U.S. Lutheran Presiding Bishop Featured in CBS-TV's 'In God's Name' Dec. 23

U.S. Lutheran Presiding Bishop Featured in CBS-TV's 'In God's Name' Dec. 23

CHICAGO, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and president of the Lutheran World Federation, is featured in the two-hour primetime television special "In God's Name," airing Dec. 23 at 9 p.m. EST on CBS-TV.

Produced by French filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet, the special explores "complex questions of our time through the intimate thoughts and beliefs of 12 of the world's most influential spiritual leaders," according to a Nov. 20 CBS news release. The spiritual leaders "speak out about violence and hatred, and reveal their own thoughts about faith, peace, unity, tolerance and hope. Viewers will see them in intimate settings, including their homes and personal places of worship."

"It is my hope that members of the Lutheran World Federation and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will regard this as a strong affirmation of our shared witness to our Christian faith and our commitment to work with people of all faiths for a most just and peaceful world, and a sustainable creation. Their personal quest for meaning amidst so many religious claims and conflicts made working with Jules and Gedeon Naudet such a fascinating experience," said Hanson.

This is the first time some of the world's religious leaders have appeared together in one broadcast, said Ava Odom Martin, director for public media, ELCA Communication Services.

The Naudet brothers are known for a documentary they created about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. While working on another documentary, Jules Naudet was caught in the South Tower of the World Trade Center that day, and kept his camera rolling throughout the morning leading up to the collapse of the buildings. That documentary also aired on CBS-TV.

"This harrowing experience was the first step in a journey that would take us around the world searching for answers to the meaning of life," said Jules Naudet in the CBS news release.

There are 11 other religious leaders featured in "In God's Name." Among those featured at Pope Benedict XVI, leader of the Roman Catholic Church; the Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso), spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists; Yona Metzger, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel; and Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury and leader of the Anglican Communion.

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FCMN Contact:

Source: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

CONTACT: Melissa Ramirez Cooper of Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, +1-773-380-2956, melissa.ramirezcooper@elca.org

Web site:

http://www.elca.org/

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