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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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September 15, 2006, NEW YORK – Actor George Clooney and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel appeared before the United Nations Security Council on Thursday to make an impassioned plea for immediate UN intervention in Sudan's Darfur region. This morning, Mr. Clooney and Mr. Wiesel appeared on The Today Show where they discussed the situation in Darfur and the "Save Darfur Now: Voices to Stop Genocide" rally in New York City this Sunday. WCC Meeting Concludes with Seven-Year Plan for Ecumenical Action and Advocacy September 15, 2006 – A new framework of ecumenical action and advocacy was adopted by the World Council of Churches' (WCC) central committee meeting, held August 30-September 6 in Geneva, Switzerland, which endorsed a reorganized program strategy highlighting six focus areas for the next seven years. Bishop Christopher Epting, deputy for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, represented Episcopal WCC delegate and executive council member Sarah Harte at the meeting. "The meeting was the first since the Porto Alegre Assembly," he said, "And our task was to translate the challenges and priorities of that assembly into some kind of programmatic design." Lutherans Continue Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform September 14, 2006, CHICAGO – Several religious leaders called on the U.S. Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform – not just "enforcement only" legislation – in a national conference call Sept. 12 with news reporters. One of the speakers was the Rev. Stephen P. Bouman, bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Ralston H. Deffenbaugh Jr., president of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), Baltimore, hosted the conference call of interfaith leaders. LIRS is a cooperative agency of the ELCA, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In December 2005 the U.S. House of Representatives approved legislation that emphasizes enforcement of immigration laws and border security, and would make it a criminal offense to aid a person who is in the United States illegally. In June the U.S. Senate approved a bill that would provide for a more "comprehensive" approach to immigration reform. Meeting
on Primatial Oversight Adjourns Without Agreement September 13, 2006, NEW YORK – Despite "honest and frank conversations," a group of bishops with differing perspectives, meeting in New York September 11-13, was unable to reach an agreement on how to meet the needs of seven dioceses that have asked for oversight with a primate other than the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. "We're hoping to call another meeting later this fall to continue to wrestle with the issues," Presiding Bishop-elect Katharine Jefferts Schori said after the meeting concluded, adding that there is a "general commitment" among those present at this week's meeting to attend a subsequent meeting. "It has occurred to me that it might be helpful to expand the group slightly so that it's not too large but includes the variety of perspectives" that exist, Jefferts Schori added. Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and Jefferts Schori both said after the meeting ended that the conversations that took place were valuable. "According to some of the participants, it was for them the most fruitful exchange they've been able to have," Griswold said. Response to 9/11 Leaves Lasting Legacy in New York September 12, 2006, NEW YORK – The response by New York faith groups to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks left a lasting legacy. That legacy is New York Disaster Interfaith Services, whose mission is to "develop and support faith-based disaster readiness, response and recovery services for New York City." According to the Rev. Charles "Chick" Straut, a United Methodist who serves as the organization's treasurer, NYDIS is "the best part of the story" in the recovery from the 2001 terrorist attacks. September 15, 2006 – The vestry and rector of Christ Church in Plano, Texas announced September 15 that the parish will pay the Diocese of Dallas $1.2 million for its title to the parish property and disassociate themselves from the Episcopal Church. Bishop James Stanton said, in one of two statements posted on the website of Christ Church in Plano, that he had come to the conclusion that there are "irreconcilable differences between Christ Church and the Episcopal Church, differences that would necessitate their separation from the Episcopal Church and, consequently, from the Diocese of Dallas." "In many ways, clearly, this is a sad occasion for our Diocese," he wrote. Participants, Observers Reflect on Bishops' Meeting in New York September 13, 2006, NEW YORK – Reactions to the September 11-13 meeting of bishops in New York ranged from hopefulness to calls for broadening the conversation, following the lack of a consensus on how to move forward in meeting the needs of the seven dioceses that issued appeals for Alternate Primatial Oversight (APO). In an interview after the meeting, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and Presiding Bishop-elect Katharine Jefferts Schori spoke about the open, frank and sometimes challenging conversations that had taken place, and noted the "great value" in face-to-face encounters. More Bishops Offer Reflections on New York Meeting September 15, 2006, NEW YORK – Four more of the bishops who participated in the September 11-13 meeting about a request by seven dioceses for oversight from a primate other that the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church have issued statements about the meeting's outcome. Bishops Jack Iker of Fort Worth, Peter Lee of Virginia, Mark Sisk of New York and James Stanton of Dallas each have made their reactions known. September 15, 2006 – Dr Mary Tanner, from the Church of England, is a leading theologian and author who has been involved in the ecumenical movement in a variety of ways over the years. Among other contributions, she has led landmark studies and events, and moderated the WCC's Fifth World Conference on Faith and Order at Santiago de Compostela, Spain (1993). Elected as one of the eight presidents of the World Council of Churches (WCC) at the 9th Assembly in Porto Alegre, Tanner speaks in the following interview about the promises and challenges lying ahead of the ecumenical movement, the role of the WCC, and why she thinks it is essential to work for full Eucharistic communion. Vatican Clarifies Pope's Comments on Islam September 16, 2006, VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI "sincerely regrets that certain passages of his address could have sounded offensive to the sensitivities of the Muslim faithful," the Vatican Secretary of State announced in a clarifying statement released on Saturday, September 16. Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who had only been installed in the Vatican's second-ranking post the previous day, issued the statement in response to a worldwide furor among Muslim protesting the Pontiff's September 12 speech at the University of Regensburg. In the passage of the speech that has roused so much anger, the Pope was quoting a 14th-century Byzantine emperor, and the Pontiff "did not intend "to make that opinion is own in any way," the Secretary of State said. What the Pope intended, the Italian cardinal emphasized, was "a clear and radical rejection of the religious motivation for violence, from whatever side it may come." Pope Benedict is dismayed, the cardinal said, because his words were "interpreted in a manner that in no way corresponds to his intentions." Far from belittling the faith of Muslims, he noted, the Holy Father had explicitly warned, in that same speech, against "the contempt for God and the cynicism that considers mockery of the sacred to be an exercise of freedom." Las Conversaciones Pueden Continuar 14 septiembre 2006, NUEVA YORK – A pesar de haber conversado "en forma franca y honesta," el grupo de obispos de la Iglesia Episcopal que se reunió en Nueva York del 11 al 13 de septiembre, no pudo acordar una forma de satisfacer las necesidades de las siete diócesis que solicitaron la supervisión de un primado que no fuera el Obispo Presidente de la Iglesia Episcopal. Según informa la Episcopal News Service, al finalizar la reunión, la Obispa Presidenta electa Katharine Jefferts Schori dijo que se espera "poder convocar otra reunión más tarde durante el otoño para poder continuar tratando estos temas" y agregó que existe un "compromiso general" entre todos los presentes para volver a reunirse. Tras La Noche, Un Nuevo Amanecer 15 septiembre 2006, QUITO, Ecuador – El obispo Wilfrido Ramos Orench asumió el obispado de la Diócesis de Ecuador Central de la Iglesia Episcopal del Ecuador. La liturgia de reconocimiento y investidura aconteció en la noche del 13 de Septiembre en la Catedral de El Señor, Quito. "Luego de una larga noche, Dios nos está bendiciendo con un nuevo amanecer," expresó Ramos Orench al asumir su cargo. En el Ecuador, los desafíos son de reconstrucción de la Iglesia Episcopal que ha sufrido por varios conflictos internos en los últimos años. Los conflictos entre el liderazgo, y la destitución del obispo anterior, se arrastraron por varios años, tiempo en que el obispo Glauco Soares de Lima de Brasil y el obispo Orlando Guerrero de Venezuela acompañaron la Diócesis Central en el proceso de reorganización. 15 septiembre 2006, VATICANO – Varios sectores de la comunidad musulmana internacional pidieron a la Santa Sede que aclarara su posición sobre el Islam, al sentirse afectada por las afirmaciones del papa Benedicto XVI, que durante su visita a Alemania advirtió que la violencia de la jihad (guerra santa ) es "algo irracional." Líderes islámicos exigieron al jefe de la Iglesia Católica que se disculpara por estos comentarios que consideraron ofensivos. El reclamo apunta al discurso que Benedicto XVI pronunció el martes 12 en la Universidad de Ratisbona, en su tierra natal. 13 septiembre 2006 – Un grupo de obispos se reunió en Nueva Cork desde el 11 al 13 de septiembre en respuesta a una invitación del Arzobispo de Cantórbery y en consulta con el Obispo Presidente para considerar la situación de la Iglesia teniendo en cuenta los conflictos que existen en la Iglesia Episcopal. El Arzobispo de Cantórbery recibió un pedido de siete diócesis pidiendo atención pastoral primacial alternativa y solicitó que los obispos de la Iglesia Episcopal consideraran el tema. Peter James Lee, Obispo de Virginia y John Lipscomb, Obispo del Sudoeste de Florida convocaron la reunión. New York Sidewalk Vigil Is Reminder of September 11 September 12, 2006, NEW YORK – In the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Rev. William Shillady took his ministry to the streets. As pastor of Park Avenue United Methodist Church, near the corner of Park and E. 86th Street in Manhattan, Shillady found that people in the community appreciated his presence — as well as the presence of others — on the busy sidewalk outside the building. "Now people expect this of me," he said. Lutherans Support Recovery Work along China's Southeast Coast September 12, 2006, CHICAGO – International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provided $30,000 Sept. 5 to support recovery efforts along the southeast coast of China after Typhoon Saomai caused loss of life and destruction to homes and land in August. Tropical Storm Bilis produced extensive flooding in southern China in July. ELCA funds were sent to support the recovery efforts of the Amity Foundation, an independent church-related organization developed by Protestant Christians in China to help meet needs related to health education, social welfare, rural development, relief, and rehabilitation within Chinese society. The ELCA relates to China primarily through the Amity Foundation. The foundation is working to provide food, medicine and other supplies to people affected by the storms. It is also working to rebuild homes, school buildings, clinics and hospitals, and it is reconstructing drinking-water and irrigation systems. September 12, 2006 – Bereaved women turned activists from five conflict areas around the world joined a 9/11 victim's family member at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Manhattan September 11 to discuss how they are working to avert violence and promote peace in their various contexts. "Sudan to Chile: Women Waging Peace" was arranged by Peaceful Tomorrows, an organization founded by family members of those killed on September 11, 2001, to advocate nonviolent actions in pursuit of justice. Moderated by Phoebe Griswold, founding member Anglican Women's Empowerment (AWE) and wife of Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, the forum included six women who shared their stories and insights on working for reconciliation and peace: Marcia Scantlebury from Chile; Asma Guenifi from Algeria; Jo Berry from England; Afifa Azim from Afghanistan; Julia Duany from Sudan; and Terry Rockefeller from Boston. Episcopal Priest in Syria Recounts Experience of U.S. Embassy Attack September 15, 2006 – The Rev. Bob Blackwell and wife Kay, appointed missionaries of the Episcopal Church who live in Damascus, Syria, were at their home on September 12 when Syrian guards foiled an attempt by suspected Al Qaeda-linked militants to blow up the U.S. embassy. The guards exchanged fire outside the compound's walls with gunmen who tried to storm in with automatic weapons and hand grenades. No Americans were hurt and the embassy was not damaged in the midmorning attack, according to an Associated Press report. Methodist King of Tonga Dies at Age 88 September 14, 2006, AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Tonga's King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV, a lay preacher in the Free Wesleyan Methodist Church, died Sept. 10 just before midnight at Auckland's Mercy Hospital. Tupou, 88, had been critically ill for the last two months, and had been receiving medical treatment in New Zealand since April. "His Majesty King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV was a great leader and witness in the Methodist movement," said the Rev. H. Eddie Fox, a United Methodist and director of evangelism for the World Methodist Council. "His passing is a loss, not only for his people, but for persons in the World Methodist movement." Tupou served as monarch of the 169 Pacific islands that compose the Kingdom of Tonga for 41 years. He ascended to the throne following the long reign of his mother, Queen Salote, also a well-known leader in the World Methodist movement. Brondos Reframes Pauline Theology September 15, 2006, MINNEAPOLIS – Even as theologians have become more critical of classic theories of atonement, biblical scholars have continued to rely upon such theories as a basis for interpreting Paul's teaching regarding salvation and the cross. In the newly released Paul on the Cross, David A. Brondos looks to the recent advances in New Testament scholarship to argue for an alternative understanding of Paul's doctrine of salvation and the cross. Paul, says Brondos, understood Jesus' death primarily as the consequence of his mission: to serve as God's instrument to bring about the long-awaited redemption of Israel, in which Gentiles throughout the world would also be included. Brokering Leaves Spiritual Legacy September 14, 2006, MINNEAPOLIS – Almost everyone has a Last Will and Testament that tells their family and friends what is to become of their property, but few people have thought about the spiritual gifts and memories they'd like to leave their loved ones. In his latest book, I Will to You: Leaving a Legacy for Those You Love, well-known and beloved author Herbert Brokering shares the spiritual gifts and intimate memories that he'd like to leave to his family and his readers. As he ponders the grace he has received from the people, places, and events of his life he inspires our own reflection on what we wish to leave to our loved ones. Each chapter includes a Bible passage for reflection.
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