Front Page

Faithful Africans Work with U.S. Religious Leaders to Seek Climate Justice

September 23, 2008, WASHINGTON – In response to the growing challenges of climate change such as crop failure and increasing storms occurring across Africa, a delegation of Christians from Uganda and Zimbabwe are joining National Council of Churches USA (NCC) delegates September 22 – 27, to meet with Capitol Hill lawmakers to seek international adaptation assistance. "The crops die," said delegate Rosemary Mayiga, a Ugandan Catholic and rural economist. "Farmers then have to plough and plant again. It is not moral for some people to go to bed with a full stomach when others go to bed with their stomach empty."

Archbishop of York: Calls for Joint Action to Achieve "Education for All" at UN Emergency Summit

September 26, 2008 – The Archbishop of York launched the "Education For All" initiative during a session of the UN's emergency summit on Millennium Development Goals yesterday. Speaking in New York alongside Gordon Brown and Former US President Bill Clinton, Dr. Sentamu said: "We are half way to the 2015 MDG targets and yet 75 million children remain out of school completely. Twice as many, mostly girls, go for a short while but then drop out. We may think we are making progress on education but the facts are that too many children around the world are receiving inadequate education and in many cases, no education at all..."

‘Luther Decade' Significant for All Lutherans, Says Lutheran World Leader

September 22, 2008, LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG, Germany – The Sept. 20-21 kickoff of the "Luther Decade" here was significant for all Lutherans because it offered opportunities for evangelism and "deep theological conversation" among Lutherans and ecumenical partners, said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), made the comments Sept. 21 during a news conference here. Hanson participated in a series of events marking the arrival here 500 years ago of Martin Luther, a German monk, whose writings were instrumental in the Lutheran Reformation.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Addresses European Parliament

September 25, 2008, BRUSSELS, Belgium – His All Holiiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a major address to the Plenary Assembly of the European Parliament during the formal sitting of the assembly in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday, September 24, 2008. His All Holiness was introduced by Mr. Hans-Gert Pöttering, President of the European Parliament.

United Methodists Organize for New Ecumenical Efforts

September 22, 2008, DAYTON, Ohio – The United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns is not quite re-inventing itself. But with new leadership at its helm, 26 new members on its 43-person board and an expanded agenda of both a global and interfaith nature, the church's ecumenical agency is moving forward in a new way. "We realize it is a season of fresh beginnings," said Bishop Mary Ann Swenson of the Los Angeles area, the new commission president.

WCC Co-Sponsors International Dialogue Between Religious Leaders and Politicial Figures

September 25, 2008 – The UN Liaison Office of the World Council of Churches (WCC) is co-sponsoring an international dialogue between religious leaders and political figures – including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – aimed at exploring faith perspectives and the role of religion regarding global issues such as poverty, war and prejudice while deepening mutual understanding. "Religious leaders have an urgent role to insist on dialogue and mutual understanding in addressing conflict and confrontation between nations. This particularly is true in the context of the United Nations," says Rev. Christopher Ferguson, WCC Representative to the UN.

U.N. Declares MDG Event ‘Exceeded Our Most Optimistic Expectations'

September 26, 2008 – At the close of the September 25 "high-level event" at the United Nations aimed at gaining a recommitment to the Millennium Development Goals, the U.N. announced new contributions and commitments that it said could amount to $16 billion or more. That total included $4.5 billion to get 24 million more children in school by 2010 by way of the Education for All campaign, $1.6 billion to foster food security, $3 billion to launch the Malaria Action Plan, and almost half a billion dollars in new pledges to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, $2 billion related to child mortality and maternal health, and as well as pledges to support national health plans and access to clean water and sanitation, and education.

Wall Street's Woes Come to Church
Episcopalians Consider New Economic Landscape, Extend Help to Others

September 23, 2008 – As employees and investors reeled after a week of calamity in financial markets, Episcopalians are among the many still sorting out what the news means to them, their congregations and their neighbors. Much of the immediate impact of Wall Street's financial woes were felt in and around New York. Due to turmoil on the mortgage and credit markets in recent days, the Lehman Brothers investment firm went bankrupt and brokerage giant Merrill Lynch was sold to Bank of America.

Hurricane Response

‘Points of Blessings' Follow Ike's Destruction

September 19, 2008 – As hurricane-weary Houstonians continue to clear debris, repair their homes, and stand in long lines for food, ice, and gasoline, LCMS members opened relief distribution centers to serve as "points of blessings" in the nation's fourth largest city. "We want to help our congregations help their members and also reach out to their communities' needs," said Rev. Mark Junkans, executive director of the Lutheran Inner-City Network Coalition (LINC) Houston, who, in partnership with the LCMS Texas District, is operating the primary relief headquarters at the LINC Mission Center.

‘It's like Katrina All over Again,' Survivors Say of Ike

September 22, 2008, DULAC, La. – Just one year ago, Mathilda and Glen Verret worked side by side with volunteers who were installing cabinets for a new kitchen in their home. Their house, like so many others in the small Native American town, had been destroyed by Hurricane Rita in 2005. Today, Glen Verret looks at those same cabinets, checking to see which can be salvaged and which will need replacing. Verret's home was flooded during Hurricane Ike, which slammed into the Texas-Louisiana coastline as a Category 2 storm on Sept. 13.

ELCA Synod Bishop to Visit Galveston, Survey Hurricane Damage

September 26, 2008, CHICAGO – People are re-entering Galveston, Texas, and it is "incredibly emotional," according to the Rev. Michael W. Rinehart, bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Houston. Along with synod staff and others, Rinehart will travel to Galveston Sept. 26 to survey damage left behind from Hurricane Ike. "We're bringing generators, food and water," he said. Most of the 122 congregations in the synod "have been impacted in some way," reported Rinehart.

Texas United Methodists Need Help to Rebuild after Ike

September 25, 2008, HIGH ISLAND, Texas – Jerry Harrington has lived on the Gulf Coast of Texas all of his life, but Hurricane Ike finally convinced him to leave. "This is the worst I have ever seen, I'm not going to build it back," he said as he walked around the rubble of his home left behind by the Sept. 13 storm. "I'm all right without my house, but I just can't stand losing all my mementos." Harrington is one of about 500 residents of this scenic coastal town who have returned to find their communities wrecked and their lives changed forever.

General News

Celebrate Women Communicators Building Peace

September 21, 2008 – It may seem ironic to celebrate an International Day of Peace when conflicts rage in Afghanistan, Colombia, Georgia, Iraq, Zimbabwe, and many other countries. Yet, focusing the world's attention on the possibility of peace – even for 24 hours – gives people a chance to reflect individually and collectively on what they can to do to make a difference.

Churches Have a Role to Play in Helping Men Become Better Partners

September 23, 2008 – Patriarchy has been the dominant influence in shaping men and oppressing women, a workshop sponsored by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the World Council of Churches (WCC) has concluded. Meeting in Blantyre, Malawi, from 13 to 19 September, 35 men and women from Africa, Asia and Caribbean stated in a report that patriarchy is also a critical theological issue for the church to confront.

Statement Reconciles Circuit Delegate Exceptions Concerns

September 26, 2008 – Expressing hopes for "a growing spirit of reconciliation, peace, and harmony in our beloved Synod," four LCMS pastors, five district presidents, and President Gerald B. Kieschnick have issued a joint statement regarding questions about exceptions that allowed certain circuits to elect delegates to the 2007 LCMS convention. The discussions and resulting statement, dated Sept. 4, follow concern over circuit delegate exceptions for the 2007 convention and what may have been seen as an attempt to gain political advantage.

New Center for Health Focuses on Clergy, Lay Workers

September 26, 2008, LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – A new Center for Health will address growing health concerns among United Methodist clergy and lay workers by focusing on their holistic wellness, Bishop Mike Watson announced during the denomination's annual health ministries conference. The center is based at the United Methodist Board of Pension and Health Benefits in Evanston, Ill. "As a denomination, we need to empower ministries of health today so that our clergy and laity are able to continue effective ministry tomorrow and in the future," said Watson, chairperson of the church's health benefits agency and bishop of the North Georgia Annual (regional) Conference.

Native American Women Hear Call to Be Role Models

September 25, 2008, ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Native American women in The United Methodist Church must follow God's call on their lives while remembering that they are role models for future generations, says an indigenous bishop in the Episcopal Church. The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher encouraged some 150 Native American women to continue moving forward, sharing their history and traditions, and persevering despite obstacles. One of those obstacles is discrimination, but persistence and continued education are weakening the barriers, she said. "Stand your ground and do what God is calling you to do," said Gallagher, a member of the Cherokee nation. "Find ways to celebrate the uniqueness that you are."

If You Have a Problem with Your Neighbour, You Have a Problem with God –
Archbishop Daniel Deng Visits Western Equatoria
for the Enthronement of the New Bishop of Ibba, Wilson Kamani

September 22, 2008, YAMBIO – The Archbishop of the Sudan, the Most Revd Dr. Daniel Deng Bul, on the weekend was in Yambio on a tour of the Western Equatoria State ECS dioceses. On Sunday 14th September the Archbishop visited Ibba, to enthrone the new diocesan bishop, Bishop Wilson Kamani, who was elected the Second Bishop of Ibba in June this year.

Ecumenical News

St. Paul and the Apostles

September 24, 2008, VATICAN CITY – During his general audience, held this morning in St. Peter's Square in the presence of some 15,000 faithful, Benedict XVI continued his catechesis on the life and work of St. Paul, focusing today on his relationship with the Apostles. St. Paul, he said, "though he was practically a contemporary of Jesus of Nazareth, never had the opportunity of meeting Him during His public life. For this reason ... he felt the need to consult the Master's first disciples, who had been chosen by Him to carry the Gospel to the ends of the earth."

Anglicans Join in Lourdes Jubilee

September 25, 2008 – The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, joined some 600 Anglicans for a pilgrimage at world-renowned shrine of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes in the south of France. The five day visit was sponsored by the Society of Mary and the Society of Our Lady of Walsingham, two Anglican devotional societies that honour the person of the Virgin Mary in devotion and prayer, find Anglicans sharing the Jubilee celebration of the establishing of the shrine in 1858. Seven bishops and some 60 priests joined in a concelebrated Anglican Eucharist in the Upper Basilica of the main church.

Repentance a Theme of Reformation, U.S. Lutheran Bishop Says

September 22, 2008, LUTHERSTADT WITTENBERG, Germany (ELCA) – Repentance is God's gift to the world through Jesus Christ, and it is one central theme of the ongoing Lutheran Reformation, said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, president of the 68.3 million-member Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Geneva, and presiding bishop of the 4.7 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Chicago. Hanson made the comment in remarks here Sept. 20 at a groundbreaking ceremony for a Luther Garden, a project of the German National Committee of the LWF.

Israeli Rabbi Invited for Synod

September 25, 2008 – Israeli Rabbi Shear-Yashuv Cohen, co-chairman of the Israeli-Vatican dialogue commission and chief rabbi of Haifa, will become the first non-Christian ever to address a world Synod of Bishops. Catholic News Service reports that Rabbi Cohen will lead a one-day discussion on the Jewish interpretation of the Scriptures. "(The invitation) brings with it a message of love, coexistence and peace for generations," Rabbi Cohen told Catholic News Service in an interview in his Jerusalem office. "We see in (the) invitation a kind of declaration that (the church) intends to continue with the policy and doctrine established by Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II, and we appreciate very deeply this declaration."

Saints and Martyrs, a Driving Force for Church Unity

September 23, 2008 – Can saints and martyrs – or for that matter, Christians who lived exemplary lives – help unite the churches into which they were born? An international group of experts will discuss this and other related questions at a symposium in an Italian monastery. Throughout the history of the church, men and women have set examples of Christian life that constitute a rich heritage to the ecumenical movement.

Women in Christian-Muslim Dialogue Want to Break down Stereotypes

September 25, 2008 – Can women play a strong role in bringing reconciliation and tolerance to the communities in conflict? Can divisions and divides be resolved from a faith-based perspective, when religion often is considered a cause of violence? These were some of many critical questions addressed in a dialogue process "Moving towards peace through religion" by 25 women of Christian and Muslim faith in a meeting held 4-7 September in Gothenburg, Sweden. The event was a joint initiative of World Council of Churches and Teheran's Institute of Interreligious Dialogue and hosted by the Gothenburg diocese of the Church of Sweden.

Editorial Page

Commentary: Who Is Visiting Small Churches Today?

September 24, 2008 – When small church lay and clergy leaders gather, their first comments often reflect an understandable anger, defensiveness and dread of the imminent future. This is understandable given the challenges they face. But if you listen long enough, as I have done regularly for the last several years, you begin to pick up signs of hope. There's hope consistent with empirical data showing that approximately 35 percent of small membership churches are indeed growing each year-and hope consistent with the church's own theological metrics for measuring the viability and vitality of a congregation. So who needs a small church these days?

Spanish News

Certeza Cumple 40 Años De Servicio En Literatura Cristiana

22 septiembre 2008, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – El día 29 de septiembre de 2008 se llevarán a cabo las actividades de celebración de los primeros 40 años de existencia de Certeza como editorial, librerías y distribuidora. Desde las 9:30 hasta las 19 horas se realizarán descuentos increíbles en todas las sucursales, culminando a las 18 horas con un tiempo de acción de gracias junto a pastores, amigos, músicos y representantes de las principales editoriales que confían en Certeza Argentina como distribuidora de sus productos.

Familias Confesionales Reunidas En Quito. Celebran Los 30 Años Del CLAI

25 septiembre 2008, QUITO, Ecuador – Con un devocional y el Informe de CLAI 2008, dio comienzo esta mañana el Encuentro de Familias Confesionales convocado por el Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI), en la semana donde se celebran sus 30 años de vida en el continente. Del encuentro participan líderes eclesiales y de organizaciones ecuménicas de América Latina.

Estudiarán El Aporte a La Espiritualidad Ecuménica, De Los Santos Y Mártires

24 septiembre 2008, GINEBRA, Suiza – ¿Pueden santos y mártires – o cristianos que han vivido vidas ejemplares – contribuir a la unidad de las iglesias en las que nacieron? Un grupo internacional de expertos examinará esta y otras cuestiones conexas en un simposio a celebrarse en un monasterio italiano. Las vidas ejemplares de muchos cristianos y cristianas a lo largo de la historia de la iglesia constituyen un rico patrimonio para el movimiento ecuménico.

Luteranos Inauguran Década De La Reforma

22 septiembre 2008, WITTENBERG, Alemania – Un culto festivo realizado ayer en la iglesia del Castillo, en Wittenberg, marcó el inicio de la Década de Lutero, que culminará en 2017 con la celebración de los 500 años de la colocación de las 95 tesis en la puerta de este mismo templo. Las tesis de Lutero preconizaron cambios en la Iglesia, dando inicio al movimiento de la Reforma protestante. "Lutero 2017 – 500 años de Reforma" es el lema de la Década, que convida a confrontar las tesis del reformador con preguntas de la actualidad.

Judíos Y Católicos Buscan Tender Puentes Para Respetarse Y Ayudar Al Continente

23 septiembre 2008, CIUDAD DE MÉXICO – El Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano –CELAM y el Congreso Judío Latinoamericano – CJL, convocaron a una importante reunión de líderes de las comunidades de fe respectivas en la ciudad de México, los días 9 y 10 de septiembre de 2008 para estudiar conjuntamente la realidad del continente. Según informa la "Declaración de México," surgida del encuentro, éste contó con el apoyo del Comité Central de la Comunidad Judía de México y de la Conferencia Episcopal de México, y servió para crear un espacio de diálogo entre los máximos referentes de ambas organizaciones, buscando de esta manera profundizar el entendimiento y el respeto entre católicos y judíos en Latinoamérica y el Caribe.

DAS Interviene a Participantes De Curso De Oikosnet

26 septiembre 2008, BARRANQUILLA, Colombia – Detectives del Departamento Administrativo de Seguridad (DAS) de Colombia intervinieron a los participantes del VI Curso regional de la Red Ecuménica de Centros Laicos – Oikosnet América Latina, desarrollado del 12 al 21 de septiembre en la ciudad de Barranquilla. El hecho ocurrió el pasado jueves 18 en momentos en que hacía su exposición el Reverendo Milciades Púa. En ese instante, los agentes del DAS procedieron a filmar los rostros de los participantes extranjeros, así como sus respectivos pasaportes.

Prolongan Mandato De Samuel Kobia Como Secretario General Del CMI

26 septiembre 2008, ALEMANIA – El Comité Ejecutivo del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), reunido del 23 al 26 de septiembre en Lübeck, Alemania, anunció su decisión de prolongar el contrato del actual secretario general pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia hasta que un nuevo secretario general asuma el cargo. Un nuevo secretario general del CMI será nombrado por el Comité Central en la reunión que celebrará en Ginebra, Suiza, del 26 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2009.

Abandonar Los Estereotipos Piden Mujeres Que Participan
En Diálogo Entre Cristianos Y Musulmanes

25 septiembre 2008 – ¿Pueden las mujeres contribuir de manera pujante a la reconciliación y a la tolerancia en comunidades en conflicto? ¿Pueden resolverse las divisiones y separaciones mediante una perspectiva basada en la fe, aunque la religión sea con frecuencia considerada una causa de la violencia? Estas son algunas de las preguntas decisivas planteadas por 25 mujeres cristianas y musulmanas en una reunión, celebrada del 4 al 7 de septiembre en Gothenburgo (Suecia), en el marco del proceso de diálogo "Avanzar hacia la paz por medio de la religión."

Iglesia Episcopal Marcha Por Objetivos Del Milenio En Nueva York

24 septiembre 2008, SAN SALVADOR – El próximo 25 de septiembre miembros de la Iglesia Episcopal marcharán sobre la Segunda Avenida en Manhattan, Nueva York, para exigir a los gobiernos representados en la Asamblea General de Naciones Unidas el cumplimiento de los Objetivos del Milenio. La marcha culminará en el edificio de Naciones Unidas, donde se desarollarán varios discursos, incluyendo el del Obispo Martín Barahona Primado de la Iglesia Episcopal en Centro América.

Persecuciones En India. No Cesan Los Ataques E Intimidaciones a Cristianos

23 septiembre 2008, ARGENTINA – El Consejo Argentino para la Libertad Religiosa (CALIR) emitió un comunicado, alertado y conmovido por las expresiones de intolerancia manifestadas en diversos estados de la República de la India contra cristianos católicos y evangélicos. La ola de violencia se desató tras el asesinato del líder hinduista Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati y cuatro colaboradores suyos el pasado 23 de agosto, en el distrito de Kandhamal. A pesar de que radicales maoístas reivindicaron la autoría del atentado, se desencadenó a las pocas horas la violencia contra los cristianos.

Prolongan Mandato De Samuel Kobia Como Secretario General Del CMI

26 septiembre 2008 – El Comité Ejecutivo del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), reunido del 23 al 26 de septiembre en Lübeck, Alemania, anunció su decisión de prolongar el contrato del actual secretario general pastor Dr. Samuel Kobia hasta que un nuevo secretario general asuma el cargo. Un nuevo secretario general del CMI será nombrado por el Comité Central en la reunión que celebrará en Ginebra, Suiza, del 26 de agosto al 2 de septiembre de 2009.

CLAI Anuncia Cambios. Nuevos Responsables En Secretarías Regionales Y Pastoral De Género

26 septiembre 2008, QUITO, Ecuador – En el encuentro de celebración de los 30 años del CLAI- que culmina hoy- se encuentran por primera vez los representantes, presidentes, moderadores, moderadoras, obispas y obispos de las iglesias de las distintas familias confesionales con la Junta Directiva del CLAI.

Santos Y Mártires: Fuerza Propulsora De La Unidad De La Iglesia

23 septiembre 2008 – ¿Pueden santos y mártires – o cristianos que han vivido vidas ejemplares – contribuir a la unidad de las iglesias en las que nacieron? Un grupo internacional de expertos examinará esta y otras cuestiones conexas en un simposio a celebrarse en un monasterio italiano. Las vidas ejemplares de muchos cristianos y cristianas a lo largo de la historia de la iglesia constituyen un rico patrimonio para el movimiento ecuménico.

International News

Attacks on Christians and Churches in Orissa and Karnataka

September 22, 2008 – An Indian member of NIFCON (the Network for Inter Faith Concerns for the Anglican Communion) offers the following reflection on the current problems in India: "The recent murder in Orissa of Swami Lakshmananda Saraswati, a leader of Bajrang Dal (a radical section of the Hindu nationalist organisation RSS, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) has led to very serious attacks on Christians and on churches and Christian institutions in various parts of India. The leader of Bajrang Dal was trying to convert Dalit and Tribal Christians forcibly back to Hinduism and was shot dead by a member of a Maoist group.

UUA President Sinkford Joins Fellowship of Reconcilliation for Meeting with Iranian President

September 25, 2008 – Last night, Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, participated in a gathering of religious peacemakers in New York City with President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran as well as other Iranian state officials. In this gathering hosted by Fellowship of Reconciliation, delegations from more than 150 organizations met with the Iranian leader. But only 12 delegates, including Rev. Sinkford, had the opportunity to ask a question.

CWS Water Programs in Pakistan Promote Health, Self Sufficiency

September 25, 2008, NEW YORK – From model villages to interactive theater, Church World Service- Pakistan/Afghanistan is using innovative techniques to create water projects that combine water infrastructure development with education, advocacy and awareness. The result is dramatic improvement in family health, increased self sufficiency for villagers and assured sustainability for the programs. Water systems in many of Pakistan's communities were destroyed in natural disasters, including the October 2005 earthquake and the 2007 cyclone.

Religious and Political Leaders Dialogue on the Role of Religions in Peace

September 26, 2008 – The United Nations Liaison Office of the World Council of Churches (WCC) co-sponsored an international dialogue on September 25 between some 300 religious leaders and political figures – including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – aimed at exploring faith perspectives and the role of religion regarding global issues such as poverty, war and prejudice while deepening mutual understanding. The event, which was called "Has not one God created us? The significance of religious leaders contributing peace" included Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the United Nations General Assembly Rev. Miguel d'Escoto Brockmann, former Norwegian prime minister Rev. Kjell Bondevik, and Jewish Renewal movement leader Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb. Aimed at exploring faith perspectives and the role of religion regarding global issues, "the event demonstrated both the power and potential of religious leaders contributing to peace" said Rev. Christopher Ferguson, WCC Representative to the United Nations.

Church World Service Heralds Zimbabwe's Lifting of Ban on Humanitarian Aid;
Announces Food Security Programs and Fundraising Appeal

September 25, 2008, NEW YORK – As Zimbabwe lifts its ban preventing work in the country by outside humanitarian agencies, global agency Church World Service announced today a national fundraising campaign to bring emergency and longer-term assistance for the dire food crisis in the southern African country. An estimated 2.04 million Zimbabweans will experience food insecurity through this month alone, and that number is expected to rise to 3.8 million in October, peaking to about 5.1 million people between January and March 2009.

People in the News

Sidorak Combines Ecumenical Expertise, Justice Concerns

September 22, 2008, DAYTON, Ohio – The Rev. Stephen J. Sidorak Jr. knows ecumenism from the pew up. The 58-year-old United Methodist clergyman has organized Christians to pray and protest, developed guidelines to help them discuss issues and beliefs, and brought them together to worship and advocate for justice. He has co-founded organizations opposing legalized gambling and nuclear weapons, as well as groups supporting HIV/AIDS ministries and interreligious understanding