12 American Clergy who Believe in Artists

AOA NEWS
By Tahlib

For the third year in a row, the readers of Alpha Omega Arts will decide on the annual Omega Prize for Clergy Advocate for Artists.  Please cast your vote by sending an email to clergy@alphaomegaarts.org with the name of the clergy member who has earned your vote by midnight on Monday, October 24, 2011.

1. Pastor Rob Bell, Mars Hill Community Church (MI) wrote bestselling book, "Love Wins" based on the inspiration of an artist who portrayed Ghandi in a church art exhibit.
2. Pastor Bill Carter, First Presbyterian Church of Clarks Summitt (PA) used artwork to fight prejudice and intolerance against Jews.
3. Pastor Kevin Chubb, Cape Carteret Baptish Church (NC) empowered congregation member to paint mural reflecting church teaching series, and hosted art festival.
4. Pastor Mike Frankowiak, First Lutheran Church of Yuba City (CA) makes the connections between human creation and the creation of works of artwork.
5. Pastor Barbara Huisman, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Dodge (IA) advocates for creating art to become closer to God.
6. Rabbi Mark Kaiserman, Temple Emanu-El (NJ), incorporates art in the worship service to enhance the connection with God
7. Rev. James Krische, Saint Cecilia Catholic Church in Brooklyn (NY), provided church buildings to create an artist community free of religious constraint.
8. Pastor, Dr. Mark Ross, Marion Baptist Church (WV) preached that an artist's interpretation of scripture has as much value as any other authority.
9. Pastor Joseph Shreve, Chapel Hill United Methodist Church (WV) commissioned a local artist to create a mural for the church.
10. Pastor Erik Spencer, First Presbyterian Church of Verona (NJ) sponsored a Lego Art Contest to teach kids the lessons of scripture.
11. Pastor Sam Wheatley, New Song Presbyterian Church (UT) took a stand in support of including nudity in religious art, when appropriate.
12. Rev. Jonathon Wiggins, Resurrection Fellowship Church (CO) reached out to controversial artist Enrique Chagoya when the rest of the religious community was protesting his protest art; and won over a life-long friend.

Readers may choose from the list of nominees below (Believers For Artists) or select your own. The previous honorees for the Omega Prize are Fr. Terrence Dempsey of Missouri and Father Luke of New York City. Who will be the 2011 Alpha & Omega Prize Advocate for Artists? Readers decide.