press release

The Institute of Progressive Christianity Commends the National Association of Evangelicals on Their "Effort to Protect Creation," Challenges the Opposition of Extreme Conservative Leaders

The Institute for Progressive Christianity (IPC) (http://www.instituteforprogressivechristianity.org) both commends the courage and Christian concern displayed by Rev. Rick Cizik and the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) for recommending preventive action on the issue of global warming, and challenges their “conservative� detractors who demanded Rev. Cizik be fired for spearheading the effort.

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Don´t try this at home,(f.ex.internet) or any other place!I forbid readers to use any of my data to any activity. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Today the Religious Institute is releasing a new "Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Adolescent Sexuality." It's the first multifaith theological framework calling for religious institutions to recognize adolescent sexual rights and to assist them in discerning their readiness for mature relationships.

To download the letter, go to www.religiousinstitute.org.

The Open Letter affirms that "most adolescents are not developmentally ready for mature sexual relationships that include intercourse of any kind" but calls upon faith communities to recognize that many adolescents will become involved in sexual relationships during their teenage years. It urges religious leaders to advocate for adolescent sexual health through comprehensive sexuality education and reproductive health care.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 9, 2007
Luis Vizcaiño | Phone: 202/216.1547 | Cell: 310/869.5700
Christopher Johnson | Phone: 202/216.1580 | Cell: 202/716.1628

Human Rights Campaign Hopeful After Lutheran Church Ruling
Disciplinary Committee Asks Denomination to Accept Same-Sex Relationships for Clergy

WASHINGTON — Today the Human Rights Campaign called “encouraging� a disciplinary committee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s (ELCA) call to strike a discriminatory policy from the denomination’s constitution that prohibits clergy from entering into same-sex partnerships.

For Immediate Release

IPC REJECTS IRD'S POLITICALLY-MOTIVATED ATTACK ON THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
Vision of Inclusion, Tolerance, and Respect Challenges IRD

Washington, DC February 6, 2007 Institute for Progressive Christianity (IPC) Director Stephen Rockwell calls the Institute on Religion and Democracy's (IRD) latest publication Strange Yokefellows, "nothing more than a purely politically- motivated attack upon the National Council of Churches (NCC)."

Press Contacts:

Nicole Sotelo, Call To Action Acting Co-Director

773.404.0004 x285 (office) 857.928.4112 (cell)

Mary Jayne Benton, Call To Action/Phoenix Leader, 480.970.4288

Laurie Olson, Call To Action/Tucson Leader, 520.615.0183

February 6, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CATHOLIC BISHOP BANNED BY ARIZONA BISHOPS FOR SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF
SEXUAL ABUSE

The Catholic Bishops of Tucson and Phoenix have requested that Bishop Thomas Gumbleton of Detroit not speak publicly within their diocesan boundaries. Gumbleton, who was scheduled to speak in Tucson and Phoenix this week, was recently sanctioned by the Vatican for supporting survivors of clergy sexual abuse.

How is it possible that a Republican-controlled Congress impeached President Bill Clinton over his attempt to conceal marital infidelity but that a Democratic-led Congress will not even consider impeaching this president for far more serious transgressions against the public trust? That is the question that arises from early revelations in the trial of Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff.

Press Contacts:
Nicole Sotelo, Call To Action Acting Co-Director
773.404.0004 x285 (office) 857.928.4112 (cell)
Mary Black, Parishioner of St. Leo’s Parish, 248.644.4479
Fr. Norm Thomas, Priest in Detroit Archdiocese, 313.831.1356

February 1, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CATHOLIC BISHOP PUNISHED FOR SUPPORTING SURVIVORS OF CLERGY SEX ABUSE; CATHOLICS PROTEST

Catholic Bishop Thomas Gumbleton has been removed from formal ministry as pastor of St. Leo’s Church by the Vatican and Detroit’s Cardinal Maida as punishment for speaking on behalf of victims of clergy sexual abuse. Bishop Gumbleton, himself a survivor of clergy sexual abuse, was removed because he broke rank with Bishops in Ohio last year when he testified in support of legislation that would assist abuse survivors, rather than siding with his fellow bishops.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Peter Bermudes

January 8, 2007

781-704-4039 / bermudes@verizon.net

OVER 1,000 FAITH LEADERS URGE CONGRESS TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE

Washington, DC -- Let Justice Roll, a nonpartisan coalition of ninety faith and community organizations, today sent a letter to members of Congress signed by more than 1,000 Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders from across the country. Anticipating House debate on minimum wage this Wednesday, Jan. 10, faith leaders urge congressional support for The Fair Minimum Wage Act of 2007 (HR 2), which would increase the federal minimum wage to $7.25 from the $5.15 level set in 1997.