The Battle Over Gay Rights in the Episcopal Church
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Date: 23 July 2009
The Episcopal Church Welcomes You
Earlier this month, the Episcopal Church did what many clergy thought impossible just three years ago. The church's national convention voted to ordain gay and lesbian bishops, beginning what some have called the church's 'coming out' process. The outcome rocked the delegates, who sat in stunned silence after the result was announced. Frank Kirkpatick explains why the decision is widening the rift with the church's larger fellowship, the Anglican Communion.
Frank Kirkpatrick, author of The Episcopal Church in Crisis: How Sex, the Bible and Authority are Dividing the Faithful
Inside Scientology
Beliefs and Practices
Begins at 23 min 31 sec
This week we’re taking an in-depth look at the Church of Scientology, the controversial religion created by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in 1952. We begin with an overview of the Church’s theology, which is based on the idea that everyone can discover a powerful, spiritual self, or Thetan.
Hugh Urban, author of the 2006 article, “Fair Game: Secrecy, Security and the Church of Scientology in Cold War America”
Web Extra: Hear the full interview
The St. Petersburg Times Investigation
Begins at 31 min 10 sec
According to the highest-ranking officials to ever leave the church, Scientology’s upper management is ruled by violence, secrecy and humiliation. They allege that the church’s current leader, David Miscavige (pictured), abused his staff for decades. They told their story to reporters at the St. Petersburg Times, which broke the news last month in a three-part series, The Truth Rundown.
Joe Childs, supervisor of the St. Petersburg Times' Scientology coverage
Thomas Tobin, St. Petersburg Times reporter on the Scientology beat since 1996
Web Extra: Hear the full interview
‘You’re On a Crusade': Amy Scobee’s Story
Begins at 37 min 45 sec
Amy Scobee joined the Church of Scientology when she was just 14 years old. She went on to become a top staff member, managing the church's international base and helping build the network of Scientology Celebrity Centres. But she says after watching David Miscavige beat and taunt her colleagues for years, she decided the church had become a "cult." Scobee was one of the four defectors interviewed for the St. Petersburg Times series.
Amy Scobee, oversaw several Scientology operations during a 20-year career
Audio courtesy of the St. Petersburg Times and tampabay.com
Scientology Responds
Begins at 46 min 1 sec
In a written statement, the Church adamantly denies the findings of the Times report, stating that the four defectors are unreliable, and that the reporters did not give David Miscavige enough time to respond.
Provided by Tommy Davis, Scientology spokesperson and director of the Scientology Celebrity Centre
This Week's Interfaith Calendar
July 30- Tisha B'Av (Jewish)
At sundown, Jews commemorate what has been called the
"saddest day in Jewish history”-- Tisha B'Av. On the Hebrew calendar
it falls on the 9th of Av, and according to tradition, by some strange coincidence a whole
list of tragedies have struck the Jewish people on that day. The
first catastrophe happened in 586 BCE, when the first sacred temple
built by the ancient Israelites was destroyed. Then, 656 years later
on the very same day, the second temple, which had been built to
replace the first one, was also burned. Other misfortunes include the
9th of Av, 1492, when the edict to expel all Jews from Spain was made
official. Observant Jews honor Tisha B'Av by fasting and practicing mourning customs similar to those following the death of a close
relative.
