Front Page

Migrant Churches Challenge Old Understanding of Mission

November 25, 2010 – With migrants tallying some 250 million of the world's population, churches need to help defuse public hostility towards them. That is what participants agreed at an international consultation on the mission and ecclesiology of migrant churches, jointly organized by the World Council of Churches (WCC) Commission on Faith and Order, the WCC programme on Just and Inclusive Communities, and the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism together with the Ecumenical Network on Multicultural Ministry and Mission. The consultation was hosted by the Netherlands Mission Council. A balanced view of migration is needed that does not demonize migrants, the participants said in at the 16-21 November meeting.

ELCA Joins Effort to Keep Clean Air Act Regulatory Authority Intact

November 23, 2010, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) joined 56 denominations and faith-based organizations in calling on the U.S. Senate to leave intact the power of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, including ozone emissions. The denominations and faith-based organizations released a joint letter to the Senate Nov. 23 in which they stated they "are called to protect and serve God's great creation and work for justice for all of God's people."

General News

Third Annual "AG News" Wants to Know Christmas Project

November 24, 2010 – The last two years, "AG News" has asked Assemblies of God churches, colleges and ministries to help us let readers have a taste of how compassion is a part of who we are as a Fellowship – especially during the Christmas season (November – December). This year, we are once again asking that if your AG church, college or ministry is planning a benevolent outreach to your community (or has already conducted one) this Christmas season, please let us know. Then, in December, we'll publish that list.

Connection Church Reaches out to Hurting People

November 22, 2010 – In his 21 years as lead pastor of Connection Church in Canton, Michigan, Rocky Barra's goal hasn't been to have the largest congregation, although the church has grown to 1,700 attendees from 180. Nor has it been to be the church with the most proficient music, although the worship team currently includes various professionals from the local music industry. "What we try to be is the most caring place," says Barra of the Assemblies of God congregation.

‘Our Personal Stories Indicate Our Experience of the Transformative Power of the Biblical Text'

November 22, 2010 – Gathering in Salt Rock, Durban, South Africa, 15-18 November 2010, members of the Steering Group of The Bible in the Life of the Church project were encouraged to hear about the work accomplished so far in regional groups and enjoyed making plans for the next phase. During 2010, regional and user groups linked to this project have explored how we, as Anglicans, read the Bible, using the Fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion as our starting point.

Churches Promote New Images of Masculinity in Effort to Stop Violence Against Women

November 23, 2010 – Christians involved in church-based gender justice movements say that men must develop a sense of positive masculinity in order to counter increasing levels of violence by men against women. Citing reports by the United Nations and human rights groups that the extent and type of violent attacks on women is escalating, representatives of global church organizations say initiatives aimed at changing male patterns of behaviour are urgently needed. "Mass rapes in the Congo, mutilation, domestic violence, dowry murders, honour killings: these horrors must stop," says Setri Nyomi, general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November).

ABWIM Leaders Announce Plan to Move Forward

November 23, 2010, VALLEY FORGE, PA – At the ABCUSA General Board meeting November 18-21 in King of Prussia, Pa., a new plan for American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) work was announced by ABWIM Steering Committee chair Rev. Mary A. Hulst and ABWIM consultant Rev. Holly Vincent Bean. The plan concludes a year of learning and reassessment by the steering committee, which also includes members Rev. Dr. Alice J. Greene and Rev. Lauren L. Ng. The ABWIM plan seeks to educate churches towards greater openness to women clergy; advocate for the equal partnership of women and men in ministerial leadership; cultivate the leadership of new women clergy and celebrate the gifts they bring to the church.

National Ministries Board Prepares to Move Forward

November 23, 2010, VALLEY FORGE, PA – At its meeting here Nov. 19-20, the Board of National Ministries, which carries out ministry as American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS), focused on learning, developing skills and encouraging relationships to build a strong base for moving the organization forward in these challenging times. Stressing that the meeting belongs to the board, ABHMS Executive Director Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins III urged board members to ensure that their opinions are both heard and recorded, as ABHMS works to develop a "21st century ministry model."

Wallis Addresses ABCUSA General Board, November 2010 Meeting Concludes

November 21, 2010, VALLEY FORGE, PA – Dr. Jim Wallis, president and CEO of Sojourners, spoke about evangelism as he addressed the General Board during its final plenary session on Sunday, November 21. The General Board also adopted the 2011 budget and recognized retiring representatives, before adjourning until June 2011 when it will meet following the American Baptist Biennial in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Wallis emphasized the importance of evangelism and discipling of the churches. "If you want to evangelize the nonbelievers, the most important thing to do is to get the Christians to live like Christians. Get the Christians to live like Christians, and you will see evangelism rocket."

ELCA Presiding Bishop Invites Members to Commit to Action on World Aids Day

November 22, 2010, CHICAGO – In a message for World AIDS Day 2010, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), invited ELCA members "to prayer, remembrance and to leading by example." He also urged members to join him in signing a religious leaders' commitment to action in response to HIV and AIDS. World AIDS Day is observed every year on Dec. 1. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. The observance provides an opportunity for individuals and faith communities "to reflect on God's call to us," Hanson wrote in his message.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Members in Third ‘Town Hall' of 2010

November 22, 2010, CHICAGO – In his third online "Town Hall Forum" with members this year, the presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) addressed a variety of ELCA topics and concerns, such as outdoor and campus ministry, immigration reform, contemporary worship, the place of people who are gay and lesbian in the church and interfaith relationships. The Rev. Mark S. Hanson answered 21 questions in the hour-long forum Nov. 21, which was broadcast live on the ELCA website.

Agency Approves Change to Insurance Program

November 22, 2010 – In an effort to lower costs, the denomination's top financial agency will become the single owner of an insurance program currently operated by a number of church entities. During its Nov. 17-19 meeting, the United Methodist General Council on Finance and Administration approved a plan to allow the United Methodist Property and Casualty Trust Company to buy out the 12 annual (regional) conferences and two general agencies that now own the company. The churchwide insurance program helps cover the costs of a variety of crises, including natural disasters, workers' compensation and the legal liability resulting from staff or clergy sexual misconduct.

Ecumenical News

ITALY: Williams ‘Regrets but Respects' Bishops' Conversions to Rome

November 19, 2010 – Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said in a Nov. 17 interview with Vatican Radio in Rome that his reaction to the recent decision by five suffragan and assistant bishops in the Church of England to resign and convert to Roman Catholicism was one of "regret and respect." Meanwhile, on Nov. 19, the Press Association reported that about 50 Anglican priests had also registered their interest in a Vatican proposal that will enable them to convert to the Roman Catholic Church when the appropriate mechanisms have been established.

Spanish News

Un Equipo De Cartas Vivas Visitará Filipinas

25 noviembre 2010 – Un equipo internacional de representantes de iglesias hará una visita de solidaridad a iglesias, organizaciones ecuménicas y movimientos de la sociedad civil de Filipinas entre el 1 y el 5 de diciembre. Ésta será la última de una serie de visitas de Cartas Vivas a varios países organizadas antes de la Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz, que tendrá lugar en mayo de 2011, con el objetivo de acompañar a los pueblos y las iglesias que, rodeados de conflictos y violencia, anhelan la paz, la seguridad y la reconciliación.

Estudian Proyecciones Sustentables Para La Misión Luterana En América Latina Y El Caribe

24 noviembre 2010, SAN SALVADOR – Con el lema: "Confianza en el porvenir, definiendo horizontes para una proyección sustentable de las iglesias luteranas miembras de la Federación Luterana Mundial (FLM)," se desarrolla en El Salvador-del 23 al 25 de noviembre- el cuarto encuentro Presencial de Referentes del Programa de Sustentabilidad del Departamento de Misión y Desarrollo de la Federación Luterana,América Latina y el Caribe.

Los Representantes De Las Iglesias En La Conferencia Sobre El Clima Pedirán Decisiones Morales

26 noviembre 2010, GINEBRA, Suiza – La delegación del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) que participará en la Conferencia sobre el Clima en Cancún, México tratará de promover los valores espirituales durante las negociaciones. Tras el fracaso de la cumbre de Copenhague en conseguir un tratado justo, ambicioso y jurídicamente vinculante en 2009, la conferencia de este año se espera, en general, con cautela.

Iglesias Luteranas Deben Planear Acciones Misioneras Para Marcar Presencia En La Sociedad

23 noviembre 2010 – SAN LEOPOLDO, Brasil – La Iglesia Evangélica Luterana del Brasil (IELB) y la Iglesia Evangélica de Confesión Luterana en el Brasil (IECLB) precisan salir de la zona de confort y capacitarse para el ejercicio estratégico de la misión, propuso el profesor Gustavo Becker al presentar su ponencia, el sábado, 20, en el Foro Luterano de Comunicadores (FLC), reunido en San Leopoldo.

Religious Liberty News

SAN JOAQUIN: Appellate Court Returns Property Dispute to Lower Court
Says Episcopal Church's Recognition of Continuing Diocese, Bishop Is Not Subject to Legal Challenge

November 19, 2010 – The ongoing property dispute between the continuing Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin and a breakaway group is headed back to a Fresno County Superior Court, an appellate court ruled Nov. 18. The Fifth District Court of Appeal in Fresno reversed a July 21, 2009 trial court decision because it said that the lower court should have left to the church the determination of whether Bishop Jerry Lamb is the incumbent San Joaquin bishop and thereby entitled to administer diocesan property and assets. The appellate court said that determination was "quintessentially ecclesiastical [and] ... to be left to internal decision-making processes of the church itself" and not to the courts, according to the Nov. 18 opinion.

National News

UCC-backed Immokalee Workers Reach Historic Pact with Florida Tomato Growers

November 22, 2010 – The Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange (FTGE) have reached a ground breaking agreement to work together to advance human rights for farm workers laboring in Florida's tomato fields. The pact, reached Nov. 15, will extend the Coalition's Fair Food Principles – including a strict code of conduct, a cooperative complaint-resolution system, a participatory health and safety program and a worker-to-worker education process – to more than 90 percent of the Florida tomato industry. .

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: Fire Was Arson, Officials Say

November 22, 2010 – Sacramento fire officials have determined that a fire that destroyed offices of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California was deliberately set, a diocesan spokesperson said Nov. 22. Officials have no suspects in the Oct. 21 early morning four-alarm fire that destroyed one building housing the River City Food Bank and heavily damaged the bishop's office, the Rev. Canon Britt Olson, diocesan canon to the ordinary, said in a Nov. 22 telephone interview.

International News

Continuing Indaba Gives Bishops "Excitement and Hope for the Future of the Communion"

November 22, 2010, Last week the bishops of Ho in Ghana, Mbeere in Kenya and Saldanha Bay in South Africa gathered at St Julian's in Limuru, Kenya, to discuss their and their dioceses' involvement in the Anglican Communion's Continuing Indaba project. After a dynamic and vibrant three days the bishops issued the following agreement: "African Conversation Process St Julian's Conference Centre, Limuru, 16 – 18 November 2010

Cardinal Koch Receives Congratulations from World Communion of Reformed Churches

November 25, 2010 – The general secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) has sent a letter of congratulations to Cardinal Koch on the occasion of his elevation to the office of Cardinal. In his letter, Setri Nyomi, writes that it is of significance that the news of Koch's elevation comes in the period prior to Christmas, known as Advent, recognized by Christians as a time of expectation and promise leading to the birth of Jesus. "The coming of Christ to this world confirms forever God's work of bringing justice and peace and the call for us all to be part of that mission. This call that we Christians share brings us together in our desire for unity.

LWF President Younan Calls on Worldwide Communion
to Be Prophetic Emphasis on Theology of Accompaniment

November 26, 2010, GENEVA – The worldwide family of Lutherans must work together to serve and heal the broken world, Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, president of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) said in a 25 November address in Geneva. "We are called to work to eradicate poverty, to be prophetic against injustice, to be bridge builders between South and North and East and West, to strengthen our sisters and brothers who suffer or find discrimination because of their faith, and to be responsible for the integrity of creation," Younan said.

WCC General Secretary Calls for Return to Peace Negotiations on Korean Peninsula

November 26, 2010 – The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, has said that "force and military power will not resolve the problems" in a 24 November statement issued as an expression of concern over tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The crisis erupted on Tuesday, 23 November, when cross-border artillery fire killed several people on the South Korean-controlled Yeonpyeong Island. Pyongyang accused South Korea of firing first.

LWF Mourns DWS Mauritania Program Staff Killed in Road Accident
General Secretary Junge Conveys Prayers to Families

November 26, 2010, NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania/ GENEVA – Three long-serving staff members of the Mauritania country program of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Department for World Service (DWS) were among seven persons who died on 25 November in a road accident in southern Mauritania. DWS Mauritania program coordinator Ms Houleye Tall; Mr Macky Coulibaly, area coordinator for Brakna, Trarza and Gorgol; and driver Mr Louloud Ould Khaina were travelling back to the Nouakchott head office after completing a training session with local communities and leaders when their vehicle hit a lorry.

Living Letters Team to Visit the Philippines

November 25, 2010 – Children outside Jaro Evangelical Baptist Church in Iloilo City after Sunday morning service. An international team of church representatives will pay a solidarity visit to churches, ecumenical organizations and civil society movements in the Philippines from 1 to 5 December. It will be the last in a series of "Living Letters" visits to various countries organized ahead of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in May 2011, in order to accompany people and churches who long for peace, security and reconciliation in the midst of conflicts and violence. The members of the team come from Africa, Asia, Europe and North America and will be travelling on behalf of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

Police Raid Sudan Churches' Offices During Referendum Build-up

November 23, 2010 – The head of the Sudan Council of Churches has been calling for close scrutiny of out-of-country referendum registration processes in Kenya, Uganda and Egypt, while also reporting that police recently stormed the council offices breaking down doors, and conducted a search. The Rev. Ramadan Chan Liol, the general secretary of the council, said police forced their way into the council's offices in Amarat Khartoum on Nov. 14, as 200 men who arrived in seven trucks cordoned off the building. The churches' leader said one police officer had said the building was suspected of being a hideaway for weapons. The raid came as Africa's biggest country is preparing for a plebiscite on Jan. 9 to determine if the north and south will split, Chan noted.

Queen Elizabeth II Inaugurates New General Synod, Underscores Need to Communicate the Gospel
Willesden Bishop Inhibited for Comments about Royal Wedding

November 23, 2010, LONDON – Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh visited Church House, Westminster, on Nov. 23 to inaugurate a new General Synod that will govern the Church of England for the next five years. "The new synod will have many issues to resolve to ensure that the Church of England remains equipped for the effective pursuit of its mission and ministry," the queen said in her address to the synod. "Some will, no doubt, involve difficult, even painful, choices. But Christian history suggests that times of growth and spiritual vigor have coincided with periods of challenge and testing.

People in the News

Diocese of Western New York Elects R. William Franklin as Bishop

November 20, 2010 – The Rev. R. William Franklin was elected on Saturday, Nov. 20 as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church. Franklin, 63, senior associate priest at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was elected on the seventh ballot out of a field of four nominees. He received 95 votes of 150 cast in the lay order and 46 of 89 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 76 in the lay order and 45 in the clergy order. The election took place during a special continuation of the diocese's 174th annual convention held at St. Paul's Cathedral in Buffalo, New York.