Veritable Compendium of Items

There have a number of interesting items related to religion to hit the news over the last few days.

DATELINE PARIS, FRANCE - In an AP story that I saw in the Washington Post, the doctors who verified the miraculous healings at Lourdes will no longer do so. Quoting from the story, written by Jamey Keaten, and contributed to by Nicole Winfield,

"It seems 'miracle' may not be the right word to use anymore," Bishop Jacques Perrier of the Diocese of Tarbes and Lourdes said in a telephone interview Wednesday. "It's no longer a black-and-white question." . . .
But last weekend, the panel, known by its French initials CMIL, decided from now on it will only rule on whether healing cases were "remarkable," leaving it to the church to decide whether they are miracles, panel secretary Dr. Patrick Theillier said.

So, when is a miracle not a miracle? When it might only be remarkable, I guess. I wonder what happens to one's status as a saint if all the miracles attributed to that person gets downgraded to remarkable events?

DATELINE FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY - In an item in the ON FAITH section in the Washington Post is the report that 10 citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky are suing Kentucky because of a law enacted in 2006 that requires the commonwealth's office of Homeland Security to acknowledge that the safety and security of Kentucky and its citizens cannot be achieved without reliance upon God.

The job description of the Director of Homeland Security begins by stating:
(a) Publicize the findings of the General Assembly stressing the dependence on Almighty God as being vital to the security of the Commonwealth by including the provisions of KRS 39A.285(3) in its agency training and educational materials. The executive director shall also be responsible for prominently displaying a permanent plaque at the entrance to the state's Emergency Operations Center stating the text of KRS 39A.285(3);.

KRS 39A.285 is a legislative finding that asserts:
39A.285 Legislative findings.
The General Assembly hereby finds that:
(1) No government by itself can guarantee perfect security from acts of war or terrorism.
(2) The security and well-being of the public depend not just on government, but rest in large measure upon individual citizens of the Commonwealth and their level of understanding, preparation, and vigilance.
(3) The safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God as set forth in the public speeches and proclamations of American Presidents, including Abraham Lincoln's historic March 30, 1863, Presidential Proclamation urging Americans to pray and fast during one of the most dangerous hours in American history, and the text of President John F. Kennedy's November 22, 1963, national security speech which concluded: "For as was written long ago: 'Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.' "
Effective: March 28, 2002
History: Created 2002 Ky. Acts ch. 82, sec. 2, effective March 28, 2002.

I know many Christians who believe that God is the ultimate guarantor of their health, their safety, and their well-being. But, it is one thing to believe that and another to enact a law that states such and requires it to be publicized. Should those who hold the belief ask for similar language to be posted on hospitals and in doctor affices?

DATELINE AMERICA - Over the last few weeks, I have come across several stories about churches - ones that once were attracting thousands upon thousands in worship just a few years ago - being sold and about large lay-offs within prominent Christian ministry groups and denominations. This says something, I think, about the depth and breadth of the economic downturn in our country.

Is there a religious response that can be made to the current situation? Are churches preparing their members to face what might be further economic declines? Are churches ready - or able - to provide a economic safety net for their own members and for the larger community?