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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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Church Leaders Visit Capitol Hill over Cuba Travel June 19, 2007, WASHINGTON – In an effort to get the U.S. government to ease restrictions on religious travel to Cuba, a delegation of leaders from Christian denominations and ecumenical organizations lobbied key lawmakers June 14 on Capitol Hill. Jerald McKie, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, was among leaders trying to garner support for proposed House and Senate legislation that would end a ban on travel to Cuba for U.S. citizens. Based on encouragement received during their lobbying efforts, Church World Service and its partners intend to meet with other influential members of Congress to build support for the pending legislation. GreenFaith Announces National Fellowship Program for Environmental Leadership June 18, 2007 – GreenFaith, New Jersey's interfaith coalition for the environment, is launching the GreenFaith Fellowship Program, the first comprehensive education and training program in the U.S. to prepare lay and ordained leaders from diverse religious traditions for religiously based environmental leadership. "This program will offer these leaders the opportunity for educational, spiritual and vocational growth and skill development in religious environmentalism," said Episcopal priest the Rev. Fletcher Harper, GreenFaith's executive director. "We believe they will make a lasting contribution to the development of an environmentally just and sustainable world." UMCOR, Muslim Aid to Sign Partnership Agreement June 18, 2007, NEW YORK – The United Methodist Committee on Relief is teaming up with one of Britain's most influential Muslim charities to assist millions of people across the globe. On June 26, UMCOR and Muslim Aid will sign a partnership agreement in London that could result in nearly $15 million in direct relief to disaster, war and conflict-ridden areas of the world, including Sri Lanka and Indonesia. This is in addition to $9.8 million already applied in Sri Lanka, for a total of $25 million. Organizers of the partnership say it will mean maximum response to global disasters, enhanced economic and social development and, they hope, a new peace-building model based on cross-cultural understanding. Church Representatives from Six Continents Launch Forum for Peace in Palestine/Israel June 21, 2007 – A new ecumenical advocacy initiative launched at the culmination of a World Council of Churches (WCC) conference in Jordan this week, is to help churches worldwide work for a just peace in Palestine/Israel. Called the "Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum," the initiative intends to be an instrument to "catalyze and co-ordinate new and existing church advocacy for peace." While aimed at "ending the illegal occupation in accordance with UN resolutions," it will be an expression of churches' "commitment to inter-religious action for peace and justice that serves all the peoples of the region." Churches Need to Speak More Strongly on Migrants' Rights Says Ecumenical Network on Migration June 21, 2007 – Churches around the world are concerned about the fate of migrants fleeing from poverty or violence in their home countries. In Africa, the promise of a better life is luring many young people to Europe and the USA, where a lot of them end up as illegal migrants. In Sri Lanka, the armed conflict between government forces and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) is producing migrants by the thousands who now live in fear of abduction. In Jordan and Syria, some Iraqi Christians have waited for immigrants' visas for more than ten years. Stories like these, told at a 6-8 June 2007 conference on migration, challenged churches to play a more central role in addressing this issue. Synod Cookies Are Proof: God's Church Is Still Baking June 22, 2007 – The local hospitality committee for the UCC's General Synod 26 issued a call to churches to bake cookies for General Synod delegates and guests at their June meeting. A goal of 11,000 dozen cookies was set. Thankfully, for Synod goers, God is still speaking through God's bakers. Continuing a General Synod tradition, the Connecticut Conference Hospitality Committee arranged for local churches to bake cookies as a gesture of welcome for the more than 10,000 guests expected at this historic meeting. Cookies came from churches large and small, from towns large and small, baked according to family recipes and church tradition, many with notes of welcome, encouragement and even the occasional recipe attached. Children's Disaster Services Partners on Child Safety in Emergency Shelters June 21, 2007, ELGIN, IL – Disasters can strike anywhere, at any time. When a community is affected, friends and neighbors join efforts through a number of venues to help aid those in need. One of the most critical disaster relief activities includes providing safe shelter. Yesterday, three organizations affirmed their commitment to help one of the largest population groups affected by disaster – children. Children's Disaster Services (formerly Disaster Child Care), which is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren, joined with the American Red Cross and Save the Children in signing a memorandum of understanding that defines how the three will collaborate to establish "Safe Spaces" in emergency evacuation shelters during disaster events in the US. Advocate: Access for Disabilities Improves Access for All June 22, 2007, NEW YORK – Mathew Sapolin, blind since age 5, is a proponent of universal design. That means products, buildings and public spaces are created with anyone in mind-allowing "greater access for the greater number of people." As commissioner of the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, Sapolin and the two architects in his office look for such universal applications not only when considering ramps, elevators and hand rails, but also lighting, signage and textures. "The building code is one way in which we can require access," Sapolin told a group of local United Methodist Women during a June 20 seminar on "Older Women and Disabilities" hosted by Global Action on Aging at the Church Center for the United Nations. "When people don't want to make things accessible, they have to come to me to get a waiver. We usually say no." Commentary: the Future of the United Methodist Church June 22, 2007 – During a recent interview, I was asked, "What is the future of The United Methodist Church?" The question reflects a widespread anxiety that is not groundless. There has been a steady decline in the membership and average worship attendance in our church in the United States for decades. The reality of this decline has to be faced. Yet, we must not overlook another reality, and that is the amazing vitality of many congregations in our church. In Florida and elsewhere, we have some of the most faithful and fruitful congregations in the world. Lutheran Magazine for Toddlers Now Available June 19, 2007, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) magazine, The Lutheran, is branching out its ministry. In June the first issue of "The Little Lutheran" was released, targeting children age six and younger. The publication may be the first of its kind on the market, according to Sonia C. Solomonson, executive editor, The Little Lutheran. The staff of The Lutheran "looked at other magazines on the market that are targeting toddlers and found that they're really for the parents, so the market was wide open for a publication like The Little Lutheran," said Solomonson. Beginning with the first July/August issue, The Little Lutheran will publish 10 issues each year. Reformed Seminaries Worldwide to Share Their Expertise June 22, 2007 – A groundbreaking meeting of the heads of Reformed seminaries around the world will lead to greater cooperation among the schools and enrichment of theological education, says a report issued on 22 June, the final day of the gathering. The first-ever Consultation of Reformed Theological Institutions, sponsored by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and hosted by Princeton Theological Seminary, has been taking place from 18 June with leaders of 50 schools from every continent taking part. "We have started to build friendships and we want to extend the sharing of our expertise, perspectives and experience. We seek to expand our engagement in student exchange, faculty exchange, visiting scholars, research collaboration and sharing bibliographical materials, all of which enrich theological education," the report states. Memories of Two Faith and Order Founder's Honored by Bequest June 18, 2007, WASHINGTON, DC – The Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) is pleased to announce that the Commission has received an anonymous gift honoring the memory of two of the commission's founders. Both theologians were pioneers in the development of the worldwide ecumenical movement and key to the planning and success of next month's Conference on Faith and Order in North America that gave rise to the NCC Faith and Order Commission. The bequest is intended to establish two ecumenical program funds in the names of Dr. Paul S. Minear and Dr. James I. McCord. The funds are being established in conjunction with the Faith and Order Commission's 50th anniversary celebration to be held at Oberlin College from July 19-23, 2007 entitled, "On Being Christian Together: The Faith and Order Experience in the United States." Pope to Chrysostomos II: June 16, 2007, VATICAN CITY – Unity between the Churches is "a gift and the fruit of the Holy Spirit," but at the same time "it requires constant effort, animated by willingness and an unshakable belief in the power of the Lord." This was the main theme of Benedict XVI's message to Chrysostomos II, Archbishop of New Justiniana and All Cyprus. In order to proclaim the Christian faith, the Pope underlined, "we are in need of a new and common language, a spiritual language capable of faithfully transmitting Christ's truth, thus helping us to re-build, in truth and charity, the communion between all of the members of the one body of Christ." This necessity, "of which we are all aware," he added, "propels us onwards in our journey of theological dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church without loosing heart; it guides us to use valid and stable instruments in our search for communion, making sure that it is neither discontinuous nor occasional in the life and mission of our Churches." El Presidente Del CLAI Realizó Una Extensa Visita a La Isla 22 junio 2007, LA HABANA, Cuba – El obispo Julio Murray, Presidente del Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) realizó una intensa visita de trabajo a la mayor de las Antillas los días 9 al 15 de junio, durante la cual llevó a cabo múltiples actividades. Participó en la Ordenación de los Obispos Episcopales Nerva Cot, primera mujer en recibir esa investidura en el Caribe y Latinoamérica, y Ulises Agüero. En la sede del Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba celebró una reunión con representantes de las iglesias miembros del CLAI, donde expuso las proyecciones de trabajo del mismo para los próximos años y escuchó lo que ellos están llevando a cabo en sus respectivas denominaciones. Iglesias Del Brasil Y De Los Estados Unidos Envían Literatura Evangelística a Mozambique 19 junio 2007, SAN LEOPOLDO, Brasil – La Editora Sinodal encaminó, la semana pasad, una remesa de libros y CDs para Mozambique, país africano de habla portuguesa, a pedido de la Iglesia luterana local. El material, que sumó 14 mil reales (cerca de 7 mil dólares), fue donado por las iglesias luteranas brasileña y estadounidense. Carente de material de apoyo en portugués para el trabajo evangelístico, la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en Mozambique (IELM) ha tenido apoyo de la Iglesia Evangélica de Confesión Luterana en el Brasil (IECLB). Obispos Metodistas Admiten El Aborto En Situaciones Especiales 20 junio 2007, SAN PABLO, Brasil – El Colegio Episcopal de la Iglesia Metodista del Brasil (IMB) entiende que el tema "despenalización del aborto," en tramite en el Congreso Nacional, es de la más alta relevancia "y precisa ser trabajado tanto en los aspectos científicos, éticos, morales, sociales y del punto de vista de la salud pública, y siempre en la perspectiva de la ética del Evangelio de Jesucristo." En un pronunciamiento emitido el 5 de junio, el Colegio Episcopal reafirma la posición contraria a la práctica del aborto, pero lo admite en situaciones extremas, cuando estuviere en juego la vida de la madre, en los casos de estupro y en aquellos casos en que la medicina comprueba la inviabilidad de la sobrevivencia del feto. OPINIÓN – Dudas Sobre El Manual Del "Buen Conductor Evangélico" 21 junio 2007, ROMA, Italia – Diez mandamientos para evitar accidentes de tránsito y males consecuentes, todo un ejemplo de modernidad religiosa. ¿Qué diría Moisés ante semejante ocurrencia? Probablemente se le caerían las dos tablas de solo ver como se manejan en las calles y rutas quienes hasta se saben de memoria las palabras de Éxodo 20. La Iglesia Católica intenta, con este manual, crear conciencia sobre las responsabilidades que tenemos todos y todas a la hora de andar en la calle, y es meritorio el intento.
Reformados Y Luteranos Inician Proceso De Fusión De Iglesias 21 junio 2007, PARIS, Francia – Antes del 2013, evangélicos luteranos y reformados franceses quieren llegar a la constitución de una Iglesia Protestante Unida de Francia, con la fusión de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana (EELF) y de la Iglesia Reformada (ERF). La anuencia para el inicio de las conversaciones en ese sentido fue dada por el sínodo de las dos denominaciones, reunidos en mayo. Desde 2002, congregaciones y sínodos regionales vienen emitiendo señales para que las dos iglesias busquen una unidad más visible. Ellas ya cooperan entre si y mantienen el Instituto Protestante de Teología en Paris y en Montpellier, donde forman sus pastores. 21 junio 2007 – Las iglesias de todo el mundo están preocupadas por el destino de los migrantes que huyen de la pobreza o violencia de sus países de origen. En África, la promesa de una vida mejor está atrayendo a muchos jóvenes a Europa y a los EE.UU., donde muchos de ellos terminan como migrantes ilegales. En Sri Lanka, el conflicto armado entre las fuerzas gubernamentales y los Tigres de la Liberación Tamil Eelam (LTTE) está creando millares de migrantes que viven ahora bajo el temor del secuestro. En Jordania y Siria, algunos cristianos iraquíes han esperado más de diez años para obtener los visados de inmigrantes. Teólogas Y Pastoras Evangélicas Se Pronuncian Sobre El Aborto En México 20 junio 2007, CIUDAD DE MÉXICO, México – Con un documento titulado "Vida plena para todas las mujeres," presentado en una conferencia de prensa, el lunes 18 de junio un grupo de teólogas y pastoras integrado por Laura Figueroa Granados, Rosa Hamdan Sánchez, Anne Lutterman-Aguilar, Rebeca Montemayor, Ángela Trejo Haager y Cherie R. White, se pronunció a favor de la ley sobre el aborto para el Distrito Federal, cuyas dos causales adicionales fueron aprobadas el pasado 24 de abril. Miembros de diversas iglesias (Bautista, Luterana, Metodista, Unida de Cristo), señalaron que no hablan a nombre de las mismas sino que su opinión es a título personal. . Un Foro Por La Paz En Palestina/Israel Fue Inaugurado Por Iglesias De Todo El Mundo 22 junio 2007, AMMAN, Jordania – La nueva iniciativa ecuménica de incidencia pública, el "Foro Ecuménico Palestina Israel," cuya inauguración fue el momento culminante de la Conferencia del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), celebrada esta semana en Jordania, tiene como objetivo ayudar a las iglesias de todo el mundo a colaborar en la consecución de una paz justa en Palestina/Israel. La iniciativa pretende ser un instrumento capaz de "catalizar y coordinar los esfuerzos ya existentes y los nuevos esfuerzos emprendidos por las iglesias en favor de la paz." Estado Entrega Reparaciones Colectivas a Víctimas De La Violencia Terrorista 20 junio 2007, LIMA, Perú – El gobierno peruano entregó el pasado sábado un total de 44 millones de nuevos soles (casi 14 millones de dólares) a un total de 400 comunidades campesinas afectadas por la violencia política desatada en el país, entre los años 1980 y 2000. Esta acción da cumplimiento al Programa Integral para Reparaciones Colectivas, denominado "Justicia para los Pueblos Heroicos del Perú," acción que fue una de las recomendaciones del Informe Final de la Comisión de la Verdad y Reconciliación (CVR), grupo de trabajo que investigó las violaciones a los derechos humanos durante esa época. Iglesias Protestan Por Contaminación Por Plomo En La Oroya Víctor Liza Jaramillo 21 junio 2007, LIMA, Perú – Líderes de diferentes confesiones religiosas exigieron a la compañía minera Doe Run que modernice sus maquinarias, que son las causantes de la alta contaminación por plomo que existe en La Oroya, ciudad ubicada en la sierra central del Perú donde esta empresa realiza sus operaciones. Entre los dirigentes religiosos que suscriben este reclamo, están el Arzobispo de Huancayo, Pedro Barreto, quien además es Coordinador de la Mesa de Diálogo del departamento de Junín; el reverendo Rafael Goto Silva, presidente del Concilio Nacional Evangélico del Perú (CONEP); Adela Human, de las Hermanas Dominicas de Springfield, Illinois; y el reverendo Pedro Bullón, de la Iglesia Luterana Evangélica Peruana. Opinión – Trabajadores Sin Tierra Y Con Dios Junio 22, 2007 – El Movimiento de los Trabajadores Rurales sin Tierra – MST -, que nació en Brasil a comienzos del año 1985, y que se encuentra compuesto principalmente por campesinos que luchan por una reforma agraria que favorezca la expropiación de los latifundios y el consiguiente reparto de las tierras entre los trabajadores rurales, celebró entre los días 11 y 15 de junio del presente año su 5° Congreso Nacional, en el cual participaron cerca de 20.000 trabajadores sin tierra de los 24 estados de Brasil, y 181 invitados internacionales que representaron a organizaciones campesinas de diferentes países. El Secretario General Del CMI Visitará Palestina/Israel 20 junio 2007, GINEBRA, Suiza – El secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), reverendo Dr. Samuel Kobia, visitará las iglesias miembros y las comunidades cristianas de los Territorios Palestinos ocupados y de Israel del 21 al 26 de junio. Inmediatamente después del lanzamiento en Ammán, Jordania, del Foro Ecuménico Palestina/Israel patrocinado por el CMI tendrá lugar la visita cuyo objetivo es expresar la solidaridad de las iglesias de todo el mundo con las iglesias de Tierra Santa. Esta visita también pretende transmitir la preocupación por el futuro de los dos pueblos afectados por el conflicto palestino-israelí. Church Disaster Coordinators, Volunteers Form Covenant June 20, 2007 – When a tornado struck Eagle Pass, Texas, in April, Susan Hellums found herself thrust into her new role as disaster response coordinator for the United Methodist Southwest Texas Annual Conference. But Hellums, who also coordinates the conference's Volunteers in Mission teams, knew exactly what to do. She called Barbara Tripp, a consultant with the United Methodist Committee on Relief, who flew to Texas, made the five-hour drive from McAllen to Eagle Pass with her and then provided guidance at the disaster site, offering options on how to manage the relief work. United Methodist Groups Oppose Immigration Bill June 20, 2007 – In a letter to the U.S. Senate, seven United Methodist agencies and organizations opposed the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007 and called for "genuine reform" that would allow immigrant families to "achieve their American dreams." The June 19 letter says Senate bill 1348 "fails to achieve" any of the goals advocated by the church and other proponents of genuine comprehensive immigration reform. These goals include reunification of families, a fair earned pathway to citizenship and humanitarian border policies that maintain the civil liberties of all people. The massive compromise immigration bill collapsed in the Senate June 7 but was resurrected within two weeks and is scheduled to come up for a key vote before the end of June. Obama's Synod Speech Will Be ‘First Major Address on Faith and Politics as Presidential Candidate' June 21, 2007 – More than 3,000 people attended the United Church of Christ's General Synod in 2005, and witnessed the mainline denomination's historic endorsement of same-sex marriage. Attendance at this year's Synod, June 22-26 in Hartford, Conn., is expected to more than double, according to UCC General Minister and President the Rev. John Thomas. While many are heralding the UCC's 50th anniversary, Thomas readily admits the buzz this year surrounds the Synod's star-studded line-up, which includes Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., a UCC member and a top presidential candidate. "The momentum took off and the energy is building," Thomas said. Bonnie Anderson Discusses Episcopal Church's Response to Windsor Report with Canadian General Synod June 21, 2007 – Bonnie Anderson, president of the Episcopal Church's House or Deputies, explained the Church's Windsor Report response during two large-group conversations June 20 at the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada. Anderson was part of a three-member panel which made its presentation twice during what the Synod called "conversations." The Synod's approximately 295 delegates (bishops, clergy and laity) had three choices of conversations to join. The topics included the blessing of same-gender relationships, which the Canadian church is due to consider later this week, and financial development, as well as the one titled "Windsor Report/Communion." WCC General Secretary to Visit Palestine/Israel June 18, 2007 – World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia will visit member churches and Christian communities in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel on 21-26 June. Taking place immediately after the launch of the WCC-sponsored Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum in Amman, Jordan (see the WCC press release of 12 June), the visit aims to express worldwide church solidarity with the churches in the Holy Land. It also intends to convey concern for the future of both peoples affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "The member churches of the WCC believe that Christian communities in the Holy Land are an historic and essential part of the region and that their future and well-being is linked to the future and well-being of Muslims and Jews," says Kobia. June 16, 2007, NEW YORK – In the wake of Hamas' takeover of Gaza and a regrouping Fatah's attempts today to rout Hamas pockets and secure control in the West Bank, global humanitarian agency Church World Service voiced concerns over the possible disintegration of the Palestinian people and called on the U.S. and international community to intensify diplomatic interventions. In a statement issued yesterday (Fri June 15) Church World Service Executive Director and CEO Rev. John L. McCullough said, "We urge the U.S. to return Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to the region to provide full and unfettered diplomatic support for an accelerated solution to both the current crisis and the long-term cause of the Palestinian people." McCullough said "The situation of violence and political polarity in Gaza and the West Bank has escalated to a level that not only threatens prospects for a peaceful two-state solution within the region but also the viability of day-to-day life for Palestinians." Church Leaders Focus on Palestine Peace with Justice at Mideast Gathering June 22, 2007 – The World Council of Churches international peace conference in Jordan opened on a "hopeful" note, even in the face of the current crisis in the Gaza Strip, according to David Weaver, Church World Service Director of Mission Relationships and Witness. The meeting, focused on long-term strategies for a church involvement in attempts to bring a just and lasting peace to the troubled region, is taking place against a backdrop of intense political fighting in occupied Palestine. The conflict, which has caused chaos, death, and dislocation for thousands of Palestinians, also has effectively split the country in two, with the West Bank still under the control of democratically elected President Mahmoud Abbas of the Fatah political party while Hamas – which the U.S. and Israel describe as a ‘terrorist' group – has seized control of the Gaza Strip. June 11, 2007 – "Asi lo haremos – We will!" thundered the standing-room-only congregation at Havana's Episcopal Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, when asked if they would accept as Cuba's first bishops suffragan the Rev. Canon Nerva Cot Aguilera and Archdeacon Ulises Mario Aguero Prendes. Cot – the first woman Anglican bishop in Latin America – and Aguero were consecrated in a nearly three-hour service Sunday, June 10 that blended Anglican dignity and Cuban spontaneity. Anglican and Episcopal bishops from Europe and North, Central and South America joined representatives from a number of Cuban faith traditions, including Greek Orthodox and Afro-Cuban clergy, along with the head of the Religious Affairs Office for the Communist Party of Cuba, Caridad Diego, who told the BBC her government was proud that the country had a woman bishop. |
