Front Page

WCC's 9th Assembly to Affirm Alternative Globalization

January 11, 2006 – "A world without poverty is not only possible but is in keeping with the grace of God for the world" affirms a call that will play a central role at the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Porto Alegre, 14-23 February. Called "AGAPE – A Call to love and action," the six-page document summarizes the results of the work done by the WCC and ecumenical partners on economic globalization since the 8th Assembly in Harare in 1998. It also calls churches "to act together for transformation of economic injustice."

Edgar: Abramoff Scandal Could Have Been Avoided
If Congress Adopted Bipartisan Ethics Guidelines

January 10, 2006, NEW YORK – Lobbyist Jack Abramoff's decision last week to cooperate with federal investigators in Washington's biggest ethics scandal in recent memory has sent tremors throughout the capital. None of this is surprising, said the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA, but it could have been avoided if Congress had adopted "a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics." The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar called on religious leaders – including those on the religious right – to demand that Congress begin working on those ethical guidelines now. "As a Christian minister and a former member of Congress," Edgar said, "I am convinced that a universally accepted and enforceable code of ethics – not just promises and empty words – is the best assurance that we the people will be honestly served, and that politicians will be led away from the moral pitfalls of unchecked temptation."

Planned Christian Center in Israel Nixed Because of Evangelist's Comments
Pat Robertson Said Sharon's Stroke Was God's Punishment

January 12, 2006, JERUSALEM – Israel has frozen a $50 million tourism deal with U.S. Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson because of his suggestion that Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's recent stroke was divine punishment for Israel's pullout from the Gaza strip. "We will not do business with him, only with other evangelicals who don't back these comments," Ido Hartuv, a tourism ministry spokesperson, said on Jan. 11. Israel had pledged to provide land for a Christian heritage center Robertson proposed to build on a site overlooking the Sea of Galilee, where pilgrims could walk in Jesus' footsteps. But the tourism ministry said it broke off the negotiations after his comments on his TV program, "The 700 Club."

TV Evangelist Apologizes for Remarks about Sharon

January 13, 2006, JERUSALEM – Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson has sent a letter to the son of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, apologizing for suggesting that Sharon's stroke was divine punishment for withdrawing from the Gaza Strip. "I ask your forgiveness and the forgiveness of the people of Israel for saying what was clearly insensitive at the time," Robertson wrote in a letter to Sharon's son, Omri.

Threats Force PC(USA)-related Camp to Relocate Event for Muslim Youth
Net Blogger Claimed So-called ‘Jihad Retreat' Involved Speakers with Ties to Terror Groups

January 12, 2006, LOUISVILLE – Death threats forced a Presbyterian-related conference center in Florida to shut its doors briefly last month and to cancel a scheduled youth-leadership event for a Muslim group that was forced to meet in a secret location. Law-enforcement officials said the threats were credible. The controversy arose after an Internet blogger (author of a personal Web log) alleged that a person scheduled to speak during the New Year's Eve event had ties to Al-Qaeda, the terrorist group led by Osama Bin Laden. The writer, who described the gathering as a "children's jihad retreat," repeated his claims on a Fox News program, Your World with Neil Cavuto.

General News

Christians Should Visit ‘Struggling' Bethlehem, Archbishop of Canterbury Urges

January 10, 2006 – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has urged Christians throughout the world to make efforts to visit Bethlehem as a place of pilgrimage and to remember the ‘struggling' town in their prayers. In a letter presented to Dr. Victor Batarseh, the Mayor of Bethlehem, marking the feast of the Epiphany, Williams expressed his concern for the fate of the area. "I am aware of the severe hardship which many are suffering; the decline of tourism, the difficulties of access and movement and the struggle to sustain the economic and social life of the city," the letter said.

Health-Ministry Van Takes Show on the Road Mission on Wheels will visit Under-Served Areas

January 13, 2006, LOUISVILLE - About 40 national staff members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) braved rain and cold temperatures earlier this week to bless and pray for the denomination's new health-education van as it was prepared to hit the road for the first time. The shiny 35-foot-long white van, which left the Presbyterian Center on its inaugural mission, is the centerpiece of a new ministry of the PC(USA)'s National Health Ministries office. Health Mission on the Move (MOM) will roll into medically under-served areas where health-care professionals and other volunteers will address unmet medical needs and help people who feel isolated or alone.

‘Communion in Mission' Document Tapped for Study, Litany
Executive Council Asks General Convention to Act on Inter-Anglican Initiative

January 13, 2006 – Citing the document's role as "a vision for Anglican faithfulness to the mission of God," Executive Council on January 12 proposed that General Convention join the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) in commending "A Covenant for Communion and Mission" for widespread study and response. Executive Council's Committee on International Concerns, chaired by New York Bishop Suffragan Catherine Roskam, drafted the resolution that will come before the 75th General Convention, meeting June 13-21 in Columbus, Ohio. At its own January 9-12 meeting in Des Moines, Council further used the document to adapt a litany prayed during Eucharist.

Parallels Seen in Pakistan to U.S. Civil Rights Struggles

January 13, 2006 – For Andris Salter, a trip to Pakistan – where Christians suffer persecution and have seen their churches burned – served as a reminder of the struggles of the U.S. civil rights movement. Salter, an executive with the Women's Division, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, traveled to Pakistan in November with a group of four women from different denominations and countries. They represented a women's solidarity delegation sponsored by the World Council of Churches. With the United States celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 16, Salter reflected on how her Pakistan experience evoked intense feelings about civil rights, persecution, and her belief that the work started by the civil rights leader must continue, both nationally and globally.

New Resources Address Church's Spiritual Leadership Need

January 13, 2006, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The United Methodist Church's discipleship agency has announced two new initiatives aimed at building spiritual leadership among pastors and within congregations. The announcement comes as part of a churchwide response to an urgent need identified by the 2004 General Conference, the top legislative body of the denomination. The assembly identified leadership and faith development as critical matters facing the church in the 21st century. The two new initiatives, designed to help pastors and congregations build those leadership skills, were introduced Jan. 11 at the Board of Discipleship.

Task Force Says Report Can Help Create ‘More Faithful Spirit' in PC(USA)
Group Makes a Distinction Between Standards and ‘Essentials' of Faith

January 12, 2006, ATLANTA – Gathering for the last time before it presents its report to next summer's 217th General Assembly, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity of the Church (TTF) reaffirmed its belief that the recommendations in its report, if adopted, will contribute to "a more faithful spirit" within the denomination. And although many Presbyterians – especially those at both extremes of the theological/political spectrum – have criticized the report, the task force members don't think the report will produce a schism in the 2.3-million member church.

Ecumenical News

Praying for God's Transformation in Africa

January 10, 2006 – Transformation has become almost a cliché. Everything needs to be transformed: individual lives, cultures, economies, societies* all. But it is not often that God or grace are named in this context. We simply state the need for transformation. As if we hoped to lift ourselves up by our boot straps – that is, for those of us who have any footwear at all. It is, therefore, the prayer for God's grace that attracts attention in the theme of the upcoming World Council of Churches 9th Assembly: "God, in your grace, transform the world." "God, in your grace,"

‘Wherever Two or Three Are Gathered in My Name . . .'
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Slated January 18-25

January 9, 2006, NEW YORK – The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a bellwether of the ecumenical movement since 1908, will be celebrated across the globe January 18-25, 2006. The week of prayer, which has inspired members of most Christian traditions for 98 years, will be observed in ecumenical councils, communion headquarters, dioceses and local congregations in both hemispheres. The theme of this year's observance is, "Where two or three are gathered in my name," invoking Jesus' promise in Matthew 18:20 that when Christians gather, "I am there among them."

Spanish News

Pastores Evangélicos Postulan Al Congreso

13 enero 2006, BOGOTÁ, Colombia – El pastor Jorge Trujillo, candidato al Senado, presentó a Marco Fidel Ramírez, un pastor que combina la tarea religiosa con el periodismo, como su compañero de fórmula, en el partido Convergencia Ciudadana, para las próximas elecciones legislativas del 12 de marzo próximo. Trujillo señaló durante una celebración en su iglesia, frente a cerca de mil asistentes, que es necesario tomar los lugares de mayor importancia y desde allí lograr el reconocimiento que la iglesia cristiana necesita.

Universitarios Evangélicos Debaten Racismo Y Exclusión Social

13 enero 2006, VIÇOSA, MINAS GERAIS, Brasil –"El racismo es una negación del Evangelio," declaró Marco Davi de Oliveira, pastor bautista y líder de la ONG "Simeão, o Niger," en el debate sobre Negritud, uno de los temas discutidos en Misión 2006 – Congreso Misionero de la Alianza Bíblica Universitária de Brasil (ABUB). El Congreso tuvo lugar en la Universidad Federal de Viçosa (UFV), del 3 al 8 de enero, bajo el tema "Esperanza viva en Jesús."

Gobernador Confirma Presencia En La Apertura De La Asamblea Del Cmi

9 enero 2006, PORTO ALEGRE, Brasil – El gobernador del estado de Río Grande do Sul, Germano Rigotto, confirmó su participación en el acto inaugural de la IX Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), a celebrarse en esta capital el 14 de febrero próximo. Al mismo tiempo, garantizó total apoyo del Estado, principalmente en la cuestión de seguridad, para el éxito del evento ecuménico mundial. La presencia del gobernador en la Asamblea fue asegurada el miércoles 4, en el encuentro que sostuvo con líderes religiosos en el Palacio Piratini, en Porto Alegre.

IX Asamblea Del CMI Afirmará Una Globalización Alternativa

11 enero 2006 – "Un mundo sin pobreza no sólo es posible, sino que está de acuerdo con la gracia de Dios para el mundo," afirma un llamamiento que desempeñará un papel central en la IX Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) a celebrarse en Porto Alegre del 14 al 23 de febrero. Titulado "AGAPE – Llamamiento al amor y a la acción," el documento de seis páginas sintetiza los resultados del trabajo sobre globalización económica realizado por el CMI y otras organizaciones ecuménicas desde la VIII Asamblea celebrada en Harare en 1998.

Declaraciones De Robertson Son Desacertadas E Irrespetuosas, Sostiene Aciera

9 enero 2006, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – De desacertadas e irrespetuosas, calificó la Alianza Cristiana de Iglesias Evangélicas de la República Argentina, ACIERA, las declaraciones del tele-evangelista estadounidense Pat Robertson, quien sostuvo que la apoplejía que afecta al primer ministro israelí Ariel Sharon, era un "castigo divino por dividir la tierra de Dios." El millonario predicador Pat Robertson, fiel a su controversial estilo, insinuó el jueves en su programa "El Club 700," que los graves males que afectan a Sharon, son una respuesta divina por su decisión de retirar a los colonos judíos de la franja de Gaza.

Pastor Evangélico Intentará La Reelección En El Senado Con Su Partido Cristiano

11 enero 2006, BOGOTÁ, Colombia –"No voy a renunciar a mis principios para mantenerme como senador," dijo a ALC el congresista evangélico Jimmy Chamorro, quien, a diferencia de otros candidatos evangélicos, rehusó aliarse con otro partido, e irá a la cabeza de su organización, Compromiso Cívico Cristiano con la Comunidad (C-4), a las elecciones legislativas del próximo 12 de marzo. El hecho, calificado como "quijotesco" por la prensa local, pues tendría que superar los 240 mil votos para resultar reelecto, el doble de los que obtuvo en los comicios pasados, no le quita el sueño.

Gobierno Israelí Rechazó Fondos De Tele-evangelista Pat Robertson Por Comentarios Contra Sharon

13 enero 2006, JERUSALEN, Israel – El gobierno israelí declinó recibir fondos del evangelista estadounidense Pat Robertson que iba a financiar el Centro de la Cultura Cristiana de Galilea. "Reconsideramos el acuerdo y nos dimos cuenta que no podremos firmar con Robertson ni con nadie que apoye su punto de vista," dijo Ido Hartuv, vocero del ministro de Turismo, Abraham Hirschson, a The Jerusalem Post. "El ministro tiene una decidida posición frente a esto y no puede aceptar lo que ha sido dicho," dijo Hartuv.

Colectivo Evangélico Se Incorporó a Alianza Concertación Descentralista

9 enero 2006, LIMA, Peru – Una agrupación que reúne a destacados líderes evangélicos se incorporó a la Alianza Concertación Descentralista, de la izquierda moderada, tras suscribir un acuerdo político con miras a las elecciones generales del próximo 9 de abril. El colectivo Cristianos por la Democracia, que encabeza el congresista Walter Alejos, disidente del Partido Restauración Nacional (RN), también de inspiración evangélica, se comprometió a apoyar la candidatura presidencial de Susana Villarán, ex ministra de la Mujer del gobierno de transición del presidente Valentín Paniagua.

Anglicana Es Nombrada Procuradora Para Defensa De Los Derechos De La Mujer

13 enero 2006, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – La recién nombrada procuradora especial para la Defensa de los Derechos de la Mujer, Deborah Grandison, va a luchar por el acceso de las mujeres al crédito, a la salud, justicia y participación política. Grandison, abogada, negra, líder de la Iglesia Anglicana, viajó esta semana a Managua para prestar juramento de ley. En declaraciones a la prensa, Grandison afirmó que la mujer de la Costa Atlántica vive una triste realidad de marginación y violencia, y muchas veces no merece la atención de los tribunales de Justicia.

Murió Raúl Macín, Destacado Líder Ecuménico Y Prolífico Escritor Mexicano

10 enero 2006, MÉXICO – El líder ecuménico Raúl Macín Andrade, fundador del Centro de Información y Estudios Migratorios (CIEM) de Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, Zacatecas y Reynosa, y promotor del Centro de Estudios Fronterizos y de Promoción de los Derechos Humanos A. C (CEFPRODHAC), murió el sábado ultimo a la edad de 75 años. Poeta, maestro, editor, pastor, ensayista y soñador, con una vasta obra de 45 libros de poesía, ensayos y cuentos, Macín resumió en su ultima entrevista, brindada a Forum a fines del año pasado, su versión de la tarea política."Debería estar inspirada, en la verdadera democracia, pero sobre todo, en la justicia," dijo.

Orando Para Que Dios Transforme África

10 enero 2006 – La transformación se ha convertido casi en un cliché. Todo necesita ser transformado: la vida de las personas, las culturas, la economía, las sociedades... todo. Pero no es frecuente que Dios ni la gracia sean mencionados en este contexto. Simplemente afirmamos la necesidad de transformación. Como si esperáramos elevarnos tirando de los cordones de nuestros zapatos -aquellos que tenemos calzado, claro. Es por lo tanto el ruego por la gracia de Dios lo que llama la atención en el tema de la IX Asamblea del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias. "Dios, en tu gracia, transforma el mundo."

Consejo Mundial De Iglesias Llama a Iglesias a Transformar Injusticia Económica

11 enero 2006, GINEBRA, Suiza – Frente al modelo de "injusticia económica" que impera en el mundo, las iglesias deben actuar contra los intolerables niveles de pobreza que produce ese modelo, sostuvo el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), que lanzará un llamamiento en este sentido en su IX Asamblea a celebrarse en Porto Alegre del 14 al 23 de febrero. "Un mundo sin pobreza, no sólo es posible, sino que está de acuerdo con la gracia de Dios para el mundo," afirma un llamamiento sobre globalización económica, dirigido a las iglesias y movimientos sociales que participaran en la IX Asamblea del CMI.

National News

WSC-AR Condemns False Arrest of Elderly Sikh Author by Indian Police; Calls for Corrective Action

January 7, 2006, COLUMBUS, Ohio – The World Sikh Council – America Region (WSC-AR) condemns the illegal and arbitrary actions of the Indian police in abducting an elderly Sikh author, Mr. Ajmer Singh, on January 5, 2006 from Chandigarh, India. The police initially refused to acknowledge the detention but when the matter was made public by Lawyers for Human Rights International (LHRI), the police was forced to acknowledge the detention and Mr. Ajmer Singh was produced before a magistrate. The magistrate found Mr. Ajmer Singh had been falsely arrested by the police and ordered his release on January 6, 2006.

Historic Film about Lutherans, Civil Rights Named to National Film Registry

January 12, 2006, CHICAGO – "A Time for Burning," a landmark civil rights film featuring the struggles of Augustana Lutheran Church, Omaha, Neb., and its pastor, the Rev. William Youngdahl, was named to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. The film is one of only 25 films to be designated this year out of more than 1,000 films nominated. "A Time for Burning," produced and released in 1966 by Lutheran Film Associates, will be part of a library of more than 400 selected films preserved for their cultural, historic and artistic significance.

International News

Haitian Institute Director Killed in Port-au-prince

January 10, 2006 – Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) has reported the sad death of Edward Emmanuel Corneille, director of the Bishop Tharp Institute of Business and Technology (BTI) in Les Cayes, Haiti, who was shot and killed in Pétion-Ville, just outside of Port-au-Prince, on January 5. ERD worked in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti to build the institute which opened in October 2005. Haitian police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. It has been reported that Corneille was involved in the campaign of Charles Henry Baker, a presidential candidate.

Church Delegation to Attend Liberian Presidential Inauguration

January 9, 2006 – A delegation of United Methodist leaders from the United States will attend the inauguration of Liberia's newly elected president in a show of support for the first African woman head of state. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, an active member of First United Methodist Church of Monrovia, will officially become president of Liberia in a Jan. 16 inauguration ceremony in Monrovia, the country's capital city. "We celebrate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's election as president because she represents great compassion, a commitment to justice, and she is a fine disciple of Jesus Christ," said Bishop Peter Weaver, president of the United Methodist Church's Council of Bishops.

Listening: Anglican Women Prepare for U.N. Gathering

January 9, 2006 – The largest-ever gathering of women from around the Anglican Communion – 96 women representing 37 provinces – will mark the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), to be held in New York City from February 24 through March 8. Gender equality, the advancement of women in the fields of education, health, and employment, as well as increased participation of women and men in decision-making processes at all levels, will be the focus of the 2006 UNCSW meeting.