Since 1973, the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association have removed homosexuality as an illness from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (1987). Most religions, however, continue to view homosexual behaviors as abnormal. Student personnel professionals can facilitate changes in religious…

In 1984, the National Council of Churches adopted this policy statement on child day care which provides: (1) a social and theological rationale; (2) a discussion of the church internally as child care advocate; and (3) a view of the church as advocate for child care in society. Section I discusses the cresting tide of need for child day care in…

Presented in this book is the case against creationist pseudo-science. One theme emphasized throughout the book, written for those with or without science backgrounds, is that although the creationist campaign is an assault on evolutionary theory, it constitutes an attack on all sciences. Chapter 1 provides a brief introduction to evolutionary…

This booklet describes the refugee resettlement activities of Church World Service (CWS), and explains the process of refugee sponsorship that constitute a major CWS concern. CWS is a cooperative organization of churches that serve as the relief and development arm of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. The booklet reviews the…

This informal study of the religious uses of television, based on direct on-site discussions with religious television producers, was undertaken in order to provide a broader base of understanding of current developments in the field, and to assess the viability of a television broadcast ministry for the United Methodist Church. Discussions with…

The Presbyterian Guidance Program, the major emphases of which are on educational and occupational guidance, was evaluated from a variety of perspectives. Two speakers took an objective look at the program and center, defining their concern with "normal" youth, and discussing such aspects as: (1) accessibility of the service; (2) locations of the…

A document intended to provide program planning guidelines for Young Men's Christian Associations (YMCAs) desirous of working with families, recommends adherence to eight principles and following of five steps. The principles involve planning before action, fact finding and analysis, clear delineation of operational objectives, planning at all…

Protestant approaches to church problems in rural areas are presented in this study guide for Catholics. The Protestant "town and country" movement is described in terms of the beginnings of the movement, early leaders, denominational programs, early theory and practice, the movement today, changes in rural America, dissatisfaction, and…

In this interview, subjects covered include: changes in Islam, the spiritual greatness of America, Muslim businesses, interracial marriage, the World Community of Islam, and opening the doors of Islam to Caucasians. (WI)

Describes the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education at the West (SPCTEW), established in 1843 by evangelical Protestants. Based on information in the organization's letter files, the article analyzes SPCTEW's motivating religious attitudes, its development, and its decline. (AV)

Traces the progress of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge's (England) charity school movement in the early eighteenth century and its shift from promotion of catechistical instruction to putting children to work in workhouses that served to banish idleness and beggary. (GEA)

Discusses volunteer service programs in Catholic schools in the last 20 years. Lists trends emerging from a process of experimentation and growth in volunteer programs. Reviews the benefits for young people of volunteer work and discusses young people's contributions to church agencies and institutions.

In an effort to better understand the attitudes and behaviors of young people in America around volunteering, service-learning and other forms of community involvement, the Corporation for National and Community Service, in collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau and Independent Sector, conducted the Youth Volunteering and Civic Engagement…

This examination of the social order of the Church of Christ, Scientist, provides a valuable learning opportunity for leaders of any organizational entity--or for any student of organizational communication/behavior. The study addresses labor, trust, power, and legitimization of activity within the church. It raises the issue of whether Christian…

The guiding principle behind President George W. Bush's Faith-Based and Community Initiative is that faith-based charities should be able to compete on an equal footing for public dollars to provide public services. President Bush believes that the federal government, within the framework of U.S. Constitutional church-state guidelines, should…