Front Page

WCC Asks for Prayers, Advocacy and Solidarity with Churches in Gaza

January 23, 2008 – In a statement issued yesterday, the heads of churches in Jerusalem and the Holy Land called on the international community and the state of Israel to end the current siege on the Gaza Strip which has caused most recently cuts in electricity and limited the shipments of medicine, fuel, food and other goods across the border. The statement says the siege of Gaza has effectively imprisoned one and a half million people without proper food or medicine. The church leaders stress that "this is illegal collective punishment, an immoral act in violation of the basic human, natural as well as international laws. It cannot be tolerated anymore. The siege over Gaza should end now."

A Call to All Kenyans from the All African Conference of Churches

January 21, 2008 – The All Africa Conference of Churches wishes to express its deep and profound sorrow with the leaders and peoples of the Republic of Kenya at this time of turbulence. Conscious of our status as guests of this nation and having been graciously allowed to operate from this soil for more than forty years, we wish it to be known how grateful we are for the hospitality that has always been extended to us by the Republic of Kenya as well as the Churches of Kenya. The hospitality thus extended to us in a true African fashion has made us feel truly Kenyan.

Patriarchs and Heads of Local Christian Churches in Jerusalem

January 22, 2008 – In the Name of God, end the siege over Gaza. One and a half million people imprisoned and without proper food or medicine. 800,000 without electricity supply; this is illegal collective punishment, an immoral act in violation of the basic human and natural laws as well as International Law. It cannot be tolerated anymore. The siege over Gaza should end now. Voices from our people there say "We feel the threat of being exterminated by this siege." In the Name of God, we, the Heads of Churches in Jerusalem and the Holy Land urge the International Community, President Bush and the leaders of Israel, to put an end to this suffering and call upon Israel to activate Prime Minister Salam Fayyad's initiative for Palestinian responsibility control of the boarders thus ensuring sufficient normal flow of medicine, food, fuel and goods to Gaza.

Baptist-Muslim Dialogue Produces First Steps

January 23, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – Leaders from the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA), the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF), and the Alliance of Baptists met Jan 4-5 in Hartford, Conn. with Dr. Sayyid Syeed of the Islamic Society of North America, to begin discussions on ways Baptist and Muslims can speak, share and learn from each other as we seek to fulfill Paul's admonition in Romans 12:18 "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all."

General News

Blessing of the Lambs for the Feast of St. Agnes

January 21, 2008, VATICAN CITY – This morning in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, in keeping with the tradition for today's feast of St. Agnes, the Pope today blessed two lambs, the wool of which will be used to make the palliums bestowed on new metropolitan archbishops on June 29, Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, Apostles. The pallium is a white woollen band embroidered with six black crosses which is worn over the shoulders and has two hanging pieces, front and back. Worn by the Pope and by metropolitan archbishops, the pallium symbolises authority and expresses the special bond between the bishops and the Roman Pontiff.

Lilly Endowment Rejuvenating Pastors to the Tune of $5.2 Million

January 25, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – Five American Baptist pastors were recipients of grants from the Lilly Endowment's National Clergy Renewal Program in 2007. Along with 127 other clergy men and women from 18 different denominations across the country, these pastors were able to briefly step away from their daily church obligations "to engage in a period of renewal and reflection." The Endowment made over five million dollars available for these opportunities.

Church Reaches out to Chinese Hungry for Gospel

January 24, 2008 People hungry for the gospel lined up every day to receive gifts of Christian literature during the "Gospel for China" conference in Hong Kong, reports Jimmy Lin, Chinese ministry leader for The Back to God Hour, the Christian Reformed Church's electronic media agency. "It was an unbelievable experience," says Lin, who with his staff handed out more than 18,000 pieces of literature and CDs of radio programs. "I have not seen such hunger for spiritual materials before."

OC Inc. Opposes Marketing Inappropriate Movies to Small Children

January 16, 2008 – The United Church of Christ's Office of Communication, Inc. joined with nineteen other advocacy groups led by the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood to demand that Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) comply with the Federal Trade Commission's recent recommendation for explicit restrictions on the marketing of PG-13 films to young children.

Women of the ELCA to Celebrate ‘Bold Women's Day' February 24

January 24, 2008 – Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the women's organization of the church, will celebrate its second annual "Bold Women's Day" on Sunday, February 24. The organization offers suggestions on how to mark the day.

‘Traces of the Trade' Premieres at Sundance, Gets Bought by PBS
Reviewers Debate its Stance on Atonement;
Utah Bishop Calls Film ‘Deeply Moving Story, Amazingly Told'

January 25, 2008 – After premiering January 21 in Park City, Utah, at the Sundance Film Festival, "Traces of the Trade," a film that documents one family's part in the slave trade, became one of three documentaries bought by Public Broadcasting System's Point of View (P.O.V.) series. Filmmaker Katrina Browne, an Episcopalian who in 2001 began tracing the northern United States' role in the slave trade and her family's participation in it, said that P.O.V. will show "Traces" during its 2008 season.

Anglican Women's Empowerment to Welcome Delegates to 52nd UNCSW Assembly

January 25, 2008 – In February, women from every region of the world will arrive in New York to participate in the 52nd United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), held at the United Nation's headquarters. This year's theme is "Financing for gender equity and the empowerment of women." The annual gathering, dedicated to gender equality and advancement of women, draws thousands to caucus, draft resolutions, learn, and exchange information about the progress being made toward fulfilling the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Beijing Platform for Action. Hundreds of non-governmental organizations will be represented during the February 25-March 3 assembly including all the mainline denominations.

Ecumenical News

Pope Benedict XVI and WCC General Secretary Samuel Kobia to Pray for Christian Unity in Rome

January 21, 2008 – Pope Benedict XVI and Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, the general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), along with high-level representatives of the Roman Catholic Church and the WCC, will meet in Rome on Friday, 25 January 2008, at the centennial of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. On Friday morning, the WCC general secretary will meet the Pope in a private audience along with members of the Joint Working Group.

Spanish News

Condenan a 23 Años De Cárcel a Sacerdote Por Muerte De Su Compañera Y Su Hija

24 enero 2008, PEREIRA, Risaralda, Colombia – El clérigo, José Francey Díaz Toro aceptó los cargos que le significó la reducción de la pena a la mitad, aunque está pendiente la reparación a los allegados de las víctimas: María del Carmen Arango, de 31 años, y su hija María Camila Díaz Arango, de 5 años, cuyos restos fueron hallados incinerados el 15 de febrero de 2007 entre Belén de Umbría (Risaralda) y Anserma (Caldas). Según dio a conocer el Diario El Tiempo, se habría creído que el hecho era obra de sectas satánicas por la cercanía del 13 de febrero. Una fotografía encontrada luego, donde aparecía el sacerdote Díaz Toro, la mujer y la niña, dieron nuevas luces a la investigación, según reveló Ana Carmona, madre y abuela de las víctimas. Las investigaciones y las solicitudes de los familiares de las víctimas que pidieron a las autoridades

Obispo Depuesto Reacciona Ante Carta Pastoral De La IEAB Sobre Sexualidad Humana

24 enero 2008, MACEIÓ, Brasil – El obispo Robinson Cavalcanti, que fue desvinculado da Iglesia Episcopal Anglicana del Brasil (IEAB) en 2005 cuando pastoreaba la Diócesis de Recife, reaccionó a la divulgación, por la iglesia, de una segunda carta pastoral sobre sexualidad humana y contestó, con vehemencia, referiéndose a su caso, de que haya "desertores" en el Nordeste, como insinúa el texto anglicano.

Luteranos Dicen Presente En La Asamblea Constituyente

24 enero 2008, MONTECRISTI, Ecuador – El lunes 14 de enero fueron recibidos por los integrantes de la Mesa Constituyente que trabajará el aspecto de Derechos Fundamentales para la nueva Constitución de Ecuador, los directivos de la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana del Ecuador (IELE), el pastor Felipe Adolf, quien también es Vicepresidente del CLAI, Dr. Carlos Ramos Presidente de la Iglesia, Dr. José Egas y el pastor Walter Manzo.

El Papa Benedicto XVI Y El Secretario General Del CMI Samuel Kobia Orarán Por La Unidad De Los Cristianos En Roma

21 enero 2008 – El Papa Benedicto XVI y el Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), junto con representantes de alto nivel de la Iglesia Católica Romana y del CMI, se reunirán en Roma, el viernes 25 de enero de 2008, en la celebración del centenario de la Semana de Oración por la Unidad de los Cristianos. El viernes por la mañana, el secretario general del CMI se reunirá con el Papa en una audiencia privada junto con miembros del Grupo Mixto de Trabajo entre la Iglesia Católica Romana y el CMI. El grupo, que es un órgano informal de asesoramiento a las entidades que lo constituyen en esferas de interés común, va a celebrar su reunión plenaria anual en Roma del 21 al 26 de enero.

El CMI Pide Oraciones, Actividades De Sensibilización Y Solidariedad Con Las Iglesias De Gaza

24 enero 2008 – En una declaración publicada ayer, los jefes de las iglesias de Jerusalén y Tierra Santa pidieron a la comunidad internacional y al estado de Israel que se ponga fin al actual estado de sitio de la Franja de Gaza, que recientemente ha causado cortes en la electricidad y ha limitado los envíos de medicinas, combustible, alimentos y otros bienes a través de la frontera.

Estudiantes Desagravian a Benedicto Xvi En Plaza San Pedro Manuel Quintero

21 enero 2008, CIUDAD DEL VATICANO – Una multitud de 200.000 personas se congregó este domingo en la Plaza San Pedro para expresar su solidaridad al papa Benedicto XVI por los hechos que le impidieron participar en un acto académico en la Universidad La Sapienza. El acto de solidaridad con el Papa, según un despacho del diario Corriere della Sera, fue convocado por el cardenal Camillo Ruini, obispo vicario del Papa para la diócesis de Roma como un "gesto de cariño y de serenidad, una expresión de la alegría que sentimos por tener a Benedicto XVI como nuestro obispo y nuestro Papa."

Iglesias Comienzan Centenaria Celebración De La Semana De Oración Por La Unidad De Los Cristianos

21 enero 2008, GINEBRA, Suiza – El Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), junto con el Pontificio Consejo para la Promoción de la Unidad de los Cristianos-PCPUC, los asociados ecuménicos y las iglesias locales, celebra el centenario del Octavario, es decir, la Semana de Oración por la unidad de los cristianos alrededor del mundo en enero de 2008, reveló el CMI. "Al menos una vez al año, muchos cristianos toman conciencia de la gran diversidad de formas de adorar a Dios, se conmueven y caen en la cuenta de que no es tan extraña la manera en que el prójimo rinde culto a Dios," dijo el CMI, añadiendo que el acontecimiento que desencadena esta experiencia única se conoce como la Semana de oración por la unidad de los cristianos, donde congregaciones y parroquias de todo el mundo toman parte.

Película Y Prohibición Del Burka Anticipan Conflictos Religiosos En Holanda

25 enero 2008, GINEBRA, Suiza – La prohibición del burka y la inminente exhibición de un filme calificado de anti-islámico, podrían provocar reacciones violentas de la comunidad musulmana y poner en tela de juicio, una vez más, la consistencia del modelo multicultural en Holanda. En noviembre pasado la ministra de Integración, Rita Verdonk, conocida como la Dama de Hierro por sus duras medidas contra la inmigración, declaró que investigaría dónde y cuándo debería prohibirse el burka, el velo utilizado por las mujeres musulmanas que cubre su rostro, o todo el cuerpo, a excepción de una franja en los ojos.

El CMI Y Las Iglesias De Tierra Santa Piden El Cese Del Estado De Sitio En Gaza

24 enero 2008, GINEBRA, Suiza – En una declaración publicada ayer, los jefes de las iglesias de Jerusalén y Tierra Santa pidieron a la comunidad internacional y al estado de Israel que se ponga fin al actual estado de sitio de la Franja de Gaza, que recientemente ha causado cortes en la electricidad y ha limitado los envíos de medicinas, combustible, alimentos y otros bienes a través de la frontera.

National News

Abortion Opponents Speak out During National Rally

January 24, 2008, WASHINGTON – On the 35th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, thousands of anti-abortion advocates marched "to witness to a culture and a gospel of life," said the director of an unofficial United Methodist pro-life caucus. At a Jan. 22 worship service held in The United Methodist Building in the nation's capital the Rev. Paul T. Stallsworth, director of the pro-life caucus, said the group is working to reverse the Supreme Court decision by providing theological leadership within the church. Bishop William H. Willimon, Birmingham episcopal area, praised Lifewatch's efforts in a sermon at the worship service.

Flooded Indiana Areas Get United Methodist Relief

January 23, 2008, MONTICELLO, Ind. – United Methodists are joining other faith groups to provide relief for hundreds of northern Indiana flood survivors whose homes were heavily damaged by muddy waters. The three northern Indiana communities of Remington, Monticello and Delphi were hard hit by early-morning flood waters on Jan. 8. United Methodist Bishop Mike Coyner of Indianapolis visited with pastors of each community on Jan. 19 and toured flood-ravaged areas in Jasper, White and Carroll counties.

International News

ELCA Continues Humanitarian Support in Darfur, Earthquake Relief in Peru

January 22, 2008, CHICAGO – Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) provided $50,000 to support humanitarian efforts in Darfur, Sudan, and $50,000 to support continued earthquake recovery in Peru through the church's International Disaster Response on Jan. 17. "The civil war in Darfur continues to be a major humanitarian crisis," said Dr. Belletech Deressa, director for international development and disaster response, ELCA Global Mission. "The humanitarian situation deteriorated further in 2007 with increasing numbers of people displaced from their homes and unable to return.

Heavy Rains Displace Thousands in Southern Africa

January 24, 2008, BEIRA, Mozambique – Torrential rains that began Christmas Day in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe continue to force thousands from their homes in southern Africa, according to United Methodist leaders in those areas. Flooding in Mozambique has particularly affected United Methodist churches in Chemba, Buzi, Save and Nova Mambone. The United Methodist Committee for Relief is working with Action by Churches Together and the Mozambique United Methodist Church to assess needs and develop a plan of action. UMCOR will address the immediate humanitarian concerns as well as long-term recovery needs.

Quake Relief Leads to Mission Partnership in Peru

January 23, 2008 – Before a devastating earthquake hit Peru on Aug. 15, 2007, staff of LCMS World Mission had considered the South American country as a likely spot for new mission work, perhaps within the next couple of years. But, as the Missouri Synod reached out to quake victims there, helping them rebuild their lives, it has found a silver lining – an open door for new mission work years earlier than expected. "This is something that God is leading beyond the vision we already had for Latin America," says Dr. Jorge Groh, regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean with LCMS World Mission.

Relief Workers Distribute Food in Strife-torn Kenya Slum

January 24, 2008 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Christian Reformed Church relief workers are distributing food, water and other necessities to some 4,000 people in Kibera, one of Nairobi's largest slums and the hub of much of the unrest that has wracked Kenya's capital in recent days. Kibera is home to about one million people, many of whom have suffered during the violence following the disputed presidential election in late December, says a report from Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) staff in the East African country.

Middle East News

Lutheran Bishop Joins Call to End Israeli Blockade of Gaza

January 23, 2008, CHICAGO – The Rev. Munib A. Younan, bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), issued a Jan. 22 statement with other heads of churches in Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The statement called Israel's blockade of Gaza "illegal collective punishment, an immoral act in violation of the basic human and natural laws as well as International Law. It cannot be tolerated anymore. The siege over Gaza should end now." Israel eased the blockade later that day.

Gaza's Ahli Arab Hospital Receives Support from American Friends, ERD

January 25, 2008 – The Ahli Arab Hospital, one of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem's oldest institutions, has been severely affected after Israel's blockade of Gaza on January 17 created fuel shortages throughout the territory, resulting in the closing of the region's main power plant. Emergency funding from the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is ensuring critical assistance reaches the hospital as it struggles to serve the predominantly Muslim population in Gaza where about 80 percent of the 1.2 million residents are living below the World Health Organization poverty line.