The Rev. David W. Lovelace, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church, cites a study by Robert Putnam, a political science professor at Harvard:

"People of faith are better citizens, better neighbors and the U.S. is amazingly religious compared to other countries of the world."

Amazingly religious ... hmmmm. Then St. John's rector comments ...

"The stunning development in Putnam's study is that American youth are vastly more secular than their counterparts in other parts of the world.

"The belief seems to be that our children will eventually 'get religion.' Most people agreed that they do not want to push their beliefs on their children or hassle them about participation in a faith community.

"This statement is admittedly a curiosity to me. How can our children make wise choices about sharing in the life of a community if they are not encouraged to participate as young men and women?

"If our children are not exposed to involvement in a faith community as an important value in our lives, how can they know what is to be gained by participation in community life?"

A thoughtful question as the culture war rages in our society, a society rooted in Judaeo-Christian principles.
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As bullets continue to fly and people continue to die in the city of York, it's comforting to note that the city council has abandoned a move to create another criminal class ... law-abiding folks who fail to report that their guns have been stolen.

City fathers have enough to do to stop home invasions, muggings, car break-ins, drug trafficking and, of course, shootings. Even victims of the devastating Chestnut street fire have become the targets of thieves.
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Congratulations to the members of the York Chapter, Izaak Walton League of America, honored nationally by the parent organization for its "Outstanding Youth Programs."

Founded 67 years ago, the local league has a long history of conservation and engaging youngsters in community activities.

"Kids can make a difference, and our Junior Chapter is showing that this is so true," said Jean Klinedinst, its co-chairman.

Mike Williams, the league's national president, declared:

"The York Chapter exemplifies the commitment to youth, volunteer leadership and conservation that the Izaak Walton League is all about. We are proud to count them among our ranks and to honor their service to protecting American's outdoors with this award."

For the 10th consecutive year, the Yorkers also won the league's Defenders Chapter Achievement Award recognizing their dedication to conservation and community.
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The Girl Scouts' highest honor, the Gold Award, goes to Katie Choiniere, of Central York High, for her commitment to excellence in herself, her community and her future. Katie is the daughter of Keith and Debbie Choiniere. Her Gold Award project involved volunteer work with the York County Heritage Trust.
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York Rotary is planning a "Love Fore" Community golf/tennis fund-raiser Sept. 21 to help finance its International Youth Exchange program, says Michele Baker, the club's newly elected president.

The event honors the late Mike Euculano, who chaired the youth exchange program and who died in a tragic accident in 2006.

For details about the fundraiser, call Bert Oberdick, 848-1370 or e-mail bert@yorkrotary.org.
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What are the prospects for Penn State football this season? Hear from insider Phil Grosz, publisher of Blue White Illustrated, at the annual banquet of the Penn State Alumni Association Aug. 20 at the Valencia ... everybody welcome ... details, Ricki Hevner, 843-1061.
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Worry a lot? Faith UCC suggests: "Don't let your worries get the best of you. Remember, Moses started out as a basket case."
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Human Life Services is having a "Name-Your- Price" yard sale starting at 8 a. m. Thursday and Friday at 2001 Palomino Road, Dover ... featuring baby and children's toys and clothing, plus furniture and other household items.
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Spaces are available now for St. Joseph's Holy Name yard sale Aug. 22 ... details, Mike Moul, 755-0883, or Carmelina Adinol fi, 755-7475.
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License plate in town ... THNK I CAN. (Bet you will!)
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Navy Bland-Cruisers, the U.S. Navy's premier rock ensemble, will perform at 7 p.m. tomorrow at Springetts.
Columns by Hank Merges, a local writer, appear Tuesday and Thursday in The York Dispatch. Reach Hank at hmerges@yorkdispatch.com or 854-1575.