RNS starts off on Monday with a story on reactions to President Bush’s recent visit to China and his focus on religious freedom there. Jason Kane writes: Human rights activists are praising President Bush’s call for religious freedom during his recent visit to China but are discouraged the Communist government does not appear willing to make concessions. The topic came to the forefront during the president’s weeklong diplomatic swing through East Asia, including stops in Japan, South Korea and finally China, where appeals from the administration were largely ignored by the Chinese government and press. Nina Shea, director of the Freedom House’s Center for Religious Freedom, called China’s indifference to the president’s requests “disturbing.” She said the appeals haven’t “done anything and in fact it’s been repression as usual.”
Nicole LaRosa’s feature on “pet chaplains” shows the importance of “man’s best friend” in a family: When her cocker spaniel died last June, Pam Carpenter was devastated. Niki was the family clown. Abused as a puppy, he thrived after Pam adopted him and wielded control over her husband Don and their seven other dogs on their North Carolina farm. So when chronic bronchitis meant Niki had to be euthanized, Pam needed support. Enter the pet chaplain. Like others across the country, Rob Gierka is a chaplain for pet owners. Based at a veterinary hospital, he conducts pet blessings and funerals, honors prayer requests for pets, and lends an ear to those grieving the loss of their faithful furry friends. Gierka drove over an hour to be with the Carpenter family that evening. A friend of Pam’s from graduate school, he led the family in a celebration of Niki’s life.
