Civic

Controversy Over New Movie, "The Seige"

August 24, 1998

Source: The New York Times

A New York Times article on August 24, 1998, reports on Muslim concern over the trailers for the film "The Siege." "American Muslims and Arab-Americans who have seen the trailers are sounding the alarm at what they fear is a dangerous film that will feed suspicion and hatred of Arabs and Muslims in this country." They are writing in protest while the film is being edited prior to November release. The director Mr. Zwick is quoted as saying the film "very much touches on the themes of repression and racism that exist, I believe,...

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Native Americans Need Prayer Permits on Mt. Graham

August 15, 1998

Source: The Arizona Republic

On August 15, 1998, The Arizona Republic published an article about the new University of Arizona policy to require prayer permits of Native Americans if they want to cross near the university's $200 million telescopes on Mt. Graham, a 10,700 foot peak which is a part of the Pinaleno Mountains. The San Carlos Apaches and other native peoples hold the Pinaleno Mountains of southeast Arizona as sacred. Many Native Americans feel the permits are an attack on their religious freedom and some have planned unauthorized ascents of Mt....

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Library of Congress Exhibit on Religion and the Foundation of America

August 3, 1998

Source: The Weekly Standard

On August 3, 1998, The Weekly Standard issued an article in response to an exhibit at the Library of Congress, entitled "Religion and the Founding of the American Republic." The exhibit, which ran through August 22nd, presented materials from early immigrant writings and political documents of the founders. According to the reviewer, the documents seem to indicate that "religion and government were understood by the nation's founders to be quite close." The separationist view of a "wall of separation between church and state," as...

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Constitutitional Debate over Muslim Police Officers' Right to Wear Beards

June 26, 1998

Source: The New York Times

On June 26, 1998, the New York Times reported on a dispute in Federal appeals court: while the Newark, NJ police force requires clean-shaven officers and seeks to dismiss officers not in compliance, two Muslim officers are pursuing the right to wear beards due to religious obligation. "As the arguments unfolded in the old Federal courthouse, the case presented many incongruities. For one, it involves two black officers who are asserting their individuality in a predominantly black city with a black political leadership while...

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Diversity Enriches Scouting

June 21, 1998

Source: Orange County Register

On June 21, 1998, the Orange County Register ran an article entitled "New Eagle Scouts are a Diverse Troop."

Gwinnett Interfaith Coalition Promotes Religious Tolerance

May 30, 1998

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On May 30, 1998, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an article on the activities on the Gwinnett Interfaith Alliance, which began in 1996 as a chapter of the national organization to promote the First Amendment right of religious freedom. John D. Elliott of Duluth, GA, new president of the Gwinnett Interfaith Alliance, wants to spur more activity from the 40-member organization to "provide a bridge of love and understanding across the faiths."

Vietnamese Christian Minister in Action

April 4, 1998

Source: Orange County Register

Rev. Bao Xuan Nguyen, a Vietnamese Christian is called "pastor to the world." On April 4, 1998, the Orange County Register ran an article entitled "Power of Love" which profiled him and his action ministry.

Pagans Establish Fund to Assist African-American Congregations

August 17, 1997

Source: Pagan Educational Network

On August 17, 1996 the Pagan Educational Network released a press release stating that "In response to the burning of African-American churches across the South, the Pagan Community Fund (PCF) and the Pagan Educational Network (PEN) announce the birth of the Yemaya Fund... The birth of this fund springs from PCF's mission to assist those in need regardless of their faith and PEN's commitment to build community and religious freedom for all."

Pagan Yemaya Fund Makes First Disbursement

June 22, 1997

Source: Pagan Educational Network

On June 22, 1997 Pagan Educational Network published a press release stating that "On June 22, 1997 the Yemaya Fund made its first disbursement to the Inner City Community Church in Knoxville, TN. The gift of one hundred dollars was accompanied by a letter from the fund's sponsors, the Pagan Educational Network and the Wiccan Community Fund, and materials about Paganism. The Yemaya Fund was established in August 1996 to provide Pagans with a way of...

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