News Briefs

European rabbis train

in self-defense

PRAGUE — Rabbis from European countries have gathered in Prague for training in self-defense and first aid in a response to a wave of attacks against Jews and a rise of anti-Semitism on the continent.

During Tuesday’s training sessions, dozens of rabbis were taught how to fend off a knife attack and how to treat injuries.

The training was part of an annual gathering of rabbis organized by the Rabbinical Centre of Europe and the European Jewish Association headed by Rabbi Menachem Margolin. He said European governments’ failure to protect Jews prompted them to organize the training, first in Prague, and later in other European countries.

— The Associated Press

Missionary from U.S.

kidnapped in Nigeria

SEATTLE — An American missionary has been kidnapped in Nigeria, according to her sponsoring denomination.

The Free Methodist Church says on its website that it received a report Monday that the Rev. Phyllis Sortor was kidnapped from the Hope Academy compound in Emiworo. The message from Bishop David Kendall says U.S. officials are working with Nigerian authorities to find and rescue her.

Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria and most victims are returned unharmed.

According to the church website, Sortor works with a child sponsorship ministry and recently opened a school for the children of Fulani herdsmen, who are Muslim.

— The Associated Press

Bill would OK refusal

to marry gay couples

RALEIGH, N.C. — Some North Carolina lawmakers say court officials should be exempt from carrying out duties related to marrying gay couples that would conflict with their religious beliefs.

Legislation has been introduced in response to federal judges’ overturning the state’s gay-marriage ban in October. The measure approved Tuesday by the Senate judiciary committee allows magistrates to refuse to preside at same-sex weddings. It also allows assistant and deputy registrars of deeds to not issue marriage licenses. It also prohibits them from acting in all civil marriages.

— The Associated Press

Wedding-cake fight

about liberty

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Two Oregon bakers who may have to pay $150,000 in damages to a lesbian couple for refusing to bake them a wedding cake say they’re taking a stand for religious liberty.

Aaron and Melissa Klein took part in a news conference Wednesday at the National Religious Broadcasters convention in Nashville.

The Christian bakers have said they served gays and lesbians, but could not in good conscience make a cake celebrating a same-sex wedding.

The Oregon labor department says a judge rejected the Kleins’ contention that the state’s discrimination laws violate their religious freedom. Investigators for the state Bureau of Labor and Industries have recommended that the Kleins each pay $75,000 in damages. A hearing will set the amount next month.

Aaron Klein told reporters he believes Christians “have an obligation to the next generation to stand up for our constitutional freedoms, not given by man but given by God.”

— The Associated Press

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