Commentary; Posted: 1/11/06
The top 10 religious stories of 2005
Rev. John C. Blackford,
Religion Columnist
Since 1948 the writer has spoken on the outstanding news events of the year in the form of sermons to his congregation. In 1959 the religious stories were presented separately from the secular events, and will be the theme of this column.
Religion has become an important element in our media, and often is involved with secular issues. Some of the following stories will be a part of an article in a future column on other important events that are not specifically religious.
Other media resumes will contain items not in this list, but it is hoped this one will deal with the most significant religious stories of the past 12 months.
1. The death of Pope John Paul II in April, and the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, Archbishop of Munich, Germany who took the name of Benedict XVI, as his successor.
Pope John Paul was much loved, and highly respected by Roman Catholics, other Christians and non-Christians, as well. He was the first Polish pope and the first non-Italian pope in 455 years, and reigned for over 26 years, the third longest in papal history.
The new leader of 1.1 billion Roman Catholics was close to his predecessor, and it is anticipated he will continue his conservative policies.
2. The issue of same-sex marriages.
Four countries have legalized same-sex marriage (Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Canada). In December Britain began registering gay and lesbian couples for civil partnerships, extending to them many of the same legal rights as married heterosexuals, but stopping short of allowing them to marry. Germany, France and Switzerland have laws similar to that of Britain. In the United States, only Massachusetts allows gay marriage, while Vermont and Connecticut permit civil unions.
3. The continuing effects of clergy sexual abuse cases in the Roman Catholic Church, along with some reports of sexual irregularities among clergy of other faiths.
In order to deal with this problem the Vatican, in Pope Benedictís first major policy statement, has issued a document that bars homosexuals from entering seminaries or the priesthood.
In protest, several priests in Minnesota have resigned from parishes that welcomed gays, and one gay priest quit as chaplain and director of campus ministries at St. Johnís University in Collegeville.
Many Catholics believe it is a necessary step in strengthening the witness of their church.
4. Clerics of the two leading Iraqi sects, the Shiites and the Sunnis, called for religious and ethnic groups to take a stand against violence, as sectarian killings mounted. These included the bombings of Islamic mosques and attacks on defenseless civilians.
The clergy are very influential, and their appeals have done some good, but widespread violence has continued, primarily by those who oppose the elections and other democratic reforms.
5. The same-sex marriage debates in the major denominations.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the nationís largest Lutheran group, voted to maintain its policy on homosexuality. They welcomed gays, but refrained from creating a policy on blessing same-sex relationships, and requiring gays or lesbians considered for ordination to stay celibate.
The United Church of Christ (UCC) voted to affirm gay marriage, thus becoming the first mainline denomination and the largest Christian denomination in the world to support same-sex marriage. Some UCC churches may withdraw in protest.
In the United Methodist Church (UMC), an openly lesbian minister in Maryland was defrocked by the highest court within the denomination, which found she had violated the UMC ban on ìself-avowed, practicing homosexualî clergy. This will be a contentious issue in the foreseeable future.
6. The emergence of the ìmegaî churches as a force in religion. In the past two decades these large congregations have sprung up throughout America and in some third-world nations as well. Most have a Baptist or Assembly of God background.
However, in Korea there are Presbyterian and Methodist congregations with tens of thousands of members, as big as some denominations here.
They have similar characteristics, such as a contemporary style of worship with visual aids, the use of TV to reach the unchurched, and big programs to reach all types of people with various life styles. They are making a major impact on the areas where they are located, and beyond in their outreach ministries.
7. The growing hostility to Christian missionary endeavors in some parts of the world.
In Venezuela the government of President Hugo Chavez has prevented the renewing of visas or getting new ones for several Evangelical groups, and has escalated a war of words with the Roman Catholic Church, Venezuelaís largest church, because of its support of the opposition party.
The Chinese communist government has placed restrictions on the churches.
In North Korea there is open persecution of Christians. In many parts of the Mideast it is against the law to practice the Christian faith. In spite of threats, missionaries continue to go out, some to dangerous places. They merit our prayers and financial support.
8. The renewal of interest by the media in matters religious.
With Mel Gibsonís ìThe Passion of the Christ,î released last year and ranked among the 10 highest-grossing movies ever, the TV industry, ever eyeing the bottom line of profits, is embracing a newfound faith.
The soft-focused productions like ìTouched by an Angel,î are giving way to programs based on specific religions and doctrines.
In April ìRevelationsî was offered to four networks, all of which wanted it. NBC bought the show, a miniseries about a scientist and a nun investigating evidence that the ìend of daysî predicted in the Bible is near.
In December two networks, ABC and CBS, presented different concepts of the life of the late Pope John Paul II. The former showed the human side of a great man and how he remained pope in spite of his frailty. CBS showed the influence of the pope in late twentieth world affairs, depicting him as a very intelligent person.
Arbitron ratings of local radio stations showed Christian-oriented broadcasts with large gains in the coveted 25-64 age range. Books from a religious point of view are being well received, especially those with a Christian theme. Newspapers always carry stories that are about the churches and various faiths, and many magazine articles feature the experiences of those with a strong faith.
9. Billy Graham Crusade in New York City in June.
The aging Evangelist, suffering from health problems, preached in one of his last major campaigns. He received a great response from the diverse population of that large metropolitan community, with many professing a spiritual birth or renewal. He and Pope John Paul II have been the towering religious figures of the last half of the twentieth century.
10. The response of the churches to Hurricane Katrina and other disasters.
Along with the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross, government agencies and other organizations, the churches of our country have given tremendous support to relief efforts for those who suffered and continue to bear the effects of the rampages of nature.
The churches were among the first to respond to the plight of the people of New Orleans and other devastated areas. They sent teams to help, and opened the doors of their buildings, offering food, clothing, shelter and other basic items. It was a wonderful demonstration of the love of Jesus Christ working through His compassionate disciples, and will help to heal some of the problems of race and poverty in our land.
The year 2005 was a difficult one, with the war in Iraq, the turbulence in nature and the political and economic problems that abounded.
An old saying goes, ìWhen the outlook isnít good, try the uplook.î Whatever our circumstances, if we can trust God on the good and not-so-good days of life, we shall find sufficient grace and strength to go on. A blessed New Year to all!
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