Front Page

Pacific Visit to Highlight WCC Concern on Climate Change

July 7, 2008 – Climate change, its causes and consequences as well as the role of churches and the worldwide ecumenical family will be at the center of a 7-14 July visit to the Pacific region by the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. During a series of encounters with leaders of WCC member churches and other religious and secular figures in Papetee (French Polynesia), Nadi (Fiji) and Apia (Samoa), a WCC delegation led by Kobia will discuss climate change issues, as well as consequences of nuclear testing and this year's focus on the region of the WCC Decade to Overcome Violence.

Iowa Faith Leaders Speak out for Immigrant Workers

July 11, 2008 – United Methodist Bishop Gregory Palmer and other faith leaders are calling on churches to advocate for better treatment of low-wage workers helping with flood relief in Iowa. Christian faith commands the church to speak out in ways that lessen fear and show God's love for everyone, said Palmer, who leads the denomination's Iowa Area. He spoke during a July 10 telephone press conference organized by Christians for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. He was joined by bishops and pastors from the Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and United Church of Christ.

Faith Leaders Call for End to U.S. ‘Poverty Train'

July 10, 2008, WASHINGTON – Faith leaders say it is time to stop the "poverty train" in the United States and rescue its 37 million citizens living below the poverty line. The Democratic Faith Working Group (DFWG) and the Out-of-Poverty Caucus (OPC) held a panel discussion June 12 aimed at bringing awareness to the worsening problem of U.S. poverty, as well as exploring solutions. Faith leaders from eight denominations and organizations participated in the discussion held in the Sam Rayburn House of Representatives office building. Poverty is a "lifelong dilemma" that needs to be addressed now, said the Rev. Jim Wallis, president and chief executive officer of Sojourners. "The poverty train should stop by 2009," he said.

General News

Northeast United Methodists Look at Boundaries

July 9, 2008 – United Methodists in the denomination's Northeastern Jurisdiction will vote on proposed changes in episcopal area boundaries during their July 13-18 conference in Harrisburg, Pa. The recommendations from the jurisdiction's boundaries committee, which would take effect in 2010, also relate to the number of bishops to be elected during the gathering, according to Ruth Daugherty, secretary for the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. Under its current configuration, the Northeastern Jurisdiction covers 10 episcopal areas (13 annual conferences) in the region from Maine to West Virginia.

WCC Internship Programme 2009

July 8, 2008 – The World Council of Churches (WCC) will welcome five young people (aged 18-30 years) to serve as interns in its Geneva offices from February 2009 to January 2010. Interns bring valuable experiences to the WCC at the same time as they undertake several modules of ecumenical learning. The next 12 months' internship period begins in February 2009. In Geneva, the interns will be assigned to one of the WCC working areas. They will carry out their tasks in co-operation with programme staff and under individualized supervision. During their stay in Geneva each intern is expected to plan an ecumenical project to implement in his or her home context when they return in February 2010.

Women of the ELCA Delegates Adopt Proposals on Environmental Matters

July 10, 2008, SALT LAKE CITY – At a July 9 session of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), delegates adopted by a vote of 356-16 resolutions that focused on topics such as minimizing or eliminating the use of plastics, reducing the consumption of bottled water and raising awareness of mountaintop removal mining. The delegates adopted the memorials en bloc. Women of the ELCA's Seventh Triennial Convention is being held through July 10 here at the Salt Palace Convention Center. More than 2,000 women are expected July 10-13 for the Seventh Triennial Gathering of Women of the ELCA.

Chittister Tells Women of the ELCA to Boldly Challenge War, Peace Processes

July 11, 2008, SALT LAKE CITY – Women of faith have a special calling to restore religion's principles of nonviolence, Sister Joan Chittister, O.S.B., told more than 2,000 women July 11 in the keynote of the Seventh Triennial Gathering of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Her address on women, religion and war challenged the audience to reclaim religion from those who would misuse it "to justify a world at war." The gathering theme, "Come to the Waters," focuses on the celebration of Baptism through Bible study, speakers, workshops, community service and worship.

Scholarships Help Women Prepare for Ordination

June 9, 2008 – Nine women from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Pacific have been awarded scholarships from the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) to help them prepare for the ordained ministry in their churches. In announcing the awards on 9 June, Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, executive secretary of the Office for Church Renewal, Justice and Partnership, said that the ordination of women is a priority of the family of Reformed churches and a significant step in the advancement of women in the church. This year's scholarship winners include:

California United Methodists React to Same-Sex Ruling

July 8, 2008 – On the heels of a California Supreme Court ruling that opened the door to same-gender unions, two United Methodist legislative bodies in California have approved gay-friendly statements that are stretching the denominational promise of "open hearts, open doors, open minds." The church's California-Pacific Annual Conference, convening June 18-22 in Redlands, approved three measures that support same-gender couples entering into the marriage covenant. Each "encourages both congregations and pastors to welcome, embrace and provide spiritual nurture and pastoral care for these families," according to a June 27 letter to the conference from Bishop Mary Ann Swenson and other conference leaders.

Episcopal Youth Get Fired up for Faith and Mission
Bonnie Anderson Underscores Importance of Community, Relationship

July 11, 2008 – Following a day of arrivals on July 8 and an evening welcome program that included a challenge from the Presiding Bishop, more than 850 youth attending the 2008 Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) in San Antonio began an intensive, five-day program on July 9 that focuses on faith and mission. The high school-aged student delegates are joined by more than 300 adult sponsors and resource persons for the 10th triennial youth gathering of the Episcopal Church on the campus of Trinity University. The gathering includes participants from all nine provinces of the Episcopal Church, including delegates from Central America and Europe.

Episcopalians Can Join Bishops' Walk of Witness – Virtually

July 10, 2008 – When Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and more than 600 Anglican bishops, their spouses and other faith leaders from around the United Kingdom march through central London July 24, Episcopalians back home can "march" with them. The Lambeth Conference's Walk of Witness is intended as a high-profile symbol of commitment to the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) – eight promises made by world leaders to halve global poverty by 2015. The bishops will walk through the heart of London, including Parliament Square and will also commit to putting more pressure on their respective governments to ensure that funding promises are met, and the right policies put in place, to make a difference to local communities across the world.

Ecumenical News

Anglican Bishop Asks Pope for Magnanimity
Some May Seek Catholicism after "Yes" to Women Bishops

July 9, 2008, LONDON – Since the Church of England will now allow women bishops, one of its prelates is looking for "magnanimous gestures" from Benedict XVI to facilitate the entrance of Anglicans into the Catholic Church. In a letter to be published in this week's edition of Britain's Catholic Herald newspaper, Anglican Bishop Andrew Burnham of Ebbsfleet said "traditional Anglo-Catholics" now face the decision of staying in the Church of England in "what, for a while, will be a protected colony – where the sacramental ministry of women bishops and priests is neither acknowledged nor received – or to leave."

Aide: Pauline Year a Chance for Unity
Says Timing Depends on Prayer, Charity and Faith

July 6, 2008, VATICAN CITY – The Pauline Jubilee Year is an opportunity to make progress toward full Christian unity, says a Vatican spokesman. Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, affirmed this in the most recent edition of Vatican Television's "Octava Dies." "The solemn opening of the Pauline year at the Basilica of St. Paul and the celebration of the solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul in St. Peter's Basilica, with the participation of several representatives of Christian Churches and communities and, in particular, of [Orthodox] Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, were new intense moments of ecumenical encounter," he said.

Church of England Faces Ruin over Women Bishops

July 5, 2008 – The Church of England is in danger of "shattering" into thousands of stained-glass pieces if women are ordained as bishops, its governing body was warned this morning. Members of the General Synod urged church leaders to postpone a decision on women bishops until more detailed proposals could be drawn up on how to care for opponents. More than 1,300 clergy are threatening to leave the Church if women are consecrated to the episcopate without legislation enacted to protect them. The Anglo-Catholic wing wants a special, extra-geographical diocese or province created as a woman-bishop and woman-priest free zone, to preserve the Church's apostolic tradition of a male-only priesthood.

Episcopal/Presbyterian Dialogue Moves on with General Assembly Action
General Convention Due to Consider Expansion of Mission Relationship

July 11, 2008 – Participants in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 218th General Assembly recently agreed to move forward in a dialogue with the Episcopal Church aimed at encouraging closer relationships between congregations of the two denominations. The agreement, which will be considered by the 76th General Convention in July 2009, would allow Presbyterian and Episcopal clergy to perform ministerial functions in each other's congregations "when requested and approved by the diocesan bishop and local presbytery." It stops short of being a full communion agreement.

Spanish News

Visita Al Pacífico Destaca Preocupación Del CMI Por El Cambio Climático

8 julio 2008 – El cambio climático, sus causas y consecuencias, así como el rol que pueden jugar al respecto las iglesias y la familia ecuménica mundial ocuparán el centro de la agenda durante la visita del secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia, a la región del Pacífico del 7 al 14 de julio. Durante una serie de encuentros con líderes de las iglesias miembros del CMI y otras figuras religiosas y de la sociedad civil en Papetee (Polinesia Francesa), Nadi (Fiji) y Apia (Samoa), una delegación del CMI encabezada por Kobia debatirá los problemas del cambio climático, así como las consecuencias de los ensayos nucleares y el foco de atención que este año pone en la región el Decenio para Superar la Violencia del CMI.

Programa De Becarios 2009

8 julio 2008 – El Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) acoge a cinco jóvenes (de 18 a 30 años) para que trabajen como becarios desde febrero de 2009 hasta enero de 2010 en sus oficinas de Ginebra. Los becarios aportan valiosas experiencias al CMI y, al mismo tiempo, pasan por varios módulos de aprendizaje ecuménico. El próximo período de 12 meses para los becarios comenzará en febrero de 2009. En Ginebra los becarios son asignados a uno de los sectores de trabajo del CMI. Desempeñan sus funciones en cooperación con el personal del programa y bajo la supervisión de un tutor personal.

No Dejen Solo Al Pueblo De Zimbabwe, Pide El CMI a La Comunidad Internacional

7 julio 2008 – Después de "una elección que puede describirse como una puesta en escena," el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) ha pedido que se proteja a la población "de una violencia creciente y constante," se "intensifique la supervisión internacional" de la situación del país y se provea ayuda humanitaria. Además, advirtió sobre posibles consecuencias en caso de sanciones económicas. No obstante el "mucho debate" en torno a la situación actual de Zimbabwe, desde un punto de vista religioso algunos principios permanecen firmes, sostuvo el secretario general del CMI, pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia, en una declaración fechada el 4 de julio.

Las Iglesias Ante La Vulneración De Derechos Por La Trata Y El Tráfico De Personas

10 julio 2008 – BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Las y los participantes del III Encuentro "Trata y Tráfico de Personas: El compromiso de las iglesias ante la vulneración de Derechos," organizado conjuntamente por el Foro de género del CLAI (Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias) de Argentina, y CAREF (Servicio Ecuménico de Apoyo y Orientación a Migrantes y Refugiados), expresaron la preocupación ante la "naturalización" con la que se observan las diversas manifestaciones de la problemática de la trata y tráfico de personas y la dificultad para dimensionar el padecimiento real en el que están sumidas sus víctimas.

En Medio Siglo De Historia, Las CEBS Continúan Vivas

10 julio 2008 – SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia – A pesar de las dificultades internas y externas, las Comunidades Eclesiales de Base (CEBs) están vivas y, a partir de los pobres y con fuerte protagonismo de los laicos, continúan luchando por la vida digna de los pueblos. Las CEBs completan medio siglo de presencia en la América Latina y en el Caribe. La proclamación consta del mensaje del VIII Encuentro Latino-Americano y Caribeño de CEBs, reunido del 1 a 5 de julio, en Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Religiones En Colonia: Juntas Por Una Buena Convivencia

7 julio 2008 – "Siempre es bueno ver cómo una idea se transforma en acción" dice la pastora Barbara Rudolph. La directora del Consejo de Iglesias Cristianas en Alemania, se alegra al escuchar los avances que en la ciudad de Colonia ha realizado el proyecto local de la campanã nacional "¿Sabes quién soy?" Éste es uno de los 120 proyectos auspiciados por el Ministerio Federal del Interior para un mayor acercamiento mutuo de las religiones.

No Dejen Solo Al Pueblo De Zimbabwe, Pide El CMI

7 julio 2008, GINEBRA, Suiza – Después de "una elección que puede describirse como una puesta en escena," el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) ha pedido que se proteja a la población "de una violencia creciente y constante," se "intensifique la supervisión internacional" de la situación del país y se provea ayuda humanitaria. Además, advirtió sobre posibles consecuencias en caso de sanciones económicas. No obstante el "mucho debate" en torno a la situación actual de Zimbabwe, desde un punto de vista religioso algunos principios permanecen firmes, sostuvo el secretario general del CMI, pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia, en una declaración fechada el 4 de julio.

Metodistas Recuerdan 125 Años De Presencia De La Iglesia En La Amazonía

8 julio 2008, BRASIL – Profesor de inglés los días de la semana, pastor los domingos, el misionero estadounidense Justus Nelson fue el primer pastor metodista que llegó a la Amazonía. El día 27 de junio de 1880, él comenzó las predicaciones, en inglés, en un almacén arrendado. Dos años después, ya predicaba en portugués, y en 1883 fundó la Iglesia Metodista Episcopal de Pará. "De la misma forma que Pablo en Corinto, en Pará nunca recibí remuneración de mis servicios de pastor," dice Justus al despedirse de los paraenses, en noviembre de 1925, cuando regresa a los Estados Unidos.

FECLAI Se Solidariza Con La Comunidad Evangélica ELIM

7 julio 2008, SAN SALVADOR – "La pobreza económica y ambiental que vivimos en El Salvador provocan estas tragedias," expresó en un comunicado el Foro Ecuménico del Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (FECLAI- El Salvador) al referirse a la muerte de 31 miembros de una comunidad evangélica cuando el autobús en que viajaban fue arrastrado por la corriente del río Acelhualte, afluente que atraviesa la capital salvadoreña. FECLAI, que también aglutina a las iglesias históricas, se solidarizó con la comunidad evangélica ELIM, iglesia a la que pertenecían las víctimas.

Religious Liberty News

Ecumenical Patriarchate's Rights Vindicated by European Court of Human Rights

July 9, 2008, NEW YORK, NY – The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France unanimously ruled yesterday July 8, in favor of the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, specifically as to its historic Orphanage on the island of Pringepos. The Court ruled that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which had purchased the property with its own funds in 1902, was the rightful owner of the property, which ownership was not affected by subsequent legislation and actions involving charitable foundations.

New York Metro News

Queens Youth Leads "Drug-Free Marshals"
at Ceremony for International Day Against Drug Abuse

June 26, 2008, NEW YORK – With more than 50 percent of young people having taken illegal drugs by the age of 17, a program is mobilizing teenagers, including Queens student Tymaine Brown, as a key part in the fight against the multi-billion dollar drug industry. The Drug Free Marshals Program was highlighted at a celebration of the UN International Day Against Drug Abuse, at the Church of Scientology in Manhattan, last Thursday night. Meghan Fialkoff, herself a Bayside native and New York Director of the Foundation for a Drug Free World and the Drug-Free Marshals, was joined onstage by Deputy Inspector Amin G. Kosseim, with the NYPD Office of Special Projects (Bureau of Community Affairs), and Mr. Gerald Jeremiah, representing the United Nations Non-Governmental Organization on Narcotic and Substance Abuse.

National News

ELCA Presiding Bishop, Lutheran Leaders Write to Presidential Candidates

July 9, 2008, CHICAGO – Stating that Lutherans have a long history and significant experience related to health and human services, relief and development, and refugee protection and immigration, four Lutheran leaders wrote to the major political party candidates for U.S. President. In their letter the leaders, including the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), suggested specific policy priorities and urged presidential leadership on a series of topics.

International News

Seesaw of Interfaith Cooperation: Working Together for Peaceful Relations in Cologne

July 7, 2008 – "It's always good to see what can come of an idea," says Rev. Barbara Rudolph, executive director of the Council of Christian Churches in Germany (ACK). On this beautiful summer Sunday, she is delighted to hear how the local project in Cologne of the campaign Weißt Du wer ich bin? ("Do you know who I am?") has developed. The nationwide campaign was launched by the ACK, the Central Council of Jews, the Central Council of Muslims and the Turkish-Islamic Union at the Institute for Religion (Ditib) and has, with support from the Federal Ministry for Internal Affairs, set up 120 local projects to promote greater interfaith cooperation.

Sunday School Hits Links to Build Wells for Africa

July 10, 2008 – Proceeds from a golf tournament sponsored by a Sunday school class in Arkansas will provide a well with clean water for a village in Africa. The June 21 golf classic, hosted by the Stepping Stone class of St. James United Methodist Church in Little Rock, netted $10,000. The money will go to build at least one well in Kamina, a village in the North Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Reviews

Theology's Steadfast Questioner: Disputed Truth: Memoirs II by Hans Küng

July 3, 2008 – Hans Küng is unique among Catholic theologians. He himself would attribute this quality in part to his refusal to be co-opted into "the Roman system," despite Paul VI's entreaty. He has been determined to avoid becoming a "court theologian." But in part it derives from his Swiss assertion of independence and freedom. He likes to quote Gregory the Great: "Better for scandal to be caused than for the truth to be abandoned." This stance has brought him, as documented in this second volume of memoirs, continual tension with Rome, ending in a titanic battle.