USA Update
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Graham prays at GOP. Baptist evangelist Franklin Graham concluded the first night of ceremonies at the Republican National Convention with prayer, lamenting the erosion of morals and a faith in wealth, technology and prosperity over a faith in God. The son of famous Baptist evangelist Billy Graham also asked God to "watch over and protect George W. Bush and his wife Laura and their wonderful family, as they seek the highest office in this land and to serve their country at their own personal sacrifice." Graham sat next to former President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.
___ Texans protest gay speaker. A group of Texas delegates quietly bowed their heads in prayer to protest a speech by an openly gay member of Congress during the Republican National Convention. Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., spoke for four minutes on U.S. trade policy. He did not mention his homosexuality, but that didn't stop Texas Eagle Forum President Cathie Adams from leading the protest just yards away from the convention podium. Many Texas delegates did not participate, but about a dozen could be seen with bowed heads. One silent protestor closed his eyes, bowed his head and raised a sign indicating "there is a way out" of the homosexual lifestyle.
___ Arkansas faces gambling. Baptists and other gambling opponents in Arkansas are organizing to oppose a proposed amendment to the state constitution to establish a state lottery and allow casinos in six Arkansas counties. If placed on the Nov. 7 ballot and approved by voters, the amendment would give the corporation the right to build a casino in each of the six counties--Pulaski, Sebastian, Garland, Boone, Crittenden and Miller. The proposed constitutional amendment also would establish a state lottery, authorize charitable gambling and create a state gambling commission to oversee operations at the casinos.
___ Robertson foresees "righteous judges." Christian Coalition President Pat Robertson predicted Aug. 1 the group soon would help elect a president--George W. Bush--who in turn would appoint "righteous judges" to the U.S. Supreme Court. Those judges would in turn reverse rulings that have blocked laws banning abortion and allowing school prayer, Robertson told a few thousand inspired Coalition members gathered Aug. 1 at a downtown Philadelphia hotel near the Republican National Convention. The group heard several rousing messages from conservative lawmakers and stood and cheered as a picture of a crucified Jesus draped with an American flag appeared on a video screen with "Proud to Be an American" playing in the background.
___ Study finds link between faith and recovery. Higher levels of religious faith and spirituality may produce positive mental health outcomes for people recovering from substance abuse, a study has found. The findings were presented during the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in Washington. "In particular, higher religious faith and spirituality was associated with increased coping, greater resilience to stress, an optimistic life orientation, greater perceived social support and lower levels of anxiety," reported Dustin Pardini of the University of Alabama and Thomas Plante of Santa Clara University.
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