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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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Thousands Rally on Capitol Hill to Protest Immigration Bill March 9, 2006, WASHINGTON – United Methodists and others rallying against an immigration reform bill said they wouldn't let the threat of jail stop them from doing ministry with undocumented immigrants. "Yo no soy un criminal (I am not a criminal)," said the Rev. David Rocha, coordinator of Hispanic ministries at the Baltimore-Washington Conference and pastor of Camina Da Vida United Methodist Church in Gaithersburg, Md. Rocha was reacting to a proposal working its way through Congress this month that could penalize people like him with hefty fines and jail time for working with undocumented immigrants. March 8, 2006, NEW YORK – The general secretary of the National Council of Churches USA urged the U.S. government to use the closing of Iraq's notorious Abu Ghraib Prison as an opportunity "to renew our resolve as a nation that torture and abuse must never be weapons for our defense." The Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar said Abu Ghraib is "a dark icon of history" because it was the site of torture and abuse at the hands of both Iraqis and Americans. Both sides were convinced "that their heinous acts were necessary to preserve a regime or protect other lives," he said. But Edgar said it is "illogical, immoral and profane" to believe torture is an acceptable means of preserving safety and freedom. March 8, 2006 – WASHINGTON – What is really going on in Iraq? This is one of the most pressing questions facing the nation and the answer is mired in controversy. But this weekend, more than 900 Christian activists from across the country will try to find answers to this and other critical issues during the fourth annual Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice, March 10-13 at the Doubletree Hotel in Arlington, Va. Based on the theme, "Challenging Disparity: The Promise of God, the Power of Solidarity," attendees will explore real solutions and develop strategies and tactics to advocate for building a just global community that nurtures peace, alleviates poverty and the impact of HIV/AIDS, and protects the integrity of God's creation. The Church Is ‘Slow' to Recognize Equality of Women, WARC Leader Says March 7, 2006 – GENEVA – The rights of women in church and society are still not guaranteed, the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) warned on the eve of International Women's Day, March 8. "The church is still slow in recognizing the urgent call for women's equal partnership with men in all areas of ministry and witness," said the Rev. Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, executive secretary of WARC's office for Church Renewal, Justice and Partnership. The United Nations has designated March 8 as International Women's Day since 1975, but the roots of the commemoration go back to the beginning of the 20th century. Sheerattan-Bisnauth described the day as an opportunity to celebrate the gains made by women while drawing attention to the need for gender awareness and policies that support the equality of women. Apology Opens Remarks from Anglican Consultative Council Chairman March 6, 2006 – PHILADELPHIA – John Paterson, bishop of Auckland and chair of the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC), told the Executive Council that he hopes General Convention will rigorously debate the Windsor Report while keeping in mind the communion that Anglicans share. "The Anglican Communion needs the Episcopal Church," he said. "I would be so bold as to say that the reverse is also true. The Episcopal Church needs the Anglican Communion. The ACC needs the Episcopal Church." Paterson, speaking to the Council's opening session March 6, also apologized for the ACC's decision to limit the participation of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Church of Canada's delegations to the last ACC meeting in Nottingham, England in June 2005. March 9, 2006 – The Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, meeting March 6-9 in Philadelphia, advised members of the church to follow the call of the Baptismal Covenant to "seek and serve Christ in all persons" in ministering to illegal immigrants, despite any laws that would criminalize such assistance. The council also agreed to allocate $100,000 from short-term reserves to provide seed money for a "national coordinated defense" for dioceses and congregations faced with efforts by congregants and clergy to take real and personal property belonging to the Episcopal Church with them if they choose to leave and affiliate with other Anglican bishops or church bodies. The council declared "strong opposition" to any legislation that would make it unlawful for faith-based organizations to relieve "the suffering of undocumented immigrants in response to the Gospel mandate to serve the least among us and our Baptismal covenant to seek and serve Christ in all persons." March 3, 2006, SANTA ROSA, CA – The Rev. Jane Adams Spahr was found not guilty of misconduct Friday (March 3) after a trial on charges that she violated the denomination's position on same-sex marriage by performing weddings for two lesbian couples. The Permanent Judicial Commission (PJC) of Redwoods Presbytery said in a written ruling that the marriage of same-sex couples is not "outside of, or contrary to, the essentials of the Reformed faith as understood" by the presbytery. Spahr, 63, a longtime lesbian activist in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), had faced sanctions ranging from a reprimand to removal from ministry. She was exultant after the verdict. Her attorneys and the two couples she married gathered around her, clapping and cheering, when the decision was announced. Stephen Ministry Trains Angels on Earth March 10, 2006 – By Marta W. Aldrich In the course of two tumultuous years, Kathy Sansom experienced five major stressful life events. After her husband died of cancer in 2002, she married a childhood friend. The marriage soured quickly and was annulled. In the midst of it all, her mother died, and Sansom moved to a new city. "When I moved to the Houston area at the end of 2003, I was totally exhausted – emotionally, physically, every way you could think of," says Sansom, who joined Klein United Methodist Church in Spring, Texas. "I was in a new city and didn't know many people. My pastor suggested I start seeing a Stephen Minister." March 9, 2006 – BERLIN, Germany/GENEVA – An international consultation in Berlin, Germany, marked the final phase of a four-year study program of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Department for Theology and Studies (DTS) on "Spiritualism as a Global Challenge for Churches." The study process is aimed at helping Lutheran churches around the world understand indigenous spiritualities and spiritualistic movements in their respective contexts. Participants in the 12-18 January 2006 meeting discussed, among other issues, how churches should respond, for example, to congregation members who, in the face of difficult life situations, seek healing and consolation in traditional indigenous as well as spiritualistic rituals. A key question was whether Lutheran churches should allow the worship of ancestors. The group also analyzed the possible implications of such movements for Lutheran identity, dialogue and mission. Evangélicos Lamentan Animosidad En Frontera Con Uruguay 7 marzo 2006, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina / MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – Iglesias evangélicas de Argentina y Uruguay enviaron una carta pastoral a las congregaciones ubicadas en las márgenes del río Uruguay, lamentando la creciente animosidad entre ambos pueblos por la instalación de dos fábricas de celulosa, "en un momento que ambos gobiernos expresan coincidencias nacionales y regionales a favor de la dignidad humana." La carta pastoral afirma que frente a los problemas suscitados en el litoral argentino- uruguayo, como cierres de carreteras, protestas por considerar que los proyectos afectan el medio ambiente, las iglesias están llamadas a discernir la verdad, "evitando el egoísmo que deteriora las relaciones humanas." Alianza De Iglesias Evangélicas Cuestiona "Feminismo De Género" 9 marzo 2006, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – La Alianza Cristiana de Iglesias Evangélicas de la República Argentina (ACIERA) cuestionó el "feminismo de género" que dijo, opta por destruir todo lo que se opone a su visión distorsionada de la realidad, en un articulo editorial a propósito del Día Internacional de la Mujer. El organismo representativo de iglesias evangélicas afirmó que no es raro encontrarse con expresiones feministas "en las que se denigra a las mujeres que son esposas y madres, porque se sostiene que la maternidad y el matrimonio son dos instrumentos de dominación masculina." Acción Internacional De Las Iglesias Por La Paz En Palestina E Israel, 12-19 De Marzo 8 marzo 2006 – Del 12 al 19 de marzo de 2006, grupos de iglesias de una docena de países y miembros de las redes de Pax Christi Internacional y de Asociaciones Cristianas de Jóvenes (ACJ) participarán en una iniciativa conjunta de sensibilización para la paz en Palestina e Israel convocada por el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI). De Oslo a Ciudad del Cabo, de Toronto a Jerusalén, grupos preocupados con el tema ejercerán presión sobre parlamentarios, celebrarán reuniones públicas, observarán vigilias y plantarán olivos. Consejo Latinoamericano De Iglesias Lanza Video Interactivo Sobre VIH/SIDA 6 marzo 2006 – QUITO, Ecuador – Un video interactivo sobre el candente tema del VIH/SIDA, que permite consultas y responde a sus usuarios, acaba de ser lanzado por el Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) para facilitar la comprensión de la pandemia y sus graves consecuencias. El Programa de Salud y el Departamento de Comunicaciones del CLAI, elaboraron el video tras concluir que pese a los esfuerzos realizados para erradicar la pandemia "prácticamente toda la humanidad está fracasando en su control," dijo el médico Eduardo Campaña, responsable del proyecto. Estados Unidos Denuncia Restricciones a La Vida Religiosa En Cuba 9 marzo 2006, LA HABANA, Cuba – El Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos, en el reporte anual sobre los Derechos Humanos, difundido esta semana, expresa que "el gobierno cubano continúa restringiendo la libertad religiosa" y denuncia que el Ministerio del Interior toma medidas "de control y monitorea las instituciones religiosas, mediante vigilancia, infiltración y acosamiento a los profesionales religiosos y a los practicantes." El informe, en la sección sobre libertad religiosa, destaca también que "oficiales de la Seguridad del Estado visitan a sacerdotes y pastores antes de significativos eventos religiosos." March 6, 2006, LOUISVILLE – Christian, Jewish and Muslim experts from around the world will lead discussions on "The Role of Religious Minorities in Pluralistic Societies" at a major conference later this month in New York. The March 23-26 event at Rutgers Presbyterian Church will help mark the 100th anniversary of the American Waldensian Society. The society was founded in 1906 to link Waldensians in Italy with those who had migrated to Argentina, Uruguay and the United States. The Waldensians are a Protestant religious movement which was founded in France in the 12th century but which is now centered in Italy. It is a partner church of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Controversial Anti-Immigrant Bill Prompts Massive Rally on Capitol Hill March 6, 2006, WASHINGTON – As the debate heats up in our Nation's Capitol, faith leaders join immigrant rights supporters from across the United States and make an unprecedented visit to Washington, D.C. to highlight opposition to HR 4437 – a controversial anti-immigrant bill that, if approved, would permit the government to prosecute almost anyone who has regular contact with an undocumented person, including their families and organizations that advocate on their behalf. The proposed legislation would also make way for a 700-mile border fence to be built between the U.S. and México. Church Leads Effort for Fairness in Congressional Representation March 8, 2006, WASHINGTON – For many years, Foundry United Methodist Church has helped lead an effort to establish a voting representative in Congress for District of Columbia citizens. Now there's something tangible to rally around: a bill that is being considered this spring on Capitol Hill. Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., has reintroduced the D.C. Fairness in Representation Act, which would give the district a fully enfranchised House of Representatives member and would temporarily add a House member to the Utah delegation. Inmate Priest Due for Sunday Release March 10, 2006 – Reversing an earlier decision, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has agreed with his state parole board's decision to parole a convicted murderer who became an Episcopal priest while behind bars. The California Board of Prison Terms voted in October 2005 to release James Tramel, 38, who was convicted in 1986 of killing a homeless man in Santa Barbara. Schwarzenegger, who rejected a similar decision by the parole board a year ago, declined this time around to review his case, said Julie Soderlund, an aide to the governor. If a case is not reviewed by the governor, the board's decision stands. Schwarzenegger's office did not say why the governor changed his mind. Tramel is scheduled to be released Sunday, according to the Rev. Richard Helmer, a San Francisco Episcopal priest who coordinated a campaign for Tramel's parole. March 9, 2006, LOUISVILLE, KY – The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joined a diverse network of religious, student and human-rights groups this week to officially launch a new alliance dedicated to advancing the rights of migrant farm workers. The Alliance for Fair Food (AFF) will promote socially responsible purchasing practices among major retail food corporations, with a particular focus on improving farm labor wages and guaranteeing the human rights of farm workers. The denomination's General Assembly Council voted in September to join the AFF. The group's first objective will be to pressure fast-food giant McDonald's to improve salaries and labor conditions in its tomato-supply chain. Closing Statement of the ACC Delegation to the 50th Session of the UNCSW (2006) March 8, 2006 – Greetings from the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) Delegates to the 50th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW). We would like to acknowledge the great advances and achievements over the last year especially the unanimous approval of ACC Resolution 13-31 by the Anglican Consultative Council in Nottingham. We congratulate and thank the Primates for sending delegates from virtually every Province enabling us to have this edifying, enriching, supportive and positive experience. We have celebrated our common mission and found ways to empower each other in furthering God's Kingdom. March 6, 2006, LOUISVILLE – Listening to Mauricio Avilez talk via cellphone from a Bogota coffee shop, it is hard to remember that he's always waiting for someone to kill him. His voice is clear and his conversation is direct. Only when the talk turns personal does he sigh, as his words become more labored. Avilez talks as he gulps black Colombian coffee, no sugar, no milk. According to sources within Colombia's Inter-ecclesial Commission of Justice (ICJP) and Peace, new death threats have been directed at Avilez and the Rev. Milton Mejia, a Presbyterian minister and human rights activist. March 8, 2006, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina/GENEVA – Argentine Lutheran pastor Angel F. Furlan has criticized his country's recent repayment of its debt to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He insists the action has contributed to deepening the impunity enjoyed by its creditor, and to worsening the social and economic well being of Argentineans. Furlan, and a group of citizens led by Nobel Peace Laureate Adolfo Perez Esquivel, had lodged a judicial appeal with the country's Federal Court of Administrative Affairs in December 2005, demanding suspension of the then proposed payment to the IMF. March 6, 2006, ELGIN, IL – In January, On Earth Peace and Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) sponsored a delegation to Palestine and Israel. On Earth Peace is a Church of the Brethren agency with ministries in peacemaking and reconciliation. CPT has its roots in the Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Mennonite, and Quaker) and is an ecumenical violence-reduction program that places teams of trained peacemakers in areas of lethal conflict. Sixteen people participated in the delegation, taking the opportunity to see the situation and learn from Israelis and Palestinians first-hand. Churches to Demonstrate Solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land March 10, 2006, JERUSALEM – Congregations around the world will plant olive trees and hold vigils this week to express solidarity with Christians in the Holy Land who have urged them to press the cause of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. The event is being organized by International Church Action for Peace (ICAP) in Palestine and Israel, the Roman Catholic organization Pax Christi and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA). Christian Solidarity Week runs March 12-19. Death of Peacemaker Tom Fox: Christian Peacemaker Teams' Response March 10, 2006 – In grief we tremble before God who wraps us with compassion. The death of our beloved colleague and friend pierces us with pain. Tom Fox's body was found in Baghdad yesterday. Christian Peacemaker Teams extends our deep and heartfelt condolences to the family and community of Tom Fox, with whom we have traveled so closely in these days of crisis. We mourn the loss of Tom Fox who combined a lightness of spirit, a firm opposition to all oppression, and the recognition of God in everyone. International Church Action for Peace in Palestine and Israel, March 12-19, 2006 March 10, 2006 – On March 12-19, 2006, church groups in a dozen countries and members of the International Pax Christi and Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) networks will participate in a joint advocacy initiative for peace in Palestine and Israel convened by the World Council of Churches (WCC). From Oslo to Cape Town, from Toronto to Jerusalem, concerned groups will lobby parliamentarians, hold public meetings, observe vigils and plant olive trees. Activities will signal to policy-makers and public audiences the churches' conviction that a just and equitable resolution of the conflict is now more urgent than ever. New Abortion Law Highlights Moral Dispute March 6, 2006 – MINNEAPOLIS – New developments in abortion legislation have once again pitted religious and political groups against each other, disputing the moral status of abortion. Gov. Mike Rounds signed legislation today banning nearly all abortions in South Dakota, setting up a court fight aimed at challenging the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion. Author and theologian Daniel C. Maguire has showed the fundamental ambiguity of the world's major religious traditions in his book Sacred Choices: The Right to Contraception and Abortion in Ten World Religions (Fortress Press).
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