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New York Legislature Passes Gay Marriage Bill
With Protection to Respect Religious Liberty

June 25, 2011 – The New York State Senate passed the hotly debated same-sex marriage law on Friday evening by a vote of 33-29. The Assembly had passed the bill previously. With Governor Andrew Cuomo's signature minutes later, the law authorizes same-sex couples to be married in New York State beginning on July 24. The law had been opposed by a number of churches, most notably the Roman Catholic Church, which affirm that the marriage sacrament is ordained by God for a man and a women. Archbishop Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York expressed it this way: "We as Catholics would oppose any attempt by anybody to redefine marriage, whether that … whomever that may be," he said. "We just don't believe that marriage can be changed and radically altered to accommodate a particular lifestyle." To gain the support of 4 Republicans in the Senate, strong protection was included in the Act for the views of objecting churches and other faith communities.

To Combat Racism "Agents of Discomfort" in Churches Are Needed

June 23, 2011 – Church leaders from across the Americas and the Caribbean are meeting in Managua, Nicaragua, to discuss the violence of racism, and the challenges it poses for churches and ecumenical organizations. The conference is sponsored by World Council of Churches (WCC) in partnership with the Latin America Council of Churches (CLAI) and brings together people working with Afro-descendent and indigenous communities across the region. Dr Rolf Malunge of Brazil opened the first panel discussion with a presentation on the reality of racism in Brazil, where thousands of mainly young people have been killed in violence in recent years. "Many more black people are killed than white people, and many of them are killed by the police," he said. "This is systematic, state-sponsored, and it is year after year, the statistics show it."

Presiding Bishop Calls for Increased Investment in Food Security
As G20 Agricultural Ministers Meet

June 22, 2011 – As agriculture ministers from the Group of 20 (G20) nations meet in Paris, France, this week to discuss how to combat food shortage and soaring prices, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has written to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, urging "consideration of the needs of people in developing countries most affected by food insecurity." Jefferts Schori, noting that most of the Anglican Communion's 80 million members live in developing countries, said: "The focus on food at this year's G20 represents an important recognition by the world's leaders that rising food prices present a potential crisis for areas of the world most affected by hunger and malnutrition, especially Africa and South and Southeast Asia." Robert Zoellick, president of the World Bank, said on June 21 that volatile food prices are "the single gravest threat" that developing nations are facing.

Bishop Grateful for ELCA as Congregations Prepare for North Dakota Floods

June 23, 2011, CHICAGO – As Minot, N.D. prepared for imminent widespread flooding, the bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod said he is grateful for the "gift" of being connected to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Many members have called or sent messages asking how they can help. "We're getting emails and calls from other ELCA congregations across the country," said the Rev. Mark E. Narum. "This is the gift of the larger church. This is a devastating event, but we do not stand alone." To help with flood response, ELCA Disaster Response provided a $20,000 emergency grant last week to Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota, Fargo, and a $5,000 grant to the ELCA Western North Dakota Synod, Bismarck, said the Rev. Kevin A. Massey, director, ELCA Disaster Response. Government officials have ordered the evacuation of 11,000 residents of Minot. Some 4,000 homes and businesses are likely to flood, and it's possible the water will remain for weeks, they said.

Archbishop of Canterbury Urges Greater Church Involvement in Environment and Social Media

June 24, 2011, NAIROBI, Kenya – The church must be clear about the need to care for the environment, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said in Nairobi June 23 while addressing a symposium discussing the mission of the church in the 21st century. "Caring for the environment is caring for our children, our grandchildren, and caring for the generosity God has given us," he said. Williams outlined several challenges churches will encounter this century and urged them to use new means of communication and social media to spread the gospel more effectively. "There is virtually nowhere you can go in the world where you won't see a mobile telephone. The church needs to learn how use these new means of communications more effectively for the sake of the gospel. If we have social media, they can also be media for communion," he said. Williams visited Kenya from June 18-23.

General News

Archbishop of Canterbury in Kenya: Faith Is about ‘Making a Difference'

June 22, 2011 – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, spent some time at a church and community mobilisation project in the heart of Kenya which had chosen to focus on food security as a shared vision for the community. This was one example of a growing initiative called ‘Umoja' (Together), a Swahili word which captures the idea of being of one mind and aims to help build a genuine and lasting sustainability to local areas, by supporting the church and local community to research and analyse the area in terms of what the needs are, but also what the resources are – both natural and the skills of the local people. The community can then identify their priorities and where they may need technical support from the government or church community services (in this case partnering with Tearfund) to help them reach complete self-sufficiency.

Church Growth and Evangelism Challenge: Does Your Church Initiative Pass the Ten Tests?

June 21, 2011 – The English Diocese of Liverpool has set ten ‘tests' for any proposed initiatives to help churches avoid doing anything that might hinder the work of God's mission. The diocese, which has 250 churches in both rural and urban settings in the north of the country, is said to be working towards "a sustainable, led and transforming Christian presence in every community in the diocese to enable all to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God" Liverpool's Church Growth Team Leader Linda Jones explained that as part of this its synod agreed that Ten Tests should be set and used to measure the worth of any proposed initiatives: Does each area of work or initiative:

Episcopal Youth Gather to Connect and Serve

June 24, 2011 – With hands clapping, bodies swaying and beach balls flying, the singing voices of nearly 1,100 Episcopalians filled Benson Great Hall on the campus of Bethel University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, for the opening worship service of the 2011 Episcopal Youth Event (EYE) on June 23. The triennial event – the second-largest gathering in the Episcopal Church – attracted delegations from nearly all dioceses in the United States as well as the Dominican Republic. Gathered around the theme "Come Together: Intimately Linked in this Harvest Work," 730 high school youth, 310 adults and 50 bishops are spending three days on the Bethel campus, learning together and sharing stories and skills so that, as Bronwyn Clark Skov, officer for youth ministries of the Episcopal Church, said in her welcome, "we might all be enriched and empowered as we go forth from here transformed and eager to fulfill our call as Episcopal Christians in this world."

Spanish News

Celebran 175 Años De La Iglesia Metodista En Argentina,
En El Marco De Su XXII Asamblea General

21 junio 2011, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Con un fuerte énfasis en el lema del presente bienio "Jesús renueva en comunión y compromiso" la predicación del Obispo Frank De Nully Brown durante el culto de Acción de Gracias instó a ser "ofrendas vivas" desde el relato del capítulo 12 de la carta a los Romanos y rescatando el testimonio del metodismo en nuestro país a lo largo de estos años. Cerca de 600 representantes de las congregaciones de la Cuarta Región, delegados y delegadas a la XXII Asamblea General e invitados especiales compartieron la liturgia especial desarrollada en las amplias instalaciones del Gimnasio Guido Festa del colegio Ward en Ramos Mejía. Entre los invitados presentes en la celebración se encontraban.

Arzobispo Rechaza Matrimonio Entre Personas Del Mismo Sexo Durante Homilía

22 junio 2011, NUEVA YORK – El conocido arzobispo Timothy Dolan expresó estar en contra del matrimonio en personas del mismo sexo, durante la homilía del pasado domingo, que realizara en la Catedral de San Patricio en esta populosa ciudad. Dolan utilizó, durante el servicio religioso, una oración especial para referirse al tema, lo cual ha sido duramente criticado por los grupos que defienden una apertura social y de la iglesia en torno a tan controvertido tema. Expresó el prelado que cualquier presunción de redefinir el vocabulario sagrado "es a nuestro propio riesgo común."

La Habana Será Sede De La Próxima Asamblea Del CLAI

21 junio 2011, QUITO, Ecuador – El Consejo Latinoamericano de Iglesias (CLAI) definió en la reunión de la Junta Directiva realizada en San Pablo, del 16 al 19 de junio, que la próxima Asamblea General se realizará en La Habana/Cuba, los días 19 al 25 de febrero del 2013. Las Asambleas Generales son los organismos máximos en el CLAI en las cuales se elige la junta directiva y se definen las líneas de trabajo cada seis años. Para la Asamblea de La Habana, la junta directiva definió como lema: Afirmando un ecumenismo de gestos concretos. El CLAI surge en 1978 por la necesidad de responder al contexto marcado por la miseria, violencia, opresión. La miseria de los pueblos – producto de pecado social es una contradicción con el plan creador de Dios.

Red De Centros Laicos Promueve La Implementación
De Políticas Con Justicia Social En Latinoamérica

24 junio 2011, ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – Una delegación, integrada por miembros de la Red de Centros Laicos de América Latina y el Caribe, visitó ayer al presidente de la República, Fernando Lugo, ocasión en que conversaron sobre el proceso político del país guaraní y de la región, desde una perspectiva cristiana. En esta línea Humberto Shikiya, integrante de la Red de Centros Laicos, manifestó que a su organización le interesa más que nada que se superen las desigualdades sociales existentes en Latinoamérica.

Líder Cristiano Palestino Consternado Por Declaraciones Del Arzobispo Williams

23 junio 2011, GINEBRA, Suiza – Las recientes declaraciones del primado de la Iglesia de Inglaterra y líder espiritual de la Comunión Anglicana, Rowan Williams, sobre la situación de los cristianos en el Medio Oriente en general y más particularmente sus comentarios sobre los cristianos palestinos, provocaron consternación y un dura respuesta de Rifat Kassis, el coordinador del movimiento Kairós en Palestina.

Seminario Evangélico De Teología Hace Graduación Histórica En 65 Años De Fundado

22 junio 2011, LA HABANA, Cuba – De histórica puede calificarse la graduación 2011 del Seminario Evangélico de Teología, de Matanzas, acto celebrado la pasada semana, cuando, en sus 65 años de fundado, por primera vez logra la alta cifra de 33 graduados en un curso, como síntesis de las diferentes modalidades y programas de estudios recientes de ese alto centro de estudios teológicos.

África Meridional: Construir Iglesias Competentes En Materia De SIDA

23 junio 2011 – La Dra. Susan Parry ha convertido su visión de una "iglesia competente en materia de SIDA" en una realidad que ha ayudado a miles de personas del África Meridional y del resto del mundo cuyas vidas están afectadas por el VIH. Parry explica que es necesario pasar de una "iglesia respetuosa con el SIDA" a una "iglesia competente en materia de SIDA," observando que, mientras la primera denota tolerancia, aceptación y una actitud receptiva, la iglesia competente en materia de SIDA va mucho más allá.

National News

B'nai B'rith Calls for Removal of Anti-Israel App

June 22, 2011, WASHINGTON – B'nai B'rith International has issued the following statement: B'nai B'rith International stands with Israel in calling for the removal of a cell phone application, "ThirdIntifada," from Apple, Inc.'s App Store. The app, using the term "intifada" to reference two violent attacks against the state of Israel over the last 20 years, serves as a forum for anti-Zionist and anti-Israel discussion and to coordinate protests against Israel. This application engenders hatemongering against Israel and its people and clearly delegitimizes the Jewish state.

International News

Building AIDS-Competent Churches in Southern Africa

June 23, 2011 – Dr Susan Parry has turned her vision of the "AIDS-competent church" into a reality that has helped thousands of people across southern Africa and the rest of the world whose lives are affected by HIV. Parry explains the need to move beyond the "AIDS-friendly church" to the "AIDS-competent church," noting that, while the first denotes tolerance, acceptance, and a welcoming attitude, the AIDS-competent church goes many steps further. "An HIV and AIDS-competent church denotes a well-informed, inclusive, proactively responsive and accompanying church. To achieve this involves strong leadership, accurate up-to-date knowledge, appropriate resources and networks, transforming theology and compassionate solidarity that restores dignity and hope." Parry, with a medical background in hematology and pediatrics, is well-positioned to define and communicate the best practices among churches in their response to AIDS.

Anti-Nuclear Energy Groups Redouble Protest Efforts
as Budget for Rebuilding Nuclear Plant Is Passed

June 19, 2011 – On June 11th, 2011, three months to the day after the nuclear disaster in Fukushima, Japan, various organizations across Taiwan led by Taiwan Environmental Protection Union organized an anti-nuclear energy rally near various train stations across Taiwan. They demanded the Ma administration increase its pace in making Taiwan a nuclear-free country. At precisely 13:46, on June 11, the exact time when the nuclear disaster in Fukushima came to light weeks ago, a group of demonstrators gathered outside of Taipei Train Station. They began their rally with prayer, led by Rev. William J.K. Lo, former General Secretary of the PCT.

WACC Calls for Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Reforms in Syria

June 20, 2011 – The World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) calls for an end to violence in Syria and for respect and tolerance for peaceful freedom of expression. WACC hopes reform steps will lead to inclusive participation of all parts of society in decision making processes. "At the recent pre-assembly seminar of the WACC Middle East region, WACC members highlighted the importance of freedom of expression in creating inclusive, democratic societies. We are therefore urging the Syrian government to respect the right to freedom of expression of the people of Syria," says WACC General Secretary, Rev. Karin Achtelstetter.

Episcopal Church Primate Katharine Jefferts Schori Calls for G20 Action on Food

June 22, 2011 – The leader of the Episcopal Church in the United States has called for G20 agriculture ministers meeting in Paris today for strong action to combat high food prices. The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal church in the US, has written to the US agriculture secretary Hon John Visak to press for a package of measures.

Zimbabwe Anglicans Not Allowed to Celebrate at African Saint's Shrine.

June 23, 2011 – For the second year running, Anglicans in Zimbabwe have been forced to find another place to mark the memorial of African martyr Bernard Mizeki after being denied access to their official shrine. Last year worshippers, who had travelled from all over the country, were driven away by the Zimbabwe Republic Police despite assurances from the government that they would not be disturbed or harassed. Bishop of Harare, the Rt Revd Dr. Chad N. Gandiya called on members of the Anglican Communion to pray for the safety of the pilgrims who travel to the Marondera Show Ground this coming weekend.

Sudan: Peace, Prayer, Partnerships Are Priorities for American Friends

June 20, 2011 – July 9 marks the date that South Sudan will celebrate its official independence as a sovereign nation. It's a date that has loomed large on the calendar for the Episcopal Church of Sudan (ECS) since the January 2011 referendum, when the people of South Sudan voted overwhelmingly to separate from North Sudan. This vote came following the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement which brought a tenuous peace and end to about 50 years of civil war. Maintaining such a peace was at the forefront of a three-day conference of the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (AFRECS), which met June 17-19 at Christ Church, Glen Allen, in the Diocese of Virginia.

Colombian Refugees Struggle to Rebuild Lives in Ecuador

June 20, 2011 – After an eight-month separation from them, Antonio boarded a plane with his wife and their three children in Cali, Colombia, last winter and flew to Quito, Ecuador, where they petitioned the Ecuadorian government for asylum. It was the ultimate act in a 10-year-saga that included an attempt on Antonio's life, four internal displacements within Colombia's border and the loss of everything material and familiar. The family landed in metro-Quito in a "safe house" belonging to the Diocese of Central Ecuador. Colombia's half-century-long armed conflict – characterized by displacement, violence and human and drug trafficking – has forced more than 116,000 refugees across the border into Ecuador.

SUDAN: Kadugli Bishop Calls for Day of Prayer and Fasting to End Violence

June 21, 2011 – Bishop Andudu Elnail of the Episcopal Diocese of Kadugli, Sudan, is calling on Sudanese Christians and churches throughout the world to observe Sunday, June 26, as a day of prayer and fasting for an end to the violence that has plagued the border region of Southern Kordofan for the past two weeks, resulting in a humanitarian crisis as thousands of people flee their homes and find themselves cut off from aid. "Once again we are facing the nightmare of genocide of our people in a final attempt to erase our culture and society from the face of the earth," said Elnail, who has served as Kadugli's bishop since 2002, in a June 21 statement.

Task Force Releases Report on Anglican Covenant

June 24, 2011 – An Executive Council task force has released a report it received from the Standing Commission on Constitution and Canons outlining the changes that would be needed if the General Convention decides to sign onto the Anglican Covenant. "The SCCC is of the view that adoption of the current draft Anglican Covenant has the potential to change the constitutional and canonical framework of [the Episcopal Church], particularly with respect to the autonomy of our Church, and the constitutional authority of our General Convention, bishops and dioceses," says the report. In a statement June 24, the D023 (Anglican Covenant) task force wrote that it has released the report now because of "legitimate concerns raised about issues of transparency around a decision as important for our Church as the Anglican Covenant."

People in the News

Diocese of Washington Elects Mariann Budde as its Ninth Bishop

June 18, 2011 – The Episcopal Diocese of Washington, D.C., elected the Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde as its first female diocesan bishop on the second ballot on June 18, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church. Budde, 52, rector of St. John's Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was elected out of a field of five nominees. She received 102 votes of 163 cast in the lay order and 137 of 175 cast in the clergy order. An election on that ballot required 82 in the lay order and 88 in the clergy order. The election was held during a special convention at Washington National Cathedral. Pending a successful consent process, Budde will succeed Bishop John Bryson Chane, who will retire this fall.