c. 2008 Religion News Service

HHS issues proposed conscience rules on health care workers

(RNS) The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued proposed rules on protecting health care workers who object to performing certain procedures _ including abortion _ for religious or moral reasons.

“Doctors and other health care providers should not be forced to choose between good professional standing and violating their conscience,” HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said when he released the proposed regulation Thursday (Aug. 21).

The 42-page document is available for public comment for the next 30 days, and organizations on both sides of the abortion issue are urging their supporters to contact HHS.

“Planned Parenthood continues to be concerned that the Bush administration’s proposed regulation poses a serious threat to women’s health care by limiting the rights of patients to receive complete and accurate health information and services,” said Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged abortion opponents to thank Leavitt for his action, and Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said the proposal will “help protect religious organizations and individuals.”

“These regulations are desperately needed to protect First Amendment rights and implement federal law in what is becoming a jungle of coercion,” said Dr. David Stevens, CEO of the Christian Medical Association.

_ Adelle M. Banks

World Council of Churches marks 60th anniversary

(RNS) The World Council of Churches will mark its 60th anniversary Saturday (Aug. 23) at a ceremony in Amsterdam, Netherlands, at the same church where its founding assembly took place.

“It is significant that as we gather 60 years later at the same venue we note that the churches have been faithful to their commitment,” said the Rev. Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the Geneva-based council, which has grown from 147 to 349 churches. “Not only have they stayed together, but they have deepened and broadened the fellowship.”

The Rev. Michael Kinnamon, general secretary of the New York-based National Council of Churches, called on member denominations of his organization to offer celebratory prayers for the WCC during worship services Sunday.

“Spiritually, we are inseparable in our history and our goals for the future,” Kinnamon said. “God has blessed us with 60 productive years in the World Council of Churches, and we celebrate with gratitude and hope for the future.”

_ Adelle M. Banks

Hallmark plan for gay marriage cards angers conservatives

(RNS) Hallmark’s decision to introduce a new line of cards for gay marriages has drawn criticism from conservative Christian groups who accuse the company of promoting immoral behavior.

Hallmark is releasing four cards specifically for same-sex couples in response to increasing demand after gay marriage was legalized in California in May.

Tim Wildmon, president of the Tupelo, Miss.-based American Family Association, called Hallmark’s decision “apalling.”

“I’m pretty jaded now with everything I’ve seen, but Hallmark is synonymous with all-American … wholesomeness,” Wildmon said. “So this does surprise me that they want to get into the culture wars.”

Hallmark spokeswoman Sarah Gronberg Kolell said the company began distributing the cards in July, but they will not be widely available until next summer.

Hallmark introduced a new line of cards last year to support people “coming out” _ making public their sexual orientation.

Tony Perkins of the Washington-based Family Research Council denounced Hallmark’s plans and encouraged the council’s supporters to contact the card company.

“Placing profits over character should never be a good business decision,” Perkins said. “This is far from being the `very best.”’

Kathryn Hamm, president of gayweddings.com, said Hallmark’s decision to issue same-sex wedding cards is significant.

Hallmark “is a company that has always sort of been the all-American, feel-good card … so their embracing it is a really big deal,” Hamm said.

_ Tim Murphy

Quote of the Day: Megachurch pastor Joel Hunter of Longwood, Fla.

(RNS) “I’ll kind of be the elephant in the room, but it really says something about how far Senator Obama is reaching out.”

Florida megachurch pastor Joel Hunter, quoted by The Washington Post, about his upcoming delivery of a benediction at the Democratic National Convention. Hunter is a registered Republican who has not endorsed Obama.

DSB/LF END RNS