Front Page

Town of Bethlehem Rests More Peacefully this Christmas

December 18, 2008 – The peaceful images evoked by the Christmas carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" have not always reflected the current reality in the birthplace of Jesus but this year there are reasons for hope. Palestinians and Israelis are hopeful this season will sustain an increase in tourists to the region, according to an Ecumenical News International report. This year has also seen a decrease in violence for the first time since the outbreak of a Palestinian uprising known as the second intifada, which began in September 2000. An Arabic version of "Silent Night" playing in the background on Manger Square heralded in the beginning of the Christmas season in the Holy Land at the eighth annual Bethlehem Christmas market on the weekend of November 30-December 1, ENI reported.

Ethics Stressed at UN Conference on Climate Change

December 11, 2008, POZNAN, Poland – In its contributions to the UN Climate Change conference here this week, the Baha'i International Community stressed the importance of addressing the ethical and moral issues that surround global warming and its impact on the world's peoples. "The search for solutions to climate change has revealed the limits of traditional technological and policy approaches and has raised difficult questions about justice, equity, responsibility and obligation," said the BIC in a working paper released at the conference.

Faith on the Hill: the Religious Affiliations of Members of Congress

Decenber 19, 2008 – Members of Congress are often accused of being out of touch with average citizens, but an examination of the religious affiliations of U.S. senators and representatives shows that, on one very basic level, Congress looks much like the rest of the country. Although a majority of the members of the new, 111th Congress, which will be sworn in on Jan. 6, are Protestants, Congress – like the nation as a whole – is much more religiously diverse than it was 50 years ago.

Two ELCA Pastors Ask Congress to Learn from Largest Immigration Raid

December 18, 2008 – Two pastors of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are calling on the U.S. Congress to evaluate the nation's immigration system and use what happened in Postville, Iowa, to develop a new approach for immigration raids. On May 12, 2008, federal agents arrested about 390 workers at a meat processing plant there, making the raid the largest at a single location in U.S. history. According to the Rev. Stephen P. Brackett and the Rev. David J. Vasquez, Postville is now an economically, emotionally and socially devastated community since the raid.

Dangers of ‘Christian Zionism' Are Cited in New NCC Brochure

December 12, 2008, NEW YORK – "Christian Zionism" is a dangerous movement that distorts the teachings of the Church, fosters fear and hatred of Muslims and non-Western Christians, and has negative consequences for Middle East Peace. A new brochure, Why We Should Be Concerned About Christian Zionism, by the Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches (in English and Spanish) is now available as an educational tool for communions, congregations and other groups who want to share these warnings with their members. Christian Zionism, while ostensibly a Christian movement in support of Israel, actually has the opposite effect.

CWS, U.S. Church Leaders Urge Obama: Drop Cuba Travel Restrictions
Coalition Presses for Start of New Policy Era

December 18, 2008, WASHINGTON, DC – Global humanitarian agency Church World Service and a group of leading U.S. Christian organizations and denominations are joining the mounting chorus of voices calling on President-elect Obama to change this country's longstanding, restrictive policy toward Cuba. The group is pressing most immediately to end longstanding U.S. restrictions on the ability of all Americans to travel to Cuba. Ending the restrictions on religious travel is especially important to national and regional church institutions.

General News

Lutheran Congregations Bring Christmas Cheer to Hurricane Survivors

December 18, 2008, CHICAGO – Hurricane Ike survivors lined up early Dec. 13 to receive holiday gifts distributed at First Lutheran Church, Galveston, Texas – a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Among the items given away: Christmas trees, decorations, bicycles, children's board games, dolls, blankets, winter coats, canned food and gift cards. Church member Sandra Stewart, 63, said one man told her, "If you had not done this, there would not be Christmas for my kids." Immanuel Lutheran Church of Killeen, Texas, provided the bulk of gifts, aided by $1,300 in support from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

PCT Gets Ready to Celebrate Calvin's 500th Birthday in 2009

December 14, 2008 – Presbyterian churches will mark their founder John Calvin's 500th birthday on July 10 next year. For this occasion, the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) announced during its fourth general assembly meeting of the year held on December 2nd that it would plan celebrations commemorating Calvin all across the country. The General Assembly of the PCT decided to make July 5th 2009 the day all presbyteries would celebrate Calvin's 500th birthday by holding special services. It also plans to set aside next year as a special year commemorating Calvin.

Building Houses of Peace, Bridges to the Future
‘Junior Year Abroad' Participants Gather at Ghost Ranch

December 19, 2008, GHOST RANCH, NM – More than 80 "alumni" and their families gathered here recently for a reunion of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s "Junior Year Abroad" (JYA) program. "I think it really made a difference, don't you?" 96-year-old Margaret Flory commented to Bruce Rigdon about the program she originated in 1953. JYA prompted about 500 Presbyterian college students to study and serve overseas for one year. Rigdon participated in Hong Kong as part of the first JYA group. The JYA program lasted for two decades. It preceded the Peace Corps by about eight years and is thought to be the model for it.

NCC’s Christmas Eve Special Previewing on YouTube

Program will highlight past holiday shows as Council marks 100 years December 19, 2008, LOUISVILLE – A 10-minute preview of "Voices of Christmas from the National Council of Churches," the CBS Christmas Eve special celebrating the 100th anniversary of the NCC, can be found on YouTube. This year's program features clips from previous years' specials, including "The Angels Sing," the 2007 program produced at Noroton Presbyterian Church in Darien, CT. The 10-minute preview includes a segment from "The Angels Sing."

Myanmar Refugees Bring Advent Story Alive for Rural Tennessee Church

December 19, 2008 – A rural church in Smyrna, Tennessee has grown both spiritually and numerically since welcoming 70 Myanmar refugees into its fold. "It's a classic example of the Advent story," said Michael Williams, incoming senior warden at All Saints, Smyrna, Tennessee. "We could not find God, but God found us. In this case, he appeared to us in the form of 70 people who came from Myanmar." Before the refugees arrived in central Tennessee, the Rev. Michael Spurlock, All Saints rector, was discouraged about the future of the parish, which was struggling to make its mortgage payments.

Secret Santas Offer Holiday Gift Help to Parents

December 18, 2008, WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Laughter, ribbons, wrapping paper and a crowd of smiling faces could be the ingredients for a run-of-the-mill holiday gathering. For a group of would-be elves, however, they are the tools for accomplishing a covert mission to benefit some of the city's children, just in time for Christmas. Gathered around a table brimming with new toys, clothing and games, eight volunteer "secret Santas" sort and wrap Christmas presents for eventual delivery to financially struggling parents. The parents then get to experience the joy of giving as they present the gifts to their children on Christmas Day.

Retired Tour Buses Shelter Hawaii's Homeless

December 17, 2008 – Utu Langi has made a name for himself as an innovative advocate for the homeless on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Several times a week, Langi and volunteers distribute meals to homeless men, women and children living in public parks in and around Honolulu. The homeless are drawn to the beach parks for the same reasons that tourists are: clean restrooms, sinks and showers, and spaces to camp under the trees. However, public bathrooms are no place for families to live.

Ecumenical News

The Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations

December 17, 2008 – The Inter-Anglican Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations (IASCER) held its last meeting in Kyoto, Japan, under the chairmanship of the Most Revd Drexel Gomez, Primate of the Church in the Province of the West Indies. The Commission is charged with reviewing current international ecumenical dialogues involving Anglicans, and provincial and regional initiatives towards unity with other Christians. IASCER consists of representatives from each international dialogue involving Anglicans, including the multilateral dialogue of Faith and Order, and of certain other commissions and networks, and consultants who bring particular regional or theological expertise.

Editorial Page

Commentary: Eliminate ‘Pay to Play' Politics

December 16, 2008 – Our United Methodist Social Principles state, "When churches speak to government, they also bear the responsibility to speak to their own memberships." One of the four focus areas within The United Methodist Church is principle-centered leadership. During this past week, the people of Illinois have seen a collapse of the public trust. On Dec. 9, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken into federal custody on charges of political corruption. It was alleged that he had engaged in a brazen attempt to auction off the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. As the duly elected governor, Blagojevich has the power to appoint anyone, including himself, to the vacated seat — a power given to him by the voters of Illinois. As part of that public trust, the people of Illinois put their faith in the governor to exercise due diligence and act in the public's best interest. If the allegations are true, that trust has been violated.

Spanish News

Iglesia Metodista De Bolivia Elige Un Obispo Laico

15 diciembre 2008, COCHABAMBA, Bolivia – La Iglesia Evangélica Metodista de Bolivia (IEMB) se reunió en Asamblea General de 11 al 13 de diciembre en el Instituto Americano de Cochabamba. Los puntos fuertes de esa Asamblea fueron la instalación de la Asamblea Constituyente en la iglesia;la compra de un hotel en el centro de la cuidad de La Paz- al costo de cerca de 3 millones de dólares- que será una fuente de recursos para la instalación y mantenimiento de la futura Universidad Metodista de Bolivia; y la elección de un nuevo obispo.

Mea Culpa De Comunidad Eclesial Internacional
Por Supuesta Ayuda Humanitaria, Usada Para Militarizar El País

17 diciembre 2008, COLOMBIA – "Hemos resultado ser cómplices del gobierno de los Estados Unidos por haber permitido el envío supuestamente de ayuda humanitaria de forma masiva, ayuda económica que ha sido usada para la comprar armas y para militarizar la sociedad civil; las compañías transnacionales también tienen gran responsabilidad por el sufrimiento de las víctimas del conflicto," dijo Christopher Ferguson, miembro del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) en su vista a Colombia, en el marco del programa Cartas Vivas.

El Pueblo Colombiano Quiere Y Merece La Paz, Dicen Cartas Vivas

17 diciembre 2008 – "El mensaje que nos llevamos es muy claro," dijo el pastor Christopher Ferguson al término de la visita: "Los campesinos, los desplazados, los pueblos indígenas están pidiendo a gritos que les devuelvan sus tierras, que haya justicia, que el gobierno cumpla sus promesas, que cese la violencia. En suma: Ya basta! El pueblo de Colombia quiere la paz y merece la paz." Ferguson, representante del CMI ante las Naciones Unidas basado en Nueva York, enfatizó que, si bien sólo los colombianos pueden construir la paz en su propio país, le toca a la comunidad internacional apoyarlos en esa empresa.

En Teherán, Un Simposio Cristiano-Musulmán Afirma
El Diálogo Y Critica a Los Medios De Información

18 diciembre 2008 – El simposio, celebrado los días 13 y 14 de diciembre sobre "Religión y coexistencia pacífica," estuvo organizado conjuntamente por el Centro para el diálogo interreligioso de la Organización de Cultura Islámica y Relaciones, con sede en Teherán, y el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI). En un comunicado conjunto que resume ocho puntos de acuerdo, se destacó la coexistencia entre cristianos y musulmanes en Irán, así como el valor del diálogo, que "no debe limitarse a los especialistas y líderes espirituales," y la necesidad de "informarse sobre la fe de los demás."

Sepultan a Una Mujer Junto a Su Casa;
Por Ser Evangélica No Puede Estar En El Panteón Local

17 diciembre 2008, CIUDAD DE MÉXICO – Indígenas de la comunidad de San Nicolás, municipio de Ixmiquilpan, sepultaron este lunes a una mujer evangélica en un terreno adjunto a su vivienda, debido a la oposición de pobladores para que fuera enterrada en el panteón del lugar por no profesar la religión católica. Guillermo Cano, abogado del grupo de evangélicos, acusó a las autoridades de no tener capacidad de diálogo y permitir que un grupo de católicos mantengan un poder superior, pues nada pudieron hacer para permitir que el cuerpo de Otilia Corona Chávez fuera sepultado en el panteón local.

Human Rights News

UN General Assembly Expresses "Deep Concern" about Human Rights in Iran

December 18, 2008, UNITED NATIONS – The United Nations General Assembly today adopted a resolution expressing "deep concern at serious human rights violations" in Iran. The resolution, which passed by a vote of 69 to 54, specifically criticized Iran's use of torture, the high incidence of executions, the "violent repression" of women, and "increasing discrimination" against Baha'is, Christians, Jews, Sufis, Sunni Muslims, and other minorities. "Iran should reflect upon and glean from this vote that, sadly, countries from Finland to Fiji are more concerned about the rights of ordinary Iranian citizens than the Iranian government itself," said Bani Dugal, the principal representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.

Faith Groups Sign Human Rights Statement

December 15, 2008, THE HAGUE, Netherlands – Groups and individuals around the world this month have been commemorating the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which occurred on 10 December 1948. The United Nations has designated the anniversary each year as Human Rights Day. Last week the Baha'i International Community was one of 11 faith groups whose representatives gathered at an international interreligious conference at The Hague to sign the 2008 Faith in Human Rights Statement. The event was organized by Justitia et Pax Netherlands in cooperation with the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Religious Liberty News

Virginia: Court Ruling Clears Way for Property Litigation Appeal

December 19, 2008 – The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church both said December 19 that they will appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia to reverse some of a Fairfax County Court judge's rulings in a series of church property lawsuits. Judge Randy I. Bellows issued a letter opinion December 19 resolving the last eight issues raised in litigation involving nine Episcopal parishes of the Diocese of Virginia from which the majority of members and clergy left to form congregations of the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA). Both the diocese and the Episcopal Church had previously said that once Bellows issued his opinion on those matters they would ask the higher court to review his decisions in the entire case.

5-volume Book on Church-State Law Published Online

December 18, 2008, WASHINGTON, DC – A new book is now available on the First Amendment Center Online – The Law of Church and State in America, by the late Rev. Dean M. Kelley. When the Rev. Dean M. Kelley died in 1997, he had completed 20 years of work on his manuscript and found a publisher. However, editing was still in progress at the publisher and as time went on the task of updating developments in church-state law for the book became monumental. The project was canceled. "The opportunity for online publication rescued a masterpiece from oblivion," write the members of the manuscript committee, who brought Kelley's work to its present form. Kelley's book covers a range of topics including autonomy of religious bodies, evangelism and fundraising, religious influence on public policy, religion and schools, and the defense of religious practices.

International News

10,000 Tons of Emergency Food Aid Is Rushed to Zimbabwe

December 16, 2008 – As the Mugabi government appears to unravel by the day, the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee is helping to release US$7 million in food aid to Zimbabwe's already desperate citizens. Late last week, the Canadian Foodgrains Bank announced the release of 10,000 tons of corn, soy, oil and ground nuts to 120,000 beneficiaries. The essential aid will help stave off hunger and starvation until the region's next harvest in May 2009. The CFGB project is being overseen by the United Church, partnering with Christian Care Zimbabwe and supported by eight member organizations including CRWRC.

The Colombian People Want and Deserve Peace, Say Living Letters

December 18, 2008 – "Enough is enough! The Colombian people want and deserve peace." With this message, members of a Living Letters team began their journey home after visiting this South American country on behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in early December. "The message we are taking with us is very clear," said the Rev. Christopher Ferguson at the end of the visit: "The peasants, the internally displaced and the indigenous peoples are clamouring for the return of their lands, for justice, for the government to keep its promises and for an end to violence. In short: enough is enough!

Christian Organization Helps Fishermen Seized near Papua New Guinea Come Home Safe

December 7, 2008 – My Christian faith sustained me! God is really unlike any other gods!" exclaimed Chen Wen-ju. This woman from Pingtung Yan Jou Presbyterian church was married to a fisherman whose boat was seized by the government of Papua New Guinea two months ago while fishing near the island country. With the help of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan's Seamen's/Fishermen's Service Center (PCTSFSC), her husband Tsai Ruei-mao was finally able to come home after one-and-a-half months of detention.

Match Aid with Advocacy, Dandala Tells CWS Africa Forum

December 17, 2008, NAIROBI, Kenya – Churches' on-the-ground assistance in Africa needs to be matched with equal energy for advocacy that challenges the structures responsible for the problems in Africa. That was the word from the Rev. Dr. Mvume Dandala, general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches, to the 10 members of the Church World Service Africa Forum who participated in the AACC's 9th General Assembly Dec. 7-12 in Maputo, Mozambique.

Government Spies on Taitung Church for Opposing Nuclear Waste

December 7, 2008 – The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan's aboriginal presbytery in Taitung city and county joined a movement opposing nuclear waste storage in Taitung. In recent days, church members have reported that Taitung county police department and Taitung investigation bureau have sent representatives to monitor church activities. Officers have repeatedly appeared during fellowship meetings, community gatherings and worship services. Employees from Taitung aboriginal presbytery office suspect that their office phones have been tapped as well.

Excommunicated Anglican Bishop Ordains Own Clergy

December 18, 2008, HARARE, Zimbabwe – Renegade Zimbabwean Anglican Bishop Nolbert Kunonga, who broke ties with his church earlier in 2008, has ordained 33 deacons and priests to serve in his self-styled Anglican Province of Zimbabwe. Kunonga was in May excommunicated from the Anglican church after he decided to break away from the denomination's central African region over what he said was its sympathy to homosexuals. "This is confirmation that we are going ahead with the building of the new province after breaking away from the Province of Central Africa," Kunonga was quoted as saying by the government daily newspaper, The Herald, on December 15 after the ordination ceremony in Harare.

Church Leaders Oppose New Law That Will ‘Gag' the Media

December 18, 2008, NAIROBI, Kenya – Church leaders in Kenya have urged the government to step back from a proposed law that critics say will muzzle the media, after the country's parliament passed the measure that is seen as a threat to press freedom. "Let us not gag the media," Cardinal John Njue of Nairobi said on December 14 in Kisii, western Kenya. "Let us put in place regulations that will see us have a responsible media." On December 10, the parliament in Nairobi passed the Kenya Communication (Amendment) Bill of 2008. This gives powers to the minister of information to seize broadcasting equipment from television stations, among other measures.

Middle East News

In Tehran, a Christian-Muslim Symposium Affirms Dialogue, Criticizes Media

December 17, 2008 – Equal participation and shared responsibility in society are at the basis of a peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims, stated participants at an inter-religious symposium in Tehran, Iran last week. They highlighted the value of learning from each other's faith and criticized "irresponsible media." The 13-14 December symposium on "Religion and peaceful coexistence" was jointly convened by the Tehran-based Centre for Inter-religious Dialogue of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization and the World Council of Churches (WCC).

People in the News

Bishop Yemba Named Chancellor for Africa University

December 19, 2008, MUTARE, Zimbabwe – United Methodist Bishop David Kekumba Yemba, a founding member of Africa University's department of theology, is the school's new chancellor and chairman of its board of directors. Yemba was named Dec. 6 to help lead the United Methodist-related school in Zimbabwe, effective immediately. He will remain bishop of the church's Central Congo Area. Bishop Nkulu Ntanda Ntambo, the outgoing chancellor and board chairman, described Yemba's election as an "important and strategic decision" that comes at a defining moment in the university's history.