RAILEY TALK: The Rev. Walker L. Railey,...

RAILEY TALK: The Rev. Walker L. Railey, a once-prominent Dallas pastor who was acquitted in April of attempting to murder his wife in 1987, will speak Oct. 20 at a Clergy Network luncheon in Reseda.

Railey, whose wife Peggy Railey was found unconscious and near death in their suburban home, was senior pastor of the Dallas First United Methodist Church at the time. Prosecutors contended that the minister devised an elaborate plot to kill her and join a lover in California.

Though Railey admitted his romantic association with another woman, divorced his wife after the attack and moved to California, he has maintained his innocence throughout. His ex-wife, still in a coma, never regained consciousness.

Railey worked as an administrator of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles’ Wilshire District from May, 1991, until he resigned last year as Texas authorities decided to bring charges against him.

Railey’s talk is titled, “Guilty Until Proven Innocent--Clergy in the Limelight,” according to Rabbi Bernard M. Cohen, director of the Clergy Network.

The complimentary luncheon is open to clergy, leadership of religious institutions and community leaders. The meeting will be at the Woodland Care Center, 7120 Corbin Ave. For reservations, call (818) 225-8125.

SPIRITUALITY CENTER: The University of Judaism has announced that a new Center for Spirituality will offer a variety of classes beginning Oct. 18 as a part of its Department of Continuing Education.

Courses will include “The Journey to Spirituality,” “Traditional Jewish Meditation” and “An Introduction to Hasidism and Hasidic Literature.” Teachers include David Wolpe, Daniel Gordis, Miriyam Glazer, Jonathan Omer-Man and Chaim Seidler-Feller.

The campus is located at 15600 Mulholland Drive, just off the San Diego Freeway. For information, call (310) 476-9777, Ext. 246.

MARRIAGE OR DIVORCE: The 10-session “Making Marriage Work” course at the University of Judaism will begin next week. And if that isn’t quite what’s needed, a one-day seminar on “A Possibility Called Divorce” will be available Oct. 24 at the Milken Jewish Community Campus in West Hills.

The popular “Making Marriage Work” program is divided into separate classes for engaged Jewish couples, relatively young married people, couples in second marriages and for people concerned about sustaining interfaith marriages. Call (310) 476-9777, Ext. 329, for more information.

The one-day seminar on divorce, co-sponsored by the Jewish Family Service, is led by Nancy Allredge, director of the Divorce Education Center of San Diego and Northridge. Aimed at aiding people “contemplating or currently going through separation or divorce,” the seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Milken facility, 22622 Vanowen St. Preregistration is required. Call (818) 587-3333.

SEMINARY OPEN HOUSE: Queen of Angels High School Seminary in Mission Hills will hold an open house from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The school, 15101 San Fernando Mission Blvd., is a preliminary step for about half of its students thinking of the priesthood. Graduates who continue their training then usually proceed to Los Angeles Catholic Archdiocese’s college and seminary in Camarillo.

For information, call (818) 361-0187.

MORE CLASSES: Courses ranging from “Jews in Opera” to aerobics to “Major Jewish Philosophers” will begin Wednesday at Adat Ari El Synagogue, 12020 Burbank Blvd., North Hollywood.

The educational program, now in its 33rd year, will run through Jan. 26. For information, call (818) 766-9426.

News and announcements for this column may be sent to Religion Desk, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311.