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Rev. N. J. L'Heureux, Jr., Publisher & Editor
Rev. Pedro Bravo-Guzman, Editor-in-Chief
An Ecumenical Report of Local and Global News
in God's Household
Published by the Queens Federation of Churches
Bishop Paul Moore Dies, Outspoken Advocate for Peace and the Oppressed May 2, 2003 – The Rt. Rev. Paul Moore, Jr., the 13th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, died May 1 after a long illness. He was 83 years old. "Paul Moore was a great man, who lived his whole life fighting for justice and for the rights of the oppressed," commented Bishop Mark S. Sisk, bishop of the diocese. "He was a man whose passion for life grew out of his love for people - a love returned by so many who cherished him deeply." April 30, 2003, CHICAGO - As President Bush prepared his Thursday evening address to announce "the end of the Iraq war," more than 75 Muslim, Christian, Jewish and other faith leaders from across the United States converged on Chicago to issue a set of principles to lead toward a peaceful future. The summit addressed the humanitarian, spiritual and civil costs of war and its ramifications here at home. Death and Illness in Maine Congregation Due to Arsenic Poisoning May 1, 2003 – W. Reid Morrill, a 78-year-old member of Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church in New Sweden, Maine, died April 28. Maine health officials have identified arsenic poisoning as the probable cause of his death and of illnesses experienced by a dozen other members of the congregation. Gustaf Adolph is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Members of the congregation in northeast Maine became sick Sunday afternoon, April 27, several hours after drinking coffee and eating sandwiches and sweets at the church. The suspected cause of the illness is arsenic poisoning, said Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director, Maine Bureau of Health. A Native Reflects on War and Military Service May 1, 2003 – In Tuba City, Ariz., there was singing coming from the high school. It was not the sound of a glee club or the school choir. It was the sound of prayer floating from the building into the dry high-desert air. Seven hundred people from the community had gathered to pray for a local woman who was in trouble. Her name, heard in the prayers, was Pfc. Lori Piestewa (Pie-ESS-te-wa), and she was missing in action in Iraq. At the Roots of Methodism: Celebrating Wesley's Birth April 30 2003 – Given the high profile of this year's tercentenary of the birth of John Wesley, it is worth reflecting on the value of celebrating this great anniversary. After all, there are many good Methodists on both sides of the Atlantic who, as yet, remain completely untouched by the current plethora of events and remembrances surrounding the founder of Methodism. So, let us ask two fundamental questions. Bishops Will Focus on Children, Poverty Concerns at Meeting April 24, 2003 – Issues related to children, poverty and violence in the United States and Africa will be key agenda items for the United Methodist Church's bishops when they meet April 27-May 2 near Dallas. The international United Methodist Council of Bishops will meet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Addison. The council comprises 50 active bishops in the United States; 18 bishops in Europe, Asia and Africa; plus 75 retired bishops worldwide. They are the top clergy leaders in the nearly 10 million-member church. Peace Sunday Resources Offered April 25, 2003, VALLEY FORGE, Pa. - In the wake of the Iraqi conflict the observance of American Baptist Peace Sunday on May 4 is especially timely. National Ministries' Office of Reconciliation Ministries has developed resources to aid American Baptist congregations in planning worship services, retreat events and Bible studies that examine peace as a concept and what it means today. Mission, Synod Officers to Make Pentecost Offering Appeal May 2, 2003 – Top Missouri Synod mission leaders and officers are writing to all LCMS pastors and congregational presidents this month to encourage them to involve their congregations in a new LCMS World Mission Pentecost Offering. In a sin-darkened world, we do not have any difficulty finding opportunities to speak to people who do not yet belong to the [Lords] sheep pen, writes LCMS World Mission Executive Director Rev. Robert Roegner in a letter to be mailed May 12. Our problem is in finding resources to send under-shepherds of our Lord to gather this flock. International Ministries Events Planned for Biennial April 28, 2003, VALLEY FORGE, Pa. - Opportunities to learn about global mission and meet American Baptist missionaries will highlight International Ministries-sponsored events during the 2003 American Baptist Biennial Meeting in Richmond, Va. These Bible studies, workshops and other special events will feature missionaries serving 13 countries. Church Court Rules on Constitutionality of Bishops' Proposal April 29, 2003, FORT WORTH - The United Methodist Church's "supreme court" ruled as unconstitutional a legislative change permitting the president of the Council of Bishops to serve a four-year term free of residential duties. However, the nine-member Judicial Council, said in its ruling that the proposal, which would allow one bishop to work for four years solely on behalf of the bishops and their representation of the church - without also having to oversee a specific episcopal area - could be secured via an amendment to the denomination's constitution. Compassion Ministries Dinner Debuts at General Council April 28, 2003 – Nineteen Assemblies of God ministries and the Honorable John Ashcroft will be among those who are honored at the first Compassion Ministries Dinner at General Council on July 31, 2003, in Washington, D.C. "The purpose of the evening is to present the Assemblies of God as a compassionate and caring organization," said Harold Sallee, administrative assistant to the General Superintendent. "This is the first time at General Council we will highlight the various ministries that do the work of compassion. We are excited about this evening and hope it will become a regular feature at future councils." SARS Virus Affecting Churchgoers May 1, 2003 – Churches in Hong Kong, Singapore and Canada have been encouraged to make a number of changes in the way that services are conducted as a result of the recent outbreak of SARS. In Toronto, Canada, the congregation at St James' Anglican Cathedral has been served bread only at Communion. SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) is a respiratory illness that has recently been reported in Asia, North America, and parts of Europe. The primary way that SARS appears to spread is by close person-to-person contact. Christians' Dilemma over Homosexual Affairs May 1, 2003 – One of the most hotly debated issues in Africa today is homosexuality. Its exposure on the continent has excited deep and often extreme reactions. Some observers dismiss the habit as a western culture, yet it is spreading through the continent like a wild bush fire. Still, African traditions do not accept it, and one can almost be cursed at the mention of the word, reports Joyce Mulama. A number of African countries have openly condemned homosexuality and anything that goes with it. In Uganda, for example, the practice, which is also referred to as "carnal knowledge of another against the order of nature," has been outlawed. Church must Offer Humanity an Antidote to Fear, Says Lead Bishop April 29, 2003, DALLAS - Describing Christian community as "our DNA," the president of the United Methodist bishops called on her colleagues to lead the church in creating a community that overcomes divisions and gives hope to a world gripped by fear. "Christian community is embedded in our United Methodist identity," Bishop Sharon A. Brown Christopher told the international Council of Bishops. "It is our DNA. The practice of our Christian faith, (John) Wesley style, is all about connection." In her president's address April 28, she emphasized the need for building "transcendent Christian community" as an antidote to the anxiety and division she sees in the United Methodist Church and the fear at large in the world. U.S. Congress Welcomes Gay Minister on National Day of Prayer May 1, 2003, Washington, DC - It wasn't the first time a clergyperson opened the U.S. Congress with a prayer for justice and equality for all U.S. citizens. What made the opening prayer before the U.S. House of Representatives different on May 1 - the U.S. National Day of Prayer - was that it was delivered by the Rev. Steven Torrance, an openly gay clergyperson with Metropolitan Community Churches, the world's largest church group with a primary, affirming ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons. Orthodox Feud Simmers over Holy Fire Ceremony Despite Temporary Accord May 1, 2003 – Relations between the Greek and Armenian Orthodox churches in Jerusalem have suffered a blow following strong disagreements over a major Orthodox Easter ceremony at one of Christianity's holiest sites. Thousands of worshipers were able to attend the ritual at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City because of a last-minute deal between the feuding factions, brokered by the Israeli police. "Thank God, despite the tensions, there was not any kind of episode," said Greek Orthodox Archbishop Aristarchos in an interview with ENI. Leadership Training Opportunity for Young People April 25, 2003 – An internship programme launched by the World Council of Churches offers a unique leadership training opportunity for young people from different churches and different parts of the world. Six young people aged 18-30 and committed to the ideals of the ecumenical movement will serve as interns in WCC Geneva offices for a period of 12 months, from September 2003 to September 2004. Lutherans and Anglicans Pitch in Together for Winnipeg Assembly May 1, 2003 – The July 21-31 assembly of the Lutheran World Federation in central Canada's prairie country is developing into an ecumenical event that will show how Canadian Lutherans and Anglicans work with each other on a daily basis. The delegates, representing 63 million Lutherans in 76 countries, will gather in Winnipeg, with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) hosting the event. The planners are expecting 442 representatives from 136 member churches and a host of other participants under the theme "For the Healing of the World." This is only the second time the assembly, which normally meets every six years, has been held in North America. The last time was at Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1957. The most recent meeting was held in Hong Kong in 1997. Free Evangelism/Discipleship Resources April 30, 2003 – Global University's Center for Evangelism and Discipleship has recently launched a new Web site for the distribution of evangelism and discipleship resources. According to Missionary Mark Barclift, the purpose of globalreach.org is to provide free evangelism and discipleship materials around the world. With the goal of giving away courses in more than 100 languages, globalreach.org will initially provide materials in English, Mandarin (simplified), French, and Spanish. Work is underway to add Mandarin (traditional), Arabic and Bengali within the next few months. Las Iglesias Latinoamericanas Apuntan a Las Instituciones Financieras Internacionales 24 de abril de 2003 – Lmderes de iglesias de Amirica Latina y el Caribe se preparan para decirles lo que piensan de sus polmticas al Fondo Monetario Internacional y al Banco Mundial. Las iglesias latinoamericanas han estado por largo tiempo atendiendo pastoralmente el sufrimiento y el dolor causados por la globalizacisn econsmica. Ahora se proponen desarrollar una nueva comprensisn del rol de las iglesias en relacisn con la justicia econsmica. Las iglesias latinoamericanas dicen !basta! Fuera del sistema hay salvacisn 24 de abril de 2003 – Un documento discutido por representantes de iglesias latinoamericanas reunidos en Buenos Aires llama a los gobiernos del continente a no pagar la deuda externa y a los acreedores a condonarla. Ademas pide desobedecer y reformar a las instituciones financieras internacionales. Titulado "Buscando salidas... caminando hacia adelante. Las iglesias evangilicas dicen !basta!," el documento fue presentado a discusisn ayer, 28 de abril, durante el primer dma de la consulta "Globalizar la Vida Plena." Elaborado por socislogos, economistas, teslogos y pastores, el documento se propone como "una invitacisn al realismo" a la vez que "un llamado a romper el fatalismo impotente." Pasantmas En El Consejo Mundial De Iglesias 25 de abril de 2003 – El programa de pasantmas del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias ofrece una oportunidad znica de entrenamiento para jsvenes de iglesias en distintas partes del mundo. Seis jsvenes de entre 18 y 30 aqos de edad, comprometidos con los ideales del movimiento ecuminico, serviran como pasantes rentados en las oficinas del CMI en Ginebra durante 12 meses, de septiembre de 2003 en adelante. Iglesias y globalizacisn: Sm, !otro mundo es posible y necesario! Representantes de iglesias de Amirica latina y el Caribe llamaron a la creacisn de un "frente" para conseguir la "abolicisn" de "la deuda externa inmoral, imposible y eterna." El llamado forma parte de un mensaje a las iglesias evangilicas de la regisn, emitido al tirmino de la consulta continental "Globalizar la Vida Plena," que se realizs entre el 28 de abril y el 1 de mayo, en la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Fe y esperanza viva: Seminario latinoamericano sobre Juventud y Globalizacisn 28 de abril de 2003 – "Nos exhortamos y exhortamos a todos a andar por el mundo con fe y esperanza," una esperanza "que descansa en la conviccisn de que nuestros esfuerzos no seran en vano," gracias a la fe "que nos mueve a luchar por la defensa de la vida en esta tierra." La exhortacisn es parte de una declaracisn emitida por un numeroso grupo de jsvenes que, procedentes de 14 pamses, estuvieron reunidos en Ramos Mejma, en los suburbios de la ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina, entre el 24 y el 27 de abril. Allm los jsvenes, en su mayorma latinoamericanos y algunos llegados de Europa y los Estados Unidos, participaron de un seminario sobre Juventud y Globalizacisn convocado por el Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) y el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI). Iglesias debaten la globalizacisn: No hay soluciones faciles para problemas complejos 30 de abril de 2003 – Representantes de iglesias reunidos en Buenos Aires confrontaron opiniones sobre la globalizacisn: algunos la condenaron abiertamente, mientras otros rescataron sus rasgos positivos. Ademas criticaron el rol legitimador de polmticas excluyentes que a veces juegan las iglesias. La confrontacisn de puntos de vista la protagonizaron panelistas y representantes provenientes de diferentes contextos regionales, al debatir la problematica "pobreza/riqueza," ayer 29 de abril, durante el segundo dma de la consulta "Globalizar la Vida Plena." Human Rights Groups Condemn Castro's Crackdown on Opposition in Cuba April 29, 2003 – Human rights and religious groups around the world - including the World Council of Churches and an ecumenical group of Cuban clergy in the US - have condemned a harsh crackdown on opposition in Cuba that drew stiff prison sentences for dissidents. Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa, a strong critic of President Fidel Castro, said that the crackdown is "the natural expression of a dictatorship that has been oppressing human rights for years." An estimated 75 members of the opposition have been prosecuted in quick trials with the longest sentences given to independent journalists, one of them for 27 years. They were accused of collaborating with US diplomats to undermine the state. Archbishop of Canterbury Launches Trinity Institute April 29, 2003 – The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, returned to "Ground Zero" in lower Manhattan for the first time since 11 September 2001, to preach a sermon on the spiritual significance of listening to God and to one another. He was speaking on 28 April at the opening Eucharist of Trinity Institute's 34th National Conference, at Trinity Church Wall Street. He addressed a capacity audience, and heard the premiere of a musical setting to one of his poems. Ad Asks President to Repent of Foreign, Domestic Policies April 24, 2003, WASHINGTON - A one-page advertisement in The Christian Century magazine, signed by more than 100 United Methodists, has called on U.S. President George Bush to "repent" of certain domestic and foreign policies, including the use of violence in dealing with Iraq. The ad, titled, "A Prophetic Epistle from United Methodists Calling Our Brother George W. Bush to Repent," appeared in the magazine's April 5 issue. The message was written and signed before U.S.-led forces began military action against Iraq on March 19, explained the Rev. Jennifer Kimball Casto, a signer and pastor of New Life United Methodist Church in Columbus, Ohio. April 24, 2003, LOUISVILLE - Souper Bowl of Caring officials say the annual anti-hunger campaign raised more than $3.4 million this year. Young people in more than 12,000 congregations, representing more than 50 denominations in all 50 states and Canada, Puerto Rico and Germany, took part. The event is held every year on Super Bowl Sunday. United Methodist Advocates Rally for Universal Health Care May 1, 2003, WASHINGTON - An executive of the United Methodist social-action agency spoke in favor of universal health care at a rally supporting such a resolution in the House of Representatives. The four-hour, open-air rally in a park across the street from the U.S. capitol featured several members of Congress and representatives of such organizations as the National Health Law Program, American Public Health Association, National Medical Association and Association of American Medical Colleges. The ethnic congressional caucuses sponsored the April 29 event. A Different World Is Possible ! A Different World Is Necessary! Representatives of Latin American and Caribbean churches have called for a united front to demand the abolition of foreign debt, describing it as, "immoral, impossible and never-ending." The call is made in a message addressed to Protestant churches in the region at the end of a continent-wide consultation on "Globalizing the fullness of life" that took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina from 28 April - 1 May. Latin American Churches to Target International Financial Institutions April 24, 2003 – Leaders of Latin American and Caribbean churches are preparing to tell the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank what they think of their policies. The Latin American churches have long tried to mitigate the suffering and pain caused by economic globalization with pastoral care. Now, they intend to develop a new understanding of the churches' role in relation to economic justice. To that end, some forty leaders of Latin American and Caribbean churches will be among those attending a continent-wide consultation on "Globalizing the Fullness of Life" taking place from 28 April to 1 May in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Faith and Living Hope: Latin American Seminar on Youth and Globalization April 28, 2003 – "We urge ourselves and all of you to walk the world with faith and hope" - a hope "based on the conviction that our efforts will not be in vain," thanks to the faith "that leads us to struggle to defend life on this earth." The call is part of the statement drawn up by young people from 14 countries - mostly in Latin America with some from Europe and the United States - participating in a 24-27 April seminar in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Youth and Globalization. The seminar was organised by the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) and the World Council of Churches (WCC); its slogan was "Faith and Living Hope." Churches Debate Globalization: No Easy Solutions for Complex Problems April 30, 2003 – Church representatives meeting in Buenos Aires exchanged differing opinions about globalization. Some openly condemned it, while others pointed to its positive aspects. And they said that churches sometimes tend to legitimize policies of exclusion. Panelists and representatives from different regional contexts presented their points of view during a debate on the issue of "poverty and wealth" held on 29 April, the second day of a "Globalizing the fullness of life" consultation. Nobel Peace Laureate Warns Churches Against Free Trade Area of the Americas May 1, 2003 – Economic integration being pushed in Latin America by the United States is like a bear hug: it is better to keep your distance. The image sums up what Latin American church representatives heard at a "Globalizing the fullness of life" consultation in Buenos Aires this week. Speakers from different countries in Latin America agreed that the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), scheduled for implementation in 2005, will increase exclusion and poverty in the region. Belgium Students for Christ Impacting Campuses April 28, 2003 – Hundreds of thousands of students attend Europe's 65 major universities, creating one of the continent's greatest mission fields. During the past five years, Students for Christ has formed ministry groups on campuses in European countries, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Hungary, Poland and Spain. SFC is the international equivalent of Chi Alpha, the U.S. Assemblies of God campus ministry. Several U.S. A/G missionaries direct one or more of these groups, assisted by John Koeshall, coordinator of Europe's campus outreaches. Bishops' Appeal Changes Lives in Africa - and the U.S. May 1, 2003, DALLAS - Thousands of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo - most of them children and teen-agers and their families - can attest to the power of the United Methodist Church's "Hope for the Children of Africa" appeal. The appeal, launched by the denomination's Council of Bishops in 1998, has resulted in five new schools in the denomination's North Katanga Area, according to Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, who leads the churches in that region. Those schools, erected sinc 2000, are educating more than 4,000 young people, from primary school children to college students. "There is hope now," Ntambo told United Methodist News Service. "We are living that hope." Kenya Churches Plan Massive Expansion to Meet Growing Demands April 30, 2003 – The Kenya Assemblies of God is shaping a vision to add 2,000 churches to the Fellowship in a five-year span. The KAG is the sixth-largest A/G body in Africa. At the beginning of last year, KAG churches numbered 1,968 with 810 trained pastors and 32 U.S. Assemblies of God missionaries working among a fellowship of 878,000. Peter Njiri, general superintendent of the KAG, wants to expand the national church's reach in Kenya. "The vision for doubling the size of the KAG began in the heart of Njiri," said Chip Block, U.S. A/G missionary to Kenya. KAG churches are mostly concentrated in the western part of the country. One goal of the expansion is to place churches among Kenya's 22 unreached people groups in the north and among the largely Islamic population in and around the southern city of Mombasa. Methodists Congregations Grow in Romania May 1, 2003 – During the past decade, Korean Methodists have developed a small number of congregations in Romania, training people there to continue the evangelism work themselves. Now, the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries is trying to help Romanian Methodists make contact with their counterparts in other European countries. The Rev. Peter Siegfried, a board executive, told United Methodist News Service he is planning a fall consultation with church leaders there. NCC's Edgar Doesn't Regret His Opposition to Iraq War May 1, 2003 – Despite opinion polls showing strong public support among US churchgoers for the military action in Iraq, religious leaders who publicly opposed the war said they have no regrets about the stance they took. The Rev. Robert Edgar, general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC), and one of the most prominent opponents of the war, said he was keenly aware of the apparent "disconnect" between his and other leaders' positions and the support given to the war by those in the pews. Still, biblical prophets "didn't have a large following among people in the pews," Edgar said in an interview with ENI. April 24, 2003, LOUISVILLE - Word has finally reached Presbyterian Church (USA) officials from Iraq that the five Presbyterian churches there have escaped significant damage and are carrying on with their ministries. In an April 24 email from Cairo, Worldwide Ministries Division coordinator for the Middle East Victor Makari wrote: "First-hand report indicates that the Presbyterian churches in Baghdad and in Mosul are managing fairly well under the circumstances. The Arab Evangelical (Presbyterian) Church of Baghdad was able to gather for services on Good Friday and on Easter." Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos Named to Lead NCC International Affairs and Peace Work April 29, 2003, NEW YORK CITY - Dr. Antonios (Tony) Kireopoulos, an Orthodox Christian theologian currently serving as Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Religions for Peace, will join the National Council of Churches U.S.A. (NCC) staff on May 19 as Associate General Secretary for International Affairs and Peace. His responsibilities will include helping the NCC formulate its position on issues of peace, international issues and U.S. foreign policy, especially in conflict and post-conflict situations. High on the agenda will be the Middle East, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and post-conflict reconstruction in Iraq. He will also maintain relationships with Christian Churches, councils and other religious communities worldwide. Faithful Conversation: Christian Perspectives on Homosexuality May 2, 2003, Minneapolis - Bitter battles over the churches' stance toward its gay and lesbian members have tested the churches' fundamental orientation and even threatened to split whole denominations apart. The blessing of homosexual unions and ordination of gays and lesbians have proven to be special flashpoints at both local and national levels. 
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