CHICAGO, IL (May 15) - Hardly a week goes by that we do not receive a few comments from readers on stories published as part of the Covenant online news report.

We will share from time to time some of those responses generated through the "comments" link attached to each published story. This kind of feedback is very helpful to our Covenant News Service staff as we seek to identify and publish stories of great interest to a broad spectrum of online readers of this report.

Following are comments relating to recently published stories, edited in some cases for length. To read a particular story of interest, click on the headline.

Band Sees Success as Opening to Share Faith

Sharon Cairns Mann of Denver, CO, writes: I rejoice to see this positive coverage of "The Fray." Please expand your coverage to include the dedication of the parents of these talented young musicians. The time, prayers, commitment, and talent of the parents is a significant part of the story. I know - I've watched for the past 18 years. The parents are an inspiration.

Covenanters Gaining Recognition for CD Albums

Dave Swaim of Arlington, MA, writes: Another popular album on Independent Bands called "Songs at Three" is also by a Covenant pastor from Arlington, MA - Eugene Kim. One of those songs recently was picked up by WL Magazine's Song Discovery Vol. 55! Check it out at Independent Bands.

Companion Named Third Best in North America

Colette Claxton of Coral Springs, FL, writes: Well done. Glad you're getting some of the accolades you certainly deserve.

Larry H. Knipp of Chicago, IL, writes: Congratulations! You folks deserve a prize for a wonderful, thoughtful magazine. I look forward to each edition with anticipation of a "good read" each month.

Dave Noreen of Westminster, CO, writes: Once again the Companion leads the way, in outstanding service to the denomination. The citations given by the judges represent the accolades that ought to be regularly given by our Covenant constituency.

Readers Share Their Thoughts

Max Kuecker of Winnetka, IL, writes: In response to how the Evangelical Covenant Church can support the rights of undocumented humans, despite their breaking U.S. law, those of us who marched with our brothers and sisters in Christ did so in hopes of changing the law. Even Romans 13 gives us permission to work within the democratic process - to exercise free speech and the right to assemble in an effort to ask the ruling authorities to change the laws to reflect God's concern for the poor and the oppressed.

Art Greco of San Rafael, CA, writes: I guess I'm commenting on the comments as much as the story. The one in question has to do with Covenant leaders who participated in the march in Los Angeles. I was very disappointed in the comments of one reader, who used political language that seemed to slam all Republicans and imply that they were primarily racist. I was equally frustrated, though, by those who assumed that just because some of our leaders were involved in these marches, they were "supporting the law breakers" and/or encouraging the breaking of our laws. As I saw it, marching only meant that those Covenanters involved were supporting people and their needs. To assume that this also represented an endorsement for those who break laws is a rather large and unfair leap. In fact, one of the things I most appreciated about the resolution that was read at our conference annual meeting (Pacific Southwest) was the respect shown for the law and the desire for reasonable immigration policies while still challenging us to love unconditionally. As I understood it, marching only meant that there was an identification with people in need (regardless of how they got here or the legality of those means) and the Bible's teachings to meet the needs of people. To conclude anything beyond that is certainly unfair. And to classify all Republicans as racists - fearful of anyone who doesn't look like them - is, perhaps, an evil just as great as the one it pretends to address. That was such an offensive statement that I almost wish it had never been posted. Our communications department, however, is never interested in printing only the letters and responses it likes and silencing the rest, though. So I read it and responded in this forum.

Students Reflect on Athletics and Personal Faith

Dan Gooris of Skokie, IL, writes: I have always said that what happens on the playing field doesn't happen because of me, it happens because of my faith and belief in God and what he allows me to do. (Editor's note: Gooris is head softball coach at North Park University.)

Immigration Reform Supported by Covenant Hispanic Leaders

Pablo Anabalon of Los Angeles, CA, writes: As an ordained minister of the Covenant church, I really appreciate you including this article. I think it is very meaningful that you provide a space to raise our voice on an issue that is complex and very critical to the population we serve as pastors of Hispanic churches.

Older Stories

Occasionally we receive comments about stories published some time ago. Most often, readers come across them while topically perusing search engines or when visiting the online Covenant News Archive maintained by Covenant News Service. We appreciate reader comments at any time about any story that has appeared as part of our online Covenant news report.

Retiring Dvorak to Continue Brown Hymnal Tradition

David Tsang of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, writes: I sang the hymn "Let a Little Sunshine In" while I was in my teens in Hong Kong. I am now approaching 70 and would like to teach this hymn to my grandchildren. Do you have this hymn in your blue hymnal and where can I buy one? My wife and I still prefer the old hymns.

Six Prominent North Park Professors Retire

Catherine Cole of Leuven, Belgium, writes: Greetings. I am very interested in Joan Zetterlund's work on the theology of caring. I would like to get in touch with her to ask her a few questions. I am currently writing my master's thesis on the topic, and I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer. African Children's Choir to Perform Friday

Nche Onyema of Chicago, IL, writes: I was conducting a web search for African children's choirs in the Chicago area and came upon this story. I am putting together a large event for an organization working to build a hospital in Nigeria. I would like to get more information on this choir. (Editor's note: anyone with information on this choir may send it to newsdesk@covchurch.org.)

Services Held for Young Ryan Vanden Broeder

Gayle Vanden Broeder Gilbert of Lancaster, CA, writes: Robert Vanden Broeder, Ryan's father, is my nephew and my family has been looking for him and his brother Brian for a very long time. His great-grandfather - my father Jerry Vanden Broeder - had made some contact years ago. It would be so wonderful to contact him and his brother. I am deeply sorry to have found out about his son's unfortunate death in 2004 this way. Thank you for anything you might be able to do. (Editor's note: anyone with information about Robert Vanden Broeder may email it to newsdesk@covchurch.org.)