Front Page

Sultan: Muslims, Christians Must Work Together

July 16, 2010 – Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar said Muslims and Christians must work together to establish an inter-faith regime that shall serve as a true model to the rest of the world. Abubakar, who is also the President-General of Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and Co-Chairman, Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), said this at the quarterly meeting of NIREC in Owerri, Imo State. He said, "Nothing is impossible with God's assistance and with the hard work, sincerity, perseverance and sacrifice of the nation's stakeholders." Sultan Abubakar said NIREC must not relent in its efforts to contribute its quota to the emergence of a peaceful, vibrant and prosperous Nigeria, stating that all Nigerians must toy with the need for peace, stability and mutual co-existence.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Says Time for Immigration Reform Is Now

July 13, 2010, CHICAGO – The time has come for immigration reform in the United States, according to the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Although issues surrounding immigration are "complex and not easily resolved," the biblical witness for reform is clear, Hanson wrote in a July 13 pastoral letter to the 4.6 million-member ELCA. "The distinctions that so often divide humankind are overcome in Christ," wrote Hanson. "By grace through faith on account of Christ we are joined together in a radically inclusive community."

Orthodox Women Seek "Theology of Healing"

July 15, 2010 – The need for a "theology of healing" was the central theme of a recent international encounter between Orthodox women and Christians of both sexes from other traditions. Female leadership in the life of the church – be it in the area of worship, education, administration or social care – should not be "understood as seeking power and prestige but as a deeper commitment to love and service that responds to the sacrificing love of Christ" stated the women and men who took part in the 8-12 July meeting at the St Vlash Theological Academy in Albania. The participants suggested seeing the women's commitment as a "healing to all suffering people, particularly the abused, the violated, the victims of poverty and other marginalized people among which women and children are the most vulnerable and highest numbers."

Church of England Advances Plans for Women Bishops
Legislation Passes with Minor Amendments, Heads to Dioceses for Approval

July 12, 2010, YORK, England – Following years of debate, the Church of England July 12 backed legislation that paves the way for women to become bishops, much to the dismay of traditionalists who had hoped for more robust provisions for those in opposition. Some 40 proposed amendments to an 11-clause measure were considered by General Synod, the church's main legislative body, during its July 9-13 meeting in York, but only minor changes were given the nod. Clause 1, that reaffirms synod's will for women to be bishops, passed without debate. But the sticking point focused on Clause 2, which outlines provisions for those opposed to women bishops.

General News

LCMS Convention News for Sunday, July 11, 2010

July 11, 2010 – Actions and happenings from today's business sessions of the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod are summarized in the media releases below. Simply click on each headline to read the entire story.

LCMS Convention Responds to 2009 ELCA Human Sexuality Decisions 10-191-jb

July 13, 2010, HOUSTON – The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Convention adopted two resolutions July 13 related to the sexuality actions of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). One resolution commended earlier responses to the ELCA's actions and the other offered support to "confessional Lutheranism at home and abroad." The resolutions were adopted overwhelmingly and without comment by nearly 1,200 voting delegates attending the convention at the George R. Brown Convention center here.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Offers Best Wishes to New LCMS President-Elect

July 13, 2010, HOUSTON – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered best wishes to the Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, in a statement Hanson issued after Harrison was elected president of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), at the Synod's 64th Regular Convention here. Harrison, 48, was elected on the first ballot for president, with 643 votes or 54 percent, over the Rev. Gerald B. Kieschnick, 67, the incumbent, who received 527 votes or 45 percent. Three other nominees split 14 votes. The LCMS president is elected by majority vote.

Editorial Page

Editorial: Reading Makes Words Truly Come Alive

July 11, 2010 – What is "communications ministry"? It's the dissemination of words that nourish the human spirit, including confessions of faith, scripture verses, church doctrines, theological essays, devotional guides, church bulletins, and more. The amazing power of communications ministries is that these words can touch readers' hearts regardless of how much time has elapsed since they were first written. But the power and influence of these writings can only be unleashed when someone reads these life-giving words. No matter how inspiring a book may be, if no one picks it up from a shelf and reads it, it's just another piece of junk taking up space. The following story is a good illustration of my point:

Spanish News

Iglesia Luterana Califica De Anticonstitucional Lectura De La Biblia En Escuelas

13 julio 2010, SAN SALVADOR – La Iglesia Luterana o Sínodo Luterano Salvadoreño, calificó de anticonstitucional, inconsulta, apresurada, y reñida con la naturaleza y práctica de otras religiones reconocidas en la Carta Magna, la ley que obliga a la lectura de la Biblia en las escuelas, como parte de un plan para reducir los niveles de violencia en el país. El documento emitido por la Unidad de Comunicaciones de esa entidad religiosa y titulado Nuestra postura ante la lectura obligatoria de la Biblia en las escuelas, plantea que "No podemos negar que leer la Biblia renueva al ser humano, pero cuando se hace por decreto, y de forma obligatoria, se le quita toda bondad," a la par que hace referencia al carácter inclusivo de la Constitución el cual, a pesar de tratarse de una nación "con inspiración cristiana, hay reconocimiento y pleno derecho de libertad de credo y religión.

Descubierta En El Diablo Tumba De Jefe Maya

16 julio 2010, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA – Excavaciones que se hacían en una estructura arquitectónica del sitio denominado El Diablo, ubicado en el departamento de Petén al norte de esta capital, presupone el descubrimiento de la tumba de quien fuera jefe de la desaparecida ciudad maya de El Zotz. Realizado el descubrimiento el pasado mayo por arqueólogos norteamericanos y locales, se afirma que fue encontrada la tumba del llamado "Chak" (pescado-perro), en esa antigua ciudad situada a 23 kilómetros al oeste de Tikal, la metrópoli maya más importante descubierta hasta el momento, según un despacho de la EFE.

La "Guerra De Dios" De La Iglesia Católica
Contra El Matrimonio Gay Cosecha Críticas En Su Propio Seno

13 julio 2010, BUENOS AIRES – En pleno debate en el Congreso nacional del proyecto de ley de matrimonios del mismo sexo, la iglesia Católica y sectores evangélicos contrarios a la norma, convocan a una marcha esta tarde, mientras el Instituto Nacional Antidiscriminación llama a otra a favor. Desde el Arzobispado se dice que la iniciativa es "una movida del Diablo." Mañana se debatirá en el pleno de la Cámara de Senadores; ya fue aprobada en la Cámara de Diputados.

En Seis Meses 126 Mujeres Murieron a Causa De La Violencia Machista

16 julio 2010, BUENOS AIRES – Según el informe del primer semestre del 2010 del Observatorio de Femicidios en Argentina de la Sociedad Civil Adriana Marisel Zambrano, desde el 1 enero hasta el 30 de junio, 126 mujeres murieron siendo víctimas de la violencia machista. La cifra no sólo es alarmante por sí misma sino que muestra el aumento de un 40% de feminicidios respecto al mismo período del pasado año. El estudio llevado adelante por esta Asociación Civil toma los casos publicados por agencias de noticias y 120 diarios del país, lo que revela además que de existir cifras oficiales y una sistematización a nivel nacional por encima de los medios periodísticos, los asesinatos de mujeres podrían ser aún más elevados que los datos reportados en la actualidad.

Arte Sacro Sufre Depredación Cuando Las Leyes No Le Consideran Un Delito Grave

15 julio 2010, PUEBLA, México – Si bien la ciudad de Puebla, en México, ocupa el primer lugar en turismo religioso según las oficinas españolas de este rubro, también es la región más perjudicada por el saqueo de arte sacro, actividad que aquí, según las leyes, no aparece como una figura delictiva grave. Un diputado federal de esa localidad, Juan Pablo Jiménez Concha, expresó que el patrimonio cultural del país contiene una importante colección de arte sacro de los períodos comprendidos entre los siglos XVI y XIX, que abarcan la pintura y la escultura en sus diversas técnicas y estilo, quien presentó a la Comisión Permanente del Congreso de la Unión, la propuesta de que sea calificado como delito grave cualquier intento de comercialización y roto de ese patrimonio, pidiendo un rango de condena para los infractores de hasta 15 años de privación de libertad.

Protestantes Integran El 40 Por Ciento De Creyentes Según Profesor De La Uca

12 julio 2010, SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Samuel Silva Gotay, profesor de la Universidad de Puerto Rico (UCA), afirmó que, a pesar de no existir una estadística oficial en la Isla en torno al número de evangélicos, él considera que alcanza un 40 por ciento. SAN JUAN, 12 de julio de 2010 – Según el profesor de la Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, personas de iglesias protestantes y evangélicas integran esa cifra en un país que se considera, eminentemente, de tradición católica, según señalara a la agencia EFE, afirmando que la tendencia está caracterizada "por tomar la Biblia como fuente fidedigna y la última autoridad en materia de fe."

New York Metro News

General Theological Seminary Leaders Say Money Secured for Upcoming School Year; Remaining Debt Still Looms, Interim President Tells Students

July 14, 2010 – General Theological Seminary has reached an agreement in principle with its bank for a $5.3 million short-term loan "that will provide working capital for the upcoming school year," according to a July 14 press release. The Rev. Lang Lowrey, GTS interim president, said in a press release that "definitive agreements and final approval" by both the seminary and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company are still needed on the terms of the loan. General would get a line of credit on which it can draw for operating expenses until the seminary proceeds as planned with the sale of four residential units in the building known as Chelsea 2, 3, 4, the release said.

UMC New York Annual Conference Meets

July 15, 2010, HOFSTRA, NY – With the question, "Are you ready?" Bishop Jeremiah J. Park opened the 211th session of the New York Annual Conference at Hofstra University Arena. The theme for the June 9-12 gathering, "For Such a Time as This: We Are Building Up a Healthy Body of Christ," is an ongoing exploration of the conference's vision statement. In his episcopal address, the bishop struck a prophetic tone by insisting that what the church needs is "urgent, trusting and radical change." Hard choices will need to be made. We can't keep doing the same things in our attempts to make disciples for Christ. "Change is coming, change is evitable," Park said.to John 15 for three words – fruit, abide and love – that can inspire Park looked the change that needs to come in the church.

National News

Three ELCA Members Perish in Oklahoma Plane Crash

July 13, 2010, CHICAGO – Three members of Fellowship Lutheran Church, Tulsa, Okla., died in a plane crash July 11 near Gundy's Airport in Owasso, Okla. Fellowship is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Lonnie Hardin, 55, Joseph Provenzano, 53, and Richard Shimer, 64, suffered injuries and died when their single-engine plane crashed about 100 yards from the runway, according to news reports. "Rick, Lonnie and Joe will be greatly missed by their spouses and families and by Fellowship Lutheran Church. I give thanks that in Baptism they were marked with the cross of Christ forever.

International News

Consecration of a Bishop in China

July 14, 2010, VATICAN CITY – On Saturday 10 July, Msgr. Antonio Xu Jiwei, aged 75 and a priest for the last 25 years, was consecrated as bishop of Taizhou in the province of Zhejiang, China, according to a note released by the Holy See Press Office. The bishop had guided the diocese as diocesan administrator since 1999, and was approved by the Holy See as bishop of Taizhou. The government authorities also approved his episcopal ordination. The liturgical celebration was presided by Bishop Giuseppe Li Mingsu of Qingdao, Giuseppe Zhao Fengchang of Liaocheng, Giuseppe Xu Honggen of Suzhou and Giuseppe Han Yingjin of Sanyuan.

Lutherans Meet in Germany for LWF Eleventh Assembly
Archbishop of Canterbury to Deliver Keynote Address in Stuttgart

July 14, 2010, GENEVA – In about a week's time, Lutherans from around the world will meet in Stuttgart, Germany, for the Eleventh Assembly of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF). "Give Us Today Our Daily Bread" is the theme of the 20-27 July event, hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wuerttemberg. The LWF comprises 140 member churches in 79 countries, representing more than 70 million Christians. An estimated 1,000 people, including 418 delegates from the member churches will participate in the assembly, held mainly in the Liederhalle cultural and congress center.

Church Program Helps Dropouts Find Hope and Go to College

July 11, 2010 – Chu-Tang Presbyterian Church's Sunflower Education Program held its 8th convocation on June 30, 2010. It included a lot of choral and instrumental performances and skits that warmed the hearts of parents and guests because each performance was a testimony of the transformation in these youth's lives. Several local officials and school principals attended this ceremony, gave words of encouragement, and handed out prizes and diplomas to graduating students.

First Woman Lutheran Bishop Resigns

July 17, 2010, BERLIN – The first woman ever elected as a Lutheran bishop has resigned from her post in northern Germany amid allegations she failed to thoroughly investigate reports of a sexually abusive pastor. Hamburg bishop Maria Jepsen said in a statement Friday that she was stepping down from her post after coming under fire for allegedly deciding not to take action on claims that a priest within her diocese was involved in sexual abuse. "My credibility has been put in question," Jepsen said. "Consequently, I feel that I am no longer able to spread the good word, as I vowed to do at my ordination."

The Baha'is of Ivel: Undaunted Spirit

July 11, 2010, GENEVA – Following the demolition of Baha'i homes in the Iranian village of Ivel – reported last week – there is another story that must also be told: that of sympathetic villagers who have commiserated with their Baha'i neighbors over the injustices they have been forced to endure. It is also the story of an undaunted spirit and a commitment to social good that continues to enable the Baha'is to transcend their prolonged persecution and be active participants in the social and economic development of their village.