 |
 |
 |
 |
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
|
Ecumenical Organizations Celebrate International Women's Day March 8, 2012 – On International Women's Day, 8 March, staff based in the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva organized special prayers and programmes to acknowledge achievements of the ecumenical organizations in the area of gender justice and to celebrate their struggles together as a community of women and men. The World Council of Churches hosted a prayer service in the morning with the theme "What is your hunger? On crumbs and tulips" meditating on ways of overcoming fear, despair, exclusion, violence and oppression. Dr Fulata Lusungu Moyo, WCC programme executive for Women in Church and Society along with the Rev. Dr Elaine Neuenfeldt, secretary for Women in Church and Society at the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), lead the activities for the day. Turkish Foreign Minister Visits Ecumenical Patriarchate March 8, 2012 – The Turkish foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople on 3 March in Istanbul, Turkey. He met with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in order to discuss the need for "harmony" and "mutual trust among the religious and national groups," a gesture greatly appreciated by the World Council of Churches (WCC). The patriarch expressed his satisfaction over this visit, hoping that the pending issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate and other Christian religious minorities in Turkey will soon be resolved. The Ecumenical Patriarchate enjoys a "primacy of honour" among the Orthodox churches, related to the ancient status of Constantinople as capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. Churches Say "No More Violence in the Name of God" March 5, 2012 – "Before God and our communities, we are responsible to Jews for the historical and ongoing realities of anti-Semitism, to Palestinians since the Nakba, to Muslim neighbours in the light of Islamophobia, to persons who are vulnerable, and to victims of colonial conquest, among others," said participants of a World Council of Churches (WCC) sponsored conference. "Justice-oriented interpretation of the Bible will be the nature of responsibility," reads the statement by participants. The conference was held from 23 to 27 February at the Evangelical Academy of Hofgeismar, Germany. The event brought 45 Christian and Jewish scholars, theologians and students from 15 countries in North and South America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Together, they addressed the theme "Violence in the Name of God? Joshua in changing contexts." March 8, 2012, CHENNAI, India/GENEVA – As Rev. Dr Evangeline Anderson-Rajkumar recounts moments in her life that have shaped what she is today, her mind is already occupied – preparing for next week's national program, presentations for national or international conferences, Lenten sermons, supervising four of her students' theses, and all this along with helping her 11-year-old daughter Davina with her homework and exams. She attributes her ability to balance her multiple roles – ordained minister in the Arcot Lutheran Church (ALC), Dean of Doctoral Studies and Research Programmes at the United Theological College (UTC), Dalit rights activist, feminist theologian – efficiently in a patriarchal context to her "faith in the Word of God" that "has given the inner strength to emerge as a person with self-confidence." ELCA Bishops Gather for Mutual Sharing of Ministries, Worship and Study March 8, 2012, ITASCA, IL. – According to the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a "church that is deeply rooted and always being made new." In his March 3 report to the ELCA Conference of Bishops, the presiding bishop noted ways in which the 4.2 million members of this church together engage in life-changing ministries, impacting communities both locally and internationally. The ELCA Conference of Bishops is an advisory body of the church that includes the ELCA's 65 synod bishops, presiding bishop and secretary. Nominations Invited for Prize Promoting Women in Church Leadership March 6, 2012 – To mark International Women's Day, the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is issuing a call for nominations for a prize encouraging women to become leaders in their church. The Sylvia Michel Prize is awarded once every two years to a woman in the Reformed church movement who provides exceptional leadership in promoting opportunities for women to serve as leaders in their church and community. A prize of USD5000 is awarded to an organization or individual working to encourage women to assume leadership positions in their church or investigating unequal opportunities for men and women to become leaders in WCRC member churches around the world. March 8, 2012, GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Communion Office has hailed its certification today as an "Equal Salary" employer in Switzerland as an important step in the organization's commitment to gender justice and women's participation in church and society. In the context of International Women's Day, the Swiss organization "Equal Salary" presented the LWF with the certification label for applying an equal wage policy between male and female employees. "As we rejoice with this important achievement, we are also mindful that a large number of women in church and society don't see a space for bringing in their gifts and talents," Junge said. March 8, 2012 – The Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music has released excerpts from its "I Will Bless You, and You Will Be a Blessing: Resources for Blessing Same-Gender Relationships," report, including the text of its proposed rite of blessing. The excerpts from the commission's report to General Convention are now available for study online. They can be found here in the Documents section. A direct link to the PDF document is here. In addition to the proposed rite, the excerpts released March 8 include a theological reflection on blessing same-gender relationships and two related legislative resolutions that the SCLM will recommend to General Convention when it meets in Indianapolis July 4-12. NCC's Circles of Names Achieves $100,000 Goal for Women's Ministries March 8, 2012 – Among the many achievements church women are celebrating on International Women's Day is the successful conclusion of the National Council of Churches Circles of Names campaign to raise $100,000 for women's ministries and gender justice projects in the NCC and its member communions. Circles of Names asked a thousand women and men to contribute $100 in the name of a woman who inspired their faith journeys. As a result, the campaign mined a rich treasure of stories of women of faith to stir wide audiences. The campaign was launched in November 2009 as budgets for women's ministries were being reduced and in some cases eliminated. Pastors Write ‘Hunger Games' Bible Study March 9, 2012 – Two North Carolina pastors are using a teenage pop culture phenomenon to illustrate biblical principles and promote Christian discussion. In response to growing popularity of "The Hunger Games" and the upcoming release of the book's corresponding movie, the Rev. Andy Langford and his daughter, the Rev. Ann Duncan, have written a study for pastors and church members called "The Gospel According to The Hunger Games Trilogy." Duncan, pastor of Hoyle Memorial United Methodist Church, first became interested in "The Hunger Games" after her husband, a high school history teacher, told her how popular the series is among his students. Duncan, a former youth pastor, saw it as an opportunity to engage teens. 6 marzo 2012, ARGENTINA – Un nutrido grupo de sacerdotes austríacos, que el pasado verano europeo llevaron a cabo una "Llamada a la desobediencia," movilizándose en favor del celibato opcional y de la plena participación de mujeres y laicos en la Eucaristía, provocando la conmoción en el centro de Europa, han vuelto a emitir un manifiesto en el que protestan por una Iglesia más creíble. Sociedad Bíblica Colombiana Lanza Biblia Reina Valera Versión Contemporánea 9 marzo 2012, COLOMBIA – La fraternidad de Sociedades Bíblicas Unidas (SBU) y la Sociedad Bíblica Colombiana, presentaron ante un centenar de pastores e invitados especiales la nueva Revisión bíblica, Reina Valera Contemporánea (RVC), la cual se lanzó en las principales ciudades del país, iniciando por Bucaramanga, el pasado 5 de marzo y en esta ciudad el día 7. Vuelve Dios Como Centro Del Debate Electoral 6 marzo 2012, ESTADOS UNIDOS – Estudiosos del tema electoral plantean que "Dios ha entrado en la campaña republicana," a partir del conflicto del actual presidente Barack Obama con la Iglesia Católica en torno al uso de los anticonceptivos y el perfil religioso de los candidatos del partido opositor, según reflejó la prensa aquí, recientemente, cuando existe la expresa intención de deslegitimar al mandatario para imponer un radicalismo a ultranza. Católicos Se Abstendrán De La Telefonía Móvil E Internet En Viernes De Cuaresma 7 marzo 2012, FILIPINAS – La Conferencia Episcopal filipina ha hecho un llamado a los católicos no solo a abstenerse de comer carne durante los viernes de la Cuaresma, sino, además, evitar los impulsos de navegar por Internet y el envío de mensajes por la telefonía móvil, además de reducir el consumo de pescado, un alimento que resulta tradicional en la dieta de los días de vigilia. ¿Cuál es la razón de tal medida hecha pública aquí? Malvinas: Intervención Metodista Por La Paz Y El Diálogo 5 marzo 2012, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – "No hay ninguna posibilidad que Argentina tome otra vía que no sea la diplomática" expresó en forma contundente el Dr. Guillermo Oliveri el pasado miércoles 29 de febrero en la extensa charla que mantuviera con el Ob. Frank de Nully Brown en la Cancillería. De Nully Brown, reiteró la voluntad de la Iglesia Metodista de contribuir al proceso de diálogo pacífico respecto del conflicto por la Soberanía de Malvinas. 5 marzo 2012, CIUDAD DE PANAMÁ – El presidente de la Alianza Evangélica de Panamá, el reverendo Rolando Hernández, pidió este sábado la reanudación del diálogo en un clima de tolerancia y paz, luego de los hechos ocurridos el pasado jueves, en la Asamblea Nacional, donde cuatro indígenas resultaron heridos, fruto de presuntos disparos de perdigones. March 8, 2012, ELGIN, IL – The Church of the Brethren and its Brethren Disaster Ministries program has given a grant from the denomination's Emergency Disaster Fund in response to a plea from Church World Service (CWS) for funds for communities across the US affected by the tornado outbreak on Feb. 28-29 and March 2-3. Another Emergency Disaster Fund grant has been given to aid those affected by violence in Syria. Children's Disaster Services (CDS) is sending volunteers to Multi Agency Resource Centers in Moscow, Ohio, and Crittenden, Ky., and waiting for confirmation of another location in Missouri to provide care for children affected by the storms. March 8, 2012 After five years of hopeful and prayerful waiting, The Falls Church (Episcopal) will return to its historic church home at 115 East Fairfax Street for worship at 10:15 a.m. on Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012. The service will be followed by a traditional Easter egg hunt for children in the churchyard. The Easter Sunday return is especially meaningful and poignant for Jessie Thackrey, a 98-year-old great-grandmother who has been a member of the church since 1941. "I have a lot of memories tied up in that church," Thackrey, the church's first female senior warden, said. March 6, 2012 – A Spanish teacher who had been fired earlier in the day March 6 shot and killed Dale D. Regan, the head of Episcopal School in Jacksonville, Florida, on the school's campus and then turned the gun on himself. Police said Shane Schumerth, 28, came on campus with an AK-47 in a guitar case, went to the administrative office and shot Regan several times before killing himself, according to a report from News4 television station. Teacher Carolyn Cooper told News4 she heard five gunshots. Regan had been at Episcopal for 34 years, teaching English before she became head of school, according to Moorehead. Regan was profiled by the Times-Union in May 2010 during the school's expansion. Our Social Principles Alive in 1965 March March 7, 2012 – This week people have gathered to remember and to re-enact the Selma-to-Montgomery march of 1965. As I've watched the preparations via television, I have thought of these words introducing the "Social Community" section of the Social Principles in our United Methodist Book of Discipline: "The rights and privileges a society bestows or withholds from those who comprise it indicate the relative esteem in which that society holds particular persons and groups of persons. We affirm all persons as equally valid in the "sight of God." Rural Women in Bangladesh Shine Light on Poverty March 8, 2012, DINAJPUR, Bangladesh/GENEVA –They call her the "shining star" in the village. Sisilia Murmu is a talented young girl who had always dreamed of gaining an education and financial independence, but her family's poverty kept her from attending high school in Dhanjoypur village, located in the Dinajpur district of northern Bangladesh. Her parents are farmers, scratching out a living as daily laborers. Life is difficult for the indigenous Adibasi family that includes three other daughters and two sons. However, thanks to Rangpur Dinajpur Rural Service (RDRS), Murmu's dream has come true. Forum at UN Discusses Role of Rural Women Farmers March 6, 2012, NEW YORK – Listening to and supporting rural women is fundamental to ending poverty and hunger, and achieving peace and development that is sustainable. That was the message from Michelle Bachelet, executive director of UN Women, who opened the annual UN Commission on the Status of Women here on 27 February. The main theme of the Commission, which runs until Friday, is "the empowerment of rural women and their role in poverty and hunger eradication, development and current challenges." To support the theme, the Baha'i International Community issued a statement and hosted an interactive forum on 1 March, co-sponsored by the World Farmers Organization (WFO), which offered a space for rural women farmers to share their experiences. Emergency Appeal for Boga Diocese, Congo March 7, 2012 – The Rt. Rev. William Bahemuka, the Bishop of Boga Diocese in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has issued a call for emergency support to avert increased militia attacks in the region of Bukiringi, 15 miles north of Boga, the seat of the Diocese. On Friday, 24th February, as the Bishop travelled from Bunia to Boga, he was stopped by the militia on the road and they demanded payments from him. After giving them money, he was released and proceeded safely to Boga. The militia has shown willingness to enter into talks with the Government, but the Government has taken a long time to respond in the wake of their recent contested elections. March 7, 2012, MEXICO CITY, Mexico/GENEVA – When Rev. Karina García Carmona was installed as pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Mexico City in 2011, her congregation posed a simple question: do you want to be called "Pastor"? "I don't know if I did the right thing, but at the time I told them they could call me ‘Karina,' since I felt that respect and authority had to be earned," García said recently. García is one of three women ordained to the ministry by the Mexican Lutheran Church (ILM), a member church of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), in a groundbreaking move in April 2009. One in Six Education Transforms Lives of Sudanese Women March 6, 2012, JUBA, South Sudan/GENEVA – "If you have an education, you value your life," says Mary Abuk Dow. Only one in six women in South Sudan are fortunate enough to have an education and those who do, know their worth. Women like Dow are determined and have an imposing presence. You meet them often in South Sudan as well as in refugee camps outside the country and even further afield. Dow's confidence springs from a combination of education and the challenges that life has dealt her. When she was only eight years old, she fled, along with her mother, three brothers and a sister, from her home town of Panyagor in Jonglei State. Southern Cone Synod Proposes One Province Becomes Two March 7, 2012 – The Anglican Church of the Southern Cone of America's Synod has proposed that its province becomes two. According to a statement issued on March 6, the two provinces would be one comprising Peru, Bolivia and two dioceses in Chile (one to be formed) and another comprising Argentina, Northern Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The proposal comes after the Synod rejected both a request for permission for the Diocese of Uruguay to ordain woman as presbyters and also for the diocese to seek alternative provincial oversight. Japan's Christians Active in Quake Relief March 9, 2012, NEW YORK – When Noriko Lao left her elderly mother's home in Tokyo after a visit last March, she was unaware of the devastating earthquake that would strike her native country just a day later. Centered some 230 miles northeast of Tokyo in the Tohoku region, the 9.0-magnitude earthquake that occurred March 11, 2011, triggered a 23-foot tsunami and led to damage in reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Nearly 20,000 people died or were missing in the wake of what some call "the triple disaster" in Japan. In the year since, Lao, a disaster response veteran, has returned to Japan numerous times as a volunteer consultant for the United Methodist Committee on Relief. WCC Expresses Gratitude for the Legacy of Milton Schwantes March 9, 2012 – Referring to Schwantes' legacy in the ecumenical movement, Tveit said "Contextual reading of the Bible and commitment to the poor is an important element of liberation theology contributed by Schwantes, which adds to the development of the modern ecumenical movement." As a professor of Old Testament at Faculdades EST in São Leopoldo, in the late 1970s and 1980s, the ecumenical witness of Schwantes combined with his work at the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IECLB). He influenced a whole generation of scholars in Brazil and the rest of Latin America. In 1988, he joined the Methodist University of São Paulo (UMESP). |
