News

Multifaith Families Recognize Hanukkah and Christmas

December 25, 2000

Source: Star Tribune

On December 25, 2000, the Star Tribune reported on the unique ways in which the holidays are celebrated in the home of a junior in high school, who lives in a home with a Jewish father and a Catholic mother. They celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas each year.

Black Churches Expanding Their Roles in Community

December 24, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

n December 24, 2000, the Los Angeles Times reported, in an editorial, that African American churches are quickly becoming centers of community renewal. Their work goes beyond charity to the use of sophisticated financing as a means to improve real property and attract mainstream businesses. Black churches are revitalizing poorer neighborhoods for three reasons: first, they often confront urgent needs, since poverty, homelessness and unemployment are at crisis levels in these areas. Second, black churches have been an institution in...

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Jews Find Joy In Christmas Season

December 24, 2000

Source: St. Petersburg Times

On December 24, 2000, the St. Petersburg Times reported that many Jews enjoy some aspects of the Christmas season. Sheila Weinstock, a Jew who grew up in Boston, said she never felt left out of the Christian holiday. Although she does not celebrate Christmas, she does not resent it, either. She said she enjoys the sacred connotations that go along with Christmas. Clara Solomon, also a Jew, said she loves the season. "Solomon always has loved sparkly things. For a time, she sold gold and diamonds at the Wagon Wheel Flea Market....

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Lexington Creche Issue Causes Bitter Feelings In Town

December 24, 2000

Source: The Boston Herald

On December 24, 2000, The Boston Herald reported that many came from around the state of Massachusetts came to the Lexington Battle Green to re-enact the Nativity in the place where the Revolutionary War began. "Despite freezing temperatures, more than 200 people descended on the historic common for a one-night re-enactment of the birth of Jesus, complete with animals, music and signs demanding, 'Put the Christ back in Christmas.' " It was also a reminder, however, that some things have changed. "Last summer, the selectmen voted...

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Lexington Creche Brings People Together

December 24, 2000

Source: The Boston Globe

On December 24, 2000, The Boston Globe reported that "hundreds of singing and shivering worshipers congregated on historic Battle Green last night to turn the site of a controversy into a place for celebration. They came to sing Christmas carols and witness a live Nativity scene. Activists planned the event after town officials banned them from displaying a creche on the historic green." Some say that the ban has brought them together in their feelings of faith. "The service was led by the Rev. Tom DiLorenzo of Holy Rosary Church...

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Street in D.C. Displays Diverse Sample of Religious Places of Worship

December 24, 2000

Source: The Washington Post

On December 24, 2000 The Washington Post reported on the diversity of religious structures along New Hampshire Avenue, located just outside the District line. The first of these is the elaborately decorated Cambodian Buddhist Temple, followed by the "Oz-like spires" of the Mormon Temple and "the onion domes" of St. Andrew's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral. The Muslim Community Center, including community center, mosque, and minaret, and the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church are the two final landmarks along this eclectic...

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Zoroastrians Are Trying to Keep the Faith Alive

December 23, 2000

Source: The Houston Chronicle

On December 23, 2000, The Houston Chronicle reported the meeting of the Seventh World Zoroastrian Congress in Houston. On the agenda was the issue of "keeping the faith alive" among the shrinking numbers of Zoroastrians worldwide. Facing "challenges from cultural assimilation and intermarriage with people of other faiths," membership has shrunk to 250,000, 500 of whom live in the Houston area. "More than 2,000 people from more than 15 countries, including Iran, India, France, Germany and Bangladesh, will attend the...

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American Jews Celebrate the Meaning of Hannukah

December 23, 2000

Source: St. Petersburg Times

On December 23, 2000, the St. Petersburg Times reported that Hannukah is considered a minor holiday since its origins are historical rather than biblical. For many children, however, it is their favorite holiday. "Brittany Allen, 9, learned how Hanukkah began in Sunday school. 'Hanukkah is a fun holiday,' she said, mentioning how the Syrian-Greeks failed to vanquish the Jews. Brittany is looking forward to the special dinners, which will include matzo ball soup and chicken and mashed potatoes. Potato pancakes called latkes...

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Kwanzaa Celebration Emphasizes Community Unity And Sense Of Self

December 23, 2000

Source: Omaha World-Herald

On December 23, 2000, the Omaha World-Herald reported that the Rev. Larry Menyweather-Woods of Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and his congregation are expecting roughly 200 people at this year's Kwanzaa celebration. "The weeklong observance will focus on 'positive reaffirmation, information, inspiration and fellowship,' Menyweather-Woods said. Each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa (unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith) is represented by a...

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