week who were taking up their posts, as part of an effort to extend the government’s control throughout the country. Three officials were seriously wounded by gunshots. PAKISTAN-BLASPHEMY Singer-turned preacher investigated for blasphemy KARACHI, Pakistan (AP) β Police in Pakistan say they have opened a blasphemy investigation against a pop singer-turned Islamic preacher accused of insulting one of the wives of Islam’s prophet. Police officer Sheraz Nazeer said Wednesday that officials opened the case Tuesday against Junaid Jamshed in the southern city of Karachi. He said the police were responding to a complaint by the Pakistani Sunni Tehreek party over a video released over the weekend. In the video Jamshed appeared to insult one of the wives of Muhammad while making a point about women’s flaws. Under Pakistan’s harsh blasphemy laws, anyone accused of insulting Islam, its Prophet Muhammad or other religious personalities of Islam can be sentenced to death. Jamshed swiftly apologized over his remarks in a video statement Tuesday.
