Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 30, 1993 TAG: 9301300046
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: A-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
BRIEFS
Looking toward RussiaA joint committee for further dialogue between the United Methodist and Russian Orthodox churches is being recommended by both denominations who are among dozens of groups seeking to fill a religious void in the governmental transition of the former Soviet Union.
The decision arose out of a Jan. 21 meeting in Moscow of six United Methodist delegates and leaders in the Russian Orthodox Church, an early version of Christianity that dominated Russian life for nearly 1,000 years before communists took over in 1917.
The two denominations have long been ecumenical partners through the World Council of Churches. For that reason, according to United Methodist News Service, Orthodox leaders are more willing to work with Methodists who have gone to the Russian states in the past two years for renewal Christian work. In czarist times Methodists had limited mission work in Russia, but it was not recognized by the state religion of that period.
In recent months opposition has developed from Russian Orthodox church leaders who have resented the efforts of evangelical groups that imply the nation has no valid Christianity.
Needs of the mentally ill
"Finding the Right Fit" when a parishioner needs advice on choosing a counselor will be the theme of Diane Kelly when the interfaith Roanoke Valley Ministers Conference meets Monday. Kelly, who is executive director of the Roanoke Valley Mental Health Association, also will discuss the political and social needs of the mentally ill to help religion professionals refer their members. The conference, which is open regionally for membership to religion professionals and to laity as guests, meets at 10 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 214 Mountain Ave. S.W.
Installing a new leader
The Rev. David K. Shumate, newly named executive of the Virlina District of the Church of the Brethren, will be installed in his position Feb. 21 at 3 p.m. at Williamson Road Church, Oakland Boulevard and Pioneer Road Northwest. The Rev. Dr. Harold Moyer, who has been pastor of the host congregation for 30 years, will deliver the sermon. A reception will follow. Virlina District with headquarters on Hershberger Road covers congregations across southern Virginia with a few in North Carolina and West Virginia. Shumate formerly served a Pulaski church.
Protesting new TV law
WASHINGTON - Religious bodies operating the Vision Interfaith Satellite Network, VISN, charge that a new cable TV law violates the First Amendment's religious freedom clauses and could force the interfaith channel off the air.
The complaint, filed in federal district court against the FCC, says a key provision forcing cable systems to carry local religious stations would restrict VISN's access to local channels.
VISN's "ability to disseminate its diverse religious message will be limited and reduced solely by means of governmental regulations," the suit says. Furthermore, the must-carry provisions "will cause the preference of the religious doctrine approved by the local religious station."
Other cable networks, including Turner Broadcasting System Inc., also are pressing constitutional challenges to the 1992 law.