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2001-111

News Briefs

Sudan cited as world's most violent abuser of religious freedom

     (ENS) A year ago, the Sudan was cited as the world's most violent abuser of 
the right to freedom of religion and belief in the first annual report of the 
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom--and the situation is getting 
worse. (See www.uscirf.gov/reports) The report also concluded that religion was a 
major factor in the continuing civil war and that violations of religious freedom 
were intertwined with other human rights and humanitarian abuses.

     The report says that the Sudanese government, dominated by Muslims, is 
committing genocidal atrocities against civilian populations in the southern part 
of the country, populated by Christians and animists. The commission said that it 
was disturbed by what appeared to be a direct connection between oil development 
and the government abuses.

     The government is continuing its human rights abuses, including widespread 
bombing of civilian targets, abduction and enslavement by government-sponsored 
militias, manipulation of humanitarian assistance as a weapon of war, and severe 
restrictions on religious freedom. 

Colorado bishop cancels commencement address over gay issue

     (ENS) Bishop Jerry Winterrowd of Colorado has decided not to speak at the 
commencement at Denver's Iliff School of Theology, a United Methodist school, 
following protests over his recent decision on guidelines that would preclude 
non-celibate gays and lesbians serving as clergy in the diocese. The ceremony 
will still be held at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral.

     When Winterrowd issued his guidelines in February, it provoked protest at 
the seminary. The bishop met with students, staff and faculty to discuss the 
matter and said that he was "deeply distressed over the disagreement," according 
to the Denver Post.

     Iliff has an Anglican Studies Program and Winterrowd serves as a trustee of 
the school. The relationship is due for a review, said the diocese, without 
predicting whether the controversy would alter the relationship. "The Anglican 
Studies Program is an important component of the Iliff community," said Heather 
Fitzgerald, speaking for the school.

     "The bishop doesn't want to do anything to interfere with the special day 
for graduates," said the Rev. Bob Franken, speaking for the diocese.