Front Page

Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Episcopal Migration Ministries Director Comments on Senate Version – House ‘Bias Toward Enforcement-Only Legislation' Noted

June 9, 2006, NEW YORK – While the U.S. Senate on May 25 passed legislation that included many of the key provisions of comprehensive immigration reform that had been proposed by immigrant rights groups across the country, including the Episcopal Church, Richard Parkins, director of Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM), notes that the measure will likely face "serious assault" in the House of Representatives. "The Senate, while modifying the legalization strategy proposed by advocates, at least made a pathway to permanent residence a possibility for approximately 8 million undocumented persons," said Parkins.

Marriage Bill Has Similarities, Differences with Church Position

June 6, 2006, WASHINGTON – The first part of the proposed Marriage Protection Amendment being debated by the U.S. Senate is very similar to the United Methodist Church's official position, which states marriage is the union of one man and one woman. However, the second sentence in the amendment may conflict with the church's stand, said James Winkler, chief executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. Winkler points to the section in the denomination's Social Principles, Paragraph 162 H, which addresses "Equal Rights Regardless of Sexual Orientation."

Tomato Pickers, Allies Challenge McDonald's
Fast Food Giant Told to "Change Course" after Failed Tomato Study

June 8, 2006, LOUISVILLE – A group of Florida farm workers and members of the growing Alliance for Fair Food (AFF) which includes the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), recently descended on the Chicago-area headquarters of McDonald's Corp. As shareholders and executives arrived for the company's annual meeting May 25, the peaceful group of about 30 called on the fast-food hamburger giant to drop its "public relations campaign" by partnering with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) to address what they described as exploitative wages and a human rights crisis in the tomato fields of Florida.

NCC's Edgar Says Racism at Heart of Anti-immigrant Climate

June 6, 2006, OMAHA, Nebraska – The newest wave of immigrants to the United States is "encountering racism masquerading as ‘national security' or ‘those who are taking our jobs,'" said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar in an opinion column in today's Omaha World-Herald newspaper. "Our northern European ancestors could fit in much more easily. They were white," wrote Dr. Edgar, general secretary, National Council of Churches USA. "For sure, the Irish and the Italians and the Germans all experienced discrimination, some of it pretty harsh. But they didn't qualify for racial discrimination," Edgar wrote.

Presbyterians Urged to Fight Torture
‘Torture Awareness Month' Includes Chicago Gathering

May 24, 2006, LOUISVILLE – As the Bush administration continues defending its treatment of terrorism suspects, Presbyterians and other faith followers are being urged to participate in "Torture Awareness Month" activities in June. A number of human rights, civil liberties and religious organizations have declared the month-long observance to protest the practice of torture wherever it occurs, especially amid growing evidence that the United States government is systematically engaging in the use of torture and inhuman treatment against prisoners held in connection with the war on terror.

General News

Commentary: Including All in God's Grace

June 8, 2006 – On a recent Sunday, a new class of students was confirmed at the church I serve. We ask the parents of the confirmands to stand with their daughters and sons. One young man was joined by the two women listed as his parents in the service materials. I was glad for this young man. He came to our church through our youth ministry and experienced a vibrant, new faith in Christ through the confirmation preparation. I felt good that both his mothers had come to worship and participate in this joyful moment in their son's spiritual life. Yet, as one who supports our current stance on homosexuality, I also sensed that morning the depth of the controversy that grips us as United Methodists.

Bethlehem Centers Seek to Be ‘Beacons' in Inner City

June 8, 2006 – "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (RSV) Bethlehem Centers across the United States are providing healing, hope and wholeness to people with many needs and few advantages. The centers began in African-American neighborhoods in Southern cities in the late 1800s, offering a variety of education, recreation and health care opportunities. As inner-city populations have changed or become multiethnic and diverse, the centers have adapted to meet new needs.

NCC Issues Call for Ecumenical Films

June 9, 2006 New York City – Film and theology are rarely thought of as having anything to do with one another. But leaders of the Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches USA hope that perception will change when it holds its first ever Oikumene Film Festival to promote further exploration of visual media as a form of ecumenical expression. The festival will be part of the commission's 50th anniversary celebration, July 19-23, 2007 in Oberlin, Ohio. Filmmakers are invited to submit original short films that serve the unity of Christ's church. Six winning entries will be chosen for screening during the conference and winning filmmakers will be invited to attend and introduce their work. Entries, including the film and completed entry form, are due by February 16, 2007.

Initiative Helps Communicators Build Global Network

June 9, 2006, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Thirty-one representatives from 17 African countries will gather June 15-30 for an intense two-week course of study to build their skills as Christian communicators and help build a global network for the United Methodist Church. The course is being held at United Methodist-related Africa University and is sponsored by the university and the Central Conference Communications Initiative, a collaborative effort between United Methodist Communications and the bishops of the central conferences – regional units of the denomination in Africa, Europe and Asia.

Spiritual Oasis – Ghost Ranch Opens ‘Casa Del Sol' Retreat Center

June 8, 2006 by Toya Richards Hill LOUISVILLE – Ghost Ranch Conference Center has opened a new spirituality and retreat center in an effort to go even further as it helps people find meaning for their lives. The former Ghost Ranch director's house has been renovated and transformed into Casa del Sol, a seven-bedroom, four-bathroom center designed for individual or group retreats. The facility was officially opened May 1-3. "People are searching for spiritual meaning that is not necessarily in the same formation as the church as we know it," said Jim Baird, director of programs at Ghost Ranch, the New Mexico-based education and retreat center of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Modern Greek Language Comprehensive Examination Scheduled for June 16

June 9, 2006, NEW YORK – The Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Greek Education of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese announces that this year's Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek will be administered on Friday, June 16. The Comprehensive Examination in Modern Greek is for high school credit. In order to qualify for the Examination, students must be in the eighth grade or higher and have successfully completed three units of studies in the Modern Greek language. These specifications are in accord with the New York State Regents requirements for Regents credit in a foreign language The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America prepares

Migrant Farm House Could Be Model for Future Construction

June 6, 2006, KINSTON, N.C. – Migrant farm workers began using a house in early June that could become a model for seasonal labor housing across the state of North Carolina. The structure, designed to promote quality migrant housing in the Tar Heel state, was dedicated May 31 outside Kinston. It was the result of collaboration by Harvey Farms, Mt. Olive Pickle Co., United Methodist-related Duke University and the North Carolina Annual (regional) Conference of the United Methodist Church. The 2,800-square-foot house, built by and on Harvey Farms, is designed to house 17 workers.

Lutherans Preparing to Host Palestinian Youth Dancers

June 5, 2006, CHICAGO – This summer 19 youth dancers from the Al Raja Palestinian Folkloric Dance Troupe, based in Ramallah, West Bank, will travel to the United States and perform throughout the country, making appearances in congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), at key ELCA events, and at other ministry sites. The purpose of the tour is for the young dancers to share the gifts of their culture, be messengers of peace, and help Americans understand who they are and how they live, said Christoph Schneider-Yattara, associate director for companionship, advocacy and education, ELCA Global Mission.

Thousands of Lutheran Teenagers Worldwide Cross Borders this Summer

June 8, 2006, CHICAGO – About 40,000 high-school-age and adult Lutherans from the United States and around the world will be crossing all kinds of borders to renew their faith as they gather for the 2006 Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The gathering will take place in two back-to- back events – July 5-9 and July 12-16 – at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. "The gathering is about young people risking to be a certain way in the world together," said Heidi Hagstrom, director, ELCA Youth Gathering.

Hispanic/Latino Plan Coordinates Ministries Across Church

June 7, 2006 – The National Plan for Hispanic/Latino Ministries is the first coordinated effort of the United Methodist Church to focus on the development and strengthening of Hispanic ministries. The plan's creation was approved in 1992 by the United Methodist Church's top legislative body, the General Conference. The idea for creating the plan was first discussed in 1987 at a meeting of MARCHA (Metodistas Asociados Representando La Causa de los Hispano Americanos), the denomination's Hispanic/Latino caucus. "At that time, there were conferences that had some kind of Hispanic ministry, but there was no coordination, no overall plan," said the Rev. José Palos, who led MARCHA at the time and became the plan's first coordinator.

Nominations Sought for Social-Welfare Honor
John Lee Park Award Will Be Presented in January 2007

May 9, 2006, LOUISVILLE – Nominations are being solicited for the John Park Lee Award, which is named in honor of the Presbyterian widely considered the founder of health and welfare ministries in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Presbyterian Health, Education and Welfare Association (PHEWA) sponsors the award, which has been presented during the association's biennial conferences since 1969. The next conference is scheduled for January 2007 in New Orleans, LA. Lee helped establish Presbyterian health and welfare ministries that consolidated in 1956 to become PHEWA. The award bearing his name recognizes a Presbyterian who has done "faithful and exemplary work" in social welfare and justice ministries and exemplifies the qualities of concern, sensitivity and involvement for which Lee was known. The deadline for nominations is July 1.

Ecumenical News

Historic Visit of Greek Orthodox Archbishop Affirms Dedication to Lutheran-Orthodox Dialogue

June 9, 2006, GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) considers the first-ever visit to the LWF Secretariat by the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, as a significant affirmation of the churches' "dedicated contribution" to the Lutheran-Orthodox dialogue at regional and international level. LWF General Secretary, Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko made these remarks when he spoke to Lutheran World Information (LWI) about the major issues discussed during the visit of Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece and his delegation to the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, from 28 May to 1 June 2006.

International Theological Dialogue Between Some Classical Pentecostal Representatives and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches

May 24, 2006, LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Representatives of some classical Pentecostal churches and delegates of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) met in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, May 17 to 24, 2006. The meeting was the fourth session of an international dialogue on "Experience in Christian Faith and Life" which began in 2002, following the first five-year phase of theological conversations on "Word and Spirit, Church and World" (1996-2000). The theme of this year's session was how Pentecostals and Reformed understand and experience communion (koinonia) in the local congregation, with other congregations, and between Christian churches at the national and international level.

NCC Joining World Summit of Religious Leaders

June 9, 2006, MOSCOW, Russia – The National Council of Churches USA met here with representatives of six major religious traditions from 28 countries to plan the World Summit of Religious Leaders that will take place in Moscow July 3-5 – two weeks prior to the St. Petersburg G8 summit. The group, convened in late May at the invitation of the Interreligious Council of Russia, was hosted by the Russian Orthodox Church in the Moscow Patriarchate. It included Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, the NCC USA's associate general secretary for international affairs and peace, and representatives of other Christian faith groups as well as Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Taoist and Hindu leaders.

Spanish News

Estados Unidos Suspende Sistema De Llamadas Para Solicitudes De Visas

8 junio 2006, LA HABANA, Cuba – La Sección de Intereses de los Estados Unidos suspendió el nuevo sistema de llamadas para solicitudes de visas de no inmigrantes cubanos, incluyendo las que se hacían desde Estados Unidos en el programa de Visas Religiosas. En una declaración suscrita por Robert H. McCutcheon, jefe de la Unidad de Visas, se pone en conocimiento de la población de la isla que a partir del 2 de junio, queda suspendido indefinidamente el nuevo sistema de llamadas para solicitud de turnos de visas de no inmigrantes, incluyendo las correspondientes al programa religioso.

Organizaciones Evangélicas Piden a Gobernador Del Chaco Que Reciba Comunidades Aborígenes

9 junio 2006, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Organizaciones eclesiásticas y de defensa de los derechos humanos pidieron este viernes a Roy Abelardo Nikisch, gobernador de la provincia argentina del Chaco, que atienda los reiterados reclamos de las comunidades aborígenes desplazadas de sus tierras. "Le pedimos que los reciba y los escuche como ellos se merecen y tome realmente en cuenta sus justificados reclamos," dice un párrafo de la carta que le remitieron el Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias, el Servicio Mundial de Iglesias de Estados Unidos (Región Cono Sur), la Federación Argentina de Iglesias Evangélicas (FAIE) y el Movimiento Ecuménico por los Derechos Humanos (MEDH).

Iglesia Llama a Conservar Los Recursos Naturales En El Día Mundial Del Medio Ambiente

5 junio 2006, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – En el Día Mundial del Medio Ambiente, que se celebra hoy, la obispa y presidenta de la Iglesia Luterana de Nicaragua., Victoria Cortés Rodríguez, exhorto al pueblo nicaragüense a conservar y proteger los recursos naturales. "Como mayordomos de la creación, obra maravillosa de Dios, poco hacemos por conservarla y más bien, en diferentes formas, la destruimos,"dijo la pastora luterana después de la habitual reflexión bíblica de los lunes. Recordó que la iglesia en Nicaragua enfatiza en sus 45 comunidades luteranas en el Pacífico, que cuiden la naturaleza y planten árboles, con el fin de conservar las fuentes de agua y de aire puro.

New York Metro News

Bible Exhibition Highlights Christianity in China

June 8, 2006, NEW YORK – From a stone tablet dating from 781 A.D. to a New Testament produced by a modern printing press, the Bible has had a long history in China. That history, along with insights into today's church life in China, is being presented for the first time in the United States by the China Christian Council and Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Diane Allen, coordinator of the China Program, United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, said the Bible ministry exhibition is intended as both an educational tool and vehicle for friendship. "There are so many misconceptions about Christianity in China," she added.

National News

Two Desert Aid Workers Go on Trial Oct. 3
presbyterians among Groups Supporting Accused Immigrant-Smugglers

May 19, 2006, LOUISVILLE – A new trial date has been set for two volunteers of a faith-based humanitarian group who were arrested last summer and charged in Arizona with smuggling illegal immigrants. Shanti Sellz and Daniel Strauss of the humanitarian aid group No More Deaths are scheduled for trial Oct. 3, according to the group and media reports. U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins will preside in the case. Presbyterians in Arizona are active in the Tucson-based movement and were instrumental in forming the group. For the past two summers, the group has provided food, water and medical care to illegal immigrants crossing from Mexico into the United States through Arizona's treacherous desert borderlands.

NCC's Edgar Decries Increase in AIDS Victims, Calls for More Prevention

June 6, 2006, NEW YORK – "The lightning-like spread of AIDS and HIV infection has been more than a tragedy. It has been a catastrophe," said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, general secretary, National Council of Churches USA. "Let us learn the lessons of silence," Edgar said. "Let us learn the sin of omission can contribute to the deaths of our sisters and brothers. Let us commit to stopping this killer disease for the sake of God's world, God's creation, and God's people." The statement was posted today on the NCC website [www.councilofchurches.org]. Edgar called for more treatment and programs to educate young people.

African-American Staff to Provide ‘Project Relief' on Coast

June 7, 2006 – When Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, it caused considerable damage to many homes and neighborhoods, especially areas where people of color are the majority. Work teams have been heading to the hardest-hit areas on a weekly basis since the August storm, and although grateful for the assistance, many relief workers and victims say they are not seeing all-black teams doing recovery work. African Americans are sprinkled among teams providing relief work. In response, African-American executive and professional staff from the United Methodist Church are heading to Louisiana and Mississippi July 20-25 for "Project Relief."

International News

New Bishop Faces Division, Anarchy in East Africa

June 8, 2006 – The United Methodist Church in East Africa is "almost in a state of anarchy" and in need of healing, according to its new bishop. That is especially true in the countries of Burundi, Kenya and Rwanda where there is division, said Bishop Daniel Wandabula of Uganda. He was elected bishop May 27 by the denomination's Africa Central Conference, which met on the Africa University campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe. He replaces the late Bishop J. Alfred Ndoricimpa, who died last July, as resident bishop for East Africa, which includes Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda.

After Tsunami, UMCOR Builds Houses, Livelihoods in Indonesia

June 5, 2006, BIREUEN, Indonesia – Zulkifi believes the houses built by the United Methodist Committee on Relief are the best. Sitting in the living room of his new UMCOR-built house, he likes to compare it to the other homes being built in the area. He then apologizes that his house is empty. It is, save for a straw mat on the floor and the fishing net he is working on to earn some income for his family. "The house is empty because I have no job," he says.

Lutherans Support Earthquake Recovery Efforts in Indonesia

June 7, 2006, CHICAGO – International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is providing an initial $50,000 to support relief efforts in central Indonesia, after an earthquake struck May 27 on the island of Java. The earthquake killed about 5,700 people, injured 20,000 others and left 200,000 homeless. Driving rain has made living conditions worse for survivors of the earthquake. ELCA funds were sent to Action by Churches Together (ACT), which issued an appeal for funds May 29. Members of ACT "quickly mobilized their staff and resources to address the critical needs of earthquake survivors," according to an ACT news release.

Reviews

Helping Sexual Abuse Survivors Heal

June 8, 2006, MINNEAPOLIS – In Through the Fire: Spiritual Restoration for Adult Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse, Rick Meyer shows how the cross can be a significant emblem for adult victims of childhood sexual abuse – their source of courage, comfort, and transformation. He relates how Jesus becomes an experienced guide who can and will assist them in their journey toward renewal. As a pastoral counselor, the author has helped survivors of abuse discover the path to spiritual renewal and healing. At first, many see God as having failed to protect them. Yet, as they begin to see how Jesus was rejected and tormented, they come to understand that only a God who knows pain and death can provide regeneration and fullness of life.