Shortstuff

The state of Hawaii abandoned a plan, to tax churches and other non-profit organizations. The bill, which would have imposed a 1.5% excise tax on the receipts of non-profit organizations—including hospitals, churches and schools—was voted down by the Ways and Means Committee. The tax was proposed as a way to offset reduced revenues resulting from decreased tourism from Asia. Evangelical Press News Services

The Rev. Sun Myung Moon's Unification Church, is building a Latin American headquarters in Jardim, Brazil. The 74,000-acre New Hope Ranch will include a school, a university and a research centre. It will not be used for proselytism, but for community development. EPNS

Australian Prime Minister John Howard, received a complimentary copy of the "Jesus" video at the Parliamentary Christian Fellowship breakfast. Following the breakfast, 248 copies were distributed to participating national leaders. EPNS

Gospel Communications Network, stands alone as the only Christian web site to appear in a listing of the Top 500 Web sites on the Internet. GCN appeared online April, 1995 and is now an electronic alliance of more than 125 national and international ministries.

SEMILLA, the inter-Mennonite seminary in Guatemala, has purchased property on which to build a new campus. Rector Juan Martinez is the MBMS International staff person seconded to the school. During the next months, money will be raised for the actual building.

Avon Silversmiths, a British company, is marketing a new crucifix–one with a built-in alarm. The new product will be launched at the annual National Christian Resources Exhibition in May and will cost nearly $300 US. It looks like an ordinary crucifix, but one tug will set off a loud alarm. According to a survey, one in three British clergy have been attacked while working. EPNS

A study guide to accompany A Mennonite Statement and Study on Violence, is designed to help congregations explore responses to violence in the context of daily life. The Statement discusses violence against oneself, violence in close relationships, in leisure, in public life and in the global community. Available from Faith & Life Press at 800-743-2484. Cost: $12.25.

Two Herald Press books have recently received 1998 Silver Angels by Excellence in Media. The award recognizes the year's best media efforts which reflect superior moral or social impact. Given the awards were Driving the Amish by Jim Butterfield, and photography by Doyle Yoder, and Chestnut Ridge Acres, by Carrie Bender.

Every day, 40 new pornographic Web sites join the approximately 72,000 already on the Internet. Plugged In


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