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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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Clergywomen Sign Peace Declaration, Call for End to Iraq War August 17, 2006, CHICAGO – United Methodist clergywomen have signed on to a declaration of peace that encourages the United States to bring its troops home from Iraq by Sept. 21. The Declaration of Peace – endorsed by numerous civic, nonviolent, faith and interfaith peace groups, including Methodist Federation for Social Action – is a call for nonviolent action to end the U.S. war in Iraq. The declaration calls for people to "engage in peaceful protests" if there is not a plan for troop withdrawal established and begun by Sept. 21, just days before Congress adjourns for the fall elections. Ecumenical Delegation Returns from Beirut and Jerusalem, August 16, 2006 – Entrusted by the WCC, the Conference of European Churches (CEC), the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) with the mission of expressing global ecumenical solidarity with churches and people affected by the conflict in the Middle East, the delegation returned with the task of transmitting the hopes and expectations of the churches in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel to the international ecumenical family. Reporting on their 10-15 August visit to Beirut and Jerusalem, the three members of the delegation – CEC President Rev. Jean-Arnold de Clermont, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Tours (France) Mgr. Bernard Aubertin, and WCC programme executive on racism, Ms Marilia Alves-Schüller – emphasized that the representatives of Lebanon's various communities with whom they met had all agreed that the answer to that question is that the destruction was both deliberate and planned. Ending Hunger Is Topic of NCC Network TV Documentary August 15, 2006, NEW YORK CITY – A powerful TV documentary presented by the National Council of Churches USA (NCC), "Hunger No More: Faces Behind the Facts," takes an unflinching look at the persistent problem of hunger in the 21st century and offers solutions. It is available to NBC television network affiliates beginning September 10. Most of us don't often ask where our next meal is coming from. But for millions of Americans and nearly a billion people worldwide, such food insecurity is a daily reality. The documentary approaches hunger from the perspective of faith, declaring that hunger is more than a social issue. "It is a moral issue that needs immediate resolution," says Burton Buller, president of Mennonite Media, who produced the program in collaboration with the NCC. "The program brings to life the moral dimension of this thorny issue, and offers up a vision for a new day when hunger is eradicated from the face of the earth," says Buller. First Non-U.S. Woman Bishop Preaches to United Methodists August 17, 2006, CHICAGO – It began with the story of the stoles. The Aug. 16 worship service at the 2006 International United Methodist Clergywomen's Consultation was one of unnamed women bringing forth stories told with stoles to the stage. One came from a culture that would not allow women to speak from the pulpit; another was raped as a child and abused as an adult. One was lame, another blind, another deaf. August 16, 2006, TORONTO/GENEVA – The word "stigma" in Spanish (estigma) means "wound or scar" and is used when referring to the wounds of Jesus Christ. "Therefore, a stigmatized person is actually Christ," Argentine Lutheran pastor Lisandro Orlov made remarks when he addressed participants in an ecumenical and interfaith pre-conference of the 16th International Aids Conference (IAC), 13-18 August, in Toronto, Canada. Orlov, the Latin American regional coordinator of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) HIV and AIDS campaign is among 21 coordinators of AIDS work in the LWF member churches and field programs of the Department for World Service (DWS) attending the IAC under the theme, "Time to Deliver." Adventists and Evangelicals Meet in Dialogue August 15, 2006, PRAGUE, Czech Republic – Representatives of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church and the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) met in dialogue August 8-11, 2006 on the campus of the International Baptist Theological Seminary, located in Prague, Czech Republic. Although informal contacts had occurred during the past 50 years, this was the first official meeting of the two groups. The purposes of the dialogue were: To gain a clearer understanding of the theological positions of each body; To clarify matters of misunderstanding; To discuss frankly areas of agreement and disagreement on a Biblical basis; and to explore possible areas of cooperation. 18 agosto 2006 – "¿Por qué tan horrible destrucción?" Los miembros de una delegación pastoral ecuménica escucharon una y otra vez la pregunta en relación con los ataques de Israel a Líbano. La delegación, a la que el CMI, la Conferencia de Iglesias Europeas (CIE), la Federación Luterana Mundial (FLM) y la Alianza Reformada Mundial (ARM) habían confiado la misión de expresar la solidaridad ecuménica mundial con las iglesias y las personas afectadas por el conflicto en Oriente Medio, regresó transmitiendo las esperanzas y expectativas de las iglesias de Líbano, Palestina e Israel a la familia ecuménica internacional. 15 agosto 2006, CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, Colombia – Apoyar la ordenación de mujeres al ministerio y promover una nueva lectura de la Biblia, desde el punto de vista de las mujeres, son algunas de las conclusiones del Encuentro Continental de Mujeres de la Alianza de Iglesias Presbiterianas y Reformadas de América Latina (AIPRAL), celebrado entre los días 9 y 11 de agosto en esta ciudad. La cita acordó asimismo reforzar la comunicación entre mujeres, a nivel regional y continental, auspiciar la formación del liderazgo femenino e incentivar a las mujeres a tomar de hecho, los espacios ganados por derecho; desarrollando estrategias que superen las dificultades hacia la búsqueda de la igualdad. Respuestas Al VIH Y Al SIDA Basadas En La Fe: Algunos Logros, Pero Aún Mucho Por Recorrer 16 agosto 2006, TORONTO – Líderes religiosos sostuvieron en la Conferencia Internacional SIDA 2006 que las organizaciones basadas en la fe han hecho progresos desde la anterior conferencia celebrada en Bangkok dos años atrás, pero aún queda mucho por hacer para alcanzar los objetivos que allí se fijaron. Propusieron la integración de personas que viven con VIH y que los líderes religiosos se sometan públicamente a pruebas de VIH y den a conocer sus resultados. En la República Dominicana muchas iglesias están cumpliendo los compromisos tomados en Bangkok, dijo Dulce Alejo Espinal, de la Misión Evangélica Bautista Independiente. August 17, 2006, NEW YORK CITY – Trinity Church Wall Street's online webcast "Here Comes Everybody!: Christian Communities that Work" is now available for on demand viewing at trinitywallstreet.org and in DVD format. The webcast originally aired on May 25, 2006 and explores the increasing interest within the Christianity to build inclusive and progressive faith communities in the twenty-first century with a commitment to mission. Created by Trinity Television and New Media and presented by Trinity Institute in association with Episcopal Life newspaper and the National Council of Churches USA, the program provides lay and clergy leaders a resource for strengthening and building their faith communities through the renewal of basic practices such as hospitality, discernment of the church's calling, personal testimony, observing the Sabbath, and open conversation. NCC Commission Monitors Gulf Coast Progress for One-Year Anniversary August 15, 2006, NEW ORLEANS – "It's as if God took our blinders off," said Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, chair of the National Council of Churches' Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast, reflecting on the devastation experienced by those living along the Gulf Coast region in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. "The storm revealed the sad realities of economic and racial disparities that persist in our country. God calls us to do something to change these disparities – to see, to pray and to act on behalf of others," said Talbert. With the one year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's pummeling of the Gulf Coast less than two weeks away, Talbert and members of the Special Commission are preparing to conduct a pastoral visit and tour of the region, Aug. 21-23. "It is hard to express in words the devastation that people have experienced. Yet so many people have worked tirelessly to rebuild their lives and the lives of others," said Talbert. "Our churches have been incredibly committed and have helped sustain people when the government failed." Church Rallies Around Woman Battling to Stay in U.S. August 17, 2006, CHICAGO – Elvira Arellano, a lay leader in Adalberto United Methodist Church, has taken refuge in the church that has stood by her in her battle to remain in the United States and to raise her son – who is a U.S. citizen – here. "Here is an opportunity for a country that says they care about children to care for a child," said United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño, on CNN's "Lou Dobbs Tonight" show Aug. 16. Carcaño, bishop of the denomination's Phoenix Area, was in Chicago for the 2006 International Clergywomen's Consultation. She has been a spokesperson for the United Methodist Council of Bishops in calling for immigration reform. Church Members Show Support for Soldier Refusing Deployment August 14, 2006 – Some United Methodists are rallying in support of Army Lt. Ehren Watada, 28, who has refused deployment to Iraq because he feels the war is "morally wrong" and "a breach of American law." He faces charges of missing troop movement, conduct unbecoming an officer and contempt towards officials. A native of Hawaii, Watada is currently at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash. A vigil and rally will be held at the gates of Fort Lewis on Aug. 16, the date of the pre-trial hearing for Watada. Members of Peace House, a United Methodist church, and Epworth United Methodist Church will participate, according to the Rev. Barbara Bellus, Epworth's pastor. Both congregations are in Portland, Ore. Missionary Group Calls for Response to Philippines Violence August 18, 2006 – About 60 mostly retired United Methodist missionaries and colleagues who served in the Philippines are urging the heads of the U.S. and Philippine governments to address the ongoing violence against church workers and others in the Asian country. Church employees and people who work with poor and marginalized Filipinos have been subjected to detentions, beatings and killings since 2001. The statement by the United Methodist Philippine Reunion came as news broke about a United Methodist local pastor being shot to death in the Philippines. "We call upon the Philippine government to investigate the extrajudicial killings and illegal detentions immediately, seriously, and impartially; to avoid labeling those working for economic justice, particularly among the poor, as ‘subversives'; and to expose the linkages between the current abuses and the police or the military," the United Methodists stated. The United Church of Canada Adopts a Pro-Peace Investment Strategy for the Middle East August 18, 2006, THUNDER BAY, Ontario – Meeting in Thunder Bay, Ontario, August 13-19, 2006, the 39th General Council of The United Church of Canada has adopted a pro-peace investment strategy that delegates hope will contribute to the realization of a just peace in Palestine and Israel. Additionally, Canada's largest Protestant denomination has committed itself to developing the means of raising one million dollars to support projects, initiatives, and groups of any faith working for peace in Palestine and Israel. In a resolution that was passed last evening, the delegates agreed to invite the membership, congregations, and organizations of The United Church of Canada to continue to work with the Jewish and Arab communities to promote peace and understanding and the end of hostilities in the Middle East. August 17, 2006, GENEVA – Peace in the Middle East will not be achieved until the core issue of the conflict in the region, namely the coexistence of Palestine and Israel is addressed, said the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko, when he joined leaders of the Ecumenical Center-based church organizations in welcoming an ecumenical pastoral delegation returning from Beirut, Jerusalem and Ramallah. As long as this issue is not addressed, more bridges will be destroyed, Noko said at a 16 August press conference in Geneva, during which the delegation reported on its visit. "Any bomb that falls in any part of the Middle East is the seeding of hatred and putting up of walls of enemy images," he remarked. Churches for Middle East Peace Protests US Arms Delivery to Israel August 14, 2006 – The New York Times reported August 11 that the US State Department is considering speeding up delivery of short-range antipersonnel rockets armed with cluster munitions to Israel for possible use in Lebanon. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), a coalition of 21 Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic denominations and organizations – of which the Episcopal Church is one – immediately sent a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice protesting the possible delivery, Maureen Shea, director of the Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations, said. The Times story noted that Israel used these weapons in Lebanon in 1982, but the US then enforced a moratorium on them, because of the number of civilians killed, until it was lifted late in the Reagan administration. Bishop Praises President Bush for Role in Mideast Cease-Fire August 16, 2006 – The president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops has written a letter to U.S. President George W. Bush, praising him for his leadership in bringing about a cease-fire between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. "Thank you for your leadership in the United Nations adopting the resolution which has served as the basis for the cease fire in Lebanon and Israel," wrote Bishop Janice Riggle Huie. "We are grateful that you have worked to lay the foundation for further negotiations to bring long-term stability to the region." In her Aug. 15 letter, Huie urged the president to continue working through the United Nations to "broaden the participation of those who will build a base for a lasting peace." Opportunity Possible in Lebanon, According to ELCA-Supported Ministry August 18, 2006, CHICAGO – Although fighting between Israeli soldiers and Hezbollah has ravaged and immobilized southern Lebanon, the Contact and Resource Center (CRC), Beirut, has managed to continue its mission of bringing together Christians, Muslims and others to meet the needs of people living with disabilities who are left vulnerable, physically and emotionally, in Lebanon. An institution founded in response to a 16-year civil war in Lebanon that ended in 1991, the CRC works to enhance the quality of life and secure a better future for people living with disabilities. Among its many ministries, the CRC – a companion ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) – has sponsored reconciliation dialogues, which have brought together Christians and Muslims, disabled and able-bodied, to share their hopes for themselves and their country's future. August 15, 2006, GENEVA – The General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko welcomes the UN Security Council resolution calling for an end to the armed hostilities in Lebanon and northern Israel, and appeals to the international community to establish a true basis for sustainable peace in the whole middle East region. In a statement issued today following the unanimous passage on August 11 of the UN Security Council Resolution 1701, Noko said sustainable peace in the Middle East must include the establishment of a just basis for coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. Noko described as a welcome development the resolution's explicit call for the immediate cessation of both the Hizbollah attacks and Israeli offensive military operations and the agreement to the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in parallel with the deployment of Lebanese forces and an enhanced UN peacekeeping presence. Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr. Dies in Italy August 17, 2006 – Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr., 72, retired bishop of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, died August 16 while on vacation in Italy, a spokeswoman for the diocese said. Bishop Thompson served as rector of Grace Church in Jamaica, Queens, from 1977 until he was elected bishop in 1988. Thompson collapsed after swimming and could not be revived, said diocesan communications director Richelle Thompson, who is not related to the bishop. Bishop Kenneth Price, who is serving as the diocese's leader until a new bishop is elected later this year, worked with Thompson for 12 years. "Bishop Thompson was a man of great faith and enormous compassion," said Price. "I've never known anyone who took prayer more seriously than Bishop Thompson. We're going to miss his prayer support here on earth, but thank goodness, he'll be watching over us in heaven." How the Church Is Called to Shape Our Country's Future August 15, 2006, MINNEAPOLIS – In a post-Cold War, post-9/11 world the United States has been thrust into a position of global leadership with awesome responsibility. People of the church are called upon, not simply to accept but to help define the U.S. role. Based on biblical/theological/ confessional norms, the ideology our country adopts needs to be understood and critiqued by people of the church according to Paul A. Wee, author of American Destiny and the Calling of the Church. Wee makes an urgent plea that congregations, in a bipartisan spirit of openness, subject this issue to debate in the public forum. The author's approach to the issue is based on a three-fold commitment – to the centrality of the gospel, to the ministry of the church, and to the responsible role of the nation in the world. Twelve Steps for Caregivers and Those They Care For August 14, 2006, MINNEAPOLIS – In September 2003, Wanda Scott Bledsoe's husband returned from a church work trip to Mexico with an unexplained weakness that grew worse over the next nine months. In the newly released Walking Together through Illness, Bledsoe interviews her husband as they journey together through his illness. In each chapter she offers her experiences in caring for her husband and his responses to his illness and her care. Each chapter of the book is introduced by scripture and focuses on the author's upbeat but realistic sharing of the challenges of a caregiver and care receiver and the faithful ways they met those challenges.
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