Clergy

Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen” to be Catholic University’s 2024 Commencement Speaker

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Washington, D. C., March 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Award-winning actor Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen,” will serve as the commencement speaker for The Catholic University of America’s 2024 graduation ceremony held on Saturday, May 11, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • Washington, D. C., March 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Award-winning actor Jonathan Roumie of “The Chosen,” will serve as the commencement speaker for The Catholic University of America’s 2024 graduation ceremony held on Saturday, May 11, 2024.
  • Roumie also starred in the 2023 movie, “Jesus Revolution.”
    In addition to his work as an actor, Roumie is actively involved with his Catholic faith.
  • Catholic media have recognized him as a leader of the faith, with Our Sunday Visitor naming Roumie to a list of Catholics of the Year in 2022.
  • The Commencement ceremony will be held on the steps of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

New Book Takes a Detailed Look at French Idea That Encouraged Both Privileged and Working Class to Play Leadership Roles in Various Aspects of French Society

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 19, 2024

TORONTO, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Le Sillon was a social movement which existed from 1894 to 1910. It originally began as educational, such as using the personal resources of the upper educated classes to enrich the political and cultural life of the often illiterate, uneducated working classes. It aimed to bring Catholicism into a greater conformity with French Republican and socialist ideals, in order to provide an alternative to Marxism in the union movement and other anticlerical labour movements. Founded by Marc Sangnier, he spent his life trying to advance these social Catholic, democratic, and ecumenical values until his death in 1950.

Key Points: 
  • It aimed to bring Catholicism into a greater conformity with French Republican and socialist ideals, in order to provide an alternative to Marxism in the union movement and other anticlerical labour movements.
  • Founded by Marc Sangnier, he spent his life trying to advance these social Catholic, democratic, and ecumenical values until his death in 1950.
  • Le Sillon's middle left orientation permeated French Catholicism and kept the Communist Party out of power in France after the second world war.
  • "Jesus must historically have been an advocate for the poor and marginalized as he came from these people."

More Than Two Dozen Former Residents of Good Shepherd Services Allege Sexual Abuse by Nuns, Priests and Staff at Notorious Youth Residential Treatment Facility

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

BALTIMORE, March 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The State of Maryland, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services, Maryland Department of Human Services and Maryland Department of Health are being named in a civil lawsuit today alleging that at least 26 individuals were sexually assaulted as children while housed at Good Shepherd Services, a former residential facility for foster care youth. The lawsuit was filed in the Maryland Circuit Court for Baltimore City by attorneys at Slater Slater Schulman LLP, a leading, full-service law firm with decades of experience representing survivors of traumatic and catastrophic events.

Key Points: 
  • Originally opened in 1864, Good Shepherd Services operated until 2017 as a multi-use, state-run residential treatment facility for children in Halethorpe, MD.
  • It housed children with behavioral health issues, as well as foster care youth sent through the Department of Human Services.
  • It also served as a secure facility for children sentenced to correctional incarceration through the Department of Juvenile Services.
  • The abuses at Good Shepherd Services were first reported on by The Baltimore Sun in 2013.

Sisters of Charity Health System Announces Retirement of President and CEO, Launches National Search for its Next Leader

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 16, 2024

Murphy first joined the Health System in 2018 as Senior Vice President of Mission and Ministry.

Key Points: 
  • Murphy first joined the Health System in 2018 as Senior Vice President of Mission and Ministry.
  • In 2019, she became President & CEO of St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, leading it through the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • "I am profoundly grateful to have led the Health System and furthered the Sisters' legacy of love and care," said Jan Murphy.
  • To find the next President and CEO to carry this important work forward, Sr. Judith Ann Karam, CSA, Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine and former President and CEO of the Health System, will chair the national search committee.

FIND YOUR INNER PEACE WITH PO: DREAMWORKS ANIMATION UNVEILS "BE CALM AND PO" CUSTOM ANIMATION LIVESTREAM FOR "KUNG FU PANDA 4"

Retrieved on: 
Friday, February 16, 2024

DreamWorks Animation is about to unleash some serious zen with "Be Calm and Po," the wackiest meditation session this side of the Valley of Peace!

Key Points: 
  • DreamWorks Animation is about to unleash some serious zen with "Be Calm and Po," the wackiest meditation session this side of the Valley of Peace!
  • Let Po lead you on a guided meditation journey, streaming exclusively on YouTube from 9am-1pm PT on February 16th.
  • Because when Po's in charge, you never know whether to expect inner peace or inner peas.
  • In Kung Fu Panda 4, Po faces his biggest challenge yet as he assumes the role of Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

SCHOCHOR, STATON, GOLDBERG AND CARDEA, P.A. AND JANET, JANET & SUGGS, LLC TO OPPOSE THE ARCHDIOCESE OF WASHINGTON'S MOTION TO DISMISS ITS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IN UPCOMING HEARING

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

BALTIMORE, Feb. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Schochor, Staton, Goldberg and Cardea, P.A. and Janet, Janet & Suggs, LLC, two leading Maryland-based medical malpractice, personal injury, and civil litigation law firms, are partnering to oppose a motion to dismiss a class action lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Washington in an upcoming March hearing on behalf of sex abuse victims who have come forward seeking justice. 

Key Points: 
  • The class action against the Archdiocese of Washington was filed the same day.
  • The Archdiocese of Washington has requested that the lawsuit be dismissed, arguing that the Child Victims Act is unconstitutional.
  • and Janet, Janet & Suggs, LLC, on behalf of the plaintiffs, argue that the 2017 law was not a "statute of repose."
  • and Janet, Janet & Suggs, LLC, have previously partnered in a class action against Johns Hopkins Hospital arising from sexual abuse committed by one of its doctors.

The rise of African prophets: the unchecked power of the leaders of Pentecostal churches

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

Charismatic Pentecostal prophets are known for leading megachurches like these that emphasise faith healing, health and wealth.

Key Points: 
  • Charismatic Pentecostal prophets are known for leading megachurches like these that emphasise faith healing, health and wealth.
  • A 2022 study conducted in 34 African countries confirmed this trend: 69% of respondents trusted religious leaders; 51% trusted their president.
  • Many followers believe it would be a demotion for a prophet to run for president because a prophet anoints leaders.
  • As an anthropologist who studies charismatic Pentecostal churches, particularly in Zimbabwe, I’ve carried out research on the power exercised by prophets.

The prophets

  • Charismatic Pentecostal churches are built around prophets who are viewed as possessing special gifts to mediate between humanity and God.
  • It’s common practice for charismatic Pentecostal prophets to threaten doubters with eternal condemnation, ailments or poverty.
  • Charismatic Pentecostal prophets are popular for their ability to heal ailments.

Big money

  • But charismatic Pentecostal movements, in general, lack transparency and accountability in managing “free will” donations.
  • With vast financial resources that aren’t taxed, charismatic Pentecostal prophets’ lavish lifestyles serve as “proof” of the prosperity gospel they preach – that faith attracts money – while their followers pool resources to finance church operations.

Political connections

  • Post-colonial political leaders in Africa largely view charismatic Pentecostal prophets as allies.
  • Relations with political leaders often span several countries, extending the network and influence of prophets beyond national borders.
  • Allegations of rape, corruption and fraud against prophets can be leniently dealt with due to these connections and protection.

Media empires

  • Charismatic Pentecostal prophets have an impact on the Africa media landscape through powerful television and social media presence.
  • These media channels are also spaces for shaping and managing the public image of prophets – and can be used to counter harmful allegations against them.

Members

  • Pentecostal members form an army of foot soldiers who engage in recruiting new followers.
  • Charismatic Pentecostal communities are tightly knit and coalesce around the men of God.
  • Relations between the clergy and laity are framed around familial bonds, with the prophet as the spiritual father or “Daddy”.
  • More than other religious groupings, charismatic Pentecostal prophets preside over economies that systemically facilitate the distribution of food, clothes, money and jobs within the church – often in the form of church donations to members considered poor.


Josiah Taru has previously received research funding from the Wellcome Trust and the Andrew Mellon Foundation.

Author Shares Multireligious View on Improving Houses of Worship

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 29, 2024

BLUFFTON, S.C., Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As a musician, EDG Smith found himself spending much of his time within various houses of worship. Over time he noticed the impact worship leaders can have on their congregation. In his new book, "How to Wreck or Save a Church," he shares a collection of vignettes, all based on real events, that demonstrate the effects of both effective and ineffective leadership.

Key Points: 
  • BLUFFTON, S.C., Jan. 29, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- As a musician, EDG Smith found himself spending much of his time within various houses of worship.
  • Over time he noticed the impact worship leaders can have on their congregation.
  • In his new book, "How to Wreck or Save a Church," he shares a collection of vignettes, all based on real events, that demonstrate the effects of both effective and ineffective leadership.
  • The church belongs to the congregation, they have the right to speak up if a leader is not the right fit."

Episcopal Relief & Development Welcomes Two New Board Members in 2024

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Episcopal Relief & Development is pleased to welcome Blanca Tomás Famadas and David Washer to the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • In 2024, Blanca Tomás Famadas and David Washer join Episcopal Relief & Development's Board of Directors.
  • NEW YORK, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Episcopal Relief & Development is pleased to welcome Blanca Tomás Famadas and David Washer to the Board of Directors, effective January 1, 2024.
  • —Teri Lawver, Episcopal Relief & Development Board Chair
    "I am delighted and proud to announce the two newest members of our board," said Teri Lawver, Chair of Episcopal Relief & Development's Board of Directors.
  • New board members are nominated by the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, and by the Chair of the Board of Episcopal Relief & Development in consultation with the Board's Governance Committee.

New White Paper Details Attacks on Religious Freedom in Ukraine; Urges Washington to Oppose Controversial Draft Law

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Warning of the Ukrainian government’s imminent passage of the controversial Draft Law 8371, the law firm of Amsterdam & Partners LLP is today releasing a new white paper detailing sweeping abuses of human rights and violations of religious freedom by the Ukrainian government aimed against their client, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

Key Points: 
  • Warning of the Ukrainian government’s imminent passage of the controversial Draft Law 8371, the law firm of Amsterdam & Partners LLP is today releasing a new white paper detailing sweeping abuses of human rights and violations of religious freedom by the Ukrainian government aimed against their client, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
  • According to the white paper, clergy and members of the UOC have faced harassment, intimidation, sanctions, and imprisonment since the outbreak of the war.
  • “This white paper is a wake-up call to Western leaders who for too long have ignored corrupt conduct on behalf of the Ukrainians.
  • The release of the white paper is accompanied by a short documentary video, “ Christianity under Attack: Ukraine .”
    View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240103853724/en/