Newspapers / The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, … / Aug. 10, 2006, edition 1 / Page 16
Part of The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
8B RELIGION/iriie C|>arlotte $otft Thursday, August 10, 2006 Minority concerns trump gay ordination for church Continued from page 7B The issue of gay ordination has been the focus of intense scrutiny in the Anglican church, of which the Episco- pals are a part, since 2003. That’s when American Epis copal leaders elected the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson, of New Hamp shire. The controversy has split the denomination, with some saying scriptures condemn gay relationships and others arguing for a more inclusive church. Early this week, the Angli can leaders awaited the announcement of an exclu sive overseer for several con servative U.S. dioceses. Among black Episco palians, however, the issue takes a backseat to more standard minority concerns: improving the economy, health care and education, treasurer John Harris said. Episcopal leaders meet to dis cuss church issues at the General Convention every three years. “The issues that the Gener al Convention have been obsessed with have not been as important to black Episco palians sitting in pews,” Har ris said. “We’re still behind the eight ball.” Tbp among black Episco palians’ concerns is forming a singular voice that can share thoughts on racism and poverty with the larger church, Wilson said. . But their experiences haven’t gone unnoticed, said Robert Williams, a spokesman for the Episcopal Church. “The Union of Black Episco palians is absolutely correct in identifying that life and death issues such as the erad ication of hunger and poverty must have the church’s full attention,” he said. “The Episcopal church’s record for civil rights achievement has been strong.” Wilson linked the debate over gay ordination to the decades-old ordination of women—a pUl she said con- seiwative leaders never fully swallowed. With women now incorporated into many churches, she said gays have become a new scapegoat. She joined other leaders who said the church enlisted the support of right-leaning African bishops while over looking issues facing their continent, including the HIV crisis. On Tuesday, she asked black Episcopalians to remember the civil rights era as she held up a copy of the Windsor Report, a 2004 docu ment that urged U.S. Episco pal leaders to apologize for dividing the faith. “As I looked at the Windsor Report, there were echoes of all the oppression that I’ve experienced throughout my fife as a black woman,” she said. “We who have been oppressed and rejected ... do not need to be a part of reject ing and oppressing others.” On the Net: Union of Black Episcopalians, www.ube.org/ Episcopal Church: hrtp://www£piscopalchurch.org Judge skeptical of councilman’s position in Va. prayer lawsuit THE ASSOCIATED PRESS RICHMOND, Va.—A federal judge strongly hinted Thursday that he will rule against a Fredericksburg City Coimcil member who is challenging the council’s nonsectarian prayer policy. The council adopted the policy last year after one of its members, the Rev. Hashmel Turner, insisted on invoking the name of Jesus Christ whenever he gave the invocation. Turner claims in a lawsuit that the policy violates his free-speech rights. “All the case law is against you,” U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer told Turner’s lawyer, R. Johan Conrod, at a hearing. “Fm not saying it’s impossible. I’m saying you have a steep hill to climb.” Tference J. Rasinussen, an attorney for the council, said legislative prayers “are quintes sential government speech” subject to the U.S. Constitution’s establishment clause, which prohibits government promotion of one religion over others. Rasmussen cited a 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling striking down a South Carohna town’s practice of opening coimcil meetings with prayers that mention Jesus. The court’s 2004 decision cited Supreme Court rulings that allow only generic prayers by government bodies. Conrod ai^ed that Fredericksburg’s prayers are a "hybrid” of government and personal speech. Such conflicts historically have been resolved in the individual’s favor because gov ernment cannot dictate the content of a prayer, he said. “If I’m hearing you right, you’re saying a lit tle bit of Jesus Christ is all right,” Spencer said. “It doesn’t make sense. The right can’t be exclu sive just to him.” The judge said that if TTuner has an individ ual right to pray in the name of Jesus, every other member has the same right and “then you have establishment of religion.” Tbmer and the council both asked Spencer to rule in their favor without a trial. Spencer said a trial would not be necessary and that he would rule on the motions for summary judg ment soon. Turner, a minister at the First Baptist Church of Love, was re-elected to a second four-year term in May. The council removed him from the prayer rotation after he refused to alter his prayer. “If I’m allowed to go back, there will be no compromising,” Turner said in an interview after the hearing. Asked about Spencer’s questions and com ments from the bench. Turner said: “He, too, win have to give an account to the real, true judge.” Popular pastor packs rural Georgia church and town THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MILNER, Ga.—When the Rev. Benny Tate arrived in town 17 years ago, the congregation at Rock Springs Church numbered just 25. Now, he regularly draws up to 2,500 people to the church each Sunday—about five times the number of folks who live in this town during the rest of the week. As some churches struggle to hold onto dwin dling flocks, this Congregational Methodist church has tripled its congregation in the last two years alone. This feat is even more remarkable given the church’s location in a rural part of Georgia, about 55 miles south of Atlanta. Tate quickly dismisses speculation that so many people come just to see him. He credits God, his congregation and the church’s inclu sive message for the rapid growth. “I don’t believe great preachers build great churches,” he said. “I believe great churches build great preachers.” But his congregation and staff say Tate is the reason some drive as much as an hour each way from cities like Macon and the Atlanta suburb of Stockbridge every Sunday to hear him preach. Many come from Jackson, a city of roughly 4,000 about 20 mQes up U.S. Highway 41 across Interstate 75. Milner itself has little more than a grocery store, post office, bank, cafe and one stoplight. “He’s not only my preacher,” said Judy Sut ton, a 60-year-old retired nurse from nearby Orchard Hill. “He’s my pastor, he’s my friend, and I feel like he’s my son.” With a youthful face, close-cropped salt-and- pepper hair and broad smile, 41-year-old Tate oozes enthusiasm in the pulpit and out. The average person on the street, Tate said, believes in HeU. But too many people forget about good things and lose hope. He tries to put .a positive spin on his message and emphasize the fact that God is forgiving. The church’s slogan is “The perfect place for people who aren’t.” Standing at the front of the packed 1,200- Church mother to be celebrated 'Mother Hester M.Ford, who will be 98 on August 15, will be celebrated during Macedonia Baptist Church’s 7:45 a.m. wdrship service next Sunday. Ford is the oldest member of the church. capacity sanctuary on a recent Sunday morn ing, Tate wore a sharp black suit, crisp white shirt and bright red tie as he preached about achieving success in daily life—delivering each line louder than the last and with growing urgency. Fkmctuating.his message, he used slides pro jected on the wall behind him that recapped the themes he touched on. He paced the stage and used dramatic arm gestures. His booming voice prompted shouts of “Amen!” from the crowd, leading to a standing ovation. He said he wants church to be fun and favors ‘hlended worship” that relies heavily on the choir. “Even when I go to Heaven, I believe I’m going to come home on the weekends for the music,” he told the congregation. He also incorporates humor to keep the con gregation’s attention. In his sermon about success, he urged people to develop their strengths rather than obsess ing over weaknesses. “I don’t even try to sing,” he said, drawing laughter and applause. “I sound like a dying duck in a hail storm” “Some of you shouldn’t be laughing,” he quipped with mock seriousness. “I’ve heard you.” On that Sunday, Tate welcomed about 15 new members to the church. The congregation has grown dramatically in the last two years— from 700 to about 2,000-t following a move in August 2004 from an old 250-seat building to a sprawling new brick and stucco structure that seats nearly five times as many. The church was founded in 1852 in the old building next door that was rebuilt in 1979 after a fire. Even though the new church building holds more people, ushers still scramble on busy days to place extra chairs at the ends of rows and along the back wall to accommodate over flow crowds. They don’t turn anyone away, but sometimes people are discouraged by the lack of space and leave on their own. NAACP ASHANTI AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION SEPTEMBER 16,2006 THE WESTIN HOTEL 601 South College Street • Charlotte, NC • 6:00 PM HONOREES: Corporation of the year - Bank of America Meritorious Public Service U.S. Congressman Mel Watt Carney Outsanding Public Service NC Representative Becky Carney NC Representative Benerly Earle NAACP Hall of Fame George Dunlap, School Board Scholarship Recipient G.K. Moss, Jr., Sun Vallet HS Individual Cost: $75.00 each Sponsorship levels: Book Ads: Exclusive Partner—$15,000.00 Major Partner $10,000.00 Corporate Partner—$5,000.00 Table Sponsor (8)—$1,500.00 NAACP MEMBERSHIP - $30.00 per year Life Membership-- $750.00 ($75 per year) Souvenir Full PlgQ $500.00 Half Page $250.00 One-Fourth Page $150.00 Business Card — $100.00 MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: NAACP P. O. Box 25774 Yvonne Pettis. Chairman Charlotte, NC 28229 vonpetiis@aol.com 704/567-8178 or 704/361-8109-cell The Charlotte - Mecklenburg NAACP will again host the annual Ashanti Awards and Scholarship Celebration on September 15 and 16. The weekend will start with the Ashanti Golf Challenge at Highland Creek Golf Club on Friday, September 15 and culminate with the award celebration on Saturday starting at 6pm at the beautiful Westin Hotel in downtown Charlotte, NC. This year. Mel Watt, U.S. Congressman will receive the Meritorious Public Service Award. Public Service Awards will also be bestowed upon NC State Representatives Becky Camey and Beverly Earle. The Hall of Fame Award recip ient will be Mecklenburg School Board member Geoige Dunlap. Our corporate sponsor this year. Bank of America will receive the Corporation of the Year Award. The 2006 scholarship recipient will be G.K. Moss, Jr of Sun Valley High school. Kenneth White. President of the Charlotte Branch said this is the premier annual event of the year for the branch. A fabulous Silent Auction attracts many attendees to bid on a vast array of art work, crafts, fine Jewelry, hats and other wonderful items. Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half million members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in pubhc and private sectors. Golf green fees are $100.00 per person with several sponsorship levels available that include green fees. Please send golf checks to NAACP, PO Box 480540 Charlotte, NC 28269, att: Kenneth White. Call 704-517-1877 for additional information. Ashanti Awards celebration tickets are $75.00 each. Please make checks payable to NAACP, P.O. Box 25774, Charlotte, NC 28229, Att: Yvonne Pettis, Ashanti Chairperson. NAACP Ashanti Goif Challenge September IS, 200S, 7:30am Highland Cwk Oolf Club, CbarfoUe, NO
The Charlotte Post (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Aug. 10, 2006, edition 1
16
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75