CHICAGO, IL (September 21, 2007) – Hardly a week goes by that we do not receive a few comments from readers on stories published as part of the Covenant online news report.
We will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the “comments” link attached to each published story. This kind of feedback is very helpful to our Covenant News Service staff as we seek to identify and publish stories of great interest to a broad spectrum of online readers of this report.
Following are comments relating to recently published stories, edited in some cases for length. To read a particular story of interest, click on the headline.
Street Kids a Key Focus for Hindustani Church
Vicki Marxen of Oshkosh, WI, writes: Do students from North Park ever study or volunteer at South Asian Friendship Center in Chicago? It’s only a few miles from the North Park campus. My husband, Paul, and I have seen what a wonderful ministry they have in ESL, after-school, and cross-cultural engagement.
Covenant World Relief Responds to Fulani Refugee Crisis
Janet Ziegelbaur of Grand Rapids, MI, writes: I’m so glad to see that Covenant World Relief (CWR) is helping these Fulani refugees along the border of Cameroon and the Central African Republic (CAR). While in Cameroon on visits from our mission work in CAR, I heard Scott Clark request prayer as he told of his concern over the growing numbers of Fulani people coming into Cameroon. And while living in CAR we certainly heard about the threats to their lives that caused them to flee. How exciting that it is through the ministry of CWR that God is answering the prayers of many.
Prayer Vigil to Protest Treatment of Six Students
Barry Whitesell of Greensboro, NC, writes: Just exactly what are you praying for – justice or to let the person in question go free? I assume he was tried by a jury – your article conveniently doesn’t say. Racism cannot be tolerated, but neither can subversion of the judicial system . . . either way.
Editor’s note: The story in question contained a link to a more complete Associated Press story that contained the detail this writer was seeking, including the conviction of the youth in question as well as updates on reduction of charges and pleadings from some of the other five students.
Joy Ribelin of North Easton, MA, writes: The sentences were reduced on September 10. The story was circulated to papers across the “entire” nation. It was a racist mess and received the spotlight of Opra, Sharpton, and Jackson. But it is important to remember that in the end, a group of kids thought they could solve their problems by ganging up on one kid. Six against one and beating him unconscious. They are lucky he did not die. The ropes thing was utterly disgusting as well and was certainly the antagonist. But holding a vigil for kids who found answers in being a gang and using their fists? I’m wondering what the statement is the vigil is trying to make. I suppose it is putting the courts on notice, and that is good, but I hope we don’t end up sending the message that you can beat someone unconscious because he made you mad.
Marty: Dabbling in Faith Doesn’t Satisfy
Elaine Clauson of Williams Bay, WI, writes: Thank you for publishing a comprehensive synopsis of Martin Marty’s address. It was interesting!
Bob Ritter of Falls Church, VA, writes: Marty had many nuggets of truth and untruth. For example, to say that trying to get rid of religion cost 100 million lives is ridiculous. It’s probably closer to the truth to say that killing in the name of religion has cost that many lives. His view of religious pluralism – that it “makes religions more creative and vital” – contains such a nugget of truth. Yet for all the vibrancy that it creates, it zaps the thirst of truth by injecting the tranquilizer of faith.
Willie Peterson of Coppell, TX, writes: WOW! Thanks for this extended piece on Dr. Marty. Being unable to attend the lectures, I was hungry for his generous servings of refreshing new insights on an old conversation. I was not disappointed.
George Elia of Yarmouth Port, MA, writes: As usual, Marty makes good sense. He continues to be a very insightful commentator on religion in the USA and the juxtaposition of faith and culture. Thanks for sharing this review.
Adria Pearson of Tucson, AZ, writes: Thank you for reporting on those who speak at North Park University and North Park Theological Seminary. It gives those of us who can’t attend a chance to benefit from what was said. Thanks!
Family’s Response to Tragic Loss Leads Most-Read List
Barbara Holman of Western Springs, IL, writes: I am very concerned about this latest trend in “news reporting” – that of reporting what news stories were the “most read,” as if the popularity of a news item is news itself or makes the story more true or important. Every Jew in Jerusalem would have checked in on the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, but without understanding or bolstering its significance and truth.
Older Stories
Occasionally we receive comments about stories published some time ago. Most often, readers come across them while topically perusing search engines or when visiting the online Covenant News Archive maintained by Covenant News Service. We appreciate reader comments at any time about any story that has appeared as part of our online Covenant news report.
Delgado to Head CHET
Onofre Fernandez of Santa Ana, CA, writes: Saludos y bienvenido de regreso al Centro Hispano. No hay duda que sera de bendicion tu presencia y direccion para el CHET.
Translation: Greetings and welcome back to the Hispanic Center. There is no doubt that your presence and direction will be a blessing to CHET.
Why Do Churches Change Names?
Marlene Wareham of Unionville, VA, writes: Thank you for this informative and meaningful article. As a former member of Cuyler Covenant Church, I just found out about their name change and was really saddened. Although I understood the reasoning, I do not agree with changing it completely like they did. The church name change in Massachusetts made a lot of sense because of the negative impact that the media has given to “evangelicals.” The pastors and people at Resurrection could have compromised and kept the name Cuyler with Resurrection. Your article did make me pause when you mentioned that God had changed names in the scriptures – but that was God. I do agree things like this do bring about a lot of emotions. Thanks for letting me express some of mine.
Resolution on Creation-Care
Mark Chaffin of Scotia, NY, writes: Congratulations to the Covenant delegates on the Creation Care resolution passed at the Annual Meeting with some practical ways to take personal and collective responsibility. Would that congregations take the lead in buying locally produced farm products; avoiding national big-box stores and patronizing local businesses, thus keeping money in the local economy; and using free trade coffee and other food items that aide growers in poor countries. Along with other measures, this would encourage members to take new steps in just, sustainable and eco-friendly practices. As much as lifestyle change is critical, advocating changing our culture and institutions on the systemic level is even more important.
Chaplain Receives Commendation Medal for Valor
Clayton Nagy of Norwich, CT, writes: I got the chance to support chaplain Nakazono and SPC Basile during one of their tours and am glad to read about their inspiring efforts for our country.
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