Front Page

Canada's Apology to Aboriginal Peoples Is Communication of the Highest Order

June 12, 2008, TORONTO, Canada – Calling yesterday's historic public apology to former students of aboriginal residential schools by the Canadian government, "a communicative act of the highest order," the World Association for Christian Communication looks forward to the country's leaders now acting on that apology. While congratulating the government, a formal reaction to the apology issued by the organization says it would be "naive and wrong" to believe that merely apologizing and establishing forms of retributive or restorative justice might be sufficient. "Communicative acts are long-term processes that begin with genuine communication and continue long into the future ," the response says. "It is a long road, but the first step has been taken."

ELCA Presiding Bishop, Other Religious Leaders, Meet with Obama

June 12, 2008, CHICAGO – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) was among more than 30 national Christian leaders who met here June 10 with U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. Hanson was invited by Obama's staff to meet privately with the Senator in a meeting in which Darfur, the Iraq war, gay rights, abortion and faith issues were discussed, the Associated Press reported. Hanson said the meeting's purpose seemed to be an effort by Obama "to begin a process of being engaged with a diverse group of religious leaders."

Children's Advocates File Brief to Safeguard Children on the Airwaves

June 10, 2008, WASHINGTON, D.C. – A coalition of children's advocates on June 9 filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the laws and rules that safeguard children on the nation's airwaves. The American Academy of Pediatrics, Benton Foundation, Children Now, National Institute on Media and the Family, National Parent Teacher Association (PTA), and United Church of Christ Office of Communication, Inc. (OC, Inc.), filed the brief in FCC et al. v. Fox Television Stations, Inc. et al., No. 07-582, a case involving the use of vulgar expletives on the airwaves.

ELCA Synod Bishops Visit Immigration Detention Centers

June 10, 2008, CHICAGO – Seven synod bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) visited prisons and detention centers where people seeking asylum, refuge or who have entered the United States without documentation are being held while the U.S. government decides whether or not to deport them. "Immigrants being detained in public jails is a sign of a broken system, which is why we as a church must strengthen our voices to call on our country for a just immigration policy," said the Rev. John D. Schleicher, bishop, ELCA North/West Lower Michigan Synod, Lansing.

General News

Student Forum Explores Social Concerns in D.C.

June 12, 2008, June 14, 2008WASHINGTON – More than 400 United Methodist students, campus ministers and young adult seminarians scattered across the U.S. capital during Student Forum 2008 to learn how they could use their voices to fight for just public policies. From a panel on the racism of mascots held at the National Museum of the American Indian to an Anacostia River boat tour focusing on the environment, the students met with lobbyists, legislative aides, United Methodist agency officials and a tenants' group that works for equitable housing.

Unity with Christ, the Secret of Priestly Ministry

June 9, 2008, VATICAN CITY – This morning in the Vatican, the Pope received students from the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy, the institution which trains candidates for the Holy See diplomatic service. They were accompanied by Archbishop Beniamino Stella, president of the academy. "Apart from the necessary juridical, theological and diplomatic training," the Pope told them, "what is most important is that your lives and activities should reflect a faithful love for Christ and for the Church which arouses in you a friendly pastoral concern towards everyone."

Ecumenical Theological Education Strategic, International Congress Says

June 9, 2008 – Ecumenical theological education is of strategic importance for Christianity in the 21st century. This was the message coming from the IV Congress of the World Conference of Associations of Theological Institutions (WOCATI) held in Neapolis, Thessaloniki and Volos (Greece) from 31 May to 7 June 2008. The congress affirmed that churches, donor agencies and universities should pay more attention to promoting and funding ecumenical theological education, including exchange programmes of teachers and students between different regions and churches. Ecumenical theological education is crucial for strengthening the identity of churches, as well as their openness to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, the congress emphasized.

Everyone, Everywhere Mission Conference Concludes with Call for Continued, Deeper Engagement

June 9, 2008 – During the second half of the June 5-8 Everyone, Everywhere World Mission Conference participants heard calls for deeper engagement with the gospel, people of other faiths and issues beyond the hoped-for achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. The conference, which was held at the Conference Center at the Maritime Institute near Baltimore, Maryland, was also a joint meeting of the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEM) and the Episcopal Partnership for Global Mission (EPGM).

Episcopal Relief and Development Commemorates World Environment Day

June 5, 2008 – Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) commemorates World Environment Day June 5. The slogan for 2008, "Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy," is a call to action to safeguard the earth against the destructive impact of climate change and to protect the health and well-being of all people. By working to achieve Millennium Development Goal 7 – ensure environmental sustainability – ERD has said it is committed to protecting the earth's threatened ecosystem. The organization's programs to alleviate hunger, create economic opportunities, promote health and fight disease, and respond to disasters "are implemented with respect for the earth and defend against environmental degradation while alleviating the suffering caused by poverty," an ERD release said.

Episcopal Relief and Development Launches New Website, Visual Identity

June 10, 2008 – Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) launched its redesigned website June 9, unveiling a new image that portrays the core values of the organization and strengthens its online presence. "Episcopal Relief and Development has reached incredible milestones in the past several years. Working in partnership with over 60 Anglican and ecumenical agencies, our programs now impact more than two million people in 41 countries," said Robert W. Radtke, president of ERD. "Our new website reflects the vitality of our work and is a powerful and usable tool that tells our story." Describing it as "innovative and user-friendly," ERD says its new website provides a comprehensive overview of the organization along with individual country pages detailing partners and programs in 41 countries.

Pennsylvania Bishop's Trial Opens with Recounting of Secrets

June 10, 2008, PHILADELPHIA – The ecclesiastical trial of Pennsylvania Bishop Charles E. Bennison opened June 9 with opening statements from both the prosecution and defense, followed by testimony from family members, including a woman who was sexually abused by the bishop's brother 35 years ago. The bishop is accused of conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy. He faces charges that, as rector of St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Upland, California, he failed to respond properly after learning that John Bennison, a 24-year-old freshly-ordained deacon who he had hired as youth minister, had a continuing sexual relationship with a girl that began when she was 14.

Ecumenical News

Archbishop Demetrios Welcomes Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of Rocor

June 10, 2008, NEW YORK, NY – On Monday June 9th, Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, the newly enthroned First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR) at the Archdiocese Headquarters in New York City. This meeting between the two Primates follows on a new relationship between the Churches occasioned by the reunification of ROCOR with the Moscow Patriarchate in May of 2007. Archbishop Demetrios had already sent a congratulatory letter to Metropolitan Hilarion after his election as First Hierarch (Primate) of ROCOR, which also invited him to the Archdiocese.

Spanish News

Leonardo Boff Desafia a La Iglesia Ante La Crisis Global

9 junio 2008, QUITO, Ecuador – El teólogo brasileño Leonardo Boff estuvo en la Iglesia Luterana de Quito el pasado sábado 6 de junio. De regreso de un congreso en la Universidad de Cuenca y después de reuniones el mismo día en la sede del CLAI, Boff habló en frente de una multitud que sobrepasó la capacidad de la iglesia, que conmemora 50 años de presencia en el Ecuador. Boff dijo que el gran grupo de oyentes, en su calidad de representar muchas confesiones cristianas diferentes, fue algo concretó del Espíritu Santo.

La Crisis De Alimentos Exige Atención Urgente De Las Iglesias, Dice Kobia

9 junio 2008, GINEBRA, Suiza – Con alrededor de 850 millones de personas padeciendo hambre en el mundo, de las cuales 90 por ciento viven en países en desarrollo, "el escándalo del hambre exige la atención inmediata de las iglesias," afirmó el secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia, en una declaración publicada el jueves.

AIPRAL Organiza Encuentro Sobre Identidad Reformada Y Misión

11 junio 2008, SANTIAGO, Chile – Continuando con el objetivo de profundizar el proceso de reflexión entre líderes de las iglesias presbiterianas y reformadas en América Latina, los departamentos Biblia y Teología y Misión y Evangelización de la Alianza de Iglesia Presbiterianas y Reformadas de América Latina (AIPRAL) organizan un encuentro para las iglesias de la región Cono Sur y Andina. El mismo se desarrollará entre el 12 y el 16 de junio, en Santiago, Chile.

Crisis Mundial De Alimentos: Provocada Por La Codicia, Exige Atención Inmediata De Las Iglesias

9 junio 2008 – Con alrededor de 850 millones de personas padeciendo hambre en el mundo, de las cuales 90 por ciento viven en países en desarrollo, "el escándalo del hambre exige la atención inmediata de las iglesias," afirmó el secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia, en una declaración publicada el jueves.

Visita a Egipto Pone De Relieve El Foco De Atención Del CMI Sobre Oriente Medio

13 junio 2008 – La necesidad de paz en Oriente Medio se pondrá de relieve durante una visita a Egipto que realizará, del 16 al 21 de junio, el secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), Rev. Dr. Samuel Kobia. Durante sus reuniones con líderes de las iglesias miembros del CMI, así como con otras figuras religiosas y laicas en el Cairo y Alejandría, una delegación del CMI presidida por Kobia se informará sobre la situación de las iglesias en Egipto y examinará las actividades del CMI en Oriente Medio.

La Educación Teológica Ecuménica Es De Importancia Estratégica, Afirma El Congreso Internacional De La WOCATI

10 junio 2008 – La educación teológica ecuménica es de importancia estratégica para el cristianismo en el siglo 21. Este ha sido el mensaje del IV Congreso de la Conferencia Mundial de Asociaciones de Instituciones Teológicas, (WOCATI, por su sigla en inglés), celebrado en Neapolis, Tesalónica y Volos (Grecia), del 31 de mayo al 7 de junio de 2008. El Congreso afirmó que las iglesias, los organismos donantes y las universidades deben prestar mayor atención a la promoción y financiación de la educación teológica ecuménica, incluyendo programas de intercambio de profesores y alumnos de las diferentes regiones e iglesias.

CLAI Y Acción Ecuménica Realizan Encuentro Sobre VIH-SIDA

10 junio 2008, CARACAS – Con el nombre de "Misión, Iglesia VIH y SIDA," convocados por el Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) y con la coordinación de Acción Ecuménica, los días 6, 7 y 8 de junio, en Campo de Carabobo – Venezuela, un grupo de 37 personas, de diversas de confesiones cristianas, organismos ecuménicos y ONGs, se encontraron con el propósito de reflexionar sobre la misión de la iglesia en el contexto del VIH y Sida. El encuentro se realizó sobre la guía metodológica de tres preguntas generadoras: ¿Qué dice la realidad?

Miles De Personas Unidas En Oración Por La Niñez

9 junio 2008, COLOMBIA – Millones de personas alrededor del mundo se unieron este fin de semana para orar por la niñez en riesgo. Desde hace 13 años Red Viva promueve esta iniciativa con el propósito de animar a la iglesia a orar y a servir a la niñez más necesitada. Como iglesia no podemos obviar que una de las demandas dadas por el Señor a su pueblo es ser vocero en la tierra de las buenas nuevas de salvación para cada ser humano que no conoce del amor de Jesús, dice Alexander Cabezas, Coordinador regional de la Red.

A La Sombra Del Embalse, Las Comunidades Añoran El Agua

89 junio 2008 – Los enormes embalses construidos por Sudáfrica y Lesotho en las tierras altas del reino montañoso han resultado ser un éxito para las economías de ambos países. No obstante, al Consejo Cristiano de Lesotho le preocupa que se ignore a los residentes desplazados por el proyecto en lo que respecta a las prestaciones. Malethibela Lits'esane (35 años) mira largamente las montañas que rodean el pueblo de Ha Makhalanyane en Lesotho, el reino rodeado por la poderosa Sudáfrica. Añora la vida que tenía varias millas más allá de esas montañas.

Líderes Del Comité De Lausana Para La Evangelización Mundial Se Dan Cita En Buenos Aires

12 junio 2008, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Desde el domingo 8 de junio, se lleva a cabo en Buenos Aires un encuentro de liderazgo internacional perteneciente al Comité de Lausana para la Evangelización Mundial (LCWE) que fue oficialmente formado en la Ciudad de México en el año 1975, un año después del histórico congreso en Lausana, Suiza. Según S. Douglas Birdsall, Director Ejecutivo del Comité de Evangelización Mundial de Lausana, el viaje a la Argentina pretende "aprender mucho, para así ganar más entendimiento acerca de todo lo que Dios está haciendo en las iglesias de la América Latina."

CONEP Reclama Al Estado Pida Perdón Por Matanza En Putis

11 junio 2008, LIMA, Perú – Luego de conocerse que decenas de cuerpos se hallaban enterrados en una fosa común en la localidad de Putis (provincia de Huanta, Ayacucho), el Concilio Nacional Evangélico del Perú (CONEP) emitió un pronunciamiento en el que exigió al Estado peruano pedir disculpas públicas a los familiares de las víctimas. Por medio de un comunicado denominado "Por un país verdaderamente reconciliado," el Consejo Directivo del CONEP considera que "que las víctimas de los execrables sucesos de la comunidad de Putis merecen que se les pida perdón público de parte del Estado," pues sostienen que "la reconciliación que reclama el país será auténtica sólo si descansa en acciones concretas de restitución y verdadera reparación a las víctimas."

Human Rights News

Philippine Human Rights Concerns Raised by Presiding Bishop in Manila

June 5, 2008, MANILA – Extra-judicial killings and human rights abuses were some of the issues discussed by Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney at a June 4 meeting at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Jefferts Schori is currently in the Philippines for her first official visit to the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) and its ecumenical partners.

National News

United Methodists Declare Victory for Farm Workers

June 11, 2008 – United Methodists are celebrating a victory for farm workers following an agreement by Burger King Corp. to pay more for tomatoes picked by workers in Florida. The second largest fast-food chain in the United States agreed to pay an extra 1.5 cents per pound for tomatoes picked in Florida. One penny of the increase will go for wages, and a half cent will fund incremental payroll taxes and administrative costs to encourage grower participation in the pact.

Lutheran Disaster Response Issues Statement on Midwest Flooding

June 13, 2008, CHICAGO (ELCA) – Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) has issued a June 13 statement regarding recent and current flooding in several Midwest states – Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska and Wisconsin. LDR is a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Here is the text of that statement
June 13, 2008 One right after another, terrible storms have left indelible marks this week on individuals and communities across the Midwest, and it seems as though the news headlines have continually focused national attention on the region. As the long effort of cleaning up and rebuilding begins, Lutheran Disaster Response is poised to bring help and hope, and to walk side by side with those affected.

Iowa United Methodists Respond to Storms, Floods

June 13, 2008, DES MOINES, Iowa – Severe storms and rising floodwaters in Iowa have forced thousands of residents from their homes and shut down numerous roads as United Methodist disaster recovery leaders provide support amid potentially staggering long-term needs. The emergency situation was changing nearly as quickly as the waters flowing in the Des Moines, Skunk, Raccoon, Iowa, Cedar and other rivers across the state. Nine rivers were at or above historic flood levels. Eighty-three of Iowa's 99 counties were declared disaster areas by Gov. Chet Culver as of June 13.

Indiana United Methodists Respond to Floods

June 11, 2008 – United Methodists in Indiana have mobilized to deal with flooding in the central and southern parts of the state. President George W. Bush signed a disaster declaration on June 8 for the state of Indiana, which allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to coordinate federal assistance to the affected 21 counties. Meanwhile, the United Methodist Committee on Relief is allocating a $10,000 emergency grant to the denomination's Indiana Area at the request of Bishop Michael Coyner.

International News

In the Shadow of the Dam, Communities Long for Water

June 9, 2008 – The massive dams built by South Africa and Lesotho in the mountain kingdom's highlands have proven a success for the economies of both countries. The Christian Council of Lesotho is worried, however, that the residents displaced by the project are bypassed when it comes to the benefits. Malethibela Lits'esane (35) gazes up to the mountains surrounding the village of Ha Makhalanyane in Lesotho, the kingdom encompassed by mighty South Africa. She longs for the life she once lived several miles beyond those mountains.

NGOs Have Role in China Relief, Says Amity Staff

June 9, 2008 – The enormous impact of the recent earthquake in China makes the involvement of nongovernmental organizations there more important than ever, according to the staff of a Chinese Christian organization. She Hongyu, assistant director of research and development for the Amity Foundation and its overseas liaison, believes it is impossible even for China's government to take care of everyone in a situation "where nearly 70,000 people have been killed and nearly 17,000 are still missing," with millions relocated. The official death toll from the quake climbed June 8 to 69,136, with 17,686 people still missing, according to the Associated Press.

Zimbabwe's Oppressed Anglicans Embody Hope and Courage, Massachusetts Bishop Says

June 9, 2008 – The Rt. Rev. M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE, bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts says it was "a privilege" to spend a week with Anglican Zimbabweans in the Diocese of Harare, which encompasses the nation's capital and outlying areas. "Zimbabweans are a gentle people of tremendous resilience," Shaw reports, and he contends that those who are being oppressed for being Anglicans have much to teach us. Shaw returned to the United States June 4, after a week-long visit during which he met with 49 priests, 40-50 laypersons, human rights attorneys and U.S. Embassy staff.

Sudan Needs Prayer and Action, Episcopal, Lutheran Presiding Bishops Urge in Joint Statement

June 5, 2008 Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson have issued a joint statement calling for prayer and action for the people of Sudan following a new wave of violence in Abyei that "has threatened the resumption of widespread conflict in a nation just three years removed from decades of civil war." Acknowledging an urgent need for humanitarian assistance "in order to assist those newly displaced from their homes who now suffer without food, clean water, or shelter," the presiding bishops are asking that donations be made to Episcopal Relief and Development or ELCA International Disaster Response.

Middle East News

Egypt Visit to Highlight WCC Middle East Focus

June 12, 2008 – The necessity of peace in the Middle East will be highlighted during a 16 to 21 June visit to Egypt by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. During encounters with leaders of WCC member churches as well as other religious and secular figures in Cairo and Alexandria, a WCC delegation led by Kobia will learn about the situation of the churches in Egypt and discuss WCC activities in the Middle East. Impetus for the talks comes from the Amman Call, a document about how churches must commit to working for peace in the Middle East.