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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
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New York Man Charged with Mail Threats to PC(USA) FBI Arrest Made on Thursday February 3, 2005, LOUISVILLE – A young New York man was arrested today and charged with sending a letter to denominational officials threatening Presbyterian Church (USA) congregations with arson. Jeffrey A. Winters, 25, of Queens, NY, was arrested "without incident" after a search of his apartment, according to the Kentucky Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He is charged with interstate communication of a threat to injure another person. If convicted, Winters could be sentenced to five years in jail and fined up to $250,000. The arrest is tied to an anonymous handwritten letter received at the Presbyterian Center on Nov. 9 threatening "arson attacks against Presbyterian Churches with people inside" and accusing the denomination of anti-Semitism. CEC and CCEE Send Message to the Pope February 4, 2005 – The members of the Joint Committee of Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE), meeting in Chartres, France, from 3-6 February 2005, sent a message to Pope John Paul II today, wishing him a speedy recovery from his illness. The message is signed, on behalf of all the participants, by the two co-chairs of the meeting, Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor (Great Britain) and Pastor Jean-Arnold de Clermont (France). February 2, 2005, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Religious leaders representing the National Council of Churches USA and five of its member denominations have joined together to ask members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to reject the proposed "Clear Skies Act" of 2005. In testimony that was submitted this morning during a full committee hearing today, religious leaders from the United Methodist Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church and NCC, testified against the bill because it fails to implement policies needed to clean up our the nation's air and excludes provisions to address the threat of global warming. Violence in the Media Concerns Evangelicals January 27, 2005, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Four television stations and several radio stations, such as Radio Ya, are embroiled in a dispute to hike their ratings and each day offer their audiences a breakfast of news stories that reflect violence, said Pastor Felix Ruiz, of the Baptist Convention of Nicaragua. Pastor William Gonzalez, president of the Nicaraguan Evangelical Martin Luther King University notes that violence has its roots in the loss of moral, spiritual and ethical values but that current television programs do nothing to control it but rather seek to increase it. Communication Forum Proposes Alternatives January 26, 2005, PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil – The I World Information and Communication Forum, which brought together some 300 journalists and communicators from different countries proposed alternatives to change the current information and communication system, dominated by the powerful. During the forum, one of the events leading up to the World Social Forum meeting until January 31, proposed the need to build a network of journalists, a network of alternative media and a virtual journalism school. The general secretary of Media Watch Global (MWG), Roberto Savio, noted the difficult situation is not that different from what was observed 30 years ago, when debates began about a New International Information and Communication Order (NIICO). In reality, he said, there is an NIICO but it prioritizes commerce as the foundation for information. In the Consumer Society We Are Always Clients and Not Human Beings, Affirmed Economist January 25, 2005, PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil – Fair treatment in commercial relations is a Biblical principal, but the market distorts it when it offers efficient services only to those who have buying power, warned economist Rogate Mshana. In his intervention in the forum on Theology and Liberation, which began January 21 as a prelude to the World Social Forum here, Mshana noted that one of the major challenges of the Church is to ensure that this buying power is shared. At the same time, South Korean theologian and professor from the Methodist University of Sao Paulo, Jung Mo Sung said that capitalism, through the market, took on the ability to satisfy desire, displacing love as a mechanism to realize desire. Church Leaders Focus on Building Healthy Congregations February 2, 2005, HOUSTON – Faith formation, disciple making and social witness are the foundations of healthy congregations, speakers told United Methodist leaders at a conference on building strong churches. About 1,300 local church and conference leaders from across the United States met Jan. 27-30 to learn more about creating and maintaining healthy congregations. "As conference leaders, we are responsible for helping build healthy local churches that are truly making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world," said the Rev. Karen Greenwaldt, top executive at the United Methodist Board of Discipleship. WSC-AR Endorses 2005 National Days of Interfaith Youth Service, Urges Sikh Students to Participate February 4, 2005 – The World Sikh Council - America Region (WSC-AR) has endorsed the April 9 – 10, 2005 National Days of Interfaith Youth Service being organized by the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) at over 50 college campuses, high schools, and cities across the country. The WSC-AR urges Sikh students across the US to join the site in your city or organize a new project site. "The program planned for just before the annual Vaisaakhi Sikh celebrations this year is an excellent opportunity for Sikh youth across America to dialogue with other young people of faith, and to work collectively with others in reducing the impact of homelessness and hunger in our cities," said Dr. Tarunjit Singh, Secretary General and Chair of Interfaith Committee of WSC-AR. New Resource for Outreach & Evangelism "Outreach & Evangelism: Some Practical Steps" January 31, 2005 – The Department of Outreach & Evangelism of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces the release of a new booklet titled, "Outreach & Evangelism: Some Practical Steps," a guide to outreach and evangelism in the parish. These practical steps are based upon the personal experiences of parish priests and laypeople active in the ministries and administration of the parish, and draw upon the wealth of literature and research dealing with the important issues and aspects of outreach and evangelism in our parishes. This booklet offers ideas for improving our outreach to inactive Orthodox, inquirers, visitors, non-Orthodox spouses, people with disabilities and more. Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Offers a Win-Win Solution, Says the United Church of Canada February 1, 2005, TORONTO – The United Church of Canada congratulated the Canadian government today on introducing legislation that offers a win-win solution in the same-sex marriage debate. "Marriage will be enhanced, not diminished, religious freedom will be protected, not threatened, and Canadian society will be strengthened, not weakened, as a result of this legislation," says the Rev. Dr. Jim Sinclair, General Secretary of the General Council. Canada's largest Protestant denomination, The United Church of Canada, has long supported the civil recognition of same-sex partnerships. In August 2000, the 37th General Council affirmed that human sexual orientations, whether heterosexual or homosexual, are a gift from God and part of the marvellous diversity of creation. Modern Circuit Rider Uses Pickup Truck, Palm Pilot January 31, 2005 – The Rev. Randy Beeler sometimes feels like a throwback to the preacher on horseback with a Bible in his saddlebag. Especially when he jumps into his aging Toyota Tacoma pickup and drives 25 miles or so to preach for an audience of 50 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan, Texas – then gets back in the truck to drive eight miles to preach to 38 worshipers awaiting him at his second church, Alexander United Methodist. Pastors in small, underserved rural communities still minister to more than one congregation, often traveling miles to preach at different churches. Those churches don't garner the same level of attention as their large-membership counterparts in the city, Beeler says. "But the United Methodist presence in these small communities is vital," he says. "I like to tell people to think of Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. It was sort of a backwater place, don't you think?" Theological Forum Points out Challenges to Churches and Religions January 26, 2005, PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil – The question of God, the emergence of fundamentalisms and religious plurality in a globalized world are major challenges to religions, said Lutheran Theologian Vitor Westehell, of the Chicago Theological Faculty during the I World Forum on Theology and Liberation (FMTL). The Catholic Bishop of Jales, Sao Paulo, Demetrio Valentini, noted that current reality emphasizes the importance of theology. He said that theology that has no impact on reality and no social concerns is worthless. The forum took place just before the World Social Forum which will run until January 31. Some 200 theologians from around the world participated. Reconciliation and Forgiveness: Looking Afresh at an Ever-Present Challenge February 2, 2005 – Is reconciliation possible? What does forgiveness mean, and what is needed for it to happen when the offence was a frightful one and the pain seems insurmountable? These and other fundamental questions will be part of the themes treated at the next Conference on World Mission and Evangelism (CWME). It is an incredible story communicating shock and horror. It is a story of extreme trauma and violence. It is a story of rape. A young Taiwanese girl was raped and murdered in one of those gut- churning, inexplicable events that leaves parents and friends in deep trauma, demanding more justice than even the law can provide. Towards an Ethics of Solidarity Religion, Conflict & Peace Discussed at World Social Forum January 31, 2005, PORTO ALEGRA, Brazil – When some two years ago in the West Indian State of Gujarat a train compartment was bombed and 58 people were killed by unknown offenders, local and regional newspapers published the headline "58 people killed by Muslim extremists." As a reaction, more than 2,000 innocent Muslim Indians were chased, raped and killed in a most cruel way in the week after the bombing, Siddharta, leader of Fireflies, an interreligious Ashram in Bangalore, India, recounts. "What is the magma within religion that is capable of such a brutal eruption?" he asks. Siddharta is speaking at a panel discussion on "International ethics, religious conflicts and peace" at the fifth World Social Forum (WSF) here. Consejo Nacional De Iglesias De El Salvador Elige Vocero 1 Feb 2005, SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Monseñor Gregorio Rosa Chávez, obispo auxiliar de San Salvador, es el nuevo vocero del Consejo Nacional de Iglesias de El Salvador (CNI), según lo anunció el presidente de esa institución, el obispo de la Iglesia Episcopal, Martín Barahona. "Entre todas las iglesias hemos coincidido que monseñor Gregorio Rosa puede ser nuestra voz especialmente en temas políticos y sociales," dijo Barahona, quien preside el Consejo integrado por la Iglesia Luterana, Episcopal Anglicana, Cristiana Reformada, entre otras. El Salvador, un país centroamericano de 7 millones de habitantes, tiene una población mayoritaria católica y más de un millón y medio de personas asiste a iglesia protestante-evangélica. Universidad Luterana Sufre Robo Y Funcionario Es Asesinado 31 ene 2004, SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – El brutal asesinato de un miembro de la Iglesia Luterana y el robo de bienes de la Universidad Luterana de El Salvador, conmovió a la sociedad, principalmente porque el método del crimen recuerda los que empleaban los escuadrones de la muerte durante la guerra civil. La Iglesia Episcopal Anglicana de El Salvador expresó su solidaridad con la Iglesia y la Universidad luteranas e instó a sus miembros y a otros sectores sociales a contribuir para resarcirle las consecuencias de un asalto y asesinato de uno de sus funcionarios. Manuel de Jesús Martínez, de 46 años, que se desempeñaba como custodio de la Universidad, fue encontrado pendiendo de la rama de un árbol, con evidentes señales de tortura. Según los informes oficiales los malhechores debieron forcejear con el funcionario antes de cometer el atraco. Condecoran a Periodista Evangélico 31 ene 2005, UITO, Ecudaor – El periodista evangélico ecuatoriano Edwin Chamorro Erazo recibió el Premio Nacional de Periodismo, en la categoría de Periodismo Radial 2004, otorgado por la Unión Nacional de Periodistas del Ecuador por su destacada labor profesional durante el año pasado. Chamorro, graduado en periodismo en la Univesidad Central, es productor del programa radial Foro Latinoamericano, director del equipo de noticias de la Radio Internacional HCJB-La Voz de los Andes, y catedrático del Centro de Comunicaciones Cristianas de la mencionada institución. Obispo Luterano Denuncia Intención Persecutoria En Asesinato Y Robo a La Universidad Luterana 2 Feb 2005, SAN SALVADOR, El Savador – El obispo de la Iglesia Luterana Salvadoreña, Medardo E. Gómez, denunció que en el robo a la Universidad Luterana y asesinato de uno de sus empleados, ocurrido el pasado fin de semana, se observa una intención de perseguir a la iglesia cristiana y de amendrentarla para que no continúe su acción profética. Estamos viviendo tiempos fértiles para la impunidad (en El Salvador) y se aplica fácil el dicho popular que dice: "A río revuelto ganancia de pescadores." Los asesinatos de odio y venganza son disfrazados de robos y asaltos, justificándolos con la violencia general, dice el obispo Gómez en un mensaje difundido el lunes. Denuncian Plan Para Asesinar a Obispo Ramazzini 4 Feb 2005, GUATEMALA – Un plan para asesinar al obispo católico de la diócesis de San Marcos, Alvaro Ramazzini, fue denunciado por la Pastoral de la Tierra de la Iglesia Católica y organizaciones de campesinos y confirmado por la Procuraduría de Derechos Humanos y otros organismos gubernamentales. Aunque no se menciona específicamente a implicados en el plan, un ex miembro de la inteligencia del Estado avaló la denuncia y se afirma que existe una grabación de video en la que una mujer no identificada ofreció 50.000 dólares por asesinar a monseñor Ramazzini, de quien se dijo que se contaba datos sobre su rutina diaria. Arzobispo De La Iglesia De Finlandia Visita El Salvador 29 ene 2005, SAN SALVADOR, El Savador – El arzobispo de la Iglesia de Finlandia, Jukka Paarma, visitó El Salvador, y fue recibido por el presidente de la Asamblea Legislativa, Ciro Cruz Zepeda, y otras autoridades del país, así como por el obispo luterano Medardo Gómez. La Iglesia de Finlandia, como las de los otros países nórdicos tiene carácter nacional y es de confesión luterana. Durante su visita el arzobispo Paarma se reunió también con representantes del Consejo Nacional de Iglesias (CNI), que agrupa a las iglesias evangélicas y protestantes de este país centroamericano. 2005 Faith-based Taco Bell Truth Tour to Demand ‘Fair Food,' Justice for Farmworkers January 28, 2005, LOUISVILLE, Ky. – People of faith are serious about "fair food" and ending exploitation of farm workers. That's the message that faith-based supporters of the consumer boycott of Taco Bell plan to deliver to Taco Bell's parent company, Yum Brands, at a mass rally March 12, 2005, at Yum headquarters in Louisville, Ky. The National Council of Churches USA (NCC) joins with a broad range of organizations in urging people of faith and conscience from around the nation to converge on Louisville for this peaceful rally organized by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, whose members pick tomatoes that go into Taco Bell products. The NCC and five of its member denominations are among religious and secular groups backing the Taco Bell boycott, which the CIW called in 2001. TV Documentary on Debt and Global Campaign on Trade Launched at WSF February 2, 2005 – The launch of an ecumenically-sponsored TV documentary on illegitimate debt and a call to take part in a Global Week of Action on Trade next April were among the highlights of a seminar on "Moving further on illegitimate debt" held during the fifth World Social Forum in Porto Alegre on 30 January 2005. The TV documentary, called "The debt of the dictators," was produced by Norwegian journalist Erling Borgen. He investigated Argentina's, South Africa's, the Philippines' and the DR of Congo's debt burdens in 2004. The documentary was sponsored by the Lutheran World Federation and the World Council of Churches and will be available in English, Spanish, Portugese and French. Pastors Comment on International Transparency Report January 28, 2005, QUITO, Ecuador – Church leaders commented on a recent report from Transparency International, based in Germany, which places Latin America among the most corrupt regions in the world. According to the so-called 2004 Global Corruption Barometer, Latin American politicians are among the worst. The Barometer is based on surveys carried out in 64 countries around the world and polls more than 50,000 people. Those polled are asked about how certain institutions (politicians, legislators, police, among others) are affected by corruption. According to its citizens, Ecuador has the most corrupt politicians in Latin America. On a scale of one to five, with five marking extreme corruption, Ecuador scored 4.9 points, followed by Argentina and Peru with 4.6. Lutherans Join Efforts to Bring Relief in South Asia January 31, 2005 – LCMS members and other Lutherans are giving record-breaking amounts and finding numerous ways to bring relief to the millions affected by the Dec. 26 South Asia earthquake and tsunami. As of Jan. 19, the number of dead or missing in 11 countries whose coastlines felt the gigantic waves neared 300,000, and about 5 million remained homeless. Within the first week after the disaster struck, LCMS President Gerald Kieschnick urged members to consider making donations for tsunami relief. Church Offers Opportunities to Help Children Affected by Tsunami February 1, 2005 – Countless thousands of children were left homeless, orphaned or traumatized after the Dec. 26 tsunami slammed into 12 countries around the Indian Ocean. As the children struggle to survive, they become even more vulnerable. Deciding how to respond to a tragedy of such proportions can be daunting. The United Methodist Committee on Relief has raised more than $6 million as of Jan. 25 for tsunami relief, and since a large percentage of the survivors are children, those funds will provide immediate and long-term help to many of them. Beyond that, the church offers other programs that more specifically minister to children. Immediate Relief, Sustainable Reconstruction: Ecumenical Leaders Reflect on the Tsunami Catastrophe February 3, 2005 – Nearly two months ago, a tremendous earthquake off the coast of Sumatra caused powerful tsunamis to hit coastal stretches of South East Asia and East Africa. The trail of devastation left over 200,000 people dead and more than half a million injured, and emergency relief was provided almost immediately by governments and organizations around the world. Looking back at the weeks just after the tsunami, we can attempt a first assessment of the churches' reactions and the solidarity shown by people and countries not themselves affected. We can also attempt to make recommendations for sustainable reconstruction work from the churches' point of view. February 1, 2005, NEW YORK/BANDA ACEH – "Don't lose sight of the tsunami survivors now" urges the head of international humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS). As some larger humanitarian agencies report they are winding down their focus and fundraising for emergency response phases to last month's tsunami disaster, CWS Executive Director Rev. John L. McCullough says, "The work that spells real disaster recovery is just beginning." McCullough is visiting Indonesia's worst hit Aceh province this week to further shape the agency's regional long-term recovery programs. He warns, "This is the stage when everyone's attention tends to turn to other emergencies. It's the stage," he says, "when governments tend to forget their pledges." Cortes Named by TIME as among Most Influential Evangelicals February 4, 2005, VALLEY FORGE, Pa. – The Rev. Luis Cortes, founder and director of Nueva Esperanza and Esperanza USA in Philadelphia and an American Baptist home missionary commissioned by National Ministries, has been named among the 25 most influential evangelicals in the U.S. by Time magazine in its Feb. 7 issue. Over the past two decades Nueva Esperanza (New Hope) has enabled affordable housing to be built in North Philadelphia, helped hundreds of families to receive first mortgages, provided homebuyer workshops for more than 2,600 people and attracted $40 million in new financing to the neighborhood. Esperanza USA is the only nationwide Hispanic Protestant faith-based organization within the U.S. It received a $2.76-million Department of Labor grant last summer that will make possible job placement and training for Hispanic youth. Another grant of $500,000, which will encourage Hispanic pastors to become proactive in ministries to families impacted by HIV/AIDS, was received in September from World of Hope, a charity founded by Senate Republican leader Bill Frist.
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