Front Page

Church must Be ‘Safe Place' for Gay and Lesbian People, Archbishop of Canterbury Says

March 28, 2007, LAMBETH PALACE – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, has said that the churches of the Anglican Communion must be safe places for gay and lesbian people. His comments come in a welcome to an interim report on the Anglican Communion's Listening Process, a commitment to listen to the experience of homosexual people. Williams warns that the challenge to create the safe space for the voices of gay and lesbian people to be heard and for their dignity to be respected is based on a fundamental commitment of the Communion.

Anglicans Fill the Streets of London to Mark
200th Anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade

March 24, 2007 – As the Procession of Witness reached Lambeth Bridge, London, as part of a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in England, a large choir sang Amazing Grace, the hymn written by John Newton, himself a reformed slavemaster. It was from this bridge that some 2700 ships set sail on the first leg of a journey which would ship slaves and other cargoes between Britain, America and the West Indies. 2 out of every 10 slaves died on the ships. The pier lies in the shadow of Lambeth Palace, home to successive Archbishops of Canterbury. A wreath was laid on the River Thames as the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams prayed.

Churches World-Wide to Participate in Major Mobilization for Peace

March 28, 2007 – Concrete plans to mobilize churches around the world for peace were approved by the World Council of Churches (WCC) executive committee in early March. What is expected to become a major worldwide mobilization of churches for peace will culminate with an International Ecumenical Peace Convocation to be held in early May 2011 and an Ecumenical Declaration on Just Peace. Part of the approved plan is for some 50 ecumenical "living letters" teams to visit churches facing situations of violence between 2007 and 2011. The "living letters" teams will be a concrete expression of solidarity as well as an attempt to share insights and learn from each other. At least three visits will take place in 2007, and some 15 visits a year are envisaged between 2008 and 2010.

Iranian Seizure of British Naval Personnel Shows Need for Diplomacy, U.S. Religious Leaders Say

March 26, 2007 – The delegation of U.S. religious leaders that visited Iran in February says the "Iranian seizure of British naval personnel underscores in dramatic fashion our call for diplomatic relations" between the U.S. and Iran. The marines were captured March 23 while they were "engaged in routine boarding operations on a merchant ship in waters claimed by both the Iranians and Iraqis," reports claim. "The U.S. and Iran should have the same channels as the United States did with the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War to avoid circumstances where misunderstandings, accidents, or other unanticipated events could lead to a military confrontation," said a March 23 statement [complete text below] by eight members of the delegation including Maureen Shea, director of the Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations.

General News

Church Attorney: Keep Politics out of the Pulpit

March 30, 2007 – As election season intensifies and politicians line up at the church door to shake hands and stump for their campaigns, an attorney for The United Methodist Church advises churches and clergy against endorsing or opposing candidates for elected office. "Churches should take stands on appropriate issues, but it cannot be a substantial part of their ministry," said Jim Allen, general counsel of the United Methodist Council on Finance and Administration. In the United States, candidates from all political parties often are seen in pulpits or at church functions delivering their messages or seeking endorsements.

Campaign Planned for Global Education Fund

March 27, 2007, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A marketing and fundraising campaign kicks off this year for a global fund to help Methodist schools around the world develop stronger and more effective leaders. The drive includes a goal of raising $1.5 million in 2007 and putting structures in place in Africa and Latin America for the Methodist Global Education Fund for Leadership Development, an initiative of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry. Planned as a four-year, $4 million program, the fund will underwrite the costs of technical assistance, improving and strengthening schools, on-site mentoring for professional development and scholarship support for leadership development.

One Hundred Years of Methodist Men's Ministry

March 29, 2007, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Men's ministry dates back in some form to the early days of Methodism, when John Wesley and Charles Wesley established the first holy clubs in the 1720s. The first Methodist Brotherhoods were created in 1908, a milestone that will be celebrated in 2008 as the United Methodist Men's organization celebrates its first centennial.

‘March Madness' Advances Nothing but Nets Campaign

March 27, 2007 – Against the backdrop of college basketball's March Madness, United Methodists have rallied around the Nothing But Nets anti-malaria campaign by sponsoring church and conference basketball tournaments, challenges and other fundraisers. The people of The United Methodist Church are partnering in Nothing But Nets with the United Nations Foundation, the National Basketball Association's NBA Cares initiative, Sports Illustrated and other organizations to prevent malaria by delivering insecticide-treated bed nets to Africa. A donation of $10 covers the cost of one bed net, which protects families from malaria-carrying mosquitoes. In Indiana, Bishop Mike Coyner issued a "March Madness for Missions" challenge to support Nothing But Nets and the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund. He asked every United Methodist family to purchase at least one bed net and each congregation to donate at least $1 per member to the Global AIDS Fund.

Stand Firm as a Communion Despite Different Opinions, Youth Delegates Urge LWF Youth
Message Underlines Lutheran Contribution to Ecumenical Movement

March 27, 2007, LUND, Sweden/GENEVA – Young adult representatives from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches have urged the LWF to stand firm as a communion, and not be divided by the different opinions held on the subject of marriage, family and sexuality. The young adults' appeal to the Lutheran communion was part of their message delivered on 26 March to the LWF Council after a 16-19 March Pre-Council Youth workshop in Hoor, south Sweden. During their four-day meeting, the 23 young people from countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America, discussed a report on the evaluation of the LWF Youth in Church and Society (YICAS) desk and its strategic plan to empower young people to meaningful participation in the LWF and local churches. The YICAS desk is located in the LWF Department for Mission and Development.

Call for Theological Reflection on Urgent Environmental Needs
Council Actions on Theology and Studies, and Ecumenical Affairs

March 28, 2007, LUND, Sweden/GENEVA – At its meeting this year, the Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) asked the LWF Department for Theology and Studies (DTS) to explore possibilities for theological, spiritual and ethical reflection on urgent environmental challenges, especially with regard to climate change. Acting on recommendations presented by the Program Committee for Theology and Studies, the Council asked DTS to draw upon the realities and perspectives of member churches and field programs through the LWF Departments for Mission and Development (DMD) and World Service (DWS), and of indigenous communities. The LWF governing body requested DTS to also collaborate with the LWF Office for International Affairs and Human Rights (OIAHR), World Council of Churches (WCC), other ecumenical partners and theologians working in this area.

Ecumenical News

WCC Congratulates LWF on 60th Anniversary

March 26, 2007 – The "strong relationship" between the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) has been characterized "not only by mutual accountability and reciprocity on the journey towards unity, but by the common witness of the member churches in the service of all humanity" says a message addressed to the LWF on its 60th anniversary by the WCC. The WCC congratulates the Federation for "60 years of growth in communion and witness," and evokes its "tireless efforts" to foster "a Lutheran identity that is ecumenically committed and open to sharing generously its gifts of spirit and resources." The message was delivered on 24 March by WCC central committee moderator Rev. Dr Walter Altmann during a LWF Council meeting in Lund, Sweden.

Spanish News

Obispos Católicos Piden Al Congreso Ponga Fin a Las Prohibiciones De Viajes a Cuba

29 marzo 2007, ORLANDO, Florida – El diario cubano Granma informó que la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) exigió al Congreso de ese país aprobar una legislación que pondría fin a las restricciones a los viajes a Cuba y permitiría mayores contactos entre ciudadanos cubanos y norteamericanos. El periodista Gabriel Molina da cuenta de una carta enviada al representante Charles B. Rangel (demócrata por Nueva York), por el obispo Thomas G. Wenski, de Orlando, Florida, quien es presidente del Comité de Obispos que se ocupan de Política Internacional.

La Tumba Perdida De Cristo: Otro Negocio Mediático, Afirman Líderes Cubanos

26 marzo 2007, LA HABANA, Cuba – El nuevo escándalo que trae tras sí el documental The Lost Tomb of Christ, el cual pretende mostrar la verdadera tumba de Jesús, fue calificado por un grupo de líderes eclesiales cubanos como nuevo negocio mediático. El reverendo José López, secretario de la Comisión Bíblica del Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba (CIC), califica el fenómeno de "buen tema periodístico que deja mucho dinero" y recuerda cómo, a la par de los vientos de Cuaresma, siempre llegan especulaciones en torno al milagro de la Resurrección, como sucedió el pasado año con el "descubrimiento" del llamado Evangelio de Judas que tantas apologías y condenas subió a los púlpitos en el mundo.

El Vía Crucis Se Repite Hoy En Los Migrantes, Afirma Carta Pastoral Católica

29 marzo 2007, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA – Con firma del obispo de Huehuetenango, Rodolfo Bobadilla Mata, quien se desempeña como Presidente de la Pastoral de Movilidad Humana de la Conferencia Episcopal de Guatemala, se emitió una carta pastoral con motivo de la Semana Santa, titulada "La Cruz del migrante, fuente de esperanza." La celebración del Vía Crucis es el camino de todos los seres humanos, un itinerario en donde el dolor, el sufrimiento y la muerte sí existen y son reales, afirman, "pero se transforman en la resurrección de Jesús, que nos dona la esperanza de una vida nueva, ella "es la invitación más poderosa a globalizar la solidaridad y reconstruir la esperanza en "cielos nuevos y nueva tierra, en un mundo en donde reine la justicia."

Iglesias De Todo El Mundo Participarán En Gran Movilización Por La Paz

28 marzo 2007 – El Comité Ejecutivo del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) aprobó a comienzos de marzo planes concretos para movilizar a iglesias de todo el mundo en favor de la paz. Lo que se espera sea una gran movilización de iglesias de todo el mundo en favor de la paz culminará en una Convocatoria Internacional Ecuménica por la Paz a comienzos de mayo de 2011 y en una Declaración Ecuménica sobre una Paz Justa. Como parte del plan aprobado, cerca de 50 equipos ecuménicos visitarán, entre 2007 y 2011, iglesias confrontadas con situaciones de violencia. Estos equipos, enviados como "cartas vivas," serán una expresión concreta de solidaridad, así como una iniciativa destinada a compartir ideas y aprender unos de otros. Se prevén tres visitas como mínimo en 2007 y unas 15 visitas al año entre 2008 y 2010.

Continúan Las Denuncias Por Persecución Religiosa

28 marzo 2007, MÉXICO D.F. – Según informa el diario El Universal en su edición del domingo 25, un indígena de 60 años identificado como Rodolfo López presentó ante la Comisión Nacional de los Derechos Humanos (CNDH) una queja por sufrir persecución religiosa. López es evangélico y vive en Ocosingo, Chiapas, uno de los estados mexicanos más golpeados por la intolerancia y la discriminación religiosa. Relató al medio periodístico que ya ha sido desterrado en dos ocasiones por profesar su religión. Dice que las autoridades quieren ahora convertir los problemas de intolerancia religiosa en conflictos agrarios "y yo sigo sufriendo porque no me dan mi libertad de creencia."

Católicos Y Protestantes Juntos: ¿ Lograrán Construir La Paz?

27 marzo 2007, BELFAST, Irlanda – Más de 80 años de historia y conflictos cerraron un capítulo de violencia y dolor, cuando ayer, por primera vez en su historia, el anciano líder protestante Ian Paisley se reunió cara a cara con el líder católico del Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams. Del encuentro surgió un pacto de paz y reconciliación que los llevará a gobernar juntos a partir del 8 de mayo próximo. El nuevo capítulo, que se espera ponga fin real al conflicto entre católicos y protestantes que ha dejado más de 3 mil muertos, comenzó a asomarse en octubre de 2006 cuando los gobiernos británico e irlandés presentaron un plan para restaurar el autogobierno, bautizado como acuerdo de Saint Andrews que fijaba el 26 de marzo de 2007 como fecha límite.

Luteranos Buscan Expresión Común Para Su Comunión Nilton Giese

26 marzo 2007, LUND, Suecia – Los y las representantes de las iglesias luteranas de América Latina y el Caribe presentes en las conmemoraciones de los 60 años de la Federación Luterana Mundial en Lund, dijeron sentirse en el camino por encontrar formas, relaciones y procesos que encarnen la expresión de ser iglesias en comunión. "La tarea de la comunión requiere expresiones concretas y visibles," dijo el obispo Medardo Gómez de El Salvador. La brecha profunda entre ricos y pobres, la multiplicidad de contextos (idiomas, culturas, etnias, espiritualidades), la identificación de agendas que abarquen la necesidad de todos los miembros, el discernimiento sobre temas éticos, "estas realidades nos cuestionan y nos desafían como cuerpo de Cristo" enfatiza el pastor Ángel Furlán, de Argentina. El ministerio ordenado compartido y la inclusión del liderazgo de mujeres han abierto perspectivas de profunda riqueza y significado para las iglesias.

International News

Anglican Theological Commission Clarifies Provenance of Same-Sex Blessings Resolutions

March 29, 2007 – The Primate's Theological Commission, a group appointed by the Anglican Primate to consult on theological matters, has released a clarification concerning resolutions on the blessing of same-sex unions approved earlier this month by the church's governing council. The resolutions, approved by the Council of General Synod for the consideration of the church's General Synod this summer, have been described as dealing with The St. Michael Report. But in fact only one of them does, the commission says in its statement.

Explosion Impacts United Methodists in Mozambique

March 27, 2007 – An ammunition depot explosion near the capital of Mozambique has killed at least 100 people, injured more than 450 others and damaged two neighborhoods with United Methodist parishes. The March 22 explosion on the outskirts of Maputo sent munitions flying in all directions in the metropolitan area, according to Carol Kreamer, coordinator of The Mozambique Initiative, a program of the United Methodist Missouri Annual (regional) Conference. Government officials initially said a heat wave in Maputo caused the hundreds of tons of weaponry to explode. However, there are mounting accusations of government negligence, and residents are asking why the arsenal wasn't closed after explosions occurred there in January. President Armando Guebuza has announced the aging facility will be decommissioned.

European Clergywomen Draw Inspiration from Colleagues

March 30, 2007 – United Methodist clergywomen in Europe face similar struggles to those of their U.S. counterparts as they try to respond faithfully to their call. Nearly 50 European clergywomen, along with a few of their American sisters, met recently in Germany to discuss those barriers – including gender discrimination – and to support one another. "Usually, the (European) church does not have the confidence in women's leadership, and due to the lack of experience of women in the church or the pulpit, the clergywomen have to really prove themselves to be ordained. It is very similar," said the Rev. HiRho Park, a staff member of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry, which provided some scholarships for the women to come together.

Lutherans Respond to Emergency Situations Overseas

March 29, 2007, CHICAGO – Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have provided $825,000 in response to emergency situations in Indonesia, Mozambique, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Zambia through the church's International Disaster Response. Coordinated by ELCA Global Mission, International Disaster Response channels its funds through international church organizations and relief agencies. Funds provide for food, medicine, drinking water, emergency shelter and other materials for survivors of disasters.

Development of LWF Internet Presence, Optimized Corporate Design
Council Actions on Communication Services, World Service

March 28, 2007, LUND, Sweden/GENEVA – The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) endorsed the recommendations of an LWF Communication Audit that calls for investment in technical and visual improvement of the LWF Web sites, among other initiatives to enhance communication in the Federation. Acting on recommendations of its Program Committee for Communication Services, the LWF Council received the communication audit in its entirety, and agreed to the implementation of its proposals, which also call for audience identification and targeting; regional involvement in production and distribution within financial limits; and the development and consistent use of a corporate graphic identity.

Pope Benedict XVI, WCC Congratulate LWF on 60th Anniversary

March 27, 2007, CHICAGO – In a congratulatory greeting to the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) on its 60th anniversary, Pope Benedict XVI paid tribute to the "always fruitful" dialogue between the LWF and the Roman Catholic Church, and the major progress in ecumenical relations after the Second Vatican Council. The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF has 140 member churches in 78 countries throughout the world, representing nearly 66.7 million Christians. "Ecumenical fellowship has [grown] all over the world through numerous encounters between Lutherans and Catholics," said the pope in his greeting read to worshippers March 25 at the LWF 60th anniversary Eucharistic worship service at the Lund Cathedral, Lund, Sweden.

Middle East News

LWF Council Calls for Cooperation with Palestinian Leaders, End to Blockade

March 29, 2007, CHICAGO – The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) called on the international community to cooperate with the new Palestinian government and to end an international economic blockade. The council asked LWF members to pray on Thursday of Holy Week (April 5) for Christians in the Middle East. The council also "affirmed that the core problem in the Middle East is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which, if not solved, is a threat to peace not only in the Middle East but throughout the world." The LWF governing body stated its position while approving recommendations from its Program Committee for International Affairs and Human Rights at the conclusion of the council's March 20-27 meeting in Lund, Sweden.

LWF Council Warns Unresolved Israeli-Palestinian Conflict Threatens Global Peace
Churches Called to Join Ecumenical Coalitions to End Occupation

March 26, 2007, LUND, Sweden/GENEVA – The Council of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has "affirmed that the core problem in the Middle East is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict which, if not solved, is a threat to peace not only in the Middle East but throughout the world." The LWF governing body stated its position during its approval of recommendations from its Program Committee for International Affairs and Human Rights at the end of the 20-27 March meeting in Lund, Sweden. This year's Council meeting coincided with events to mark the 60th anniversary of the Federation in the city where it was established in 1947. "We welcome the fact that a Palestinian government of national unity has been established, and stress the LWF Council's expectation that the new government will respect all previous agreements concerning or relevant to the search for peace in the region."

People in the News

Jerusalem Diocese to Install New Bishop
L.A. Friends Offer Support

March 28, 2007 – Among the gifts for new ministry Bishop Jon Bruno of Los Angeles will present at the April 15 consecration of Bishop Suheil Dawani of Jerusalem will be a "Lights of Hope" contribution to support diocesan medical ministries. "I'll carry $16,000 in contributions raised by the people of Los Angeles to support the hospitals and clinics which serve all people – Christians, Muslims and Jews – and are part of the many other wonderful ministries of the Diocese of Jerusalem, our companion diocese," Bruno said. Through "Lights of Hope," volunteers distributed Anglican rosaries and incorporated prayers for the peace of Jerusalem into an Advent cycle of prayer in the Los Angeles diocese to create awareness of the plight of Palestinian Christians "who are being forced out of the Holy Land," Bruno said.