CHRISTIAN WORSHIP EXPERT WEBBER DIES. Robert Webber, an influential expert on Christian worship, died April 27 in Sawyer, Mich., after suffering from pancreatic cancer. He was 73. Webber, a professor of ministry at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Ill., the last seven years, previously spent 32 years as a professor of theology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., where he remained professor emeritus. Webber wrote more than 40 books, including Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail, Worship Is a Verb and Ancient-Future Faith.
CITIZENSHIP PROCESS DELAYED FOR MUSLIMS. U.S. immigration officials discriminate against Muslims when processing citizenship applications, a New York University Law School think tank study reports. Since 9/11, increased security checks of citizenship applications “have illegally delayed the processing of thousands of applications from Muslim, Arab, Middle Eastern and South Asian men,” in part because of the perception they are more likely to be terrorists, the report said. A government official took issue. “The allegations are categorically false. We treat every application, every petition the same, and conduct the same background checks regardless of name, ethnicity or religion,” said Christopher Bentley, a spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services.
CHRIS TOMLIN, AARON SHUST SCORE DOVE AWARDS. Singer and songwriter Chris Tomlin was honored six times at the 38th annual Dove awards presentation, earning more recognition than any other Christian artist at the Nashville, Tenn., ceremony. Tomlin, who won five trophies at last year's honors, was named artist of the year and male vocalist of the year. His See the Morning was named pop/contemporary album of the year and praise and worship album of the year. He also was honored for his work as co-writer of “Holy is The Lord,” which was named worship song of the year, and his involvement in Passion: Everything Glorious, which won special-event album of the year. Worship leader Aaron Shust was awarded three Doves, including new artist and songwriter of the year. He wrote “My Savior, My God,” which was named song of the year. Natalie Grant was named female vocalist of the year, and Casting Crowns was named group of the year.
PASTOR LAUNCHES PRAYER PATROL FOR BAGHDAD. Wayne Dillard believes one surge deserves another. President Bush ordered a surge in U.S. troops sent to Iraq, and now Dillard is calling for a surge in prayers on behalf of Baghdad. Dillard, an ordained minister in the Vineyard Christian Fellowship and a founder of Prayercentral.net, has launched the Baghdad Prayer Patrol at www.prayercentral.net/baghdad. He has enlisted at least 300 people who have agreed to spend at least one minute a day praying for the city where death and violence are daily occurrences. Each day, an e-mail goes out to subscribers, focusing on a particular need of U.S. troops, Iraqi leaders and police, and the residents of the city. There is no cost to subscribe and no request for donations.