RELIGION BRIEFING

Saturday, August 16, 2008

CHURCH SAFETY

Sheriff Proposes Training Parishioners as Deputies

Citing recent high-profile shootings across the country, a Tennessee sheriff has introduced a plan to train parishioners as law enforcement officers.

Under the "Church Protection Plan," churches in Bradley County in southeastern Tennessee can nominate parishioners to serve as special deputies during Sunday services. Two people were killed and seven wounded when a gunman opened fire at a Unitarian church in Knoxville, Tenn., on July 27.

If appointed, special deputies would be required to participate in 40 hours of training each year and would be authorized to carry firearms.

-- Religion News Service

TYSON FOODS PLANT

Muslim Holy Day No Longer Will Count as Paid Holiday

Responding to intense criticism, a Tyson Foods plant in Tennessee that considered a Muslim holy day one of its eight paid holidays has changed its stance.

The poultry processing plant in Shelbyville, Tenn., decided last year to drop Labor Day and instead count Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, as a day on which all union members could either stay home or work for extra pay. About 250 of the plant's 1,200 workers are Somali, who are largely Muslim.

Outraged by a recent article in the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, many residents complained to Tyson headquarters and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, which drafted the original agreement to comply with requests made by a workers committee.

-- Religion News Service

HELPING HAND FOR STUDENTS

Back-to-School Giveaways Planned in D.C. Area

Area churches and faith-based groups have begun back-to-school giveaway programs.

A coalition of Prince George's County churches and D.C. nonprofits will give away 10,000 book bags filled with school supplies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Life Center Church in Camp Springs, and at the D.C. Convention Center from noon to 4 p.m. today. Also today, the Central Union Mission will again give away hundreds of backpacks to children in need through an effort called "Operation Backpack.

On Sunday, the youth ministry of the Spirit of Faith Christian Center in Temple Hills will give out 2,000 pairs of tennis shoes, back packs and school supplies at 3 p.m at the Hillcrest Heights Community Center in Temple Hills.

-- Hamil R. Harris