Front Page

Is the End Near?

May 18, 2011 – With billboards across the United States proclaiming May 21 as Judgment Day, members of Temple United Methodist Church in San Francisco have one burning question. Does this mean they won't have to clean up after the church's arts festival on Saturday? "I don't have anyone in my congregation who has taken it particularly seriously," said the Rev. Schuyler Rhodes, pastor of the 325-member church. "And people who are biblically serious wouldn't take it seriously."

Obama Speech Resonates with ELCA Mideast Principles, Says Presiding Bishop

May 20, 2011, CHICAGO – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said he appreciated President Barack Obama's May 19 speech on the Middle East and agreed that "the status quo" in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is unsustainable. Hanson also said the speech contained principles that resonate with those in previous ELCA statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the region. Hanson made the comments in a May 20 public statement in response to Obama's speech delivered at the State Department in Washington, D.C. Regarding developments throughout the Middle East and North Africa, Hanson said the ELCA upholds "the right to self-determination so that the God-given dignity of all people is respected and recognized. This principle, though, must be fully realized everywhere, without exception, so that peace, justice and development will be possible."

UN Commission Discusses Ethics Behind the Environmental Crisis

May 17, 2011, UNITED NATIONS – Focusing solely on the material aspects of the environmental crisis, while ignoring its moral and ethical dimensions, will not ensure humanity's long term survival. That was among the perspectives under discussion at this year's UN Commission on Sustainable Development, held from 2-13 May. "We have passed beyond the global tipping point that we have been anticipating for decades," Jeffrey Sachs – director of the Earth Institute and a special adviser to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon – told the Commission on 11 May. "We are now living on a planet of environmental turmoil," observed Professor Sachs, noting an increase in the number of floods, droughts, and food and water shortages around the world.

Dislike the Evil, Love the Individual, King Says

May 19, 2011 – After losing his father, uncle and grandmother to violent and, in some cases, suspicious causes of death, Martin Luther King III still believes that that there is a higher and more noble way and that is to "dislike the evil act" but "still love the individual." In the case of the recent killing of Osama Bin Laden, "it is hard to feel good about that," said King, the eldest son of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. King's comments were made in a press conference following a keynote address Thursday which he gave to some 1,000 participants at the first-ever International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in Kingston, Jamaica. The convocation is being organized by the World Council of Churches, Caribbean Conference of Churches and the Jamaica Council of Churches.

Peace Convocation Opens with Strong Calls from Global Voices

May 19, 2011 – The International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) formally opened on Wednesday in Kingston, Jamaica, as theologians, faith leaders and the prime minister of Jamaica welcomed some 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries. Keynote speaker Canon Dr Paul Oestreicher, a globally recognized peace activist, called for churches across all spiritual traditions to strengthen their position on peace, even while recognizing their own history of declaring war in the name of God. "Under the sign of the cross, Christian nations conquered other nations," he said. "In the crusades, they massacred the children of Islam. That has not been forgotten. We, just like our brothers and sisters in Islam, regard those who die in battle as certain of a place in heaven." Oestreicher acknowledged that the path to peace is obstructed by political complexities.

TENNESSEE: Interfaith Youth Empowered by Peace Summit

May 17, 2011 – Following the success of a recent interfaith youth peace summit in Tennessee, event planners and participants are turning their attention toward their next faith exploration in Alabama. "We are headed to Alabama for our summer outreach mission with a group of committed teenagers who believe that they can make a difference and change the world," said long-time youth minister Betty Carpenter. Carpenter was director of the April summit, a 2-day event that brought together 75 high school and college students – among them Christians, Jews and Muslims – to explore a greater understanding of their shared Abrahamic faiths.

General News

Anglican Alliance Launches its Facebook Page

May 20, 2011 – The Anglican Alliance reached out across the Communion this week with a Facebook page for people to share views and expertise on development, relief and advocacy. It aims to provide a space where Anglicans can share news and keep up with the Alliance's activities. Alliance Director Sally Keeble said, "We want to build a strong community around the Alliance, and hope that it will receive posts from the many very dedicated supporters of the Alliance who share the commitment to build a world free of poverty and injustice. "Already it provides information and pictures of the work of the Anglicans, showing how by working together through the Alliance we can share the good news of what we are doing – part of the Anglican mission to the world."

WACC Project Partners Underline Leadership Role in Communication Rights and Ethics

May 16, 2011 – Asia and Pacific project partners of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) reaffirmed the importance of communication rights in their struggle for human rights at a meeting held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, May 15. The partners from Nepal, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Philippines, India, Vietnam and Fiji discussed communication priorities, strategies and future potential partnerships. They also assessed the impact of their projects, explored possible areas of joint action and provided feedback on WACC's strategic planning process. "Consultation with project partners is essential. Our partners indicated that WACC's support had helped them to grow and enabled them to engage with other groups and develop new partnerships," said Maria Teresa Aveggio, WACC Programme Manager for Recognising and Building Communication Rights programme.

New Way Forward for Reformed Church Group

May 16, 2011 – The largest global grouping of Reformed churches has approved a strategic plan for 2011-2017 that focuses on youth leadership development, increased collaboration with regional church groups, and a call to make visible the connection between Reformed theology and justice concerns. The decision came during meetings of the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) in Geneva, Switzerland, last week. "The spirit of change is moving through the global family of Reformed churches," WCRC President, Jerry Pillay says. "This is the time for us to focus our efforts in responding to the needs of a hurting and broken world. We can"t do it all. Now is the time to choose what to do and to prepare ourselves to do it well."

Lingering Recession Doesn't Deter Ohio Church's Endowment Campaign

May 17, 2011 – In the midst of continuing recession, members of First Congregational UCC in Hudson, Ohio, are digging deeply – and diversely – to contribute to the church's five-year, $1.2 million endowment campaign. "Two families in our congregation who wished to remain anonymous presented us with a challenge grant of $600,000 to be put toward the Building Preservation Endowment Fund," said Sue Wimer, the church's director of stewardship and development, as well as a 20-year member. "But it's been a broad spectrum of about 80 donors from the congregation. Some were gifts of $200, all the way up to $50,000." Newer faces, longtime members, younger congregants and those representing a variety of income levels are coming together to match the $600,000 and support a UCC church in a historic community, said Wimer.

Prayer and Fellowship Unite Episcopal Women in New Organization

May 20, 2011 – Members of a new churchwide Episcopal women's organization are working to build a community of prayer and mutual support as they seek to live out the Baptismal Covenant. The Episcopal Community, incorporated in Atlanta in February 2010, will gather May 27-29 in Fairhope, Alabama, for a retreat and installation of new members and "circles," or local chapters. To join, women complete a six-month study of Benedictine spirituality and vow to observe the community's rule of life, committing to daily prayer and service and regular spiritual and Bible study. "We want to be together in community as Episcopal women, following the Baptismal Covenant," said Bev Ruebeck of Indianapolis, co-chair of the first of what the group intends to be triennial national gatherings, which will coincide with the Episcopal Church's General Convention in Indianapolis in 2012.

Lambeth Palace Library Exhibition to Celebrate 400th Anniversary of King James Bible

May 16, 2011 – Lambeth Palace Library is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible with an exhibition, titled "Out of the Original Sacred Tongues," that will from May 25-July 29 offer the general public the opportunity to see some of the library's historic collections. Lambeth Palace Library is responsible for the archives of the archbishops of Canterbury, as well as the historic collection of early printed books. "The new exhibition sets in historical context the translation of the sacred texts of the Bible into the languages of everyday life, the controversies and discoveries, scholarly endeavors and apparatus, the influences and motives behind the many great versions of the Bible that have been produced over the centuries," according to a press release from the library. The Authorized King James Version is an English translation of the Bible begun in 1604 and published in 1611. James I, who instructed the translation, was king of England at the time.

Wesley Broke Convention to Aid Poor

May 20, 2011 – Tears ran down "Samuel's" hollow cheeks as he held the chalice and served Holy Communion to his congregation. The 52-year-old homeless man with five teeth, a beard that looks like steel wool and tangled blond hair, suffers with poor physical and mental health. He wept as he offered "the blood of Jesus Christ" because someone invited him to serve.

Ecumenical News

Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission

May 19, 2011 – The third phase of ARCIC, or Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission, started on Tuesday at the monastery of Bose in northern Italy. Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, the monastery, founded on the closing day of the Second Vatican Council in December 1965, is a haven of peaceful reflection and prayer, but also a place of important ecumenical encounters. Within its secluded walls, the two teams of Catholic and Anglican experts are gathered from May 17th to 27th focusing on the theme ‘Church as Communion – local and universal.' The discussions will look back at achievements of the previous ARCIC,dialogues and explore pressing ethical issues that are challenging the teaching of both Churches.

"Baptism Is Common to Us All" – an Update from the Anglican-Catholic Dialogue

May 20, 2011 – The Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission is spending its first few days reviewing the work of the previous phases of work, particularly looking at what ARCIC I and II said about ecclesiology and ethics. It is doing this within a context of regular community prayer with the members of the Monastery of Bose. Biblical study of the Epistle to the Ephesians, led by the co-chairs, provides a biblical framework for the days' discussions.

Bolivian Shares Indigenous Theology of "Sacredness with the Earth"

May 20, 2011 – Sofía Chipana Quispe is part of the first generation of her family born in the city. Her parents migrated to La Paz, Bolivia, from the Andean mountain rural areas before she was born in 1952. Sofia Chipana has become a primary voice of an indigenous theology that values living in dignity and sacredness with the earth and respect for all forms of life. She was able to share some of her wisdom and experience Thursday as coordinator of a workshop on this theological perspective during the second day of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) in Kingston, Jamaica. Thursday's IEPC theme was "Peace in the Community."

Two Masses for a Single Church

May 13, 2011, ROME – To understand the reason for the liberalization of the Mass in the ancient Roman rite, decided by Benedict XVI with the motu proprio "Summorum Pontificum" of 2007 and confirmed with the instruction "Universæ Ecclesiæ" released today, the most reliable guide is still the letter to the bishops with which pope Joseph Ratzinger accompanied that motu proprio: "My dear Brother Bishops..." In it, Benedict XVI described the situation that he intended to correct as "hard to bear." If not only the Lefebvrists – whose desire for rupture was, however, "at a deeper level – but also many persons faithful to Vatican Council II "desired to recover the form of the sacred liturgy that was dear to them."

Spanish News

Conferencia Ecuménica Por La Paz, El Esfuerzo Por Una Paz Justa

16 mayo 2010, JAMAICA – Con el propósito de contribuir a los esfuerzos por crear una cultura de paz en el mundo, que facilite una convivencia más justa a nivel global, y donde las iglesias tengan la perspectiva de ser facilitadoras de este proceso, comenzará mañana, aquí, la Conferencia Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz (CEIP), que promueve el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI). La cita se enfocará, desde la perspectiva teológica en este caso y a través de momentos litúrgicos, estudios bíblicos, conferencias, plenarios, talleres y seminarios, en cuatro temáticas primordiales: la paz en la comunidad, la paz con la tierra, la paz en el mercado y la paz entre los pueblos.

La Convocatoria Por La Paz Da Comienzo Con Firmes Llamamientos De Las Voces Mundiales

19 mayo 2010 – La Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz (CEIP) se inauguró formalmente el miércoles en Kingston, Jamaica, con una ceremonia en que teólogos, líderes religiosos y el Primer Ministro de Jamaica dieron la bienvenida a unos mil participantes de más de un centenar de países. El orador principal canónigo Dr. Paul Oestreicher, un activista por la paz reconocido a nivel mundial, pidió a las iglesias de todas las tradiciones espirituales que fortalezcan su posición con respecto a la paz al tiempo que reconocen las declaraciones de guerra en nombre de Dios de su propia historia.

IELB Condena La Homosexualidad Y Rechaza La Discriminación

18 mayo 2010, PORTO ALEGRE, Brasil – La Iglesia Evangélica Luterana del Brasil (IELB) repudia el reconocimiento civil de la unión homosexual, establecida por el Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), "porque es contraria a la voluntad expresa de Dios" y dificulta, cuando no imposibilita, homosexuales "rever sus opciones y comportamiento." La posición de la IELB viene firmada por su presidente, pastor Egon Kopereck, amparado en el parecer de la Comisión de Teología. Luteranos repudian la hipótesis de la adopción y guarda de niños y niñas por parejas homosexuales porque formarán en ellas "una visión distorsionada de su propia naturaleza."

Iglesia En Contra De Construcción De Torre Financiera

18 mayo 2011, CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ – La Iglesia Católica panameña sostiene que el proyecto de construir una torre financiera llamada "La Tuza" "violenta el patrimonio histórico y desprecia el reclamo ciudadano; será el monumento a la ignominia que, de concretarse, levantará el poder de turno." En los últimos días se ha intensificado el rechazo al proyecto, que fuera presentado y sustentado oficialmente el pasado martes 10 de mayo, por el ministro de Economía y Finanzas Alberto Vallarino y el reconocido arquitecto panameño Ignacio Mallol.

Iglesias De Todo El Mundo Se Unirán Para Celebrar El Don De La Paz

19 mayo 2010, JAMAICA – El domingo, 22 de mayo, en un acontecimiento mundial, las iglesias de todos los rincones del planeta están invitadas a celebrar el don de la paz que da Dios. Quienes participen estarán unidos en espíritu, en las canciones y en la oración con la Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz en Jamaica, unidos en la esperanza de la paz. El texto propuesto para el domingo es Efesios 2, donde Cristo "que es nuestra paz" hace las paces entre nosotros y crea "una nueva humanidad." Reconciliados en Cristo no somos ya "extranjeros ni forasteros" sino miembros del hogar de Dios.

National News

On Capitol Hill and Beyond: Bear Witness to the Poor and Vulnerable

May 19, 2011 – I went to Capitol Hill to talk with legislators last week, and came away with the first two lines of William Cowper's famous hymn running through my mind: "God moves in a mysterious way; His wonders to perform." The Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations scheduled seven meetings for me with legislators and legislative staff. I wanted to talk about poverty and women's issues, but found that all that the legislators and their staffs wanted to talk about was the 2012 federal budget. As it turned out, however, our interests were one and the same; many of the programs that affect the most vulnerable Americans – the poor, women, children, and the elderly – are encompassed in approximately $3 trillion worth of cuts that the House of Representatives proposes to make over the next 10 years in programs that help low-income individuals and their families.

Episcopal Migration Ministries Celebrates a Legacy of Welcome at Tucson Conference

May 16, 2011 – The Episcopal Migration Ministries annual conference concluded May 12 at the Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson after three days of keynote addresses, and mandated education and training for its network of affiliates in 34 offices located in 30 dioceses. More than 120 participants attended the conference, titled "Celebrating a Legacy of Welcome," in the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona. "Our office has over the years had a very good relationship and relied on the support of Episcopal parishes and other local faith and community institutions to extend welcome to the newcomers we assist," said the Rev. John Denaro, EMM's staff officer for church relations and outreach, noting that Arizona Bishop Kirk Smith has been very supportive of the ministry's efforts.

International News

Three Years On, Iran's Imprisoned Baha'i Leaders Symbolize the Oppression of a Nation

May 16, 2011, GENEVA – The injustice being faced by countless citizens of Iran has been highlighted around the world, as supporters marked three years since the arrest of the country's imprisoned Baha'i leaders. In a message dated 14 May, addressed by the Universal House of Justice to the Baha'is of Iran, the jailed leaders were referred to as true prisoners of conscience. The letter also spoke of the numerous Iranian men and women who have accepted to face hardship for the sake of defending their freedom and human rights. Their plight was recalled at special gatherings, which included a reception on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C.; a service at the Baha'i House of Worship in Sydney, Australia; and prayer meetings, held in numerous places of worship throughout the Netherlands.

Threats to Creation Addressed at Peace Convocation

May 20, 2011 Tuvalu, a Polynesian island nation in the Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and Australia, is home to more than 11,000 people, whose very existence, which at one time was tied to the ocean and its bounty, is now threatened by rising ocean water levels. The world's fourth-smallest country – at 26 square kilometers – is shrinking, and the people of Tuvalu are facing a future as environmental refugees. The injustice in this situation – and others like it worldwide – were at the heart of discussions at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) on Friday, when the daily theme was "Peace With the Earth." The Rev. Tafue M. Lusama, general secretary of the Congregational Christian Church of Tuvalu, said his country is now facing longer droughts, and that saltwater has intruded into the underground water table. "

Sudan's Churches Prepare for Two States by Affirming "Unity in Jesus Christ"

May 18, 2011 – As Sudan waits for the birth of two nation states following its referendum, Sudan's Christians have issued a strong statement of solidarity and unity. Leaders of ten Christian traditions in the country have signed their name to the communiqué recently issued following the General Assembly of the Sudan Council of Churches. In an effort to reinforce that the creating of two countries will not divide the Christian community there the communiqué issued by the SCC states: "With the prospects of two nations emerging from the old Sudan, we affirm our unity as the Church of Jesus Christ, both in the North and in the South. Being one body of Christ, we are one people and we are indivisible. We have one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. Our divine mandate exceeds geographical and political boundaries."

Reformed Church Leaders Issue Calls for
Rights Protection in Colombia and Global Arms Reduction

May 16, 2011 – An international group of churches known for its work in defending human rights has issued two statements calling for renewed efforts to protect civilians in Colombia from violence and for a reduction in global arms production. At the conclusion of meetings held last week in Geneva, Switzerland, the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) called on the world community to respond to crises that threaten both individuals and global security. The 30 member executive committee represents WCRCs 230 member churches in 108 countries. Reformed churches include Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Waldensian and United churches with an estimated combined membership of 80 million adherents. Last week's discussions were chaired by WCRCs president, South African Jerry Pillay, who serves the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.

"Rebirth" for Jamaica's Young People

May 19, 2011 – When 15-year-old Lydia* realized she was pregnant, she was forced by Jamaican law to leave her high school in Kingston. Left with no way to continue her education, she was struggling to find a way forward for herself and her baby. After enrolling in the Women's Centre of Jamaica, Lydia said she is cultivating a trait many people assume young pregnant girls don't have: ambition. "I want to go back to school. I know there will be challenges – of course there will be! But I will be successful and I will take care of my baby." On Wednesday, Lydia shared her story with participants of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) who visited local Jamaican programs that promote peace and well-being.

In Highly Violent Communities, Peace Advocates Hold out Hope

May 20, 2011 – As peace advocates from around the world relayed heartrending stories of violence and oppression, they also expressed their ongoing hope that a movement of peace will prevail during the proceedings of the second day of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) being held in Kingston, Jamaica. The advocates included religious leaders from the Middle East, India, Brazil and the USA addressed the issue of violence from the perspective and need for peace within communities and strengthening the dignity and rights of all. "As a woman, I believe we cannot have justice in the community without having it first in the safe haven of our church," said Dr Muna Mushahwar, a medical doctor who is a Palestinian Christian from Jerusalem.

BRAZIL: Primate Welcomes Supreme Court's Decision to Recognize Same-Sex Unions

May 17, 2011 – A unanimous decision by Brazil's Supreme Court May 5 to legally recognize the union of same-sex couples has been hailed by the primate of the Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil as "an important advance in our society ... in the concept of equality and citizenship." Archbishop MaurÃ-cio Andrade said in a statement that the Supreme Court's decision "poses serious challenges to all Christians of all churches because it requires openness to recognize that [homosexual] relationships are part of the way of being of the society and of the human nature." From now on, he said, the rights of homosexuals and everyone else "become equal" while recognizing that "there is still much left to be done on this matter, pastoral and socially, of affirming the dignity and rights of all human beings." The Episcopal Anglican Church of Brazil, a covenant partner with the U.S.-based Episcopal Church, believes that human sexuality is a gift from God and prides itself as being a church that welcomes all people regardless of their sexuality.

Reviews

When Pastors Prey: Book Breaks Silence

May 20, 2011 – In an energetic book launch featuring Jamaican drummers and an Indian "Bollywood" dance lesson, the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) released a new publication seeking to break the silence on sexual abuse of women by clergy within the church. The launch took place on Thursday at the World Council of Churches (WCC) sponsored International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) being held in Kingston, Jamaica. Titled "When Pastors and Priests Prey," the book aims to raise awareness about identifying, preventing and overcoming clergy sexual abuse of women, according to Christine Housel, general secretary of the WSCF. "We hope that this effort will begin a cultural transformation within the worldwide church." The book, which was supported by the WCC Women in Church and Society project, offers insights from researchers, advocates and survivors.