POPE-SOUTH AMERICA
Pope wraps up South America trip
ASUNCION, Paraguay (AP) — Pope Francis has wrapped up his South America trip. During eight days in Ecuador, Bolivia and Paraguay, he visited slums, prisons and hospitals. He also met with clergy, indigenous and other groups and the leaders of each country. Francis ended his pilgrimage with a huge Mass and words of hope and faith for young and old. On the final day before returning to Rome, Francis sought to offer a message of hope to the residents of the Banado Norte shantytown and to an estimated 1 million people gathered for his farewell Mass on the same swampy field where St. John Paul II proclaimed Paraguay’s first saint nearly 30 years ago.
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031-r-10-(Pope Francis, speaking in Spanish, at an event for civic leaders Saturday)–Speaking in Spanish, Pope Francis tells civic leaders it is wrong to think of people or cultures as being second, third or fourth class. (12 Jul 2015)
< 032-r-23-(Pope Francis, speaking in Spanish, at an event for civic leaders Saturday)–Speaking in Spanish to civic leaders, Pope Francis asks that the poor not be brushed aside by business owners, politicians and others looking for wealth. (12 Jul 2015) < 223-r-23-(Pope Francis, speaking in Spanish, at an event for civic leaders)–Speaking in Spanish to civic leaders, Pope Francis asks that the poor not be brushed aside by business owners, politicians and others looking for wealth. (11 Jul 2015) < 222-r-10-(Pope Francis, speaking in Spanish, at an event for civic leaders)–Speaking in Spanish, Pope Francis tells civic leaders it is wrong to think of people or cultures as being second, third or fourth class. (11 Jul 2015) < POPE-HOUSE SPEAKER JOHN BOEHNER WASHINGTON (AP) — House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur) says he’s humbled that Pope Francis is coming to Washington in September. Boehner says he has invited a pope to address Congress about three times over the past 20 years and is thrilled Francis accepted. Boehner also says his Catholic faith is important to him. He told CBS’s “Face the Nation” his conversations with the Lord start early in the morning and go on all day long. He says his “deep faith” is helpful “all the time" and “you can’t do this job by yourself.” Sound: 240-a-08-(House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur), R-Ohio, in interview)-“pretty humbling experience”-House Speaker John Boehner says for about 20 years he has been inviting a pope to speak to Congress. COURTESY: CBS’s “Face the Nation” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (12 Jul 2015) < 242-a-02-(House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur), R-Ohio, in interview)-“all the time (second reference)”-House Speaker John Boehner says his faith is very important to him. COURTESY: CBS’s “Face the Nation” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (12 Jul 2015) < 241-a-11-(House Speaker John Boehner (BAY’-nur), R-Ohio, in interview)-“job by yourself”-House Speaker John Boehner says his faith is helpful to him “all the time.” COURTESY: CBS’s “Face the Nation” ((mandatory on-air credit)) (12 Jul 2015) < 245-a-16-(David Brog, executive director, Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“for Barack Obama”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says Democratic presidential candidates who chose not to address the group are missing a chance to reach out to voters. (12 Jul 2015) < CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL-IRAN WASHINGTON (AP) — The group Christians United for Israel will be watching very closely the news about any nuclear deal with Iran. Executive Director David Brog says that issue will be a topic of discussion at its annual summit which starts today in Washington. Brog says Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons because Iran is an enemy of the United States and Israel. He says when “people, leaders, tyrants threaten to murder you, you need to take them seriously.” Sound: 246-a-12-(David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“take them seriously”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says it would be a big mistake to let Iran develop a nuclear weapon. (12 Jul 2015) < 247-a-14-(David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)–David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says a nuclear Iran would be an unacceptable threat to the U.S. (12 Jul 2015) < 248-a-15-(David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“a dangerous mistake”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says a nuclear Iran would be a threat to the U.S. and Israel. (12 Jul 2015) < CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL-DEMOCRATS WASHINGTON (AP) — Several Republican presidential hopefuls will be speaking at a candidates forum at the Christians United for Israel annual summit this afternoon in Washington. Executive Director David Brog says Democratic presidential candidates were invited but none chose to participate. He says there’s a superficial stereotype of evangelical Christians as being all Republicans. But he says it’s a constituency “that can and does vote Democratic.” Brog says those candidates are missing a great opportunity. Republicans speaking at the summit former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Georgia Senator Lindsey Graham, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, former New York Governor George Pataki, and former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. Sound: 245-a-16-(David Brog, executive director, Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“for Barack Obama”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says Democratic presidential candidates who chose not to address the group are missing a chance to reach out to voters. (12 Jul 2015) < 244-a-14-(David Brog, executive director, Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“lose this constituency”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says Democratic presidential candidates should have taken advatange of the opportunity to address the group at its annual summit. (12 Jul 2015) < 243-a-14-(David Brog, executive director, Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“could have had”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says not addressing the group’s annual summit could cost Democratic presidential candidates some votes. (12 Jul 2015) < CHRISTIANS UNITED FOR ISRAEL-LOBBYING Christians United for Israel’s new lobbying office WASHINGTON (AP) — The group Christians United for Israel is opening a new office in Washington. The goal is to give the group’s 2.2 million members a much more active political presence. Executive Director David Brog says the time has come to start a new entity which he hopes can be a presence in Congress on a daily basis. He says those who support Israel should be rewarded, those who “oppose our only friend in the Middle East” should pay a political price. Sound: 251-a-15-(David Brog, executive director, Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“a political price”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says the group is becoming more politically active. (12 Jul 2015) < 250-a-10-(David Brog, executive director, Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“also political activity”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says the group wants to have a bigger political presence in Washington. (12 Jul 2015) < 249-a-11-(David Brog, executive director, Christians United for Israel, in AP interview)-“D.C. and beyond”-David Brog, executive director of Christians United for Israel, says the group’s 2.2 million members will make their political voices in Washington. (12 Jul 2015) < GAY MARRIAGE RESISTANCE Resistance to gay marriages travels a well-worn path FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The first test of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling legalizing gay marriage starts today in a Kentucky courtroom, where a county clerk plans to argue that her Christian faith prevents her from issuing same-sex marriage licenses. The case is reviving memories of the Supreme Court’s 1967 ruling in Loving vs. Virginia striking down laws across the country forbidding interracial marriage. Waves of resistance that rippled across the South then took years to dissipate. Legal experts suggest history might hint at how the coming months will unfold, as some defiant clerks refuse to abide by the gay marriage ruling. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis. Other clerks have rallied behind her, demanding the government protect Christians from having to issue gay marriage licenses. ALABAMA CHIEF JUSTICE SPEAKS TO CHRISTIAN GROUP Roy Moore to fundamentalists: America ‘under attack’ MONTOMGERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has told a fundamentalist Christian group that “America is under attack,” and he praised the assembled activists from Operation Save America. He said, “You know, some told me, ‘you know they’re a radical group.'” In a speech Saturday Moore said, “I said yeah. They are radical for God.” Moore’s address comes amid his continuing criticism of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in all 50 states. AL.com reported that Operation Save America members are spending several days in Alabama to protest against abortion and homosexuality. According to its website, the Texas-based group believes “our government has been in overt rebellion against the Law of Almighty God since January 22, 1973,” date of the Supreme Court’s Roe v. Wade decision that women have a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy. ISRAEL-CHURCH FIRE Israel arrests suspects in arson attack on famous church JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police have arrested a number of suspects in last month’s arson attack on a famous Catholic church in the Holy Land. The fire is believed to be an attack by Jewish extremists, but a police spokesman would not elaborate on the identity of those arrested. The fire at the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish caused extensive damage to the inside and outside of the building, including damage to the roof and prayer books. The church marks the traditional spot of Jesus’ miracle of the loaves and fish, and is on the shore of the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. It’s one of the most popular stops for Christian pilgrims visiting the Holy Land. POLAND-HOLOCAUST HEROES Jewish group honors Christian Poles who rescued Jews in WWII WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Jewish officials have gathered with nearly 50 elderly Christian Poles who saved Jews during World War II, praising them as heroes during an event organized as an expression of gratitude. The rescuers, one of whom is 100 years old and several of whom arrived in wheelchairs or on crutches, gathered for a luncheon at a Warsaw hotel, where Poland’s chief rabbi, an Israeli diplomat and the head of a Jewish organization paid tribute to them. The organization, the U.S.-based Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, also provides financial support to Poles and others across Europe who have been recognized by Israel’s Yad Vashem for rescuing Jews. Standing before the rescuers, the group’s executive vice president told them they are heroes and that they “saved the honor of humanity.” CHURCH RADIO Nebraska church works to establish radio station in Lincoln LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Members of a Lincoln, Nebraska, church are working to establish a nonprofit radio station that could benefit refugees, prisoners and others whose voices are seldom heard. Nik Sandman is preparing to launch the station on behalf of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, the Good Shepherd station will operate at 95.7 FM and will be called 95.7 The Cross. Its call letters will be KNNA, short for koinonia, the Greek word for community. Sandman said he hopes to broadcast programs that will reach Lutheran listeners, as well as listeners among little heard minority groups, such as refugees. Lincoln is a popular destination for refugees. Sandman says he also sees opportunity in providing programs for inmates at the nearby Nebraska State Penitentiary. Sandman says the station will likely need $75,000 to $100,000 to launch, and will need to raise money annually to pay for its operation. He said he doesn’t plan to broadcast commercial advertising and likely will seek underwriters for programs. CLOSED CHURCH DEMOLITION Decaying Philadelphia church granted new life, for now PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A shuttered 19th century Philadelphia church threatened with demolition has been given new life — at least temporarily. It’s been granted historic status by a city commission. The church was built privately by Polish immigrants in 1882. But officials said they couldn’t afford to preserve the building, which has been cited repeatedly for code violations and was closed last year. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced in March that it would be demolished. Historic property owners can petition for relief, but they must prove repairs would cause financial hardship. Parish officials said at a hearing developers have expressed interest in acquiring the church, but only if it was free. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the city’s Historical Commission voted overwhelmingly to grant the status to St. Laurentius Roman Catholic Church. RICH MULLINS ARTIST IMPACT AWARD Christian Music Broadcasters will present awards during Momentum 2015 LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — This coming September Christian Music Broadcasters will present its annual Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award. The honor is presented to an artist or group to recognize their long-time contributions to the music and ministry of Christian radio. This year’s nominees are Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Newsboys and TobyMac. Mullins was a Christian performer who was killed in a vehicle accident in 1997 and was known for his community service work with Native Americans. The award will be presented at the CMB Awards Dinner as a part of Momentum 2015 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Another award will be presented to a Christian broadcaster or associated professional for outstanding and long-term contributions to the growth of Christian Music Radio. A third award will be given to a Christian broadcaster, radio station or associated professional who, during the past year, has shown outstanding effort in community service. Sound: 252-a-07-(Michelle Younkman, executive director, Christian Music Broadcasters, Inc., in AP interview)-“Newsboys and TobyMac”-Michelle Younkman, with Christian Music Broadcasters, Inc., says there are five nominees for the Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award. (12 Jul 2015) < 254-a-13-(Michelle Younkman, executive director, Christian Music Broadcasters, Inc., in AP interview)-“stations are doing”-Michelle Younkman, with Christian Music Broadcasters, Inc., says the Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award is a recognition of the work Christian artists do on behalf of Christian radio. (12 Jul 2015) < 253-a-06-(Michelle Younkman, executive director, Christian Music Broadcasters, Inc., in AP interview)-“airplay they’ve received”-Michelle Younkman, with Christian Music Broadcasters, Inc., says the Rich Mullins Artist Impact Award is presented to an artist or group to recognize their long-time contributions to the music and ministry of Christian radio. (12 Jul 2015) < CHURCH HELPS NEBRASKA DANCE SCHOOL A Nebraska church helps a dance school GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (AP) — A local church is helping a central Nebraska dance studio that announced it was closing last month. New Life Community Church is giving new life to the dance school whose owner had announced in June that the studio was closing because the owner of the building it was in needed more space for record storage. Church board member Steve Johnson says he read about the closure in the newspaper and reached out to the school’s owner. The Grand Island Independent reports that the Heartland School of Dance will remain in downtown Grand Island, but in a new building. The studio has been in business for more than 60 years at the same location.
