Front Page

Greed-Driven Global Food Crisis Demands Immediate Church Attention

June 5, 2008 – With an estimated 850 million people suffering from hunger worldwide, nine out of ten of which live in developing countries, "the scandal of hunger demands the immediate attention of the churches," affirmed today in a statement the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. As "food security for all [is] among the greatest challenges facing humanity," Kobia wrote, the WCC, "deeply concerned and outraged by this untenable situation," calls on the churches "to formulate and implement programmes that seek to deal with hunger and its structural causes."

Church Banners Protest U.S.-Sponsored Torture

June 6, 2008 – Black and white anti-torture banners are being displayed next to the familiar cross and flame on the front of some United Methodist churches during the month of June. More than 300 faith groups in all 50 U.S. states are displaying the banners in support of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture's "Banners Across America" campaign. In a press conference on June 5, religious leaders representing diverse congregations launched the campaign to mobilize faith communities against U.S.-sponsored torture. The campaign is timed to offer an interfaith public witness during Torture Awareness Month, said the Rev. Richard Killmer, campaign director.

National Ministries and Partners Launch Interfaith Isaiah Fund

June 4, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – National Ministries, American Baptist Churches USA has partnered with five faith-based organizations to launch The Isaiah Funds, believed to be the first interfaith fund for long-term domestic disaster recovery. The funds-a Redevelopment Loan Fund and an Access to Capital Grants Fund-will initially focus on recovery in low income Gulf Coast communities by helping affordable housing projects close financing gaps, helping small businesses get back on their feet, and supporting the development of community centers.

Stop Hunger Now Marks 10th with Million Meal Event

June 5, 2008 – The Rev. Ray Buchanan had spent years working to banish hunger in the United States when an experience in Sierra Leone made him re-think his focus. In 1997, during the height of the African country's civil war, he visited with a number of United Methodist pastors in the city of Bo who told him "they wore their clerical collars when they begged in the streets because people would be more generous." Returning home "in a self-righteous fit," Buchanan raised $65,000 in six weeks, enough to provide rice for every pastor's family in Sierra Leone for a year.

Dean of the Nation's Black Preachers Celebrates 90th Birthday

June 5, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – Considered by many to be the greatest living African American preacher, Dr. Gardner C. Taylor celebrates his 90th birthday on June 18. Taylor's ministry, which spanned half a century, was focused mostly on Concord Baptist Church of Christ in Brooklyn, N.Y., where he served as pastor for 42 years before retiring in 1990. He authored We Have This Ministry, Perfecting the Pastor's Art, Chariots Aflame, and The Scarlet Thread. Six volumes of his sermons have been published by Judson Press in The Words of Gardner Taylor collection.

Remember World Refugee Day June 20

June 6, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – Of approximately 14 million refugees and asylum seekers worldwide, close to nine million have spent more than five years in refugee camps. These people have had to flee their homelands for fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. The General Assembly of the United Nations has designated June 20 as World Refugee Day to highlight refugees' right to protection from persecution and fear for their lives.

The Holy Spirit Is Bringing Us Together, Kinnamon Tells Aquinas Graduates

May 21, 2008, ST. LOUIS, Mo. – In the very recent past, Catholics and Protestants "hardly spoke to one another, at least about religious matters," the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA told 56 graduates of Aquinas Institute of Theology here earlier this month. "Surely, it is a sign of the Holy Spirit that things have changed to dramatically in such a brief span," he said.

General News

Volunteers Stitch Comfort Clothes for Wounded Soldiers

June 3, 2008, OVIEDO, Fla. – After sewing a pair of boxer shorts for more than two hours, Shirleen Harms pauses to "say a prayer for the young man that's going to wear this." "And I pray that he's going to be strong enough to heal," Harms adds. Harms is part of a sewing class at First United Methodist Church in Oviedo that makes adaptive clothing for soldiers who have lost limbs or need special attire to fit over casts or medical equipment. The sewing class is part of Sew Much Comfort, a U.S. organization that distributes adaptive clothing to military hospitals.

United Church of Canada Endorses Gather ‘Round Curriculum

June 5, 2008, ELGIN, IL – The United Church of Canada has become the newest cooperative user of the Gather ‘Round curriculum, citing its value for congregations that want to connect with families. Gather ‘Round: Hearing and Sharing God's Good News is a project of Brethren Press and the Mennonite Publishing Network. The Sunday school curriculum serves children, youth, and parents and caregivers. "Family, and parents in particular, play an important role in the spiritual development and faith formation of their children," noted Amy Crawford, program coordinator for children, young teens, and youth.

Lutherans Address Disaster Preparedness for Low-Income Communities

June 5, 2008, CHICAGO – Communities in the United States and around the world are banding together to offer relief after the many natural disasters witnessed in the first part of 2008. But for many low-income communities, recovery after disaster presents its own challenges. "Low-income communities are already under assault" before a natural disaster strikes, according to Loretta Horton, director for poverty ministries networking, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Church in Society.

Spiritual Renewal, Mission and Prophetic Action Mark the Reformed Church Family

June 2, 2008 – Reformed Christians around the world are living out their faith in a variety of relevant ways, says Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC). Nyomi told the Synod of the Evangelical Reformed Church of the Canton of Glarus in Switzerland on 29 May that the Reformed churches of the Alliance are engaged in spiritual renewal, mission and prophetic action in more than 100 countries.

Sydney University Purchases Knights Templar Archive

June 2, 2008 – Sydney University has bought Australia's only copy of reproduction manuscripts of the 14th century trials of the Knights Templar that rehabilitated the order. The University of Sydney has purchased a $10,000 reproduction of a document that rehabilitates the medieval Christian military order, the university press service reports. The Knights, recognisable by the white robes with a red cross they wore over their chain mail, guarded pilgrims visiting the Holy Lands.

Presiding Bishop Calls for Day of Prayer for Lambeth Conference

June 4, 2008 – Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has called the Episcopal Church to a Day of Prayer on June 22 for this summer's Lambeth Conference of Anglican Communion bishops. The July 16-August 3 conference "represents one important way of building connections and relationships between churches in vastly different contexts, and reminding us of the varied nature of the Body of Christ," Jefferts Schori said in a June 4 letter addressed to the people of the Episcopal Church. "I would bid your prayers for openness of spirit, vulnerability of heart, and eagerness of mind, that we might all learn to see the Spirit at work in the other.

Ecumenical News

Hospitality, Worship and Openness Mark First NCC Church-to-Church Visits

June 5, 2008 – Hospitality, openness and a common commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ were abundantly evident in Church-to-Church visits to two member communions conducted by National Council of Churches (NCC) delegations. Both primates welcomed the delegations warmly. "Feel at home here," said H.E. the Most Rev. Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) following prayers in St. Vartan Armenian Cathedral in New York May 28. Similarly, the following day H.E. the Most Rev. Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian (Syriac) Orthodox Church of Antioch said in the church's Teaneck, N.J., offices, "We tell our visitors, ‘You are home.'"

Spanish News

Gobierno Filipino Debe Responder Por Sus Acciones En Materia De Derechos Humanos,
Afirman Ante Un Organismo De La ONU

June 5, 2008 – Militantes filipinos por los derechos humanos volvieron a pedir al Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas que "siga exigiendo a nuestro gobierno que detenga las ejecuciones extrajudiciales y otras violaciones de los derechos humanos." El organismo de la ONU está reunido en Ginebra del 2 al 18 de junio.

Se Realizó El Tercer Encuentro De Estudios Del Pentecostalismo Latinoamericano

3 junio 2008, SANTIAGO, Chile – Entre los días 20 y 23 de mayo tuvo lugar el Tercer Encuentro de la Red Latinoamérica de Estudios Pentecostales, RELEP, en la ciudad de Santiago de Chile. RELEP es un colectivo de estudiosos, hombres y mujeres abocados a la producción de estudios sobre el movimiento pentecostal desde diversas perspectivas: teología, hermenéutica bíblica, pastoral, historia, sociología y antropología.

En Jerusalén Y En El Mundo, Semana De Acción De Las Iglesias Por La Paz En Oriente Medio

5 junio 2008 – Al comenzar la semana de acción de las iglesias por la paz en Israel y Palestina, diferentes iglesias se han reunido ayer, miércoles, en Jerusalén para celebrar un servicio ecuménico, y dar gracias a "las iglesias y parroquias de todo el mundo que están orando con nosotros por la paz en este día." En docenas de países, del 4 al 10 de junio de 2008, parroquias protestantes, católicas y ortodoxas se unirán en oración por una tierra "muy necesitada de paz."

Metodistas Recuerdan 100 Años Del Credo Social

4 junio 2008, SAO PAULO, Brasil – El centenario de la edición del Credo Social por la Iglesia Metodista Episcopal, de los Estados Unidos, fue el tema de la 57ª Semana Wesleyana, promovida por la Facultad de Teología (FaTeo) de la Universidad Metodista de San Pablo, realizada del 26 al 30 de mayo, en Rudge Ramos, región metropolitana paulista. El texto del Credo elaborado por la iglesia estadounidense sirvió de base para la redacción del Credo Social de la Iglesia Metodista en el Brasil.

Se Incrementa La Represión Contra La Comunidad Cristiana

4 junio 2008, ESPAÑA – En el tribunal de Tiaret, una ciudad argelina de 200.000 habitantes a 400 kilómetros al oeste de Argel, media docena de hombres cristianos están siendo juzgados por practicar su fe evangélica y, por primera vez, una mujer musulmana comparece ante un tribunal por haberse convertido al cristianismo. Según informa El País de España, reproduciendo a la prensa local, el presidente del tribunal preguntó a la acusada Habiba Kouider: "¿Te han dado de beber los curas su agua bendita que te llevará al Paraíso?"

Iglesias Cubanas Renuevan La Apuesta Al Ecumenismo

4 junio 2008, LA HABANA, Cuba – Una nutrida y entusiasta representación de cristianos, en su mayoría pertenecientes a iglesias de corte pentecostal- se considera actualmente que en Cuba el 80 por ciento de la población evangélica es carismática o pentecostal-asistió al culto ecuménico de celebración por el 67 aniversario de la fundación del Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba (CIC). El acto se realizó en la noche del miércoles 28 de mayo en la Catedral Episcopal de la Santísima Trinidad.

Iglesias Protestantes Reclaman Al Poder Legislativo Que Intervenga En La Crisis Nacional

6 junio 2008, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Un importante grupo de iglesias argentinas, agrupadas en el Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) y la Federación Argentina de Iglesias Evangélicas (FAIE), expresaron hoy a traves de un comunicado la preocupación por la situación de crisis que está atravesando el país, que no se resuelve, que se agudiza y que daña seriamente al pueblo. El mal llamado "conflicto campo-gobierno" abarca temas, necesidades e intereses que van más allá de lo agrario, la alimentación o los números, opinan las comunidades.

Clai Busca Secretario Regional

3 junio 2008, LONDRINA, Brasil – El Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) abrió el proceso de selección para la elección del Secretario regional, Región Brasil, que tiene su sede en Londrina, en Paraná. El organismo ecuménico recibirá las inscripciones de los interesados del 1 al 30 de junio. El candidato o candidata debe ser miembro de iglesia integrada en el CLAI, tener conocimientos teológicos, nivel superior de educación, experiencia ecuménica y administrativa. Debe, además, demostrar capacidad de gestión democrática, saber trabajar en equipo, hablar español e inglés.

"Copistas" Transcribiran La Biblia En Tres Meses

5 junio 2008, SAO PAULO, Brasil – La Sociedad Bíblica del Brasil (SBB) instala y abre, hoy, el primer "scriptorium" en el Museo de la Biblia, en Barueri, e inaugura el IV Foro de Ciencias Bíblicas, sobre el tema "La Biblia y el Universo del Conocimiento," en el mes en que el organismo completa 60 años de existencia. El proyecto de la Biblia Manuscrita prevé la instalación de "scriptorium" en varias ciudades del país.

En Jerusalén Y En El Mundo, Semana De Acción De Las Iglesias Por La Paz En Oriente Medio

5 junio 2008, GINEBRA, Suiza – Al comenzar la semana de acción de las iglesias por la paz en Israel y Palestina, diferentes iglesias se han reunido ayer, miércoles, en Jerusalén para celebrar un servicio ecuménico, y dar gracias a "las iglesias y parroquias de todo el mundo que están orando con nosotros por la paz en este día." En docenas de países, del 4 al 10 de junio de 2008, parroquias protestantes, católicas y ortodoxas se unirán en oración por una tierra "muy necesitada de paz."

National News

Churches of Scientology Host Interfaith Online Hate Crime Conference

May 12, 2008, LOS ANGELES – On Tuesday morning, May 6, 2008 the Church of Scientology International hosted its first interfaith conference concerning Internet hate crime at the Church of Scientology Celebrity Centre's Pavilion in Hollywood. Over 100 law enforcement and government officials, clergy and educators attended. A panel of leading experts shared their insights, professional experience and concern over rampant civil rights abuses, hate crimes, terrorism, fraud, identity theft, sex slavery, terrorism and pedophilia – over Internet computers and advanced cell phones. Internet technologists explained how the Internet is structured and used as the base for attack and as shelter to maintain anonymity, while millions of users are vulnerable at any given moment when logged on.

Episcopal Congregations Join Anti-Torture Effort

June 4, 2008 – More than 275 congregations of a wide variety of faiths in all 50 United States and the District of Columbia will display an anti-torture banner on the exterior of their buildings during June, which religious and human-rights organizations have designated as Torture Awareness Month. In an effort organized by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT), most of the banners say "Torture is a Moral Issue" or "Torture is Wrong." The United Nations has designated June 26 as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Brethren in Northern Plains District Respond to Iowa Tornado

June 5, 2008, Brethren in Northern Plains District have been responding to needs of those who lost homes in the tornado that hit Parkersburg and other areas of northeastern Iowa on May 25. One Church of the Brethren family who are members at Ivester Church of the Brethren in Grundy Center, lost their home in Parkersburg and most of their household belongings. The tornado was of the strongest type, an F5, with a path that stretched for 43 miles, according to Des Moines' KCCI Channel 8.

Statement: Thomas Expresses Pastoral Concern for Obama, Trinity UCC

May 31, 2008 – Following Sen. Barack Obama's decision on May 31 to disaffiliate with Trinity UCC in Chicago, the Rev. John H. Thomas, UCC general minister and president, released the following statement: "Obviously, we are saddened that Barack and Michelle Obama have decided to resign their membership at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago. And we are hopeful that, as they discern their future church membership plans, that they will consider retaining their United Church of Christ membership in another UCC congregation.

Merrill Lynch Freezes Disputed San Joaquin Diocesan Accounts Pending Court Ruling

June 4, 2008 – Merrill Lynch has frozen the financial accounts it manages for the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin until the courts decide the rightful owner of those accounts, an attorney for the financial institution said June 3. "Merrill Lynch has placed an immediate freeze on those accounts held in the name of the Diocese and related entities," according to Eric J. Glassman of Mennemeier, Glassman & Stroud, in a letter to diocesan chancellor Mike Glass, and to Russell VanRozeboom, who represents former bishop John-David Schofield. The San Joaquin diocese, along with The Episcopal Church (TEC), on June 2 amended an earlier lawsuit against Schofield, "on the basis of new information gathered about recent transfers of real and personal property and assets to entities formed by Mr. Schofield and his attorney sometime in early April of 2008," Glass said.

International News

Overcome Humanity's "Greed": Churches Respond to the Food Crisis

June 5, 2008 – The plea "Give us this day our daily bread" needs to be heard by world leaders meeting in Rome on the global food crisis, say church representatives across the globe. "The Lord's Prayer highlights that having enough to eat is, and has always been, central to the Christian idea of a world shaped by justice and mercy," observed Sushant Agrawal, Director of the Church's Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) in India. "If God's will was done, no one would go hungry."

LWF Applauds Initiative to Ban Cluster Munitions
General Secretary Noko Decries Weapons' Obstacle to Reconstruction, Human Development

May 30, 2008, GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) welcomes the adoption of the new treaty to ban cluster bombs, agreed at the international Dublin Conference on Cluster Munitions, and urges countries that had not participated in the initiative to join the process. In a public statement released today, LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko praised the governments and civil society organizations that had worked together during the 19-30 May conference "to realize a framework for ridding the world of cluster munitions, following the example of the Landmine Ban Treaty."

Philippine Government Should Be Held Accountable on Human Rights Record, UN Body Is Told

June 4, 2008 – Philippine human rights activists reiterated their call on the UN Human Rights Council to "keep pursuing our government to stop the extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations." The UN body is meeting in Geneva 2-18 June. On Tuesday, 3 June, in an oral intervention before the UN body, the International Association of Democratic Lawyers, the Asian Legal Resource Center, the World Council of Churches (WCC) and a Philippine NGO delegation commended and fully supported the findings presented by Phillip Alston, the UN Human Rights Council special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions.

Ecuador's State Minister Patiño Commends LWF Churches for Support in Foreign Debt Review
Latin American Church Leaders Conference Discusses Illegitimate Foreign Debt

June 4, 2008, TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras/GENEVA – "As Christian brothers and sisters, we must fight for our vision of human development without descending into extremes of affluence and poverty." Ecuadorian Minister of State Ricardo Patino made these remarks at the 2008 conference of church leaders from the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Latin America. Illegitimate foreign debt was one of the major discussion topics of the 31 March to 4 April gathering in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Regional Cooperation Has Strengthened Lutheran Communion among Latin American Churches
General Secretary Noko: "Church Communion Is More than a Concept"

June 4, 2008, TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras/GENEVA – Representatives of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) member churches in Latin America say an evaluation of their regional cooperation indicates they have developed closer relations and mutual trust at local and regional levels, thereby strengthening their interaction as a Lutheran communion. "Our relations have grown closer together, along with our mutual trust and a growing readiness to think and act as a Lutheran communion not only locally, but also regionally," stated a working group that dealt with the evaluation report during the 2008 LWF Latin American Church Leadership Conference (Conferencia de Liderazgo-COL) held from 31 March to 4 April in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Stop Murderous Violence Against Foreigners, WCC Urges South African Government

June 6, 2008 – "Deeply saddened by the brutal wave of violent xenophobic attacks and murders of foreign nationals, migrant workers and refugees" occurring since early May in South Africa, the World Council of Churches (WCC) urged the country's government "demonstrate leadership by bringing to an end this murderous violence and promoting the observance of human rights." In a 6 June letter to the country's WCC member churches and the South African Council of Churches (SACC), the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia joined his voice to a previous call made by the SACC secretary general Eddie Makue, who condemned the use of violence and intimidation against strangers.

American Friends of Sudan Hear Challenge to Act for Peace, Basic Human Needs

June 3, 2008 – "We need you now more than ever," was the message of Sudan's recently enthroned Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul to the fourth annual conference of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (AFRECS), meeting in Chicago May 30 to June 1. The conference participants came from around the Episcopal Church, representing dioceses and congregations with companion relationships with the Episcopal Church of the Sudan (ECS) and those seeking to explore new relationships. One quarter of those attending were Sudanese refugees now living in the United States.

Middle East News

In Jerusalem and Around the World, a Week of Church Action for Middle East Peace Begins

June 4, 2008 – Today in Jerusalem, at the launch of a worldwide week of action for peace in Israel and Palestine, different churches have come together for an ecumenical service giving thanks for "every church and parish around the world that is praying with us this day for peace." In dozens of countries, 4-10 June 2008, Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox parishes will join them in praying for a land "much in need of peace." They are using a prayer from the heads of churches in Jerusalem that asks for political leaders "courageous enough to sign a treaty [ ... ] that puts an end to the occupation imposed by one people on another, granting freedom to Palestinians, giving security to Israelis and freeing us all from fear."

People in the News

National VOAD Names CRWRC Disaster Director, Bill Adams, as Board President

June 2, 2008, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Bill Adams, five-year Disaster Response Services Director for the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (www.crwrc.org), was named President of the Board of Directors for National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) at the Association's 16th annual conference in early May.

Reviews

New Collection Offers Culturally-diverse Sermons

June 5, 2008, VALLEY FORGE, PA – Judson Press announces the May 2008 release of Those Preaching Women: A Multicultural Collection. Edited by Ella Pearson Mitchell and Valerie Bridgeman Davis, the collection is the fifth title in the series, "Those Preaching Women," which saw its first volume published in 1985. While previous editions were dedicated to sermons of African American women in various denominations and ministries, this resource uniquely reflects the rich ethnic diversity of 21st century America by including the voices of African American, Cuban, Native American, European American, Puerto Rican, South Korean, South Vietnamese, and West Indian women.

‘Manual Del Pastor' Offers Brethren Worship Manual in Spanish

May 28, 2008, ELGIN, IL – A new book from Brethren Press, "Manual del Pastor," offers a Spanish language minister's manual for Church of the Brethren pastors. "Manual del Pastor" offers selected services from "For All Who Minister," the Church of the Brethren worship manual in English, published by Brethren Press. The new book is spiral bound, with a black lexotone cover with gold stamping.