A faith-based event is calling attention to the issues of orphans and vulnerable children worldwide, including the Valley.

Speak Up Fresno is at 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Clovis North Performing Arts Center, 2770 E. International.

City Without Orphans is presenting the event, which is designed to show how the faith community can respond to the needs of orphaned and vulnerable children. They include giving, sponsoring, adopting and sending out workers.

Jedd Medefind, president of Christian Alliance for Orphans, is the main speaker. Christian Alliance for Orphans unites more than 100 Christian organizations and a national network of churches.

The event also features worship, led by singer/songwriter John Shabaglian. There also will be a performance by His Little Feet International Children's Choir, based in Windsor, Colo.

City Without Orphans, the local Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and other adoption/foster care agencies are providing information booths.

The event is free. Seating is limited. Details: citywithoutorphans.com or (559) 978-2851.

Diocese reaffirms concern for safety

In response to an Associated Press story this week reporting that Catholic church personnel files showed retired Cardinal Roger M. Mahony and other Los Angeles Catholic leaders shielded molester priests and kept parishioners in the dark, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno is reaffirming that it is concerned about the issue of child abuse.

The Fresno diocese issued a statement Tuesday, saying: "As part of the ongoing healing process within and beyond the Catholic faith community, the Diocese of Fresno tirelessly continues to implement the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People -- 'Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal.'

"Outreach and assistance to those who have experienced some form of inappropriate sexual behavior, past or present, involving a member of the clergy, religious, employee or volunteer within the Catholic Church are encouraged to come forward."

Mahony worked 16 years in the Fresno diocese, including the last five (1975-80) as auxiliary bishop.

Details: (559) 488-7400.

Islamic Cultural Center hosts celebration

A Milad un-Nabi celebration/fundraiser is at 5:30 p.m. today (Saturday, Jan. 26) at the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, 2111 E. Nees Ave.

The event commemorates the birthday anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, founder of the Islamic religion.

Cost is $25, including dinner. Details: email, info@icfresno.org or call (559) 297-9535.

Jewish group has new executive board

The Jewish Federation of Central California has a new slate of executive officers for 2013. They are:

-- Murray Farber, president;

-- Lise Rosenthal, vice president-administration;

-- Ethan Smith, vice president-campaign chair;

-- Jeri Horwitz, secretary;

-- Vic Rosenthal, chief financial officer;

-- Ephraim Hadjis and Nancy Glassberg, immediate past presidents.

Details: (559) 432-2162.

Latter-day Saints event presents speaker

A former professor at Brigham Young University is speaking on "Better Communication, Better Marriage" at 7 p.m. today (Saturday, Jan. 26) at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Fresno Stake building, 5685 N. Cedar Ave.

Douglas Brinley also is the author of books and audio recordings on strengthening marriages and families.

The lecture is presented by the BYU Alumni Fresno chapter. The event is open to the public. Details: (559) 732-1260.