Front Page

Gulf Coast Blitz Build Begins Monday – Follow Construction Progress at Nationalministries.org

April 25, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – More than 200 volunteers have signed on to help build 11 houses for 11 deserving families on the Gulf Coast in the 2008 Blitz Build in Baton Rouge, La., April 28 – May 17. The Blitz Build is sponsored by National Ministries, on behalf of American Baptist Churches USA, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2008. Watch the houses go up day by day at nationalministries.org where a photo album will feature pictures from the build site uploaded each night.

Syria Sets Example for Good Relations Between Christians and Muslims and Hospitality to Refugees

April 24, 2008 – "Islam cannot be studied like grammar," Patriarch Ignatius IV (Hazim) of the Greek Orthodox Church in Syria, told a delegation led by Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), who had come to Syria wishing to learn from the country's long experience of Christians and Muslims living peacefully together. "We have to see the real people and share with them. Muslims are sharing with you by living in your countries. Why do you ignore them?" the patriarch asked particularly the delegation members from Europe and the United States at the outset of their 19 to 22 April visit.

Executive Council Adopts Resolution Supporting Trinity UCC

April 22, 2008 – At its April meeting, the UCC's 90-member Executive Council passed a resolution supporting Trinity UCC in Chicago, which has been under a cloud of politically-charged scrutiny since a few clips of its senior pastor's sermons have aired repeatedly on TV. The resolution notes that, in recent weeks, Trinity UCC has been criticized unnecessarily and that certain comments by the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., senior pastor, have been taken out of context. "The United Church of Christ recognizes that many of the statements of the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr., call into question the commitment of the United States to be a land free from racial, economic and social division," the resolution states. In addition to celebrating Trinity UCC's varied ministries, the resolution also recognizes that "churches may be on different paths on our journey with the Still Speaking God."

General News

American Baptists to Celebrate "Volunteer Sunday" in Local Churches May 4

April 21, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – To celebrate the gifts of thousands of volunteers, American Baptist churches throughout the United States and Puerto Rico will recognize the faithful service of their members with American Baptist Volunteer Sunday on May 4, 2008. The Sunday celebrations will culminate a week-long observance, which begins April 28. Volunteerism begins in congregations with Sunday school teachers, choir members, youth leaders, and Bible school helpers who give life to a church. Volunteers also bring life and hope – along with God's love – into our neighborhoods, communities, and around the world.

ELCA ‘Book of Faith' Initiative Gets its ‘Opening' Resource

April 24, 2008, CHICAGO – Dr. Diane L. Jacobson likes the analogy, but she doesn't take credit for it. She heard "Opening the Book of Faith: Lutheran Insights for Bible Study" described as the GPS (global positioning system) of the "Book of Faith" initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Jacobson, professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., is director of the ELCA initiative. She said Dr. Robert A. Bendiksen, retired professor of sociology and archaeology, University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, called the new publication the GPS of the initiative during a recent "faith forum" in the ELCA La Crosse Area Synod.

Congregations Open More ‘Outreach Centers for Blind'

April 25, 2008 – Five new "outreach centers for the blind" have opened this year, bringing to 54 the number of centers started by LCMS congregations in 23 states since 1999. The newest centers are operating at Holy Cross, Kansas City; Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio; Our Savior, Black Jack, Mo.; Our Savior, Flint, Mich.; and Our Savior, Midland, Mich. Started with the assistance of Lutheran Blind Mission, an LCMS ministry, the centers are designed to assist blind and visually impaired people by offering such things as computer training, lessons on reading braille, workshops on topics of interest, and weekly Bible studies.

Finding God's Guidance in Politics

April 23, 2008 – Just in time to spark discussion during the 2008 presidential election season, Calvin College political scientist Steve Monsma has come out with a new book titled Healing for a Broken World. Written with the general public in mind, the book sets out a range of biblical principles and points out how these principles can help guide a person's response to public policy issues ranging from abortion to gun control and the Patriot Act to environmental policy. Not included in the book is a push for a strictly Republican or Democratic ideology.

Bishop Comments on Lawsuit Filed Against Congregations

April 22, 2008 – Saying that "we have a canonical, fiduciary and moral responsibility to protect and preserve," Diocese of Ohio Bishop Mark Hollingsworth Jr. has made his first public comment on a lawsuit filed in late March against five congregations in which a majority of members have voted to separate themselves from the Cleveland-based diocese and the Episcopal Church. Hollingsworth noted there have been "extensive negotiations," but that the parties are at an impasse on questions of property ownership. "In order to achieve the mutually respectful resolution we have sought all along, we need clarification from the court regarding who has the responsibility of ownership in these deliberations," said Hollingsworth.

Weaving a Web of Relationships, Rebuilding the Body
Diocese of South Dakota Tries to Offer Hope to People Who Feel Hopeless, Hungry, Forgotten

April 25, 2008 – Episcopalians ministering on the seven Indian reservations within the Diocese of South Dakota – some of the poorest parts of the U.S. – need more support and resources from the wider Episcopal Church. They also long for a deeper relationship with their Episcopal brothers and sisters throughout the wider church. That is the message House of Deputies President Bonnie Anderson heard during a three-day fact-finding visit to the Crow Creek and Lower Brule reservations on either side of the Missouri River in central South Dakota.

San Joaquin Diocese, Episcopal Church File Suit to Regain Property Bishop Lamb ‘Committed to Reconciliation' with All Congregations

April 25, 2008 – The Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin and The Episcopal Church (TEC) filed a complaint in Fresno County Superior Court on April 24 "to reclaim possession of the real and personal property belonging to the diocese." Bishop Jerry Lamb, who was affirmed as provisional bishop of San Joaquin by a March 29 special convention of the diocese, said the diocese and TEC have a canonical, fiduciary and moral duty to protect the assets and property of the church for the church's mission. "While it is regrettable that legal action is necessary, the diocese and the Episcopal Church have no other viable option but to seek the intervention of the court to recover the property and assets of the diocese," Lamb said.

Ecumenical News

United Methodist Church to Consider Full Communion with ELCA

April 21, 2008, CHICAGO – The General Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) will consider a proposal for full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) when it meets April 23-May 2 in Fort Worth, Texas. The proposal, "Implementing Resolution for Full Communion between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the United Methodist Church," has been years in the making. Assuming adoption by the UMC General Conference, the ELCA Church Council requested that a formal proposal for full communion with the United Methodist Church be presented at its November 2008 meeting.

Spanish News

La Tierra Agoniza. Diversos Sectores Llaman a Protegerla

22 abril 2008, MANAGUA – Jóvenes cantautores ecológicos lanzaron un llamado al gobierno y la sociedad a realizar acciones inmediatas para salvar los recursos naturales, que de lo contrario estarán exterminados dentro de 15 o 20 años como fruto de la competencia comercial y la explotación desmesurada de la riquezas naturales. EL dramático llamado a la reflexión lo lanzaron los jóvenes del grupo Rock Nica este 22 de abril, Día Mundial de la Tierra. El Grupo Rock Nica en conjunto con el comité Ballena Azul, entre otras organizaciones de la sociedad civil, cantarán al planeta en una programación especial que irá del 22 al 27 de abril.

Pueblos Del Mundo Escriben La Biblia

24 abril 2008, SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – "Los Pueblos del mundo escriben la Biblia," es un proyecto que comenzó este miércoles en El Salvador y que está siendo impulsado por la Comunidad Judía y la Embajada de Israel en este país. Al evento de fe se sumaron diversas iglesias cristianas y el Tabernáculo Bíblico "Amigos de Israel." "La Biblia ha sido traducido a 2 mil 35 lenguas y dialectos, llegó de la tierra de Israel al mundo; es un proyecto maravilloso donde las personas tienen la oportunidad de escribir La Biblia," dijo Mattanya Cohen Embajador de Israel en El Salvador.

Continúa Injusta Detención De Ciudadana Evangélica

23 abril 2008, LIMA, Perú – Desde el pasado 29 de febrero, Carmen Azparrent, de confesión evangélica, se encuentra recluida en el penal de Santa Mónica por presunto delito de terrorismo, en medio de condiciones carcelarias extremas. Como se recuerda, tras participar de un encuentro organizado por la Coordinadora Continental Bolivariana, el cual fue realizado por esas fechas en Quito, Ecuador; Azparrent fue detenida en la norteña ciudad de Tumbes junto a sus acompañantes, acusados de tener vínculos con grupos terroristas.

La ELCA Pone a Discusión El L"borrador De Declaración Social Sobre Sexualidad Humana"

22 abril 2008, CHICAGO – El Grupo de Trabajo de Estudio sobre Sexualidad de la ELCA (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en Estados Unidos, por su sigla en inglés) publicó el 13 de marzo, el "Borrador de la Declaración Social sobre la Sexualidad Humana" para su estudio y promoción de las reacciones de los 4.8 millones de miembros de la ELCA. Las respuestas a este borrador deben ser enviados al grupo de trabajo antes del 1º de noviembre de este año. Las declaraciones sociales son documentos de enseñanza que asisten a las y los luteranos para formar un criterio sobre temas sociales.

La Iglesia Luterana Consagra Al Primer Obispo En Costa Rica

23 abril 2008, SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – El pastor y sociólogo Melvin Jiménez Marín será consagrado como el primer obispo luterano del país, el próximo domingo 27 de abril, informó la Iglesia Luterana Costarricense (ILCO) en un extenso comunicado de prensa. La ILCO afirma que la consagración de Jiménez fortalecerá las relaciones ecuménicas -en particular con la Iglesia Católica-, "pues permitirá que las diferentes denominaciones del cristianismo histórico "abracen las causas de la justicia, la paz, la fraternidad: signos del Reino de Dios entre nosotros," expresa el líder espiritual.

Primera Graduación De Teólogos En La Universidad Reformada

23 abril 2008, BARRANQUILLA, Colombia – El pasado viernes 18 de abril, en el Aula máxima "Martín Lutero" de la Universidad Reformada de la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia, tuvo lugar la Ceremonia de Graduación de la Primera Cohorte de Teólogos que promueve esta institución educativa. Los doce Estudiantes que recibieron su Título de Profesionales en Teología con Reconocimiento del Ministerio de Educación de este país, pertenecen a diferentes tradiciones cristianas: pentecostales, bautistas, cuadrangulares y por supuesto, presbiterianos.

Comunicado De ACIERA a 93 Años Del Genocidio Armenio

24 abril 2008, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Con motivo de cumplirse en la fecha un nuevo aniversario del inicio del genocidio sufrido por el pueblo armenio, ACIERA (Alianza Cristiana de Iglesias Evangélicas de la República Argentina) emitió un comunicado asociándose al dolor de esa nación, resaltando el hecho "que fue la primera en aceptar el cristianismo como religión oficial." El comunicado recuerda que en la medianoche del 24 de abril de 1915, aprovechando las circunstancias de la guerra, conocida luego como la "Primera Guerra Mundial," comenzó el plan de exterminio de una nación milenaria.

International News

Churches Accept Challenge of Bringing Healing to Strife-torn Kenya

April 22, 2008 – Be part of the healing of your nation, Reformed Christians from two Kenyan churches were urged during a recent visit by Setri Nyomi, the general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). "People of faith in Kenya today are called upon to do everything possible to be part of the healing," Nyomi said during a Bible Study for 400 leaders attending the General Administration Committee meeting of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa at Chogoria.

United Church of Canada Expresses Deep Concern about Zimbabwe

April 24, 2008, TORONTO – In a statement released today The United Church of Canada expressed deep concern about reports of increasing violence throughout Zimbabwe. The statement also condemns all politically motivated acts of intimidation, physical punishment, torture, and killing of Zimbabweans. "The United Church of Canada joins the international community in prayer and action for a peaceful resolution of the Zimbabwean people's struggle for meaningful participation in democratic change in that country," said Omega Bula, Executive Minister of the United Church's Justice, Global and Ecumenical Relations Unit.

Archbishops of Canterbury and York Issue Joint Statement on Zimbabwe

April 24, 2008 – The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a joint statement this morning concerning the deteriorating situation of ordinary people in Zimbabwe calling for "a civil society movement that both gives voice to those who demand an end to the mayhem that grows out of injustice, poverty, exclusion and violence." In a statement which follows recent comments by Church Leaders in Zimbabwe and South Africa, the Archbishops also called for an international day of prayer for Zimbabwe this Sunday (April 27) in all Christian denominations "as part of a search for increased solidarity and justice for the people of Zimbabwe at home and in the UK."

Statement on Zimbabwe by the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches

April 25, 2008 – "Choose for each of your tribes individuals who are wise, discerning and reputable to be your leaders" (Deuteronomy 1:13) Concerned about the integrity of elections, the World Council of Churches Central Committee stated recently that, " ... in democratic systems, elections serve as a way for people to confer legitimacy on a participatory democratic political system. In order to ensure that an election truly reflects the will of the people, attention should be paid to pre- and post-electoral mechanisms."

Zimbabwe Crisis Prompts Anglican Leaders to Call for Arms Embargo, Day of Prayer

April 24, 2008 – Calling for an arms embargo on Zimbabwe and an April 27 international day of prayer for the Central African nation shaken by violence and hardship after a disputed election, Anglican leaders in Africa and England have issued a series of statements appealing to the United Nations for intervention. "A desperate cry from the hearts of Zimbabwe screams across the world," wrote Bob Stumbles, chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Harare.

Sudanese Bishops, Primate Urge Deeper Commitment from International Partners
Political Leaders Discuss Peace Process with U.S. Ecumenical Delegation

April 23, 2008, JUBA – Saying that the time for action is now, Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul of the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) addressed partners from the United States and around the world who were invited to attend the April 21 House of Bishops meeting in Juba. The bishops and their new primate Deng, who was enthroned the previous day in a joyful four-hour ceremony at Juba's All Saints Cathedral, shared present concerns and the future vision for their Church and called on international partners, including the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, to deepen their commitment to ECS.