Are Mormons the Most Generous Americans?
A recent study of charitable giving in the U.S. ranked the Salt Lake City area as the most generous metropolitan area in the country, due in large part to Mormon tithing. Mormons are required to give 10% of their income to the church. The Chronicle of Philanthropy said Salt Lake's high rank was due not only to the tithe, but also to additional Mormon giving, including the monthly "fast offering." Latter-day Saints give up two consecutive meals on the first Sunday of each month, then donate the money they would have spent eating to the church. The study found that the average resident in the Salt Lake City-Ogden area, where about half the population is Mormon, donated 14.9% of their discretionary income (income after housing, taxes, food, and basic living expenses) to charity.

But the Mormon tithe isn't good news for all Utah-based charities. The Chronicle reports that non-profits like the Utah Opera and the Salt Lake City United Way feel stretched because it's difficult for area residents to give on top of the tithe. "When you are feeding so many more mouths, and doing a tithing off the top, there isn't the same ability to contribute," Utah Opera director Anne Ewers told the Chronicle.

Posted by Rebecca Phillips | April 29, 2003 | 11:15 am

"I Now Pronounce Thee"... Not So Fast
If you want a Unitarian Universalist minister to preside at your wedding, be prepared to check on whether you need another public official to sign the marriage license. More than a dozen Unitarian Universalist ministers, including UUA president Rev. William G. Sinkford, have pledged not to sign marriage certificates for heterosexual couples until same-sex marriages are legalized in their state. One minister, the Rev. David Pettee, wrote, "To me, the seemingly innocent and neutral act of signing a marriage license actually represents a silent collusion with the state, which extends the numerous privileges of marriage only to heterosexual couples." The movement is catching on with clergy of other denominations too, through a pledge distributed by the Massachusetts-based Religious Coalition for the Freedom to Marry.

Ministers who have signed the pledge are happy to bless unions, regardless of the couple’s gender, but refuse to act as "agents of the state" in what they consider a discriminatory action.

Posted by Wendy Schuman | April 28, 2003 | 5:15 pm

No Peace on Pascha
As usual, there's sparring in the Holy Land--but this time it's between Greek Orthodox and Armenian Christians. After last year's celebration of Pascha, or Orthodox Easter, turned violent, authorities in Jerusalem have limited attendance at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher this Sunday to a few hundred for a celebration that usually attracts 10,000 worshippers. Police say the Holy Fire ceremony, in which lit candles are passed quickly through the crowd, could be too dangerous.

The ceremony turned into a brawl last year when the Greek Patriarch and the Armenian representative could not agree on who was supposed to exit the basilica's Chamber of the Tomb first. The more prominent warring parties in the Middle East, of course, don't have this problem since they rarely enter the same room.

Posted by Rebecca Phillips | April 25, 2003 | 6:15 pm

Can Catholic Pols Be Pro-Choice?
Earlier this month, the Washington, D.C.-based magazine The Weekly Standard reported that Roman Catholic Bishop Robert Carlson of South Dakota had sent a letter to the state's Democratic Senator Tom Daschle--the minority leader of the Senate—asking him to stop referring to himself as a Catholic in his official literature. The cause, one assumes, is Daschle's pro-choice stand on abortion, about which he and Carlson tussled publicly in 1997.

The Standard's update on the story notes that the bishop has invited people to "pray for the senator's conversion," but that it wasn't "appropriate for me to discuss my pastoral relationship with the senator." Daschle, for his part, added, "I have been a Catholic all my life, and I will remain one."

American Catholic bishops are clearly moving to close the loophole, famously articulated by New York's former Gov. Mario Cuomo, by which Catholic politicians oppose abortion personally but support laws allowing women to have abortions if they choose. (Read Beliefnet columnist Andrew Greeley's view of the situation here.) Apparently emboldened by a "Doctrinal Note" issued in January by the Vatican, Bishop William Weigand of Sacramento recently criticized California Gov. Gray Davis's "pro-choice Catholicism."

The intended secrecy of Carlson's letter to Daschle, and his talk of "pastoral relationship" suggest the bishop is trying to pull the senator in, not cast him out, of the fold. Nevertheless, the prospect of a bishop removing a politician's Catholic bona fides will certainly grab attention in Congress, where Catholics easily outnumber adherents of any other denomination.

Posted by Paul O'Donnell | April 24, 2003 | 2:45 pm

Would Santorum Ban Adultery?
Does Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum want heterosexual adultery made illegal? Or just gay sex? Or are his comments being taken out of context?

In an official statement about his April 7 interview with the Associated Press, the Pennsylvania senator, a member of the Republican leadership, said his "comments should not be misconstrued in any way as a statement on individual lifestyles."

The AP has now released the transcript of the interview so you can judge for yourself. The key line: "I have no problem with homosexuality. I have a problem with homosexual acts. As I would with acts of other, what I would consider to be, acts outside of traditional heterosexual relationships." He seems to say he supports anti-sodomy laws that prohibit gay sex (and oral sex for everyone else, for that matter).

Conservative gay writer Andrew Sullivan argues that Santorum's "subsequent comments also strongly imply that he would allow the cops to come into private homes to police heterosexual adultery as well. Or, in Santorum's world, the cops could enter someone's house to see whether a man was having sex with two women or more than two women on a continuous basis (that would be private "bigamy" or "polygamy")... I don't know about you, but this vision of what should constitute government power in a free society worries the bejeezus out of me."

Gary Bauer, the former presidential candidate and Beliefnet contributor, defended Santorum: "I think that while some elites may be upset by those comments, they're pretty much in the mainstream of where most of the country is."

Posted by Steven Waldman | April 23, 2003 | 12:40 pm

Metaphysical Soundbyte Master
The Reverend Eric Butterworth, who died last Thursday at age 86, was for more than 50 years one of the leading exponents of New Thought, a century-old spiritual philosophy of positive thinking that spawned such religions as Unity, Religious Science (Science of Mind), Divine Science, and a host of individual approaches to spiritual awareness. (An active New Thought discussion board appears on Beliefnet.) Butterworth, who was ordained in the Unity Church, preached at New York City's Lincoln Center, basing his message on Jesus's words, "The Kingdom of God is within you." His central teaching--that you can change your life by changing your thoughts--influenced New Age philosophies as well.

Butterworth wrote 16 books, including "Discover the Power Within You" (an Oprah "classic" book club selection). A master of the metaphysical soundbyte, he called sin "Self-Imposed Nonsense" and stated, "Our job is not to set things right but to see them right." His last sermon was delivered on Easter Sunday by his wife Olga three days after his death. Characteristically, he explained that the image of eternal life and resurrection already exists within us.

Posted by Wendy Schuman | April 23, 2003 | 12:30 pm

They Get $20,000 if They Change It to Tasteless-soy-patty-burg
The animal-rights group PETA has offered $15,000 to Hamburg, N.Y. if only the town near Buffalo will rename itself Veggieburg. In 1996, PETA asked the Hudson Valley, N.Y. town of Fishkill to change its name to Fishsave. For the record, a PETA spokesman says the current offer is "as serious as a heart attack."

Posted by Paul O'Donnell | April 22, 2003 | 6:30 pm

Do the 'Matzahrena?'
Jews eat matzah on Passover because the Torah instructs: "You shall eat nothing leavened, in all your settlements you shall eat unleavened bread. (Exodus 12:20)" But the rabbis couldn't have predicted that the "bread of affliction" would eventually inspire a line of holiday-specific toys, clothing, and accessories. Passover doesn't end till the 25th, so there are still a few days to stock up on items like The Dancing Matzahman, a doll who "loves shaking his bod to 'The Matzahrena.'"

The same online Passover store also offers matzah boxers, and a company called Matzoh Ball Soup offers a complete set of soup gear, including a matzah ball soup wall clock and a matzah ball soup camisole.

Posted by Rebecca Phillips | April 22, 2003 | 5:10 pm

Church Gets Tough on Ice Cream
Christian groups have given a cold shoulder to a German company's "Seven Deadly Sins" ice cream bars. Langnese brand Magnum bars are now offered in seven tempting "Deadly Sins" flavors: Envy is pistachio green, Lust is creamy vanilla with pink strawberry icing, and so on. Devil horns and a forked tail have been added to the M of the word Magnum on the wrapper.

The local Catholic diocese is not amused. "This insidious promotional campaign ...[makes] the reality of the Seven Deadly Sins seem cute and harmless, even tasty," says Fr. Michael Stahl, the spokesman of the North Elbe Diocese in Hamburg. "Combining something so innocently sweet and pure as ice cream with sin is unfortunate because it dilutes the real meaning of sin itself."

The Protestant group Christians for Truth is also unhappy. A spokesman says the campaign is "very painful" for people who have "experienced the power of sin."

Beliefnet agrees and demands that all the offending ice cream bars be sent to Beliefnet headquarters for proper disposal.

Posted by Laura Sheahen | April 22, 2003 | 1:30 pm

"Forced-Baptism" Chaplain Cleared
The Southern Baptist chaplain who reportedly baptized dusty soldiers who just wanted a bath has been cleared by his superiors. Lt. Joshua Llano says he does not recall making the statement, "[Soldiers] want water. I have it, as long as they agree to get baptized," and the director of operations for the Army's Chief of Chaplains office has stated that Llano "does not, has not and will not use coercion in the exercise of his official responsibilities."

You might say he's been washed clean of his imputed guilt. However, the Miami Herald is standing by its original story.

Posted by Laura Sheahen | April 21, 2003 | 5:30 pm

Parade Idea Floated
Is it appropriate to have a victory parade to welcome home soldiers who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom? The debate is stirring on Beliefnet, and apparently in the White House. Bush advisers told the Drudge Report that the administration is leaning toward a high-profile military parade, to take place in either New York or Washington, and that President Bush also wants to incorporate Iraq war military salutes in the capital's July 4 celebrations. Some advisers, though, warned against a victory parade. "It may be prudent to hold off on declaring victory with a major parade," one White House source told Drudge. "This war [on terrorism] is continuing."

Posted by Rebecca Phillips | April 21, 2003 | 4:30 pm

In (Partial) Defense of Franklin Graham
I have mixed feelings about Franklin Graham having led Good Friday prayers at the Pentagon. Some Muslims at the Pentagon objected because of Graham’s strong anti-Islam statements and the cause has been picked up by some Muslim groups.

This is not to be confused with the other Franklin Graham controversy: his stated mission to go to Iraq and save Muslims, body and soul. Having Graham—-personally close to President Bush and vehemently anti-Islam—-lead a post-war relief effort that seems partly geared toward converting Muslims is irresponsible.

But Graham went to the Pentagon to preach to Christians, not Muslims. Yes, his earlier comments were offensive to Muslims, but we should err on the side of letting people of different faiths choose who they want in their own pulpits.

The Pentagon service raises a different question: The Christians at the Pentagon who requested Graham surely must have known it would irritate their Muslim co-workers, and yet they did it anyway. Why? Is this a sign that inter-religious relations are deteriorating in our armed services?

Posted by Steven Waldman | April 18, 2003 | 4:30 pm

Peace Be With You... Just Don't Touch Me
This Holy Week, The Most Reverend Terence E. Finlay, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Toronto, Ontario, distributed a memo to all of his clergy, alerting them to more than a few changes to worship rituals as a result of the risk of SARS in Canada:

• Though the priests will partake of the bread and wine, the wine will not be communicated to the whole congregation
• Those exposed to SARS should observe the quarantine and not attend services
• The Exchange of Peace is encouraged to be expressed with a bow or other gesture, not by shaking hands

Mel Gibson's Father, cont'd
Mel Gibson's father has already implied that the Holocaust didn't happen. Now, he's joined a debate about whether the Earth revolves around the sun.

As part of a "geocentricity" contest sponsored by fundamentalist Catholics (they're out there), Hutton Gibson purports to explain "space probe figures" that are "easily ignored or misunderstood unless interpreted." The Catholic Apologetics crew believes that during the Middle Ages, the Church could not have taught that the Earth was the center of the universe if it wasn't true. Needless to say, this doesn't tally with current Church teaching on science, or with mainstream Catholic thought.

Gibson père appears to believe that heliocentrism can be proven. Which actually makes him forward-thinking for this particular crowd. A scary thought.

Posted by Laura Sheahen and Anthony Sacramone | April 3, 2003 | 3:33 pm

Franklin Graham Explains
In an article subtitled, "For Iraq's suffering people, aid is aid -- Christian or otherwise," Franklin Graham lays out his case for why Samaritan's Purse should do humanitarian work in Iraq.

Posted by Steven Waldman | April 3, 2003 | 12:39 pm

Dreaming of a White Christmas
Rome airport police recently seized a creche made out of pure cocaine. The 6.6 pound creche has a street value of 1.6 million dollars.

The recipient claimed he had come to collect "a unique piece of art from South America."

Posted by Ellen Leventry and Laura Sheahen | April 3, 2003 | 11:33 am

The G.I.s Shine at the Shrines
Okay, so there was no showdown at Karbala (see next item), as U.S. forces punched hard at Republican Guard units heading toward the holy city and admirably avoided a battle with apocalyptic overtones. Now, with some shooting continuing there and in Najaf, another city sacred to the Shiites, military spokesmen on both sides are fighting a spin war over who is desecrating the shrines.

Iraqis say American jets are buzzing the ancient tombs. American generals say G.I.s are holding fire even when fired at from mosques.

In our scorebook, the American side is ahead on points, since the latter is a crime, experts say, almost unforgiveable under Islamic rules of war.

Posted by Paul O'Donnell | April 2, 2003 | 6:54 pm

The Grandfather of All Battles
Since before hostilities began, U.S. military and media alike have prepared us for Saddam's climactic defense of Baghdad. Saddam may have other plans. In past days, Republican Guard battalions have moved reinforcements south toward the holy city of Karbala. If the Iraqis succeed in engaging U.S.-led troops there, it could be a disaster for the coalition, no matter the outcome.

Karbala contains the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein, who died there with his 72 followers in a massacre that might be called the Alamo of Islam. The shrine to Hussein commemorates the ultimate example of Muslim martyrdom, and Hussein himself is a founding imam of Shia Islam.

Though his own son-in-law is said to have destroyed the shrine while quelling Shiite riots after the Gulf War, Saddam has often made ingenious use of Islamic imagery. If the invasion comes down to a bloody fight between "infidels" and Iraqi troops at Karbala, the spiritual symbolism could well poison an American victory, especially for those Shiites whose support the coalition has been hoping for.

Posted by Paul O'Donnell | April 1, 2003 | 12:34 pm