LEWISTON — Rex Anthony Norris once spoke to a group of sixth-graders at Mount Merici Academy in Waterville and asked them, “What do you all know about hermits?” To which the children responded, “They steal things.” Meet Brother Rex — a real hermit who doesn’t steal. After Mass, he can be seen at the Basilica […]
religion
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Legislative committee rejects Maine ‘religious freedom’ bill
AUGUSTA — A bill intended to protect religious freedom, but which opponents said would have opened the door to the use of religion to justify illegal discrimination and Maine Human Rights Act violations, suffered a serious blow Thursday when the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee voted 8-4 against passage. Thursday’s vote came after considerable debate, which drew […]
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Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
Critics fear ‘religious freedom’ bill would allow legalized discrimination
AUGUSTA — Sen. David Burns, R-Whiting, says Mainers need protection from state laws that may impede their religious freedom. But the law he proposes to achieve it is drawing fierce criticism from those who say his bill would create an open door to legalizing discrimination. Burns said his proposed legislation, LD 1428, would codify into […]
Posted inLocal & State, sj-web
ACLU of Maine demands apology from Biddeford school officials
BIDDEFORD — A leading Maine civil rights group wants an apology from Biddeford school officials after what it called “unconstitutional” student assemblies last week featuring religious Christian references. The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine announced Friday that it has sent a letter to Biddeford school administrators after presentations at the middle and high school […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Twin Cities Catholics, Greek Orthodox flocks to share Assumption services
LEWISTON — Once the pastors at Lewiston-Auburn’s Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches decided to share their observances of a major holy day, the only thing that remained was finding one. “We work from different calendars,” said Monsignor Marc Caron, pastor of Prince of Peace Parish. “Even though we both celebrate Easter, we don’t often […]