Congratulations Bishop Laurie Haller!
FROM MICHIGAN TO IOWA—Author, pastor and now Bishop Laurie Haller joked with church leaders that she is the first bishop ever elected with a black eye. Literally. In a travel mishap, a piece of luggage smacked her in the face, but she didn’t shy away from the bruise. She used it as a parable. That’s Laurie. Please enjoy our story—and celebrate with us that this remarkable storyteller now will lead United Methodists across the state of Iowa.
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Congratulations MSU journalism students!
CLARION FOR ‘VETERANS’—The Association for Women in Communications has honored the Michigan State University School of Journalism students who published 100 Questions and Answers about Veterans. We tell the story behind this century-old organization and its own historic milestones in pushing for the acceptance of minorities—and helping veterans during and after several of America’s wars. Did you know that Eleanor Roosevelt helped break barriers for women in journalism?
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A WOMAN OF VISION
REMEMBERING GERTRUDE KASLE—For many years, Gertude Kasle helped to introduce her friends and gallery customers to leading American artists—even when some of their work was so new that it sparked few sales. This week, GodSigns columnist Suzy Farbman profiles this woman of great vision who shaped the world views of so many through the years.
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AN INVITATION TO GET ‘GROUNDED’
READ ALONG WITH US—Here at ReadTheSpirit, we are thrilled to welcome Christian educator Debbie Houghton to a collaborative, five-week series that will help readers reflect on Diana Butler Bass’s new book Grounded: Finding God in the World. Consider this a free, public study guide. Think of it as a summer-time, inspirational pilgrimage with friends. This week, we are sharing Part 2 in this series.
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RESPONSES TO VIOLENCE
NEW HYMNS—How can our congregations respond to the steady stream of violence around the world? Many of our readers follow the news about Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s ongoing development of new hymns that confront deeply troubling issues, including gun violence. Her hymns have been sung by congregations in every state of the USA and in several other countries; they have been featured on National Public Radio and the BBC network. Her latest hymn responds to the tragedy in Orlando. If you visit this page, you also can sign up for future emails about her music.
‘UNITED AMERICA’—The political rhetoric echoing across the U.S. is calling into question whether America can hope to restore a unity of values and purpose. Years of research went into Dr. Wayne Baker’s book, United America. A leading sociologist at the University of Michigan, Dr. Baker also provides a range of study guides to explore his book and discuss it with friends.
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HOLIDAYS & MILESTONES
Don’t miss a date! Remember www.InterfaithHolidays.org, our master calendar.
HIROSHIMA DAY—On August 6, many people around the world recall the bombing of Hiroshima. To help us mark the occasion, faith-and-film critic Ed McNulty reminds us of a solid 1995 film about that milestone.
OBON CIRCLES THE GLOBE—Holidays columnist Stephanie Fenton explains how an ancient Buddhist story evolved and moved across Asia until it has become, today, a quintessentially Japanese summer-time festival. Observances now can be found around the world and in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Traditions include a dance that echoes ancient Buddhist practice and lots of other treats borrowed from Japanese culture.
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REMEMBERING HAILE SELASSIE
OUT OF AFRICA—Each year, Rastafari worldwide celebrate Haile Selassie’s birthday. The late Ethiopian emperor is considered a messiah in their religious tradition. Generally, the birthday attracts little American media attention. This year, however, two bittersweet milestones are remembered that have a far wider connection with global issues. They are the 50th anniversary of his triumphant visit to Jamaica and the 80th anniversary of his appeal to the League of Nations. Read our column this week. In this era of Black Lives Matter and a renewed national debate about racism, consider how the world treated this emerging African leader in his country’s time of dire need.
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SHARE YOUR HOUSE OF WORSHIP
GET INVOLVED—Show the world your house of worship—the home base of your religious community. Wikimedia Commons, the worldwide database of shared photographs, hopes to document as many notable religious sites as possible. And that includes houses of worship—wherever you life around the world. It’s not difficult to get involved, but it does take a little orientation. Today, read our introduction to sharing photos on Wikimedia Commons. Think of it as part of grounding yourself and your spiritual community by sharing an image.
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FILM, FAITH & CULTURE
Enjoy all of the free resources from Ed McNulty’s faith-and-film website: VisualParables.org.
Among Ed’s latest free movie reviews are:
- HELL OR HIGH WATER—Enjoy Jeff Bridges? He’s back as a tough Texas Ranger in this suspenseful Western about brothers trying to save their home through bank robbery. (5 out of 5 stars)
- SECRET LIFE OF PETS—You don’t have to be a pet owner to enjoy this animated fable. (4 stars)
- FREE STATE OF JONES—There’s controversy about this film, based on a little-known chapter in Civil War history. But, overall, it’s a fascinating movie that Ed urges us to go see. (4.5 out of 5 stars)
- THE LEGEND OF TARZAN—Here’s another film that revises history—yes, there’s an actual chapter of world history reflected in this new Tarzan movie. It’s pretty good. (4 stars)
- OUR KIND OF TRAITOR—This story by John Le Carre reminds Ed of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much. (4 stars)
- FINDING DORY—Ed says it’s a 5 star treat for the whole family.
- POP STAR—If you’re a fan of Spinal Tap and Mighty Wind, then you’ll probably enjoy this musical mockumentary. (4 stars)
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