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NCC: London Bombing Strengthens Resolve

July 7, 2005 – The London mass transit bombings in London Thursday will not advance the cause of terrorists, the National Council of Churches USA said, and will only strengthen the resolve of those who are attacked. NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar released the following statement Thursday: "The National Council of Churches joins in prayer for those who were injured and offers its sympathy to those who lost loved ones in the mass transit bombings in London today. Such violence reminds us not only of our need to be ever vigilant and to bring the perpetrators to justice; it also reminds us of our need to strenuously pursue peace with justice.

Archbishop of Canterbury's Statement on London Terrorist Attacks

July 7, 2005, LAMBETH PALACE – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has spoken of his horror and grief following the explosions in London this morning. Speaking while on an interfaith visit to West Yorkshire, England, Williams said: "The appalling events in London this morning have shocked us all. So I want first and foremost to extend my personal sympathy and condolences to everyone who is suffering and grieving at this time. "All those caught up in this tragedy – and that includes of course the emergency services whose selfless dedication and commitment is so vital at times like this – all are in my own prayers and in the prayers of a great many people."

Islamic Society of North America Condemns the Terrorist Attacks in London

July 7, 2005, PLAINFIELD, Indiana – We note with deep sadness the unfortunate events of this morning in London, England. We condemn such acts of mindless violence that violate the standards of Islam, as well as, of all faiths. It is regrettable to note that a short-lived website has allegedly claimed responsibility for this reprehensible act and that website purported to link itself with a so-called Muslim group. Such a situation does not bode well for Britain's Muslims who maintain positive relations with their government and are active participants in British public life. Irrespective of the sociopolitical implications, this act violates the Islamic principles of the sanctity of life and the safety and security of innocent civilians. The British Chief Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks has aptly stated: "It is not the weapon of the weak against the strong but the rage of the angry against the defenseless and innocent. It is an evil means to an evil end."

Moderator Urges Peacemakers to Face Fears, Trust Each Other, ‘Go for It'

July 7, 2005, ABIQUIU, NM – Using examples drawn from his experiences on the high ropes course at Ghost Ranch, Rick Ufford-Chase said risk-taking demands that we act as a community and trust each other, that we be bold, practice, take small steps (when necessary) and be open to failure. And it's fun, he added, when done for the right reasons. In a speech on the final morning of the 25th anniversary Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference, Ufford-Chase, moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly, noted the rainy, breezy weather, which had participants scurrying for cover under the big meeting tent. "Those of us who live in the desert know that rain is a sign of God's blessing," said Ufford-Chase, who lives in Tucson, AZ. "It's not an accident that it is raining this morning."

World Church Leaders Decry London Bomb Attacks
WCC Chief Says No Grievance Can Justify Targeting Civilians, ‘Killing Innocent People'

July 7, 2005, GENEVA – World church leaders expressed horror and condemnation after a series of bomb blasts in London on July 7 killed more than 33 people and left hundreds of others seriously injured. The church spokesmen pleaded for a strengthening of the values terrorists would like to destroy, and said extremists must not be allowed to create divisions between communities. The Rev. Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches, said: "Peace is the only way to achieve justice for all. When, as it seems on this occasion, violence is deliberately targeting civilians and willing to create terror in the population, it could be described as a crime against humanity. There is nothing that can justify the killing of innocent people anywhere." In a message to the churches and people of Britain, Kobia added: "This kind of event is a call to all of us, churches, other religious organizations and the whole of humanity, to strengthen our commitment to building a just and peaceful world where all human beings may feel secure and safe in their homes, in their cities and communities."

General News

Biennial Events Lift up Missional Churches, Reconciliation

July 5, 2005, VALLEY FORGE, Pa. – At the "Cast Your Net Breakfast," sponsored by National Ministries and held during the American Baptist Churches USA Biennial Meeting July 2 in Denver, Colo., the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey A. Johnson, National Ministries' national coordinator of evangelism, compared "maintenance churches" that do evangelism to save themselves with "missional churches" that do evangelism to save others. Churches with this maintenance mentality just think of "getting by," said Johnson, but churches with a missional focus know that truly following God's lead means "thriving, not just surviving." Johnson added: "When a church exists to take care of itself, it becomes a fortress; missional churches, on the other hand, acknowledge they are a force or an agent of change empowered by the Holy Spirit to make a difference in people's lives."

Biennial Delegates Affirm ‘Discipling Communities' Statement

July 5, 2005, VALLEY FORGE, Pa. – A Statement of Concern on "Becoming Discipling Communities" was affirmed by delegates July 3, the closing day of the 2005 Biennial Meeting of American Baptist Churches USA in Denver, Colo.

Biblical Witness Fellowship Calls for John Thomas' Resignation

July 3, 2005 – The Rev. John H. Thomas' stated position affirming same-gender marriage equality has led the UCC's Biblical Witness Fellowship to call for Thomas to resign his post as the UCC's general minister and president. "Given President John Thomas decision to reject the foundational covenant of marriage as instituted by Almighty God, the covenant from which all other human covenants derive, and which is the very image of the relationship between the church and Jesus Christ, we call on him to resign from his position with the United Church of Christ," says an unsigned statement on BWF's Synod-specific webpage.

Committee Recommendation Lifts up Christ as UCC's Lord and Sovereign

July 4, 2005 – A consolidated proposal that would reaffirm both Jesus Christ as Lord and Sovereign and urge continued use of the UCC's tradition cross and crown logo will be the recommendation of a Synod committee. It suggests that two previously separate resolutions be combined into one Synod statement. The statement was adopted by the Synod on July 4. The Rev. Brent Becker of St. Paul UCC of Cibolo, Texas, was author of the original "Jesus is Lord" resolution. "I just wanted to make it specific and explicit, to have people say, ‘I do accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior.' What's the problem to reaffirm this? What's the harm?" he asked. "It's neither a conservative nor a liberal issue. Surely this is one thing we can all agree on."

2007 Gathering Leaders Unveil Event's Logo, Plans for Web Site

July 6, 2005 – The Web site for the 2007 National LCMS Youth Gathering went live July 1, as planners unveiled the logo for the event set for July 28-Aug. 1 in New Orleans. "Over the next two years, the Web site rolls out in four waves, each with more features and content for users," said Gretchen Jameson, associate director for LCMS District and Congregational Services – Youth Ministry, which sponsors the Gathering every three years.

God Is Still Speaking, and the UCC Is Celebrating

July 2, 2005 – "God is still speaking," proclaimed Ron Buford. "Your willingness to take hold of a new idea and brand new ways are making a difference across the country." Buford, coordinator of the UCC's national advertising campaign, spoke to delegates at the denomination's 25th General Synod, meeting this weekend in Atlanta. His message was one of congratulations and anticipation. The church is embarking on a campaign to raise additional funds to continue the advertisements during the upcoming Advent season. "This is no ordinary time," he said. "We need your help in carrying this torch."

UCC New Churches Are Welcoming ‘All the People!'

July 5, 2005 – Representatives from about 100 newly-planted or recently-welcomed congregations danced and sang their way onto the plenary floor at the 25th General Synod on Monday morning during a celebration of UCC growth and vitality. Holding up glossy red and black "God is Still Speaking" signs with the names of each of the new churches, they paraded around the tables where delegates waved red and black pom-poms and made their way to the stage. One after another, they approached the podium to say, "All the people" in English, Spanish, Samoan, Tagalog and languages native to new congregations such as Vaiola Samoan Congregational UCC in Fremont, Calif.; Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico, Playa Salinas UCC in Salinas, Puerto Rico, and Maranatha Indonesian Fellowship UCC in Madbury, N.H.

Ecumenical News

LWF General Secretary Expresses Shock over Terrorist Attacks in London
Conveys Condolences to Archbishop of Canterbury

July 8, 2005, GENEVA – The General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, has conveyed condolences to Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev. Dr Rowan Williams, expressing deep shock over the July 7 terrorist attacks in London. Referring to the many innocent victims affected by the violence, Dr Noko writes: "The prayers of the worldwide Lutheran Communion are with the citizens of London and the United Kingdom. In our thoughts and prayers we remember those who have lost their loved ones and those who have been injured and traumatized by these events." Dr Noko assures the archbishop that the LWF "in our ecumenical and inter-faith efforts" will continue to work for peace, reconciliation and justice across ethnic, ideological and religious boundaries.

New Sudan Council of Churches to London

June 8, 2005 – The following message of condolence was dispatched today by the New Sudan Council of Churches to families of London bombing victims and the UK based ecumenical organization: It was with deep shock and dismay that we learnt of the malignant designs of terrorists resulting in wanton killings and injuries to innocent hundreds in London yesterday. The London bombings came at a time when Londoners were still celebrating the rare selection of their city for Olympic games and when Britain was hosting the G8 meeting with Africa's poverty high on their agenda. It has been the position of some school of thought that poverty is a fodder for terrorism.

Spanish News

Líder Bautista Es Nombrado Procurador Para Participación Ciudadana

6 julio 2005, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Sixto Ulloa, líder de la Iglesia Bautista y ex-diputado durante el gobierno sandinista, fue nombrado el martes procurador para la Participación Ciudadana. Con él fueron designadas como procuradoras especiales Rosa Salgado, para el sistema penal y María Auxiliadora Urbina para la defensa de los discapacitados. Omar Cabezas, procurador general para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos (PPDH) sostuvo que el funcionamiento de las nuevas procuradurías requerirá por lo menos de una partida de 500 mil dólares, al tiempo que acusó al gobierno de Nicaragua de mostrar un evidente desinterés por el tema de los derechos humanos.

Es Racista Afirmar Que Protestantismo Crece Entre Indígenas Por Misioneros Extranjeros

8 julio 2005, MEXICO – La afirmación que explica el crecimiento del protestantismo entre los indígenas mexicanos por la influencia de misioneros extranjeros es "racista y profundamente discriminadora," sostiene el sociólogo de la Religión, Carlos Martínez. "La teoría de la manipulación (de los misioneros extranjeros) es una explicación racista y discriminadora, porque niega a los indios la mayoría de edad y capacidad para decidir por sí mismos sus nuevos referentes de identidad," afirma Martínez, en un artículo publicado el miércoles en el diario La Jornada.

Iglesias Y Organizaciones Cristianas Reaccionan Con Estupor
Y Repudio Por Atentados En Londres

7 junio 2005, GINEBRA/VATICANO/LONDRES – Estupor y repudio es la reacción de las iglesias y organizaciones cristianas de diversas partes del mundo frente a los atentados terroristas ocurridos este jueves en la ciudad de Londres con un saldo de 37 muertes, 45 heridos graves y 700 lesionados. El papa Benedicto XVI, máximo representante de la Iglesia Católica mundial, deploró el ataque al que calificó de "barbarie contra la humanidad" en un telegrama enviado al cardenal Cormac Murphy-O'Connor, el líder católico de Inglaterra y Gales.

Religious/Civil Liberty News

UCC Supports Religious Practices for Native Hawaiians

July 5, 2005 – Delegates to the United Church of Christ's General Synod today lent their support to Native Hawaiians to practice their traditions and religion. Specifically, the resolution passed this evening (July 5) raised concerns about the ability of native Hawaiian prisoners to practice their religion when housed in mainland prison facilities. More than 800 prisoners from the state of Hawaii are housed at the Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga, Okla., operated by the private Corrections Corporation of America. According to estimates, up to 2,500 native Hawaiians are held in mainland correctional facilities in Oklahoma, Arizona, Mississippi and Colorado. "The free exercise of religion for Native Hawaiian prisoners has been prohibited, hindered or occasionally allowed in a hostile environment," the resolution states.

International News

International Ministries Advances in Mission

June 30, 2005, DENVER, Colo. – The board of directors of International Ministries (IM) made new commitments to mission partnership and missionary sending at its meeting here this week. In recent years, IM staff have been developing a mission partnership with leaders of the Baptist Convention of Zambia and with American Baptists who have become directly involved in the life and work of Zambian Baptists. The American Baptist Churches of the South (ABCOTS), under the leadership of Dr. Walter Parrish II, has played a vital role in the development of this partnership, and has established its own Sister Convention relationship with the Zambian convention.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's Address at St. Paul's Cathedral

July 8, 2005 – On the eve of the G8 meeting, UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, addressed more than 2500 people yesterday evening at St Paul's Cathedral in London. The event, which included presentations by the Rt Revd Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, and the Rt Hon Gordon Brown, Chancellor of the Exchequer, was entitled Global Poverty: A Challenge to the G8. More than a thousand people were turned away from the Cathedral due to space limitations and health and safety concerns.

Religious Leaders, Including ELCA Bishop, Hope to Influence G8

July 7, 2005, CHICAGO (ELCA) – The G8 Summit, underway this week in Scotland, "is a challenge to the world's leaders to take decisive action on behalf of those living in extreme poverty," according to a statement from a forum in London attended by more than 35 religious leaders from throughout the world the last week of June. Among them was the Rev. Peter Rogness, bishop of the Saint Paul (Minn.) Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Rogness attended "The London Forum" at Lambeth Palace representing the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, ELCA presiding bishop. The Rev. David M. Beckmann, an ELCA pastor and president of the Bread for the World, Washington, D.C., was also in the U.S. delegation. The forum was hosted by the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, archbishop of Canterbury, and co-chaired by the Rev. Jim Wallis, director of Sojourners and Convener of Call to Renewal, Washington, D.C., and the Rev. David Goodbourn, general secretary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.

Presiding Bishop's Statement on Attacks in London

July 8, 2005 – The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, USA, spoke from Armenia where he is in the midst of a visit to the Armenian Apostolic Church. My prayers and those of the Episcopal Church in the United States embrace all who have died and have been injured in yesterday's attacks in London. We pray as well for their families and friends. Through this tragedy we are put in mind once again of our common vulnerability. In order to win the "war on terrorism" we must address its underlying causes and win peace in the Middle East. The three Abrahamic faiths are called to be the servants of God's peace which embraces all people and alone can overcome the fears and hatreds that divide us and prevent us from regarding one another as God's beloved children.

UCC Says Violence and Human Rights Violations in the Philippines must End

July 5, 2005 – The United Church of Christ's General Synod voted on Tuesday, July 5, to call for "full, and impartial investigations" into to growing incidence of violence and human rights violations in the Philippines. In addition to violence against civilians, more than 60 journalists were killed between April 1986 and December 2004, according to Amnesty International. Six church workers were murdered or assassinated in March and April of this year, and on May 12, 2005, the Rev. Edison Lapuza leader of the United Church of the Philippines was killed.

Middle East News

UCC Middle East-related Committee Rejects Divestment but Presses Broad Strategies

July 4, 2005 – After extended conversations with a prominent American Jewish leader and a noted human rights lawyer from Palestine, a Synod committee last night rejected several grass roots proposals that UCC agencies divest themselves from investments in companies that supply Israel with bulldozers and military equipment. Instead the committee will recommend that General Synod adopt broader strategies of economic and other engagement to work for peace in the Middle East.General Synod will be asked on Tuesday to approve a wide-ranging resolution that calls for an even-handed allocation of foreign aid "that does not favor one state or one people over another."

Seeking a Just Peace in the Middle East, UCC Synod Adopts Economic Leverage Resolution

July 5, 2005 – The UCC's General Synod voted overwhelmingly Tuesday morning to use multiple nonviolent strategies, including economic leverage, to promote peace in the Middle East. As finally adopted by delegates from the UCC's 39 Conferences, the resolution calls for continued conversations with Jews, Muslims and other Christians in efforts to achieve peace in Israel and the emerging state of Palestine. Curtis Rueter of Westminster, Colo., chair of the denomination's Wider Church Ministries board, explained that the resolution "does not target Israel but affirms the Synod's continual opposition to all violence." The action specifically reaffirms the UCC's commitment to Israel's "safe and secure existence within internationally-recognized borders" and neighboring "an independent Palestinian state."

People in the News

Seventh-day Adventists Elect First Woman VP

July 7, 2005, NEW YORK – The Seventh-day Adventist Church has elected a woman to serve as a vice president of the 14 million-member denomination. Ella Simmons, a 57-year-old African-American educator, will be the Adventists' first female VP. She was elected on July 3 by delegates to the church's 58th world convention in St. Louis. Denomination leaders said the choice of Simmons for the post was "an attempt by the world church to make (its) leadership more inclusive."

Women of the ELCA Elect New President

July 8, 2005, SAN ANTONIO – Carmen K. Richards, Hope, N.D., was elected the new president of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at a July 7 business session at the organizationís Sixth Triennial Convention. Women of the ELCA's Gathering is meeting here July 5-10 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The organization's three-year theme, "Act Boldly," is being unveiled at the convention amid Bible study, keynote presentations, workshops, community service, business sessions and elections. More than 2,100 women from across the United States and around the world are participating.