Front Page

Danforth Holds Mirror to Religious-Political Right, Left

October 14, 2005, WASHINGTON – While underscoring the importance of keeping the Episcopal Church an "inclusive" body of believers, former Sen. John Danforth on Thursday cautioned National Cathedral conference-goers against becoming a "mirror image" of the Religious Right. Danforth, an ordained minister, a former United Nations ambassador and a Republican, spoke at the opening plenary session of the "Values, Vision and the Via Media" conference, a three-day event designed to explore how moderate and progressive people of faith can make their voices heard in a national values debate that many believe has been usurped by conservative Christian groups. "While the real problem has come from the Religious Right… it's not impossible that the Religious Left becomes the mirror image of the Religious Right," said Danforth, who addressed an audience of about 150 in the cathedral Nave. "It's possible that people on the left can become as equally sure of themselves as people on the right."

Church World Service in Pakistan Providing Medical Assistance
to 100,000 of Most Vulnerable Quake Survivors –
"Will Be Remembered as the Earthquake That Killed the Children"

October 12, 2005, ISLAMABAD – In Pakistan, Church World Service reports that its emergency aid teams and other rescue groups are continuing to make inroads as many as 40,000 may have died and nearly five million are homeless following Saturday's South Asia earthquake. "But this is going to be remembered as the earthquake that killed the children," Church World Service Pakistan-Afghanistan Director Marvin Parvez said today from Islamabad. CWS will provide medical assistance to 100,000 people impacted by the quake – half in Azad Kashmir and half in the Northwest Frontier Province – through two health centers. From Pakistan, Parvez said the health centers are now being organized and will provide immunization and first aid. Parvez said today "We received beautiful news of four children being rescued from a school," but with occasional good news about rescued survivors, reports from the scene have otherwise been extremely bleak.

52 ELCA Synod Bishops Urge Congress to Stop Budget Reconciliation

October 12, 2005, CHICAGO – Saying they are "religious leaders seeking justice for millions of vulnerable and dispossessed people in our nation," 52 bishops representing synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) wrote to the U.S. Congress urging members to oppose attempts to move forward on budget reconciliation measures Congress is considering. Copies of the letter were delivered Oct. 12 to members of Congress. The bishops said they represent diverse regions but speak with one voice about the "fundamental responsibility of the government, as an expression of the will of the people, to protect the least of its citizens and provide for the poorest in our society."

Churches Respond to Disasters Around the World

Organizations accepting donations for Disaster Relief Efforts – Click for list

American Baptists Respond to Asian Earthquake Victims

October 11, 2005, VALLEY FORGE, Pa. – Lisa Rothenberger, American Baptist Churches USA World Relief officer, reported today that her office already has begun to support relief efforts in the wake of Saturday's devastating earthquake in Pakistan. "It has been amazing to see how quickly our friends at Hungarian Baptist Aid have been able to mobilize their rescue team," said Rothenberger. "They are the lead team in the global response of the Baptist World Alliance. Our partnership with Hungarian Baptists and our membership in the Baptist World Alliance have made it possible for American Baptists to contribute to the disaster relief effort within hours of getting the news about this disaster."

Asian Earthquake Prompts Prayers and Pledges

October 10, 2005 – Church leaders and relief agencies are responding immediately to the devastating October 8 earthquake which measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, killing an estimated 30,000 people and leaving thousands more injured and more than a million homeless in India and Pakistan. The earthquake is reportedly the worst to hit Kashmir for more than 100 years. "On behalf of the Episcopal Church, I have written to our Anglican brothers and sisters in Pakistan and North India letting them know they are in our prayers," Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold said. "Yet again we are reminded that those with the least suffer the most during natural disasters."

LCMS World Relief Accepting Donations for Earthquake Relief

October 12, 2005 – LCMS World Relief/Human Care is accepting donations for emergency relief for the millions affected by the Oct. 8 South Asia earthquake that killed an estimated 30,000 people in Pakistan and 1,400 in India, with fewer deaths also reported in Afghanistan. As many as 2.5 million people reportedly lost their homes and need emergency help from the quake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale. LCMS World Relief/Human Care is currently working through its inter-Lutheran partner, Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, to respond to the needs of survivors. Through Action by Churches Together (ACT), LWR is initially providing emergency food packages to at least 1,600 families in the hard-hit areas of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province.

Hurricane Relief Strategy Outlined as Executive Council Meeting Opens

October 8, 2005 – The Episcopal Church is committed to accompanying the people of the Gulf Coast over the coming years as they recover from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. That was the message Church Center staff members involved in the relief efforts told the Executive Council as it began its fall meeting in Las Vegas October 7. "That's really the operative word today: long term," said Robert Radtke, president of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD). The staff members reported on the church's efforts up until now. They also explained the goals of "We Will Stand With You," the new name for an effort that began immediately after Hurricane Katrina to assess the needs of those hit by the storms and to coordinate ways of meeting those needs.

Flooding Devastates Central American Communities, ERD Responds

October 10, 2005 – A week of heavy rains and massive flooding caused by Hurricane Stan has devastated communities throughout Central America including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The storm has also affected parts of southern Mexico. Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more are missing and displaced around the region. Torrential rains also have triggered deadly mudslides in El Salvador and Guatemala. In Guatemala, more than 500 people have been killed. Several communities have been buried completely by landslides. More than 70 people have been killed and an estimated 65,000 people are homeless in El Salvador.

ERD Providing Emergency Relief to Pakistan, India and Central America.

October 14, 2005 – In northern Pakistan and India, the deadly 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck on October 8 killed more than 35,000 people. ERD – (Episcopal Relief and Development Fund) is partnering with the Dioceses of Peshawar and Lahore in the Church of Pakistan to provide immediate assistance in affected communities. Nearly 300 families in Azad Kashmir will receive food and shelter through ERD's assistance to the Diocese of Lahore. In the Diocese of Peshawar, ERD's funds will support the cost of five truckloads of supplies including items such as food, bedding, basic medicines, shelter materials, and clothing to be delivered to earthquake victims near Balakot and other affected areas.

Publishing House to Provide Support to Hurricane Victims

October 11, 2005, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Some of the most heartbreaking pictures of destruction confronting United Methodist churches after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are water-soaked and ruined Bibles, United Methodist hymnals and other worship resources. The board of the United Methodist Publishing House, meeting in Nashville Oct. 3-5, voted unanimously to spend up to $500,000 to restore those lost resources. "We will work hand in hand with the bishops and cabinets of those annual conferences most affected to plan for efficient and timely help for as long as it takes," said Neil M. Alexander, president and publisher. "Our aim is to support their work of rebuilding vital centers of worship, Christian formation, evangelism and mission."

Church World Service Expedites Blankets, Kits to Central America

October 15, 2005 NEW YORK – Church World Service is responding to the emergencies experienced in recent weeks in the Central American nations of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua with shipments of blankets; CWS "Gift of the Heart" Baby, School and Health Kits; sewing kits; and medical supplies. Hundreds were killed as a result of flooding and mudslides from Hurricane Stan, which has also affected parts of southern Mexico; in addition an earthquake resulted in damage in El Salvador and Guatemala. El Salvador is also facing the after-effects of a major volcanic eruption. Finally, the northeast coastal areas of Nicaragua have been affected by a food crisis brought on by a plague of rats. Rain from Hurricane Stan has lashed the region since October 1.

ELCA Responds to Two World Disasters

October 12, 2005, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) allocated an initial $100,000 to assist relief efforts in the aftermath of an Oct. 8 earthquake in Pakistan and another $50,000 toward responses to flooding and mudslides in the wake of Hurricane Stan in Central America, according to Lita Brusick Johnson, associate executive director, ELCA Global Mission. ELCA International Disaster Response sent the funds to Church World Service (CWS), which has had relief and development operations in Pakistan for more than 25 years, and to Action by Churches Together (ACT) International, which is working through Christian aid organizations across Central America. CWS is the relief, development and refugee assistance ministry of 36 U.S. Protestant and Orthodox churches, including the ELCA. It works in partnership with indigenous organizations in more than 80 countries to meet human needs and foster self-reliance.

General News

Black Congregational Development Conference Set for November 13-18 at Kanuga

October 11, 2005 – Clergy and laity interested in models and resources for Black congregational development in the Episcopal Church will gather November 13-18 at Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, North Carolina, for Transformation & Renewal IV. Meeting under the theme "Behold a New Thing – Challenges and Opportunities," the conference will hold a variety of workshops, lectures, daily Bible study, networking opportunities, and a chance for relaxation and reflection. Co-sponsored by Kanuga, the Episcopal Church's Office of Black Ministries and the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), Transformation & Renewal IV aims to inspire, encourage and transform clergy and lay people to "embrace a vision, stay on mission and be assured that God is in the midst of it all."

Lutheran Pastor Addresses International Radio Audience

October 13, 2005, CHICAGO – The Rev. Debra Samuelson, a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will speak Oct. 16 on the "Day 1" radio program. Day 1 is broadcast across the United States and on radio stations in Canada, Nepal, Nigeria and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Samuelson is the pastor for evangelism at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Atlanta. Her talk on Day 1, "The Problem of Box Elder Trees," is based on Isaiah 25 in the Christian Old Testament. Day 1 programs include a sermon and brief interviews. A television version of Day 1 is also broadcast on the Hallmark Channel's "America at Worship" on Sunday mornings. Formerly known as "The Protestant Hour," Day 1 has been broadcast every week for 60 years. It has won numerous awards in the process, including the George Foster Peabody Award.

Judicial Council Will Hear Oral Arguments on Three Cases

October 13, 2005 – The United Methodist Judicial Council will conduct oral hearings on three of its docket items Oct. 27 during its session in Houston, including the case of a pastor who has admitted she is a practicing homosexual and the case of a Virginia minister who refused church membership to a gay person. The council's rules of procedure allow parties involved in items under review to request the opportunity to present oral arguments. The nine-member court has 14 items on the docket for its regular fall meeting, which will be Oct. 26-29.

God's Grace – a New Beginning in the Midst of the Scars of History

October 14, 2005 – The rebuilding of a church destroyed by human hatred and ideology can be a sign of God's transformative grace, says bishop Margot Kaessmann in the following article, reflecting on the theme of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches: God, in your grace, transform the world. On Reformation day, 30 October, 2005, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady) in Dresden will be officially re-opened. For me as for many Germans, this is a sign of the grace of God. Built between 1726-1743, the church was a monument of Lutheran Baroque. As Germany's largest Protestant church, it was a landmark in the city that is called the "Florence on the river Elbe." Less than three months before the end of the second world war, on the night of February 13, 1945, Dresden was destroyed by the bombs of the British Royal Air Force. An enormous fire-storm demolished almost the entire city; even the river afforded no safety. More than 40.000 people, many women, children, wounded people and refugees, died.

Native Americans Seek Audience with Council of Bishops

October 10, 2005, ARLINGTON, Va. – As the National Museum of the American Indian celebrated its first anniversary, Native American United Methodists met in the area to discuss promoting the native presence in the denomination. Directors of the United Methodist Church's Native American Comprehensive Plan toured the museum during their Sept. 23-24 meeting in Arlington. While the museum speaks of the presence and contributions of Native Americans to the world, the plan speaks to their presence and contributions to the United Methodist Church, said Ann A. Saunkeah, the plan's executive director in Tulsa, Okla. Concerned about the lack of understanding across the church about the progress and challenges in Native American ministry, directors of the plan's guiding task force decided to seek an audience with the United Methodist Council of Bishops in 2006 to present a "State of Native Americans Ministries" address.

Church Publishing Acquires Morehouse, Living the Good News

October 11, 2005 – Two distinguished names in Episcopal publishing – Morehouse Publishing and Living the Good News – have become part of Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) in an effort to better serve the Episcopal Church, announced the Rt. Rev. Hays Rockwell, chair of CPI's Board of Directors. "The combination of these three strong companies allows us to provide integrated and expanded program resources, church supplies, educational materials, and books to the Church and its people," Rockwell said. The new combined entity will continue the operation of Morehouse Publishing, Living the Good News, and Church Publishing in their current locations.

Archbishop of Canterbury: Sermon at Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheim

Sunday 9th October 2005 – When God tells Adam in the first chapter of Genesis that he is to subdue and have dominion over the earth, many would say that this is the beginning of a tragic and disgraceful story – the story of how human beings ravaged and exploited the earth for their own purposes, exhausting its resources and ruining it for future generations. Those who are now most deeply concerned about our environment often accuse the Jewish-Christian tradition of being responsible for a history of greed and abuse directed at the natural world. If we are at last to take our proper responsibility for the earth, we must leave behind this particular religious legacy and find another way of understanding our place on the earth, a way that is more sensitive to the sacredness of our environment.

Reconciliation Perspectives, Workbook Offered by Seminary Dean
Charleston Calls Anglicans to Create ‘Fear-free Zone in a Broken World'

October 13, 2005 – The Gospel is, at its essence, a message and promise of reconciliation, Bishop Steven Charleston told a gathering October 4 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chatham, New Jersey. "This is not rocket science," Charleston said. "This is Gospel science, bringing people together to love each other." After General Convention 2003, Charleston, the dean and president of Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and former bishop of Alaska, wrote "Good News: A Congregational Resource for Reconciliation." The workbook, he said, is part of an "active effort to bring Episcopalians together."

Women's Division to Take New Approach to Finances

October 11, 2005, STAMFORD, Conn. – A long-term decline in funding, impacted by inflation, will mean a new approach to finances for the Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries. Various aspects of the current financial picture were discussed as directors met Oct. 7-10 for the division's annual meeting. The Women's Division is the administrative arm of United Methodist Women. Jan Love, the division's chief executive, told United Methodist News Service that while undesignated giving has varied in the past decade, the real problem is that giving patterns have not kept pace with inflation.

Ecumenical News

WCC Moderator and General Secretary to Address Ecumenical Challenges at Us Symposium

October 12, 2005 – "Challenges facing the ecumenical movement in the 21st Century" is the theme of a symposium to be held on 22 October at the Interchurch Center in New York. Planned in honour of Catholicos Aram I, head of the Armenian Apostolic Church (See of Cilicia) and moderator of the World Council of Churches' (WCC) central committee, who will be visiting the United States in late October, the symposium will feature WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia as keynote speaker; Aram I will offer closing reflections.

Methodist, Episcopal Bishops Hold First-ever Dialogue

October 14, 2005 – An historic meeting of United Methodist and Episcopal bishops — the first between the two groups — convened in Evanston, Illinois, October 3-5. Both churches selected a group of 10-15 bishops, representing a cross-section of each communion. The purpose of the meeting was to get the two churches talking about areas of common mission and common concern. Bishop Ann Sherer, president of the United Methodist General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concern, spoke of her "deep appreciation for the opportunity to build relationships with Episcopal colleagues" and that she "looked forward to deepening this relationship."

Eames Issues Warning on Future of World Anglicanism

October 12, 2005 – The Most Rev. Dr. Robin Eames, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, delivered the 2005 Pitt Lecture at the Berkeley Divinity School at Yale October 12, issuing a warning on the future of World Anglicanism. Eames was also awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree in a ceremony at the College. The full text of Eames' lecture follows: Where now for World Anglicanism? I regard it as a singular honour to have been invited to deliver the Pitt Lecture for 2005 and to receive an honorary degree from an institution which has contributed so much to the theological development and understanding of God's world. I thank you for this honour and crave your indulgence as I reflect on the future of that part of the Body of Christ to which we belong, the Anglican Communion.

Spanish News

Iglesias Evangélicas Incrementan Ayuda a Miles De Víctimas De Inundaciones

12 octubre 2005, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA, Guatemala – Las iglesias evangélicas redoblaron su ayuda a la población de este país centroamericano afectado por el paso devastador del huracán Stan que ya cobró miles de víctimas y pidieron a la comunidad internacional apoyo para atender al pueblo que sufre por la falta de alimentos y por las epidemias. Los líderes de las iglesias lanzaron desde esta capital un dramático pedido de ayuda a sus integrantes y a la población en general a colaborar con las personas que están sufriendo los efectos de las incesantes lluvias que provocaron inundaciones y deslaves.

Iglesias Evangélicas Denuncian Decreto Que Exime Del Impuesto Inmobiliario a La Iglesia Católica

14 octubre 2005, MADRID, España – La libertad religiosa en su estado de bendita normalidad, esto es, la no injerencia de la religión en el territorio de la sacrosanta laicidad de los Estados, dista de ser una realidad plenamente conquistada en la Vieja Europa. La aprobación por el Senado italiano el pasado 5 de octubre del Decreto de Infraestructuras está siendo el detonante de un aluvión de críticas al "decretazo" pro-católico en un país teóricamente laico. El artículo sexto exime del pago del impuesto de bienes inmuebles (ICI por sus siglas en italiano: "‘imposta comunale sugli immobili") a la Iglesia Católica, con independencia de que los inmuebles sean destinados al culto o a cualquier otra actividad, incluida la comercial.

Organizaciones Evangélicas Hacen Colecta Para Damnificados De Huracán Stan

13 octubre 2005, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – La Universidad Evangélica Nicaragüense (UENIC) y la iglesia luterana Fe y Esperanza, de Managua, iniciaron el lunes una jornada de solidaridad con las victimas de las inundaciones y derrumbes causados por el huracán Stan que ya deja un saldo trágico de cerca de 2 mil muertos, miles de damnificados y millonarias pérdidas materiales en Centroamérica. La colecta solidaria será en primer lugar para los damnificados del occidente de esta ciudad que perdieron viviendas y cosechas por las fuertes lluvias con un saldo de 12 muertos, incluyendo a los seis ecuatorianos aparecidos en las costas de la provincia de Chinandega a 170 kilómetros al occidente de la Capital.

Confraternidad Evangélica Pide Al Presidente Fox Que Intervenga En San Nicolás

14 octubre 2005, MÉXICO – La Confraternidad Evangélica Latinoamericana (CONELA) pidió al presidente Vicente Fox que intervenga de inmediato en el poblado de San Nicolás, donde evangélicos fueron amenazados por la mayoría católica de ser linchados si no abandonan la localidad en 30 días. La organización latinoamericana dice en una carta dirigida a Fox que resulta increíble que en el siglo XXI ocurran hechos de intolerancia religiosa como el caso de San Nicolás, en Ixmiquilpan, México. Es increíble, afirma CONELA, que creyentes católicos continúen con actos de persecución primitivos y violen los derechos básicos de todos los ciudadanos mexicanos, defendidos y protegidos por la Constitución.

La Gracia De Dios – Un Nuevo Comienzo En Medio De Las Cicatrices De La Historia

14 octubre 2005, La reconstrucción de una iglesia destruida por el odio y la ideología humanas puede ser un signo de la gracia transformadora de Dios, dice la obispo Margot Kaessmann en el siguiente artículo, al reflexionar sobre el tema de la IX Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias: Dios, en tu gracia, transforma el mundo. El próximo 31 de octubre, día de la Reforma, será oficialmente reabierta la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora (Frauenkirche) de Dresde. Para mí, como para muchos alemanes, este evento es un signo de la gracia de Dios. Construida entre 1726 y 1743, la iglesia era un monumento del barroco luterano.

Nuevo Fenómeno Meteorológico Causaría Inestabilidad Climática Advierten Expertos

13 octubre 2005, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Científicos cubanos que participaron en un encuentro regional para estudiar el impacto de la sequía, advirtieron la existencia de un nuevo fenómeno meteorológico que se forma en el golfo de México y estaría causando inestabilidad climática en la región del Caribe. Esto indicaría que el origen de la sequía no sería el Fenómeno de El Niño sino un nuevo factor climático que provocaría la circulación de altas temperaturas y que actualmente viene siendo estudiado muy de cerca por Cuba, dijo Luis Cantero, un investigador cubano que participó en la reunión celebrada del 4 al 8 de octubre en esta ciudad.

Fiesta Anti Halloween Alista Movimiento Cristiano Parábola Ministerios

13 octubre 2005, LIMA, Peru – La fiesta del Halloween que se celebra a fines de octubre desde hace un par de décadas en algunas ciudades del país, mereció las críticas del movimiento cristiano Parábola Ministerios que la calificó de "nefasta influencia" entre los niños peruanos. Somos muchísimos los que estamos en contra de que a los niños se les disfrace de muerte u horror, sostuvo César Carazas, presidente de Parábola Ministerios,. Advirtió que su misión es "hacer todo lo necesario para que el evangelio sea una verdadera influencia en la sociedad."

"Marcha Para Jesús" Moviliza a Miles De Evangélicos

13 octubre 2005, CARACAS, Venezuela – Una manifestación de creyentes evangélicos donde se pidió perdón por todos los pecados de la nación, y se clamó por la bendición y misericordia de Dios para el país, fue la Marcha para Jesús que se realizó el miércoles 12 de octubre en Caracas y en 14 otras ciudades venezolanas. La marcha de Caracas que contó con una asistencia estimada en 80 mil personas, cruzó la ciudad desde sus cuatro puntos cardinales y desembocó en una concentración central en la amplia Avenida Libertador bajo el lema "Bendiciendo a Venezuela."

National News

Prayer Vigil Group Seeks Meeting with Bush

October 14, 2005 – Calling for a... "global poverty public education initiative" and asking president Bush for a chance to discuss ... "your plans for providing leadership toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals" an unusual coalition of Christian organizations – many of them evangelical – and representatives from other major religions asked for an early meeting with senior White House staff. The letter to president Bush, signed by representatives of 14 organizations, including World Vision, Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation, National Association of Evangelicals, and the Islamic Cultural Center of New York, noted that they ."..were encouraged to hear your unambiguous support for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) during your speech at the recent United Nations World Summit..."

Presiding Bishop Thanks Senator John Mccain in Letter for Senate Action Regarding Guantanamo Detainees – Griswold Urges ‘Conferees' to Preserve Standards under Veto Threat

October 12, 2005 – Responding to Senate action last week, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold sent a letter to Senator John McCain (R-AZ) thanking him for offering and gaining passage of an amendment establishing uniform standards for the conduct of U.S. military personnel when interrogating those held in U.S. custody, including detainees being held at Guantanamo Naval Air Base in Cuba. In a 90-9 vote on October 5, the Senate passed his amendment to the Senate's FY ‘06 Department of Defense Appropriations bill. Despite the strong Senate vote, the amendment faces opposition when it is considered in conference committee with the House and from the Bush Administration, which is reported to be prepared to veto the bill if the McCain amendment is included.

International News

Life in Uruguay Will Be Focus of Ubuntu Explorers Team

October 12, 2005 – When Judith Siaba, a vice president of the Women's Division of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, went to Montevideo, Uruguay, she saw a warehouse with a history. Once infiltrated by drugs and dealers, the warehouse had provided shelter for several operations, including housing for 300 homeless people willing to fight to protect their space, and a business for sex workers trying to survive. These conditions existed until a woman from a local Methodist church gained the confidence of the warehouse residents through regular visits and taught their leaders how to advocate with the government for change. The persistence of the homeless advocates brought them community services – health care, land for building and a new life.

From Peace to Health: Malaria Is Mozambique Bishop's next Target

October 14, 2005 – Popularly known for his leading role in Mozambique's peace talks, Anglican bishop Dinis Sengulane of the Mozambican diocese of Lebombo is now leading a fight against Mozambique's number one killer disease, malaria. Malaria kills more people in Mozambique than HIV/AIDS, which is ravaging Africa. According to the UN World Health Organization (WHO), "malaria accounts for around 35 per cent of all deaths among children under 5, and the high prevalence is a major contributing factor to Mozambique having one of the highest child mortality rates in the world." On a recent visit to Canada, Bishop Sengulane chair of the Mozambican Role Back Malaria program, told staff at Church House that it is now imperative, that the church get involved in the fight against malaria.

Middle East News

‘Positive Investment' in Israel- Palestine Central to Council Action

October 9, 2005 – The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church directed its Social Responsibility in Investments (SRI) committee to use the church's investments to encourage positive change in the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The action, which affirms "positive investment" and "corporate engagement," came on October 8 during the council's fall meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada. "Our recommendation is not divestment, which I think some people were anticipating," the Rev. Canon Kate J. Cullinane, associate dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Indianapolis, Indiana, and SRI committee chair, told the council. Cullinane said that to divest would mean to walk away. "We're going to stay involved," she told the council.

People in the News

New Bishop for the Diocese of Popondota

October 14, 2005 – Father Kopapa is currently the Chaplain of Martyrs' Memorial School near Popondetta, the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea's oldest high school. The date of his consecration has yet been set, but it is likely to take place in January 2006. He replaces Bishop Roger Jupp, who resigned in January 2005. Joseph Kifau Kopapa was born in Lefume village, Sinei, Tufi district, Oro Province on 9th September 1947. After primary education at Sinei and secondary education at Sogeri (1962-1965) he went on to Vudal Agricultural College in East New Britain Province, where he was awarded a Diploma in Tropical Agriculture in 1968. From 1969 to 1985 he worked for the Department of Agriculture as Extension Officer, Lecturer, Director of Agricultural Education & Human Resource Development, and Deputy Secretary.

Reviews

John Collins Discusses of Problems & Possibilities of Biblical Theology Today

October 13, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – "No one in modern pluralist society can live in a world that is shaped only by the Bible. We are all heirs to other traditions as well. . . . We may agree that none of these provides secure foundations from which to judge the others, but they cannot be ignored." So John J. Collins introduces Encounters with Biblical Theology, a collection of powerful and eloquent essays, which cover a broad range of biblical and apocalyptic writings and make a compelling case that historical criticism remains the most satisfactory context for a responsible public theology. "The Bible was written long ago in another culture, vastly different from our own. Any attempt to apply it to a modern situation, or to deduce ethical principles from it, must be approached with caution.

Celebrating Bach's Religious and Musical Legacy

October 14, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – The monumental work of J.S. Bach – some 250 cantatas, 280 organ compositions, the great Passions, oratorios and masses, the Well-Tempered Clavier, the Brandenburg Concertos, the Art of the Fugue – stands as a high-water mark of Western civilization. Yet that work is understandable only in light of Bach's profound Christian faith, asserts Hans Conrad Fischer in the newly-released Johann Sebastian Bach: His Life in Pictures and Documents, with CD from Fortress Press.

Epp Sheds Light on Women's Leadership Through Text of Romans

October 10, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – The name "Junia" appears in Romans 16:7, and Paul identifies her (along with Andronicus) as "prominent among the apostles." In his new book, Junia-The First Woman Apostle, Eldon Jay Epp investigates the mysterious disappearance of Junia from the traditions of the church. Because later theologians and scribes could not believe (or wanted to suppress) that Paul had numbered a woman among the earliest churches' apostles, Junia's name was changed in Romans to a masculine form. Despite the fact that the earliest churches met in homes and that other women were clearly leaders in the churches (e.g., Prisca and Lydia), calling Junia an apostle seemed too much for the tradition.

Scholar Offers New Portrait of Notorious Jezebel October 12, 2005

MINNEAPOLIS – In an important and engaging new book, biblical scholar Eleanor Ferris Beach reframes the notorious figure of Jezebel, the much-maligned Israelite queen whose very name has come to stand for license and depravity. The Jezebel Letters combines top-notch biblical scholarship with a fictionalized first-person account of the biblical character. Beach transforms the stereotype of the notorious biblical queen into a more historically based portrayal of a powerful, literate royal woman. Presented as a collection of "recently discovered" ninth-century documents, The Jezebel Letters entices readers into an assassination plot supported by the notorious Queen Jezebel.