Front Page

KEPULIHAN: Stories of the Tsunami

March 3, 2010 – The recent devastating earthquake in Haiti has claimed more than 230,000 lives and left more than a million homeless and hungry. Cities have been completely leveled and their ruins have reminded the world of the destruction caused by natural disasters. But soon the cameras will leave. The stories will be buried within the newspapers. What happens next? Disaster recovery is a long-term and multilayered process. Long-term recovery is about helping individuals, families and entire communities make choices about how they reclaim a portion of life as it was before.

Interfaith Group Urges Action on Health Care Reform

March 3, 2010 – The United Church of Christ joined a myriad of faith community leaders and organizations last week in urging the Obama administration and Congress to "complete the task at hand on behalf of the millions who are left out and left behind in our current health-care system." Faithful Reform in Health Care, a coalition of denominational and interfaith organizations including the UCC, has conducted follow-up calls on next steps, said Barbara Baylor, minister for health care justice in the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries.

Church World Service Ramps up Immigration Reform Efforts
Tens of Thousands to Come to D.C. to March, Advocate for Humane, Just Reform

March 1, 2010, NEW YORK – Drawing on nearly 65 years of direct service to and advocacy work for refugees, immigrants and other marginalized communities, Church World Service is ramping up its efforts for immigration reform, with components including direct service work, advocacy and grassroots mobilization. CWS (www.churchworldervice.org), a global humanitarian emergency response, sustainable development and refugee protection agency, is advocating for reform that keeps families together and enables undocumented immigrants to earn their legal status and eventual citizenship.

Reform Immigration Before Summer Recess, CWS Asks D.C. Lawmakers

March 5, 2010, NEW YORK – The global ecumenical humanitarian agency Church World Service is pressing lawmakers in Washington to move forward on immigration reform before their summer recess in August. Church World Service Immigration and Refugee Program Director Erol Kekic today (March 5) sent a letter to each member of Congress requesting them to move with dispatch to reform what he describes as "a broken immigration system."

Christian, Muslim Leaders Issue Call to Action for Global Peace

March 4, 2010 – Christian and Muslim leaders, gathering for a historic summit at Washington National Cathedral, have committed themselves to "appeal to government and community leaders to promote peace and reconciliation efforts worldwide." The March 1-3 summit culminated in a call to action and a two-hour public dialogue featuring four leaders from the Anglican, Shi'a, Sunni and Roman Catholic faith traditions: Washington Bishop John Bryson Chane; Ayatollah Dr. Ahmad Iravani, president of the Center for the Study of Islam and the Middle East and research scholar at the Columbus School of Law in Washington, D.C.; Professor Dr. Ahmad Mohamed El Tayeb, president of Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt; and Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Rome.

Earthquakes Response

Photos Showing Devastation from February 27 Earthquake in Chile (PPS file, 4 MB)

Provided by The Rev. Dr. Juan Verdugo Martinez, DIrector of AIELC Lutheran Institute in Chile. This is a 4MB PowerPoint presentation.

WCC Offers Condolences and Prayers to the People of Chile

March 1, 2010 – The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has offered his condolences to the people of Chile, after a powerful earthquake struck along the coastline of central Chile on Saturday, 27 February. In a letter to Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, Tveit said, "I want to express, on behalf of the World Council of Churches, our prayers and deep solidarity with you, the relatives and friends of the victims and the Chilean people."

Chile Earthquake Activates Church's Response

February 28, 2010 – A massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake hit central Chile Saturday, Feb. 27, causing damage throughout the South American country and triggering tsunami warnings in the Pacific basin. As of mid-afternoon Sunday, the death toll stood at 708 in Chile though is expected to rise. Damage was particularly heavy in Concepción. That city, Chiles second-largest metropolitan area, is located only 70 miles from the earthquake's epicenter. The United Church of Christ and its Global Ministries partners working in Chile are responding to requests for assistance through ACT Alliance and Church World Service (CWS).

Rincon UCC Youth Make Sweet Gesture to Haiti

March 3, 2010 – When "The Fire" starts in the desert at Rincon United Church of Christ in Tucson, it can spread quickly. The Fire – aka the youth group at Rincon UCC – fed its desire for service by participating in February's Souper Bowl of Caring. They raised more than $700 and nearly 100 cans of food for their local food bank. But they were just getting warmed up. Faster than you can say "Cupid's arrow," the group was planning, producing and selling Valentine candy as a fundraiser for victims of the Haiti earthquake.

‘Now Is Our New Creation,' Haiti Bishop Tells Episcopal Church

March 5, 2010 – Episcopal Diocese of Haiti Bishop Jean Zaché Duracin has written to the wider church saying that the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck the country Jan. 12 "was our baptism." "Now is our new creation," Duracin wrote on March 5. Duracin also asked for Episcopalians' patience as the diocese develops what he called a master plan to replace the physical structures of the diocese, which was devastated by the earthquake. The goal of that rebuilding will be to "continue to serve Haitian people with the same love, the same care, and the same support that we have always shown," he wrote.

Chilean Anglicans Mobilize Efforts to Serve Isolated Communities Following Quake

March 3, 2010 – The Anglican Diocese of Chile is responding to the urgent needs of its members after a magnitude-8.8 earthquake devastated parts of central Chile on Feb. 28, claiming almost 800 lives and affecting nearly two million people. In a letter to the diocese, Chile Bishop Héctor Zavala reported that the general situation of the church is good. "There has been no loss of life, although there is some structural damage to buildings which will need to be repaired during the second stage of recovery," he said.

National Council of Churches Members Begin ‘Long-Term Engagement' with Haiti

March 3, 2010 – The National Council of Churches USA, has called representatives of its member communions to a meeting on April 6 to begin planning for "our long-term engagement with the renewal and recovery of the people and nation of Haiti." Responding to what it said in a news release are the "pressing needs of Haiti and the deep sense of call to respond," the council sent its invitation March 2 to the ecumenical officers of the NCC's 36 member communions and denominational specialists in Haiti ministries.

ELCA Initiates Response to Massive Earthquake in Chile

February 27, 2010, CHICAGO – A massive earthquake, with a magnitude of 8.8 on the Richter scale, struck central Chile in the early morning hours Feb. 27, killing at least 122 people. The earthquake is the biggest to hit Chile in 50 years. As a result of the earthquake, a tsunami warning was issued Feb. 27 for the entire Pacific basin, including all of the Hawaiian islands. Staff of the churchwide organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) ELCA has contacted companions in Chile.

Lutherans in Chile Report Significant Earthquake Damage

February 27, 2010, CHICAGO – Earthquake damage is said to be extensive in Santiago and Concepcion following the Feb. 27 severe earthquake in central Chile, according to Karen Anderson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Global Mission staff in Santiago. The Feb. 27 earthquake measured 8.8 on the Richter scale. The Chilean government has reported at least 147 deaths in all of the country. A tsunami warning was issued for the entire Pacific basin as a result of the earthquake, including Hawaii and U.S. territories such as Guam and American Samoa.

Chilean Pastor: ‘Trust in the Lord'

March 1, 2010 – The Rev. Edinson Caba Burgos and his wife, Mariela Correa-Montecinos, were just settling into their new assignment at a Methodist church in the historic section of Santiago, Chile, when the Feb. 27 earthquake struck. Their unpacked boxes remain forgotten as they visit those sleeping in the streets around Primera Iglesia Metodista, located in Sector Centro near the Alameda, sharing tea and cookies. Like many Chileans, they are concerned about having enough food and water. "Trust in the Lord" is what Caba is telling his congregation as they and other Methodist churches hold prayer services for earthquake survivors.

General News

CTCR Adopts Environment-stewardship Report

March 4, 2010 – At its Feb. 11-13 meeting, the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) adopted "in principle" a document responding to 2007 convention Res. 3-06 requesting it "to develop a biblical and confessional report on responsible Christian stewardship of the environment for use by Synod entities including our schools and churches as they develop resources for the church at-large." This same resolution noted that "there is a lack of resources in the LCMS addressing environmental issues in a scriptural and confessional way" and that "there is a need for study, for service, for responsible Christian citizenship, and for concerted action on environmental issues based on an examination of biblical and confessional resources."

Ministering to the Ministers
Organizations Take Spiritual Focus Serving Clergy, Religious in Mental Health Crises

March 3, 2010 – Who ministers to the ministers? Where can priests and religious safely turn when they are depressed or addicted? Guest House, a 54-year-old organization headquartered in Lake Orion, Mich., specializes in treating priests, religious, deacons and seminarians with addictions. Upper Room, a new crisis hotline based in Joliet, Ill., provides paraprofessional counseling, information, referral, suicide prevention and reassurance for elderly priests, brothers and deacons. Priests and vowed religious are at least as susceptible to the grip of addiction as laypeople, and although they may be more reluctant to accept help, they have an excellent success rate if they complete treatment that respects their vocational call.

Media Portrayal of Women Is Focus of Panel

March 3, 2010, NEW YORK – When Jan Floyd-Douglass decided to buy a new car, she bypassed suitable models from eight different manufacturers – and then wrote to tell them why. "I love your car but I didn't buy it because I don't like your advertisements because they demean women," wrote Ms. Floyd-Douglass, who is on the board of the Women's National Commission in the United Kingdom. She told the story during a panel discussion titled "Portrayal or Betrayal: How the Media Depicts Women and Girls" held at the UN offices of the Baha'i International Community.

ELCA Joins National Week of Prayer for Healing of Aids March 7-13

March 4, 2010, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is among many faith groups participating in the National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, March 7-13, according to the Rev. Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl, coordinator for the Lutheran Malaria Initiative and the ELCA Strategy on HIV and AIDS. Many ELCA congregations and members will pray for those affected by HIV and AIDS in their daily devotions and in worship prayers during that week, DeGroot-Nesdahl said. "I hope the prayers of the church in worship lift this emphasis up by remembering those who are affected by HIV and AIDS, and those who love and care for them," she said.

Lutheran Women Address Gender Equality Topics at U.N. Conference

March 5, 2010, NEW YORK – A delegation of 12 Lutherans and other faith group representatives attended the 54th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held at the U.N. headquarters here, March 1-12. The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) brought people from around the world to this year's CSW. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Lutheran Office for World Community (LOWC), New York, hosted the delegation. Both organizations have done this for the past 15 years.

Funds Embargoed at Two Schools

March 5, 2010, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Two United Methodist-related theological schools are taking steps to have allocations from the Ministerial Education Fund reinstated after an embargo was placed on those funds. Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology and United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, were placed on public warning Jan. 21 by the University Senate, a sanctioning body within the denomination that determines which schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with The United Methodist Church. The fund embargoes took effect Feb. 1.

‘Wesley' May Be Coming to a Theater near You

March 4, 2010, NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Moravian preacher is bringing the film "Wesley" to a movie theater near you. The two-hour movie that is slowly building a platform in theaters across the United States not only brings to life John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, but also his mother, brother, Georgia girlfriend and an assorted group of uptight religious leaders and hired thugs. The Rev. John Jackman, 53, pastor of Trinity Moravian Church in Winston-Salem, N.C., says he got into the movie business as a way of telling stories of redemption, and Wesley's story has enough action for several films.

Innovative Churches Worship Despite Blizzard

March 3, 2010, BALTIMORE – It's said that "neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night" will keep mail carriers from completing their rounds. Apparently, recent record snowfall didn't prevent some United Methodist pastors in Maryland from completing their sermons. Thanks to high-tech innovations like webcasting and social media – and simpler options like conference calls – some clergy in the Baltimore-Washington Annual (regional) Conference conducted Sunday services in blizzard conditions. On Sunday, Feb. 7, when almost all churches in the state were closed because of snow, the Rev. Ramon McDonald of Mount Oak Fellowship United Methodist Church in Mitchellville, Md., delivered his sermon, "Focus on Jesus," from the comfort of his home.

Ecumenical News

Methodists Likely to Merge with Church of England

March 5, 2010 – The Methodist Church is on its way to rejoining the Church of England in a historic move. The head of the non-conformist denomination said it was ready to come back to the national church after 200 years apart, if it would help spread the word of God. A merger would have profound implications not just for both sets of worshippers but also the finances of the united Christian church and its property portfolio. The Methodist Church of Great Britain has just 265,000 members compared with the 960,000 who attend Sunday services each week in the Church of England.

Editorial Page

Pastors Debate Value of Lenten Sacrifices

March 3, 2010, LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Renewing a centuries-old debate, Arkansas pastors have taken to the Internet to discuss the spiritual value of making personal sacrifices such as giving up chocolate or television for Lent. The conversation started when the Facebook page of Lakewood United Methodist Church in North Little Rock posed the question of whether anyone was planning to give up social networking for Lent. "Seriously?" wrote the Rev. Danyelle Trexler Ditmer, pastor of Atkins First and Bells Chapel United Methodist churches in Arkansas.

Spanish News

El CMI Insta a Las Iglesias a "Renovar Esfuerzos" Para Un Acuerdo Justo Sobre El Clima

1 marzo 2010 – El Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) ha hecho un llamamiento a toda la familia ecuménica para seguir haciendo presión en la comunidad internacional en favor de "un acuerdo justo, ambicioso y vinculante" sobre el cambio climático, en vista de la cumbre de la ONU sobre el clima que tendrá lugar en México el próximo mes de diciembre.

La Iglesia Anglicana En El Sur De África Rechaza Proyecto
De Criminalizar La Homosexualidad En Uganda

2 marzo 2010, CIUDAD DEL CABO, Sudáfrica – Los Obispos de la Iglesia Anglicana en el Sur de África, reunidos en el Centro de Conferencias Thokoze, en Swaziland, entre el 8 y el 12 de febrero, se mostraron perturbados por el debate entre los legisladores de Uganda del proyecto de ley que busca la criminalización de la homosexualidad y la persecución a las personas gay.

Constituyen Observatorio Centroamericano De Justicia Y Género

1 marzo 2010, SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – Violencia doméstica, delitos sexuales y discriminación laboral contra la mujer, son los ejes temáticos del Observatorio de Justicia y Género, una instancia regional que aspira a constituirse en un espacio de discusión y análisis vinculados a estos importantes temas sociales.

Importantes Teólogos Conmemorarán Aniversario De Monseñor Romero

2 marzo 2010, SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Los teólogos Gustavo Gutiérrez y Jon Sobrino, máximos exponentes de la Teología de la Liberación en América Latina, se darán cita en El Salvador, próximamente, para conmemorar el trigésimo aniversario del martirio de monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero. "La iglesia de los pobres," es una de las conferencias que desarrollará el peruano Gustavo Gutiérrez y el español Xavier Alegre.

El CMI Ofrece Condolencias Y Oraciones Al Pueblo Chileno

2 marzo 2010, GINEBRA, Suiza – El secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), pastor Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, ha ofrecido sus condolencias al pueblo chileno por el fuerte terremoto que sacudió la costa central de Chile el sábado 27 de febrero. En una carta dirigida a la presidenta Michelle Bachelet, Tveit dijo: "Quiero expresar, en nombre del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias, nuestras oraciones y nuestra profunda solidaridad con Usted, los familiares y amigos de las víctimas y el pueblo chileno en su conjunto."

"Estamos En El Tiempo De Dios Para Cuba,"
Afirma Presidente Del CIC En Su Asamblea General

4 marzo 2010, LA HABANA, Cuba – "Estamos en el tiempo de Dios para Cuba," expresó el presidente del Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba (CIC), reverendo Marcial Miguel Hernández, al dejar abierta la Asamblea General número 44 de esa institución en la isla. La inauguración se realizó anoche en el Seminario de los Nazarenos de esta capital y se espera concluya el viernes en horas de la tarde con un proceso eleccionario, encaminado a renovar o ratificar en sus cargos a los distintos líderes de las iglesias que acompañan el proceso de hacer realidad el lema de la organización: Unidos para servir.

La Cruz De Cristo, Prueba De Realidad Para El Movimiento Ecuménico

3 marzo 2010, GINEBRA, Suiza – El metropolitano Bishoy de Damietta, de la Iglesia Ortodoxa Copta, y otros miembros del comité ejecutivo del CMI expresan palabras de bendición durante la investidura del secretario general Olav Fykse Tveit. "Para ser una, la iglesia tiene que volver a su base común. Nada excepto Jesucristo, y éste crucificado ," ha afirmado el secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit.

Iglesias Evangélicas Excluidas De Plan De Seguridad

3 marzo 2010, SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador miércoles – Diferentes iglesias evangélicas mostraron su descontento por no ser incluidas en el Plan Nacional de Justicia, Seguridad Pública y Convivencia; y han presentado una "propuesta de fe." "El plan no tiene nada que ver con lo espiritual…las iglesias no somos socias estratégicas para el gobierno…y los valores morales, espirituales del Reino son vistos como segunda categoría," dijo el conocido religioso Carlos Rivas, pastor general del Tabernáculo de Avivamiento Internacional (TAI).

La ELCA Inicia Respuesta a Terremoto Devastador En Chile

3 marzo 2010, CHICAGO, Estados Unidos – Un terremoto devastador, con una magnitud de 8.8 en la escala de Richter, ocurrió en la zona central de Chile a temprana hora de la mañana del 27 de febrero, causando la muerte de, por lo menos, 122 personas. El sismo es el de mayor intensidad en Chile en 50 años. Miembros del personal de la organización nacional en la Iglesia Evangélica Luterana en América (ELCA, por sus siglas en inglés) se comunicaron con organizaciones compañeras en Chile.

Federación Luterana Mundial Insta a Orar Por Chile
Coordinan Ayuda a Través De Organismos Ecuménicos

2 marzo 2010, GINEBRA, Suiza – El Secretario General de la Federación Luterana Mundial (FLM), Rev. Dr. Ishmael Noko ha pedido oraciones por el pueblo de Chile, tras un potente terremoto de grado 8,8 en la escala de Richter que golpeó la costa del Océano Pacífico, el 27 de febrero a las 3:34 am (hora local). Según informes de prensa, se estima que 700 personas han muerto y cerca de 1,5 millones de hogares han sido dañados.

Mujeres Unidas Por Oración, Servicio Y Solidaridad

5 marzo 2010, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – El DMO-Día Mundial de la Oración, es un movimiento mundial de mujeres cristianas de muchas tradiciones que se reúnen para observar un día común de oración de cada año, y que, en muchos países, tienen una relación continua en la oración y el servicio. Es un movimiento iniciado y realizado por mujeres en más de 170 países y regiones, simbolizado por un día anual de celebración – el primer viernes de marzo – a la que todas las personas son bienvenidas.

Presbiterio Mexicano Vota Ordenación De Mujeres

4 marzo 2010, MÉXICO – Enclavado en el centro del país, el Presbiterio del Estado de México con sede en Toluca, capital de la entidad estado más poblada de México –con más de 15 millones de habitantes-, en una sesión histórica celebrada durante su LXXXVIII Reunión Ordinaria, aprobó por estrecho margen la ordenación de las mujeres a los ministerios del ancianato, diaconado y pastorado. En una votación muy cerrada (diferencia de dos votos) este cuerpo eclesiástico reconoció las vocaciones femeninas en sus tres órdenes.

El CMI Pide Una Resolución Pacífica Del Conflicto Colombiano

2 marzo 2010 – A consecuencia de un prolongado conflicto que dura desde hace más de cinco décadas, "miles de personas han perdido la vida" y "millones de ellas, sobre todo indígenas, afrocolombianos y campesinos, han sido desplazadas a la fuerza." Foto: Tommy Ramm DEA/ACT International/2003 El Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) ha pedido a sus iglesias miembros que aboguen por una resolución pacífica del conflicto colombiano, el pleno respeto de los derechos humanos y la suspensión del llamado "Plan Colombia."

Los Pobres Son Los Más Golpeados Por El Sismo,
Dicen Desde La Conferencia Episcopal Chilena Llamando a La Acción

1 marzo 2010, SANTIAGO, Chile – La Conferencia Episcopal de Chile hizo un llamado a la solidaridad y la oración "por las víctimas, sus familiares y el pronto restablecimiento de la normalidad en el país," tras el terremoto de 8.8 grados en la escala de Richter, que sacudió la madrugada de este sábado, 27 de febrero. "El impacto es grande en las regiones del centro y sur, que ciertamente golpea a los hermanos y hermanas más pobres.

Obispa Deja Presidencia De Su Iglesia Luego De Dar Positivo Test De Alcoholemia

1 marzo 2010, HANNOVER, Alemania – La obispa Margot Kaesemann, de la Iglesia Evangélica Territorial de Hanover, presentó su dimisión a la presidencia de la Iglesia Evangélica de Alemania (EKD), una especie de federación de iglesias territoriales, después de ser encontrada conduciendo alcoholizada, según los padrones alemanes. Una patrulla de la policía la atrapó, el sábado 20 de febrero, Cuando Margot pasó con luz roja para el tráfico con su coche en una calle de Hanover, donde vive.

Mensaje De Solidaridad Del CMI a Los Cristianos De Egipto

1 marzo 2010 – Preocupado por la seguridad de los cristianos de Egipto, el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) ha alentado a las iglesias del país a seguir participando en el diálogo cristiano-musulmán. "Es una pena que hoy en Egipto los cristianos puedan ser fácilmente víctimas de la violencia y del odio, y que su seguridad no esté completamente garantizada. A muchos coptos, en particular, se les hace sentir extranjeros en su propio país."

Presidente Lula Visita Tumba De Monseñor Romero

4 marzo 2010, SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – El Presidente de Brasil Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva se convirtió en el tercer mandatario extranjero que visita la tumba del pastor y mártir Monseñor Oscar Arnulfo Romero. El presidente brasileño ofreció una ofrenda floral al Arzobispo Romero, a pocos días de conmemorarse el XXX aniversario de su martirio. "En la historia de los progresistas, en la década de los 70´ había un hombre en El Salvador que era símbolo de lucha en Centroamérica," dijo al referirse al mártir religioso.

Religious Liberty News

RIO GRANDE: El Paso Judge Changes Mind, Decides on Trial in Property Dispute Case

March 5, 2010 – The Diocese of Rio Grande and the Episcopal Church thought they'd received a favorable court ruling in a property dispute involving a breakaway congregation. Then the judge changed his mind and ordered both parties to appear in 210th District Court in El Paso County, Texas, on March 3. "He basically said he wants to make a decision based on findings of fact, that he wants this to go to trial, either a bench trial or a jury trial," said diocesan associate chancellor Bill Juvrud in a March 3 telephone interview from his office.

LOS ANGELES: U.S. Supreme Court Won't Hear La Crescenta Petition on Property Case

March 1, 2010 – The U.S. Supreme Court announced March 1 that it would not hear a petition from a breakaway group seeking to regain the property of St. Luke's of-the-Mountains Episcopal Church in La Crescenta, California, in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles. In a statement on March 1, Bishop of Los Angeles J. Jon Bruno thanked the justices for the decision, which was posted on the court's website.

National News

WASHINGTON: Priests May Preside at Civil Marriages in D.C.

March 4, 2010 – One day after same-gender marriage became legal in the District of Columbia, Diocese of Washington Bishop John Chane said March 4 that Episcopal Church priests in the nation's capital may preside at those marriages. "Through the grace of Holy Baptism, there are no second class members of the Body of Christ," Chane said in a news release. "We are of equal value in the eyes of God, and any one of us may be called by the Holy Spirit into holy relationships as well as Holy Orders."

International News

Anglican Women Gather in New York for 54th Annual UNCSW

March 1, 2010 – Thousands of women from around the world, including more than 90 representing the Anglican Communion, will gather in New York March 1-12 for the 54th session of the U.N. Commission on the Status of Women to undertake a 15-year review of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The CSW is the oldest U.N. standing commission.

Presbytery Helps Single Christians Find a Mate

February 28, 2010 – On February 19, young adults from various churches across Taiwan who are still single gathered at a restaurant in Tainan city to take part in a group blind date sponsored by Tainan Presbytery's Church and Society Committee. This was the fourth time the committee had organized such an event. Though a cold current resulted in frigid temperatures across Taiwan on that day, as many as 66 Christians attended this event. Activities included fun self-introductions and bingo games especially designed to help participants get to know one another.

Church Promotes Speed-Reading Through the Bible with Meal Vouchers

February 28, 2010 – Churches have never stopped searching for new ways to get their members to read the Bible everyday and Taichung Presbytery's Hsin-Ping Church is no exception. The church recently began encouraging members to speed-read through the Bible in one year by dividing them into small groups and making Bible-reading a group contest so that members can encourage one another to persevere. It also offered meal vouchers as an incentive or prize so that members will be more motivated to read their Bibles.

WSC-AR Urges Addressing the Beheading of Sikhs in Pakistan by Taliban

March 1, 2010 – WSC-AR Urges Addressing the Beheading of Sikhs in Pakistan by Taliban Recent reports of horrific beheadings of Sikhs by the Taliban in Pakistan are causing major concerns to the Sikhs around the world and in particular to the many Sikhs in the United States some of whom have relatives in Pakistan. These concerns and horrific reports have led to conclusions that the general safety of Sikhs in parts of Pakistan has been compromised.

Lutherans in Canada, United States to Engage in Global Service Together

March 5, 2010, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) will engage in mission and ministry overseas together as part of a new agreement between both denominations. The Global Mission program unit of the ELCA embraces the "accompaniment" methodology, which calls for the ELCA to build mutually supportive relationships with Lutheran churches overseas.

UGANDA: Petition Opposing Anti-Homosexuality Law Delivered to Parliament

March 2, 2010 – An online petition containing more than 450,000 signatures has been presented to the Uganda Parliament, urging members to withdraw a proposed bill that, if passed, would broaden the criminalization of homosexuality in the East African country and introduce the death penalty in certain cases. Organized by internet-based advocacy group Avaaz, the petition was delivered on March 1 by human rights activists, health care workers and church leaders, including the Rev. Canon Gideon Byamugisha, a Ugandan Anglican priest who in 1992 became the first religious leader in Africa to declare that he was HIV-positive.

PAKISTAN: Sikh Beheadings Show Dangers Minorities Face

March 2, 2010, BANGALORE, India – Christian groups in Pakistan and India have joined political and other religious leaders in deploring the recent beheading of two young Sikh men by a Taliban group in Pakistan, and have demanded security for religious minorities in the Muslim-majority nation. "We condemn this diabolic act," said Victor Azariah, general secretary of the National Council of Churches of Pakistan, in a telephone interview with Ecumenical News International on March 1. "This is yet another instance of growing insecurity to the [religious] minorities here."

IOWA: Clergy Let Lawmakers Know Their Support of Same-Gender Marriage

March 4, 2010 – Bishop Alan Scarfe of the Diocese of Iowa topped a list of about 167 clergy who signed and sent a letter to state lawmakers recently in support for equal marriage rights for same-gender couples. "There is some concern among people who support equal marriage about the fragility of this right," Scarfe said during a March 4 interview from his Des Moines office. "There's concern also that the church not just be identified with one spectrum of theological belief."

ENGLAND: House of Lords Backs Civil Partnership Ceremonies in Churches

March 3, 2010 – The House of Lords, the upper chamber of the U.K. Parliament, agreed March 2 to amend the Equality Bill so that religious organizations could decide to hold civil partnership ceremonies in places of worship. The bill, intended to form the basis of anti-discrimination law in the U.K., still requires the approval of the House of Commons, but reports indicate that any significant changes to the amendment are unlikely.

Reviews

Mirth for the Soul – What Better Balm to Soothe the Troubles of the World

March 1, 2010, MINNETONKA, MN – Judging from news reports, people are fed up with everything today from elected officials to healthcare, unemployment, terrorists – you name it! Well, fasten your seat belt, because Alan Beck's A Faithful Proposal (IGI Publishing) is about to take you on a frenzied ride through the irritable bowels of healthcare, into the hardening heart of mainstream and fringe contemporary religions, on down to the drug-induced pseudo-worship of corporate and individual greed. Brooks McRump, CEO of Bonanza insurance companies, resigns and joins forces with his former COO, retired psychiatrist Steve Kopfklopper, and they set off to revolutionize religions with the use of the internet.