Appalachian Studies Association conference

I'm off to Marshall University in Huntington, WV for the weekend for the Appalachian Studies Association conference. I'll try to give a report of some kind when I return.

The Business of Being Born

Looks like a good film I need to see soon.

Tamar Hennessey, daughter of Dorothy Day, dies

The Christian Radical reported today that Tamar Hennessey, the daughter of Dorothy Day, died today after recently suffering a stroke. The Radical also passed along this 2003 NCR article about Tamar.

A startling announcement from R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe

March 24 - Servant of God Oscar Romero of the Americas

Today is the anniversary of the martyrdom of Servant of God Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, his future feast day. Here is an excerpt from a homily he gave on August 14, 1977:

You heard today in the first reading the accusations: "Death to that Jeremiah! He's …

More on Pastor Wright

Blue Texan notes the hypocrisy of Republicans who are attacking Obama and Pastor Wright by essentially saying Only Our Pastors Are Allowed to Say Crazy Shit:

Once again, it's important to keep making the point that when you've built an entire political movement on the …

Good Friday

Pastor Wright's sermon

D.W. at Flying Farther has a few really good recent posts on the Obama/Wright/Black Theology controversy, and I urge you to click over there for his insights.

A few of my co-bloggers have weighed in over at Vox Nova as well, and although I have decided to take a …

Bishops of the Philippines oppose mining industry

From ABS-CBN Online:

Three senior Roman Catholic bishops on Wednesday stepped up their campaign against the mining industry, saying it destroyed both the environment and local communities.

"Mining in the Philippines not only destroys the environment but has become the …

Appalachian solidarity Papal petition

A friend of mine has started a petition to get the destructive practice of mountaintop removal in Appalachia on Pope Benedict's radar screen in time for his visit to the united states. Here is a description of the petition's purpose:

The Appalachian region of the …

Letter urges Pope to protest war during U.S. visit

I received the following beautiful, hopeful press release in my email inbox today:

A letter with over 1250 signatures has been delivered to Pope Benedict XVI in advance of his scheduled April visit to the United States. Encouraged by the Pope's public statements "that …

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bless me, Father, for I have sinned...

I paid $18 for a Fugazi CD this afternoon. (Needed it in a pinch for a talk I'm giving tomorrow evening.)