OBAMA-FUNDRAISER
Obama: Religious freedom no excuse to deny rights to others
NEW YORK (AP) β President Barack Obama says freedom of religion isn’t a reason to deny Americans their constitutional rights.
Obama appeared to be referring to Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. Davis said such unions violated her religious beliefs.
She was jailed for several days over her defiance of the Supreme Court ruling that gay couples have a constitutional right to marry.
Obama says it’s important to recognize that some parts of the country remain uncomfortable with same-sex marriage. But he says that while Americans cherish the right to freedom of religion, it can’t be used to deny a person’s constitutional rights.
Religious freedom is a constitutional right, named in the First Amendment. Gay rights are not in the Constitution but have been established by Supreme Court rulings.
Sound:
228-a-19-(President Barack Obama, speaking at Democratic Party LGBT fundraiser)-“directed at us”-President Obama says Democrats fight for what is right. ((note length of cut)) (27 Sep 2015)
< 224-a-23-(President Barack Obama, speaking at Democratic Party LGBT fundraiser)-“their constitutional rights (applause fades)”-President Obama says while unease with the suddenness of gay rights advances is understandable, holding out against court rulings is not. ((note length of cut)) (27 Sep 2015) < 225-a-08-(President Barack Obama, speaking at Democratic Party LGBT fundraiser)-“scare up votes”-President Obama says some candidates are using calls for religious freedom as a cynical tactic. (27 Sep 2015) < 226-a-09-(President Barack Obama, speaking at Democratic Party LGBT fundraiser)-“take some time”-President Obama says some Americans are still trying to get comfortable with gay marriage and other changes. (27 Sep 2015) < 227-a-10-(President Barack Obama, speaking at Democratic Party LGBT fundraiser)-“that don’t exist (cheers)”-President Obama says, in the past, some people said it was too difficult to get people to change their views on the LGBT community. (27 Sep 2015) < SUPREME COURT-BIRTH CONTROL Justices could review nonprofits’ contraceptives objection WASHINGTON (AP) β Religion, birth control and President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul are about to collide again at the Supreme Court. Faith-affiliated charities, colleges and hospitals that oppose some or all contraception as immoral are battling the administration. At issue are rules that allow them to opt out of covering the contraceptives for women that are among a range of preventive services required to be in health plans at no extra cost. The administration has provided a work-around for the religious-oriented nonprofit groups. But those groups say it doesn’t go far enough. A recent federal appeals court ruling is the first to agree with the nonprofits, after seven other appellate panels sided with the administration. Such disagreements among lower courts often are a trigger for consideration by the Supreme Court. POPE-RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Pope promotes religious liberty PHILADELPHIA (AP) β With Philadelphia’s Independence Hall as his backdrop, Pope Francis has addressed concerns about Americans’ religious liberty. Francis spoke about the right for church-affiliated charities, hospitals and schools to hire, fire and set policy according to Catholic teaching. He said, “religious freedom certainly means the right to worship God, individually and in community,” but “it transcends places of worship and the private sphere of individuals and families.” Francis raised the issue at the White House and before Congress. He also made a surprise visit in Washington to the Little Sisters of the Poor, signaling support for the religious order that runs homes for the elderly and is suing over the birth control coverage requirement in President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. U.S. bishops also worry that the government will compel Catholic agencies to recognize the same-sex spouses of employees or provide adoption services to gay couples. Gay rights advocates reject demands for religious exemptions as bigoted. POPE-MASS Pope Francis wraps up joyful US visit with big open-air Mass PHILADELPHIA (AP) β Pope Francis has urged hundreds of thousands of the faithful gathered for the biggest event of his U.S. visit to be open to “miracles of love,” closing out his joyful six-day trip with a message of hope for families, consolation for victims of child sexual abuse and a warning to America’s bishops. The wide Benjamin Franklin Parkway overflowed with the jubilant, who stood in line for hours and endured airport-style security checks to see history’s first pope from the Americas celebrate an open-air Mass in the birthplace of the United States. The Mass was the last major event on Francis’ itinerary before the 78-year-old pontiff took off on the flight home to Rome. With a golden crucifix behind him, Francis told his listeners that their presence was “a kind of miracle in today’s world,” an affirmation of the family and the power of love. Sound: 193-a-13-(Pope Francis, in English, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)-“me. Don’t forget (laughter and applause fades)”-Pope Francis says he needs prayers. (27 Sep 2015) < 195-r-22-(Sound of choir and orchestra, at close of papal Mass in Philadelphia)–Sound of choir and orchestra at close of papal Mass in Philadelphia. (27 Sep 2015) < 183-a-09-(Pope Francis, in Spanish with translator, preaching homily, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)-“to help us”-Pope Francis, in Spanish with translator, says Christian families should join with others to promote peace and sustainable development. (27 Sep 2015) < 181-a-09-(Pope Francis, in Spanish with translator, preaching homily, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)-“true domestic churches”-Pope Francis, in Spanish with translator, says faith has its foundation in families. (27 Sep 2015) < 184-r-34-(Sound of choir and orchestra, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)–Sound of choir and orchestra at papal Mass in Philadelphia. (27 Sep 2015) < 180-a-11-(Pope Francis, speaking English, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)-“hear these prayers”-Pope Francis invites celebrants to pray. (27 Sep 2015) < 182-a-17-(Pope Francis, in Spanish with translator, preaching homily, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)-“tolerate sterile divisions”-Pope Francis, in Spanish with translator, says God wants Christian families to join with others to protect the Earth. (27 Sep 2015) < 172-r-19-(Sound of choir singing, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)–Sound of choir singing at papal Mass in Philadelphia. (27 Sep 2015) < 171-a-07-(Pope Francis, at papal Mass)-“be with you”-Pope Francis opens his final Mass in the U.S. with the sign of the cross and blessing of peace. (27 Sep 2015) < 173-r-21-(Sound of soloist singing, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)–Sound of soloist singing, at papal Mass in Philadelphia. (27 Sep 2015) < 174-r-24-(Sound of soloist singing, at papal Mass in Philadelphia)–Sound of soloist singing, at papal Mass in Philadelphia. (27 Sep 2015) < 220-w-36-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Pope Francis, in Spanish with translator)–Pope Francis ends his trip to the U.S. with a giant outdoor mass in Philadelphia. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. (27 Sep 2015) < 245-w-34-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Ginny Frataroli, who attended the mass and Salette Vicario, who volunteered as a communion usher at the mass)–Pope Francis held a Mass Sunday on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, the final event of his six day trip to the U.S. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. (27 Sep 2015) < POPE-FAREWELL Pope ends trip to Cuba and US PHILADELPHIA (AP) β Pope Francis has concluded his 10-day visit to Cuba and the United States with a Mass before hundreds of thousands of the faithful in Philadelphia. In his homily, the pope said everyone should be open to miracles of love for the sake of families around the world. Francis said happiness and holiness are tied to little gestures, like those done by mothers and grandmothers, fathers and grandfathers, and children. Before departing for Rome, Francis thanked organizers of the church’s World Meeting of Families and said he hoped that their time together would “bear fruit that will last, generosity and care for others that will endure.” Church officials announced that the next World Meeting of Families will be held in 2018 in Dublin, Ireland. Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Dr. Jill Biden were among those at the airport sending Francis off. Sound: 217-r-19-(Sound of band performing at the airport, as Pope Francis prepares to leave the U.S.)–Sound of band performing at the airport, as Pope Francis prepares to leave the U.S. (27 Sep 2015) < 219-r-22-(Sound of Pope Francis’ jet taking off from Philadelphia, as he begins his flight back to the Vatican)–Sound of Pope Francis’ jet taking off from Philadelphia, as he begins his flight back to the Vatican. (27 Sep 2015) < 218-r-37-(Sound of Pope Francis’ jet on the tarmac, as he departs the U.S., flying to the Vatican)–Sound of Pope Francis’ jet on the tarmac, as he departs the U.S., flying to the Vatican. (27 Sep 2015) < 211-a-13-(Pope Francis, at farewell ceremony)-“that will endure”-Pope Francis says he hopes his U.S. visit will have a lasting benefit. (27 Sep 2015) < 212-a-14-(Pope Francis, at farewell ceremony)-“God bless America (applause fades)”-Pope Francis blesses Americans before his departure. (27 Sep 2015) < POPE-IRELAND Next World Meeting of Families to be held in Dublin in 2018 PHILADELPHIA (AP) β Pope Francis has decided that the next World Meeting of Families will be held in 2018 in Dublin, Ireland, an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic country that has been ground zero for the church’s clergy sex abuse crisis outside the United States. The announcement was made at the conclusion of this year’s event in Philadelphia. The World Meeting of Families is an event that happens every three years. It was started by John Paul II in 1994 and is dedicated to celebrating the church’s role in building family. The Dublin conference will be the ninth. The Catholic Church remains central to Irish life despite having its authority shattered from two decades of sex abuse cover-ups. POPE-FAMILY ROAD TRIP Pope meets with family who drove 13,000 miles to see him PHILADELPHIA (AP) β Pope Francis met Sunday with a family who made a 13,000-mile trip over 194 days from Argentina to Philadelphia in an old Volkswagen van. Francis spent time with fellow Argentinians Catire (cah-TEE’-ray) Walker and Noel Zemborain (zem-bor-YN’) and their four children, talking about their visit and praying. The family said they got a call at 6 a.m. Sunday that Francis wanted to meet with them at the Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, where he stayed over the weekend. Zemborain told the Associated Press that Francis told her they were crazy to drive so far with their children. She said it was like meeting an old friend and Francis hugged the children. Walker and Zemborain quit their jobs in food service and marketing to lead their children on the unforgettable tour of the Americas, using savings and soliciting donations to fund the trip to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia. Along the way they made 12 border crossings and stayed with dozens of host families, did lots of sightseeing and documented the trip online. Sound: 252-a-05-(Noel Zemborain (zehm-bohr-YN’), in AP interview)-“a big hug”-Noel Zemborain, who drove from Argentina with her family, says the pope was informal and friendly. (27 Sep 2015) < 250-a-03-(Noel Zemborain (zehm-bohr-YN’), in AP interview)-“he’s so warm”-Noel Zemborain, who drove from Argentina with her family, says they had a delightful visit with Pope Francis. (27 Sep 2015) < 253-a-06-(Catire (kah-TEE’-ray) Walker, who drove from Argentina with his family, in AP interview)-“in the cake”-Catire Walker, who drove from Argentina with his family, says they had a wonderful trip that culminated in meeting the pope. (27 Sep 2015) < 251-a-07-(Noel Zemborain (zehm-bohr-YN’), who drove from Argentina with her family, in AP interview)-“pray for us”-Noel Zemborain, who drove from Argentina with her family, says Pope Francis knew about their 13,000 mile road trip. (27 Sep 2015) < 284-w-30-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Catire Walker, and his wife, Noel Zemborain, who met with Pope Francis)–Pope Francis met Sunday with one family that traveled 13,000 miles in a 1980 Volkswagen bus from Argentina to see him in Philadelphia. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports. (27 Sep 2015) < POPE-PRISON VISIT Pope visits prisoners in Philadelphia jail PHILADELPHIA (AP) β Pope Francis has invoked the parable of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles while encouraging a group of prisoners to use their time in jail to get their lives back on track. Francis said at Philadelphia’s largest jail on Sunday that the journey of life means getting dirty feet and that everyone needs to be cleansed. Francis then walked through the prison gym and shook the hands of each of the men and women individually. The 100 inmates in blue uniforms remained in their seats Sunday until two stood up near the end to hug Francis. He also blessed an inmate in a wheelchair. Francis has criticized prison systems that only work to punish and humiliate prisoners, and he has denounced life prison terms and isolation as a form of torture. POPE-MESSAGE TO VICTIMS Pope meets with abuse victims in Philadelphia PHILADELPHIA (AP) β Advocates for victims of sexual abuse by priests are calling on Pope Francis to take specific steps to address the scandal. Francis met with victims Sunday morning and pledged that “clergy and bishops will be held accountable when they abuse or fail to protect children.” Francis also said church leaders “promise to support your continued healing and to always be vigilant to protect the children of today and tomorrow.” Barbara Dorris of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests says Francis needs to follow up his “kind words” with action. She says “words don’t protect children. Actions protect children and that has what has been lacking.” BishopAccountability.org says in a statement that “apologies and meetings cannot substitute for reform.” Sound: 177-a-09-(Barbara Dorris, church sex abuse victim and outreach director, SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests, in AP interview)-“prevention and protection”-Barbara Dorris, a church sex abuse victim and outreach director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests, says the pope did not go far enough in protecting people against church sex abuse. (27 Sep 2015) < 178-a-13-(Barbara Dorris, church sex abuse victim and outreach director, SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests, in AP interview)-“protect the children”-Barbara Dorris, a church sex abuse victim and outreach director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests, says the pope needs to do more to protect children from church sex abuse. (27 Sep 2015) < 176-w-35-(Julie Walker, AP correspondent, with Barbara Dorris, church sex abuse victim and outreach director, SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests)–Pope Francis met privately with five victims of child sexual abuse, and vowed to hold those responsible accountable. But, as AP correspondent Julie Walker reports, that’s not enough for members of a victims’ advocacy group. (27 Sep 2015) < 179-a-15-(Barbara Dorris, church sex abuse victim and outreach director, SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests, in AP interview)-“again and again”-Barbara Dorris, a church sex abuse victim and outreach director of SNAP, the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests, says it’s nice the pope met with victims, but his words are hollow. ((cuts used in wrap)) (27 Sep 2015) < MISSIONARY SAINTHOOD-VANDALISM Vandals strike mission days after pope canonizes Serra CARMEL, Calif. (AP) β Police in Northern California say vandals defaced a statue of Father Junipero (hoo-NEE-perr-oh) Serra at the Carmel Mission, where the remains of the recently canonized missionary are buried. Carmel Police Sgt. Luke Powell tells the Salinas Californian that vandals struck Saturday night, damaging statues, gravesites and signs and spewing green and white paint on doors. The Mission says a statue of Serra and other historic statues in the courtyard were toppled. Photos posted on the Mission’s Facebook page show someone wrote “Saint of Genocide” on a stone. On Friday, Pope Francis elevated Serra to sainthood. The 18th-century Spanish friar brought the Catholic faith to California. Many Native Americans say the missions cut their ancestors off from their traditional languages and cultures and enslaved those who converted to Christianity. VACCINES-VERMONT Some Vermonters may get religion as vaccine exemptions narrow MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) β National polls have rated Vermont the least religious state, but there are signs that may not stop some parents from claiming faith to exempt their kids from getting fully vaccinated. Vermont earlier this year passed a law removing the “philosophical exemption” that allowed parents to sign a state Health Department form saying they did not want their children forced to meet the general requirement that they get dozens of shots as a condition of enrolling in school. While the philosophical exemption is going away, lawmakers left the religious exemption intact, and that means parents have the option of choosing that in place of the philosophical exemption. Some school nurses say they’re hearing from some families that they’ll switch to the religious exemption, which is simply a matter of checking a different box on a form. FATAL FLASH FLOODS-MEMORIAL Twin polygamous towns host memorial for 13 who died in flood HILDALE, Utah (AP) β A young survivor says his heart was “whacking like a sledgehammer” in the moments before a flash flood swept him and his family away nearly two weeks ago. Joseph Jessop Jr. spoke Saturday during a rare public memorial service hosted by two often-secretive polygamous towns on the Utah-Arizona border. Jessop said he knows the “heavenly father wanted this to happen,” adding that he’s “grateful for the experience.” Jessop’s mothers β Josephine Jessop and Naomi Jessop and his aunt, Della Black β perished with 10 of their children in the Sept. 14 flood. That number includes one boy who remains missing. The neighboring towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, hosted the afternoon memorial service at the top of a canyon road in Maxwell Park, a landscaped area surrounded by red rock canyon walls, attracting a few hundred people, including Utah Gov. Gary Herbert. ISRAEL-CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS Christian school strike in Israel comes to end JERUSALEM (AP) β Christian schools in Israel said Sunday they would end a nearly monthlong strike over cuts in government funding after reaching an agreement with the Education Ministry. The schools, which mainly cater to Arab Christians and Muslims, have been on strike since the school year began on Sept. 1 to protest the budget cuts, which Christian leaders have said amount to discrimination. Some 33,000 students in 47 schools are to return to class on Monday. Under Sunday’s settlement, Israel’s Education Ministry said it would cancel the funding cuts and allocate a one-time payment of roughly $12.5 million to the Christian community in Israel. In addition, the ministry and Christian schools agreed to form a committee to resolve any remaining areas of disagreement by next March. The Secretariat of Christian Schools in Israel, an umbrella group, confirmed the terms. INDIA-GANESHA FESTIVAL Devout Hindus celebrate the birth of god Ganesha MUMBAI, India (AP) β Every year, after months of pouring monsoon rains, millions of devout Hindus across western India step out to joyfully celebrate the birthday of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god. Elaborate idols of the god are purchased and brought home, where they are worshipped. After a few days, the idols, made from Plaster of Paris or clay, are carried to a large body of water and ceremonially immersed. The beautiful ritual, however, leaves rivers, lakes and even the sea polluted with a mix of toxic paints and materials. Shop owners in Mumbai say the demand for eco-friendly Ganesha idols has been on the rise this year.
