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Church Advocacy in Action at the United Nations

November 25, 2008 – After six days of intense discussions on migration, the conflict in Sri Lanka and climate change, of common prayer and practical efforts to make the voice of the churches on these issues heard at the United Nations, the UN Advocacy Week of the World Council of Churches (WCC) ended with good results on Friday. "The week was a success because we matched our celebration of gospel values like justice and care for creation with concrete action and a demonstration of unity, since there was real commitment to interregional collaboration," said Rev. Christopher Ferguson, who heads the United Nations liaison office of the WCC which organized the event.

US Churches Will Voice Concerns and Hopes to President-elect Barack Obama

November 26, 2008 – Leaders and representatives of 24 US churches gathering in Washington, D.C. next week will deliver a message to President-elect Barack Obama, outlining hopes for the new administration in leading the nation forward and working for peace with justice. The message will come out of the annual meeting of the United States Conference for the World Council of Churches (WCC), which gathers 24 WCC-member churches in the country. With the theme "Making Peace: Claiming God's Promise," the meeting will take place in Washington, D.C. from 2-4 December. "Hope and change are at the heart of the Christian season of Advent as we once again await the birth of the baby Jesus, the Prince of Peace. In the context of war and want and waste, the WCC's member churches in the US are eager to share a special word with President-elect Obama, who campaigned on a promise of hope and change," says the Rev. Dr Bernice Powell Jackson, WCC president from North America.

20 Years of World AIDS Day Is Time for Faiths to ‘Take Stock'

November 27, 2008 – Faith leaders "should shout from the rooftops that AIDS is not a punishment from God but a medical condition which is preventable," the former leader of South Africa's Anglican church, Archbishop Njongo Ndungane, has told the World Aids Campaign. Ndungane was speaking in an interview for the Amsterdam- and Cape Town-based World Aids Campaign, founded by UNAIDS, ahead of the 20th anniversary of the marking of 1 December as World AIDS Day. The campaign says World AIDS Day is a time of "global solidarity for a pandemic that has led to over 25 million deaths, with an estimated 33 million people currently living with HIV worldwide."

Climate Change: It Is Too Late to Save Our Island,
But Not Too Late for the World, Say Pacific Christians

November 24, 2008 – At the 16-21 November United Nations Advocacy Week of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Christians from the Pacific islands have appealed for worldwide solidarity with regard to climate change, a question of life and death in their communities, Rev. Asora Amosa, a Samoan-born pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, spoke of the region's feeling of threat: "If icebergs break off and float past the south coast of New Zealand we wonder what is coming next."

Global Economy Needs Radical Changes, WCC Team Says

November 28, 2008 – Radical changes and tangible commitments from world leaders are needed if an equitable and sustainable global economic system is to be built, says an ecumenical delegation attending a UN conference on financing for development starting tomorrow in Qatar. The United Nation's International Conference on Financing for Development taking place from 29 November to 2 December in Doha, Qatar will review the implementation of the Monterrey Consensus adopted by UN member states in Mexico in 2002. That consensus identified policies and actions to mobilize resources for sustainable development, poverty eradication and gender equality.

WCC Condemns "Despicable Acts of Terrorism" in Mumbai

November 27, 2008 – "Deeply shocked and saddened" by the news of yesterday's attacks in Mumbai, the World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia has strongly condemned "such wanton acts of terrorism and violence targeting innocent human lives." He also expressed "sincere condolences and sympathy" to victims and families. "We believe that there can be no justification whatsoever for such despicable acts of terrorism and indiscriminate violence," Kobia wrote to the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh in a letter dated 27 November.

General News

ELCA Conference of Bishops Agrees to HIV and AIDS Testing

November 25, 2008, CHICAGO – In response to the development of an HIV and AIDS strategy by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the ELCA Conference of Bishops agreed to the presence of health screeners at its March 5-10, 2009, meeting for the purpose of providing HIV and AIDS testing to all members. The ELCA Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of the church that includes the ELCA's 65 synod bishops, presiding bishop and secretary. Its March 2009 meeting is to be held in Itasca, Ill. More than 1.2 million people are living with HIV in North America, while the number of people worldwide living with HIV is estimated to be 33 million, according to the 2008 report on the global AIDS epidemic by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

Young Adults Add ‘New Fire' to the Future of Ecumenism

November 25, 2008, DENVER – Over the course of three days, spanning the weekend of November 8 – 10, approximately 40 young adult ecumenists gathered here in the Renaissance Hotel to explore how they could be in better relationship with one another, work more effectively to be the body of Christ to the world, and how they might add New Fire to the ecumenical movement. "It is clear that there is a renewed young adult movement emerging in the U .S., both on an institutional as well as grassroots level, but there has be en little coordination to see that awareness and relationship and is maintained until now," said David Fraccaro, young adult ecumenical formation coordinator for the U.S. Conference for the World Council of Churches.

‘In God's Name,' Featuring ELCA Presiding Bishop, Now Available on DVD

November 24, 2008, CHICAGO – "In God's Name," a prime time television special featuring the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and president of the Lutheran World Federation, is now available on DVD. The 90-minute DVD includes bonus material. "As I have traveled throughout the ELCA this past year, I have heard repeatedly words of gratitude for ‘In God's Name.' The appreciation expressed is for how we as Lutherans are being recognized for who we are and for the many ways we serve the gospel and our neighbors," said Hanson.

Lutheran Church Leaders Discuss Cooperative Work in Disaster Response

November 26, 2008, CHICAGO – The Committee on Lutheran Cooperation (CLC), consisting of leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), engaged in a discussion Nov. 4 about their collaborative work in responding to domestic disasters through Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). The discussion was part of a regular meeting of the CLC held here at the Lutheran Center. The Rev. Kevin A. Massey, LDR director, told the Lutheran leaders that 2008 is LDR's 20th anniversary year. There have been a record number of tornadoes, and 2008 is the second worst year for hurricane-related damage behind 2005, Massey said.

ELCA Synod's Former Treasurer Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison

November 24, 2008, CHICAGO – Barry R. Herr, former treasurer of the Lower Susquehanna Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), was sentenced Nov. 21 in a federal court to 30 months in federal prison and two years of supervised release, and he was ordered to pay $799,998 in restitution, according to a synod news release. Herr, 62, Lancaster, Pa., was arrested March 13, 2008, and charged with 36 counts of criminal use of a communication facility (electronic transfer of funds) and one count of theft by deception in the amount of $1,004,732. Each charge is a felony of the third degree. The charges followed months of investigation into the misappropriation of synod endowment funds for which the former treasurer was responsible.

Joint Standing Committee of the Primates and Anglican Consultative Council Meeting

November 25, 2008 – Primates, bishops, lay people from the various regions of the Anglican Communion are meeting this week at the Anglican Communion Office and Lambeth Palace in London. The group meets on a regular basis between official gatherings of their larger meetings. Elected from within their respective bodies, the JSC are focussing attention on the forthcoming meetings of the Primates, in February in Alexandria, Egypt, the ACC in Jamaica, in May and ongoing business. Those attending the meetings are:

Council for Korean United Methodists Provides "A Seed of Hope"

November 24, 2008 – The church does not belong to those who sit on the pews but to those who are not yet in it, says a Korean American United Methodist. Speaking in worship at the fall gathering of the United Methodist Council on Korean Ministries, Chicago Bishop Hee-Soo Jung challenged the council and Korean United Methodists to reach out to the unchurched and reclaim the power of Gospel. "Let us have a missional vision, God-size dream for the world. The church does not belong to us who sit on the pew of church, but to those who are not in the church yet."

Spanish News

Divididas, Luchan Contra La Violencia.
Sesenta Y Cinco Crímenes Contra Mujeres Piden Justicia

28 noviembre 2008, MANAGUA – En medio de la tensión pos electoral que todavía se mantiene en esta capital después del 9 de noviembre, dos grupos de mujeres, unas opositoras al gobierno y otras pro gubernamental, recordaron el Día Internacional de lucha contra la violencia de la mujer, el 25 de este mes. Hasta la fecha- según cifras oficiales- 65 mujeres han asesinadas, algunas de ellas en forma atroz, y la mayoría de los autores, que son maridos, novios o ex cónyuges, siguen libres.

El Decenio Para Superar La Violencia Centra La Atención En El Caribe

24 noviembre 2008 – El Decenio para Superar la Violencia (DSV), patrocinado por el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), ha inaugurado su foco de atención especial 2009 que tendrá como tema: "Un amor: Construir un Caribe pacífico." El foco de atención especial del DSV sobre el Caribe tiene por objeto fortalecer y dar recursos a las iglesias y movimientos que trabajan en favor de la paz en la región.

El CLAI Llama a Orar En Los Cultos Por Los Afectados De Diferentes Catástrofes Naturales

28 noviembre 2008, QUITO, Ecuador – La secretaría general del Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) manifestó su preocupación y dolor por los hechos de la naturaleza que durante esa semana han sacudido a distintas regiones de América del Sur y Caribe. El reverendo Nilton Giese, secretario interino del CLAI, pide a las comunidades de fe que apoyen y oren por los afectados. El CLAI menciona las inundaciones y volcanes en erupción que dejaron centenas de muertos y millares de personas que lo han perdido todo.

La "Guerra Olvidada" De Sri Lanka: Un Llamamiento a Las Iglesias

24 noviembre 2008 – En Sri Lanka, el conflicto entre el ejército y los rebeldes tamiles tiene a la población civil entre la espada y la pared. Mientras el mundo mira para otro lado, cristianos activos en tareas de incidencia pública a nivel internacional piden que las iglesias insistan en que se preste atención a las víctimas atrapadas en la violencia. Desde hace varios años, Sri Lanka es escenario de una guerra civil entre un gobierno dominado por la población mayoritaria cingalesa y rebeldes que pretenden defender los derechos de la minoría tamil.

El Diálogo Interreligioso Y La Construcción De Ciudadanía Serán Tema De Debate

28 noviembre 2008, MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – El sábado 29 de noviembre de 9 a 18 horas se llevará a cabo un foro-debate sobre "Pluralidad religiosa y ciudadanía." La actividad es organizada por el Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias, Obsur, y el Instituto Humanista Cristiano Juan Pablo Terra. En encuentro se desarrollará en la sede de la Asociación Cristiana de Jóvenes en esta capital. El objetivo del Foro es profundizar el diálogo entre distintas creencias que se sientan llamadas a la unidad y a la construcción de un mundo más fraterno.

A Pocos Días Del Inicio Del Jubileo De Juan Calvino

24 noviembre 2008, ESPAÑA – El jubileo por los 500 años de Juan Calvino está a las puertas. Por todas partes del mundo, las celebraciones están comenzando y, por supuesto, tienen signos diversos, pues el reformador francés no es patrimonio exclusivo de nadie, ni siquiera de la llamada "tradición reformada." Un grupo de teólogos, teólogas y pastores de diversas partes del mundo comienzan a reflexionar sobre los aportes del gran reformador, e irán dando, en el transcurso de los meses, sus análisis a través de Boletines.

Reconocimiento Del CLAI a Quienes Contribuyen
Para La Renovación Litúrgica Latinoamericana

24 noviembre 2008, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – El domingo 23 de noviembre, en el marco de la celebración del 30 aniversario de Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) y el Encuentro Latinoamericano de Liturgia, en la Iglesia Metodista Central de Montevideo, Uruguay, se hizo un acto de reconocimiento y gratitud por la contribución a la renovación litúrgica ecuménica de tres personas que han aportado para ello desde sus inicios: los pastores Pablo Sosa (Iglesia Evangélica Metodista Argentina), Jaci Maraschin (Iglesia Episcopal de Brasil, ausente por motivos de salud) y Nelson Kirst (Iglesia Evangélica de Confesión Luterana de Brasil).

National News

Tutu Calls Obama Election ‘A Miracle'

November 25, 2008, BALTIMORE, Maryland – Archbishop Desmond Tutu on November 22 said the election of Barack Obama as President of the United States – "a president of color" – gave hope to the world. Tutu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work against South Africa's system of racial segregation called apartheid, said the choice of the first African-American president was "a miracle." Racism, he added, "was running rampant in so many places. A black man was dragged behind a truck. And you elect a man of color! You are bearers of hope, not just here, not just for people of color, but for hundreds of thousands around the world. People are dancing in the streets." Tutu also applauded the Diocese of Maryland for electing in March its first African American bishop, Eugene T. Sutton. "What the Diocese of Maryland did yesterday, the United States of America did today," Tutu said.

Case May Decide Direction of Social Action Agency

November 26, 2008 – A decades-old story of money, temperance and power is winding its way through a District of Columbia court and the ending may impact the future work of The United Methodist Church's social action agency. A superior court judge is weighing testimony and reading reams of historic documents to determine if donations given for the construction of The Methodist Building on Capitol Hill in the early 1900s were intended for work in temperance and alcohol only. A decision is not expected until the first part of 2009. The United Methodist Board of Church and Society's trustees filed a request in early 2007 for a declaratory decision on the appropriate use of the building endowment funds.

International News

Archbishop of Canterbury Expresses Shock and Outrage at Atrocities in Mumbai

November 27, 2008 – The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams has today written to the High Commissioner of India, Mr Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, expressing his shock and outrage at the appalling atrocities in Mumbai and offering on behalf of the whole Anglican Communion prayers for those who have lost loved ones, for the injured and for all those caring for them or dealing with the ongoing siege. "People everywhere," he said, "stand in solidarity with the innocent and in condemnation of those who would destroy innocent lives out of evil and misguided motives."

Haiti: Education Is Crucial to Grapple with Violence

November 27, 2008 – Education is crucial to grapple with violence, the president of the Protestant Federation of Haiti, Rev. Sylvain Exantus, told an international ecumenical team visiting Haiti from 24 to 28 November. Together with family and church, the school is the third most important ambit for the formation and transmission of values. A person deprived of those can be easily manipulated to engage in violent acts, explained Exantus, who voiced his concern that violent conflicts may erupt within 4 or 5 years if something is not done to provide education to thousands of children in the country who never went to school.

Decade to Overcome Violence Focuses on the Caribbean

November 24, 2008 – The Decade to Overcome Violence (DOV) sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC) has launched its 2009 focus on the Caribbean region with the theme: "One Love: Building a Peaceful Caribbean." The DOV's Caribbean focus aims to strengthen and resource churches and movements working for peace in the region, and deepen the churches' understanding of the violence involved in issues such as migration, human trafficking, food security, HIV and AIDS, drugs abuse and trafficking, amongst others.

CWS Promotes Funding to Help Poor Nations Adapt to Climate Change

November 26, 2008 In preparation for the Follow-up International Conference on Financing for Development to Review the Implementation of the Monterrey Consensus, scheduled for Nov. 29 – Dec. 2 in Doha, Qatar, Church World Service is working with partners to mobilize public advocacy in support of proposals calling for timely and sufficient foreign assistance to help developing nations adapt to the consequences of climate change. The effort is part of the Church World Service's (CWS) "Enough for All" campaign.

Middle East News

Importing Peace for Christmas
Presbyterian Group Sells Fair-Trade Olive Oil from Palestine

November 28, 2008, LOUISVILLE – As the Christmas season approaches, Peter Mann hopes his fellow Presbyterians will think about the land of Jesus' birth when they consider gift ideas. A Palestinian woman reaches for olives in a tree. A Palestinian woman harvests olives used to produce "Import Peace" olive oil. Photo by Cynthia Arnold Mann is president of Import Peace, a non-profit organization that sells high quality, organic olive oil produced in Palestine. "A lot of church members buy it to give away as gifts," says the Presbyterian elder from Lake Shore, MN. "It is an alternative gift that is fair-trade certified."