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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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Federal Budget Is ‘Beyond Redemption,' Bishop Says November 4, 2005, WASHINGTON – Standing in the LBJ Room of the U..S. Capitol adjacent to the Senate floor, the Right Reverend F. Neff Powell, bishop of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia, declared, "The current budget reconciliation package in Congress is quite frankly beyond redemption and should be abandoned." November 4, 2005, WASHINGTON, DC – Religious leaders will stand together with Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and others to condemn the $5.15 minimum wage and to launch a new national grassroots campaign, "The Let Justice Roll/Living Wage Campaign." The Campaign will bring the voice of prominent members of the religious community to the national fight to raise the federal minimum wage. In addition – frustrated with federal inaction – faith leaders will announce their commitment to work to pass ballot initiatives to raise the minimum wage in several states in 2006. A press conference to announce the launch of a national grassroots campaign of more than 50 religious and community groups to raise the minimum wage on the federal and state level will take place at the Russell Senate Office Building on Monday, November 7, 10:30 a.m. Judicial Council Reverses Lower Court, Rules Against Beth Stroud October 31, 2005, HOUSTON – The United Methodist Judicial Council has reversed an appeals court ruling in the case of a lesbian pastor, restoring the original trial court ruling and verdict that had resulted in the minister losing her clergy credentials. The Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud, an associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Germantown, Pa., was convicted by a clergy trial court last December after stating that she was a practicing lesbian – a violation of church law, which forbids the ordination and appointment of "self-avowed practicing" homosexuals. United Methodist Bishops Affirm Church Membership Open to All November 3, 2005, LAKE JUNALUSKA, N C – Homosexuality is not a barrier to membership in the United Methodist Church, the denomination's bishops said Nov. 2, two days after the church's top court supported a pastor's refusal to allow a gay man to join. "While pastors have the responsibility to discern readiness for membership, homosexuality is not a barrier," the bishops said in their pastoral letter to the people of the United Methodist Church. In a ruling announced Oct. 31, the Judicial Council supported the Rev. Ed Johnson of South Hill (Va.) United Methodist Church in his decision not to allow a gay man to join his congregation. The man was a choir member and had been meeting with Johnson about transferring membership from another denomination. Archbishop Williams Meets with Bishop Robinson November 3, 2005 – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, held a meeting this morning with Bishop Gene Robinson of the diocese of New Hampshire of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America. The private meeting, described as ‘friendly but candid,' involved the two discussing the range of problems that have arisen following Bishop Robinson's consecration. The meeting ended with prayer. The encounter came as part of the Archbishop's commitment to listening to the voices of all concerned in the current challenges facing the Anglican Communion. ELCA ‘Davey and Goliath's Snowboard Christmas' on DVD November 1, 2005, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and Starlight Home Entertainment, Inc., Los Angeles, will release "Davey and Goliath's Snowboard Christmas" Nov. 15 on DVD. The one-hour, stop-motion animation special is the 2005 Aurora Award "Best of Show" winner and a 2005 Telly Award finalist. "Through the magic of stop-motion animation, we follow Davey and Goliath on an exciting snowboarding adventure. During the adventure, Davey learns some dazzling snowboard maneuvers and some very important lessons about the real meaning of Christmas, and about understanding and respect for people who are different than he is," said Kristi S. Bangert, director for marketing and interpretation, ELCA Communication Services. Church Court Reinstates Pastor Who Denied Membership to Gay Man October 31, 2005, HOUSTON – United Methodist ministers do have the power to decide who becomes a member of the local church, the denomination's top court has ruled, supporting a pastor who blocked an openly gay man from joining the congregation. The United Methodist Judicial Council, holding its regular fall meeting Oct. 26-29, issued two decisions related to the case of Rev. Ed Johnson, who was serving as senior pastor at South Hill (Va.) United Methodist Church until he was placed on involuntary leave of absence in June. Black Clergy Charged to Live the Vision of God October 31, 2005, ATLANTA – Reclaiming the Black Church's prophetic voice, celebrating its diversity, responding to HIV/AIDS and community violence, and strengthening and mentoring congregations and clergy into living the vision of God were themes discussed Oct. 23-26 at the 7th Triennial Black Clergy Conference at the Emory Conference Center. More than 130 clergy from around the world participated in "On Thy People Pour Thy Power: Continuing the Journey," hosted by the national church's Office of Black Ministries. St Paul's Cathedral Memorial Service November 1, 2005 – A memorial service for the victims of the London bombings was held today at St Paul's Cathedral in London. The Service attended by relatives who lost loved ones, survivors and members of the emergency services joined a 2,300 congregation. The 7 July terror attacks killed 52 people, as well as the four suicide bombers, and injured around 700 more. As well as remembering the victims, the service recognised the impact of the bombings on the capital. Compassion, Conversion, Care – A Contribution to the Global Struggle Against HIV/AIDS October 29, 2005, GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) invites its members churches, ecumenical and other partners of the global communion to reflect on the subject of HIV/AIDS during events commemorating Reformation Sunday this year. The theme of LWF Sunday 2005 is "Compassion, Conversion, Care – A Contribution to the Global Struggle Against HIV/AIDS." Hurricane Evacuees Assisted Through EMM Sponsorship Initiative October 31, 2005 – The more-than-60-year history of Episcopal Migration Ministries [EMM] assisting refugees from around the world continues stateside with the evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. Richard Parkins, EMM director, noted that "many of the tools of refugee resettlement are applicable to the plight of persons displaced as a result of Katrina and Rita." "We're working with parishes that have offered sponsorship and matching them with evacuees from the Gulf Coast," said Parkins. Lutherans ‘Talk Turkey' this Thanksgiving November 4, 2005, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Board of Pensions, Minneapolis, and ELCA Vocation and Education are asking Lutherans to "talk turkey" this Thanksgiving. Talk Turkey is a health and wellness campaign of the church that focuses on families sharing their health history and identifying hereditary risk factors. Gathering around the table to share stories and memories this holiday season serves as an opportunity for families to provide information about their health, talk about wellness and healing, discuss family health history, and identify hereditary risk factors that may impact their future well-being, according to Tammy L. Devine, wellness coordinator, ELCA Board of Pensions. October 19, 2005 – "Violence does not recognize differences between Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox or Pentecostal. Violence is our common plague, and non-violent love, peace, justice and reconciliation are our common calling," Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia told participants in a 27-29 October international conference in Boston, USA. Sponsored by the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in cooperation with the WCC and the Boston Theological Institute, the conference focused on "Violence and Christian spirituality." October 31, 2005, PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil/GENEVA – 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. Bishop Mark S. Hanson made these remarks during his first official visit to Brazil, October 9-14, as president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was visiting the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB) to learn about its countrywide mission and ministry. October 31, 2005, SAO LEOPOLDO, Brazil/GENEVA – Participants in the Fourth Conference of International Black Lutherans (CIBL) presented LWF President Mark S. Hanson with a plaque commemorating Rev. Will L. Herzfeld, presiding bishop of the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches, a predecessor church body of the ELCA, 1984-1987. Herzfeld, a former CIBL member, was the first African American to serve as presiding bishop of a Lutheran church, and was a leader in the US civil rights movement in the 1960s while pastor of a Lutheran congregation in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He died in 2002. The Churches and the Church: Why Ecclesiology Matters November 2, 2005 – As alien as the word might seem at first sight for the average person, "ecclesiology" is actually at the heart of the life of every Christian community. The answers that "ecclesiological" questions obtain in the churches influence the daily life of the faithful and set the course of the search for Christian unity. George and Ann, young parents, ask themselves: "Should we bring our new-born baby girl to be baptized? Or should we wait, and let her decide for herself whether she wants to belong to the church?" Archbishop Williams – Church's Hope ‘Only in Christ' October 31, 2005 – The Archbishop of Canterbury has told Anglican Church leaders from the Global South that the only ground for unity in the church ‘is to be found in Christ.' Speaking at the 3rd Anglican Global South to South Encounter meeting at Ain al Sukhna, some 80 miles south of Cairo, Dr Williams said that the church had to be focussed on Christ: "The church is one because Jesus Christ is one; the church is holy because Jesus Christ is holy; the church is catholic because Jesus Christ is the saviour of all; the church is apostolic because as the Father sent Jesus, so Jesus sends us." November 4, 2005, GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President, Bishop Mark S. Hanson and LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko will meet Pope Benedict XVI on Monday, November 7. The private audience is the first meeting of an LWF delegation with Pope Benedict XVI. Hanson is presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). November 3, 2005 – "God, in your grace, transform the world" is a prayer that, in principle, could express the yearning of people from different religions. In the following article, Rabbi Naamah Kelman from Jerusalem reflects on the theme of the upcoming World Council of Churches 9th Assembly from the point of view of the Jewish tradition. We look to God for the strength, wisdom, and courage to change the world. We pray to God to renew our hope and nourish our spirits so that we might be able to be partners in transforming the world. November 5, 2005, BARI, Italy/GENEVA – Members of the Lutheran – Roman Catholic Commission on Unity gathered in Bari, Italy, 23-29 September, to discuss "The Apostolicity of the Church" in the last meeting of the current phase of the international Lutheran-Roman Catholic dialogue. The dialogue, begun in 1967, is conducted under the auspices of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity (PCPCU). Alberto Mottesi Demanda Mayor Participación Cristiana En La Sociedad 4 noviembre 2005, SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia – El predicador internacional Alberto Mottesi dijo que la corrupción es un mal extendido en todos los países latinoamericanos y desafió a los cristianos a tener una participación más activa en el combate de esa lacra y en la defensa de los débiles. "No podemos quejarnos de la corrupción imperante si los cristianos dejamos que la agenda pública sea manejada por los impíos, mientras en las bancas de nuestras iglesias están sentados los jóvenes que pudieran ser los futuros presidentes, senadores, diputados o alcaldes," dijo Mottesi a ALC. Mottesi, uno de los principales oradores en el Décimo Cuarto Congreso Iberoamericano de Comunicadores y Medios Masivos Cristianos (COICOM), que se realiza en esta ciudad del 2 al 5 de noviembre, lamentó que la participación.de evangélicos en la agenda pública sea muy pobre todavía. Obispo Metodista Dice Que Bush Usa La Mentira Para Invadir, Reprimir Y Destruir Al Mundo 2 noviembre 2005, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – El obispo emérito de la Iglesia Evangélica Metodista Argentina, Aldo Etchegoyen, rechazó la próxima visita al país del presidente de los Estados Unidos, George W. Bush, el mandatario que "ha hecho de la mentira un instrumento para invadir otros países, reprimir, destruir y torturar a sus habitantes." Etchegoyen, actual secretario general del Consejo de Iglesias Evangélicas Metodistas de América Latina y del Caribe (CIEMAL), sostuvo que cuando la vida no se funda en la verdad, todo se deteriora y se transforma en una gran mentira y lamentó que Bush "nuestra no deseada visita, dice ser cristiano activo y militante." Cumbre De Los Pueblos Rechazó Tratados De Libre Comercio, Militarización Y Pago De Deuda Externa 4 noviembre 2005, MAR DEL PLATA, Argentina – La Cumbre de los Pueblos de América demandó la suspensión definitiva de las negociaciones del ALCA así como de toda forma de convención sobre "libre comercio" impulsada por los Estados Unidos y rechazó la militarización del continente y el pago de la frondosa deuda externa que agobia a los pueblos pobres de América Latina y El Caribe. En la cita desarrollada de forma paralela a la Cumbre de las Americas, en Mar del Plata, participaron delegados y delegadas de organizaciones sociales de todas las regiones del continente, desde Canadá hasta la Patagonia; trabajadores, campesinos, indígenas, de todas edades y razas. Polémica Entre Católicos Y Sectores Evangélicos Por Canonización De Padre Hurtado 3 noviembre 2005, TEMUCO, Chile – Líderes evangélicos de la Novena Región señalaron que el gobierno sobrevaloró la canonización del padre Alberto Hurtado, al ubicarlo en una "posición de idolatría" que no se condice con la doctrina bíblica y lo acusaron de establecer una "molesta discriminación" contra otros credos. Andrés Millanao, presidente del Consejo de Pastores de las Iglesias Evangélicas de Temuco, dijo a la edición digital de El Gong que la actitud del gobierno constituye una prueba irrefutable de discriminación en todo sentido. "Esto implica, además, que no existen los derechos humanos para los evangélicos en este país. Y lo digo en todo sentido, aunque sea crudo," comentó el miércoles. Las Iglesias Y La Iglesia O La Importancia De La Eclesiología 2 noviembre 2005 – Por extraña que pueda parecer la palabra a primera vista para el creyente medio, la "eclesiología" ocupa un lugar central en la vida de toda comunidad cristiana. Las respuestas que se dan a las cuestiones "eclesiológicas" en las iglesias influyen sobre la vida cotidiana de los fieles y orientan la búsqueda de la unidad de los cristianos. Jorge y Ana, padres jóvenes, se preguntan: "¿Debemos bautizar a nuestra hija a poco de nacer? ¿O tenemos que esperar hasta que ella misma decida si quiere pertenecer a la iglesia?" Católicos Esperarán Termino De Festividades Del Día De Todos Los Santos Para Expulsar a Evangélicos 31 octubre 2005, PACHUCA, México – Los católicos del pueblo de San Nicolás, del municipio de Ixmiquilpan, concedieron una corta tregua a las 34 familias evangélicas, a las que ordenaron salir de la localidad, hasta que concluyan las festividades de Todos los Santos que se celebran aquí el primer día de noviembre. La mayoría católica de la zona acordó en asamblea comunitaria celebrada a fines de octubre echar a los evangélicos del pueblo "por profesar un culto religioso diferente" y les dio 30 días de plazo para que se vayan, después que estos anunciaron que construirían un templo en la comunidad. Iglesias Cristianas Deben Propiciar Reflexión Sobre Crisis Del País 2 noviembre 2005, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Un llamado a las iglesias tradicionales protestantes a que promuevan un encuentro donde reflexionen sobre la grave situación que atraviesa Nicaragua, lanzó el rector de la Universidad Evangélica Nicaragüense (UENIC), Benjamín Cortés, en la inauguración de la IV Cátedra de Humanidades Jurgen Moltman 2005. Dijo que iglesias como la bautista, católica, pentecostal y morava, que aglutinan a la mayoría de la población, deberían liderar un espacio de análisis y búsqueda de respuestas en torno a la crisis política, económica y social que sufre el país. "Pueden aportar mucho al dialogo nacional," afirmó. Obispos Emplazan a Gobierno a Afrontar Migración Haitiana 3 noviembre 2005, SANTO DOMINGO, Republica Dominicana – El gobierno debe asumir la parte de responsabilidad que le toca en la incesante inmigración haitiana al país, como son las complicidades consulares, aduaneras, policiales, militares, empresariales e incluso las migratorias, dijo la Conferencia del Episcopado Dominicano en un comunicado entregado a la prensa el martes 1 de noviembre. Los males de este desorden se han tornado ya gravísimos y a ellos debe poner suma atención y remedio tanto el gobierno como la sociedad entera," dicen los religiosos en el "Mensaje Ante la Creciente Inmigración Haitiana" que suscriben los obispos. Líderes Evangélicos Piden a Presidente Chávez Que Escuche a Nuevas Tribus 31 octubre 2005, CARACAS, Venezuela – Después de más de dos semanas del anuncio del presidente Hugo Chávez sobre la expulsión de la misión estadounidense Nuevas Tribus (MNT), el Consejo Evangélico y la Confederación Evangélica Pentecostal de Venezuela, le pidieron que los reciba y escuche antes de ejecutar la medida, que de otro lado, aseguraron, precisa una investigación previa que no se ha efectuado hasta la fecha. Los líderes de ambas agrupaciones se mostraron dispuestos a conformar una delegación con los directivos de MNT y concurrir al Palacio de Miraflores para entrevistarse personalmente con el mandatario, dijeron en una carta remitida al presidente Chávez el viernes. C.S. Lewis Is Focus for Trinity-St. Paul's Celebration of Art and Faith November 1, 2005, NEW YORK – Trinity Church-St. Paul's Chapel in New York City will offer a unique, multimedia festival November 15-December 13 titled "Narnia: A Multimedia Festival," in connection with the December 9 release of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," a new feature film from Walt Disney Pictures of C.S. Lewis's beloved classic novel. The festival is dedicated to an exploration of the art and Christianity of Lewis. Workshops led by the Rev. Dr. Clair McPherson, author, priest and teacher of 30 years, will be telecast online and can be viewed live, or on demand, and offered as educational resources. Bishops Launch Appeal to Help Gulf Churches Build Anew November 4, 2005, LAKE JUNALUSKA, NC – The United Methodist Church's bishops are launching an appeal aimed at helping the denomination's congregations in Louisiana and Mississippi recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina. The Council of Bishops approved the Katrina Church Recovery Appeal during its Oct. 30-Nov. 4 fall meeting. The appeal will focus on building new ministries, rebuilding facilities and addressing a wide range of other local church and conference needs, such as paying clergy salaries and covering an untold amount of uninsured losses. Native Americans Create Hurricane Relief Fund November 4, 2005 – A new United Methodist fund will assist Native American families affected by the recent Gulf Coast hurricanes. The fund was developed by the denomination's Southeastern Jurisdictional Agency for Native American Ministries after a national team of United Methodist American Indians visited Louisiana and Mississippi in late September. "Many times during crisis situations, Indian people tend to be left out or overlooked," said Darlene Jacobs, director of SEJANAM. Church World Service Pakistan Earthquake Village Now Has Mosque and Water Supply November 3, 2005, NEW YORK / ISLAMABAD – The Church World Service tent village in earthquake-stricken Pakistan now has a functioning mosque; its own dependable supply of clean drinking water; latrines; and an out-patient medical facility. New relief parcels, including health kits, kitchen sets, and utensils are being distributed in the camp, located in the village of Bisyan in North West Frontier Province. These operations continue even as CWS and other agencies wait and hope for desperately needed funding to continue assisting survivors of the devastating October 8 earthquake. Fight Against Malaria Needs Everyone's Attention, United Methodists Say November 2, 2005, NEW YORK – Bishop Joao Somane Machado sees children in Mozambique dying of malaria on a daily basis and he wants the world to pay attention. "This is not an African issue," said Machado, who leads the United Methodist Church in Mozambique. "It's not only for poor countries. It's global." The bishop and the Rev. R. Randy Day, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, spoke about the church's new initiative to combat malaria during a Nov. 1 press conference in New York. They were joined by the Rev. Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, Calif., and author of the bestselling book, The Purpose-Driven Life. Missionaries Report Miracle in Nicaragua November 1, 2005 – Christian Reformed missionaries in Nicaragua report that the nation is thanking God for sparing it from Hurricane Beta after the storm unexpectedly changed its path on the weekend. With the hurricane bearing down on Puerto Cabeza, a city of 60,000 inhabitants, many of them living in flimsy, wooden houses, the president of Nicaragua called on the people to pray, reports Joel Huyser, field leader in Nicaragua with Christian Reformed World Missions. "I was listening to a secular radio station with continuous hurricane coverage," Huyser wrote in an e-mail to supporters in North America. MECC Receives PCUSA Delegation in Lebanon and Syria October 31, 2005 – Dr. Robert Worley, former professor of ministry at the McCormick Theological Seminary and longstanding friend and supporter of the churches and people of the Middle East lead the Chicago Presbytery Task Force of 18 persons during their visit to Lebanon, Syria and the West Bank in October. This is not the first time Dr. Worley leads similar groups to the Middle East to help them understand the people of the region, the issues they face, and to promote justice and peace. Iranian President's Comments on Israel ‘Abhorrent,' Griswold Says November 4, 2005 – Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold has responded ‘with great sadness' to Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's comments at an October 26 conference titled "The World Without Zionism," during which he called Israel a "disgraceful blot" that should be "wiped off the map" and warned leaders of Muslim nations who might recognize the state of Israel that they faced "the wrath of their own people." Austrian Lutheran Bishop to Chair Ecumenical Council November 5, 2005, VIENNA, Austria/GENEVA – Bishop Herwig Sturm of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Austria, is the new chairperson of the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria. He was elected with a large majority at the council's annual general meeting 18 October, in Vienna. His two-year term as head of the body of 14 churches begins on 1 January 2006. Upon election, Sturm expressed appreciation for the ecumenical council as a learning community. "We learn to show understanding for the other churches, to see ourselves as a community on the move, and to be ready to work with others in several areas of activity." Early Christians' Reaction to the Practice of Slavery November 4, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – How did early Christians think about slaves? J. Albert Harrill argues in his new book, Slaves in the New Testament, that they did so using conventional stereotypes familiar from ancient moral philosophy, handbook literature, and the comic stage. In this significant new analysis of slaves and slavery in the New Testament, Harrill breaks new ground with his extensive use of Greco-Roman evidence, explicit attention to hermeneutics, and treatment of the use of the New Testament in antebellum U.S. slavery debates. Leading Scholars Illuminate the Cultural Milieau of Ancient Israel November 3, 2005, MINNEAPOLIS – Ancient Israel: The Old Testament in Its Social Context, edited by Philip F. Esler, provides an up-to-date assessment of the current state of social-scientific analysis of the Old Testament and brings together pathbreaking essays by an international group of biblical scholars on topics in major growth points of the field. Contributors address foundational issues (the proper use of social-scientific models and a brief history of social-scientific analysis of the Old Testament; key themes (tribalism, polygymy, sacrifice, reciprocity, wealth, prophecy, barrenness); and selected biblical texts where social-scientific analysis provides new insights.
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