News Brief
Episcopal News Service. July 9, 1984 [84147]
(DPS, July 12) -- The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Rusack, Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, has sent a letter to every diocesan bishop in the Anglican Communion to announce his diocese's Olympics ministry. Upon their arrival, Anglican participants and attendees at the Los Angeles Olympics are invited to call the diocesan office for information on nearby Episcopal churches and service times. The number is (213) 482-2040. Visiting Anglican clergy who would like to arrange for the use of an altar while here are requested to contact the diocese (Box 2164, Los Angeles, CA 90051) prior to arrival.
(DPS, July 12) -- In his annual report to the national congress of the South African Council of Churches, delivered here June 26, Bishop Desmond Tutu warned that unless apartheid is abolished, there will be a revolution in South Africa. Reiterating his belief that the violence of the government's racial policies will spark violence in others, he said, "Unless apartheid is dismantled...we are doomed to destruction.... Our beautiful country will disintegrate into the chaos of lawlessness, violence, and revolution."
(DPS, July 12) -- The Rt. Rev. William G. Weinhauer of the Diocese of Western North Carolina was recently awarded a honorary doctorate from Lenoir-Rhyne College for his contributions to the Episcopal-Lutheran Dialogue. Upon receiving a previous Doctor of Divinity degree from the University of the South, Weinhauer had referred to himself as an "honorary Southerner"; he now describes himself as an "honorary Lutheran".
(DPS, July 12) -- United Press International reported recently that the Prayer Book Society, which is dedicated to working for continued use of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer, is being sued by three of its directors. The Rev. Logan Jackson, Benjamin Alexander, and Daniel Oliver say the Society misleads contributors and refuses to let the directors examine its records. According to the suit, filed May 9 in Chancery Court here, "Huge amounts of money have been raised from loyal contributors, but the spending of that money has accomplished little or nothing for the Society." A letter sent to the Society's president, the Rev. Jerome Politzer, charged that the "society is badly run, its money badly spent and its members badly served." Politzer has said that the suit is "without merit," but has refused to comment further.
(DPS, July 12) -- The Tennessee Churchman, newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee, was presented with two awards of merit for excellence in church journalism by the Associated Church Press at their annual awards presentation, held here on May 22. The Churchman was cited for "excellence with its lively design, strong typography, and good use of white space" in receiving awards for best front page and best photography with an article. Personal citations were also given to the editor and designer.
(DPS, July 12) -- The Church Divinity School of the Pacific has announced the appointment, as of Aug. 1, of the Rev. Rachelle Birnbaum as coordinator of students' life and ministry. This is a newly created position, in which Birnbaum will serve as facilitator for students in their spiritual development and, with the dean and faculty, serve students and their families pastorally. Recruitment and admission of new students will also be among her duties. Birnbaum is a graduate and member of the board of trustees of the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. She has served parishes in New York and Massachusetts and most recently has been associate for overseas leadership training at the Episcopal Church Center in New York.
(DPS, July 12) -- "Viviendo Las Buenas Nuevas", a Spanish translation of the Good News Christian Education curriculum, has recently been announced here by Living the Good News, Inc. Adapted with the assistance of the Rev. Herbert Arrunategui, National Hispanic Officer for the Episcopal Church, and the Hispanic Christian Education Committee, the curriculum is based on the scriptures and follows the lectionary. There are two developmental levels: primary (for children three to eight years old) and intermediate (for children nine through 12). Designed for use with both large and small congregations, the curriculum will start with Late Pentecost (Fall) 1984 and will be ready for mailing in late July.