This week, the general Council of the Bucharest Municipality voted to allot EUR 2.5 million for the pharaohnic project of the Romanian Orthodox Church (BOR) to build the Nations Salvation Cathedral and another EUR 4 M for 47 churches and parishes throughout the Capital.Despite the many urgent problems of the city, from pollution to hygiene, sewage, insufficient number of schools, kindergartens and foster homes for retirees and homeless, Mayor Sorin Oprescu found it appropriate to give EUR 6.5 M to BOR. With the local elections drawing in, Oprescu like all Romanian politicians tries to draw upon himself the sympathy of the Orthodox Church, which retains a strong influence upon the electorate, especially in rural zones.Some figures are worth considering, if we want to understand how BOR has become the priority of our secular state, for many years.In 2011, BOR had incomes exceeding EUR 16 M and a profit of EUR 1.74 M, according to data recently posted by the Patriarchy on the internet site of the Finance Ministry.Yet, in 2011 BOR paid neither profit tax, nor property tax, not even the tax due for the land it owns, although it is the main landowner in Romania, and also no tax on commercial activities. We should remind, in the context, that BOR has a fabulous wealth estimated at more than EUR 3 bln, plus the value of forested lands it received back from the state, evaluated at EUR 2 bln about 2-3 pc of the total forested area at country scale which is also exempted from tax.The Church has fabulous real estate assets, with more than 17,000 churches, 600 monasteries, convents and other religious sites. Besides, the Church also controls 279 social sites, 275 museums and collections, and 42 preservation and storage centers.There are twice more churches than schools and hospitals in Romania. A survey conducted at the end of 2010 shows that, over the last two decades, 200 new churches were built each year in Romania, while the number of schools dwindled by 1,000 a year, and hospitals lost 4,000 beds each year.Well, in the country where more money is spent on religion than on health and education, nobody should wonder why the last two of them are in a serious state of decline and backwardness.We can see BOR as one of the most profitable institutions in Romania, although we might also consider it a business, because it obtains a profit. Yet, the secular state, the underfinanced and flexible state as it was called by President Basescu the state where social assistance is about to become history, sponsors the church with fabulous sums taken from public money. This is not only an act of defiance against the cash-strapped population that barely survives after two years of austerity, but also an attack against common sense and Christian teachings. Above all, Romania needs a moral reform, rather than megalomaniacal buildings that remind about the ephemeral existence of certain politicians or patriarchs. Incapable of guiding their believers towards spiritual cleanliness, the leaders of the Church get into prosperous business with the state, because the key of any successful business in Romania is doing business on public money.Judging by the number of churches and the clerical personnel over 55,000 (the Army has 75,000) paid 80 pc from the state budget (around EUR 65 M a year), one might reach the conclusion that the Romanian Orthodox Church has become the top priority of our secular republic.The works for the Cathedral whose construction is estimated at EUR 200 M began at the end of 2010. The cathedral will be built in the Byzantine Romanian style, will be 100 meters high, with a capacity of 5,000 people, and will withstand earthquakes above 8 on the Richter scale. The building will have 14 elevators and over 700 parking lots. The architectural complex of the church will include four separate buildings, along with the cathedral.It is hard to accept that money so necessary for the treatment of chronic patients, for hiring medical personnel a sector where Romania has a deficit of approximately 40 pc and for the recently enforced preparatory classes in schools, are spent instead on the salaries of priests (who should see religion as a vocation, a spiritual mission, rather than a source of material benefits) and on building churches at every corner. Unfortunately, the Orthodox Church goes through a crisis of morality, after turning into an institution that has little to do with religion and everything to do with the real estate industry.Last autumn, the Patriarchy announced that the Nations Salvation Cathedral will be partly financed from the state budget, and will rather relay on donations. In September 2011, over 36,000 people had donated to this regard.The donation generously made from the money of Bucharest inhabitants adds to the EUR 2.5 M donated in February 2011 by the government and to the EUR 1.3 M offered by the Mayors Office of District 3. When should we expect similarly generous donations for schools and hospitals, for the vulnerable people whose welfare benefits were cut by the flexible state? Most likely on Saint Tibs Eve.

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Church, the no.1 priority of the secular state

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Historic Glen Leslie Church to be restored

Published Date: March 30, 2012

Tags: Catholic, church, Mountain Province, Sagada

THE Vicariate of Bontoc-Lagawe will soon have its first Catholic church in Sagada as construction is set to begin this year.

The church will be built in Sagada town and will also serve as the new center of the Churchs mission in the area.

In our desire to expand the Catholic presence in Sagada, we see the need to continue the construction of a shrine, said Fr. Pablo Lumiwan, Sagada Mission Rector.

The church will also provide devotional destination for Catholic tourists who are looking for a church nearby where they can pray or celebrate the Eucharist, Lumiwan said.

The ground breaking for the church was held in 2009 but its construction was delayed due to lack of funding.

Organizers are hoping for a huge turnout for an upcoming fundraising concert in order to augment Sagada mission centers limited resources for the project.

The Sagada In My Mind concert will be held at the chapel of the University of Santo Tomas on May 4 in coordination with the USTs Santisimo Rosario Parish.

Performers include the renowned choir of Coro San Jacinto and Cagayan State University Ensemble under the baton of Fr. Ranhilio Aquino together with UST Symphony Orchestra.

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First Catholic church soon to rise in Sagada

Consider yourself warned.

Under cover of darkness, a group of prowlers have been lurking about peoples yards in the Honesdale area with, well, odd intent.

These prowlers are not thieves. In fact, they are leaving something for their victims to find when they wake in the morning. Something golden.

You may have already seen the handiwork of this band of pranksters. You may have even been the beneficiary of one of their oddball offerings. You may find it in your front yard, you may find it on your roof though they havent been that ambitious yet one person in the area even found the strange mark of these merry misfits on a rock in the middle of their pond.

The item these tricksters are leaving for unsuspecting homeowners to find? A gilded throne.

But fear not. And please, think twice before releasing the hounds if you hear some giggling prowler in your yard over the next few months, for these prowlers mean you no harm.

If you happen to find yourself the unwary host of a golden toilet between now and Mid-June, as counter-intuitive as it may seem, check inside before calling the police. There you will find instructions on how to get rid of the thing and no more harm will come to you. Hottie Pottie

Far from being a case of serial vandalism, the curious commodes are making the rounds as part of an effort to raise money while having a bit of good, clean, Christian fun on behalf of Honesdales First Presbyterian Church.

According to church Youth Director Chris Scheuerell, the well-meaning mastermind behind the fundraiser, three of these golden thrones will be making the rounds over the next couple of months in an effort to raise $12,000 for two mission trips this summer to help out the disadvantaged in Wilmington, Del. and Warrensburg, N.Y.

Putting his own creative twist on an idea he read about on the internet, Scheuerell says its kind of awkward sneaking onto someones property in the dark of night to put a golden toilet on their lawn, but so far the response has been surprisingly positive.

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Creative fundraiser seeks to aid church mission trips

St. Andrew Catholic Church Crosswalk The St. Andrew Guadalupanas Society of Pleasanton will hold their annual Crosswalk on Good Friday, April 6. The Stations of the Cross will start at 11 a.m. at the church grounds, due to the construction at the Atascosa River Park. The covered dish luncheon will be afterward in the stage part of the church hall. Everyone is welcome.

All Saints Episcopal Church Here is the schedule at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pleasanton: April 1 - Palm Sunday: 10:30 am. Procession of the Palms; Reading of the Passion Story in parts by the congregation; service of Holy Eucharist. April 3 - Tuesday: Seder Meal, Long Hall, 6:30 p.m. Come, bring a friend. April 5 - Maunday Thursday Service of Holy Eucharist, 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Craig Pooser. April 8 - Easter Sunday - 10 a.m. Coffee Social, favors for the children. 10:30 a.m. Flowering of the Cross with wildflowers followed by service of Festive Holy Eucharist, with the Rev. Craig Pooser. The Episcopal Church welcomes everyone. Casual attire is fine. The church is located on Hwy. 97W in Pleasanton across from Virginia Twins Garden Market.

For more information please call Pastor Joe Berkley, Poteet UMC, 210-833-0192. First Baptist Church of Pleasanton Sunday morning, April 1 at 10:50 a.m., First Baptist Church, Pleasanton, cordially invites the community to celebrate the Easter season by joining us for the musical O What a Savior presented by the Adult Choir followed by the observance of the Lords Supper. Thursday-Saturday, April 5-7, is Pre-Easter Youth Retreat at Alto Frio Camp. There will be a ropes course and climbing wall, basketball, volleyball, dodge ball, and softball. Registration deadline is Sunday, April 1. Youth must submit a medical release form at the church office or website at http://www.fbcpleasanton.org. Click on Solid Rock Youth tab. Cost is $60 per person, it includes dorm housing, meals, and a t-shirt. On Resurrection Sunday, April 8, there will be two worship services, one at 8 a.m. and the second at 10:50 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts will be served at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall with Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 a.m. We pray you have a blessed Easter and share the good news of Jesus Christ with your loved ones. Tuesdays and Thursdays is Zumba Fitness Ministry led by Cheryl Price-at 5:45 p.m. The cost is $2 per session. On Wednesdays, Family Night meals begin at 5:15 p.m., AWANA Clubs from 6:00-7:30 p.m., and Youth Solid Rock at 6:30-8:00 p.m. AWANA clubs are for children first through sixth grade. First Baptist Church is located at 400 N. Reed St. in Pleasanton. The church office can be reached at 830- 569-2582.

Good Shepherd Lutheran

Church Here are the upcoming holiday services at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 2507 Hwy 97 East in Pleasanton:

Palm Sunday, April 1- Worship service - 10:30 a.m.

Good Friday, April 6 -Worship Service - 7 p.m.

Easter Sunday, April 8 - Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt - 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service - 10:30 a.m.

Easter, ways to fellowship at First Baptist Church- Poteet Easter Sunday at First Baptist Church Poteet will be a wonderful day to fellowship. Come hear the Word of God as we celebrate all that Jesus Christ has done and the hope of eternity He promises for those who believe and place their faith in Him. Breakfast will be cooked and served Easter Sunday morning by the Deacons of the church. Serving will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Sunday School classes start at 9:45 a.m. and Worship Service begins at 11:00 a.m. Please come join with us as we grow in the Lord. All men in Atascosa County are invited to attend a Wild Game Breakfast on April 21 here in the fellowship hall beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eggs, biscuits, gravy and wild game sausage will be served. There is also a guest speaker who will speak on leaving a legacy. Come and join other men as we eat, fellowship and grow closer with Jesus. For more information or to RSVP to make sure that we have enough food, please call the church office at 830-742- 3856. We look forward to seeing you here!

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Easter season services, church events

A request from the developers of the 140 West Franklin project has led the town to delay reopening Church Street to traffic until mid-August, causing many Chapel Hill residents and students to grow tired of the wait.

The project is on track, but were concerned about pedestrian safety because there is still a lot of construction going on, Kendria Sweet, spokeswoman for Ram Development Company, said.

Developers broke ground on the $55 million mixed-use development located at the corner of West Franklin and Church streets in January 2011.

The project will include 140 condominiums, 26,000 square feet of retail space and 337 parking spaces.

Emphasizing pedestrian safety, Sweet said the town agreed that the best solution is to allow Church Street to remain closed to traffic for an additional period of time.

Although pedestrians will have access to Church Street throughout all six phases of the construction, some students have expressed concern about the lack of lighting and seclusion of the pathway.

Senior Jessica Merrill, who lives off Church Street, said she has gotten used to the detour, but she avoids using it at night.

Its inconvenient and the path is not safe when its dark, she said. They put in some lights, but I wont walk through by myself.

Kaitlyn Warren, a political science major, is also disappointed. The delay is expected, but its obnoxious that we have to keep dealing with this, Warren said.

To alleviate some of these problems for pedestrians, the contractor John Moriarty and Associates Inc. has agreed to install a walkway on the north side of Franklin Street, along the front part of the site.

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Church Street opening delayed until August

Second Baptist Church grows in size and spirit

New addition and expanded community outreach as church marks 125th anniversary

BY KENNYWALTER

Staff Writer

Founded 125 years ago, the Second Baptist Church in Long Branch continues to expand both the church facility and its community outreach programs. PHOTO BY NICOLE ANTONUCCI Rooted in humble beginnings 125 years ago, the Second Baptist Church will dedicate a multimillion-dollar expansion on April 14 that includes an expanded sanctuary and community outreach.

The 15,000-square-foot addition to the church houses a 700-seat sanctuary, 12 classrooms, a 300- seat banquet hall and extra office space.

According to Chanta Jackson, who serves as church treasurer and project manager for the expansion, there will be a ceremony on April 14 to officially open the expanded facility.

Jackson, who has been affiliated with the church since 1968, described how the church has grown over the past 125 years.

The physical structure has expanded greatly during that period, she said. The addition alone is an additional 10,000 square feet since 1968.

Some of the Second Baptist Church members honored for more than 35 years of continuous service to the church. The awards were presented by the Rev. Aaron N. Gibson Sr., pastor, and Deacon Rodney Morris on March 10. PHOTO BY CHANTA L. JACKSON We also put on the educational wing in the 1970s and we expanded the sanctuary, she added. This is the fourth expansion that I have seen.

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Second Baptist Church grows in size and spirit

By Jennifer Jiggetts The Virginian-Pilot March 28, 2012

VIRGINIA BEACH

At times it felt like a church service - nearly 30 religious leaders called on God for his blessing, guidance and strength.

At times, it felt like a protest - folks held signs that read: "This is about religious freedom!"

Either way, the message was the same.

Nearly 250 people packed the sanctuary at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Tuesday morning to support the church in a land dispute with city officials.

Church leaders say the event was intended to raise awareness about their plight.

Emmanuel Episcopal, a 170-year-old institution in Kempsville, has been fighting with city leaders over a plan that will relocate the intersection of Princess Anne and Kempsville roads.

Before renovating their parish hall and building a preschool, church leaders said, they asked city officials about 12 years ago if there were plans to work on the intersection. They said they were told no and proceeded with the $2 million school construction.

Two weeks after the church dedicated the school, the city announced plans to realign the intersection, including taking a half-acre of the church's property. When the project is finished, the six-lane road will be 70 feet from the church's preschool. Church members say that threatens students' safety and the church's long-term survival.

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Scores protest for church in Virginia Beach dispute

STATE COLLEGE A local church will get an expedited answer to its request to hook up to the public sewer in Harris Township, after a vote Monday night by Centre Region elected officials.

The Council of Governments General Forum voted 4-2 to allow Calvary Baptist Church to begin, out of sequence, the process of seeking approval to receive public sewer service at a new development planned for the churchs Harvest Fields site near the Boalsburg Technology Park.

The COG typically hears such requests, required when a development will exist outside the regions boundary for sewer service, in February and September. While the process to determine the impact of extending the sewer line can begin at another time in an emergency, the process does not define emergency.

Regional planning Director Jim May said the church developers want to begin construction this year.

Paul Rittenhouse, of Harris Township, explained that the church first submitted the request a year ago, but resubmitted based on various township requests. The home township must approve the sewer extension before it advances to the COG.

I think thats the urgency, Rittenhouse said of the initial delay.

College, Halfmoon, Harris and Patton townships approved an expedited process. Ferguson opposed, and State College officials tied, resulting in a no vote. Some officials said allowing the

impact process to take place outside the agreed-upon timeline will become overly burdensome for staff.

As for this project, I think its unfortunate that the developers have been delayed for a number of reasons, said Cathy Dauler, of State College. But I also think its important that we stick with the plan we have now.

Jeff Luck, of Patton Township, said that, when the process was initially developed, officials chose to review projects twice a year because they tend to be rather lengthy and contentious. He suggested reconsidering the entire process.

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Centre Region COG puts church request to extend growth boundary on fast track

03/26/2012 16:37 INDONESIA Authorities in Riau cancel building permits for Catholic church already under construction by Mathias Hariyadi The building site was seized on 21 March, and is now surrounded with barbed wire. For Catholics, it is a patent violation of religious freedom since the building committee had all the right papers. Some local Muslim groups claim that signatures were falsified. The local government said it wants to use the site for an agricultural research centre.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - Indonesian Catholics are dismayed by the decision of Tokan Hulu Regency (Riau Province) to cancel the building permits for St Ignatius church. The site is now surrounded with barbed wire after it was seized on 21 March. Local Catholics see the decision as a patent violation of the principle of religious freedom, adding that their application to build the church was done by the book. Local authorities have countered that the site will be used for other purposes and that the local Muslim community no longer accepts the presence of a Christian place of worship

On 21 March, dozens of public officials from Rokan Hulu regency invaded the site where the St Ignatius Catholic Church was under construction, in the village of Sukamaju, Rambah Sub district, causing consternation among construction workers and parishioners, who quickly produced the right papers and permits.

In Indonesia, a building permit (Izin Mendirikan Bangunan) is needed for any construction. In case of Christian places of worship, 60 signatures from local Muslim residents are also required.

The St Ignatius Catholic Church was being built in Riau Province, even though it is part of Padang Diocese, in West Sumatra Province.

Fr Kus Aliandu Pr, the bishop's secretary, confirmed that the "building committee had all the right papers," plus "the signatures of 90 local Catholics and 60 non-Christians." On 23 November 2010, the authorities gave construction the green light and the first brick was laid on 19 December 2011.

When the committee could not complete construction within the allotted time of five months, it applied for an extension on 6 August 2011. However, it received a negative answer on 2 January this year.

Now the authorities say the site where the church is under construction is slated for an agricultural research centre.

On 5 October 2011, some Muslim groups raised doubts about the authenticity of some of documents, claiming that some are fakes and that some signatures were falsified.

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03/26/2012 16:37 INDONESIA Authorities in Riau cancel building permits for Catholic church already under construction