Front Page

Can You Imagine a World Without Nuclear Weapons?

October 3, 2011 – Ask anyone if they can imagine a world without nuclear weapons, and as polls indicate, most will say they can. This is true even in countries that possess nuclear weapons according to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons or ICAN, a new civil society initiative dedicated to the hope of a nuclear free world. However, governments that possess nuclear weapons send a different signal. Their policies and expenditures say that "well...perhaps someday...but certainly not in our lifetimes." Still a coalition of some 2,000 organizations that want to abolish nuclear weapons met in Geneva on 16 September 2011.

Global Economic System Hazardous for the Common Good
Muslim and Christian Consultation Decries Rampant Poverty amid Plenty

October 4, 2011, KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia/GENEVA – There was a strong call for an urgent "re-embedding" of the market for the common good at a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) sponsored Muslim-Christian consultation on structural greed. "The current notion of the economy is conceptually and practically hazardous for the common good, ordinary people, the poor and humanity," said B. Herry Priyono, a Roman Catholic priest and economist, speaking at the 25-30 September LWF consultation on "Interfaith Dialogue Engaging Structural Greed Today," held in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. "Rampant poverty and ordinary people's livelihood remain ignored even amidst the bullishness of economic growth rates and stock market index," noted Priyono, a professor at the Jesuit center for economic and management studies in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Faith Groups must Work Together to Tackle Structural Greed
Unity of Thought on Market Economy at Muslim-Christian Dialogue

October 5, 2011, KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia/GENEVA – Muslims and Christians at a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) sponsored consultation on structural greed have agreed to common ground for tackling the "death-bound" neoliberal economic system. "In this monumental struggle, we should work with people of other faiths and those who may not belong to a particular faith community," the 40 scholars and religious leaders said following the 25-30 September dialogue on "Interfaith Dialogue Engaging Structural Greed Today," in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Lutheran African Peace Activist

October 7, 2011, CHICAGO – Leymah Roberta Gbowee, a Lutheran Liberian peace activist, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement came Oct. 7 from Oslo, Norway. Gbowee, a member of the Lutheran Church in Liberia, is responsible for organizing a non-violent women's movement that brought an end to a 14-year civil war in Liberia. Gbowee was awarded a scholarship from the International Leadership Development Program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in 2006-2007 to support her study in peace building at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va.

Dalai Lama Denied Visa to Visit South Africa for Tutu's 80th Birthday

October 5, 2011 – Anglican bishops in South Africa have charged their government with "bureaucratic obfuscation" for its failure to grant the Dalai Lama a visa in time to attend Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town Desmond Tutu's 80th birthday celebrations. In an Oct. 5 statement, Bishops Merwyn Castle of False Bay, Garth Counsell of Table Bay and Raphael Hess of Saldanha Bay expressed "dismay" at the South African government's delay in granting a visa for the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan Buddhist leader. "We are saddened by the bureaucratic obfuscation created by the South African government in justifying this tragic and unacceptable outcome," the bishops said.

Trinity Wall Street Welcomes Protesters

October 6, 2011 – The rector of Trinity Church, Wall Street, has issued an invitation to "Occupy Wall Street" protesters to make use of the congregation's facilities and staff for rest, revitalization and pastoral care. In a statement posted Oct. 5 on Trinity's website, the Rev. James H. Cooper, dean, invited the protesters to visit Charlotte's Place, a neighborhood center recently opened by the parish, and offered them the use of other meeting spaces for discussions on the issues driving the protests. Protesters have camped for the past several weeks in Zuccotti Park, located north of Trinity Church and south of the affiliated St. Paul's Chapel.

General News

ELCA Presiding Bishop Says Building Trust Is Key Work of this Church

October 6, 2011, CHICAGO – The task before leaders of this church is to build communities of trust among people of faith, said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He said ELCA members and leaders have a unique opportunity to make this their evangelical witness in a world that continues to be "a breeding ground" for suspicion and distrust. In his Oct. 1 report to the ELCA Conference of Bishops, Hanson said that for the past two years his leadership and that of the 65 synod bishops has been about building communities of trust.

WCC Starts Global Theological Education Survey

October 7, 2011 – The last time a significant empirical study on the role and challenges of theological education in so-called mission fields was presented was during the 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh. Since that time little, if any research has been done on trends and challenges in the area of ministerial formation and theological education in world Christianity. After major studies on new developments in the rapidly changing landscape of world Christianity for Edinburgh 2010 study process, the World Council of Churches (WCC) starts a worldwide research project of Global Survey on Theological Education in world Christianity on 8 October.

U.S. Labor Secretary Praises Job Ministry

October 7, 2011, ATLANTA – Cascade United Methodist Church welcomed U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on Oct. 5 at a well-attended job symposium aimed at getting Americans, especially Atlanta-area residents, back to work. Solis lamented that too many Americans – around 14 million – are unemployed. She noted that African Americans, Native Americans and youth have been particularly hard hit since the 2007-08 recession. However, she commended the Cascade congregation and its senior pastor, the Rev. Marvin A. Moss, for giving needed support to job seekers.

Ethnic Delegates Wary of Restructuring Plan

October 5, 2011, TRENTON, N.J. – A proposed restructuring of The United Methodist Church is facing criticism from some of the people who will vote on whether the plan moves forward. A Sept. 14 gathering in Trenton brought together more than 60 United Methodists of color who will be delegates at the 2012 General Conference, the denomination's top lawmaking body, and the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference. The delegates came from the Northeastern Jurisdiction's 10 annual (regional) conferences. Most of the discussion centered on what delegates termed "troubling" legislation to General Conference that would consolidate nine of the denomination's 13 general agencies into a new United Methodist Center for Connectional Mission and Ministry.

Ecumenical News

Hope in Christ Is Answer to the Challenges of Churches, Says WCC Moderator

4 October 2011 – Responding to the changing ecclesial landscape and challenges facing churches today "our hope grounded in Christ is the means through which to address them," Rev. Dr Walter Altmann, moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) Central Committee, told a group of 300 delegates at the Global Christian Forum meeting in Indonesia. "This hope must manifest itself in the relationships we nurture and the community that we build across traditions," he said while in a greeting to the group, which is meeting in Manado, 4-7 October. This is the second gathering of the Global Christian Forum (GCF) which first met in Kenya in 2008.

Nigerian Brethren Make Progress on Interfaith Peace Work

October 6, 2011, ELGIN, IL – Following is the September update from Nathan and Jennifer Hosler, Church of the Brethren peace and reconciliation workers with Ekklesiyar Yan'uwa a Nigeria (EYN – the Church of the Brethren in Nigeria). They work at EYN's Kulp Bible College: Since June 2010, a group of Muslims and Christians have been meeting together as an interfaith peace planning group under the name CAMPI, or Christians and Muslims for Peacebuilding Initiatives. The goal of CAMPI is to bring together peace-minded Muslims and Christians to plan and implement projects that promote understanding and harmony between the two religious groups.

Anglicans and Old Catholics Gather with Global Christian Forum

October 7, 2011 – Leaders and representatives of a very broad spectrum of world Christianity are meeting in Manado, Indonesia October 4-7. The Global Christian Forum (GCF) brings together all the great streams of modern Christian faith: Anglican, Charismatic, Evangelical, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Pentecostal, Protestant, Roman Catholic, mega churches and contemplative communities. The overall theme of the meeting is ‘Life together in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.' A central feature of Forum gatherings is the telling of personal stories of faith in small groups.

Spanish News

Benedicto XVI Nombra a Sergio Gualberti Arzobispo Coadjutor De Santa Cruz

1 octubre 2011, LA PAZ, Bolivia – El papa Benedicto XVI nombró a Sergio Gualberti Calandrina, de 66 años, arzobispo coadjutor de Santa Cruz de la Sierra, sucesor directo del cardenal Julio Terrazas en el control y la administración de la Arquidiócesis de Santa Cruz informó esta semana el Vaticano. Gualberti Calandrina era hasta ahora obispo auxiliar de Santa Cruz de la Sierra pero de hoy en más será el arzobispo coadjutor. Este nombramiento lo faculta a ser posesionado como máxima autoridad de los católicos cruceños una vez que Terrazas sea cesado en esta tarea por orden del Papa.

A Nadie Se Puede Discriminar Por Su Sexualidad, Dicen Pastores

3 octubre 2011, COLOMBIA – En el programa Frente al País, en la emisora On Line punto4radio de la Iglesia Luterana de Colombia, los obispos Eduardo Martínez y Francisco Duque, saludaron como muy positiva la ley contra la discriminación que está a la espera de ser sancionada y reglamentada por el presidente Juan Manuel Santos. A raíz de la aprobación en el Congreso de la República de Colombia, de la Ley – conocida genéricamente – Contra la Discriminación, una vez pasado el chaparrón por la incorporación, en la Cámara de Representantes, al texto aprobado por el Senado, se abre un compás de espera por la sanción presidencial y la reglamentación de la misma.

Encuentro Para La Misión Global/ Local De Las Iglesias

3 octubre 2011, ESTADOS UNIDOS – La Iglesia Evangélica Luterana de los Estadios Unidos (ELCA) convocó a un nuevo encuentro de Misión Global y esta vez en la Iglesia Luterana de Zion en San Antonio, Texas en dónde se reunieron líderes luteranos para dar seguimiento al trabajo de acción global como un esfuerzo más por fortalecer las relaciones de hermandad con la comunidad luterana mundial. Inspirando Líderes fue el tema de este encuentro, en donde expertos, líderes e invitados especiales se hicieron presentes para compartir experiencias y recursos prácticos hacia la integración de ministerios locales y globales.

Metodistas Piden Acciones Para "Extirpar El Pecado Social De La Corrupción"

3 octubre 2011, BRASIL – El Colegio Episcopal de la Iglesia Metodista suma su voz a los brasileños "empeñados en extirpar el pecado social de la corrupción en las estructuras de poder" y pide transparencia de la gestión pública, el fin del sigilo en votaciones relacionadas a denuncias de fraudes administrativa y falta de decoro, y el establecimiento de la Comisión de la Verdad. Corrupción y tráfico de influencia han causado prejuicios a la población brasileña, de modo especial en los sectores más empobrecidos, "por desvío de recursos que podrían ser aplicados a mejoras en la salud pública, educación, saneamiento, prevención," dicen los obispos en pronunciamiento dirigido a la iglesia.

¿Te Imaginas Un Mundo Sin Armas Nucleares?

4 octubre 2011 – A juzgar por las encuestas, si preguntas a alguien si se imagina un mundo sin armas nucleares, la mayoría de las personas responderá que sí. Tal es lo que ocurre incluso en los países que las tienen, según la Campaña Internacional por la abolición de las Armas Nucleares (ICAN, por sus siglas en inglés), una nueva iniciativa de la sociedad civil dedicada a la idea de un mundo sin armas nucleares. Sin embargo, los gobiernos que tienen armas nucleares reflejan algo distinto. Su política y sus gastos indican que "bueno…, tal vez un día…, pero decididamente no será en esta era."

Evangélicos Protestan Por Posición Del Presidente
Ante La ONU Sobre La Propuesta De Creación De Un Estado Palestino

5 octubre 2011, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA – Una protesta que recorrió las calles de esta capital ayer, integrada por centenares de evangélicos, criticó el apoyo que diera a la creación de un Estado Palestino el actual presidente Alvaro Cólom, lo cual fue considerado como una vergÜenza "y por eso organizamos esta marcha pacífica para expresar nuestro repudio," afirmó Felipe Marroquin, uno de los organizadores de la protesta.

Religiosos, Intelectuales Y Organizaciones Piden
El Retiro De Tropas De MINUSTAH De Haití

5 octubre 2011, ARGENTINA – En una carta firmada por importantes líderes religiosos, intelectuales y dirigentes de organismos de derechos humanos, se pide a los Presidentes de Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Brasil, Ecuador, Paraguay, Bolivia, Perú, Uruguay, El Salvador y Guatemala que retiren sus tropas de Haití que participan de la Misión de Estabilización de la ONU, conocida como MINUSTAH. La misiva expresa el rechazo a la continua presencia en Haití de la Misión de Estabilización de la ONU y hace una llamado a los gobiernos para que retiren todo el personal militar "de esta supuesta operación de paz."

Las Iglesias De Ginebra Apoyan a Las Comunidades Migrantes

6 octubre 2011 – La ciudad de Calvino, de sólida raigambre reformada y protestante, recibe de las iglesias inmigrantes la aportación de una nueva dimensión al panorama teológico y eclesiástico. Recientemente, más de veinte iglesias, la mayoría de entornos inmigrantes, se congregaron para plantear las preocupaciones de las comunidades inmigrantes, apoyar sus esfuerzos de integración, y reflexionar sobre la evolución del panorama eclesiástico en Ginebra, Suiza.

Evangélicos Repudian Próximo Concierto De Ricky Martin

7 octubre 2011, TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Por entender que el cantante boricua Ricky Martin posee un mensaje contradictorio entre la fundación con la cual trabaja para la niñez y su expresa preferencia sexual, un grupo de evangélicos repudiaron, este miércoles, la presentación del artista en un estadio de esta capital, programada para el 12 de de octubre próximo. "No nos oponemos por las preferencias sexuales del artista, porque eso es parte de su vida privada, pero sí al mensaje que trae, porque no es un ejemplo para la familia," expresó el reverendo Alberto Solórzano, presidente de la Confraternidad Evangélica, en carta enviada al Gobierno.

Iglesia Luterana Aporta Una Mirada Diferente Al Debate
Por El Proyecto De Ley De Uniones De Personas Del Mismo Sexo

7 octubre 2011, SANTIAGO, Chile – En el mes de mayo ingresó un proyecto de ley al Congreso que busca regular las uniones civiles de personas del mismo sexo, fomentando la no discriminación y el respecto a los derechos fundamentales de todo ciudadano chileno, sin importar su condición sexual. Este proyecto encontró la oposición de las iglesias evangélicas de la línea pentecostal y Católica Romana.

Pastor Acusado De Apóstata Espera Veredicto Final.
Piden Escribir a Las Autoridades Iranies

7 octubre 2011, ARGENTINA – El 12 de octubre de 2009, el pastor evangélico iraní Youcef Nadarkhani fue acusado de apostasía ante un tribunal de Rasht (Irán), que acabó por condenarlo a muerte en septiembre de 2010. El origen de la acusación provenía de un decreto del gobierno iraní que obligaba a todos los alumnos a recibir clases de Islam. Nadarkhani se negó a cumplir la imposición y la hizo efectiva sacando a sus dos hijos, Daniel y Joel, de la escuela de Rastht donde estudiaban, alegando que la Constitución iraní reconocía la libertad de culto. Ese mismo día, la policía secreta del régimen de los ayatolas lo detuvo.

Mujeres Católicas Denuncian Amenazas Y Piden
Se Esclarezca El Crimen Sacerdote Pupiro

7 octubre 2011, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Líderes del Movimiento de Mujeres Católicas Pro Dignidad del Padre Marlon Pupiro (MCDPP), denunciaron este martes 4, antes los organismos de Derechos Humanos, actos de acoso y amenazas de muerte, a través de llamadas telefónicas anónimas, a 45 días del crimen del párroco que da nombre a esa organización. Por su parte, el obispo de la arquidiócesis de Managua, monseñor Leopoldo Brenes, dijo que tres sacerdotes han sido amenazados, entre ellos Edwin Roman, pero advirtio que "nada ni nadie nos amedrenta, mas bien se han sumado las muestras de cariño de nuestras feligresías por sus guias que predican la palabra de Dios."

National News

Washington National Cathedral Set to Reopen with Budde Consecration
Cathedral Confirms Restoration Will Cost Tens of Millions

October 5, 2011 – Washington National Cathedral announced Oct. 4 that the building, closed since it was damaged by an earthquake in August, will reopen Nov. 12 with the ordination and consecration of the Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde as the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. The reopening will include a week of events providing the cathedral with the opportunity to welcome back and thank the community for its support during the weeks since the quake, according to a press release. The cathedral confirmed Oct. 4 that total restoration costs would be in the tens of millions of dollars.

South Carolina Bishop Investigated on Charges He Has Abandoned the Episcopal Church

October 5, 2011 – Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina Bishop Mark Lawrence told his diocese Oct. 5 that "serious charges" have been made that he has abandoned the Episcopal Church. The allegations are being investigated by the church's Disciplinary Board for Bishops. Communicants in the Diocese of South Carolina filed the information with the board, according to the Rt. Rev. Dorsey Henderson, board president. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori and the House of Bishops were not involved in making the claims, Henderson said in a fact sheet.

International News

Baha'i International Community Calls for Release of Christian Pastor Facing Death Sentence

October 4, 2011, GENEVA – The Baha'i International Community has joined the call for the release of Youcef Nadarkhani, a Christian pastor from Rasht, Iran. Pastor Nadarkhani, who is the father of two young children, leads a network of house churches. He was found guilty of apostasy – "turning his back on Islam" – and "converting Muslims to Christianity," and sentenced to death in September 2010. Iran's Supreme Court recently asked for a re-examination of the case to establish whether or not he had been a practising Muslim adult before he converted to Christianity. The court ruled he was not but, nevertheless, is still guilty of apostasy because he has Muslim ancestry.

Mennonite Dadaab Support More than "Just Financial"
LWF Welcomes Contribution as Expression of Reconciliation

October 5, 2011, GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) as the Dadaab camp manager for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed profound gratitude to Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) for its pledge of a hefty contribution for work in the camps. The LWF, a member of the ACT Alliance, has announced that MCC has committed to a contribution reflecting a value of USD 369,500 including funds for non-food items that comprise 6,316 mosquito nets along with expertise for education projects.

Anglican Alliance Latin America and Caribbean Consultation Opens in Sao Paolo

October 4, 2011 – The Anglican Alliance consultation in Latin America opened on Monday with a discussion on climate change and the launch of the Alliance website The consultation in Sao Paolo includes participants from all the Anglican Communion provinces in Latin America and the Caribbean, and from Africa, south and south east Asia, the UK and from Anglican development agencies. It will consider priorities for development and relief work across the Anglican Communion, the advocacy strategy for 2012, and hear plans for distance learning modules being devised by the Open University for use by faith-based development projects.

Archbishop to Pay a Pastoral Visit to the Church of the Province of Central Africa

October 5, 2011, LAMBETH PALACE – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams is today embarking on a week-long pastoral visit to the Church in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia at the invitation of the Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa, the Rt Revd Albert Chama. During the course of the week Dr Williams will meet with bishops, clergy and parishioners to celebrate the life and ministry of the Anglican Church in the region.

Churches in Geneva Support Migrant Communities

October 5, 2011 – In the city of Calvin where Reformed and Protestant roots run deep, migrant churches are bringing a new dimension to the theological and ecclesial landscape. Recently, more than twenty churches, most from migrant backgrounds, came together to raise concerns of migrant communities support their efforts for integration and reflect on the evolving ecclesial landscape in Geneva, Switzerland. The event, which was sponsored by the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Witnessing Together in Geneva took place from 30 September to 1 October at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva, and focused on a theme, "Migration and the Ecclesial Landscape: An Ecumenical Response to Migration," as part of the WCC programme on Just and Inclusive Communities.

Iconic "Lotus Temple" Focus of Worldwide Campaign

October 6, 2011, NEW DELHI, India – Step onto a bus in Ottawa, Canada; open a magazine in Paris, France; or look upwards at Rimini's railway station in Italy – all around the world, India's Baha'i House of Worship is capturing the public's attention. To coincide with its 25th anniversary year, the lotus-shaped temple is being depicted on striking posters in 14 countries from South Africa to Japan, from the U.S.A. to Singapore. It is all part of the "Incredible India" campaign, the Indian government's international strategy to showcase the cultural diversity and special features of the country. "India represents the spirituality of all mankind," said the Honorable Union Minister for Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai, "and the Baha'i temple is the one place where people belonging to any faith or religion can go for meditation or prayer."

Lutherans Worldwide Are Allies in Quest for Mutual Understanding, Church of Norway Told
Helga Haugland Byfuglien Installed as Presiding Bishop

October 7, 2011, GENEVA – The President of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan has pledged the support of Lutherans in Norway's fight against hate, two and a half months after the shocking attack on Norway. Speaking at the installation of Helga Haugland Byfuglien as Presiding Bishop of the Church of Norway Bishops' Conference at Trondheim, Norway, on 2 October, Younan said Lutherans around the world still prayed for the victims of the horrendous act. Byfuglien is the LWF Vice President for the Nordic region.

Williams, Malawi President Discuss Church Agriculture Projects

October 7, 2011 – Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams on 7 October discussed the Anglican church's involvement in economic and agriculture projects with Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika. "I talked about how sustainable agriculture methods should be developed and I am glad our church is involved in this," said Williams, who is visiting Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia from 5-13 October. Williams is also marking the 150th anniversary of the Anglican Church in Malawi, which has a membership of about one million and was the first Protestant church to come to the country, according to Bishop James Tengatenga, chairman of the Anglican Council in Malawi.