Front Page

Forging Justice in the Marketplace: There Is Nothing Fair or Easy

May 21, 2011 – When Archbishop Valentine Mokiwa visited a gold mining operation in Tanzania, he came across something he never expected to see: a world-class runway and sprawling houses with private swimming pools. Then, Mokiwa, president of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), stepped just outside the mining compound to find a completely different reality. "There is abject poverty," he said. "People struggle to make ends meet. You visit healthcare clinics and there's no medication. People are dying." Understanding the root causes of global economic-related violence was on the agenda for the fourth day of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) being held in Kingston, Jamaica, 17-25 May.

An Environmental Agenda for the Churches

May 21, 2011 – Exploring how churches can positively respond to the challenge of climate change and environmental destruction was the aim of one of the workshops of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) Friday in Kingston, Jamaica. The content of the workshop called "Empowering Churches from North and South to advocate for Climate and Environmental Protection" reflected the theme "Peace with the Earth," which was the overall focus of the IEPC on Friday. The IEPC, which is being held 17-25 May by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC) and the Jamaican Council of Churches, has brought together some 1,000 peace activists and faith leaders from more than 100 countries in order to explore the role of the church in peacemaking.

Convocation Final Message Rejects War in Favor of ‘Just Peace'

May 25, 2011 – "We understand peace and peacemaking as an indispensable part of our common faith," states the opening sentence of a "final message" from the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC). The message issued yesterday, May 24, in Jamaica on the last day of the IEPC, is not considered an official statement of the sponsoring body, the World Council of Churches. Instead it is intended to represent a sense of the meeting. The short, three-and-a-half page document was informally adopted by means of applause, during the afternoon plenary session. A first draft presented in the morning plenary was revised by the writing committee over the lunch break, after close to 75 people lined up at the microphones to give feedback and suggestions for changes.

For Former Iraq War Chaplain, Memorial Day Invokes ‘Crucial' Memories

May 27, 2011 – The Rev. Bob Blessing describes war's defining moments with only a slight trace of humor: "Relationships count, and if nobody's blowing you up or shooting at you – it's a good day." The San Diego chaplain's most recent tour of duty in Iraq included a considerable amount of both explosions and shootings, prompting a serious "reflective mode" as he observes the upcoming Memorial Day holiday. "I'm really dealing with life and resurrection. Remembering all the lives and how they served, to me, is crucial," he said during a May 25 telephone interview. Like his former battalion commander who died when his vehicle hit a land mine. "He was a good brother in Christ. I should have been there with him, but I was taking care of another situation. You just deal with those things as they come through but it doesn't make it any easier."

General News

What Does "God's Security" Look Like?

May 24, 2011 – As a 10-year-old schoolgirl, on 6 August 1945, at 8:15 a.m., Setsuko Thurlow, then Nakamura, suddenly saw a brilliant bluish light flash outside her schoolroom window. "I remember the sensation of floating in the air. When I regained consciousness, in the total darkness and silence, I found myself in the rubble." She began to hear her classmates' faint voices: "Mom, help me. Dad, help me." Thurlow is a "hibakusha," a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bomb, one of two nuclear bombs dropped on Japan by the United States toward the end of World War II. She is also a lifelong advocate against armaments.

Finding the Strength to Pursue a Just Peace

May 21, 2011 – In war-torn or violent communities – and perhaps in so-called peaceful ones – reaching a state of just peace takes strength and courage. Participants at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) discussed on Friday how to help local people find the strength within themselves, and within their communities to resolve conflict and end violence through peaceful means. The IEPC is being held in Kingston, Jamaica from 17-25 May and is sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Caribbean Conference of Churches (CCC) and the Jamaica Council of Churches (JCC).

Can Christians Embrace Faith and Science?

May 25, 2011 – Faith and science, Genesis' creation story vs. theory of evolution – is it possible for Christians to embrace and believe in both? May 25 marks the anniversary of the indictment of John Scopes, a science teacher in Tennessee, who was put on trial for teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The famous 1925 trial was a lightning rod that pitted religion against science. That flame still burns hot today. Since Jan. 1, 2011, legislators in seven states – including Tennessee – have introduced nine bills attacking evolution education. The Tennessee bill calls evolution and global warming "scientific controversies" and suggests teachers should "help students understand, analyze, critique and review in an objective manner the scientific strengths and scientific weaknesses of existing scientific theories."

A Van Is My Parish

May 27, 2011, MASON, Ohio – Every morning, the Rev. Edinson DeArco leads a van full of high schoolers in prayer while driving them to class. Last March, Lakota High School in Liberty Township, Ohio, decided to do away with its busing program. That left the students of the Lakota Lake Apartments stranded more than seven miles from their education. The youth living in this lower-income complex were dropping out at an alarming rate when DeArco, associate pastor of Mason (Ohio) United Methodist Church, stepped in with an idea and a minivan. The Colombian-born minister said this Hispanic community had to choose between making it to work on time or getting their children to school.

Spanish News

Una Boliviana Comparte La Teología Indígena De La "Sacralidad De La Vida En La Madre Tierra"

23 mayo 2010 – Sofía Chipana Quispe forma parte de la primera generación de su familia que ha nacido en la ciudad. Sus padres emigraron de las zonas rurales de los Andes a La Paz, Bolivia, antes de que ella naciera en 1952. A pesar de haber crecido en un entorno urbano, Sofía Chipana se ha convertido en una prominente portavoz de la teología indígena que valora vivir en dignidad y respetando el carácter sagrado de la tierra y de todas las formas de vida.

Benedicto XV Saluda La Convocatoria Por La Paz

23 mayo 2010, CIUDAD DEL VATICANO – El Papa Benedicto XVI saludó el domingo la Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz (CEIP), orando por que "todo acto de violencia sea eliminado." Ante las 30.000 personas reunidas en la plaza de San Pedro para el Regina Caeli, el Papa encomió la labor de los 1.000 participantes de la CEIP que se han reunido en Jamaica para estudiar maneras de avanzar hacia una paz justa en todo el mundo. "Unámonos en la oración," dijo Benedicto, "por este noble propósito y comprometámonos de nuevo a eliminar la violencia en las familias, en la sociedad y en la comunidad internacional."

Mientras Los Adultos Hablan De Paz, Los Niños Se Ponen En La Piel De Otros

23 mayo 2010 – La historia comienza con Pedro. No se trata del Pedro bíblico, sino simplemente de un niño llamado Pedro que tiene algo de sobrepeso, protuberancias en la cara, y, también, es verdad, a veces no huele muy bien. "Todos conocen a alguien un ‘Pedro' ¿verdad?" pregunta la Dra. Yanike Hanson, y 19 niños asienten con la cabeza diciendo "sí."

Consejo De Iglesias De Cuba, Punto Final De Siete Décadas Y Reto De Unidad Hacia El Futuro

27 mayo 2011, LA HABANA, Cuba – El histórico templo de la primera Iglesia Presbiteriana Reformada de La Habana, donde fuera fundado el Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba (CIC), resultó pequeño para la magnitud de creyentes y de unidad en espíritu que invadió el recinto, en la apertura de la jornada final por su aniversario 70, iniciada este miércoles. Más de una treintena de personalidades del mundo ecuménico que en algún momento de la historia del ecumenismo cubano le han acompañado, se enc presentes encontraban en la celebración, como son los doctores Olaf Fykse Tveit y Walter Altmann, secretario general y moderador, respectivamente, del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), así como Lee Hong Jung, representante coreano del Centro Asia Pacífico para el Estudio Integral de la Vida, entre otros

Los Defensores De La Paz Abren Posibilidades De Esperanza
En Las Comunidades Víctimas De La Extrema Violencia

19 mayo 2010 – Durante los trabajos del segundo día de la Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz (IEPC) que se celebra en Kingston (Jamaica), defensores de la paz de todo el mundo narran experiencias desgarradoras de violencia y opresión, y expresan su firme esperanza de que prevalezca un movimiento de paz. Los defensores de la paz, entre los que figuran dirigentes de Oriente Medio, India, Brasil y Estados Unidos de América, abordaron el problema de la violencia desde la perspectiva de la necesidad de paz en las comunidades y del fortalecimiento de la dignidad y los derechos de todas las personas.

El Patriarca Ecuménico Y Un Dirigente Bautista Comparten Mensajes De Paz En La CEIP

24 mayo 2010 – "Como discípulos fieles del Señor de la Paz, debemos constantemente buscar y proclamar maneras alternativas de rechazar la violencia y la guerra. Es posible que el conflicto humano sea inevitable en nuestro mundo; pero la guerra y la violencia no lo son." El patriarca ecuménico Bartolomeo I compartió el domingo, en un servicio ecuménico de oración en Kingston, Jamaica, este mensaje de paz destinado a los participantes en la Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz (CEIP).

Con Un Mensaje De Paz Se Clausura La Convocatoria,
¡Pero La Tarea No Ha Hecho Más Que Comenzar!

26 mayo 2010 – Los participantes en la Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz (CEIP) hicieron público el martes un mensaje en el que expresan su experiencia unificada de exploración de la paz justa durante una semana, y su decisión de seguir el camino que queda por andar al regresar a sus hogares e iglesias de todo el mundo.

Todas Las Religiones Traen Valores Orientados a La Paz

26 mayo 2011, ARGENTINA – La paz es un valor fundamental en todas las religiones, expresa el mensaje final de la Convocatoria Internacional Ecuménica por la Paz (CEIP), reunidos en Kingston, Jamaica, del 17-25 de mayo. "A través de la intensificación del diálogo interreligioso, debemos buscar un terreno común para todas las religiones del mundo," dice. Los 1000 participantes reconocieron que cada iglesia y cada religión aporta una perspectiva diferente en el camino hacia una paz justa.

Se Inauguró La Exposición Iglesia Metodista Y Dictadura En Uruguay

27 mayo 2010, MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay – En el Museo de la Memoria de la Intendencia de Montevideo se inauguró la exposición "Ser Iglesia en Dictadura. Testimonio y Resistencia Solidaria" que constituye un hecho sin antecedentes a nivel continental y una impronta importante a nivel nacional. La proposición para que la Iglesia Metodista en Uruguay (IMU) tuviera un espacio en el Museo de la Memoria (MUME) surgió desde el Director del Museo, Elbio Ferrario, por lo que resultó apropiada la mención del Pastor Raúl Sosa, Presidente de la IMU, resaltando que ese acontecimiento se situaba en la comprensión de la Laicidad propia del Estado uruguayo ya que la iniciativa partió desde un organismo público.

Human Rights News

Human Trafficking: Violence Against Humanity

May 22, 2011 – Fourteen-year old Gudiya Putul is not in Kingston, Jamaica attending the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC), but her name and history were brought to the attention of some IEPC participants Saturday during a workshop about economic injustice and human trafficking. Putul (not her real name) is originally from a village in West Bengal, India. Her bad days began when her father died two years ago. Her mother remarried a man who was an alcoholic. Putul and her mother moved to her stepfather's village. Her stepfather's drunken brawls often ended in the sound of him beating Putul and her mother.

New York Metro News

General Theological Seminary Appoints Two New Faculty Members

May 25, 2011 – General Theological Seminary in New York will welcome two new members to its faculty in the fall of 2011: the Rev. Amy Bentley Lamborn as assistant professor of pastoral theology; and the Rev. Clair McPherson as visiting associate professor of ascetical theology. "We are delighted to be able to add to the seminary's faculty two new professors, both of whom are excellent teachers and possess the highest levels of scholarly ability," said the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, interim dean of GTS, according to a press release. Lamborn currently serves as theologian-in-residence at Christ Church, Bronxville.

Seamen's Church Institute to Sell Historic Artifacts at Auction

May 24, 2011 – The Seamen's Church Institute (SCI) is offering select items from its historic collection of maritime art and artifacts for sale at a public auction on May 25 at 10 a.m. The event will be hosted by Bonhams, one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Items for auction will include maps, paintings, ship models, and other items of maritime antiquity. A preview of the auction can be viewed online. Proceeds from the auction "will benefit the continued development of SCI's service to mariners," according to a press release from the institute.

National News

AJC Applauds Obama Administration Action on Fuel Efficient Federal Fleets

May 25, 2011, NEW YORK – AJC today applauded President Obama's action implementing significant fuel efficiency measures for all federal fleets. "President Obama has taken an important step toward reaching his goal to reduce oil imports by one-third by 2025 and pave the way for one million advanced fuel-efficient vehicles to be on the road by 2015," said Richard Foltin, AJC director of National and Legislative Affairs. A presidential memorandum issued yesterday mandates that all new light duty vehicles leased or purchased by federal agencies must be alternative fueled vehicles, such as hybrid or electric, compressed natural gas, or biofuel (including flex-fuel vehicles), and be designed to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

Geoffrey Black Offers Prayer, Appeal for Storm Victims

May 23, 2011 – Tornadoes and flooding through April and May have killed more than 400 Americans. The most recent tornado in Joplin, Mo., claimed at least 89 victims Sunday. In response, the UCC's General Minister and President has issued a statement and prayer, offering comfort to "a grieving, weather-weary nation," and calling for increased generosity from members of the UCC to meet the physical, mental and spiritual needs of those affected. United Church News will post updates from the UCC's Disaster Ministries as they become available. A "Spring Storm Appeal" update and donation page has been established for online donations. Donations can also be made through local congregations designated for "US Spring Storms Appeal."

Children's Disaster Services Responds in Joplin,
Brethren Disaster Ministries Reports on Preliminary Activities, Requests EDF Grant

May 25, 2011 – At the request of the American Red Cross, a team of Children's Disaster Service (CDS) volunteers were to arrive by this morning in Joplin, Mo., to set up a Children's Disaster Services Center at the Missouri Southern State University shelter. The volunteers will care for children in the aftermath of the tornado that caused significant destruction on May 22. The twister rated a strong EF 4, packing winds up to 198 m.p.h., and cut a path a mile wide and six miles long through the most densely populated area of the city of 49,000. Search and rescue personnel as of yesterday were about halfway through a full grid search of the area of tornado destruction..

Joplin ELCA Congregation Grateful for Support amid Tornado Destruction

May 27, 2011, CHICAGO – Members of Peace Lutheran Church, Joplin, Mo., are still in shock but "looking forward to what can be done and where God will lead us," said the Rev. William R. Pape, the congregation's interim pastor. A powerful tornado May 22 destroyed the congregation's building and a significant part of Joplin. Since the storm, congregations and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have expressed support and offered assistance to Peace Lutheran, Pape said "We have had a lot of calls from (ELCA) congregations wanting to help, concerned for us and saying their prayers are with us," Pape said.

Lutheran Disaster Response Sends $25,000 Grant to Missouri Tornado Response

May 23, 2011, CHICAGO – Lutheran Disaster Response sent a $25,000 emergency grant to its partner agency, Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri, for response to the May 22 tornado that struck in Joplin, Mo. Parts of Joplin were destroyed, including the building for Peace Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). At least 116 people died in Joplin, and hundreds were being treated for injuries. Missouri's governor said about 30 percent of the city was damaged or destroyed. "The church (building) is demolished," said the Rev. William R. Pape, interim pastor, Peace Lutheran Church.

9/11 Anniversary Time for Awareness, Healing, Says ELCA Presiding Bishop

May 27, 2011, CHICAGO – As the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States approaches, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), invited members to reach out to ecumenical partners, as well as Muslim and Jewish partners, in planning commemorations. Hanson wrote in a May 24 letter that he prays members focus on "peace, justice and interfaith encounter." The presiding bishop's invitation was also accompanied by a series of resources for congregations to use as they discuss and prepare for the 10th anniversary. The resources will continue to be updated as the anniversary date approaches. Hanson wrote that the ELCA can show the world that dialogue is possible and "there is room for voices that represent faith without rushing to judgment and closing off discussion," he said.

International News

Arrests Are Part of Official Campaign to Block Development of Iranian Baha'is

May 25, 2011, NEW YORK – The raids carried out on some 30 homes of Baha'is, who were offering education to young community members barred by the government from university, is the latest action in Iran's ongoing policy to keep its largest non-Muslim religious minority on the margins of society. Since the 1979 Islamic revolution, Baha'is have been systematically deprived of higher education. With nowhere else to turn, the community initiated its own educational programmes. "The Iranian authorities are clearly determined to make it impossible for the Baha'i community to educate its youth whose opportunities are blocked by the state," said Bani Dugal, Principal Representative of the Baha'i International Community to the United Nations.

Church Leader and Anglican Alliance Call for Immediate Support for Civilians in Sudan

May 25, 2011 – The Anglican Alliance has received reports of civilians fleeing from the contested Abyei area in Sudan after Northern troops swept through the town over the weekend. Civilians, many of whom fled on foot, headed further south, towards towns which are also being deserted amidst fears of an imminent attack. A local church leader sent the following report from the region: "Sudanese forces attacked Abyei town on Saturday at around 8pm. The whole town was completely set on fire and approximately 20,000 people fled towards the bush and towns in Warrap State.

Ecumenical Steps Towards the Peaceful Reunification of the Korean Peninsula

May 22, 2011 – Realizing a peaceful reunification of Korea would not only be a gift for the Korean people but also for the people of Asia and the world as a whole. For the church, both in and outside Korea, realizing a unified Korea will also mean the church being unified in their efforts. With this background the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) organized a workshop for the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) being held in Kingston, Jamaica 17-25 May. The workshop was held Thursday, 19 May. Titled "War or Peace? – Ecumenical Cooperation on the Korean peninsula" the workshop was intended to raise awareness about the need for a peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula and the role the church has played in this process.

Orthodox Perspectives on Just Peace at the IEPC

May 25, 2011 – A number of workshops led by the Orthodox were presented at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC), held 17-25 May in Kingston, Jamaica, leading to deep reflection and robust and honest conversations. Each of the workshops touched upon issues of just peace, as they dealt with the four themes of the convocation: peace in the community, peace with the earth, peace in the marketplace and peace among peoples. The subject matter of the workshops ranged from Orthodox perspectives on peace building, peacemaking, and the transforming power of the gospel in the context of peace, as well as ecological theology and reconciliation.

Ecumenical Patriarch and Baptist Leader Share Messages of Peace at IEPC

May 23, 2011 – "As faithful disciples of the Lord of peace, we must constantly pursue and persistently proclaim alternative ways that reject violence and war. Human conflict may well be inevitable in our world; but war and violence are not." Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew shared this message of peace at a Sunday ecumenical prayer service and celebration in Kingston, Jamaica, for the participants of the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC). Over the past four days, some 1,000 convocation participants have been exploring peace in the community, peace with the earth, peace in the marketplace, and will continue with peace among the peoples on Monday.

Peace Message Closes Convocation, but Work Has Only Begun

May 25, 2011 – Participants at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC) released a message on Tuesday expressing their unified experience of a week-long exploration of a just peace and to navigate a path forward as they return to their homes and churches across the world. Attempting to take into account each other's contexts and histories, IEPC participants were unified in their aspiration that war should become illegal and that peace is central in all religious traditions. The message states: "With partners of other faiths, we have recognized that peace is a core value in all religions, and the promise of peace extends to all people regardless of their traditions and commitments.

Peacemaking Can Be Rooted in Theology and Mission

May 24, 2011 – Making peace, as an integral part of the life of church mission and witness, has not been as common as one might think. Rather, the opposite seems to be true, as, throughout history the church has found itself pointing the sharper rather than the blunt edge of the sword, many times using violence in the name of God. Following closely behind has been mission and theology – either justifying it or keeping silent. Is it possible there is a non-coercive expression of mission and theology that can move the church toward being a peacemaker? For Rev. Dr Thomas Finger, who is a member the Mennonite church, this was the point of discussion in a workshop at the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation (IEPC), held in Kingston, Jamaica, on Monday, 23 May.

Primate of Japan Announces Project to Support Disaster Victims

May 26, 2011 – The peace of Christ be with you. May 19, 2011 The earthquake which struck the Tohoku and Kanto regions and most of eastern Japan on the afternoon of Friday, March 11, 2011 registered a 9.0 magnitude-the strongest earthquake in the country's history. The resulting enormous tsunami wrought unprecedented death and destruction up and down the coast, particularly in the prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Ibaraki. Current figures show roughly 30,000 people dead or missing. Many have lost family and friends, homes and savings. Many still have no choice but to stay in emergency shelters. Moreover, this cataclysmic event seriously damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant, resulting in radioactive pollution which has forced not a few people to leave the familiar surroundings of their homes. Immediately after the earthquake, the NSKK created a disaster response headquarters and began a nationwide call for contributions to an emergency relief fund.

AJC Co-sponsors Religious Leadership Meetings in India

May 26, 2011, NEW DELHI – AJC has concluded a series of ground-breaking meetings in India with leaders of the Hindu, Jain, Muslim and Sikh communities. "All of these meetings reflect the new world of global interfaith cooperation in which AJC has been a trailblazer," said Rabbi David Rosen, AJC's International Director of Interreligious Affairs. "Deepening relations between the spiritual foundations of our respective civilizations are just as important as diplomatic relations and provide for deeper, stronger and more lasting bonds of friendship and collaboration." Rosen was part of a group of leading Jewish scholars from Israel that met with Hindu scholars in Delhi to advance the historic bilateral collaboration that AJC has pioneered.

Sudan's Disputed Abyei Region Descends into Chaos amid Calls for Ongoing Advocacy

May 25, 2011 – As Sudan's wanted President Omar al-Bashir said that he would not remove his Khartoum troops from the disputed oil-producing Abyei region, church and world leaders are insisting that advocacy for the war-torn south and for a lasting peace must continue. "It seems only a little while ago that we were ratcheting up our advocacy with our government and other friends of the international community to ensure a safe and timely referendum," said Richard Parkins, executive director of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (AFRECS), referring to the historic January plebiscite when southerners voted almost unanimously to secede from the Islamic north.

Middle East News

Prayer Vigils Send Message to Netanyahu: ‘Lift the Ban on Bishop Dawani'
Episcopalians in Washington, LA Hold Vigils as Israeli Prime Minister Addresses Congress

May 24, 2011 – Episcopalians in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles held silent prayer vigils in protest of Israeli treatment of Palestinians on May 24, the day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress about the peace process. They sought to send a message about the Israeli government's policies towards Palestinians in general and specifically the refusal to grant Anglican Bishop Suheil Dawani a permit to reside in Jerusalem. As bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, Dawani, a Palestinian Christian, oversees congregations and institutions in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and the Palestinian Territories. "He [Netanyahu] passed by us. I don't know if he paid attention to our signs or not" on his way to the Capitol, said the Rev. Susan Burns, rector of the Church of the Redeemer in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Diocese of Washington, D.C.