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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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Methodist Board of Church and Society Calls for Withdrawal from Iraq October 19, 2005, WASHINGTON – On a day when officials at the State Department were monitoring the results of a constitutional referendum in Iraq, a couple of miles away in a local hotel the United Methodist Board of Church and Society passed a resolution calling on the United States to withdraw its troops from the country. "As people of faith, we raise our voice in protest against the tragedy of the unjust war in Iraq," the resolution stated. "We urge the United States government to develop and implement a plan for the withdrawal of its troops. The U.S. invasion has set in motion a sequence of events which may plunge Iraq into civil war." Criticizing a war "waged on false premises," the resolution went on to state, "Thousands of lives have been lost and hundreds of billions of dollars wasted in a war the United States initiated and should never have fought. ...We grieve for all those whose lives have been lost or destroyed in this needless and avoidable tragedy. Military families have suffered undue hardship from prolonged troop rotations in Iraq and loss of loved ones. It is time to bring them home." October 19, 2005 – In an interview with reporters on October 13, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold joined the Rev. John Thomas, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, and Senator Harry Reid (D-NV), the Senate Minority Leader, in calling on Congress to abandon the FY ‘06 Budget Reconciliation bill. Their call comes as Congress presses ahead with a budget reconciliation process requiring $35 billion in cuts from domestic spending, even before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. This week several House and Senate committees will convene hearings to begin the process of reporting cuts to mandatory programs that serve the working poor, children and seniors. Program cuts to Medicaid, Food Stamps, housing and college loans are due by the end of October with consideration by the full House and Senate expected to follow quickly. House Republican leaders are expected to offer an amendment this week asking for an additional $15 billion in mandatory spending cuts to help pay for the government's response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Defense spending for the war in Iraq and Afghanistan will not be cut. Concern Rises over Lack of Tents for Asia Quake Survivors October 20, 2005 – Relief workers trying to assist survivors of the South Asia earthquake are racing against time and the approach of a harsh winter. New estimates by regional officials of the death toll from the Oct. 8 earthquake had jumped to at least 79,000 by Oct. 19, according to the Associated Press. But the real concern is for the survivors, according to Marvin Parvez, director of Church World Service Pakistan/Afghanistan. "With the 2 to 3 million affected and homeless, the government and U.N. estimates that the affected families need over 600,000 shelter kits or tents," he told United Methodist News Service. Preparations for Wilma Are Business as Usual October 21, 2005, ORLANDO, Fla. – United Methodist church leaders and members in Florida are seriously preparing for Hurricane Wilma, but after experiencing so many hurricanes in the past 14 months, many see it as just one more storm. The hurricane, which was lashing Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula on Oct. 21, was projected to reach southwest Florida late on Oct. 23 or early on Oct. 24. Monroe County Emergency Management officials asked visitors and non-residents in the Keys to evacuate and residents began leaving as early as Oct. 20. Speaking from his home in Marathon, Fla., the Rev. Steven Bruns said he and his wife and three girls, ages 4, 2 and 4 months old, would be among the evacuees. Church Agency Examines Forms of Ministry for Lay, Clergy October 18, 2005, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry is planning a series of churchwide discussions on the types of pastoral ministry offered in the denomination. The conversations will be held in regional focus groups and are intended to help clarify the forms of ministry for lay, licensed and ordained ministry – including the episcopacy – in the United Methodist Church. During its Oct. 13-16 meeting, the board invited its directors to be active participants in the discussions. ‘Diversity Is a Wonderful Gift from God' October 21, 2005 – "Most Christians do not think that white supremacy is a serious challenge to the integrity of the Gospel of Jesus," said the Rev. Dr. James H. Cone. "They just continue preaching and singing about God and Jesus as if things are OK on the racial front." Cone, who is the Charles A. Briggs Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Union Theological Seminary, delivered the second of a three-part series themed "A Theological Reflection on Race" for the 2005 Paddock Lectures at General Theological Seminary (GTS) in New York on October 19. The topic of his lecture was "The Challenge of Race." "The problem of race in America and the world is not a popular topic of discussion and debate among American churches, especially white denominations," Cone said. The Episcopal Diocese of Egypt Welcomes Third Anglican Global South to South Encounter October 20, 2005 – From 25th – 30th October 2005, about 120 delegates, representing 20 provinces within the Anglican Communion, from Africa, Asia and Latin America, will be meeting in Egypt for their third Global South Encounter. The Conference will take place at the Red Sea. We, here in Egypt, are honored and privileged to be hosting this historic gathering of Anglican Archbishops, bishops, priests and laypersons from throughout the Global South. We also believe it will be a special time of encouraging one another, learning from each other, and most importantly, praying together. Our focus will be on "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church." Evolution Controversy Puts Wichita Woman's Faith under the Microscope October 19, 2005 – Carol Rupe has heard it all – the snide remarks, the laughs, the jokes by Jay Leno. Rupe, a parishioner at St. Stephen's, Wichita, is a member of the Kansas State Board of Education, and that puts her smack in the middle of the statewide controversy over the teaching of evolution in Kansas public schools. She makes no bones about her position. She opposes the idea of teaching intelligent design alongside evolution in science classrooms. As a lifelong Episcopalian, Rupe says her firm belief in God, and God's hand in the creation of the world, shouldn't be taught in a science class. Bishop's Work Team Gives Hope to Russian Seminary October 20, 2005, MOSCOW – Bishop Tom Bickerton spent a lot of time on his knees recently – laying tile on the third floor of the new Russia United Methodist Seminary building. Bickerton, who leads the United Methodist Church's Pittsburgh Area, organized the first Volunteers In Mission team hosted by the seminary. The seminary's staff and students expressed amazement and gratitude that volunteers, including a bishop of the church, would travel so far and work so hard to help them. Church Communicators Honored During Annual Gathering October 18, 2005, SAN ANTONIO – Dana Jones, United Methodist deaconess and editor of Response, the official magazine of United Methodist Women, is the church's 2005 Communicator of the Year. Jones received the award from the United Methodist Association of Communicators during the group's annual awards banquet Oct. 14. During the banquet, the association also inducted three people into the UMAC Hall of Fame: Thomas McAnally, former director of United Methodist News Service; the late Donald Small, former United Methodist Communications field staff representative of the Western Jurisdiction; and the late Rev. Robert L. Robertson, former editor of the church's North Texas Annual (regional) Conference. ‘Give That Woman a Chair,' Olympia Bishop Tells St. Margaret's Gathering October 19, 2005 – Women's stories are missing from the history of the church just as they are missing from secular history, said Bishop Suffragan Bavi Edna Rivera of the Diocese of Olympia during the second annual St. Margaret's Lecture at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. The title of her October 14 lecture, "Give That Woman a Chair," echoed the effort to create the St. Margaret's Chair for Women and Ministry at the Episcopal seminary in Berkeley, California. Rivera told the nearly 200 people attending the lecture and lunch that she feels a sense of responsibility to the women of her family along with teachers, mentors and friends who went before her in ministry. Communicators Must Help People Overcome Fear, Executive Says October 18, 2005, SAN ANTONIO – One of the most profound gifts the United Methodist Church has to offer to a world living in fear is the assurance that no one is abandoned by God or by the faith community. The Rev. Larry Hollon, top executive of United Methodist Communications, told more than 75 church communicators and editors that no one should feel alone in society but that the fear of being alone is a common trait many people share. This fear impacts the work of church communicators, who are challenged to expand community in a world that uses media to replace community, he said. Church communicators must inspire community, inform community and engage community, Hollon said during his Oct. 13 keynote speech to the United Methodist Association of Communicators. New Orleans Cathedral's Bicentennial Celebrated in Thanksgiving Special October 21, 2005 – A 30-minute television special marking the bicentennial of Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans will be broadcast on the Time Warner Cable network on Thanksgiving Day, November 24 (check local schedules for broadcast time). The program will also be webcast. The program, produced by the Episcopal Church's Office of Communication, will include excerpts from a new work, All the Saints, by the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra's 16-member big band at the cathedral, as well as Solemn Evensong conducted by Canon John Peterson of Washington National Cathedral and a festival Eucharist celebrated by Louisiana Bishop Charles Jenkins. Church to Help Louisiana Pastors, Congregants to Get in Touch October 21, 2005, NEW YORK – Louisiana United Methodists who have lost touch with their pastors and other church members because of the recent hurricanes now have a way to connect. The link is being made possible through the efforts of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, United Methodist Communications and the denomination's Louisiana Annual (regional) Conference. Beginning Oct. 17, church members can contact InfoServ, a part of United Methodist Communications, and receive information on how to reach their pastors. International Conference to Explore Christian Contributions to a Culture of Peace October 19, 2005 – The root causes and complex nature of violence, and aspects of Christian spiritual life that can contribute towards the building of a culture of peace in today's world, will be the focus of an international conference taking place in Boston, USA from 27-29 October 2005. Entitled "Violence and Christian spirituality," the conference is sponsored by the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in cooperation with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the Boston Theological Institute. 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." United Methodist Church Publishes Commentaries on Rebuilding Gulf Coast October 21, 2005 NASHVILLE, Tenn. – United Methodist Church is urging local people to have a voice in the planning and rebuilding of the Gulf Coast in a paid commentary published Oct. 21 in The Washington Post and several newspapers in Louisiana and Mississippi. The commentary stated that a "renewed sense of community" came out of the crisis caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita when people came together in concern, compassion and generosity. "We pray that this renewed understanding of community will inspire the rebuilding of the devastated areas." ELCA Presiding Bishop, LWF President Focuses on Ecumenism October 21, 2005, SAO LEOPOLDO, Brazil – Some people find it confusing that Lutherans are involved in many different "full communion" relationships, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson said in a panel discussion on ecumenism here Oct. 13. "I always say that's because our confessions call us to seek deeper unity in the church but allow greater flexibility when there is agreement on the gospel" with other churches, he said. Hanson, president of the 66-million-member Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Geneva, Switzerland, and presiding bishop of the 4.9-million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Chicago, examined some of the dimensions of ecumenism with Brazilian church leaders during the Fourth Conference of International Black Lutherans-USA (CIBL) here Oct. 11-17. Latin American Theological Group: Panama Declaration October 21, 2005 – We, the Latin-American and Caribbean bishops, gathered in the context of the Anglican Theological Conference, proclaim our solidarity and make public our desire for unity in Christ who invites us to participate and seek for the perfect unity in our Lord, Jesus Christ. 9th WCC Assembly: Latin American Churches Prepare for Significant Moment in Their History October 20, 2005 – With a call "to pray, support and participate" in the forthcoming World Council of Churches (WCC) 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre next February, representatives from churches and ecumenical bodies in the region concluded a preparatory event that took place in Mendes, Brazil from October 16-18. The WCC's 9th Assembly "will, without a doubt, be a significant moment in the history of our journey in this continent," said the 60-some participants in a letter to region's churches. The letter invites churches to "pray, support and participate" in the Assembly. Moreover, it underlines the need to "encourage and motivate youth participation" as a "contribution to the construction of a new Latin American ecumenical movement." "Keeping the Faith": in Lead-up to 9th Assembly, WCC Multimedia Project Shows Vitality of Ecumenism October 20, 2005 – The ecumenical movement is a reality for people and congregations around the world who live their faith on a daily basis. An integrated communication project, "Keeping the faith" shows this reality, and conveys the vitality of the ecumenical movement today. Launched ahead of the World Council of Churches' (WCC) 9th Assembly taking place in February 2006 in Brazil, the project includes a mobile exhibit, photo essays, a book and a website. Together and separately, these elements explore the reality of the living church in various cultural contexts throughout the oikoumene: the reality of people, their faith and their communities, engaging in dialogue, working in mission, praying together, facing conflict and violence, poverty and illness, and responding to a rapidly changing world. Luteranos Apoyan El "Sí" En Referendo Sobre Comercio De Armas 17 octubre 2005, PORTO ALEGRE, Brasil – El Estatuto del Desarme es un paso significativo para la construcción de un espíritu de paz y para reducir sensiblemente la violencia, afirma el pastor presidente de la Iglesia Evangélica de Confesión Luterana de Brasil (IECLB), Walter Altmann, en una carta pastoral, que recomienda votar por el "Sí" en el referendo del domingo próximo. Altmann, en carta a las iglesias de la IECLB, emitida la semana pasada, recuerda que "la Biblia da un claro mandato en favor de la paz," y recomienda a todas las personas que se informen sobre el referendo, formen su opinión y voten de acuerdo a su conciencia. Destacan Aportes De Redes Del Movimiento Ecuménico 14 octubre 2005, RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil – Los lazos, símbolo de la II Jornada Ecuménica en 2002, dieron lugar a las redes que posibilitan la ampliación y el fortalecimiento del movimiento ecuménico en Brasil y en América Latina, en la tercera edición del evento, reunido del 12 al 15 de octubre en Mendes, Río de Janeiro. El cambio en la simbología fue destacada por el secretario ejecutivo del organismo ecuménico Koinonia, Rafael Soares de Oliveira, al saludar el miércoles a los participantes en la apertura del encuentro, celebrado bajo el lema "Solidaridad, Justicia y Paz." Desafíos Al Catolicismo Desde La Sociedad Y La Cultura 18 octubre 2005, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Los líderes de la Iglesia Católica perciben una pérdida creciente de influencia en la sociedad, pese a ser la confesión predominante en América Latina. Toda la esfera de la vida sexual, reproductiva y familiar, se ausenta progresivamente de los cánones de la religión católica. En ese contexto la Iglesia Católica se muestra empeñada en recuperar el espacio perdido por medio de los ciudadanos que se reconocen como católicos, pero estos también están divididos en temas cruciales. Pre-asamblea Latinoamericana Del CMI Discute Demolición De Barreras Y Prejuicios 17 octubre 2005, MENDES, RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil – En el cristianismo latinoamericano es hora de derrumbar prejuicios y barreras tradicionales entre pentecostales "evangélicos" y protestantes "ecuménicos." Así lo afirmaron expositores en el panel de apertura del encuentro preparatorio para la Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), que representantes de iglesias y organismos ecuménicos de la región llevan a cabo en Mendes, Brasil, del 16 al 18 de octubre. Uno de los desafíos a las iglesias en América Latina hoy es "la superación de viejas antinomias," afirmó el pastor pentecostal argentino Jorge Vaccaro, de la Asociación la Iglesia de Dios. Sociedad Bíblica Inaugura Exposición Para Niños 21 octubre 2005, RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil – Un pez que relata las dudas que el apóstol Pedro tuvo en el momento que caminó sobre las aguas para encontrar a Jesús, y un expositor en formato de rueda gigante son dos de las atracciones de la exposición "La Biblia y el niño," que la Sociedad Bíblica de Brasil inauguró hoy en Río de Janeiro. La muestra quiere llamar la atención del público infantil hacia "los aspectos éticos, espirituales, de solidaridad, de preservación de la naturaleza, de amor al prójimo y respeto a la familia contenidos en la Biblia Sagrada," dijo el pastor Erni Walter Seibert, director del Centro Cultural de la Biblia, institución que acoge la exposición. CELAM Celebrará V Conferencia General En Aparecida 21 octubre 2005, BRASILIA, Brasil – El papa Benedicto XVI vendrá al Brasil a finales de abril o inicios de mayo de 2007, en fecha a ser definida, para la apertura de la V Conferencia General del Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano (CELAM), que se realizará en el Santuario Mariano, en Aparecida, a 168 Kms de la ciudad de São Paulo. La elección de la sede fue decidida personalmente por el Papa, así como el tema de la Conferencia: Discípulos y misioneros de Jesucristo, para que en Él nuestros pueblos tengan vida. Anglicanos Brasileños Lamentan Ingerencia De Provincia Del Cono Sur En Cuestiones Internas 20 octubre 2005, PORTO ALEGRE, Brasil – El obispo primado de la Iglesia Episcopal Anglicana de Brasil (IEAB), Orlando Santos de Oliveira, y la Cámara de Obispos lamentan y rechazan la ingerencia de la Provicia del Cono Sur de América, "sembrando confusión y dolor," en cuestiones internas de la Provincia brasileña. El primado del Cono Sur de América, Gregorio J. Venables, reconociço recientemente las ordenaciones y ministerios de los 32 clérigos excluidos en agosto último de la Diócese Anglicana de Recife (DAR) y del obispo diocesano Robinson Cavalcanti, depuesto del ejercicio del ministerio por el primado de la iglesia brasileña y el Colegio de Obispos en junio pasado. Obispo Indígena Boliviano Pide Solidaridad a Las Iglesias 19 octubre 2005, MENDES, RÍO DE JANEIRO, Brasil – El obispo de la Iglesia Evangélica Metodista en Bolivia, Carlos Poma, pidió a las iglesias solidaridad con el movimiento social boliviano. Poma hizo el llamado al hablar ante unos 60 representantes de iglesias y organismos ecuménicos latinoamericanos reunidos en Mendes, Brasil, del 16 al 18 de octubre, en preparación para la IX Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI). "El mundo debe escuchar los clamores de los pueblos excluidos," afirmó Poma, quien pertence a la nación aymara, y reclamó "garantías para los movimientos sociales y sus líderes, porque se teme por la vida de estos actores sociales que defienden a los más pobres." IX Asamblea Del CMI Será Un Momento Significativo En La Historia De Las Iglesias Latinoamericanas 20 octubre 2005 – Con un llamado a "orar, apoyar y participar" en la IX Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) que tendrá lugar en Porto Alegre en febrero concluyó el encuentro preparatorio que representantes de iglesias y organismos ecuménicos de la región celebraron en Mendes, Brasil, del 16 al 18 de octubre. La IX Asamblea del CMI "será, sin duda, un momento significativo en la historia de nuestro caminar en este continente," afirmaron en una carta a las iglesias de la región los alrededor de 60 participantes en el encuentro. Por ese motivo la carta invita a las iglesias a "orar, apoyar y participar" en la Asamblea. 20 octubre 2005 – El movimiento ecuménico es una realidad para personas y congregaciones en todo el mundo que viven su fe día a día. Para ilustrar esta realidad, y para comunicar la vitalidad del movimiento ecuménico en vísperas de la IX Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) fue concebido el proyecto multimedia "Keeping the Faith" (Mantener la fe). Se trata de un proyecto de comunicación integrado que comprende una exposición ambulante, un sitio web, fotografías y un libro. Diversos aspectos del movimiento ecuménico actual son así comunicados con palabras, imágenes y sonido. Luteranos Acuerdan Fortalecer Vínculos De Comunicación Entre Sus Iglesias 17 octubre 2005, LIMA, Perú – Con la decisión de continuar el trabajo de Luteranos Unidos en Comunicación (LUC), para dinamizar la comunión entre las iglesias luteranas latinoamericanas y difundir su pensamiento en torno a los temas que preocupan a la sociedad, concluyó el viernes una consulta de comunicadores luteranos. "LUC debe continuar funcionando de manera estratégica, sistemática y significativa para la familia luterana latinoamericana," acordaron los comunicadores de 12 iglesias luteranas del continente, reunidos en Lima, los días 13 y 14 de octubre. Abogado Adventista Dice Que Existen Cuestiones Pendientes En Tema De Libertad Religiosa En El Perú 19 octubre 2005, LIMA, Peru – Aun cuando la libertad religiosa en el Perú no es la de un país con una teocracia dictatorial o un Estado laicista antirreligioso, existen cuestiones pendientes que han suscitado algunos conflictos entre el orden socio-jurídico y los creyentes. El abogado Marco A. Huaco que acaba de publicar su libro "Derecho de la Religión, El principio y derecho de la libertad religiosa en el ordenamiento jurídico peruano," sostiene que en el país se han presentado numerosas controversias de este tipo a causa de la incidencia del creciente pluralismo religioso sobre la tradicionalista sociedad peruana. Vicario Católico Pide Al Gobierno Cautela Al Ejecutar Expulsión De Nuevas Tribus 21 octubre 2005, CARACAS, Venezuela – Cautela al ejecutar la expulsión del país de la Misión Nuevas Tribus recomendó al gobierno el vicario apostólico de Puerto Ayacucho, monseñor José Angel Divasson, que negó que la medida constituya un problema religioso. "A algunos les ha interesado decir que esto es un pleito entre curas y evangélicos, pero no lo es," dijo. El prelado católico admitió que las relaciones entre la iglesia Católica y Nuevas Tribus no siempre fueron de las mejores, pero recordó que los grupos que integran esas misiones evangélicas son varios y algunos realizan una labor social importante.
October 22, 2005, SANTIAGO, Chile/GENEVA – Chilean President Ricardo Lagos Escobar has commended Lutherans for playing an "important role" in sustaining humanitarian rights in Chile, particularly during a time of military dictatorship. Lagos paid his tribute during an October 17 meeting in the Chilean capital with the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); Rev. Gloria Rojas, president of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile (IELCH); and Bishop Rolando Holtz, Lutheran Church in Chile (ILCH). Hanson was in the South American country October 16-18 to learn more about the ministries of the IELCH and ILCH, and the impact of both LWF member churches on Chilean society. Episcopal Church Leaders Endorse Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation October 18, 2005 – The Episcopal Church USA was one of 135 signatories from a broad spectrum of religious groups urging Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform legislation which provides a legal, orderly pathway for workers to come to the United States to fill jobs not being filled by U.S. workers. Additionally, the statement calls for extending permanent status and eventual citizenship to those now working in the U.S. if they can demonstrate that they are making a necessary contribution to the work force. The statement also asks that those coming to the U.S. as legal workers have the opportunity to bring close family members with them and have their rights protected once here. October 20, 2005, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina/GENEVA – A group of Christian churches, social and political organizations from Africa, Europe, Latin America and the United States of America have affirmed their continued advocacy for the immediate cancellation of all illegitimate external debt. Following a September 21-23 international consultation hosted by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Latin America and the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) in Buenos Aires, participants affirmed that the concept of illegitimate external debt, as discussed and recognized by the LWF Ninth Assembly in 2003, was based on a moral, ethical and legal viewpoint, rather than only on the narrow economic perspective adopted by many governments. "Debt is clearly illegitimate if it is unethical, immoral and odious," the consultation participants said in a statement. ELCA Grants $2 Million to Lutheran World Relief for Sri Lanka October 18, 2005, CHICAGO (ELCA) – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) awarded Lutheran World Relief (LWR) a $2 million grant to support rehabilitation and recovery work in Sri Lanka, one of the countries hardest hit by the December 2004 tsunami. LWR is the overseas relief and development ministry of the ELCA and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. "The generous gifts from ELCA members and congregations to the Southeast Asian Tsunami disaster response have enabled our sustained support of our key hunger and disaster partner, Lutheran World Relief," said Kathryn Sime, director for the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal. Church World Service Expands Relief Efforts in Spite of Weather October 17, 2005, NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD – Church World Service (CWS) is expanding its relief efforts to reach survivors of the October 8 earthquake but is hampered by adverse weather and security conditions. CWS truckloads of material continue to arrive in Mansehra on a daily basis, but weather conditions hampered relief efforts for a second day on Saturday. Staff carried out a needs assessment for emergency water and sanitation at Ayub Medical Hospital-Abbotabad on Saturday morning. Bad weather forced the team to abandon its assessment visits to Battagram and Balakot,. On October 13 (Thursday), CWS began to air drop shelter kits from army helicopters to some of the most affected and difficult to reach areas in Battagram, including 365 kits in Allai village. Lutherans Play ‘Important Role' Says the President of Chile October 19, 2005, SANTIAGO, Chile – Lutherans have played an "important role" in sustaining humanitarian rights in Chile, particularly during a time of military dictatorship, Richard Lagos Escobar, president of Chile, told the Rev. Mark S. Hanson and leaders of Iglesia Evangelica Luterana en Chile (IELCH) (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chile) and Iglesia Luterana en Chile (ILCH) (Lutheran Church in Chile) in a 30-minute meeting here Oct. 17. ELCA Presiding Bishop, LWF President Visits Brazil October 20, 2005, PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil – In response to emerging fundamental, charismatic movements around the world today, Lutherans must remain secure in the fact that they also have an understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson told leaders of the Igreja Evangelica de Confissao Luterana no Brasil (IECLB) – Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil – in a meeting here Oct. 12. In Pakistan, Church World Service Develops Psychosocial and Protection Programs October 20, 2005, NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD – In Pakistan, quake-hit areas face a second wave of deaths, with thousands of injured people who remain untreated in the most remote mountain villages as winter closes in fast, reports humanitarian agency Church World Service. Temperatures have already dropped to the low 40s in Balakot, and snow has fallen on nearby mountains. With bad weather conditions hampering relief activities and the inaccessibility of roads to many areas, relief workers are distributing some relief supplies and medical care on foot. 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. Pakistan Quake Took Wrenching Toll on Children October 14, 2005 – "This is going to be the one remembered as the earthquake that killed the children." That is the viewpoint of Marvin Parvez, a Methodist and the Pakistan/Afghanistan director for Church World Service. Parvez has been on the scene in Pakistan helping coordinate the CWS response to the calamitous earthquake that, as of Oct. 14, had killed more than 25,000 people. Los Angeles Pilgrims Hear Challenges of Holy Land Christians October 19, 2005 – Thirteen delegates from the Diocese of Los Angeles embarked on a 10-day pilgrimage to Israel and the Palestinian Territories October 16, building on existing partnerships with Episcopalians in the Middle East and expressing solidarity with Christians and others in the Holy Land. At St. George's Anglican College in East Jerusalem, the pilgrims heard from the Rev. Hosam Naoum, residential canon and newly-appointed priest of the college's Arab congregation. "The faith of Episcopalians in Jerusalem is very much connected with the issues of reconciliation and peace," he said. "As a church, we see ourselves playing a role that everyone should play ... one of forgiveness and coming together again to the table of negotiation for the sake of peace." Naoum explained that the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem has been instrumental in ministering to the needs of the community and working towards achieving peace in the Holy Land. Palestinian Education Is Central to Los Angeles Parish Partnership October 20, 2005 – The Rev. Fuad Dagher, priest of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Shefa Amr, Israel, had a vision: to rebuild the parish school and offer education to the local community. In 2004, Dagher's prophecy was realized when Church of Our Savior, Los Angeles, under the leadership of the Rev. Denis O' Pray, rector, and the Rev. Catherine Gregg, associate rector, dedicated itself to the ministry of St. Paul's and entered into a sister relationship with the parish. Gregg's theme for the parish's Lent 2004 program was Journey to Jerusalem: Then and Now. October 20, 2005, GENEVA – He remembers the first assignment with his new employer in 1974 – transporting materials for the planting of trees to prevent the desert advancing toward Mauritania's capital Nouakchott. Aged 25 years, with a young family, he had joined a newly established Christian organization in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. He was more familiar with the work of the Mauritania Red Crescent Society, which he later learned, worked closely with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) to set up irrigation systems, distribute seedlings, and provide health services outside Nouakchott. The northwest African country is predominantly desert, and soil erosion aggravated by drought further contributes to desertification. Today, Mr Amadou N'Diaye, 56, looks back at more than 30 years of service with the LWF Department for World Service (DWS) with "a great sense of job satisfaction and respect for an organization that not only changed his own life but that of thousands of community members throughout Mauritania." Fortress Press Releases New Alister Mcgrath Book on Incarnation October 20, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – Fortress Press is happy to announce the release of Incarnation by Alister McGrath. The acclaimed theologian, one of the English speaking world's most accomplished religion thinkers, offers meditations on the simple reality of the Incarnation and Christmas. Astute and informed, McGrath models an earnest religious quest for the divine meaning and human import of Christian convictions as reflected in their development and in the artistic and literary treasures of the broader culture. Illuminated by a series of fine art paintings, McGrath's new volume seeks to engage both the mind and imagination as he explores why the Church set its faith and hope on the extraordinary, brilliant and bold idea that Jesus Christ is God incarnate. New Abortion Case Highlights Ambiguity of Religion October 18, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – New developments in abortion litigation have once again pitted religious groups against each other, disputing the moral status of abortion. Religion News Service on October 18th reported that the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and 40 other religious and religiously affiliated organizations have filed a friend of the court brief asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down New Hampshire's mandatory parental notification law. The religious organizations' brief in Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New England explains that the law unconstitutionally threatens the health and lives of young women and undermines their ability to choose an abortion in accordance with religious faiths that place great value on women's lives and health. How Clergy Can Reclaim Their Personal, Professional, and Spiritual Lives October 20, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – Burned out? Professionals in ministry lead lives of great demands, high stress, and impossible expectations, often in trying and conflictive settings. Making themselves available to all, they lapse into codependent practices that further endanger their own lives and health. In Clergy Burnout: Recovering from the 70-Hour Week . . . and Other Self-Defeating Practices, clergy counselor Fred Lehr clarifies the nature and practice of clergy codependence. In twelve, short, insightful, and highly readable chapters, filled with many examples and stories from his own life and those of others he has counseled, Lehr identifies the typical forms that codependence takes, shows how it figures in professional and personal burnout, and offers real strategies to enable ministers to regain balance, set boundaries, live with new purpose and self-respect, and root their lives anew in holiness and the gospel. Fortress Press Releases the First Full Study of Women's Roles in the Early Church October 19, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – A Woman's Place: House Churches in Earliest Christianity by Carolyn Osiek, Margaret Y. MacDonald, with Janet H. Tulloch gives a focused look at women in the household context discusses the importance of issues of space and visibility in shaping the lives of early Christian women. Several aspects of women's everyday existence are investigated, including the lives of wives, widows, women with children, female slaves, women as patrons, household leaders, and teachers. In addition, several key themes emerge: hospitality, dining practices, and the extent of female segregation.
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