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Rev. N. J. L'Heureux, Jr., Publisher & Editor
Rev. Pedro Bravo-Guzman, Editor-in-Chief
An Ecumenical Report of Local and Global News
in God's Household
Published by the Queens Federation of Churches
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Praying, Reflecting and Acting for a Just Economy of Water February 16, 2012 During the seven weeks of Lent the Ecumenical Water Network (EWN) focuses on the theme "economy of water" in its Seven Weeks for Water campaign, inspiring churches to pray, reflect and act together for local and global water justice. The Seven Weeks for Water will begin on 20 February and will be approaching World Water Day and Maundy Thursday with special resources produced for this event. In a time of economic and environmental crisis, the theme of the campaign stresses the urgency for Christians to engage in reflection and action on the "economy of water." EWN coordinator Maike Gorsboth says, "Water is the lifeblood of the planet as well as the economy. It is crucial for sustainable development in regard to health, food security, energy and poverty – issues that affect and engage churches around the world in different ways." British Cite Importance of Hospital Chaplains February 16, 2012, BOLTON, England – By her own admission, British hospital chief executive Lesley Doherty isn't a particularly religious person. But ask why her hospital and other publicly-funded National Health Service organizations across the United Kingdom provide professional chaplaincy services and she is unequivocal. "Spirituality, in its holistic form, is an important part of health and well-being. Chaplains are an integral part of everything here," said Doherty, who heads the 658-bed Royal Bolton Hospital and community-care services assisting some 263,000 people in England's northwest. "Most people we deal with have a faith. We feed them (in the hospital), so why wouldn't we attend to their spiritual needs as well?" Ethnic Groups Offer Ideas for Vital Church February 16, 2012 – Leaders of five groups that represent the denomination's ethnic constituencies have some suggestions for increasing the number of vital United Methodist congregations. They urge The United Methodist Church to cultivate new leaders who can reach a racially diverse mission field and continue support for the denomination's national plans for racial/ethnic ministries. The Inter-Ethnic Strategy Development Group made these recommendations in its second statement regarding the Call to Action initiative and the proposed consolidation of nine of the denomination's 13 general agencies under a 15-member board. General Conference, the denomination's top-lawmaking body, will take up proposals to reorganize the denomination's general agencies when it meets April 24-May 4 in Tampa, Fla. Call for Participants from Africa to Apply for the Peacebuilders' Exchange February 17, 2012 – The Anglican Alliance is calling for applications from young Anglican peacebuilders in Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and Zimbabwe to take part in a unique workshop on conflict resolution in the UK in July. The ten day programme, The Peacebuilders' Exchange: Transforming Conflict, Changing Lives, is designed to develop the peacebuilding skills of young Anglican leaders. Run in conjunction with the Community of the Cross of Nails, it will explore the challenge of conflict as a barrier to pro-poor development and allow participants to share examples of best practice in conflict transformation across the Anglican Communion. It's the first workshop of its type to bring together young people from across the developing world and Europe. The initiative will allow young people to develop peacebuilding leadership skills and ask them to identify how they can be resourced, sustained and affirmed in their current roles. Bossey Inaugurates its New Guest House and Conference Hall February 16, 2012 – The Ecumenical Institute of Bossey inaugurated its recently renovated guest house and a new conference hall on 14 February, expanding its facilities for the use of churches, ecumenical bodies, local and international organizations and individual visitors. The institute, which is part of the World Council of Churches (WCC), has provided ecumenical formation and support to the churches, ecumenical bodies and theological institutions through education and dialogue since 1946. The institute is located in a unique setting, overlooking Lake Geneva and the French and Swiss Alps. The newly renovated guest house, which was previously a traditional Swiss barn, now contains 21 rooms with modern facilities. February 16, 2012 – One Great Hour of Sharing is coming up on March 18, so the offering team decided to put together a little presentation to celebrate. It's a collection of photos of your brothers and sisters sharing time, food, water, and shelter through Church of the Brethren ministries, and it's set to a song written especially for the occasion. "One Great Hour to Share" is an original composition written by Leslie Lee & Steve Gretz, and is available for congregational use. The lyrics are all about the call to share with others, and the joy that comes with it. To watch the presentation, click the link below. Churches, Sacred Spaces – Easy Targets for Thieves? February 15, 2012 – Google "church" and "robbery" together and the hits just keep on coming. Recent thefts of copper wiring, mostly from outdoor air conditioning units, as well as other less frequent instances of break-ins, armed robberies and embezzlement, have taught church officials a painful lesson – that even sacred spaces may be easy targets for experienced thieves. The trouble is, many unsuspecting church officials frequently don't think about security measures, or that they might be victimized, until they are. Christian Self-Understanding in the Context of Indigenous Religions February 14, 2012 – With the help of participants from several regions of the world a World Council of Churches (WCC) consultation recently looked at Christian self-understanding in the context of indigenous spiritual traditions. The consultation was organized by the WCC programme for Inter-religious dialogue and Cooperation in collaboration with the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) and the Federation of Evangelical Churches Argentina (FAIE) and was held from 6 to 9 February in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The event brought 12 participants representing churches and Indigenous Peoples' groups from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, Philippines, Guatemala and New Zealand. WCC Consultation in Beirut Explores Conciliar Ecumenism February 16, 2012 – "Ecumenism is a quality of life that needs to be articulated in all aspects of a Christian's life," and "conciliarity is an essential nature of the church," said Catholicos Aram I, head of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church. He was speaking to the audience at the World Council of Churches (WCC) consultation in Beirut, Lebanon. The consultation was hosted by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) from 5-11 February. The consultation focused on the theme "conciliar ecumenism," referring to the Christian councils and associations that pursue church unity at the national, regional or world level. Rome Unofficially Recognizes Old Catholic Holy Orders Again February 14, 2012, ROME – Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university. Q: I understand that under unusual circumstances, such as a crisis, or being isolated from access to Catholic sacraments, that it is acceptable, from the Catholic point of view, to receive the sacraments from an Orthodox priest because their ordination is valid as their bishops have remained in apostolic succession. Given the same urgent conditions or isolation, may a Catholic receive valid sacraments from the Old Catholic Church or a Polish National Catholic Church – which my friend says are still in apostolic succession? Editorial: When Superpowers Deny Human Rights February 19, 2012 – The Jasmine Revolution or Arab Spring that began last year has inspired citizens in oppressive regimes to rise up and demand reform and the resignation of their autocratic leaders. In response to these demands, we've seen autocratic regimes unwilling to relinquish power use deceit, appeasement, and even violence to drown out their citizens' voices calling for reform. One example of a regime that responded to protests with violence is the government of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Iglesia Asambleas De Dios Cumple Cien Años En El País 10 febrero 2012, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – La Iglesia evangélica Asambleas de Dios se prepara para celebrar su primer centenario de establecida en Nicaragua, según se dio a conocer esta semana aquí, con un importante grupo de actividades que comenzaron a principios de año y se extenderán hasta el 21 de abril, fecha de la conmemoración. Fundan Asociación De Universidades Evangélicas 17 febrero 2012, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Tres universidades de perfil cristiano lograron un entendimiento y acordaron crear la Asociación Nicaragüense de Universidades Evangélicas (ANUE), según se dio a conocer esta semana que concluye aquí. La integran la Universidad Politécnica (UPOLI), la Evangélica Nicaragüense (UENIC) y la Martín Lutero (UML), cuando sus rectores firmaron un acta de constitución, luego de un culto de acción de gracias celebrado. Ellos son, por el primer centro docente, el ingeniero Emerson Pérez; por el segundo, Benjamín Cortés y, por el tercero, el doctor José M. Rojas. Una Campaña Internacional Contra Una Forma Moderna De Esclavitud: La Trata 15 febrero 2012, ARGENTINA – La trata de personas constituye una de las manifestaciones delictivas más preocupantes de la actualidad, ya que violenta los derechos humanos de las personas y degrada su dignidad. Expone a sus víctimas a situaciones de explotación sexual, laboral, extracción de órganos, servidumbre doméstica, mendicidad, entre otras. En marzo de 2008, en Viena, Austria, UNODC lanzó la campaña "Corazón Azul" contra la trata de personas; un movimiento que busca crear conciencia respecto de este delito y su impacto en la sociedad. 16 febrero 2012, CIUDAD DE MÉXICO – Los masones de la Confederación de Grandes Logias Regulares de los Estados Mexicanos, criticaron la eventual aprobación del artículo 24 de la constitución, referido a la celebración del culto religioso en lugares públicos, como "un regalo" que se hace en vísperas de la visita del Papa Benedicto XVI, según trascendió ayer aquí. Desde La Iglesia Metodista Inglesa También Apuestan 13 febrero 2012, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – La Conferencia Metodista Británica respondió a la carta enviada por el obispo Frank de Nully Brown de la Iglesia Metodista Argentina hace pocos días sobre el tema de las Islas Malvinas y la resolución de una situación que lleva muchos años. "Oramos que la retórica de confrontación sea remplazada con el lenguaje de paz y de reconciliación," dice la carta. WACC Llama a Celebrar El Día Mundial De La Radio Con Visión Inclusiva 13 febrero 2012, TORONTO, Canadá – El Día Mundial de la Radio fue establecido por la UNESCO cada 13 de febrero, para conmemorar la fecha en que se lanzó la radio de la ONU en 1946, hace 66 años. La Asociación Mundial para la Comunicación Cristiana-WACC llama a sus miembros y socios a celebrar y apoyar este día en el espíritu de su visión de "Comunicación para todas y todos." Obispo Recomienda Que Los Católicos Cambien De Mentalidad 14 febrero 2012, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – "Los católicos deben cambiar de mentalidad para levantar ese gigante dormidos que son, cuando no van a misa ni se comprometen en nada; de ahí la importancia de la formación sacerdotal," expresó el obispo de la diócesis de Granada, monseñor Jorge Solorzano, en un reciente discurso, al dejar inaugurado el Seminario Mayor de San Pedro Apóstol. Hacia Los 500 Años De Reforma Protestante, 13 febrero 2012, MATANZAS, Cuba – Un ciclo de jornadas de reflexión y celebración bajo el título de "Hacia los 500 años de la Reforma Protestante," ha sido organizado por el Seminario Evangélico de Teología de Matanzas (SET) y el Centro Memorial Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr (CMLK), en esta capital, que comenzó la semana pasada, con el propósito de analizar tal acontecimiento mundial y su repercusión en las iglesias cubanas. Presentan Reina Valera Contemporánea Con Un Español Más "Latinoamericano" 14 febrero 2012, LA HABANA, Cuba – La Comisión Bíblica del Consejo de Iglesias de Cuba (CIC), realizó, recientemente, la presentación oficial en el país de la versión Reina Valera Contemporánea, texto que alude a un lenguaje más cercano, en sus giros idiomáticos, a la realidad parlante del continente. "Si El Migrante No Es Tu Hermano, Dios No Es Tu Padre," Dicen Migrantes En México 17 febrero 2012, COLOMBIA – ¨Fui forastero y me acogiste¨, con este lema se realizó la asamblea del Servicio Internacional Cristiano de Solidaridad con los Pueblos de América Latina "Oscar Arnulfo Romero"-SICSAL, en la que participaron 45 delegadas y delegados de 21 países y de casi todos los continentes: América desde Canadá a la Argentina, Europa, Australia y Japón, entre el 8 y 14 de febrero en la ciudad de México. La Iglesia Valdense Del Río De La Plata Reeligió Al Pastor Nicolau Como Moderador 10 febrero 2012, ARGENTINA – El Sínodo de la Iglesia Evangélica Valdense del Río de la Plata reunido hasta el 8 de este mes en la localidad de San Gustavo, en el Litoral argentino, eligió sus autoridades para este año, siendo re electo Moderador por cuarta vez, el pastor Marcelo Nicolau. Australian MPs Call upon Iran to Protect Human Rights February 14, 2012, CANBERRA, Australia – In a motion supported by both government and opposition MPs in Australia's House of Representatives, Australian parliamentarians have urged their counterparts in Iran to promote and protect the fundamental human rights of Iranian citizens. Iranian MPs are also called upon specifically to investigate the denial of access to higher education for student activists, Baha'is and others, and to seek a judicial review of the trials of the seven former Baha'i leaders, as well as human rights defenders and lawyers. Opening yesterday's debate, Melissa Parke – the MP for Fremantle – noted an increase in serious human rights violations in Iran since the subject was last debated in Australia's Federal Parliament on 15 November 2010. ELCA, North American Lutheran Church Leaders Meet for the First Time February 15, 2012, CHICAGO – Representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the North American Lutheran Church met for the first time Feb. 6-7 for conversation on areas of disagreement, mutual interest and concern. The invitation for the meeting came from the ELCA in response to an action of the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The assembly resolved to "strive for a mutual relationship, where possible, for both the ELCA" and the North American Lutheran Church. In a statement, the representatives said they spent time together in prayer and in "cordial and candid" conversations. February 15, 2012, GENEVA – "Together for a just, peaceful and reconciled world" is the theme of the 2012 meeting of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Council to be hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Colombia (IELCO) 15-20 June in the capital city Bogotá. The Colombian church is very pleased to have the opportunity to welcome the Council, said IELCO Bishop Eduardo Martínez in a letter to the LWF governing body. "We consider that our main strength is to be part of a confessional family which is so extensive, diverse and wonderful, as is the Lutheran Communion in the world. Meetings such as the Council's are tangible signs of communion among Lutheran men and women from around the world," he stated. The Council is the LWF's governing body between Assemblies. Gambian Synod: "Extend Reach and Involvement of Mother's Union and Youth" February 16, 2012 – This year's Diocesan Synod in Gambia has called for diocesan organisations to be established in all parishes and membership opened to anyone interested to join. In a statement issues following the 9th Synod of the Diocese of Gambia at St Mary's Cathedral, Banjul, members resolved that: "That Diocesan Organisation such as Mothers' Union and A. Y. P. A. [the Anglican Young People's Association] should be established in all Parishes and membership be extended to all those interested. A special effort must be made to reach out to women at St Cuthbert's and Church of the African Martyrs." February 16, 2012 Jillian Foerster grew up outside of Harrisonburg, Va., just one mile away from Mill Creek Church of the Brethren where her family attended worship services. She had always loved learning, and immersing herself in newspapers and conversing about what she read became her regular practice. Jillian's particular passion for world news and economics was fueled by her studies of international relations at Roanoke College, and after returning from a semester studying in Uganda, she knew she wanted to work internationally. Right after graduation in May, it was time to start exploring options. "BVS is something I always knew about," said Jillian. |
