Unitarian Universalists to meet Sunday
Patrick Valentine will present “Astrological Wisdom for the 21st Century” at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Durango, 419 San Juan Drive.
The group will explore the history of astrology and how people today might choose to use this metaphysical science to prepare for the future.
Pope issues blistering critique of Vatican
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis has issued a blistering critique of the Vatican bureaucracy. He has denounced how some lust for power at the expense of others, live hypocritical double lives and suffer from “spiritual Alzheimer’s” that has made them forget they’re supposed to be joyful men of God.
Francis’ Christmas greeting Monday to the cardinals, bishops and priests who run the Holy See was less a joyful exchange of holiday good wishes than a sobering catalog of what Francis called the “ailments of the Curia” that he hoped would be atoned for and cured.
Francis has not shied from complaining about the gossiping, careerism and power intrigues that afflict the Vatican. But as his reform agenda gathers steam, he seems even more emboldened to highlight what ails the institution.
Satanic display at Fla. Capitol damaged
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Authorities say a woman is in custody after a Satanic Temple holiday display at the Florida Capitol was damaged.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement didn’t immediately release the woman’s name or the charges against her. Authorities say she damaged the Satanic display Tuesday, a day after an atheist group put it up as a counter to a Nativity scene that was set up by a Christian group.
The display shows an angel falling into a pit of fire with the message “Happy Holidays from the Satanic Temple.”
John Porgal, the regional director of American Atheists, said he’ll leave the display in its damaged state “as a sign of what the religious rights’ idea of tolerance is.”
Pam Olsen, who organized the manger display, said the Satanic display was offensive, but she doesn’t approve of the attack.
The state allowed the display after threats of legal action from Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Graham ministry tells rest of Zamperini story
BOONE, N.C. – The Rev. Franklin Graham says the film “Unbroken,” which opened Christmas Day, dramatically portrays the early life of Louis Zamperini, from his troubled youth to an Olympic medal and amazing survival at sea and in a brutal Japanese prison camp during World War II.
But Graham says the movie fails to show what happened next: How the traumatized veteran became broken by hatred for his captors, alcoholism and a failing marriage.
The book Unbroken also described Zamperini’s conversion at a 1949 Billy Graham crusade, and the healing and forgiveness that followed.
Zamperini, who died this year at the age of 97, emphasized that turning point in his life in an interview at Graham’s ministry when the book was published.
Franklin Graham says excerpts of that interview can be seen in the video “Louis Zamperini: Captured By Grace,” which is viewable online at www.billygraham.org.
Survivors recall mosques stood firm
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia – When a powerful tsunami smashed into the Indonesian city of Banda Aceh 10 years ago, the only structures left standing in many neighborhoods were mosques.
For the hundreds who found refuge within their walls, the buildings’ lifesaving role has not been forgotten – and for many, that experience strengthened their faith.
Architectural experts say the mosques in Banda Aceh survived because they were sturdily built and had stronger foundations than surrounding structures, many of which were likely constructed of shoddier materials. But many survivors believe the mosques were spared by divine intervention.
Many residents of Aceh, the most predominantly Muslim province in all of Indonesia, viewed the disaster as punishment for their lack of devotion to God. Faisal Ali, a prominent cleric, says the tsunami has actually made many more devout.
Herald Staff & Associated Press
