 |
 |
 |
 |
Rev. N. J. L'Heureux, Jr., Publisher & Editor
Rev. Pedro Bravo-Guzman, Editor-in-Chief
An Ecumenical Report of Local and Global News
in God's Household
Published by the Queens Federation of Churches
|
February 26, 2009, LOUISVILLE – Tent City 3, a community for the homeless, set up camp at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Shoreline, WA, at the end of November. Now, three months later, the city is moving on. But the congregation at Calvin isn't doing the same – the experiences of working with the city will remain for a long time. Church members provided the tent city residents with food, clothing and fellowship, but the experience has been a blessing for all involved, said Barb Farden, leader of Calvin's tent city team. "The outpouring of love and generosity ... has been beyond the imagination," she said. "It's been stupefying." Reconciliation, Economic Crisis, Gaza and Congo Discussed by WCC Executive Committee February 24, 2009 – Conflicts in Congo and Gaza, recognition of the International Year of Reconciliation, the impact of the global economic crisis on the WCC budget and an update on the election of a new general secretary were topics of discussion and action by the WCC Executive Committee which met in Bossey, Switzerland, 17 to 20 February 2009. Calling on its member churches to pray and advocate for those who have suffered because of deadly conflicts in Gaza and Congo, the committee approved strong statements meant to raise awareness and motivate governments to respond to these tragedies. The suffering of innocent people in these conflicts has been staggering, the statements say. February 24, 2009 – Beginning with his transition team in the days after Barack Obama's election November 4, and continuing now with his administration, members of the 44th U.S. president's administration have been routinely inviting representatives of faith communities to offer policy advice. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori recently called the administration's desire to listen to religious leaders "refreshing and exceeding hopeful." The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations (OGR) has already participated in a number of meetings on policy issues, she said, "and we only expect that to grow." A Call to Moral Courage February 26, 2009 – The Latino missioner for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington was among U.S. faith leaders who on February 26 called on President Barack Obama and Congress to show moral courage and enact immigration reform. Their call came days after participants at 160 prayer vigils across the nation urged the U.S. administration to bring humanity and compassion back into the public immigration dialogue. The faith leaders discussed the vigils and announced plans for a "neighbor to neighbor" initiative to organize hundreds of visits to members of Congress from April 6-17. Churches Need to Affirm Women Leadership and Ministries February 23, 2009 – The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT) decided in 1995 to set aside every first Sunday of March as "Women Ministries Sunday" so that women could take this opportunity to stand in front of their congregations and share their faith, their calling, and any message they've received from God. PCT Women Ministry Committee leader Huang Bi-yun urged all church ministers in Taiwan to be open-minded on this occasion and allow women delegates deliver sermons. This would be their most direct form of support and encouragement. Brethren Funds Give Grants for Disaster, Hunger Response in U.S. and Africa February 26, 2009, ELGIN, IL – Grants have gone out from two Church of the Brethren funds – the Emergency Disaster Fund (EDF) and the Global Food Crisis Fund (GFCF) – to respond to disaster and hunger domestically within the US as well as in Kenya, Liberia, and Darfur, Sudan. International grants include: Anglican Communion Consultation on Evangelism and Church Growth February 18, 2009 – As a follow up on the aspirations and desire of the Bishops at the 2008 Lambeth Conference "to develop a worldwide vision and strategy of church planting, growth and mission,"[1] taken forward by the Joint Standing Committee of the ACC and the Primates,[2] the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, The Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, invited a small but diverse group of people involved in evangelistic and church growth ministry, from around the Communion to a consultation to take forward the recommendation of setting up an Evangelism and Church Growth Network. Board of Directors Action Confronts ‘Financial Realities' February 27, 2009 – The Synod Board of Directors adopted a number of resolutions at its Feb. 19-20 meeting in St. Louis to advance the work of the national church body, as well as LCMS congregations, districts, and schools. At that meeting, the Board began laying groundwork for the Synod's 2009-10 budget that starts July 1 with a decision to freeze salaries of the 525-some national-Synod employees worldwide, holding those salaries at the current fiscal year's level. "Like the rest of the nation, the LCMS national office is confronted with the financial realities of the economic downturn," Ronald P. Schultz, the Synod's chief administrative officer, said after the Board meeting. Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios on the Beginning of Great and Holy Lent March 2, 2009 – Great and Holy Lent "Let us set out with joy upon the season of the Fast…." Vespers of the Sunday of Forgiveness To the Most Reverend Hierarchs, the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of the Parish Councils of the Greek Orthodox Communities, the Distinguished Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Philoptochos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the Hellenic Organizations, and the entire Greek Orthodox Family in America Students Declare "What a Relief!" with Lutheran Disaster Response February 27, 2009, CHICAGO – About 400 college and university students, student leaders and campus pastors are planning a special alternative spring break called "What a Relief!" The program, which begins in March, is sponsored by Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and the Lutheran Student Movement-USA (LSM-USA). LDR is a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. LSM-USA brings together Lutheran college and university students to promote cooperation among campus ministries. February 26, 2009, LOUISVILLE – The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly (2008) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), named another task force this week. The Climate for Change Task Force will review current affirmative action/equal employment opportunity, contracting and purchasing policies within the PC (USA). It will then recommend revisions. The assembly noted specific areas for the task force to cover, such as updating churchwide AA/EEO policies to use the tools of cultural proficiency for organizational change. February 26, 2009, LOUISVILLE – The Interim Ministry Consortium (IMC) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) marks its 10th anniversary this year, but the group is more focused on the future than on its past. At its annual meeting earlier this month, faculty and members of the consortium met to discuss policies and procedures as well as ways for educators to address changes in interim ministry. Founded in 1999, the consortium is a cooperative and consultative gathering of interim ministry educators. February 27, 2009 GENEVA – The combined membership in churches belonging to the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) last year rose by 161,792 to reach a global total just under 68.5 million (68,484,091). While Africa, Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean reported increases in membership, churches in Europe and North America once again experienced a slight decline. According to the annual statistical survey for 2008 conducted by the LWF Office for Communication Services, the organization's 140 member churches, 10 recognized churches and congregations and one recognized council, spanning 79 countries, combined for an annual membership increase of approximately 0.24 percent. Church Membership Statistics Released February 26, 2009, NEW YORK – Membership in the nation's two largest Christian church bodies, the Roman Catholic Church and Southern Baptist Convention, declined slightly in 2007, according to the latest edition of the Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. The Catholic church remains the largest body of believers in the U.S., with 67 million members, the yearbook said. But from 2006 to 2007 the church shed 398,000 members in the U.S. – a 0.59 percent drop. Southern Baptists reported 16.2 million members for a decline of 0.24 percent, or a loss of nearly 40,000 members. Although the declines are relatively small, both churches historically have reported growth. Church of the Brethren Leaders Release Statement on New York Post Cartoon February 26, 2009, ELGIN, IL – A statement responding to a cartoon published by the New York Post on Feb. 18 has been issued by three key Church of the Brethren leaders: Annual Conference moderator David Shumate, Mission and Ministry Board chair Edwin H. Edmonds, and Church of the Brethren general secretary Stanley J. Noffsinger. Young Lutheran Musicians Learn the Music of the Global Church February 24, 2009, CHICAGO For Katie Ernst, Minneapolis, music is a universal language. Music is a way to bridge cultures, "to bring the other to your place," she said. In an effort to incorporate music from around the world into a singing assembly, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is training young adult musicians like Ernst to use and teach global music. Music offers the opportunity to create partnerships and share stories of how God works in the lives of people, said Ernst. One doesn't need to be fluent in Spanish, Swahili or French. Reflect, Refresh, Retool, Reach: an Experiment at Work in Yellowstone Presbytery February 26, 2009 – Yellowstone Presbytery is the perfect place for experimenting with new ways of doing, or, more accurately, new ways of being. "The old ways aren't working here," said Kathy Goodrich, co-executive presbyter. "We don't live in a place where people just show up to church because it's the thing to do." Goodrich, along with her husband and co-executive presbyter, the Rev. George Goodrich, has been experimenting with some exciting new ways to look at church leadership. LCMS President Responds to ELCA Task Force Recommendation, Statement February 27, 2009, CHICAGO – The president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) expressed "great disappointment and deep sadness" as he shared comments with the LCMS on the content of two documents from the Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality. The ELCA is the largest Lutheran church body in North America with 4.7 million members. The LCMS is the second largest with 2.4 million members. Brethren Volunteer Service Seeks Partner Churches to Provide Community Living Opportunities February 26, 2009, ELGIN, IL – In a new endeavor for Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS), the organization will be working to develop community living opportunities for its volunteers, in partnership with interested congregations. BVS will be seeking Church of the Brethren congregations that can host a community house to accommodate groups of four to six volunteers who will work at project sites in the area. Volunteers will commit to being active in the life of the congregation. Housing could be in an unused parsonage or other suitable housing arrangement. 'I Am Episcopalian' -- New 'Microsite' Showcases Videos of Diverse Church Members February 25, 2009 – A communications initiative to tell the Episcopal Church's story was launched on Ash Wednesday where visitors will find a new interactive feature called "I Am Episcopalian." The so-called "microsite" contains short videos of people "sharing their deep, personal connections to the big, wide, vibrant church that we are," said Anne Rudig, who joined the Episcopal Church Center in New York as communications director on January 5. Not only will the videos illustrate the diversity of Episcopalians -- "all ages, all walks of life, all ethnicities," said Rudig -- but the site also will let users upload their own videos. February 27, 2009 – The mission and ministry of Anglicans in the Americas is as varied as the geography of the region, but during the five-day Conference of the Anglican Churches in the Americas in Mutual Responsibility and Mission here, participants have found they have much in common. "We spoke about our hopes and dreams, and shared a vision of our future together as Churches in the Americas and Caribbean," the conference participants said in a communiqué issued at the end of the gathering. United Methodists, Catholics Begin New Dialogue February 25, 2009, NEW YORK – For more than 40 years, United Methodists and Roman Catholics in the United States have conducted dialogues on topics ranging from public education to Holy Communion. The topic of the current dialogue, Round 7, combines the religious and the secular: "The Eucharist and Care for God's Creation." Roman Catholic Bishop William Skylstad of Spokane, Wash., and United Methodist Bishop Timothy Whitaker of Lakeland, Fla., are serving as co-chairpersons for the new dialogue, which had its first meeting in Washington in December. Commentary: The Value of Eleanor's Life February 26, 2009 – It was late December and everybody I knew was busy with Christmas—focusing on family and faith, preparing music, gifts, food and more for people we love. I was busy, too, but on my computer were a couple emails that just wouldn't leave my mind. One message was from Jim Bushfield, director of connectional ministries for the Indiana Annual Conference, celebrating donations given to the United Methodist Global AIDS Fund from 2005 to 2008. Another set of emails was coming from a missionary friend, Dru Smith, who was journaling about the death of a little girl named Eleanor Banda. Se Disipa Bruma Del Tabú Religioso En Cuba 23 febrero 2009, LA HABANA, Cuba – Poco a poco se va disipando en Cuba la bruma del tabú religioso, producto de largos años de política oficial ateizante. En la Feria Internacional del Libro de La Habana, iniciada el pasado doce de febrero en la antigua fortaleza colonial española, frente a la Bahía de La Habana, donde algunos opositores acusados de actos violentos contra el gobierno revolucionario fueron fusilados en la década de los sesenta, en estos días abundan títulos de variado contenido religioso, junto a otros temas. Exigen Justicia Para Una Joven Peruana Que Fue Violada Y Asesinada En La Plata 23 febrero 2009, LA PLATA, Argentina – Hace dos años violaron y asesinaron en la capital de la provincia de Buenos Aires a una joven peruana, Sandra Ayala Gamboa, quien había llegado al país con esperanza de trabajo y mejor calidad de vida. La particularidad es que su cuerpo apareció en una dependencia del Estado provincial. El crimen aún está impune. Hoy, lunes 23 a las 17 hs. se realizará una radio abierta a partir de las 14 frente al Ministerio de Economía de la Provincia de Buenos Aires donde fue encontrado su cuerpo. A las 17 se iniciará una marcha para reclamar el esclarecimiento del femicidio. La Reconciliación Exige Verdad, Justicia Y Perdón, Dice Un Grupo De Trabajo Ecuménico 26 febrero 2009 – Un grupo de expertos ecuménico internacional destacó la contribución y la función de las iglesias en los procesos de reconciliación en todo el mundo, en una reunión pública de información y debate celebrada en Ginebra, Suiza, el 19 de febrero. El debate, que tuvo lugar en el contexto de la reunión del Comité Ejecutivo del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) celebrada del 16 al 20 de febrero, fue el primero de una serie de contribuciones patrocinadas por el CMI al Año Internacional de la Reconciliación proclamado por las Naciones Unidas en 2009. Publican Guía Interconfesional De Las Cartas De Pablo 24 febrero 2009, LIMA, Perú – Por sexto año consecutivo la Comisión de Catequesis y Pastoral Bíblica de la Conferencia Episcopal Peruana y la Sociedad Bíblica Peruana vienen desarrollando guías de estudio bíblico interconfesional. A partir de este año se inició una nueva serie para el estudio de las cartas de Pablo denominada "Pablo y sus comunidades." Williamson: Del Origen Anglicano a La Ideología De Derecha 24 febrero 2009, BRASIL – El conservador Obispo Richard Williamson, quien llegó a Argentina en 2004 y pertenece a la Fraternidad Sacerdotal Pío X, dejó Argentina esta semana, después de haber sido expulsado por el gobierno de la Presidenta Cristina Kirchner. El Lefebvrismo se unió al movimiento conservador de los obispos católicos, inspirados por el Arzobispo Michel Lefebvre y articulados en la Asociación Civil La Tradición. Red Ecuménica Del Agua Propone Orar Y Actuar Durante La Cuaresma 23 febrero 2009 – Al acercarse la Cuaresma, la Red Ecuménica del Agua (REDA) invita a los cristianos en todo el mundo a reflexionar y actuar a favor de la justicia en temas vinculados con el agua. Durante la iniciativa Siete Semanas para el Agua, teólogos y militantes eclesiales de África, Europa, América del Norte y del Sur propondrán cada semana breves meditaciones bíblicas junto con ideas y recursos para la iniciativa. Phoenix Residents to Protest Abuse of Immigrants February 24, 2009 – "No public servant should ever be allowed to promote racism," declared United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño as she announced plans to join in a Feb. 28 solidarity march against alleged abuses of power by Sheriff Joe Arpaio. Arpaio recently chained and dressed detained immigrants in jail stripes and marched them through the streets of Phoenix, Ariz. to a tent facility in the desert, which was surrounded by an electric fence. The parading of detained immigrants through the streets was a violation of their human and civil rights, said Carcaño, United Methodist leader in the Phoenix area. Archbishops' Appeal for Zimbabwe February 25, 2009 – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams and The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, have launched a joint appeal to help counter the humanitarian crisis and deteriorating political situation in Zimbabwe. The Archbishops' appeal for Zimbabwe highlights the support needed by churches, which are struggling to feed the hungry and heal the sick, and are suffering alongside their communities. In a joint article in today's Times, the Archbishops have said: "We have been witnessing the slow death of a people. And slow death is only intermittently newsworthy; nothing to report except more of the same, so that the temptation is to switch off. But this doesn't mean that the need for hope is any less urgent on the ground." Church of the Brethren Faith Expedition Visits Chiapas, Mexico February 26, 2009, ELGIN, IL – Church of the Brethren members returned in early February from a 10-day Faith Expedition to the region of Chiapas, Mexico, sponsored by the Brethren Witness/Washington Office in partnership with Equal Exchange and Witness for Peace. The delegation spent several days in the town of San Cristobal exploring the history of Mexico and the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement on this southern neighbor of the United States. In addition, issues of militarism and immigration were addressed in regards to policy decisions made by both Mexico and the United States. The group met with organizations representing governmental and nongovernmental structures in regards to development and humanitarian support of the Mexican people. Lutherans Continue Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in Zimbabwe February 24, 2009 – Just 10 years ago Zimbabwe was exporting goods and was known as the "breadbasket of Southern Africa," according the Rev. Benyam A. Kassahun. Today Zimbabwe is in crisis with more than 5 million people struggling to feed themselves. "They are real people, and I've seen their faces and their smiles. But I know that when I return to Zimbabwe, some of the people I've met will no longer be (living)," said Kassahun, program director for Southern Africa, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Global Mission. February 26, 2009, NASHVILLE – With continued dedication to bringing clean water to people in need, Living Waters for the World (LWW) plans to open a West Coast Clean Water U at Calvin Crest Conferences in Oakhurst, CA. Clean Water U-West will expand the capacity of LWW – a ministry affiliated with the Synod of Living Waters – to train and equip people to install clean water systems around the globe. Clean Water U is the training school for LWW. Church Uses Second-Hand Computers as Tools for Children Outreach February 23, 2009 – Computers are improving so fast nowadays that many computers are considered outdated and replaced merely because they are a bit slow, but for some aboriginal children living in villages near Kaohsiung County, a second-hand computer could do wonders. Kaohsiung Presbytery Eng-Heng (Yong-Shing) Presbyterian Church is taking advantage of donated second-hand computers to draw children to Sunday School and Youth Fellowship by promising a second-hand computer to children who have full attendance for three months. Kenya: Religious Leaders Castigate President and Prime Minister February 19, 2009 – Religious leaders in Kenya have castigated their president, Mwai Kibaki, and prime minister, Raila Odinga, saying that citizens are dispirited, embarrassed and bitter with their leadership. "We are concerned enough even to rise up and march in the streets against our political leaders," Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi told a national prayer rally on February 19 what is seen as one of the strongest messages from the faith community to Kenya's political leaders. Bishop Savas to Direct Office of Church and Society February 26, 2009, NEW YORK – His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America has named His Grace Bishop Savas of Troas as Director of the Office of Church and Society, with a charge to develop programs and ministries that promote a creative Orthodox Christian engagement with contemporary societal and cultural realities. "This Office," remarked Archbishop Demetrios, "will address matters of current relevance, such as the effects of online social networking, the popularity of so-called "reality" television and video games, and the resurgence of atheism. Texas: Wimberly Turns over Diocesan Operations to Successor Bishop February 19, 2009 – Episcopal Diocese of Texas Bishop Don Wimberly has handed over operations of the diocesan offices and the work of the diocese at large to Bishop Coadjutor Andy Doyle. Wimberly announced his intention to step away from diocesan operations in his February 14 address to the 160th Diocesan Council. Wimberly, who will retire June 6, will continue to chair the diocesan foundations, the diocesan executive council, St. Luke's Episcopal Health System, and the board of the Austin-based Seminary of the Southwest until then. Clinton Receives Honor from Ewha University February 20, 2009 – In her first diplomatic tour as U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton visited Ewha Womans University in Korea, an institution closely connected with the history of United Methodist Women. On Feb. 20, Clinton, a United Methodist, met with the university's top leadership, as well as other Korean women leaders. More than 2,000 people attended the "town hall meeting" at Ewha where Clinton emphasized women's empowerment. February 26, 2009 – The recent birth of octuplets to a California woman whose doctor used in vitro fertilization techniques raises a variety of ethical questions. These and other questions are addressed in Bioethics: A Reformed Look at Life and Death Choices. Recently published by Faith Alive Christian Resources, the publishing agency of the Christian Reformed Church, the book looks at a range of ethical dilemmas posed by modern medicine – among them assisted reproductive technologies. |
