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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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Ecumenical Observers Challenge Zimbabwe Election Process, April 29, 2008 – The 29 March elections in Zimbabwe were "far from being free and fair" and were "skewed in favour of the incumbent who openly utilised state resources to his advantage," two ecumenical bodies said in a recently released report on the election. The Zimbabwean people "expressed their will on polling day" and that will must be "upheld and respected" the report said. For that to happen it is necessary for the "immediate and unconditional release of the [election] results to pacify and unite the country," the report says. Institute President Discusses Pope's Visit on Al Jazeera April 29, 2008, WASHINGTON, DC – Joseph K. Grieboski, President of the Institute on Religion and Public Policy made his first appearance on Middle Eastern satellite television network Al Jazeera today. He discussed the impact of Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States. Grieboski appeared on the live Arabic news program Hasad Al-Youm, which means "Today's Harvest." The daily, in-depth program usually covers three or four news topics and reaches about 50 million viewers around the world. April 29, 2008 – Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has advised Southern Cone Presiding Bishop Gregory J. Venables in an April 29 letter that his planned May 2-4 visit to address a special convocation of the Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth "with the expressed purpose of describing removal to the Province of the Southern Cone is an unwarranted invasion of, and meddling in, the internal affairs of this Province." "I write to urge you not to bring further discord into The Episcopal Church," Jefferts Schori told Venables, who was, according to reports, scheduled to be in Central California on April 29 to meet with church leaders who last year voted to disaffiliate with the Episcopal Church and align with his Argentina-based province. Church Supports Justice for Migrants May 2, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – The United Methodist Church is urging justice for migrants worldwide and reform of U.S. immigration laws. Delegates to the denomination's top legislative body, meeting April 23-May 2, adopted resolutions covering both global migration and immigration issues in the United States. The U.S. domestic resolution calls for "full protection of all workers, which includes the opportunity to gain legal status for all migrants." It also urges U.S. lawmakers to ensure that immigrant laws do not rip apart families.
Church Adopts Proposed Creed as Litany April 30, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – A proposed new Social Creed for The United Methodist Church became a "companion litany" instead after action by the denomination's lawmaking body on April 30. A task force under the leadership of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society worked on the "poetic" 2008 Social Creed that was proposed to the denomination's General Conference meeting in Fort Worth through May 2. Even though it will not replace the United Methodist Social Creed, the Rev. Neal Christie, staff on the board and a member of the task force, said it is "a gift to the church and reinforces and reframes the creed." Black Methodists Celebrate Unity at Africana Dinner April 28, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – Black Methodists for Church Renewal celebrated unity at its first Africana dinner and worship event April 27 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel. The caucus, which represents black congregations in The United Methodist Church, hopes to expand its celebrations of "Ebony bishops"-traditionally African-American bishops-by creating a more global table, according to caucus president Cheryl Walker. "We are now in the position and ready to go global," Walker said. Church Urges End to Human Rights Violations in Philippines May 1, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – The United Methodist Church has pledged to work to end the "unabated and egregious violations" of human rights in the Philippines that have resulted in 886 extrajudicial killings and 179 disappearances, including pastors and church workers. The church singled out the Rev. Melchor Abesamis, Mamburao United Methodist Church, as one of the latest victims. Abesamis was arrested inside his parsonage on March 16 and charged with four counts of murder. The Southwest Philippines Annual Conference released information saying that 10 men armed with high-caliber guns entered Abesamis' home, handcuffed him in front of his wife, mother and children and took him from Mamburao to San Jose, a distance of 200 kilometers. Carcaño Speaks out for Modern-Day Outcasts April 27, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – The church must be empowered by a "hope beyond ourselves" if it is going to eliminate poverty, a United Methodist bishop told the denomination's top legislative body. That hope comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, said Bishop Minerva Carcaño of the church's Phoenix Area during the April 27 worship service at General Conference. The United Methodist Church has declared ministry with the poor as one of its four areas of focus for the immediate future. Using the Gospel story of the Gerasene demoniac named Legion, found in Mark 5:1-20, Carcaño drew parallels to many in today's world who are sentenced to dwell in a wasteland, as the Gerasene who lived in the community cemetery. Same-sex Couple Says ‘I Do' Outside Church Assembly May 2, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – Just days after their denomination reaffirmed its position against same-sex unions, United Methodists Julie Bruno, 47, and Sue Laurie, 52, held a marriage ceremony on General Worth Square, across the street from the convention center where the General Conference was meeting to pass official denominational stances. More than 200 guests-family, friends and delegates-attended the outdoor ceremony on May 2. The couple are members of United Church of Rogers Park, a United Methodist church in Chicago. "We have talked for many years about the pros and cons of a wedding. We decided to do it now while our church family is gathered," Bruno said. Rural Churches Celebrate ‘Planting Seeds of Hope' April 26, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – Members of 25,000 rural United Methodist churches are "planting seeds of hope in every place," leaders of Town & Country Ministries emphasized during a Rural Life Celebration April 26 at the 2008 General Conference. About 100 volunteers from rural areas across the United States formed a colorful procession down the aisles of the assembly hall in the Fort Worth Convention Center. They passed out "Seeds of Hope" packets of zinnias, long-stemmed flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. Black Civil Rights Veterans Advocate Inclusion April 27, 2008 – Black United Methodist clergy who are also longtime civil-rights advocates say there are parallels between the struggles of blacks in the 1960s and those of gays and lesbians working for full inclusion in the church today. At an April 27 rally held outside the Fort Worth Convention Center where the denomination's 2008 General Conference is meeting through May 2, retired United Methodist clergy the Rev. James Lawson and the Rev. Gil Caldwell spoke of the connection between racism and "heterosexism." Rally Urges Inclusion Regardless of Sexual Identity April 26, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – "Change is coming," says one young adult leader who says The United Methodist Church is getting closer to welcoming everyone regardless of their sexual identity. "Don't worry; it will happen because nothing can stop the force of this generation," said Rachel Birkhahn-Rommelfanger, chairperson of the United Methodist Student Movement. Birkhahn-Rommelfanger was among speakers who addressed more than 200 people gathered for a noon rally on April 26 to support inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in the denomination. Delegates Reject Petitions on Evaluation of Ineffective Clergy May 2, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – Delegates to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference rejected two petitions dealing with clergy ineffectiveness and guaranteed appointments. The delegates followed the recommendations of the ministry and higher education legislative committee and voted 824-25 to not amend paragraph 334.1 of the United Methodist Book of Discipline. The petitions asked that bishops appoint an ineffective pastor to less than full-time service. Because the petitions were placed on a consent calendar, delegates also voted on April 30 to reject an effort involving clergy evaluations. The legislation would have allowed a district superintendent to initiate changing the pastor's conference relationship after three evaluations found a pastor to be ineffective and not likely to become effective through training and counseling. People in 48 Countries View General Conference Online April 30, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – The number of people experiencing The United Methodist Church's top legislative assembly goes far beyond a few thousand people in the heart of Texas. People in 48 countries have been going online to watch the business sessions, worship services and special events of the 2008 General Conference in Fort Worth. The proceedings are being streamed live on the assembly's Web site. Shalom Initiative Returns to General Conference – Where it All Began April 26, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – The United Methodist Communities of Shalom initiative returned to General Conference, where it was born in 1992 as a ministry of community reconciliation and development. Shalom leaders came not asking for funds but to demonstrate the achievement of the community-development program that provides training in how congregations and communities can work together in seeking health, wholeness and well-being. A celebration of the Shalom anniversary took place on the evening of April 25 at a hall near the Fort Worth Convention Center, where the General Conference was in session. Proposed New Hymnal Will Go to 2012 Assembly April 29, 2008 – United Methodist congregations in the United States could have a new United Methodist Hymnal within five years. Delegates to the 2008 General Conference set part of the agenda for the 2012 assembly late in the evening of April 28 as they approved creation of a hymnal revision committee. The committee will bring a proposed hymnal to the next session of the denomination's top legislative body. Delegates from around the world also approved a four-year study of issues around developing an Africana hymnal with findings to be reported to the 2012 session. Sixty Years Later, the Advance Still Offers Hope April 28, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – Justa Mamani came from her home in Bolivia to deliver a message of thanks to delegates at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference. "I want you to know that the donations you give to The Advance are what sustain my community today," she said, during an April 28 presentation on the denomination's voluntary giving program at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Sixty years ago, as a response to the devastation and humanitarian toll of World War II, the "worldwide Advance" was created as both a ministry of relief and message of the gospel. Since then, more than $1.3 billion has been channeled through The Advance for Christ and His Church as a "second-mile" giving program. Demonstrators Call Church's ‘Anti-Gay' Policies Sinful May 1, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – In an act of witness in front of delegates to the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, more than 200 people declared that the denomination's policies and practices against homosexuality are "sinful" and that "sexuality is a gift from God." Primarily dressed in black, demonstrators walked onto the legislative floor at the Fort Worth Convention Center, formed a two-lined cross around the communion table located in the center aisle and draped it in a black shroud to witness against the church's stance on homosexual practice. Presiding Bishop's Pentecost Letter: Gift of Holy Spirit Is ‘Breath of Ever-New Life' May 1, 2008 – The "gift of Holy Spirit keeps us lively and moving" as "inspiring breath" in the Body of Christ, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori writes in her 2008 Pentecost letter to the Episcopal Church. Jefferts Schori's letter precedes the Church's observance of the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, May 11, and the opening of the annual Pentecost liturgical season of the church year. Lutheran Witness Wins Four Awards May 2, 2008 – The Lutheran Witness, the official magazine of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, won four awards in this year's Associated Church Press (ACP) religious journalism competition for work done in 2007. The awards were announced at the ACP's annual convention, April 20-23 in Dallas. The Lutheran Witness received the following awards in the ACP's "Best of the Christian Press" competition. Nurture Generosity, Martin Marty Tells Tens Annual Conference May 1, 2008 – "Generosity is what it's all about." That's what the Rev. Dr. Martin E. Marty, professor emeritus of religious history at the University of Chicago and a Lutheran pastor, told the 150 in attendance at The Episcopal Network for Stewardship's (TENS) annual conference April 12 in Founders' Hall at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Missouri. Marty's speech played on the theme of the April 11-12 gathering: "Let Your Light so Shine: The Power of Witness in Nurturing Generosity." United Methodist Church Adopts Full Communion Proposal with ELCA April 30, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – By a vote of 864-19, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC) adopted an implementing resolution April 28 that will establish full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Full communion will be fully realized by both churches should the same proposal be adopted at the next ELCA Churchwide Assembly, which meets Aug. 17-23, 2009, in Minneapolis. The UMC General Conference, meeting here April 23-May 2, is the Methodist's chief legislative body and meets every four years. Excluyen a Católicos Y Evangélicos De Consejo Nacional De Derechos Humanos 30 abril 2008, LIMA, Perú – La Conferencia Episcopal Peruana (CEP) y el Concilio Nacional Evangélico del Perú (CONEP) fueron excluidos de su participación como observadores en el seno de la Comisión Nacional de Derechos Humanos (CNDH), por decisión del gobierno. Esta disposición se hizo efectiva en el Decreto Supremo 008-2008, en el que se modifica el Artículo 9 del Reglamento del CNDH, el cual establece que el CEP y el CONEP no podrán participar de las sesiones del Consejo, pese a que anteriormente estaban considerados como observadores. Declaración Sobre Zimbabwe Del Secretario General Del Consejo Mundial De Iglesias 28 abril 2008 – "Escoged entre vosotros hombres sabios, perspicaces y experimentados y yo los pondré al frente de vosotros" (Deuteronomio 1:13) Preocupado por la integridad de las elecciones, el Comité Central del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias declaró recientemente que " ... en los sistemas democráticos, las elecciones son el medio para otorgar legitimidad a un sistema político de democracia participativa. Una Caravana De Mujeres Por La Paz Recorre El Mundo, Y Llega a América Latina 29 abril 2008, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – La Caravana de Mujeres por la Paz, es un proyecto de la CEVAA, Comunidad de Iglesias en Misión, que tuvo su lanzamiento en la pasada Asamblea General de esa organización, realizada en Bouznika (Marruecos). La Caravana recorrerá todos los países que integran la CEVAA, correspondiendo a América Latina el período desde el 15 al 30 de Mayo de este año. Esta caravana tiene como objetivo consolidar una cadena de sustento mutuo en cuestiones de paz y de lucha contra la violencia. Concluirá en la próxima Asamblea general en Neuchâtel, Suiza en octubre de 2008. Pronunciamiento Ecuménico "Por Una Bolivia Unida Y Justa" 30 abril 2008, LA PAZ, Bolivia – Las iglesias con vocación ecuménica, instituciones y organizaciones sociales expresamos nuestra voz ante los acontecimientos que vive el país. No queremos ser mediados por instancias políticas, por ello expresamos directamente nuestra palabra," con estas palabras se inicia el Pronunciamiento que se dio a conocer hoy, y que espera convocar más apoyos. Hagan todo lo posible por vivir en paz, para que no pierdan la unidad que el Espíritu les dio (Ef 4,3) Observatorio De Comunicación Premia Producciones No Sexistas 30 abril 2008, ECUADOR – Este miércoles 30 de abril se llevará a cabo el acto de premiación del IV Salón de la Comunicación en el Museo de Arte Moderno de la ciudad de Cuenca, Provincia de Azuay. El Observatorio Ciudadano de la Comunicación (OCC) hará la entrega del premio "Equidad" y otros reconocimientos a las publicidades que fomenten relaciones de igualdad entre mujeres y hombres. Los reconocimientos que realiza el Observatorio Ciudadano de la Comunicación se dan con base en la votación de la ciudadanía que asistió a la muestra del IV Salón de la Comunicación, así como en los resultados del seguimiento técnico que cada seis meses realiza el OCC. 30 abril 2008 – Las elecciones del 29 de marzo en Zimbabwe estuvieron "muy lejos de ser libres y justas" y fueron "sesgadas de parcialidad en favor del detentor del poder que abiertamente utilizó los recursos del estado en beneficio propio," afirman dos organismos ecuménicos en un informe publicado recientemente sobre las elecciones. El pueblo de Zimbabwe "expresó su voluntad el día del voto" y esa voluntad debe "mantenerse y respetarse," dice el informe. Se Celebrará El Primer Foro Dominicano Sobre Comunicación Cristiana 28 abril 2008, COLOMBIA – La Asociación Dominicana de Comunicadores Cristianos (ADOCOC) celebrará el "1° Foro Dominicano Sobre Comunicación Cristiana" el próximo sábado 3 de mayo en el Auditorio Manuel del Cabral, de la Biblioteca Pedro Mir en la Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), encuentro al que están invitados reconocidos comunicadores cristianos. Se pretende que líderes, pastores y actores del pueblo cristiano evangélico del país logren una mayor compresión de los medios de comunicación, el espectro radioeléctrico, las nuevas tecnologías y técnicas de manejo de la Radio, TV e Internet, dijo Danny Ramírez, presidente de Adococ. CMI Felicita Al Presidente Electo Del Paraguay 30 abril 2008 – El secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia ha felicitado al presidente electo del Paraguay, Fernando Lugo. En una carta fechada el 29 de abril, Kobia destaca el "compromiso con los más pobres y excluidos" del presidente electo, en línea con "la rica tradición de un cristianismo latinoamericano que se ha esforzado por seguir a Jesús en medio de una realidad marcada por la desigualdad y la injusticia." El CLAI Saluda Y Brinda Su Apoyo Al Presidente Electo De Paraguay 30 abril 2008, QUITO, Ecuador – Llamándolo "Compañero de los pobres," el Consejo latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) hizo llegar su saludo y felicitación al Presidente electo de Paraguay, Fernando Lugo, por la reciente elección llevada a cabo en ese país sudamericano. Hemos acompañado con nuestras oraciones en las 180 iglesias y organismos ecuménicos de América Latina y el Caribe miembros del CLAI, dice la carta. "El domingo en la noche ya celebrábamos con acciones de gracias las primeras noticias del anuncio de su victoria," expresan los directivos del Consejo. 29 abril 2008 – "El islam no se puede estudiar como estudiamos gramática," dijo el Patriarca Ignacio IV (Hazim) de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Griega en Siria a la delegación encabezada por el Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia, secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI). La delegación había llegado a Siria con el deseo de aprender de la larga experiencia del país en cuanto a la convivencia pacífica entre cristianos y musulmanes. Recta Final Para El Reglamento Que Permitirá Capellanes Evangélicos En Las FF.AA 28 abril 2008, SANTIAGO, Chile – Con la participación de medio centenar de obispos y pastores de las diferentes iglesias evangélicas agrupadas en el Concilio Evangélico de la comuna de Coronel se realizó un encuentro con Patricio Rosende, Director de la División de Relaciones Políticas del Ministerio- Secretaría General de la Presidencia-, para dar a conocer algunos pormenores sobre el reglamento que se transformará en ley en relación a las Capellanías del mundo evangélico dentro de las fuerzas armadas (FF.AA). Archbishop of Canterbury – ‘Religious Faith and Human Rights' May 2, 2008 – The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams will gave a lecture yesterday at the London School of Economics entitled ‘Religious Faith and Human Rights.' Dr Williams sets out a fresh and original vision of how religious tradition – Christianity in particular – can help ground human rights thinking in ways that protect human life from violence, abuse or inequality. Dr Williams responds specifically to the challenge laid down by Alastair McIntyre to find a language, or ethics, for human rights which is robust enough to resist moral relativism on the one hand and political utility on the other. WCC Congratulates Paraguayan President-elect April 30, 2008 – World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has congratulated President-elect Fernando Lugo on his victory in Paraguay's recent presidential election. In a letter dated 29 April, Kobia highlights Lugo's "commitment to the poorest and excluded," in tune with "the rich tradition of a Latin American Christianity which has struggled to follow Jesus amidst a reality marked by inequality and lack of justice." Institute Commends Pakistan on Signing Human Rights Treaties; Urges Caution April 29, 2008, WASHINGTON, DC – Pakistan has signed two important human rights treaties and ratified another, an important move in promoting fundamental freedoms in the troubled country. Pakistan ratified the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR). The government also signed the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT). "While this is a good step, we must remember that China and Sudan – who are noted human rights violators – are also signatories to these treaties," Institute President Joseph K. Grieboski said. Lainya Diocese, ERD Partner to Support Sudan's Returning Refugees April 29, 2008, LAINYA – The Diocese of Lainya in the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) is partnering with Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) to support vocational training programs for returning refugees in southern Sudan, one of the primary challenges of the post-war conditions in Africa's largest country. Lainya's visionary Bishop Peter Amidi hosted a group of U.S. Episcopalians and Canadian Anglicans who toured the diocese's former educational complex destroyed during the 21-year civil war that ended with the signing of a 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Native American Leaders Honored for Longtime Service April 29, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – The Revs. Homer Noley and Alvin Deer were honored April 28 at a dinner celebration for their longtime commitment to Native American ministries in The United Methodist Church. About 50 Native American leaders and supporters from across the United States – in Fort Worth for General Conference 2008 – attended the dinner sponsored by the Native American Comprehensive Plan. Hymns sung in the languages of the Choctaw, Kiowa and Creek tribes set a spiritual tone for the celebration. Judicial Council Elects First Woman President May 1, 2008, FORT WORTH, Texas – The Rev. Susan Henry-Crowe is the new president of the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church. She is the first woman to lead the denomination's "supreme court." The 2008-2012 council met May 1 to elect officers and organize. The other new leaders are Jon R. Gray, vice president, and the Rev. Belton Joyner, secretary. The group will have an orientation meeting in July in Chicago and will convene in late October for its first official session. Henry-Crowe, a clergy member of the South Carolina Annual (regional)
Conference, has been dean of Cannon Chapel and Religious Life at Emory University since 1991. |
