Front Page

Religious Leaders Unite to Abolish Torture

June 12, 2006, WASHINGTON – The general secretary of the National Council of Churches USA is one of 27 national religious leaders who have signed a statement calling for the elimination of torture as a part of U.S. policy. The statement, "Torture is a Moral Issue," to be published as an advertisement in the June 13, 2006 issue of The New York Times, proclaims that torture violates the basic dignity of the human person that all religions hold dear. "There are few other issues on which the NCC's 35 member communions are more united," said NCC General Secretary Bob Edgar. "The use of torture or other dehumanizing measures is diametrically contrary to the love of God and the gospel of Jesus. One of the ideals of the United States is to stand in the world as a bastion against torture."

Harsh Words: Former CIA Chief Woolsey Sharply Criticizes 2004 GA Decision

June 16, 2006, BIRMINGHAM – Presbyterian James Woolsey ran the Central Intelligence Agency during part of President Bill Clinton's administration, so his take on world events carries a certain weight among General Assembly commissioners. He minced few words when he spoke during an unofficial General Assembly gathering Friday. Woolsey criticized the General Assembly's 2004 decision to consider divesting in companies that refuse to reform such practices as selling bulldozers to raze the homes of Palestinians living on land disputed with Israel.

Episcopal Bishops Discuss Civil Rights, Reconciliation and Windsor Resolutions

June 16, 2006 – The House of Bishops considered several resolutions June 16 that touched on civil rights from several perspectives Resolution C010 asks that states which prohibit domestic partnerships not be considered for future General Conventions. Several bishops expressed concern about the resolution, pointing out that Ohio, where the 75th General Convention is being held, would be included in that prohibition. With a vote of 82-71, the bishops passed an amended version of C010, changing its language from "directing" to "suggesting" such sites not be proposed for future Conventions.

Suicides at Guantanamo Bay Prison Lead to Renewed Calls to Close the Facility

June 11, 2006, NEW YORK – The suicides of three prisoners at the Guantanamo Bay detention center in Cuba have prompted a renewed call by the National Council of Churches USA that the facility be closed. The suicides are "another milestone in a sordid history of human rights denial and crimes against humanity," said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, NCC General Secretary. "Americans who love their country and its historic ideals are mortified by this continuing blot on our honor, on our steadfast defense of freedom, and on our commitment to democracy and the rule of law," Edgar said. Edgar also repeated a plea he made in February to Secretary of State Condoleeeza Rice that the NCC be allowed to send a small interfaith delegation to Guantanamo "to monitor the physical, mental and spiritual condition of the detainees."

10,500 People Tell Faithful America:
It's High Time We Closed Guantanamo

June 15, 2006, WASHINGTON – More than 10,500 persons have signed a FaithfulAmerica.org online petition calling for the close of the U.S. prison facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. FaithfulAmerica.org is the National Council of Churches USA online community of persons of faith. "People all over America are making it clear," said Vince Isner, FaithfulAmerica.org director. "They don't like this prison or what it stands for. They want it closed." The suicides of three prisoners at Guantanamo prompted a renewed call by the National Council of Churches USA that the facility be shut down.

Danforth Challenges Church to a "Higher Calling" of Reconciliation
"Toward a Reconciled World" Is Theme of Presiding Bishop's Forum

June 15, 2006, COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Rev. John Danforth, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, challenged the Episcopal Church to a "higher calling" of reconciliation during Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold's forum: "Toward a Reconciled World." The forum drew an audience of more than 500 people to the Greater Columbus Convention Center at 8 p.m. on June 15. Setting the context for the evening, which formed part of the 75th General Convention of the Episcopal Church, Griswold explained that God's concern is the world and not the Church. An Episcopal priest and former U.S. senator from Missouri, Danforth said that the center of American politics has eroded and "the common ground has been cut out because the most active and articulate people representing the political parties are on the fringes."

General News

Committee to Develop Resources for ‘Diverse Worship'

June 16, 2006 – A new eight-member committee has met twice – once in February and again in May – to prepare for developing resources in "diverse worship" for the Synod. The group's assignment is a step toward carrying out a resolution adopted by delegates to the Synod's 2004 convention. Titled "To Affirm Responsible Use of Freedom in Worship," that resolution called for the LCMS Commission on Worship to "initiate a process leading toward the development of diverse worship resources" in the Synod and "affirm[ed] respect for diversity in worship practices as we build greater understanding of our theology of worship and foster further discussion of worship practices that are consistent with that theology."

Methodist Council Prepares for Global Event from Lakeshore Offices

June 14, 2006, LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – It might be surprising that a worldwide organization makes its home beside a quiet lake in the North Carolina mountains. But since it moved from New York in 1955, the World Methodist Council has made its headquarters here while reaching out around the globe. The council is a fellowship of 76 Methodist-related churches around the world. It sponsors the World Methodist Conference every five years, including one coming up July 20-24 in Seoul, South Korea.

Congregation Focuses on Needs of Homeless

June 16, 2006 – Shoes and jars of peanut butter are stored on shelves inside the van, along with coiled hoses and tubs of pipe putty. Andy Powell never imagined he would end up here. Powell works full time as a plumber and lives in his work van. "I been doing plumbing for more than 30 years, and I certainly didn't think that this is what it was going to be at 54 years old," he says. Powell lives in Alexandria, Va., a wealthy suburb near Washington.

Documentary Reveals Episcopal Church Role in Slavery; Reactions Open Dialogue

June 16, 2006, COLUMBUS, Ohio – Complete silence prefaced applause and a standing ovation at the first screening in Columbus of a rough cut of "Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North." "It moved me to tears," Jay Phillippi from Province II said of the June 14 viewing. "To suddenly confront things that I had read about made it impossible not to weep for the men, women and children that were torn from Africa; for the damage to the souls and the spirits of the slavers; and most of all for the burden that remains on us and our country."

Lutheran Services in America Successful ‘Trading Graces' on eBay

June 15, 2006 – CHICAGO – "Trading Graces," the first annual online auction of Lutheran Services in America (LSA), listed more than 2,100 items on eBay for bidding from noon Feb. 26 to noon March 8 and sold 952 or about 45 percent of the items to raise $61,840 for Lutheran social ministry organizations across the United States and Caribbean. "Our first annual Trading Graces online auction event was a tremendous success," said John B. Carter, LSA's Trading Graces online auction event manager. "We exceeded our participation goals and made an impressive impact in the media by raising awareness for Lutheran health and human services organizations."

Stay-Home Dads Put Careers on Hold to Raise Kids

June 16, 2006, TROY, Mich. – It was right around Father's Day six years ago that Michael Bouque decided to quit his job and stay home to raise his newborn son. Now with two children, Bouque has no regrets about giving up his career as an electrical engineer to become a domestic engineer. "This is certainly not anything that I had envisioned for my life," Bouque says. "I certainly wouldn't trade the time with the kids for anything – just the memories that we're creating."

Synod Votes to Remove ‘Male' as Qualification for Office

June 15, 2006, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Synod 2006 proposed making all ordained offices in the Christian Reformed Church available to women by removing the word "male" from the qualifications listed in the Church Order. If adopted by Synod 2007, this change would open the way for women to be ordained as ministers, elders or ministry associates. Currently, under a system of local option established by Synod 1995, a classis may allow women to serve in those offices by declaring the word "male" to be inoperative. In approving the recommendation of its advisory committee, synod also agreed to a provision that women ministers and elders not be allowed to serve as delegates to synod or as synodical deputies.

‘The Church of the Brethren Has a Really Good Bumper Sticker like That':
Reflection on `Pray-in' Outside the White House

June 12, 2006, ELGIN, IL – "The Church of the Brethren has a really good bumper sticker like that. Have you seen those?" His right hand gripped mine in a firm hand shake, his left index finger tapped the front of my shirt that read, "When Jesus said, ‘Love your enemies,' I think he probably meant don't kill them." After telling the Reverend Tony Campolo that yes, I indeed had seen those bumper stickers, we chatted for a few minutes before he had to take the stage for the Pray-In for Peace held outside of the White House in Lafayette Park on May 18, as part of the 2006 Spiritual Activism Conference.

Vote by UCC Puerto Rico Conference to Disaffiliate ‘Deeply Painful,' Says UCC Leader

June 13, 2006, CLEVELAND – Iglesia Evangelica Unida de Puerto Rico (United Evangelical Church of Puerto Rico), whose partnership with the United Church of Christ goes back more than 40 years, voted Saturday, June 10, 2006, during its annual Assembly to disaffiliate with the UCC. The final vote was 75 percent in favor of the resolution to disaffiliate. The Rev. John H. Thomas, UCC general minister and president, called the action "deeply painful and profoundly disappointing," but said that the denomination "respectfully, though regretfully, honors the decision of the Assembly."

Mission Workers Commissioned – Worshipers Challenged to Tear down Walls

June 16, 2006, BIRMINGHAM – Preaching at the first worship service of the 217th General Assembly, outgoing moderator Rick Ufford-Chase challenged Presbyterians to overcome fear with faith. He led a packed hall of worshipers in repeating together a refrain taken from his Scripture text, Mark 9:14-29: "I believe. Help my unbelief." A highlight of the service was the commissioning of nearly 200 mission personnel and volunteers serving throughout the United States and around the world.

Ecumenical News

ELCA Seminary Establishes Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement

June 16, 2006 – The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) will inaugurate a Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice (CCME) Sept. 21. LSTC is one of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). According to an LSTC news release, the center will provide cultural and educational opportunities where Christians, Muslims and members of other faith traditions can meet in an atmosphere of trust and respect to address issues of mutual concern. The center is the outgrowth of relationships LSTC has been building with the Muslim community in Chicago for more than two decades.

Spanish News

Diálogo Ecuménico Integra a Judíos, Cristianos Y Musulmanes

14 junio 2006, FLORIANÓPOLIS, Brasil – Hermanados por el contexto plural de expresiones de la fe del patriarca Abrahán, representantes del judaísmo, del cristianismo y del islamismo se comprometieron a promover el diálogo, el respeto mutuo y la convivencia fraterna, buscando caminos que lleven a la inclusión y a la cooperación tanto en la justicia social como en el desarrollo espiritual de la humanidad. El compromiso figura en la carta del I Encuentro de Judíos, Cristianos y Musulmanes en el Estado de Santa Catarina, que enfocó "La fe de Abrahán y nuestra fe," realizado em Florianópolis, del 9 al 11 de junio.

Mujeres Metodistas Celebran Taller De Salud Integral

15 junio 2006, CURITIBA, Brasil – Las mujeres y los niños son los que más sufren las desigualdades socio-económicas, culturales y educativas en las sociedades latinoamericanas y caribeñas y por ello son el público-objetivo del Programa de Salud Integral del Consejo de Iglesias Evangélicas Metodistas de América Latina y del Caribe (CIEMAL). La salud integral, que el programa propugna, busca atender las necesidades básicas, como alimentación, vivienda, trabajo, salud, así como las necesidades psico-emocionales, como fe, educación, diversión, arte y auto-estima.

Mujeres Líderes De Iglesias Bolivianas Se Reunieron Para Tratar Asamblea Constituyente

12 junio 2006, LA PAZ, Bolivia – Mujeres líderes de iglesias bolivianas, en su mayoría indígenas, se reunieron del 8 al 10 de junio en esta ciudad, en un encuentro convocado por la Pastoral de Mujeres y Género del Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) , para informarlas sobre los procesos políticos previos a la Asamblea Constituyente que se elegirá el próximo 2 de julio. "Estamos tratando de superar un déficit histórico, "una Ciudadanía de Baja Intensidad," que es frecuente entre muchas mujeres y que es más agudo entre grupos doblemente marginados como las mujeres indígenas," dijo Judith VanOsdol, de la Pastoral de Mujeres y Género del CLAI.

Coalición De Religiosos Estadounidenses Pide Prohibir Uso De Tortura

14 junio 2006, NUEVA YORK – Un grupo de líderes cristianos, judíos y musulmanes de Estados Unidos ha demandado a su gobierno la prohibición del uso de la tortura "ahora y sin excepciones." "La tortura viola la dignidad de la persona humana y contradice los valores más preciados de nuestra nación," dijeron en un aviso publicado en el New York Times 27 líderes, entre ellos el ex presidente Jimmy Carter, el presidente de la Asociación Nacional de Evangélicos,Ted Haggard y el secretario general del Consejo Nacional de Iglesias, Robert Edgar. El aviso es parte de una iniciativa, La Campaña Nacional Religiosa contra la Tortura, que busca el inmediato cese del uso de apremios físicos y psicológicos sea directamente por fuerzas estadounidenses o a través de terceros, dentro o fuera del territorio americano.

Mega Evento Continental Cristiano Se Desarrollará En Monterrey En Marzo Del 2007

13 junio 2006 – MONTERREY, México – Expoministerios, una gigantesca exposición del servicio cristiano a la comunidad, que incluye la presentación del famoso predicador argentino Luis Palau, tendrá lugar la semana del 21 al 24 de marzo próximo en esta ciudad, según anunció su director, Carlos Barbieri, también miembro de la Asociación Evangelística Luis Palau. El mega evento promete ser uno de los movimientos cristianos continentales más grandes de la historia del evangelio en América Latina, precisó.

Organizaciones Cristianas Y De Derechos Humanos Protestan Por Violenta Represión Contra Maestros En Oaxaca

15 junio 2006, OAXACA, México – Organizaciones cristianas y de derechos humanos rechazaron la violencia usada por la policía el miércoles para dispersar a miles de maestros que mantenían desde hace tres semanas una protesta en la ciudad de Oaxaca, con un saldo que estimaron en varias personas muertas, entre ellas dos niños; decenas de personas heridas y un número indeterminado de detenidos. "Manifestamos nuestro total repudio a la salida represiva que el Gobierno del Estado de Oaxaca y el Gobierno Federal están dando a las legítimas demandas del movimiento magisterial de esa entidad," dijo el comunicado dado a conocer apenas conocidos los luctuosos hechos.

Editoras Cristianas Peruanas Asumen Reto De Promover La Justicia En El País

16 junio 2006, LIMA, Perú – Las editoras evangélicas Buena Tierra, Ediciones Puma, Unión Bíblica y Verbo Vivo, asociadas a la red internacional Letra Viva, realizaron en Lima del 8 al 10 de junio un taller de escritores y editores cristianos para promover la justicia en el país. Al evento asistieron treinta líderes evangélicos en cuyas instituciones se están gestando proyectos editoriales. Asimismo también participaron el coordinador de Media Associates International (MAI) en América Latina, Ian Darke, y el director de la editora brasilera Mundo Cristao, Renato Fleischner, quienes expusieron sus experiencias, según un reporte de Contexto.

Recomiendan Década Ecuménica Sobre Evangelización

13 junio 2006, GINEBRA, Suiza – Un grupo de especialistas en misión ha recomendado la celebración de una Década Ecuménica sobre Evangelización como una forma de dar especial atención a la evangelización en la agenda del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), en un momento en que el movimiento ecuménico busca ampliar su alcance y ser más inclusivo de las diferentes expresiones del cristianismo a nivel mundial. La Década Ecuménica sobre Evangelización se iniciaría en 2011, al terminar la actual Década para la Superación de la Violencia, expresando así que el CMI "mantiene su preocupación por los temas de ética social en adecuado balance con su preocupación por la misión y la evangelización."

National News

Gay Christians in Indianapolis Are Asking: Would Jesus Discriminate?
$100,000 Indianapolis Media Campaign Is Prelude to National Dialogue on Homosexuality and Religion

June 14, 2006 – First there were full-page ads in the Indianapolis Star asking, "Would Jesus Discriminate?" Then yard signs with the same message began appearing all over Indianapolis. Then 25,000 door hangers were distributed with invitations to a Town Hall Meeting – one of which this week which led to a lesbian's Indianapolis home being defaced with a swastika. Now – this week – major billboards across the city are also asking the question, "Would Jesus Discriminate?"

"Justice, Respect and a Living Wage" Resolution Aimed at Hotel Workers

June 16, 2006, COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Episcopal Network for Economic Justice is supporting a resolution put forward by the Revs. Sandye Wilson, Jane Gould and Mark Beckwith that could affect the locations of future conventions. Resolution D047: "Justice, Respect and a Living Wage" commends worker rights and union recognition for hotel workers as a part of considerations when selecting official Convention hotels. The resolution is in the Social and Urban Affairs Committee, and, if recommended for action by the committee, is expected to be taken up first by the House of Bishops.

Local Church Joins in Immigration Struggle

June 13, 2006 – About three years ago, FBI agents raided the home of Elvira Arellano at 6 a.m. and arrested her in front of her 4-year-old son. "Her crime was working for minimum wage cleaning out airplanes," said the Rev. Walter Coleman, pastor of Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago, where Arellano is lay leader. Arellano, an undocumented worker, decided to fight back. Adalberto United Methodist Church joined her.

Senate-Passed Immigration Bill Falls Short

June 13, 2006 – The Senate immigration bill that was approved May 24 was "a half loaf," according to a United Methodist pastor who has been fighting for a comprehensive immigration plan for 15 years. The Senate bill gives legalization for about half of the 12 million undocumented workers in the United States, said the Rev. Walter Coleman, pastor of Adalberto United Methodist Church, Chicago. Bill Mefford, executive with the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, called the path to citizenship in the Senate bill "an unworkable three-tiered system."

How Senators Voted on Immigration Reform Bill

June 13, 2006 – The Senate approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill, S.2611, by 62-36 votes on May 25. The majority of United Methodists in the Senate voted against the bill. There are six Republican and five Democratic United Methodist senators. The "no" votes were Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Ben Nelson (D-Md.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) and Debbie Stabenow (R-Mich.). Those voting "yes" were Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.), Hillary Clinton (D- N.Y.), Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.).

International News

Survivors Tell of Life Before, Life after the Tsunami

June 15, 2006, BANDA ACEH, Indonesia – "Before the tsunami . . . I was a fisherman . . . I had a house . . . I had a son who spoke English . . . I had five grandchildren." "Before the tsunami" is a phrase often on the lips of survivors. Areas full of life before the Dec. 26, 2004 tsunami are now only empty spaces-open fields speckled with house foundations wiped clean. Two Indonesia staff members for the United Methodist Committee on Relief drive me to see the damage in Banda Aceh this spring. Time has done little to heal the gaping wounds the sea cut across this city and throughout the province.

Middle East News

Diverse Middle East Christians Need Community and Prayers from Others, Bishop Says

June 14, 2006, COLUMBUS, Ohio – One focus of ministry for the President Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East is to engender hospitality for many different Christians in the Middle East. "We seek to be a hospitable presence for Christians from any nation and any group who cares to have a home with us for however long they need it," said Bishop Clive Handford, who is also the bishop of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf. Echoing the broad hospitality offered to seventh-century pilgrims in the same area by Nastorian monasteries built along the Persian Gulf, congregations in that area host people from many Christian denominations and as many as 30 nationalities at any time.

Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan Cautions Against U.S. House Resolution

June 16, 2006 – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) e-Advocacy Network issued an action alert from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) May 15 regarding a resolution from U.S. Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) and U.S. Rep. McCaul (R-Texas) circulating in the U.S. House of Representatives titled "Help Save the Oldest Christian Community in the World." E-Advocacy Network is a service of Lutheran Advocacy, a justice ministry of the ELCA. A letter circulating in Congress with the resolution charges the Palestinian Authority with the "systematic destruction of the oldest Christian community in the world."

Peace in Israel/Palestine Is Focus of Committee Hearing

June 15, 2006, COLUMBUS, Ohio – A public hearing on resolutions A011, A012 and A013 addressed the stance of the Church on the Palestine/Israel peace process and investment in Palestine during a June 15 morning session in the National and International Concerns committee. During the last triennium, the Episcopal Church has been involved in issues relating to Israel and Palestine through its Social Responsibility in Investments (SRI) committee, the Anglican Peace and Justice Network (APJN), and the Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns (AIPJC), the standing commission which proposed the resolutions.

Israel/Palestine Conflict – Panel Offers Three Distinct Views on Achieving Peace in Region

June 15, 2006, BIRMINGHAM – Under the backdrop of a carefully controlled and structured pre-General Assembly event, the often-contentious discussion on the Israel/Palestine conflict began with ease here Thursday morning. About 200 General Assembly (GA) participants gathered for three hours to hear three distinct views on achieving peace in the contested region, and to receive an update on the human-rights situation in Israel and Palestine. Official work on the multitude of overtures related to Israel/Palestine will take place when the GA's peacemaking and international issues committee begins its work June 16. That will be the first official opportunity – via open hearings – for people to state their views on the conflict, and how they think the church should respond.