Front Page

Faith Groups Call for New Israeli Policies Toward Gaza
That Include Meeting Human Needs and Ending the Blockade

June 3, 2010, NEW YORK – The National Council of Churches and other faith groups have expressed alarm and concern over the Israeli action May 31 against an international flotilla on the high seas that led to the deaths of nine persons and the wounding of many others. "The National Council of Churches has strongly supported Israel's right to exist with peace and security, but this attack on an aid convoy contributes to neither," said the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, NCC General Secretary. "In fact, it undermines Israel's standing in the community of nations."

Palestinian and Jewish Activists Call to Work for Peace

June 1, 2010 – "It's time for Palestinians and Israelis to share a just peace" – is the message of the World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel. Participants at the roundtable on "occupation and dispossession" (from left to right): Hazem Jamjoun, Nathan and Caroline Finkelstein, and Rev. John Calhoun, convener of the Week. The plight of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation and the need to hold the Israeli State accountable under international law were highlighted at a roundtable hosted by the Palestine Israel Ecumenical Forum in Geneva, Switzerland on 31 May. The roundtable was one of the events marking the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel.

Aid Agency Church World Service Denies Allegations of Proselytizing in Afghanistan
Afghan Government Temporarily Suspends CWS, Norwegian Church Aid Pending Investigation

May 31, 2010, KABUL, Afghanistan/NEW YORK – International humanitarian agency Church World Service announced today that its long-time work in Afghanistan has been temporarily suspended by the Afghan Ministry of Economy, pending investigation of allegations related to an Afghan television news story claiming that CWS and another humanitarian agency Norwegian Church Aid had engaged in religious proselytism. CWS further announced that it has formally denied the allegations and expects the suspension will last only a few days, while the issue is investigated.

NCC Delegation Meets with U.S. Secretary of Education
on the Need to Provide Equal Education to All Children

June 2, 2010, WASHINGTON – A delegation of the National Council of Churches met with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and other officials Monday to express concerns about the Education Department's "Race to the Top" initiative and the Obama Administration's "blueprint" for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Duncan requested the meeting following the issuance last month of a pastoral letter to the President and Congress on proposed education reforms. The letter was adopted unanimously by the NCC's Governing Board at its May 2010 meeting.

General News

Anglican Communion Launches Online Shop and Twitter Account

June 2, 2010 – The Anglican Communion Office (ACO) has today launched its online shop where visitors can buy books, CDs and other products that support and reflect the work of the Instruments of Communion. Resources include theological reports and Bible studies; ecumenical agreements, statements and reports; publications looking at the Anglican understanding of issues such as Mission and Evangelism; and books and CDs on the principles and practices of worldwide Anglicanism. Secretary General Kenneth Kearon said this latest step would allow many more Anglicans to better access, understand and engage with the workings of the Instruments of Communion.

Bishop Concerned after Minnesota ELCA Congregation's Close Second Vote

June 4, 2010, CHICAGO – The bishop of the Southwestern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Rev. Jon V. Anderson, said he is "concerned" about the members of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, Minn., following the congregation's "very close second vote" May 23 to end its affiliation with the ELCA. Anderson made the comment in a June 3 e-mail message to the synod. Christ the King Lutheran Church has about 2,500 baptized members.

Presiding Bishop Issues Pastoral Letter to the Church
Jefferts Schori Cites Canterbury's Pentecost Letter, Hopes for Continued Dialogue

June 2, 2010 – Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a pastoral letter to the Episcopal Church, in which she refers to the Pentecost letter from Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and urges continued dialogue with those who disagree with recent actions "for we believe that the Spirit is always calling us to greater understanding." In his May 28 letter, Williams acknowledged the tensions caused in some parts of the Anglican Communion by the consecration of Los Angeles Bishop Suffragan Mary Douglas Glasspool and the ongoing unauthorized incursions by Anglican leaders into other provinces.

ELCA Member Named 2010 ‘Volunteer of the Year' for Museum Service

June 4, 2010, CHICAGO – Nicknamed "Mother Nature," 81-year-old Thelma "Tede" D. Johnson has been named the 2010 Volunteer of the Year by the American Association for Museum Volunteers, Washington, D.C. Johnson, a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Newport News, Va., is the first recipient of what will be an annual award. "I consider it an incredible honor to be the one chosen for this national award out of all the museums in the country," said Johnson, who volunteers at the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News. At the museum volunteers help introduce visitors to more than 250 live animals. Johnson said her favorite is to show animals from "the great horned owl down to the tarantula."

Young Adults Take Leap of Faith Volunteering Overseas

June 3, 2010, CHICAGO – Christina Doidge, Portland, Ore., said she will take a huge leap of faith this summer when she plans to leave a successful career in interior design to do volunteer work in South Africa. "I'm leaving a job, salary and community that has taken me in as one of their own to accept something that is completely unknown," Doidge told the ELCA News Service. "The best way to describe it is that I feel equally excited and terrified. I'm scared about the transition, but very eager for the opportunity." Doidge will be participating in the "Young Adults in Global Mission" (YAGM) program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

No Room on Sunday? Try Saturday School

June 4, 2010 – Sarah Falter knew she had to make a change when her pastor mentioned Moses, and her young son had no idea who he was. "I was feeling really disappointed in myself because my children didn't know all the Bible stories I was brought up with and I knew at their age," she said. What her children needed, Falter decided, was Sunday school. However, her tiny country church in central Missouri did not have space for a children's class on Sunday mornings.

Study Shows High Obesity Rate for Clergy

June 1, 2010 – Pastors can never stop at one dessert. Refuse to sample a pie, cake or cookie during a local church potluck and you risk offending a parishioner. That's some of the anecdotal evidence that Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell has collected as research director of the Clergy Health Initiative, a program of Duke Divinity School.

Ecumenical News

Adventists to Participate in Edinburgh World Missionary Conference
Church's Study Center Director Will Co-Chair Foundations for Mission Session

May 30, 2010 WASHINGTON/EDINBURGH – Seventh-day Adventists will contribute to an historic mission conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2 to 6. The Edinburgh event marks 100 years since the last Edinburgh World Missionary Conference when 1,355 Christian delegates, including 208 women, representing western Mission societies of numerous faiths and countries gathered to discuss the future of mission. One hundred years later, the 1910 conference is recognized as a significant event in modern mission. A symbolic act of reflection, thanksgiving and commitment will be held in Edinburgh on 6 June 2010. .

Dana Robert Calls for Common Witness to Christ Despite Divisions

June 3, 2010 – "We must not allow difficult theological, socio-cultural and political issues, or disagreements over theologies of religion, to discourage us from sharing God's love and salvation through Jesus Christ with all the world." With these words, keynote speaker Dana L. Robert encouraged delegates to Edinburgh 2010 in their commitment to unity of purpose in Christian mission, evangelism and dialogue. Professor Robert is co-director of the centre for global Christianity and mission at Boston University School of Theology in the USA. She addressed nearly 300 delegates and 100 other participants on the topic "Mission and Unity in the ‘Long View' from 1910 to the 21st Century."

Evangelization and Social Justice Belong Together, Says WCC Representative

June 5, 2010 – The need to keep together evangelism and the quest for social justice was highlighted by a representative of an ecumenical mission body speaking at an international church conference in Edinburgh on 3 June. Bishop Geevarghese Mor Coorilos, from India, voiced a "growing concern that the prophetic voice [of the church] has been gradually diminishing in ecumenical circles including the World Council of Churches (WCC)." Coorilos is the moderator of the WCC's Commission on World Mission and Evangelism. Speaking at the 2-6 June Edinburgh 2010 Conference, Coorilos said that "a false dichotomy between evangelical and ecumenical strands [of Christianity] is irrelevant."

Korean Pentecostal Church Reaffirms Support for WCC 10th Assembly

June 4, 2010 – The Rev. Dr Young-Hoon Lee, Senior Pastor of the Yoido Full Gospel Church has reaffirmed his church's commitment to support the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly, which will take place in Busan, Korea, in 2013. Meeting with the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit at the Edinburgh 2010 conference, Lee said the Yoido Full Gospel Church is very interested and keen to be involved with the upcoming WCC Assembly. "The WCC can expect to receive full support of the Pentecostal church in Korea for the 10th Assembly," Lee told Tveit.

"Hope and Humility" Shape Approaches to Contemporary Mission

June 4, 2010 – "The priority in Christian mission is to witness to the love of Jesus Christ for all the world," Prof. Dana L. Robert of Boston University told a Friday press briefing at the Edinburgh 2010 conference on world Christianity. "The mystery of salvation is not ours to know," she added, yet Christians feel compelled to bear witness to the gospel with an urgency "as inevitable as breathing." This proclamation happens locally and in broader contexts, whenever believers "inhale the gospel" through worship and biblical meditation and then "exhale mission."

Pope Benedict XVI Sends Greetings to Edinburgh 2010

June 4, 2010 – The Catholic delegation to Edinburgh 2010 is led by Bishop Brian Farrell of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity. Pope Benedict XVI has sent a formal greeting to delegates, visitors and staff attending the Edinburgh 2010 anniversary event commemorating the World Missionary Conference held at Edinburgh in June 1910. The pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church wrote: ‘I send my greetings to those gathered during these days in Scotland for the centennial of the first Edinburgh Missionary Conference, which is now acknowledged to have given birth to the modern ecumenical movement. May we all renew our commitment to work humbly and patiently, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to live again together our common apostolic heritage.'

Key Terms for Mission and Christian Unity in 2010

June 4, 2010 – Cutting-edge concepts for mission and evangelism have been introduced in texts prepared for the Edinburgh 2010 Conference. On Friday 4 June presenters from four continents, focusing on the topic "mission worldwide," suggested the following phrases for inclusion in the lexicon of mission and unity: Missionary power – ‘When I look back on modern Pentecostal history, I cannot but acknowledge the criticism against the Pentecostals' spirit of triumphalism. The growing success in missionary work and exponential spread of the Pentecostal movement may have contributed to this perception.

Editorial Page

Editorial: Sense of Shame

May 30, 2010 – "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise," (Psalm 51:17). During a recent lecture in Taiwan, renowned political science professor and writer Benedict Anderson remarked: "If you feel no shame for your country, you cannot be a nationalist." Anderson explained that genuine love for a country gives birth to a sense of shame for that country, but this sentiment doesn't prompt a person to reject his country. Instead, it forces him to realize his country has much room for improvement.

Spanish News

Arranca Edimburgo 2010 Bajo El Signo De La Renovación Del Testimonio Cristiano

3 junio 2010 – Al sonido de los tambores, los delegados fueron tomando asiento en el salón de actos. Tras el saludo y los primeros cánticos, el protagonismo recayó en los asistentes. Durante cinco minutos largos se prolongó el animado murmullo multilingüe de trescientos delegados de más de 60 países saludando a otros delegados a quienes veían por vez primera, diciéndose sus nombres, país y familia eclesial, y compartiendo unos con otros lo que esperan de este congreso.

Activistas Palestinos Y Judíos Instan a Trabajar Por La Paz

2 junio 2010 – "Es tiempo de que palestinos e israelíes compartan una paz justa" -es el mensaje de la Semana Mundial por la Paz en Palestina e Israel. Participantes en la mesa redonda sobre la ocupación y la expoliación del pueblo palestino (de izquierda a derecha): Hazem Jamjoum, Caroline y Nathan Finkelstein, y el pastor John Calhoun, convocador de la Semana.

En Estado De Alerta Por Paso De La Tormenta Agatha Y Erupción Del Pacaya

1 junio 2010, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA – No terminaba la angustia de los guatemaltecos por la erupción del volcán Pacaya, el pasado jueves 27 de mayo, el cual hizo caer una lluvia de piedras y arena en los tres departamentos más cercanos al coloso, cuando la tormenta Agatha llegó y, a su paso, dejó 92 personas muertas, 54 desaparecidas y 34 mil evacuadas y ubicadas en 97 albergues, última cifra preliminar de ayer.

Bertil Ekström Analiza La Compleja Situación Del Testimonio Cristiano En América Latina

4 junio 2010, ESCOCIA – Cien años después de la Conferencia Misionera Mundial de Edimburgo 1910, la voz latina es escuchada en Edimburgo 2010. En 1910, los 1.200 delegados procedentes de Estados Unidos, Inglaterra y Europa continental definieron el "mapa misionero" del mundo, del que excluyeron a América Latina –así como también a España. No reconocieron entonces los congresistas a la comunidad de naciones de Iberoamérica a ambos lados del "charco" como "tierras de misión." Dieron por hecho que las naciones de habla española pertenecían al "mundo cristiano," pero lo cierto es que no hubo participación alguna de parte interesada en tal conclusión.

Apoyo De Dos Iglesias Protestantes Al Proyecto De Matrimonio De Personas Del Mismo Sexo

31 mayo 2010, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Mientras esta tarde se realizaba una marcha como apoyo a la Campaña "Un mensaje de los niños: queremos papá y mamá," convocada por Alianza Cristiana de Iglesias Evangélicas de la República Argentina y la Federación Evangelica Pentecostal contra el proyecto de ley de matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo en el país, las iglesias Evangélica del Río de la Plata (IERP) y Luterana Unida (IELU) emitieron una Declaración donde, entre otros puntos, reconocen al Estado "su legítima potestad de legislar con la finalidad de asegurar la igualdad de derechos y deberes de todos los ciudadanos, en vistas a afianzar una convivencia basada en la justicia y la paz."

Comienza En Edimburgo La Conferencia Mundial Sobre Misión

4 junio 2010 – "Emprender juntos un nuevo comienzo de nuestra misión en común en el siglo XXI" es el reto que tienen por delante los participantes en la Conferencia internacional sobre misión que tiene lugar en Edimburgo del 2 al 6 de junio. Esta reunión internacional se celebra en conmemoración del Centenario de la Conferencia Misionera Mundial que tuvo lugar en la misma ciudad en 1910 y que generalmente se considera el punto de partida simbólico del movimiento ecuménico moderno.

Comunidad Palestina Realiza Vigilia En Embajada Y Agradece a Ortega Suspensión De Relaciones Con Israel

4 junio 2010, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – La comunidad palestina residente en esta capital realizó una vigilia en su embajada, durante la pasada noche del miércoles, en la cual condenó los ataques del ejército de Israel a la flotilla Libertad, donde murieron nueve personas y 40 resultaron heridas, y oró por las víctimas y el sufrimiento de su pueblo ante las constantes agresiones israelitas.

Celebran Jornada Por 120 Años De Presbiterianismo En La Isla

2 junio 2010, LA HABANA, Cuba – Un foro titulado Somos pueblo de Dios, celebrado a tenor de conmemorarse, próximamente, 120 años de presbiterianismo en la Isla, reunió a un grupo de líderes, el pasado fin de semana en el Seminario Evangélico de Teología de Matanzas, con el propósito de hacer un análisis de la coyuntura nacional y eclesial, como insumo para el diseño de un programa de entrenamiento y desarrollo del liderazgo de la Iglesia.

Los Desastres Como Consecuencia Se Fenómenos Naturales Se Han Adelantado

1 junio 2010, SAN SALVADOR – Este lunes el sol se ha asomado en buena parte del territorio salvadoreño, luego de tres días de lluvias intensas. El paso de la tormenta Agatha por El Salvador ha dejado como saldo nueve personas fallecidas y 8 mil evacuadas. "Los desastres se han adelantado ... yo vivo en la Monte bello y me he autoevacuado, tengo una niña de 9 meses y temo por un posible deslizamiento del volcán," dijo a ALC Javier Romero, un habitante de uno de los barrios considerados de alto riesgo, de las faldas del volcán Quezaltepeque o conocido como el San Salvador.

Debaten Sobre El Bicentenario Y El Protestantismo En El Congreso

2 junio 2010, LIMA, Perú – Historiadores de varios países latinoamericanos participan en una conferencia pública sobre el factor protestante en el nacimiento de las nuevas Repúblicas, que surgieron con el triunfo de las luchas de Independencia de 1810-1824. Con esta mesa, en instalaciones del Congreso de la República peruana, se dio fin a la Consulta Internacional "Ecos del Bicentenario.

Activistas Palestinos Y Judíos Instan a Trabajar Por La Paz

3 junio 2010, GINEBRA, Suiza – En una mesa redonda, organizada por el Foro Ecuménico Palestina-Israel, el 31 de mayo en Ginebra (Suiza), se puso de relieve la grave situación que viven los palestinos bajo ocupación israelí y la necesidad de exigir al Estado de Israel que asuma sus responsabilidades en virtud del derecho internacional. La mesa redonda fue organizada en el marco de la Semana Mundial por la Paz en Palestina e Israel.

Dana Robert Insta Al Testimonio Común a Pesar De Las Divisiones

3 junio 2010 – "No debemos permitir que difíciles cuestiones teológicas, socio-culturales y políticas, o desacuerdos sobre las teologías de la religión, nos disuadan de compartir el amor de Dios y la salvación por medio de Jesucristo con todo el mundo." Con estas palabras, Dana L. Robert, la oradora principal de la primera sesión plenaria, animó a los delegados a la Conferencia Edimburgo 2010 en su compromiso por la unidad en la misión cristiana, la evangelización y el diálogo.

Presentan Libro Sobre Palestina Que Critica La Construcción De Una Teología Pro-Sionista

31 mayo 2010, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – En el marco de la Jornada Mundial por la Paz en Palestina e Israel, que se celebra desde el pasado 29 de mayo y hasta el 4 de junio, fue lanzado aquí el libro Palestina, tierra de resistencia y liberación, elaborado por la Casa Giordano Bruno de esta capital.

Un Minuto De Oración Por La Paz Pide La Iglesia Episcopal

1 junio 2010, SAN SALVADOR – La Iglesia Episcopal de El Salvador comenzará, a partir de este primero de junio, la práctica de "un minuto de oración" al día, durante un año, por la paz en este país, según lo acordara, este fin de semana que acaba de concluir y en el cual se realizó su XLII Convención Diocesana. "Ante el auge de la violencia que ha alcanzado a nuestra Iglesia, y antes el resquebrajamiento social y la pérdida del valor de la vida, consideramos urgente y necesario fortalecernos con la oración," dice, textualmente, una resolución de esa convención.

Analizan La Compleja Situación Del Testimonio Cristiano En América Latina

4 junio 2010 – Cien años después de la Conferencia Misionera Mundial de Edimburgo 1910, la voz latina es escuchada en Edimburgo 2010. En 1910, los 1.200 delegados procedentes de Estados Unidos, Inglaterra y Europa continental definieron el "mapa misionero" del mundo, del que excluyeron a América Latina -así como también a España. No reconocieron entonces los congresistas a la comunidad de naciones de Iberoamérica a ambos lados del "charco" como "tierras de misión." Dieron por hecho que las naciones de habla española pertenecían al "mundo cristiano," pero lo cierto es que no hubo participación alguna de parte interesada en tal conclusión.

Religiosos Velan Por Elección De Políticos Éticos

31 mayo 2010, BRASILIA, Brasil– Líderes religiosos, integrantes del Consejo Nacional de Iglesias Cristinas del Brasil (Conic), esperan que los políticos que fueren electos en octubre "trabajen por la ética como un valor inalienable" para evitar a desmoralización y el descrédito en las instituciones democráticas del país. "De nuestras iglesias nos llegan expresiones de preocupación y muchas veces espanto, acompañadas de insatisfacción y desilusión en relación a la clase política de nuestro país," dice la declaración de Conic sobre ética en la política y elecciones 2010, emitida la semana pasada.

National News

UCC Members Opposed to Immigration Law Join March on Arizona Capitol

June 1, 2010 – Members of the United Church of Christ from Arizona and around the country joined an estimated 20,000 protesters May 29 to march in opposition to the state's SB1070 immigration law that, according to critics, targets Hispanics and could leave the door open for racial profiling by law enforcement agencies. The law, slated to take effect July 29, requires any police officer conducting a traffic stop or when questioning people to ask them about their citizenship if there is "reasonable suspicion" they may be in the country illegally.

ARIZONA: Faithful Participate in Immigration Rallies

June 3, 2010 – Witnessing tens of thousands of people from across the country join a May 29 Phoenix protest of Arizona's immigration law brought Juan, a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, renewed hope for equitable immigration reform. "This march was different than the others," he said of the event, arranged by the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and other groups opposing Arizona's new immigration law that aims to identify and deport illegal immigrants.

Phoenix's Trinity Cathedral at the Center of Arizona's Immigration Debate

June 3, 2010 – Trinity Episcopal Cathedral sits on a divide in downtown Phoenix, Arizona, between the city's oldest Hispanic barrio to the southeast and the first wave of Anglo suburbs to the northwest. Its location also puts it at the center of the nation's immigration debate. "That the cathedral lives on that fault line physically seems to be too good an opportunity to pass up," said the Very Rev. Nicholas Knisely, Trinity's dean, in a May 31 telephone interview. The opportunity, for the church and the Diocese of Arizona, lies in being "a crossroads ministry and inviting people in from different directions. My hope is that what we're trying to do at the cathedral can spread into the larger community."

International News

International Anglican Bible Project Aims to Discover the Church's Role in Battling Climate Change

June 4, 2010 – Members of the worldwide Anglican Communion are working together on a project to discover what the Bible tells the church about saving the planet from environmental damage. The Bible in the Life of the Church project manager, Stephen Lyon, said that World Environment Day was the perfect moment to reveal that the first issue under discussion would be the Environment. "We are already seeing the impact of climate change, particularly in the developing world," he said. .

Church Radio Journalists Charged

May 31, 2010 – Concern is mounting for eight radio journalists and technicians detained in Madagascar last week. The eight work for Radio Fahazavana, a church-supported station in the nation's capital, Antananarivo. BBC reports that on Friday the group was formally charged with threatening state security. The radio station has been shut down and its equipment confiscated by government officials. A statement issued by the president and the general secretary of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches condemns political actions in the country which are curtailing freedom of expression and threaten the welfare of Malagasy citizens.

US Church Officials Defend CWS Against Charges of Proselytizing

June 4, 2010, NEW YORK – U.S. church officials with long ties to Church World Service have defended the humanitarian agency against charges of religious proselytizing in Afghanistan. "When I saw and read the allegations I was dumbfounded," said Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board, Elgin, Ill. "For more than sixty years, Church World Service has grounded its role in serving people regardless of faith tradition."

Fourth Court Date for Imprisoned Baha'i Leaders Set for 12 June

June 1, 2010, GENEVA – The seven Baha'i leaders imprisoned for more than two years in Iran are scheduled to make their fourth court appearance on 12 June, the Baha'i International Community has learned. The date coincides with the first anniversary of last year's contested presidential election in Iran, as well as a global day of action aimed at calling attention to human rights abuses in that country. The trial of the seven began on 12 January after they had been incarcerated without charge in Tehran's Evin prison for 20 months.

Middle East News

Public Statement Condemning the Assault on a Gaza-Bound Vessel

June 1, 2010 – It is with great distress that the World Council of Churches received the news that the Israeli naval forces stormed a Gaza-bound vessel carrying humanitarian aid in international waters before dawn on Monday, killing at least 10 civilians and injuring many more. We condemn the assault and killing of innocent people who were attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, who have been under a crippling Israeli blockade since 2007. We further condemn the flagrant violation of international law by Israel in attacking and boarding a humanitarian convoy in international waters.

UCC – Prayers for Israel and Palestine as Aid to Gaza Is Seized

June 2, 2010 – As the World Council of Churches commemorates its World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel, the co-executive of Global Ministries, the joint world mission organization of the UCC and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), have asked that their member churches join in prayer for peace in the region. Coming on the heels of an Israeli raid on an aid flotilla headed for Gaza in which 12 Turkish activists were killed and more than 10,000 tons of food and medicine seized, the Rev. Cally Rogers-Witte, executive minister of the UCC's Wider Church Ministries, and the Rev. David Vargas, president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Division of Overseas Ministries, said they "join those the world over who have responded in indignation" to the raid and made continued calls for lifting the embargo on Gaza and the inclusion of Gaza in a two-state Israeli/Palestinian resolution.

World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel Begins

May 31, 2010 – Initiators of a World Week for Peace have urged Christians to pray and act for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. The call is "timely," they said, as peace activists have reportedly been killed after Israeli commandos stormed a convoy of ships carrying aid to the Gaza Strip this morning. "We are uniting our voices with others, to speak with one voice against the injustices being suffered by the Palestinian people living under occupation for now more than 43 years," said Rev. John Calhoun preaching at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva to mark the World Week for Peace in Palestine Israel (WWPPI) on 31 May. The week has been convened by the World Council of Churches in cooperation with ecumenical partners and encourages Christians and churches across the world to pray and work for a just peace in Palestine and Israel.

Presiding Bishop Expresses Concern to Obama
Over Israel's Seizure of Aid to Gaza, Ongoing Blockade

June 2, 2010 – Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori June 2 sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing deep concern surrounding Israel's interception of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza. Nine activists were killed May 31 when Israeli commandos boarded the six-ship convoy carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been under a heightened Israeli blockade since the militant group Hamas seized control in June 2007.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Gaza Ship Convoy Incident

June 1, 2010 – At least 10 people died after the ships were intercepted in international waters May 31. The ships were carrying humanitarian goods to Gaza from Cyprus. The mission was also intended to draw attention to the Israeli blockade of Gaza, and a number of activists were said to be on the ships. Video images showed Israeli soldiers rappelling from helicopters onto the ships, and showed the soldiers and passengers fighting. Israel has restricted the flow of goods in and out of Gaza since Hamas gained control in 2007, primarily to control the smuggling of weapons. It said it had warned for days that it would not allow the ships to reach Gaza. Israel also said its troops opened fire in self-defense.

People in the News

Finnish Lutheran Church Elects First Woman Bishop Irja Askola
LWF General Secretary Congratulates Helsinki Bishop-Elect

June 3, 2010, GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko today congratulated Rev. Irja Askola and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF) on the election of pastor Askola as the bishop of Helsinki. She becomes the first female bishop in the Finnish Lutheran church. "I congratulate bishop-elect Askola and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland for taking this milestone step forward," said Noko in a statement issued here on 3 June.

Special Job Overseeing Rare Collection of Bibles

May 31, 2010 – Liana Lupas stands out in New York, even by the standards of a city that defines itself with superlatives and seems to have world-class specialists in every conceivable discipline.