WHERE CHURCHES STAND ON KEY ISSUES

In this summer of religious gatherings, several denominations have taken
stands on powerful issues:

Decriminalize drugs

Unitarian Universalists have called for decriminalizing drugs.The Unitarian
Universalist Association (UUA), meeting in Quebec for its annual General
Assembly meeting, passed a "Statement of Conscience" that called the
American war on drugs a failure.

The denomination's president, the Rev. William Sinkford, said "the
so-called war on drugs is creating violence, endangering children, clogging
the criminal justice system, eroding civil liberties, and
disproportionately punishing people of color. It's time for a cease-fire."

The statement is one of the strongest pro-drug stands by a major religious
body.

The Boston-based church pledged to work for:

. The decriminalization of all drugs, which would be available with a
prescription.

. Forcing insurance companies to pay for drug abuse treatment like it does
"other chronic health conditions."

. Setting "a legal, regulated and taxed market for marijuana. Treat
marijuana as we treat alcohol."

. Imposing criminal penalties on drug users only if they commit another
crime, such as burglary or vandalism.

. Devoting current anti-drug resources to research, treatment and education.

The sin of slavery

The Presbyterian Church in America has confessed its involvement in the
"heinous sins" of racism and slavery.

"The heinous sins attendant with unbiblical forms of servitude -- including
oppression, racism, exploitation, manstealing and chattel slavery -- stand
in opposition to the Gospel," stated a resolution passed at the
denomination's General Assembly in Birmingham Ala. "We therefore confess
our involvement in these sins. ... We therefore publicly repent of our
pride, our complacency and our complicity. Furthermore, we seek the
forgiveness of our brothers and sisters for the reticence of our hearts
that has constrained us from acting swiftly in this matter."

The resolution concludes with a call for racial reconciliation, the
creation of urban and minority congregations and the enhancing of
ministries across racial, social and economic lines.

More conservative than the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the PCA is home to
more than 300,000 members.

Salvation statement OK'd

At its General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio, the nation's largest
Presbyterian church sidestepped a battle over salvation by approving a
statement on salvation theology that appeared to satisfy liberals and
conservatives.

Delegates of the 2.5 million-member denomination endorsed "Hope in the Lord
Jesus Christ," a statement drafted by the church's theology and worship office:

"Jesus Christ is the only Savior and Lord, and all people everywhere are
called to place their faith, hope and love in him. No one is saved by
virtue of inherent goodness or admirable living."