Front Page

ELCA Assembly Opens Ministry to Partnered Gay and Lesbian Lutherans

August 21, 2009, MINNEAPOLIS – The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted today to open the ministry of the church to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships. The action came by a vote of 559-451 at the highest legislative body of the 4.6 million member denomination. Earlier the assembly also approved a resolution committing the church to find ways for congregations that choose to do so to "recognize, support and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same gender relationships," though the resolution did not use the word "marriage."

Persecution of Pakistani Christians Must End, Interfaith Network Says
Petition Calls for Repeal of Blasphemy Law

August 20, 2009 – The ongoing persecution of Christian minorities in Pakistan has brought condemnation from Anglicans and Muslims worldwide who are calling for a revision to the country's law that has been used to justify recent attacks by extremists. On August 20, the Network of Inter Faith Concerns for the Anglican Communion (NIFCON) announced that it is one of the main sponsors of a petition being drawn up asking the government of Pakistan to repeal the law against blasphemy.

Obama, Religious Leaders Urge People of Faith to Participate in Health Care Reform

August 20, 2009 – President Barack Obama urged people of faith to knock on doors and spread the facts and the truth about health care reform during "40 Minutes for Heath Care Reform," an August 19 telephone call-in and webcast. "Time and again men and women of faith have helped to show us what is possible when we are guided by our hopes and not our fears. That's what you have done before; that's how we were able to succeed in establishing social security and Medicare and bring about justice through the civil rights movement," Obama said. "That's what you can do again today to help us achieve quality affordable health care for every American."

Lutheran Churchwide Assembly

ELCA Assembly Actions to Be "Respectful," Says Presiding Bishop

August 17, 2009, MINNEAPOLIS – A respectful discussion on sexuality will show the world that while Lutherans may not be "of one mind," they can still be "united in faith and in our shared mission together," said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) as the denomination opened its biennial assembly here August 17. The assembly faces a controversial discussion on a social statement on sexuality and ministry policies that could lead to policy changes allowing gay and lesbian pastors in committed, same gender relationships to officially serve on the roster of the church body, which has 4.6 million baptized members.

ELCA Assembly Adopts ‘Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust'

August 19, 2009, MINNEAPOLIS – The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" with a vote of 676 (66.67 percent) to 338 (33.33 percent). The passing of the social statement on human sexuality required a two-thirds vote. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELC voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "God's work. Our hands." Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust is the denomination's 10th social statement.

ELCA Assembly Action Draws Sharp Criticism, Praise from Advocacy Groups

August 20, 2009, MINNEAPOLIS – Two groups with widely diverging opinions on the social statement adopted Aug. 19 by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America praised the church for its action and denounced what some consider a departure from biblical morality. "The church has supported families of all kinds and has acknowledged without judgment the variety of views within the ELCA regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion," said Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, an advocacy group for gays and lesbians in the church. But the Rev. Paull Spring, chair of Lutheran CORE, a coalition of conservative ELCA Lutherans, said, "We mourn the decision by the Churchwide Assembly to reject the clear teaching of the Bible that God's intention for marriage is the relationship of one man and one woman."

ELCA Assembly Takes First Steps on Ministry Policies Document

August 21, 2009, MINNEAPOLIS – Voting members of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are in the middle of taking steps to make it possible for the Lutherans in same-gender relationships to serve as professional leaders in the denomination. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "God's work. Our hands."

Reaction of Lutheran Orthodox Church to ELCA Action on Ordination of Gays

August 22, 2009 – Grace Peace and Blessing in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. On Friday, August 21, 2009 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted to allow homosexual pastors to shepherd their flock and to allow the blessing of same-sex unions. The Bishops, Pastors, Administration and Laity of The Lutheran Orthodox Church,(LOC) a church in valid Historic Apostolic Succession hereby condemns the actions of the ELCA for allowing practicing homosexuals to pastor Christian congregations. Allowing individuals who are actively and blatantly violating the simple truths laid out in Holy Scripture to serve in any capacity of church leadership is an outrage and anathema to sound Biblical foundations.

ELCA Adopts Full Communion Agreement with the United Methodist Church

August 20, 2009, MINNEAPOLIS – By a vote of 958-51, the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a full communion agreement with the United Methodist Church (UMC). The agreement is the ELCA's sixth full communion relationship. In 2008 the UMC General Conference adopted the same agreement. The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 2,000 people are participating, including 1,045 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "God's work. Our hands." The assembly also adopted an implementing resolution by a vote of 922- 15.

General News

Children's Disaster Services Updates its Training Curriculum

August 17, 2009, ELGIN, IL – Children's Disaster Services (CDS) has updated the workshop and curriculum used to train its volunteers. CDS is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren serving children and families following disasters. "It started with a gathering of experienced trainers, where we discussed the workshop, its vital concepts, and updates that were needed," reported associate director Judy Bezon. Training materials were enhanced through consultation with Kathy Fry-Miller, a CDS volunteer who writes curriculum and trains child care givers professionally. The result is a workshop that has both an instructor's and a participant's manual, and an updated "look."

Lambeth Conference Bible Studies Published

August 20, 2009, The Bible Studies used at the 2008 Lambeth Conference of bishops and spouses, which explored the ‘I am' sayings of the Gospel of John, have now been published by SPCK. The book of Bible Studies, given the title In the Beginning was the Word, also includes a set of seven Studies on the ‘Signs' in the Gospel which were made available more widely to members of the Anglican Communion in summer 2008. The book is edited by Professor Gerald West from South Africa who led the international team which designed both sets of Studies. The team included Anglicans from Aotearoa/New Zealand, Britain, DR Congo, India, Tanzania and the United States of America.

‘Jubilee' Weekend Advances ELCA Book of Faith Initiative

August 18, 2009, ST. PAUL, Minn. – Some 285 members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) came from across the United States to the Book of Faith "Jubilee" weekend and joined in conversation about an initiative in the ELCA to read and discuss the Bible. Displays of resources supported worship, workshops and small group discussions Aug. 14-16 at Luther Seminary, one of eight ELCA seminaries. The Rev. Eugene H. Peterson opened the three days of discussion in a dialogue presentation with Dr. Diane L. Jacobson, director for the Book of Faith initiative and professor of Old Testament, Luther Seminary.

Lutherans Explore Programs to Help Older Adults Stay at Home Longer

August 15, 2009, CHICAGO – Karen Koch's husband, Fred, has Alzheimer's disease and follows a strict daily routine. While medication helps to slow the progression of the disease for Fred, falling out of routine can mean trouble. "Fred can make his own breakfast and lunch, and I don't interfere. It's important for him to do those things as part of his routine. But if you ask him to do something out of his routine, he gets a blank look on his face. That's how I know there's something wrong," said Koch.

What If Jesus Met Gandhi at a Youth Group in Pennsylvania?

August 17, 2009, ELGIN, IL – What if Jesus met Gandhi? At a youth group? In Pennsylvania? It would be Agape-Satyagraha! Young people do not need to read the "Wall Street Journal" to know that society is dealing with a deepening economic depression. They get the news at home by reading the anxiety of their parents. And it trickles down! Internalizing this, some kids begin to lash out in anger or turn to bullying at school. Others seek a sense of belonging and safety by joining gangs. Where do kids go to be safe? How can they feel safe amid this stress? When do they learn to deal with anger?

National Ministries Awards Grants to Help Children in Poverty

August 20, 2009 VALLEY FORGE, PA – National Ministries, The American Baptist Home Mission Societies, has awarded grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 to 15 American Baptist congregations and organizations in support of their work with children in their communities. The grant program is part of the Children in Poverty initiative, which began in 2006. Forty-four applications demonstrating commitment to children and creativity despite limited resources were reviewed. Each brought passion and hope to transforming the lives of children and youth.

Discussion Guide Offered on Christian Basis for Universal Health Coverage

August 20, 2009, DIOCESE OF EAST TENNESSEE – A discussion guide for churches regarding healthcare coverage for all is available on the web site of the Diocese of East Tennessee. The guide, created in conjunction with resolution C071, "Healthcare Coverage for All," adopted by the 2009 General Convention of the Episcopal Church, encourages each congregation to provide education to its members concerning the Christian basis for universal health care coverage. The bioethics committee of the diocese began discussing the topic of healthcare coverage about 18 months ago, just before it became an issue in the presidential primaries, said committee chair Glenn Graber.

United Methodist Conference to Address Rural Poverty

August 21, 2009, KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Rev. Clark Jenkins wants United Methodists to remember they have a long-standing commitment to the poor living in Appalachia. The commitment to the Appalachian region was established at the 1972 United Methodist General Conference and renewed during the 2008 gathering of the denomination's top policy-making body. The 2008 General Conference also adopted poverty as one of four areas of focus for the church to direct its resources and ministries. Fulfilling the church's mission inspired Jenkins to organize the first regional conference on "Abolishing Poverty in Appalachia." The conference, to be held at First Broad Street United Methodist Church Sept. 11-12, will train pastors and laity to address poverty and its underlying causes.

Ecumenical News

United Methodists, Lutherans Take Historic Step Forward

August 21, 2009, MINNEAPOLIS – The hugs, the standing ovations, the singing of one another's hymns at denominational gatherings are over. But the celebration of an historic agreement on full communion is just beginning from local and regional United Methodist and Evangelical Lutheran Church in America bodies to the wider world where the body of Christ has another powerful symbol of unity. Moments after the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America overwhelmingly voted for the agreement Aug. 20, affirming the action taken by the 2008 United Methodist General Conference, officials from both churches were making plans to appoint members of a commission to implement the pact.

Editorial Page

Editorial: We Need Deeds More than Words after the Storm

August 16, 2009 – Taiwan's landscape, geography, and mountains were completely altered after the 921 Earthquake in 1999. The earthquake loosened the soil in Taiwan's mountainous regions and mudslides have been grave concerns whenever there is heavy rain. There are no quick fixes to long-term environmental degradation, but this serious problem has been compounded by continuing exploitation of sandstone from rivers beds, which in turn changes the course of rivers. However, we believe if officials would pay more attention, increase efforts, and have more compassion, people would not feel as helpless as they do whenever typhoon season approaches.

Spanish News

Catedral Ortodoxa Rusa De La Habana: Respeto a Minorías Religiosas

20 agosto 2009, LA HABANA, Cuba – Si bien posee el atractivo de lo turístico para algunos visitantes, por lo poco común dentro del ámbito religioso cubano, penetrar en la Catedral Ortodoxa Rusa de esta capital es sentirse como en "tierra santa," según opinión de originarios de la ex-Unión Soviética que, por diversas razones, decidieron quedarse en Cuba al ocurrir la desintegración del llamado campo socialista. Estadísticas no oficiales afirman que unas 1 300 mujeres rusas quedaron en el país, al momento de ocurrir el hecho que dio un giro de 180 grados a la correlación de fuerzas políticas en el mundo.

Dominicos Que Visitaron San Pedro Sula, Honduras,
Denuncian Intencional Manejo De La Información

20 agosto 2009, SAN SALVADOR – "Aunque exigimos junto con Ustedes que el presidente Zelaya sea restituido como presidente constitucional de Honduras, no creemos que el conflicto principal sea únicamente entre Zelaya y Micheletti. Consideramos que hay un enfrentamiento real entre aquellos que tienen sus propios intereses económicos y los que defienden nuevos modelos alternativos que tratan de incorporar los intereses de la mayoría.," dicen los dominicos salvadoreños que realizaron un corto viaje a Honduras. Queremos expresar nuestra admiración, afirman, por el testimonio valiente y claro en la situación conflictiva que vive Honduras. "No vamos a olvidar nunca la reunión que tuvimos y el tiempo que pasamos juntos en las gradas de la catedral cantando los cantos de liberación latinoamericanos."

Obispos Cubanos Y Norteamericanos Buscan Misión Común De La Iglesia

18 agosto 2009, LA HABANA, Cuba – Como "una visita de intercambio de experiencias en el conocimiento mutuo de la misión de la Iglesia," definió la llegada a Cuba de tres obispos y dos sacerdotes de los Estados Unidos, el secretario de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Cuba (COCC), padre José Félix. La delegación integrada por el cardenal Sean O'Malleu, de Boston, el obispo de Orlando, monseñor Thomas Wenski y el obispo auxiliar de San Antonio Oscar Cantu, además de dos sacerdotes, cumplimentarán un programa de visita a lugares de interés religioso y social.

La Iglesia Menonita Hondureña Llama a La Paz, Rechazando La Militarización De La Sociedad

18 agosto 2009, SAN PEDRO SULA, Honduras – La dirigencia de la Iglesia Evangélica Menonita Hondureña se reunió el 15 de agosto para analizar los recientes acontecimientos ocurridos en el país relacionados con la crisis social-político-militar al romperse el orden constitucional. El pronunciamiento surgido de la reunión defiende la paz, sin armas y el diálogo para la construcción social.

Obispos Regresan a Estados Unidos Tras Pedir Levantar Bloqueo a Cuba

21 agosto 2009, LA HABANA, Cuba – Tras declarar que quieren "animar" a Obama a levantar el bloqueo comercial y financiero a la Isla, regresó a Estados Unidos la delegación de representantes del Secretariado para América Latina de la Conferencia Episcopal de los Estados Unidos. La visita, integrada por tres obispos y dos sacerdotes, cumplió una apretada agenda que incluyó intercambio con la alta jerarquía del episcopado cubano, visita a diversas provincias y al santuario de El Cobre donde se encuentra la efigie de La Virgen de la Caridad, Patrona de Cuba.

Metodistas Revén Carta Pastoral Sobre Ecumenismo

19 agosto 2009, BRASIL – Aunque entiende que los metodistas precisan madurar y aprender con humildad, verdad y comunión su relacionamiento con la Iglesia Católica, el grupo de trabajo que revisó la Carta Pastoral sobre ecumenismo concluye que un acuerdo entre las dos denominaciones aún no fue posible y que su relacionamiento se dará de modo interpersonal y en la atención a las demandas comunitarias. El grupo de trabajo fue instituido después que el 18o Concilio, reunido en 2006 en la ciudad de Aracruz, Espírito Santo, decidió la retirada de la Iglesia Metodista de los organismos ecuménicos que tenían participación de la Iglesia Católica Apostólica Romana, como es el caso del Consejo Nacional de Iglesias Cristianas del Brasil (Conic) y la Coordinadora Ecuménica de Servicio (Cese).

International News

Advocacy for Christians in Pakistan

August 20, 2009 – Having listened to the concerns of Christian partners and correspondents in Pakistan, NIFCON (the Network of Inter Faith Concerns for the Anglican Communion) is one of the main sponsors of a petition being drawn up asking the government of Pakistan to repeal the law against blasphemy. In recent years the threat of this law has often been used in unjust attacks upon the country's vulnerable Christian minority, and it seems to have played a part in the recent incident in Gojra which led to the death of a number of Christians.

Episcopal Elections in the Church of the Province of Central Africa

August 20, 2009, NORTHERN MALAWI – The Electoral College which sat at St Peter's, Lilongwe, Malawi on Saturday 1st August 2009 elected the Revd Canon Fr Leslie Richard Mtekateka as the Bishop of Northern Malawi. The See fell vacant after Bishop Christopher Boyle resigned to take up a new post of Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Leicester in the UK. Canon Mtekateka is presently serving as a parish priest in Karonga District, Malawi. He is one of the long serving priests in the Diocese having worked with the first Bishop of the Diocese Jack Biggers as his Chaplain, Diocesan Secretary and Archdeacon. He also served under Bishop Christopher Boyle.

Middle East News

Concern Expressed for Palestinian Community

August 20, 2009, TORONTO – On the final day of its meeting in Kelowna, British Columbia, August 9-15, 2009, The United Church of Canada's 40th General Council expressed concern for a West Bank Palestinian community engaged in non-violent protests. Commissioners approved a motion "to support a KAIROS urgent action and direct the General Secretary, General Council, to communicate our solidarity to the village of Bil'in as they continue non-violent protests of settlement construction, and the barrier wall on their lands and in the face of arrests of community leaders, including Mohammed Khatib, and the escalating violence they face.