Front Page

Christian-Muslim Conference Condemns Attack on Church in Iraq

November 3, 2010 – Christian and Muslim leaders and scholars meeting at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, site of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central offices today issued a joint statement of condemnation for the criminal attack on the Church of Our Lady of Najat (Sayidat al-Nejat) in Baghdad this past Sunday, 31 October. Fifty-eight people were killed after gunman seized hostages in the churches and government security services later stormed the church to end the siege. The group is participating in a 4-day international consultation on "Transforming Communities: Christians and Muslims Building a Common Future." In the statement the group expressed "condemnation of all acts of violence that target places of worship and other sacred places, defile them, or threaten the safety and security of worshippers."

Christians and Muslims Call for Mutual Commitment to Justice

3 November 2010 – Two panel discussions in Geneva, Switzerland highlighted the second morning of the "Transforming Communities" international consultation on Muslim-Christian relations. Panellists focused the attention of approximately 60 delegates on the topics "Beyond Minority and Majority" and "From Conflict to Compassionate Justice." The day's first speech was offered by Lebanese minister of information Dr Tarek Mitri. He expressed his view that discussion of religious "minorities and majorities" has become "a sterile duality" in political discourse. It is more important, Mitri said, to recognize that all are citizens with a shared responsibility for national life and a mutual obligation in securing justice for all.

ELCA Presiding Bishop: Christians Bring ‘Hopeful Spirit' to Political Life

November 3, 2010, CHICAGO – Citing "bitter and divisive commentary" in the just-concluded political campaign, the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has called for more respectful political engagement and "a renewal of common decency in public speech." Christians view political engagement differently, he said, bringing a "hopeful spirit" to political life and respecting others as neighbors. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson made the comments in an op-ed piece published Nov. 3 in the Washington Post's "On Faith" section.

General News

National Men's Ministries Leadership Conference Coming this February

November 4, 2010 – "Organizing a pancake breakfast is easy – discipling men, not so much," states Darian Amsler, administrative director of Men's Ministries. "That's why the 2011 National Men's Ministries Leadership Conference is so important." The conference will be held February 3-5, 2011, in Branson, Missouri. The goals of the 3-day event, focused entirely on effective ministry to men, are to network with like-minded leaders from across the nation, discover ideas to reach, teach and release men to grow to their full potential in Christ, and resource leadership and local men's teams. Amsler continues, "For a local men's leader, it is your chance to get away for a guy's road trip and network with some of the nation's most influential leaders." Focused on the Reach, Teach, Release Strategy, conference sessions, networking opportunities and free resources are designed to create an event that will challenge and encourage men to become stronger leaders in their homes and communities.

Donated Homes Allow Church to Expand Outreach

November 4, 2010 – With a 24-year-old leader and teams whose emphasis is on street ministry, Servant's Heart Family Worship Center is one of the more distinctive Assemblies of God ministries. Thanks to a series of gifts, the ministry in a low-income area of Louisville, Kentucky, is also thriving. Since 2007, two men have given a total of five houses to Servant's Heart, with a sixth donation expected soon. Servant's Heart is a mission of Servant's Heart Church West in Jeffersontown (David Heigl, senior pastor).

Southeastern Celebrates 75th Anniversary

November 4, 2010 – Southeastern University (AG) in Lakeland, Florida, will officially begin celebrating its historic 75th anniversary of educating and equipping students for ministry-related fields and other professional careers today, Thursday, November 4, 2010. Now located on 87 acres on Lakeland's east side, the private educational institution began as the Alabama Shield of Faith Institute in a rustic two-story building in New Brockton, Alabama. There were 22 students and four faculty members. Along with several name changes throughout the years, the school relocated to Atlanta in 1940 and then to Lakeland in 1946.

SOUTHERN OHIO: Nine-year-old Madeline Queen Receives Barnum Award for Community Service

November 4, 2010 – Nine-year-old Madeline Queen, from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio, is a recipient of the Barnum Award for her efforts to support a church nursery in her local community. The award, announced by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, recognizes children ages six to 14 who are making a difference in their communities through their own inventive and pioneering actions. Madeline is a third grader at Wheelersburg Elementary School and attends All Saints Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. In her efforts to raise funds for the church nursery, "she recruited kids and adults in the congregation to make items for a bake sale," according to a press release. "She made signs, price tags and donation cups. She called people the week before to remind them.

Ecumenical News

A Communique from the Anglican/Al-Azhar Dialogue Committee

November 4, 2010 – The Joint Committee, which is composed of a delegation from the Anglican Communion and from Al Azhar Al Sharif held its eighth annual meeting in Cairo on 27-28 October 2010 corresponding to 19-20 Dhu Al-Qi'da 1431. This was held in accord with the agreement signed at Lambeth Palace on 30 January 2002 by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar. The Grand Imam His Eminence Dr Ahmed el Tayyib welcomed the Joint Committee in his office and members of the Anglican delegation congratulated upon his accession to the position of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, presenting him with greetings and congratulations from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

International Christian-Muslim Consultation Opens in Geneva

2 November 2010 – H.R.H. Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal and Archbishop Dr Anders Wejryd were the keynote speakers at the opening of the consultation. "Our theology is not the same," said Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal of Jordan, "but we are all in the same boat." The prince was addressing an assembly of Christians and Muslims gathered in Geneva, Switzerland to mark the beginning on Monday of a four-day international consultation on Muslim-Christian dialogue. People of faith face the same problems and opportunities in the contemporary world, according to Prince Ghazi.

Spanish News

Cristianos Y Musulmanes Piden Un Compromiso Mutuo Con La Justicia

4 noviembre 2010 – Dos debates en grupo fueron lo más importante de la segunda mañana de la consulta internacional sobre relaciones entre musulmanes y cristianos, "Transformar las Comunidades," que se celebra en Ginebra, Suiza. Los miembros de los grupos hicieron que la atención de los aproximadamente 60 delegados se centrara en los temas "Más allá de mayorías y minorías" y "Del conflicto a una justicia compasiva."

Consulta De Cristianos Y Musulmanes Condena El Ataque a Una Iglesia En Irak

4 noviembre 2010 – Los dirigentes y estudiosos cristianos y musulmanes reunidos en el Centro Ecuménico en Ginebra, Suiza, donde está la sede del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), emitieron ayer una declaración conjunta de condena al ataque criminal perpetrado en la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Salvación en Bagdad, el domingo pasado, 31 de octubre. 58 personas fueron asesinadas cuando las fuerzas de seguridad gubernamentales dieron el asalto a la iglesia para acabar con la toma de rehenes por hombres armados.

Comienza En Ginebra Consulta De Cristianos Y Musulmanes

3 noviembre 2010 – "Nuestra teología no es la misma," dijo el Príncipe Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal de Jordania, "pero estamos todos en la misma nave." El príncipe habló en Ginebra, Suiza, al inaugurar el lunes una consulta internacional de cuatro días sobre el diálogo entre musulmanes y cristianos. Según el Príncipe Ghazi, las personas de fe enfrentan los mismos problemas y oportunidades en el mundo contemporáneo. Este reunirnos para cumplir nuestro mandamiento común de amar a Dios y amar al prójimo, añadió, "es precisamente lo que tenemos que hacer."

Luteranos Preparan Celebraciones Para El Quinto Centenario De La Reforma

2 noviembre 2010, BRASIL – Luteranos de todo el mundo están en cuenta regresiva para celebrar, "no en sentido triunfalista," los 500 años de la Reforma protestante, en 31 de octubre de 2017. El pastor presidente de la Iglesia Evangélica de Confesión Luterana en el Brasil (IECLB), Walter Altmann, llamó, en el Día de la Reforma de 2010, a sus congregaciones a que se prepararen para "esa fecha tan significativa para la vida de las iglesias de la cristiandad como un todo." Por mas orgullosos que el mundo luterano pueda estar delante del redescubrimiento que Martin Lutero hizo del mensaje central del Evangelio – salvación por gracia y fe -, no cabe celebrarla en sentido confesional, como su fuese mérito de las iglesias luteranas, amonesta Altmann.

Cristianos Y Musulmanes Quieren Un Grupo Para Responder a Las Crisis

5 noviembre 2010 – Una consulta internacional sobre las relaciones islamo-cristianas concluyó hoy en Ginebra, Suiza, con un "llamamiento a la formación de un grupo de trabajo mixto que pueda movilizarse cuando exista la amenaza de que surja una crisis que pueda provocar un conflicto entre cristianos y musulmanes." Unos sesenta dirigentes y especialistas musulmanes y cristianos han participado en una consulta internacional sobre el tema "Transformar las comunidades: cristianos y musulmanes construyendo un futuro común," en el Centro Ecuménico, sede del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI).

Rinden Informe Sobre Derechos Humanos Ante La ONU

4 noviembre 2010, CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ – La delegación oficial de 21 funcionarios panameños había llegado antes de iniciarse la sesión y esperaba ansiosa. Era la primera vez que Panamá tendría que pasar ante el Consejo de Derechos Humanos de las Naciones Unidas, lo que ahora se conoce como el Examen Periódico Universal, donde cada Estado expone su versión de logros y la situación del país en esa materia. Cinco funcionarios residentes en Ginebra se entremezclaban con los 16 que habían llegado desde Panamá, mientras que a unos metros observaban el defensor del Pueblo panameño, Ricardo Vargas, y el defensor adjunto, Carlos Vásquez Reyes.

Cristianos Y Musulmanes Quieren Un Grupo Para Responder a Las Crisis

5 noviembre 2010, GINEBRA, Suiza – Una consulta internacional sobre las relaciones islamo-cristianas concluyó hoy en Ginebra, Suiza, con un "llamamiento a la formación de un grupo de trabajo mixto que pueda movilizarse cuando exista la amenaza de que surja una crisis que pueda provocar un conflicto entre cristianos y musulmanes."

New York Metro News

Film Warns Parents: "Psychiatric Drugs Can Kill Your Child!"

November 4, 2010 – The Citizens Commission on Human Rights is inviting every New York and New Jersey parent and educator to the premier of a searing new documentary on November 19, at the Church of Scientology in Manhattan. "Dead Wrong: How Psychiatric Drugs Can Kill Your Child," tells the personal stories of eight brave mothers, their families, health experts, drug counselors and doctors. They found out too late how devastating and deadly psychiatric drugs can be for children and families. "Had we been told the truth about the dangerous effects of the psychiatric drug our son was given, he would be alive today," says Celeste Steubing, one of those mothers in the film.

National News

Muslims, Christians Walk the Walk, Unite Efforts of Compassion in Pennsylvania

October 26, 2010 – Members of two faiths traditionally divided came together this month in a mutual show of compassion in Reading, Pa., where Muslim brothers and sisters joined their Christian counterparts in serving the underserved. On Oct. 3, congregants of Immanuel UCC in Shillington, Pa., teamed with members of Reading's Islamic Center for a 2.3-mile walk that culminated in the parking lot of a local restaurant, where they helped nearly 200 people pick up coats, clothing, shoes and other items, along with sandwiches and snacks. "God's grace sometimes becomes apparent in unlikely settings," says the Rev. Megan Huesgen, pastor of Immanuel UCC.

International News

WCC Condemns Attack on Church in Iraq

1 November 2010 – The World Council of Churches general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has condemned the "criminal act of terror" Sunday in Baghdad, Iraq, when gunmen took hostages in the Sayidat al-Nejat Church. The death toll from the hostage standoff rose to some 58 people on Monday, including priests, women and children and Iraqi security forces who conducted a raid to end the siege. "The World Council of Churches strongly condemns the criminal act of terror that took place on Sunday in the Sayyidat al-Najat Church in Baghdad and expresses its deep sympathy and solidarity with those who lost their loved ones and pray for a speedy recovery for the injured.

LGBT Pride Parade Calls for Gay-friendly Policies

November 7, 2010 – This year's Taiwan LGBT Pride Parade took place on the eve of Reformation Day, or October 30, 2010, in downtown Taipei. Supporters waved small paper fans bearing a logo usually associated with vote-casting to highlight this year's "Out & Vote" theme. Organizers used the event to galvanize support and urge Taiwanese people to speak up in favor of implementing gay- friendly policies that'd give Taiwan's LGBT citizens the same rights as their heterosexual compatriots.

Troupe's Performance a Reminder of Our Intimate Relationship with Rest of Creation

November 7, 2010 – "Don't forget that we're only a member of this Earth; the Earth doesn't belong to us," said Elizabeth Dalman to her audience in a tribute the land we live on. Dalman is an Australian contemporary dance director and choreographer and led the Australian Dance Theatre up until 1975. She spoke on behalf of Tsai Jui-Yueh Dance Foundation at a press conference on October 27, 2010 as the foundation unveiled its 5th season performance. This year's program theme is "Back to Nature, Our Home" and routines have garnered praise from acclaimed contemporary dance artists from Japan, USA, and Australia, who also contributed to the routines and joined in the performance.

Christians and Muslims Want Anti-Crisis Response Group

November 4, 2010 – An international consultation on Muslim-Christian relations ended with a "call for the formation of a joint working group which can be mobilized whenever a crisis threatens to arise in which Christians and Muslims find themselves in conflict" today in Geneva, Switzerland. Some 60 Muslim and Christian leaders and scholars had participated in the 4-day international consultation on "Transforming Communities: Christians and Muslims Building a Common Future" at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, site of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central offices.

EUROPE: French Government Seeks Help from Episcopal Convocation in Assisting Baghdad's Wounded Christians

November 3, 2010 – The French government is looking to the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe to assist in the treatment and resettling of Christians wounded in the Oct. 31 attack on the Syriac Catholic Church in Baghdad, Iraq, that left 58 people dead. Europe Bishop Pierre Whalon said Nov. 2 that he welcomes the initiative of the French government to work with the Association d'Entraide aux Minorités d'Orient (AEMO) to bring relief to the wounded Iraqi Christians.

Haiti Diocesan-Reconstruction Plan Symbolizes ‘New Vision,' Bishop Says
Haitian Connection Meeting Hears That ‘Dependency Holds Back Development'

November 5, 2010, MIAMI – The first phase of post-earthquake reconstruction and development of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti will cost close to $197 million, according to a plan released here during a Nov. 3-5 meeting of many of the diocese's current mission partners. The Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the Diocese of Haiti (Phase 1) says that the $196,861,926 cost estimate includes a $24,319,400 "local contribution," thus leaving $172,542,526 to come from outside sources. A version of the plan was released during the Haiti Connection Conference in Miami.

Lutherans Complete Journey Retracing Luther's Steps to Rome

November 4, 2010, CHICAGO – Two Lutherans completed a unique 70-day journey on Oct. 29 retracing on foot Martin Luther's historic trip from Erfurt, Germany, to Rome. Luther, an Augustinian friar, began a trip to Rome in 1510 with another member of the order. Later in life, Luther created controversy with his 95 Theses, raising questions about indulgences in the Western Church. What followed was the period known as the Protestant Reformation. The Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson and her husband, Dr. Andrews Lars Wilson, left Germany for Rome Aug. 22 on their ecumenical pilgrimage, "Here I Walk.