Front Page

WCC and Globethics.net Launch Global Online Theological Resource

September 23, 2011 – A unique and ambitious web-based theological resource was launched in Geneva on 23 September by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Globethics.net. It aims to redress a global imbalance of access to research materials in theology and related disciplines. The Global Digital Library on Theology and Ecumenism (GlobeTheoLib) contains several hundred thousand of articles, documents and other academic resources that can accessed online free-of-charge by registered participants from anywhere in the world via Internet. "The time has come to launch a new model of ecumenical sharing of theological resources in order to prepare world Christianity for the 21st century," said the WCC general secretary, the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit.

U.S. Hikers Released in Iran; Washington Bishop Cites Importance of Religious Dialogue

September 21, 2011 – The Sept. 21 release of U.S. hikers Shane Bauer and Josh Fattal from an Iranian prison "affirms the importance of the role of religious dialogue and its end product in this case, public diplomacy, as we seek ways to define common ground between our two countries," said Diocese of Washington Bishop John Chane, who returned from a weeklong visit to Iran on Sept. 19. Chane and a delegation of Christian and Muslim leaders had traveled to Iran at the invitation of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad; one objective was to seek the release of the hikers on humanitarian grounds. The delegation included Roman Catholic Cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick, former leader of the Archdiocese of Washington, and Nihad Awad and Larry Shaw, national executive director and board chairman respectively of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Prayers Name Conflicts, Courage and Robot Airplanes for Day of Prayer for Peace

September 19, 2011 – From Fiji to Rwanda, prayers and signs of commitment are being offered for the annual International Day of Prayer for Peace on 21 September. This year's observances are taking place in parishes and on Facebook, led by people who attended a World Council of Churches peace convocation in Jamaica this May. "Use me, Lord, to build bridges of hope," is the Rev. Edelberto Valdés Fleites's prayer in Cuba. "Make us artisans of peace in the example of Christ, women and men of courage and discernment. Rather than fleeing from conflict, make us willing to identify, to denounce and to dare to become mediators for peace and justice," asks Father Bernard Ugeux, a missionary in Rwanda.

Raising Ethical Dimensions in Debate on Climate Justice

September 22, 2011 Climate change is impacting human life and nature in severe ways. Yet it is the vulnerable who suffer most. As the life of such people is dependent on eco-systems for survival, churches join hands with other faith based organizations to support their cause, stressing an ethical aspect in the debate on climate change. "Faith based organizations articulate concerns of the marginalized communities and bring their issues to mainstream forums. It is obligatory therefore to address climate change and its impact on human rights, as faith traditions signify care for the environment," says Nafisa D'Souza, a climate justice advocate from India.

General News

Day of Prayer for Peace Brings Communities Together

September 21, 2011, ELGIN, IL – Today the International Day of Prayer for Peace (IDPP) observance takes place around the world, as an initiative of the World Council of Churches. The Church of the Brethren agency On Earth Peace is holding its annual IDPP campaign this year with the goal of involving 200 congregations and groups on the theme, "Seek the Peace of the City." On Earth Peace reported that as of Monday, 110 congregations and community groups had registered an event. There were 21 US states and 10 countries represented on the list. Organizers were affiliated with at least 11 different denominations or religious traditions.

Invitation for Anglicans to Take Part in Unique Bible Survey

September 22, 2011 – As part of the Bible in the Life of the Church project we are undertaking a Communion-wide survey of the way Anglicans understand and engage with the Bible. We rightly say the Bible is central to our life together but we also engage with it and interpret it in different ways. What are those differences? Why might there be differences? What can we learn from those who differ from us? We are undertaking this survey by means of a questionnaire that is now available online and in a downloadable paper form. It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and we want as many Anglicans as possible to get involved – either individually or through their local churches.

Mobilizing Youth and Women to Reduce HIV

September 22, 2011 – Thirteen West African countries. Thousands of youth and women. The numbers are daunting. But Ayoko Bahun-Wilson, West Africa regional coordinator of the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA), is determined to help West African youth become conscious, committed and prepared to fight to reduce the rate of HIV infections. Since 2003, Bahun-Wilson has been travelling across 13 West African countries to organize training sessions, workshops and seminars for religious communities and churches. "The expectations and especially the challenges facing those involved in the fight in the sub-region have made me invest all my effort and energy in the youth and women, who constitute the most vulnerable populations," she says.

‘God Put the Mission in Front of Me'

September 22, 2011 – God called me to serve. God called me to be in mission with my people, God's people. Since 2001, I have learned about families I met in the markets, parking lots and restaurants of Albuquerque, N.M. Listening to what they said about their community led me to find out how they lived. When I first became aware of this community, I was a layperson in an Anglo church in the New Mexico Annual (regional) Conference and was part of the conference's Hispanic ministry committee. I taught elementary children in a Christian school where almost 40 percent of my students were recent immigrants from Mexico or children of non-English-speaking parents.

Ecumenical News

ELCA, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Leaders Gather for Historic Summit

September 19, 2011, CHICAGO – The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church have embarked on a new relationship to engage in mission and ministry together, sharing in one another's traditions, witness and service in the world. "It is my prayer that congregations of the ELCA and the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church will join together in worship, Scripture study and shared commitment to work for justice and reconciliation," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson.

Editorial Page

Editorial: Revelations for Stewards

September 25, 2011 – In 1 Peter 4:10-11, Peter instructs Christians that they are all good stewards. He said, "each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." This familiar passage reminds us to be faithful and savvy servants of God by managing and caring for God's creation. A look at how Taiwan has responded to this call through national events that occurred throughout this year shows us that we have fallen far short. All 4 nuclear reactors in Taiwan have had problems, malfunctions, and accidents this year.

Spanish News

Congreso Pentecostal Bolivariano Reafirma
Que La Política De Chavez Contiene "Señales Visibles Del Reino"

17 septiembre 2011, VENEZUELA – "Para avanzar en la construcción de un espacio legítimo para la reflexión, el debate crítico de ideas, la articulación, el compartir de experiencias, la construcción de la unidad y la integración latinoamericana, en función del establecimiento del socialismo bolivariano, el cual consideramos como una propuesta válida, ya que contiene señales visibles del reino de Dios inaugurado por Jesucristo, nuestro Redentor," se celebró a fines de agosto el III Congreso Pentecostal Bolivariano de la Unión Evangélica Pentecostal Venezolana (UEPV).

Resurge La Violencia Contra Los Evangélicos

17 septiembre 2011, MÉXICO – Con la amenaza de lincharlos y crucificarlos si no abandonan su comunidad, católicos y católicas del pueblo San Rafael Tlanalapan, en el municipio de San Martín Texmelucan, estado de Puebla, intentan expulzar a los miembros de una pequeña comunidad evangélica por considerarlos contrarios a la fe de la mayoría.

Oraciones Por La Paz: Conflictos, Valentía Y Aviones Robot

19 septiembre 2011 – De Fiji a Rwanda, se ofrecen oraciones y muestras de compromiso con motivo del Día Internacional de Oración por la Paz que se celebra cada año el 21 de septiembre. Las celebraciones de este año tienen lugar en parroquias y en Facebook, dirigidas por las personas que asistieron a la Convocatoria Ecuménica Internacional por la Paz del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias celebrada en Jamaica el pasado mes de mayo.

Iglesias Proclaman Teología Infantil Como Imperativo Para Ministerios Cristianos

20 septiembre 2011 – Aunque la población mundial cuenta con 2.200 millones de niños, tanto las iglesias del Sur como las del Norte han ignorado con frecuencia a los niños en los ministerios de Dios. Los temas que afectan a la infancia, el lugar de los niños en las iglesias y los derechos del niño en el mundo necesitan una voz cristiana fuerte y unida.

Tiempo Para La Creación: Un Llamamiento a Orar, Reflexionar Y Actuar

20 septiembre 2011, SUIZA – En un momento en que el impacto del cambio climático aparece en la portada de casi todos los periódicos, revistas y páginas web, las iglesias de todo el mundo piden que se renueve el compromiso con el medio ambiente y los ecosistemas. Durante todo el mes de septiembre, iglesias y organizaciones de Alemania a Australia, de la India a Sudáfrica, del Pacífico a América del Norte, celebran el "Tiempo para la Creación" en honor de la Creación y como demostración de la preocupación por la justicia climática.

Visita Del Obispo Anglicano Peter Bryan Price Busca Acercamiento Con La Realidad Del País

20 septiembre 2011, SAN SALVADOR – Uno de los 26 Obispos Anglicanos que tienen asiento con voz y voto en la Cámara de los Lores de Inglaterra, el obispo de la diócesis de Bath y Wells, Peter Bryan Price, visitará esta semana El Salvador para constatar el desarrollo de temas relacionados con la vida democrática del país centroamericano.

Iglesias Proclaman Teología Infantil Como Imperativo Para Ministerios Cristianos

21 septiembre 2011, GINEBRA, Suiza – Aunque la población mundial cuenta con 2.200 millones de niños, tanto las iglesias del Sur como las del Norte han ignorado con frecuencia a los niños en los ministerios de Dios. Los temas que afectan a la infancia, el lugar de los niños en las iglesias y los derechos del niño y la niña en el mundo necesitan una voz cristiana fuerte y unida.

Pugna Entre Católicos Y Evangélicos Por Capilla Ecuménica

21 septiembre 2011, CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ – Una pequeña capilla de 36 metros cuadrados, y a medio terminar, es objeto una polémica entre los vecinos en Tocumen, sector periférico de la ciudad capital de Panamá, según se dio a conocer esta semana aquí. Desde que se construyó la barriada, hace ocho años y que ahora tiene unos 13 mil 800 residentes, la empresa promotora prometió construir una capilla ecuménica para que las personas de cualquier religión pudieran utilizarla para rezar y meditar.

Movilizar a Los Jóvenes Y Las Mujeres Para Reducir El VIH

22 septiembre 2011 – Trece estados del África Occidental. Miles de jóvenes y mujeres. Las cifras son escalofriantes. Pero Ayoko Bahun-Wilson, coordinadora regional para el África Occidental de la Iniciativa Ecuménica sobre el VIH y el SIDA en África, está decidida a ayudar a la juventud del África Occidental a tomar conciencia, comprometerse y estar dispuesta a luchar para reducir la tasa de infecciones con el VIH. Desde 2003, Bahun-Wilson ha viajado por los 13 estados del África Occidental para organizar sesiones de capacitación, talleres y seminarios destinados a comunidades religiosas e iglesias.

El CMI Y Globethics.net Lanzan Un Recurso Teológico Mundial En Línea

23 septiembre 2011 – El 23 de septiembre, el Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) y Globethics.net lanzaron en Ginebra un recurso teológico único y ambicioso basado en la web, cuya finalidad es enmendar el desequilibrio mundial en el acceso a materiales de investigación sobre teología y disciplinas afines. Como dijo el secretario general del CMI, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, "ha llegado la hora de lanzar un nuevo modelo de participación ecuménica en recursos teológicos a fin de preparar al cristianismo mundial para el siglo XXI."

Conferencia Episcopal Pide La Verdad En Torno a Crimen De Sacerdote

23 septiembre 2011, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – El obispo auxiliar de Managua, monseñor Silvio Báez, al instalar en la ciudad de Concepción al nuevo párroco Elio Cortés esta semana, que repone al sacerdote asesinado Marlon Pupiro, dijo que no se puede perdonar sobre una mentira, cuando se acusa a un falso culpable del crimen, y que la Conferencia de Obispos no se ha echado atrás en la demanda de verdad y justicia.

Iglesia Adventista Celebrará Concilio Virtual Ministerial En Octubre

23 septiembre 2011, MIAMI – Uno de los eventos más ambiciosos que jamás se haya coordinado en vivo y en línea, será el Concilio virtual ministerial, que celebrará la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día en Inter-América, el próximo 26 de octubre, el cual contará con más de 3 mil ministros y ministras de esa denominación.

Pastores Celebrarán Día De La Biblia Llamando a Releerla Para Rescatar Los Valores Perdidos

23 septiembre 2011, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – El teólogo y pastor Herbert Bonilla dijo que celebrar el Día Nacional de la Biblia, este último domingo de septiembre, deberá ser un momento de reflexión y de relectura desde la perspectiva actual que vive el pueblo nicaragüense, para rescatar los valores perdidos entre tanta decadencia y ante tanta injusticia.

New York Metro News

Two Priests Added to Episcopal Bishop Coadjutor Slate in New York

September 19, 2011, NEW YORK – The Rev. Canon Andrew Dietsche and the Rev. Canon Petero Sabune have been added to the previously announced slate of five candidates to stand for election as bishop coadjutor for the Episcopal Diocese of New York. Sabune, 58, the Episcopal Church's Africa partnerships officer, and Dietsche, 57, the New York diocese's canon for pastoral care, were nominated by petition to stand for the election, scheduled for Oct. 29 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York.

International News

Brazilians March Together to Demand Justice

September 19, 2011, RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil – The ongoing persecution of Iran's Baha'i community featured prominently as 25,000 people from Brazil's diverse traditions marched to defend the right to religious freedom and call for justice. Established in 2008 by Rio's Committee for Combating Religious Intolerance (CCIR), the Religious Freedom Walk initially aimed to call attention to the prejudice faced in Brazil by followers of traditional Afro-Brazilian religions. Since then, the march has become an annual event, growing from 2,000 participants at the first rally to this year's record figure.

Brethren Representative Attends UN Conference in Bonn

September 21, 2011, ELGIN, IL – Church of the Brethren representative to the United Nations, Doris Abdullah, earlier this month attended a conference for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on the topic "Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens: Commit-Encourage-Volunteer." She is chair of the UN NGOs' Human Rights Sub-Committee for the Elimination of Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia, and Related Intolerance, and is a board member of On Earth Peace. Following are her observations on the conference: "From Sept. 3-5 over 1,400 citizens from 70 different countries came together in Bonn, Germany, at the 64th United Nations DPI/NGO Conference.

WACC Calls on People of Faith to Make Their Voices Heard for Peace

September 21, 2011 – On International Day of Peace, 21 September 2011, the President and General Secretary of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) call on people of faith to communicate greater understanding, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in keeping with the UN's chosen theme of "Make Your Voice Heard." In Fiji the military government recently banned the Methodist Church's annual conference, accusing the church leadership of being too political. Rev. Akuila Yabaki, President of WACC's Pacific Regional Association, commented: "These actions against the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma constitute a clear violation of the fundamental human right to religious freedom and do not augur well for building confidence and a safe space for communication, to enable communities to trust and participate in political processes including constitutional reforms and national elections."

WCC Calls for Prayer and Action in Somalia and South Asia

September 21, 2011 – Peace and human security in Somalia and South Asia were key concerns addressed on Friday 16 September by the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) at its meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Executive Committee, a governing body of the WCC, meets twice per year to set policy and transact business. In describing the situation in Somalia and throughout the Horn of Africa, the Executive Committee noted that the region "has been undergoing a serious humanitarian crisis for several years" due to drought, famine and armed conflict.

Australian Society "Enriched and Ennobled" by Baha'i Temple

September 22, 2011, SYDNEY, Australia – On the fiftieth anniversary of Australia's Baha'i House of Worship, dignitaries have paid tribute to its contribution to the life of the community. "Our society is enriched and ennobled by the temple," said the Mayor of Pittwater, Councillor Harvey Rose. "It's a beacon from the sea, and the land and the sky...a beacon which lights the way to a better world – a world where antagonism and division is replaced by one of unity, of construction and of hope," Councillor Rose told a reception ahead of a special anniversary service.

Presiding Bishop Preaches in Quito about Conflict, Scarcity and Peace

September 18, 2011, QUITO, Ecuador – Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori preached to a full house Sept. 18 at Catedral de El Señor here reminding those present that conflict has marked human life since Cain and Abel. "It is very good for brothers and sisters to live together in peace – even if it doesn't happen very often," she said in a sermon preached both in Spanish and English. The Episcopal Church's House of Bishops is holding its fall meeting Sept. 15-20 at the Hilton Colón Hotel in downtown Quito in the Episcopal Diocese of Central Ecuador, where the diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. Luis Fernando Ruiz, and the Standing Committee have been involved in a long-standing conflict.

Middle East News

ELCA Bishop Extends Support for Lutherans in Jordan, Holy Land

September 23, 2011 CHICAGO – The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Mark S. Hanson, sent a letter on Sept. 22 to Bishop Munib Younan and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), expressing the support of this church for a two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hanson drafted the letter in response to growing tensions in the Middle East as Palestine submitted a formal proposal for full membership in the United Nations. The United Nations Security Council is expected to consider the request next week. "As leaders of government debate Palestinian membership in the United Nations, we want you to know of our continued commitment to accompany you on the road to a just two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict," Hanson wrote. .