Religion around the world

Fort tries for better conditions for Jews

SAVANNAH, Ga. — The beating of Jewish soldier in Army basic training last fall has prompted Fort Benning to make changes aimed at improving conditions for Jewish troops, from adding a rabbi chaplain to offering kosher meals at dining halls.

Religious tolerance became an issue at Fort Benning after Pvt. Michael Handman, 20, suffered a concussion from a beating by a fellow trainee. The attack came days after Handman's parents had alerted the Army that he had complained of religious discrimination in letters he had sent home.

The soldier accused of beating Handman was kicked out of the Army. Two drill sergeants were also disciplined. One had ordered Handman to remove his yarmulke in a dining hall. The other had called him "Juden" — the German word for Jews. Handman was later allowed to leave the Army.

Suburban Atlanta cathedral sold

DECATUR, Ga. — A suburban Atlanta cathedral built by a minister who later lost his congregation after a sex scandal has been sold for $17.6 million.

The Cathedral at Chapel Hill built by Bishop Earl Paulk will soon be home to Greater Travelers Rest Baptist Church.

Paulk, who died in March at age 81 after a battle with cancer, built the cathedral with his brother, the Rev. Donnie Paulk. The church at one time had a congregation of 10,000.

In the 1990s, several women said they had had affairs with Paulk. One woman claimed he molested her as a child, while another said he coerced her into an affair.

It was later revealed that Paulk fathered a son with his brother's wife.

The Rev. D.E. Paulk, his son from that affair, now leads the church. He said last year that the church did not need the space at the cathedral.

Attorney general endorses plates

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The top state prosecutor supports religious license plates that feature the words "I Believe" that are being challenged in federal court.

Attorney General Henry McMaster argued in a memo that the plates don't promote Christianity over other beliefs, just as "Parrot Head" plates don't promote Jimmy Buffett fans over fans of other singers, and the Boy Scout plate doesn't show legislative preference over Girl Scouts.