Front Page

CWS Applauds Senate Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill

October 1, 2010 – Global humanitarian agency Church World Service (CWS) applauds Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) for their introduction of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010. "This legislation offers concrete policy solutions to fix our broken immigration system," said Erol Kekic, Director of the CWS Immigration and Refugee Program. "We urge all Senators to cosponsor this bill and support its enactment." The Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2010 would reduce waiting times for separated families to be reunited, protect both U.S.-born and immigrant workers, provide a pathway by which undocumented immigrants could earn their legal status and eventual citizenship, admit refugees as lawful permanent residents, improve immigration detention conditions, and increase the quality of border enforcement by working with local border communities.

Nigerian and Palestinian Keynote Speakers Provide a Focus for UN Advocacy Week

September 27, 2010 – H.E. Ambassador Afif Safieh speaks on the issue of Palestine and Israel at the World Council of Churches UN Advocacy Week, Monday 27 Sept. in Geneva, Switzerland. "We hope to learn from the lessons of history," Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Nigeria told activists gathering for the sixth annual United Nations Advocacy Week (27 September to 1 October) organized by the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs of the World Council of Churches (WCC). For the first time, UN Advocacy Week is being held in Geneva rather than New York City, in conjunction with the 15th session of the UN Human Rights Council in the Swiss city.

WCC Publishes "Justice Not Greed"

September 30, 2010 – Justice Not Greed, a book addressing the international economic crisis, has been released by the publishing arm of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and is widely available through the Amazon.com website. Edited by Pamela Brubaker and Rogate Mshana, Justice Not Greed is an anthology of articles by 14 leading Christian economists, theologians, ethicists and sociologists dealing with recent failures of the world's financial structures. The authors are members of the WCCs advisory group on economic matters. The 224-page book provides economic analysis as well as biblical commentary and moral reflection. Dr Rogate Mshana, co-editor of the anthology and director of the WCC programme on Justice, Peace and Creation, explained the goal of the advisory group in preparing this volume: "The aim of publishing this book is to encourage individuals, students, churches and other communities of faith to analyze, reflect and act to find solutions. The current financial and economic systems have failed to solve the terrible problems of inequality, poverty and ecological destruction. Far from dealing effectively with today's challenges, they have aggravated these problems."

United Methodist Agency Pulls Rally Endorsement

October 1, 2010, WASHINGTON, DC – Concerned about recent "overtly political and partisan statements" made by event organizers, a United Methodist church agency has withdrawn its endorsement of an Oct. 2 rally in Washington. That decision was made public a day before the "One Nation Working Together" rally. Jim Winkler, top executive of the United Methodist Board of Church and Society, said the agency originally had agreed to endorse the rally because its aims – to "build a more united country with good jobs, equal justice and quality public education for all" – were consistent with Scripture and the denomination's Social Principles.

General News

Parker Lecture Extols Communications Efforts to Underserved Groups

September 29, 2010 – The 28th annual Everett C. Parker Ethics in Telecommunications Lecture and Awards event, held Sept. 29 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., honored two communications professionals for their significant contributions to improving access and inclusion in media coverage and technologies. FCC Commissioner the Hon. Mignon Clyburn delivered the keynote address. More than 200 people gathered – representing various government agency, policy organizations, communications outlets and providers, and including a significant contingent of National Council of Churches Communication Commission participants – in this annual event honoring the legacy of the Rev. Everett C. Parker, who in 1959 founded the faith-based media reform organization, the Office of Communication of the United Church of Christ, Inc.

ENGLAND: Archbishop Says There's ‘No Problem' with Celibate Gay Bishops

September 27, 2010 – Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has said that he doesn't regard gay bishops as a problem for the Anglican Communion as long as they are celibate. His comments were made in an interview – published on Sept. 25 and available only to paying subscribers – with journalist Ginny Dougary of The Times of London. In the wide-ranging interview that navigated topics of evolution, young people and the church, music, politics, family life and facial hair, Williams said: "[T]here's no problem about a gay person who's a bishop. It's about the fact that there are traditionally, historically, standards that the clergy are expected to observe. So there's always a question about the personal life of the clergy."

SOUTH CAROLINA: Bishop Says Diocese Engaged in ‘Battle' for Anglicanism's Soul

September 27, 2010 – Comparing his dispute with the Episcopal Church to a military battle, Diocese of South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence has told the diocese that it is "engaged in a worldwide struggle for the soul of Anglicanism in the 21st century." Lawrence's comments came Sept. 23 in response to a request made the day before by members of an Episcopal Church advocacy group that the church's leadership "investigate" a series of actions which they say "are accelerating the process of alienation and disassociation" of the diocese from the Episcopal Church.

Tailgate Eucharist: Taking it to the People

September 30, 2010 – It had been sometime since I had visited a parking lot before a National Football League game. In my previous career, and even during seminary, I followed television camera crews into special parking lots and flashed press passes at the media gates. So I guess you could say I had never "tailgated" at a Charger game in my hometown of San Diego or, for that matter, anywhere else. I saw something called a Ravenswalk at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium, filled with bands, merchants, contests, games, food and fans. Lots of fans. It was the Baltimore Ravens' home opener and we at the Diocese of Maryland thought we should offer Holy Eucharist in the parking lot for Episcopalians who have to choose between church or football on the handful of Sundays the Ravens are in town.

Lutherans' Ecumenical Journey Highlighted by Unexpected Moments

September 30, 2010, CHICAGO – Two Lutherans retracing Martin Luther's 1510 journey from Erfurt, Germany, to Rome report that "unexpected company or hospitality" from people they've met are among the best moments they've experienced so far. The Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson and her husband, Dr. Andrew Lars Wilson, left Erfurt on foot Aug. 22 and are now in Italy. Luther was an Augustinian friar who created controversy with his 95 Theses. Luther's statement, which he nailed to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517, raised questions about indulgences in the Western Church.

Two Schools Lose United Methodist Status

October 1, 2010 – Two Pennsylvania seminaries have been removed from a list of schools approved to train United Methodist clergy, following a June ruling by a denominational sanctioning body. Evangelical Theological Seminary in Myerstown and Palmer Theological School in Wynnewood received letters from the University Senate – the sanctioning body that determines which schools meet the criteria for listing as institutions affiliated with the denomination – informing them of the decision, but offering little information as to what led to it.

Camp Supports Young Clergy Families

September 29, 2010, BOYNE FALLS, Mich. – What began as a summer camp in Michigan has become a peer-support system for young clergy and their families. The Family Camp for Young Clergy and Ministry Professionals in Boyne Falls is a weeklong getaway that gets young clergy and their families away from demanding pastoral work and allows them to relax while also being able to build relationships with others who share their experiences. "It's a week where you can be present to your kids and to your spouse and to your family in a way that doesn't seem like many other weeks do," said the Rev. Jeff Nelson, pastor at Redford (Mich.) Aldersgate United Methodist Church.

Ecumenical News

Ethiopian Lutheran Leader Says WCC's Future Is Bright

September 25, 2010, ADDIS ABABA – The leader of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Makane Yesus (EECMY) said his church is looking forward to the future leadership role that the World Council of Churches (WCC) will play within the wider ecumenical community. The comment was made during a 23-27 September visit to the church by the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, the WCC's general secretary since January 2010. The Rev. Wakseyoum Idosa, the church's president, said the EECMY is convinced that under the new general secretary the WCC will assume a larger role addressing the concerns of today, including global threats to peace, unity and human dignity.

Editorial Page

Editorial: the Christian Church's "Flora Expo Syndrome"

September 26, 2010 – As Taiwanese people celebrated Moon Festival this week, those living in southern Taiwan had to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of yet another typhoon that resulted in severe flooding in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung areas. In recent years, every typhoon has become a reminder of the severe consequences accompanying climate change. Sensing this global trend, activities that raise awareness of environmental protection have sprung across Taiwan. However, policymakers in Taiwan's capital, Taipei City, seem oblivious to the importance of environmental protection and have proven their point through meager funding allocated to such events.

Spanish News

Somos Herederos De La Paz De Cristo Y Responsables Por La Paz Mundial,
Afirma Declaración Del Consejo De Iglesias

27 septiembre 2010, LA HABANA, Cuba – "Somos herederos de la paz de Cristo, y como herederos de ella, somos responsables de trabajar por la paz mundial, la cual corre el riesgo de ser víctima de ambiciones de las grandes potencias desarrolladas, por el control de las regiones geográficas donde están los cada vez más escasos recursos energéticos del planeta," afirma una declaración aprobada y promovida por los líderes representados en la última junta directiva del Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba (CIC), celebrada el pasado viernes.

Líder Bautista Lamenta Participación De Pastores En La "Demonización" Del PT

30 septiembre 2010, BRASIL – La Alianza de Bautistas del Brasil (ABB) repudia, en manifestación pública, la estrategia político-religiosa de "demonización del Partido de los Trabajadores (PT)," recomienda la evaluación criteriosa de lo que es divulgado en los medios e incentiva a las congregaciones bautistas a promover debates, "aún cuando resulten en divergencias de pensamiento entrel os participantes."

La Semana De Promoción De Derechos En Las Naciones Unidas Se Centra En La Situación
Nigeriana Y Palestina De La Mano De Destacados Oradores

30 septiembre 2010 – S. E. el Embajador Afif Safieh habla sobre la cuestión de Palestina e Israel en la Semana de Promoción de Derechos del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias en las Naciones Unidas, el lunes 27 de septiembre, en Ginebra, Suiza. "Esperamos aprender de las lecciones de la historia," dijo el nigeriano Oluwarotimi Akeredolu a los activistas reunidos con motivo de la sexta Semana de Promoción de Derechos en las Naciones Unidas (del 27 de septiembre al 1 de octubre), organizada por la Comisión de las Iglesias para Asuntos Internacionales del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) cada año.

Pastores Proponen Establecer Tribunal Eclesiástico Y Un Comité De Control Ético

28 septiembre 2010, COLOMBIA – Los más de 400 pastores y líderes reunidos en el auditorio de la iglesia Renacer de esta ciudad el pasado 21 de septiembre, para desarrollar el debate interno y el análisis de los alcances del proyecto de ley 009 de 2010 que pretende penalizar abusos y manipulaciones religiosas clasificándolos como delito de constreñimiento religioso, aceptaron la propuesta de crear un ente que autoregule la actividad eclesial.

Obispo Presenta "Llamado" En Vídeo Doméstico

27 septiembre 2010, BRASIL – El Obispo diocesano de Lorena, don Benedito Beni dos Santos, grabó un vídeo de 12,9 minutos en que aparece leyendo el documento del Regional Sur 1 de la Conferencia Nacional de los Obispos de Brasil (CNBB), que hace una crítica política al Estado Brasileño y al Partido de los Trabajadores. La crítica surge en el momento en que el Congreso Nacional busca la legislación para el aborto, un drama existencial que – al criminalizar e impedir la atención de mujeres brasileñas en la red pública – resulta en la pérdida de millares de vidas.

Religious Liberty News

FORT WORTH: Diocese Files Trademark Lawsuit in Federal Court

September 28, 2010 – The Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth has asked a federal judge to stop former bishop Jack Iker from using the diocesan seal and name, according to a statement released by the diocese. Attorneys for the diocese filed a complaint Sept. 21 in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth seeking damages and an injunction to prevent Iker from using the name "Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth" as well as the diocesan seal, both continually in use by the diocese since 1983, according to the statement. Iker's unauthorized use of the diocesan seal and name is "likely to cause confusion among the public seeking to participate in, benefit from, or support plaintiff's religious services and works," according to the complaint.

National News

Lutheran Disaster Response Provides Initial Grant for Wisconsin Floods

September 27, 2010, CHICAGO – Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) provided an emergency grant of $10,000 to LDR-Wisconsin to help with initial responses to flooding in parts of the state, according to the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, LDR director. LDR is a collaborative ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Flooding in Wisconsin, the result of heavy rains in recent days and throughout the summer months, "is still unfolding," Massey said. Arcadia in West-Central Wisconsin and Portage, in the center of the state, are among the areas most affected.

LOS ANGELES: Ecumenical Refugee Agency Awarded ‘Highly Competitive'
$115,000 Federal Grant – Funds to Be Used to Expand Educational, Legal Services

September 30, 2010 – Interfaith Refugee and Immigration Service, an ecumenical agency under the auspices of the Diocese of Los Angeles, has been awarded a "highly competitive" $115,000 federal grant to enable the diocesan agency to expand legal and education services for those seeking to become U.S. citizens. For IRIS Executive Director Meghan Tumilty the timing couldn't have been more significant. "IRIS has been resettling refugees for five years now; our refugees are eligible to apply for citizenship after they've been in the United States for five years. Now we are able to help our original refugees apply for citizenship," she said during a Sept. 28 telephone interview from her Los Angeles office.

International News

PCT Responds to Income Disparity Within and Between Churches

September 26, 2010 – A recent report released by the Ministry of the Interior made headlines when it announced the difference in disposable income between the richest 5% and the poorest 5% in Taiwan had risen to about 66%. Meanwhile, the number of families living under the poverty line in the past 2 years increased. From problems due to more and more homeless people living in the streets, to policies and tax breaks favoring the rich and powerful, we have to wonder if poverty is a social ill that is both normal and inevitable. Churches cannot stand in the sidelines or remain unaffected by this growing disparity that touches everyone.

"Negative Solidarity": A Challenge to Peace and Development Processes in Nigeria

September 28, 2010, GENEVA – "We will not have the peace we are looking for if we continue to practice negative solidarity," said the Rev. Dr Johnson Mbillah while addressing participants of the World Council of Churches (WCC) UN Advocacy Week on Tuesday 28 September. For Mbillah, this "negative solidarity" manifests itself in ways that divide rather than unite Nigerians and impacts all levels of society including how people are elected to public office. Mbillah, who is the general advisor to the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA), one of the pioneer interfaith organizations in Africa, was addressing the issue of ethno-religious politics in Nigeria during a session on Conflict and Violence in Nigeria.

Anti-Pollution, Anti-Nukes Groups Continue Campaign Despite Typhoon

September 26, 2010 – Typhoon Fanapi's landfall this past weekend dampened people's participation in the annual International Coastal Cleanup Saturday on September 18, 2010. Despite this setback, seven of the country's counties and cities still managed to mobilize cleanup efforts along their coasts, including Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Kaohsiung According to Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation, there are 108 countries worldwide campaigning for cleaner shores. Inspired by their efforts, the foundation began a special project in 2008 monitoring pollution near Taiwanese shores.

WCC General Secretary Talks Development and Peace with H.H. Abune Paulos

September 24, 2010, ADDIS ABABA – The World Council of Churches' general secretary, the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, met in separate meetings with H.H. Abune Paulos, partriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and with Ethiopia's president, Girma Woldegiorgis, to discuss development and regional peace. Dr Tveit also addressed an audience of hundreds of thousands as they celebrated the Ethiopian Orthodox feast of the Holy Cross, a major event in the nation.

ELCA Strengthens Malaria Work Through New, Focused Effort

September 30, 2010, CHICAGO – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), announced Sept. 30 that the ELCA will maintain and build its commitment toward a comprehensive effort to contain and prevent malaria, while making some changes to the structure of the project. The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly authorized continued development of a campaign to respond to malaria. "Our commitment to sisters and brothers in Africa remains firm," Hanson said. "This new, focused effort will assist the ELCA to keep our commitments strong and allow us to bring health and hope to those affected by malaria in Africa."

Middle East News

Gaza Panel Calls for Freedom from the "Prison" of Territorial Isolation

September 30, 2010 – What is at stake in Gaza? This was the title question posed to panelists speaking on the morning of Wednesday 29 September before approximately 120 participants in the United Nations Advocacy Week (UNAW) organized by the World Council of Churches. The public discussion was moderated by George Hazou, chairman of the Middle East Council of Churches' central committee. For panelist Nora Carmi of Jerusalem the answer to the opening question is straightforward: "What is at stake in Gaza is life." The puzzling thing, she continued, given the life-and-death situation of Palestinians in Gaza, is this: "Why don't we care enough for this tiny spot where people are dying?"

ELCA Presiding Bishop Joins Call for U.S. Leadership for Middle East Peace

September 30, 2010, WASHINGTON – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), joined 27 other religious leaders Sept. 29 in issuing a public statement supporting "a new hope for the peace of Jerusalem." "We stand united in support of active, fair, and firm U.S. leadership for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian peace," the leaders said in the statement. The statement by Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders was coordinated through the National Interreligious Leadership Initiative for Peace in the Middle East (NILI). "As religious leaders, we remain firmly committed to a two-state solution to the conflict as the only viable way forward," the leaders wrote.

MIDDLE EAST: Youth Ministry, Education Are Priorities for Ramallah Parishes

September 30, 2010 – The Rev. Hanna Daly, rector of St. Andrew's, Ramallah, and St. Peter's, Birzeit, met his wife, Anita, when they both taught at the School for the Deaf in Salt, Jordan. The couple and their three school-age children moved to Ramallah in 2009 from Amman, where Daly subsequently established a successful youth ministry. They are now set on building a strong youth program at St. Andrew's. "This is what I like," Daly says, sitting in his office on a late summer Tuesday in relaxed khakis and a polo shirt. "I feel this is the future of the church."

Presiding Bishop Joins Interfaith Leaders in Declaring ‘New Hope for the Peace of Jerusalem'
Baumgarten Represents Jefferts Schori at White House, State Department Meetings

September 29, 2010 – Saying that they are people of hope who "refuse ... to give in to cynicism or despair," a group of interfaith leaders delivered a declaration to the White House and State Department Sept. 29 uniting in support of "active, fair, and firm U.S. leadership for Arab-Israeli-Palestinian peace." Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori was among the 28 Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders who signed the statement. Alexander D. Baumgarten, director of government relations for the Episcopal Church, represented Jefferts Schori at the meeting with General James Jones, United States national security adviser, and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.