Front Page

Alternate Game Plan for Super Bowl

February 2, 2012 – Before it was ever determined that the New York Giants would be facing the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this weekend, members of United Methodist Women had decided on their game plan. As the organization did last year in Texas, United Methodist Women is working with local groups and law enforcement to find a teachable moment about human trafficking during the pre-Super Bowl festivities. Along with the fun of lining up to ride the zip line downtown, taking the kids to an indoor football theme park or claiming seats for Sunday's championship game in Indianapolis, some visitors may notice messages about trafficking: how crimes can be reported and where victims can find help.

ELCA Leaders' Effort to Protect Families Pays off

January 30, 2012, CHICAGO – Leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) believe progress has been made with a recent policy change that would keep some families living in the United States, without legal residency, to remain here while applying for legal status – a step intended to keeping families together. Such "policies have significant human consequences that affect the lives and well-being of our neighbors," said the Rev. H. Julian Gordy, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, and chair of the ELCA Immigration Ready Bench. Before the policy change, people living in the U.S. undocumented who return to their country of origin to apply for legal U.S. residency or green card face years of separation from their family. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the new regulation Jan. 6.

Searching for Unity must Remain Our Goal, Says WCC General Secretary

February 1, 2012 – "Divisions between churches remain a scandal that we have to overcome," Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC) said today at a "Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe" an ecumenical preparatory event being held this week. Tveit made these points in his speech on "ecumenism in motion" at the International Ecumenical Forum taking place from 30 January to 3 February in Trier, Germany. The event was organized by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier in partnership with the Evangelical Church in Rhineland, the Orthodox Bishops' Conference in Germany and other church organizations, focusing on the theme, "And join together what is separated."

In London, Occupy Movement Says Jesus Would Join Them

January 31, 2012 – Residents of the Occupy London camp outside St. Paul's Cathedral are challenging church and society to consider their stance on global economics. Speaking to the U.K.-based USPG mission agency, residents of the campsite – now passed its 100th day – were clear in their belief that Christians should stand on the side of the marginalized and the poor, and against the drive for profit at any cost. Resident Tammy Samede said: "Jesus himself was a protester. He fought for economic and social justice. He threw the money lenders out of the temple because they were taking advantage of the poor." Samede expressed her gratitude for Christian support for Occupy London – including plans for a Prayer Circle to be formed around the camp on the day when eviction orders are finally issued (expected at the end of January).

Ending Hunger in 5 Years ‘Doable'

February 2, 2012, LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Ending hunger in five years is ‘doable,' says the Rev. David Beckmann, president of Bread for the World, an international hunger-relief organization. "If we made an effort, we could end hunger in America in five years," Beckmann said. But we cannot do it on our own, he cautioned. Hunger and poverty advocates must work with Almighty God to get serious about overcoming poverty so everyone around the world can share in the kind of abundance the United States takes for granted.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Supports Syrian Church Leaders' Call for Peace

January 30, 2012, CHICAGO – In letters to Christian church leaders in Syria, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered his support of the churches' collective call for an end to violence and his prayers for the people in the region. "In these difficult days, I will continue to pray and encourage members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to pray for you and your efforts to sustain the courage and faith of your communities," wrote Hanson. In addition to prayers for the people of Syria, the presiding bishop said he mourns the recent death of a priest there, "who died serving others."

General News

Prayer Leaders Gather in Orlando

February 3, 2012 – Prayer leaders from 12 denominations as well as leaders of other prayer ministry groups and organizations met in Orlando, Florida, from Monday, January 23, to Friday, January 27, for the annual meetings of the Denominational Prayer Leaders Network (DPLN) and National Prayer Committee (NPC). Meetings were held at the headquarters of Campus Crusade for Christ International, now known as CRU. Reports presented by the DPLN members on Monday and Tuesday focused on efforts to train intercessors and prayer leaders in their respective churches. Emphasis also was given to the tremendous need for revival and spiritual awakening in our nation.

CBC Students Work with Samaritan's Feet

February 3, 2012 – Twenty-three Central Bible College students traveled to Joplin, Missouri, to participate in the Martin Luther King National Day of Service on January 21, 2012. Samaritan's Feet, a faith-based humanitarian aid organization, hosted a foot washing outreach to the needy of the community. During the outreach, students from Central Bible College joined other volunteers in washing the feet of those in the community who have found themselves underprivileged or impoverished. Once the feet were washed, each individual received a new pair of shoes.

Canon Kearon Preaches on 350 Years of the Book of Common Prayer

January 31, 2012 – The Secretary-General of the Anglican Communion, Canon Kenneth Kearon, preaching earlier this month in Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral on the topic of the 350th anniversary of the Book of Common Prayer, described it as an "iconic" Prayer Book that had shaped Anglican worship and teaching since 1662. He said that the Reformation in continental Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries had caused "enormous religious turmoil and ferment in England and, to a lesser extent, in Ireland."

Rich in Good Works

February 1, 2012 – The following is a sample taken from the One Great Hour of Sharing leader's guide. It was written by Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren. It was the middle of the Civil War, January 1, 1863. The place was the meetinghouse of the German Baptist Brethren in Linville Creek, Va. The Elder John Kline (who would be murdered a year and a half later because of his adamant stand against slavery) preached to his congregation about the importance of giving for the relief of those who considered the Brethren their enemies because they refused to fight for the so-called "great cause." Kline called his people to become cheerful givers with words that should speak to us now:

One Great Hour to Share

February 1, 2012 – "And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8). One Great Hour of Sharing is an annual congregational offering that supports Church of the Brethren ministries like Global Mission and Service, Brethren Volunteer Service, and workcamps. This year the theme is Sharing Brings Joy, and the focus is on bringing joy to others through service and generosity. The suggested offering date is March 18.

A Healthy Opportunity

February 1, 2012 – Once upon a time, the Church of the Brethren had a dream to open a nursing school. It was a great idea, but it didn't pan out exactly according to plan. Instead, the Health Education and Research Endowment was established to offer scholarships to qualified applicants who are members of the Church of the Brethren. Since the fund was established in 1958, it has helped many licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and nursing graduate students further their nursing education. "It provides an opportunity for those who have a passion for caring for others – whether it be nursing in the traditional sense, or perhaps on the mission field – to further their education so they can give back," said Nancy Miner, scholarship coordinator.

Faith in Health and Healing: Reintegrating the Church with Health Services

February 1, 2012, GENEVA – The Anglican Health Network (AHN) today announced plans for a major conference in Birmingham, UK, in April 2013. "Christians promote a comprehensive experience of health and healing," states Revd Paul Holley, coordinator of the AHN. "However, this comprehensive ministry is now largely detached from the medical establishment. Faith has tended to settle into the private sphere and no longer pervades the places in which the sick are cared for." The conference will draw from evidence suggesting that in many instances, faith and health are being reunited.

Ecumenical News

WCC Speaker Addresses Catholic Superiors General

January 30, 2012 – How is Christian identity defined today? What is the relationship between Christian identity, spirituality, religious plurality and Christian-self understanding? Rev. Carlos Emilio Ham addressed these and other questions at the International Union of Superiors General's (UISG) Assembly of the Constellation of Rome, on 12 January. "Our identity is always defined in relation to the other. As human beings we are not individual islands," said Ham, who serves as the programme executive for Diakonia, and Latin America and the Caribbean, at the World Council of Churches (WCC).

Spanish News

Iglesias Oran Por La Unidad De Los Cristianos Y Proponen Observador Ecuménico

30 enero 2012, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA – Unas trescientas personas se dieron cita en la Catedral Metropolitana para participar en la Oración Ecuménica por la Unidad de los Cristianos, que por once años consecutivos se viene realizando en Guatemala, celebrada por obispos, sacerdotes y pastores de las iglesias Católica, Episcopal, Presbiteriana, Luterana, Menonita y Evangélica.

Sínodo Presbiteriano Emite Declaraciones Sobre Misión,
Lucha Contra Violencia De Género Y Visita Papal

1 febrero 2012, LA HABANA, Cuba – Una carta pastoral referida a la misión de la Iglesia y el compromiso junto al pueblo en el actual momento que vive el país, una declaración sobre la lucha contra la violencia de género y una carta dirigida a la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de Cuba, en relación con la próxima visita del Papa Benedicto XVI, fueron resultado del VIII Sínodo de la Iglesia Presbiteriana-Reformada en Cuba, celebrado los días 27 y 28 de enero, en el Seminario Evangélico de Teología, de Matanzas.

La Iglesia Metodista Argentina Escribió Sobre Malvinas a Su Par De Gran Bretaña

31 enero 2012, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – La Iglesia Metodista Argentina envió una carta a su par, la Iglesia Metodista de Gran Bretaña, sobre el tema de las Islas Malvinas y las declaraciones realizadas por el primer ministro británico referido a la soberanía de las Islas en relación a la declaración de los países del MERCOSUR de apoyar los reclamos argentinos. Fechada el 27 de enero 2012 fue firmada por el Obispo Frank De Nully Brown y dirigida al Presidente y la Vicepresidenta de la Conferencia Metodista de Gran Bretaña.

Las Iglesias Oran Por La Unidad De Los Cristianos

30 enero 2012 – A pesar de las divisiones que subsisten, las iglesias y congregaciones observaron en enero la Semana de Oración por la Unidad de los Cristianos, que este año se centró en el tema "Todos seremos transformados por la victoria de nuestro Señor Jesucristo" (1 Cor 15:51-58). Organizada conjuntamente por el Pontificio Consejo para la Promoción de la Unidad de los Cristianos y la Comisión de Fe y constitución del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), la Semana de Oración por la Unidad de los Cristianos se celebra del 18 al 25 de enero (en el hemisferio norte) o en torno a Pentecostés (en el hemisferio sur).

Ponente Del CMI En La Asamblea De Las Superioras Generales Católicas

1 febrero 2012 – ¿Cómo se define hoy la identidad cristiana? ¿Cuál es la relación entre identidad cristiana y espiritualidad, y entre pluralidad religiosa y autocomprensión cristiana? El pastor Carlos Emilio Ham abordó estas y otras cuestiones en la Asamblea de la Constelación de Roma de la Unión Internacional de Superioras Generales (UISG) celebrada el 12 de enero.

Obispo Metodista Afirma Que Ley De Donación
De Órganos Podría Afectar a Algunas Religiones

31 enero 2012, CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ – Una nueva ley, promulgada el 3 de febrero de 2010, referida a la donación de órganos, podría atentar contra religiones que, en Panamá, cuidan de su cuerpo y evitan cualquier forma de profanación, según dijo un diario local aquí, al que mostró sus preocupaciones un obispo metodista. Dicha legislación establece que cuando una persona sufre muerte encefálica, si seis horas después ningún familiar niega la posibilidad de usar sus órganos en otros enfermos, esta se convierte de forma automática en donante.

Religious Liberty News

NAE, Assemblies of God Agree with Catholics' Objection

February 3, 2012 – The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) and the Assemblies of God, which is also an NAE member, have come out in strong support of the recent objection by the Roman Catholic Church to a President Obama administration ruling that mandates health insurance plans cover contraceptives including drugs that can cause abortions and only provides very limited exception for "religious employers." Although some churches and other houses of worship are exempt from the Department of Health and Human Services guidelines (under the 2010 health care reform law), church-affiliated hospitals, colleges and social services are not.

National News

Leaders in Disaster Ministry to Gather for CWS Forum – Registration Now Open

January 23, 2012 – Faith communities often play a crucial role in responding to disasters throughout the United States, such as by building houses, providing emotional care to survivors and meeting other unmet needs. How and why faith communities respond to disasters will be explored at the 2012 Church World Service Forum on Domestic Disaster Ministry, March 19-21 in New Windsor, Maryland. The biennial forum brings together leading scholars, theologians and staff who work in disaster programs throughout the broad, interreligious community.

Texas Diocese Launches Collaborative Wildfire Relief Effort

January 31, 2012 – Officials in the Episcopal Diocese of Texas announced Jan. 30 that a coordinated effort to help Bastrop County families recover from last September's wildfires has begun. Volunteers and donations are needed to help rebuilding efforts. The diocese's Texas Episcopal Disaster Relief and Development (TEDRD) is working with the United Methodist Committee on Relief and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to start "Faith Village," a housing center in Smithville, Texas that will house around 40 volunteers in a building donated by Smithville Baptist Church.

International News

Local Pastors Say God Is in Control Despite Election Results

Janaury 22, 2012 – Despite the outcome of the January 14 elections in Taiwan, Taichung Justice Action Church pastor, Rev. Tsai Chu-chieh said he feels calm and at peace with such results. Knowing that many PCT members are unable to mask their disappointment, he underscored that, "electing a president is temporary, but God is eternal. A president cannot replace a religious belief. Democracy cannot replace Christian faith."

Egyptian Congregation's Action Is a Model for Country's Future

January 25, 2011 As Egyptians gather today in Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark the first anniversary of the revolution that toppled the government of Hosni Mubarak, the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is holding up the example of a Christian congregation that transformed its church into a field hospital to treat wounded Muslim and Christian protestors. "People with medical expertise made themselves available and the church gave ‘hospital' space and refuge to Christians and Muslims alike," says the General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), Setri Nyomi.

Fleeing to a Safer Place – The Story of Manyok and His Family in South Sudan

January 30, 2012, BOR, South Sudan/GENEVA – Manyok is the father of a Dinka family living in Jonglei State, South Sudan. He married his wife Rebecca two years ago and they have a one-year-old child. Rebecca's father died many years ago, so when Manyok married her, he took responsibility for her, her sister, two brothers and mother. Manyok is also a food security officer for The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and is based in Panyagor, Jonglei State. The family is from Duk Padiet, less than 100 km north of Panyagor, a town that was attacked by cattle raiders on 16 January.

Baha'i Holy Writings Made Widely Available to Korean Public for First Time

February 1, 2012, SEOUL, South Korea – An ambitious project to translate a collection of Baha'u'llah's writings into Korean reaches fruition this month with the book's publication. The volume, known in English as "Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah," will be the first Baha'i book in Korean to be widely available from bookshops and online retailers. "The main reason for publishing Baha'i literature in our language is to reach out to the whole of society with this new message for humanity," said Hee Jin Koo, a member of the task force overseeing the publication.

Churches Are Called to Be Peacemakers in Africa

February 3, 2012 – Amidst increasing security issues in several African countries plagued by violence, political turmoil, religious intolerance and lack of democratic governance, churches are called to engage in peace-building, said African church leaders in a presentation on "Burning issues of insecurity in Africa" at a World Council of Churches (WCC) consultation in Kigali, Rwanda. The consultation was organized by the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs (CCIA) and the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC). Participants addressed the theme, "Peace and Security in Africa: Ecumenical Responses" from 28 January to 1 February.

Treating the Symptoms and Causes
LWF Meets Immediate Needs While Addressing Causes of Poverty in South Sudan

February 3, 2012, JUBA, South Sudan/GENEVA – There is a general rule that a person can live for three minutes without air, three days without water and three weeks without food. In disasters where people have lost everything, this rule of "three" governs emergency relief priorities. Non-food items (NFIs) such as blankets, sleeping mats, jerry cans, soap and cooking utensils won't sustain life, but they will help families get back on their feet after losing everything. The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), a founding member of the ACT Alliance, has been distributing NFI kits after the recent wave of violence in Jonglei State, South Sudan.

Church of South India Diocese to Challenge Ruling on Properties

February 3, 2012 – A diocese of the Church of South India (CSI) is preparing an appeal against a court order that has virtually stripped it of more than half its churches and institutions, inherited from the Basel Mission church. "We are preparing a strong appeal to get this order quashed. We are hopeful that our appeal will be upheld by the (federal) Supreme Court," Bishop J.S. Sadananda of CSI's Karnataka Southern Diocese told ENInews Feb. 3 in a telephone interview. The high court of Karnataka on Jan. 23 had ruled that the CSI diocese can no longer manage 40 of its 80 churches as well as over two dozen schools, hospitals and other institutions, citing technicalities in the transfer of these properties from the United Basel Mission Church in India (UBMC).