Religion briefs: March 28, 2008

March 28, 2008 04:00 am

— Mooers United Methodist celebrate resurrection
MOOERS -- For centuries, Christians extended the celebration of Jesus' resurrection beyond Easter Sunday to "Easter Monday" and "Bright Sunday" (the Sunday after Easter), according to the Rev. Al Johnson of Mooers United Methodist Church.
"These were times of laughter, parties and picnics to honor the belief that God played a practical joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead," he said in a press release. The Mooers United Methodist Church will be continuing that tradition on Sunday. "For morning worship at 9:30, come dressed with pajamas or an outrageous hat, be prepared to laugh," he said. "If you are looking for regular church,' please attend elsewhere this week," Johnson said. "The joy of the Lord is our strength.'" (Nehemiah 8:10) For more information, e-mail mooersumc@yahoo.com or call 236-7129.
Oregon prosecutors review girl's death, faith-healing law
OREGON CITY, Ore. (AP) -- Prosecutors are reviewing the death of a 15-month-old girl who a medical examiner says could have been saved if she had been treated with antibiotics. If prosecuted, the child's parents would be the first members of Oregon City's Followers of Christ group to face charges for failing to seek medical treatment for a gravely ill child.
"We are reviewing the case, and our investigation is progressing," said Greg Horner, Clackamas County chief deputy district attorney. He did not release the parents' names.
Dr. Christopher Young, a deputy state medical examiner, said that the baby, Ava Worthington, died March 2 at home from bacterial bronchial pneumonia and infection.
He said both conditions could have been prevented or treated with antibiotics. The child's breathing was further compromised by a benign cyst that had never been medically addressed and could have been removed from her neck, Young said.
The Followers of Christ Church came to Oregon early in the 20th century. According to church tradition, when members become ill, fellow worshippers pray and anoint them with oil. Former members say those who seek modern medical remedies are ostracized.
Prosecutors could charge the baby's parents under a law enacted in 1999 after several faith-healing deaths of children.
The statute eliminated Oregon's "spiritual-healing defense" in cases of second-degree manslaughter, first- and second-degree criminal mistreatment and nonpayment of child support.
The Legislature passed the bill after months of debate over religious freedom, parental rights and the state's responsibility to protect children.