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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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After Annapolis, Christian Leaders Entertain Hope, with Provisos November 28, 2007 – "So far is just a signature, now they have to walk the talk," says Munib Younan, the bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, commenting on the results of the Annapolis Middle East conference hosted by the US administration on 27 November. Cautiously optimistic, he adds: "I do hope this is a serious attempt to achieve a lasting peace." Olav Fykse Tveit, the general secretary of the Church of Norway, shares the same approach: "I hope I am not mistaken, but I see Annapolis as the starting point of a process which seems to be more than just talking. There is a political dynamic, a willingness to make real progress." 50 Million Bibles Printed in China November 26. 2007, NANJING, China – On September 11, 2007, the 50 millionth Bible rolled off the Press at Amity Printing Company (APC) in Nanjing, the capital of China's Jiangsu Province. A celebration will be held in Nanjing on December 8 to celebrate this major milestone in Bible production in China. At the December celebration, the United Bible Societies (UBS) and Amity Foundation (AF) will sign an agreement to extend the Joint Venture Agreement between UBS and AF for a further 10 years when the current Agreement expires in June 2008. November 30, 2007, LOUISVILLE – A church-backed group of farmworkers and their supporters donned walking shoes today (Nov. 30) for a nine-mile march through Miami to the corporate headquarters of Burger King to demand higher wages and better working conditions in Florida's tomato fields. The Florida-based Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), which receives support from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and other faith groups, is calling on the fast-food giant to pay a penny more per pound to farmworkers harvesting its tomatoes. Bush Brings AIDS Message to United Methodist Church November 30, 2007, December 1, 2007, MT. AIRY, Md. – President George W. Bush observed World AIDS Day by calling on the U.S. Congress to double funding to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS overseas. In the process, the president and his visit to a United Methodist church in Maryland spotlighted a United Methodist ministry to orphans of AIDS in Namibia, Africa. Speaking at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy on Nov. 30, Bush called for doubling the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief to $30 billion to expand AIDS prevention and treatment in some of the world's most needy nations. World AIDS Day is observed annually Dec. 1. November 29, 2007, WASHINGTON, DC – Interfaith religious leaders from Latin America and the Caribbean met yesterday with officials from the World Bank, International Monetary Fund and the Inter-American Development Bank to discuss ways of working together to advance the fight against poverty and inequality and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals in the region. The delegates, who came to Washington, D.C. for conversations aimed at influencing policy, not in search of funding, are members of the executive committee of the Latin American and Caribbean Council of Religious Leaders, representing Christian, Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Muslim, Jewish and indigenous faith communities in Latin America and the Caribbean. Participants come from Bolivia, Anguilla, Venezuela, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and Costa Rica. Curb Nuclear Weapons Funding, Religious and Advocacy Organizations Urge November 30, 2007 – The Episcopal Church was one of 30 religious, national arms control, and environmental organizations that joined together on November 29 to ask Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Representative Pete Visclosky (D-IN-1) to block funding for a new generation of nuclear weapons. Dorgan and Visclosky are the chairmen of the committees that control nuclear weapons funding. The signing organizations highlighted the dangerous international nonproliferation consequences of developing new nuclear weapons, particularly the ability of the United States to curb other countries' nuclear weapons programs. For World AIDS Day, Anglican Leaders Call for Continued Efforts in Fighting HIV Pandemic November 30, 2007 – In observance of World AIDS Day on December 1, several Anglican leaders have issued statements calling for continued efforts in addressing the global HIV/AIDS pandemic despite recent UNAIDS and World Health Organization (WHO) statistics that indicate a significant decline in the number of people infected with the virus. "This is not the time for complacency nor apathy," said Anglican Archbishop Emeritus of Southern African and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Desmond Tutu in a November 30 statement released by the World Aids Campaign. "It is the time for compassionate leadership that recognizes that the voiceless are often those who suffer most." Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori sent a letter to the congregations of the Episcopal Church in a bulletin insert intended for distribution during December 2 Sunday services. Embrace AIDS Campaign Launched by Christian Reformed Church November 30, 2007, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – The Christian Reformed Church is committed to working with churches around the world to minister to people who are suffering from the deadly disease of HIV/AIDS, says Rev. Jerry Dykstra, the denomination's executive director. In comments coinciding with the 19th World AIDS Day, which is Dec. 1, Dykstra pointed to practical and prayerful ways in which the CRC is addressing and trying to ease the impact of AIDS on individuals, families and communities. On the practical side, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (www.crwrc.org) on Friday announced a wide-ranging, two-year "Embrace AIDS" Campaign with a goal of raising $3 million to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and ease the suffering. Project Assists Deaf People Living with HIV/AIDS November 29, 2007 – Several times a year, a small group of HIV/AIDS survivors gather in Baltimore to share their personal journeys within a community of deaf people. The Quality of Life retreat is a United Methodist-supported program offering encouragement and hope to deaf people living with HIV/AIDS. It also raises awareness about the disease's high transmission rate among the deaf. "HIV/AIDS cases are four times higher in the deaf community than in the hearing community," said Carol Stevens, coordinator of The Deaf Shalom Zone, a ministry of Christ United Methodist Church of the Deaf in Baltimore, which facilitates the retreat. Lutherans Observe World AIDS Day Through ‘Keep the Promise' November 29, 2007, CHICAGO – In observance of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have the opportunity to reflect with other Christians on the worldwide response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic through "Keep the Promise – Advent in a Time of AIDS" – a devotional calendar that begins with World AIDS Day and ends Jan. 6. The calendar is available through Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA. November 30, 2007, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina/GENEVA – Argentine Lutheran pastor Lisandro Orlov has received a government recognition for his dedicated service to people affected by HIV and AIDS. Ambassador Guillermo Oliveri, secretary for religious affairs in Argentina's foreign ministry, paid tribute to the work of the 65-year-old pastor of the United Evangelical Lutheran Church (IELU) on 22 November in the context of events marking the 26th anniversary of the "Day of Freedom of Conscience and Religious Freedom in the Republic of Argentina." A Message for World AIDS Day from the CAPA Chairman November 29, 2007 – Greetings in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, At our last 10th Council Meeting held in Mauritius October 2007, we were greatly encouraged by the progress made by CAPA on educational and pastoral concerns in the fight against HIV and AIDS. We do however remain concerned about what seems to be the unabated spread of the pandemic, and the effect that it has on family life. As we approach World AIDS Day (WAD) 2007 with its theme: Keep the Promise Take the Lead, we would like to encourage all governments, donors, and those responsible to the implement policies, ensure that resources are channelled to areas they are most needed, and are used in the most effective ways. Children Leaders in the Fight Against AIDS in Indonesia November 28, 2007, NEW YORK – Leaders come in all shapes and sizes and this World AIDS Day humanitarian agency Church World Service is highlighting efforts by young people around the world to increase awareness about HIV and AIDS. When children living in a Church World Service-supported boarding home in East Jakarta, Indonesia, began producing clay pins featuring girls and boys with AIDS awareness ribbons, they were raising funds to support HIV and AIDS education, vocational training, and counseling for vulnerable children. Anglicans Working Together on AIDS November 28, 2007 – A Cathedral where people can come to be voluntarily tested for HIV, hospitals offering antiretroviral therapy, home-based care to help with adherence to medication regimes, youth groups offering support and prevention education, palliative care and practical help to those living with HIV. These are all part of the Anglican response to HIV & AIDS which is described in a new report. RCCongress 2010 Announces Theme and Date for Chicago Gathering December 1, 2007 NEW YORK – Organizers of Religion Communication Congress 2010 (RCCongress 2010) announced that participants in its upcoming conference will explore the many dimensions of change facing religion communicators under the theme "Embracing Change: Communicating Faith in Today's World." The event is scheduled for April 7-10, 2010 at the Marriott Downtown Hotel in Chicago. Shirley Whipple Struchen, coordinator for the once-a-decade gathering of religion communications professionals from around the world said, "We're dealing with several massive changes that have occurred over the past decade: the changing perceptions of different religions, heightened attention to faith in the public square, and the role technology plays in religion communications." Church of the Brethren May Review Sexuality Statement November 27, 2007, ELGIN, IL – A committee of the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference is requesting help in moving the church toward a clarification of its position on homosexuality. The Program and Arrangements Committee has made the request. It is a committee of three at-large members and the Annual Conference officers, and holds responsibility for organizing and planning events at the conference. Checking Our ID – Christians Called to Freedom in Christ, Not Fear, Mission Pastors Told November 30, 2007, LOUISVILLE – The purpose of all mission activity is to "carry God's ministry of extravagant adoption – to see us all in the heart of God," the first of four keynote speakers told the annual meeting of the Association of Presbyterian Mission Pastors (APMP) here Nov. 29. Allowing ourselves to be claimed by God's "adoption" rather than being captive to fear is the key to being effective agents of mission, said the Rev. Mark Labberton, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Berkeley, CA, speaking on Romans 8 to 150 APMP participants. "All kinds of fear can define us," he said. COP, Board Focus on Restoring Harmony November 30, 2007, DALLAS – In a two-hour joint meeting here Nov. 15, the Synod's Council of Presidents (COP) and Board of Directors identified some 50 initial "discussion points" as they began the work assigned them by the 2007 LCMS convention of spearheading plans to restore harmony in the Synod. The joint session came toward the end of the Council's Nov. 13-15 meeting, which also included an overview of a plan to help "revitalize" Synod congregations, among other business. ‘Gathering' Is Centerpiece of Revival Effort in Church District November 27, 2007, ELGIN, IL – For a third straight year, members of the Church of the Brethren's Western Plains District met together to celebrate the transformation occurring in the district and to gain new tools and support for the work ahead. Called "The Gathering," the annual retreat at a conference center in Salina, Kan., is the centerpiece of a larger renewal and revitalization effort for many of the 38 congregations in the Western Plains District. About 300 people attended this year's event on Oct. 26-28, engaging in worship, plenary sessions, workshops, and fellowship. New Technology Offers Stay-at-Home Option to Aging Seniors November 28, 2007, ABILENE, Texas – As aging baby boomers increasingly face the difficult decision of whether to live independently or seek nursing assistance, a Texas company is tapping the Internet to help seniors stay in their homes longer – with an emphasis on safety. Seniors Safe at Home combines the latest medical technology and new computer software and is being rolled out by Sears Methodist Retirement System, which operates nursing homes and assisted living centers in eight cities in Texas. November 29, 2007, LOUISVILLE – Newly elected Synod of the Covenant moderator Deborah Fair understands that discernment is not just "going somewhere and praying for a while." It's applying certain skills that help, among other things, build community, make covenants, look at options and choose directions, she said. Discernment is not about "let's go and pray and hope the Lord gives us an answer," said Fair, the synod's moderator since early October. It goes beyond that, she added. United Methodist Russians, U.S. Supporters Meet November 26, 2007, LEAWOOD, Kan. – United Methodist congregations in Russia today are somewhat like the churches to which the Apostle Paul wrote his letters: young and striving toward maturity. This comparison, made by Bishop Hans Växby of Moscow, struck a positive cord at the 13th Consultation of the United Methodist Russia Initiative, a program that also embraces Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. "That really speaks to me, and I can use it in talking about our mission," said Rochelle Lacy, the Russia Initiative coordinator in the Northwest Texas Annual (regional) Conference. Sexualidad Humana Será Pauta Del Día De Lucha Contra El Sida 29 noviembre 2007, SAN PABLO, Brasil – Anglicanos de la capital paulista reflexionarán, el sábado, 1o de diciembre, sobre la incidencia del VIH Sida en la sociedad, de modo especial entre la juventud. Pesquisas recientes indican que 40% de los 33,2 millones de personas viviendo con el VIH Sida en el mundo son jóvenes. Ante la gran dificultad de las instituciones religiosas para tratar la temática, pues ella acarrea consigo trabas teológicas, que asocian a la sexualidad y al pecado. Libro Sobre El Holocausto-shoa Busca Sensibilizar Para La No Discriminación 28 noviembre 2007, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – La Confraternidad Argentina Judeo Cristiana (CAJC) presenta el libro "Holocausto – SHOA" que reúne las conclusiones del Primer Simposio Internacional de Teología Cristiana sobre el Holocausto-Shoa, sus efectos en la teología y la vida cristiana en Argentina y América Latina; el mismo tuvo lugar en mayo de 2006. El jueves 22 se realizó el primer encuentro de presentación, que se repetirá el Jueves 29 de noviembre a las 19 horas, en el Museo del Holocausto de la Capital Federal. Según la CAJC el libro responde a la sentida necesidad de divulgar ampliamente las conclusiones del simposio, procurando que influyan en la formación de catequistas, docentes, clérigos y agentes pastorales en general. Redes, Iglesias Y Organizaciones Sociales Reafirman Su Compromiso Ante El VIH-SIDA 30 noviembre 2007, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – La Pastoral Ecuménica de VIH-SIDA, coordinada por el pastor luterano argentino Lisandro Orlov, junto a Iglesias, redes de personas que viven con VIH y Sida y organizaciones de la sociedad civil, dieron a conocer un mensaje por el Día Mundial del SIDA 2007, que se celebra el 1 de diciembre. "Detengamos el SIDA, mantengamos el compromiso. Asumamos un liderazgo confiable y responsable," dice la carta, que es firmada por un centenar de personas, iglesias y organizaciones de toda América Latina y el mundo. Como comunidades religiosas y personas con compromisos de fe, tenemos conciencia de la influencia que nuestra voz, testimonio y ejemplo tienen sobre la población en general, dicen las firmantes. San Nicolás Llegó Al Caribe Holandés Por José Aurelio Paz 29 noviembre 2007, WILLEMSTAD, Curazao – Curazao se vistió de fiesta para recibir la tradicional llegada del San Nicolás que, todos los años por esta fecha, arriba a puerto para agasajar a los niños con todo un séquito de esos traviesos pajes moros conocidos como los Zwarte Piet, según la tradición heredada de los Países Bajos. Willemstad, su capital, se vio colmada de los pequeños que, al paso de la comitiva, cantaban canciones tradicionales y le daban la mano a los personajes de la celebración, la cual estuvo presidida por la "Gezaghebber" de las Antillas Holandesas, la señora Liza Dindial. Libro Analiza Rol De Benito Juárez En Proceso De Reforma De Relaciones Con La Iglesia Católica 26 noviembre 2007, LA HABANA, Cuba – Un breve recorrido por el conflicto entre la Iglesia Católica y el Estado en México durante los años de la reforma del cincuenta y sesenta del siglo XIX, y el destacado papel asumido dentro de este por Benito Juárez, el "Benemérito de las Américas," ofrece la profesora Guadalupe Gómez-Aguado, de la Universidad Autónoma de México, bajo el título: "El catolicismo tradicional frente al liberalismo en México y América Latina." WACC Llama a Que Las Personas Con VIH Tengan Un Liderazgo Activo En Las Comunidades De Fe 30 noviembre 2007, TORONTO, Canadá – La Asociación Mundial para la Comunicación Cristiana (WACC, por sus siglas en ingles) ha hecho un llamado a sus miembros y organizaciones compañeras para animar a sus comunidades de fe y sus medios locales a hacer visibles las contribuciones de personas viviendo con VIH y SIDA en la vida parroquial y la comunidad. Investiga La CIDH Casos De Persecución E Intolerancia Religiosa 26 noviembre 2007, MÉXICO – La Comisión Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH) informó a la Barra Nacional de Abogados Cristianos que estudia ya la demanda que ésta interpuso en contra de autoridades mexicanas, las cuales no han actuado conforme a derecho en los casos de Intolerancia y Persecución Religiosa que se han presentado recientemente en varios estados mexicanos. Organizan Primer Encuentro Interreligioso Sobre VIH 29 noviembre 2007, LIMA, Perú – El Centro Parroquial Ecuménico "Rosa Blanca" organizó el primer Encuentro Interreligioso en respuesta al VIH y SIDA, denominado "Religiones por la VIHDA," efectuado los días 28 y 29 de noviembre del presente año. En este encuentro, participaron representantes de diferentes confesiones, entre estos católicos, evangélicos, luteranos, judíos, musulmanes, budistas, hinduistas, y de las comunidades Brahma Kubaris y Baha'i. El Teólogo Canadiense, Gibaut, Dirigirá Fe Y Constitución 26 noviembre 2007 – El Rev. Canónigo Dr. John Saint Helier Gibaut, de la Iglesia Anglicana de Canadá, será el director de la Comisión de Fe y Constitución del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) desde enero de 2008. Especialista en teología litúrgica e histórica, el Dr. Gibaut posee una amplia experiencia ecuménica, especialmente en la esfera del diálogo eclesiástico bilateral, en los ámbitos nacional e internacional. 28 noviembre 2007, GINEBRA, Suiza – El arzobispo metodista Michael Kehinde Stephen, de Nigeria, ha sido elegido moderador del Comité Permanente sobre Ecumenismo en el siglo XXI, un grupo encargado de fomentar y dar seguimiento a iniciativas en pro de la unidad cristiana a nivel mundial. Fue elegido por consenso por los catorce miembros que asistieron a la primera reunión del comité durante la semana del 18 al 20 de noviembre en Bossey, cerca de Ginebra, Suiza. Principality of Liechtenstein Plans Separation of Church and State November 13, 2007, VADUZ, Principality of Liechtenstein – Liechtenstein plans to reorganize the relationship between Church and State. Prime Minister Otmar Hasler has presented a concept for disentangling Church and State. Constitutional amendments and new laws will govern the new relationship between the State and the various religious communities. ELCA Supports Recovery Efforts in Tabasco, Mexico November 28, 2007, CHICAGO – Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provided $50,000 to support recovery efforts in Tabasco, Mexico. A week's worth of heavy rain, two cold fronts and the effects of Tropical Storm Noel produced flood conditions there, affecting more than a million people. The flooding began on Oct. 28 and worsened by Oct. 31 as rivers and dams overflowed in Tabasco, a southern state of Mexico. About 40 different rivers run through the state, which contains a third of the country's water reserves, said Dr. Belletech Deressa, director for international development and disaster response, ELCA Global Mission. November 28, 2007, KOUKOU, Eastern Chad/GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Department for World Service (DWS) has scaled down to minimal levels its humanitarian operations in eastern Chad, because of insecurity following renewed fighting between the government forces and rebels. The head of LWF/DWS Chad operations Mr Jaap Aantjes reported early this week that the local coordination meetings on security indicate "increased insecurity for humanitarian agencies in the area." November 29, 2007, VALLEY FORGE, PA – The Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes, Andrew W. Mellon Professor of African American Religion and Theology at Yale Divinity School, has been elected president of the American Academy of Religion, the world's largest association of religion scholars. Townes, an ordained American Baptist minister, is the first black woman to serve as president of the Academy. "Professor Townes is a trailblazer who has helped develop the next generation of theological scholars," said ABCUSA General Secretary Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley. "She is a woman of strong faith in whose life the gifts of Christ are being used to benefit people of all backgrounds. We are proud of her impressive accomplishments, but most especially of her efforts to encourage black women to answer the call to ministry and theological education." Canadian Theologian Gibaut to Lead Faith and Order November 26, 2007 – Rev. Canon Dr John Saint Helier Gibaut, from the Anglican Church of Canada, will head the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order as of January 2008. A scholar specialized in liturgical and historical theology, Gibaut has extensive ecumenical experience, particularly in the area of national and international bilateral church dialogues. He currently teaches at the faculty of theology of Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada. As it continues to "call the divided churches to healing and reconciliation," the work of Faith and Order is "as exciting and demanding today for the ecumenical movement as it was in the 1920s and beyond," says Gibaut about his future field of action. |
