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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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Persecution Intensifies as Former Baha'i Leaders Mark Anniversary Behind Bars May 14, 2012, GENEVA – Iran's former Baha'i leaders begin their fifth year in prison today amid an intensification of the persecution of their co-religionists. The seven prisoners each face the bleak prospect of 16 more years in jail for crimes they did not commit. Next week also marks the first anniversary of raids on homes of Baha'is associated with an informal initiative offering higher education to community members barred from university. Nine educators later received harsh prison sentences. Churches Regret NATO Delay in Withdrawing Nuclear Weapons from Europe May 15, 2012 – The World Council of Churches (WCC) is urging the NATO summit in Chicago 20-21 May to "lead by example" and withdraw NATO nuclear weapons still deployed in Europe more than two decades after the close of the Cold War. A statement issued today by the WCC general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit reiterates a key policy recommendation raised repeatedly with NATO officials by the WCC, the Conference of European Churches, the Canadian Council of Churches and the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. since long before the summit. The ecumenical organizations express concern at the perception that the summit is prepared to postpone key decisions. May 18, 2012, GENEVA – An initial poll of some of the 400 people who took part in The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) first virtual conference on the church's role in environmental justice say the event prompted their greater involvement in ecological justice issues. Most of the participants surveyed for the 12 May "green&just" virtual conference – who logged on from Africa, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Latin America and North America – stayed online for more than three hours. In the preliminary survey of a smaller group, more than two-thirds of the respondents said they were likely or would definitely become actively engaged in issues on ecological justice. WCC Book Series to Be Launched May 18, 2012 – The World Council of Churches (WCC) has announced the development of a new book series on Orthodox Theology in partnership with Volos Academy, Greece. Dr Pantelis Kalaitzidis will be the editor of the series. The series, entitled Doxa and Praxis: Exploring Orthodox Theology, "invites creative and original reflection that reappraises, re-appropriates and further develops the riches of Orthodox thought for a deeper renewal of Orthodox Christianity and for the benefit of the whole oikoumene," said Kalaitzidis. Eastern Catholics Have Much to Offer US Church, Cardinal Tells Bishops May 15, 2012, VATICAN CITY – While their numbers are small and their material resources are few, members of the Eastern Catholic churches in the United States have much to offer the country in terms of their fidelity to Christ despite persecution and their deeply religious cultures, said Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, prefect of the Congregation for Eastern Churches. Eastern Catholics "are a bridge" supporting Catholics in their homelands with prayers, advocacy and financial support while at the same time enriching the United States with their cultural and religious identity, Cardinal Sandri told U.S. bishops from the Chaldean, Ruthenian, Maronite, Ukrainian, Armenian, Melkite, Syriac and Romanian Catholic churches. Historic Anglican Mission Agency Readvertises for New Leader May 9, 2012 – The historic Anglican mission agency CMS (Church Mission Society) is re-advertising for an Executive Leader after not appointing first time around. The search process for a new person to lead the mission agency began late last year following the appointment of the organisation's Community Leader Revd Canon Tim Dakin to the bishopric of Winchester. Previously Martyn Snow, Vice-chair Trustees and Chair of Appointment Panel shared prayer with CMS supporters. ELCA Cultivates Students' Passion into Action to Help End Malaria May 18, 2012, CHICAGO – Kelsey Nulph is a college student passionate about joining the global fight against malaria, and she's not the only one. Students from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are coming up with creative ways to speak out against the disease, which claims the life of a child every 45 seconds. To help cultivate that passion into action, the ELCA Malaria Campaign is awarding grants to ELCA campus ministries, colleges and universities to equip and inspire students in their efforts. "The child that dies every 45 seconds is not just a number or statistic," according to Nulph, a student at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Global Reformed Church Movement Sets Priorities for 2012-2013 May 16, 2012 – Theological formation, economic justice and measures to address financial concerns will be the focus for the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) in 2012-2013. Members of the organization's Executive Committee endorsed the plans today at the conclusion of a six-day meeting in Berastagi, Indonesia. Much of the committee's discussion focused on financial issues. "We leave this meeting knowing what lies ahead of us in the coming months. The way will not be easy but we are committed to building a secure financial future for WCRC which will enable us to live out our vision and purpose as we engage God's mission in the world," says WCRC President, Jerry Pillay. Presiding Bishop Issues Pastoral Letter on Doctrine of Discovery May 16, 2012 – "We seek to address the need for healing in all parts of society, and we stand in solidarity with indigenous peoples globally to acknowledge and address the legacy of colonial occupation and policies of domination," Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori wrote in her Pastoral Letter on the Doctrine of Discovery and Indigenous Peoples, issued May 16. "Our Christian heritage has taught us that a healed community of peace is only possible in the presence of justice for all peoples," Jefferts Schori continued. "We seek to build such a beloved community that can be a sacred household for all creation, a society of right relationships." On May 7, Jefferts Schori joined other religious voices in repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery at the 11th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII). Pastor Mixes Faith, Life in Online Ministry May 18, 2012 – The Rev. Scott Carnes wants to see how authentically he can share his life and faith through online media. For the 32-year-old associate pastor at First United Methodist Church in Pontiac, Ill., electronic communications, if used properly, present a "new frontier" that can foster personal relationships, promote connectionalism and, ultimately, contribute to the denominational goal of "making disciples of Jesus Christ." "If we don't start communicating more effectively as a church, the message gets lost on every level," he said. Camino a Busan: Las Iglesias De Argentina Y La X Asamblea Del Consejo Mundial De Iglesias 14 mayo 2012, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – El pasado miércoles 9 de mayo, representantes de algunas de las iglesias miembro del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) en Argentina se dieron cita en la Iglesia Metodista de Flores, de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, por invitación del Secretario Ejecutivo para América Latina y el Caribe, el pastor doctor Carlos Emilio Ham y del corresponsal de comunicaciones del CMI para este mismo continente, Dr Marcelo Schneider, con el fin de conocer informaciones básicas acerca de la próxima Asamblea General; sobre la labor del Comité de Planificación de la Asamblea; y mostrar de qué manera ha trabajado, hasta ahora, el CMI en vistas a la celebración de la X Asamblea General. La IELU Ofrece En Versión Digital Parte De La Obra De Martín Lutero May 18, 2012, ARGENTINA – La Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Unida en Argentina y Uruguay (IELU) pone al alcance del lector latinoamericano una versión digital de las Obras de Martín Lutero. Se trata de "La Voluntad Determinada" (De Servo Arbitrio), que es parte del núcleo central de la teología de la Reforma. "Entender Martín Lutero es un gran desafío para nuestros días, podríamos decir que esta obra es la "puerta de entrada" a su teología. Activistas Gays Piden Sean Incluidos Dentro Del Concepto De Familia 18 mayo 2012, MANAGUA, Nicaragua – Veintisiete organizaciones y activistas del Movimiento de la Diversidad Sexual marcharon ayer por el centro de esta capital y culminaron frente al edificio de la Asamblea Nacional, solicitando a los diputados que los incluyan dentro del concepto de familia, petición que, el día anterior, respaldó Omar Cabezas, Procurador para la Defensa de los Derechos Humanos en Nicaragua. Iglesias Lamentan El Retraso De La OTAN En Retirar Las Armas Nucleares De Europa 16 mayo 2012, GINEBRA, Suiza – El Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) insta a la cumbre de la OTAN, que se celebrará en Chicago del 20 al 21 de mayo, a "predicar con el ejemplo" y retirar las armas nucleares que todavía tiene desplegadas en Europa más de dos décadas después del fin de la Guerra Fría. En una declaración hecha pública el martes 15 de mayo, el secretario general del CMI, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, reitera una recomendación política fundamental que el CMI, la Conferencia de Iglesias Europeas, el Consejo de Iglesias de Canadá y el Consejo Nacional de Iglesias de Cristo en los EE.UU. Por Primera Vez Un Obispo Metodista Participará Oficialmente En El Tedeum Del 25 De Mayo 18 mayo 2012, BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Con motivo de celebrar Argentina el 202 aniversario de la Revolución de Mayo, el 25 de mayo próximo, la presidenta Cristina Fernández arribará a la Catedral de la Ciudad de Bariloche para participar en el tradicional Tedeum (del latín, a Ti Dios). En esta oportunidad fue convocado, por primera vez, un obispo de la iglesia Metodista entre las demás personalidades que representan distintas confesiones religiosas en una ceremonia de alcance nacional. La Comunión Reformada Establece Prioridades En Lo Teológico Y Lo Financiero 17 mayo 2012 – "Salimos de esta reunión sabiendo lo que está delante de nosotros en los próximos meses. El camino no será fácil, pero estamos comprometidos a construir un futuro financiero seguro para la CMIR que nos permita vivir nuestra visión y el propósito que nos involucra en la misión de Dios en el mundo ," dice el presidente Jerry Pillay. Archbishop of Wales Condemns Iran's Involvement on Ashraf Dossier May 17, 2012 – The Most Reverend Dr. Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales and The Most Revd Alan Harper, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and 13 other Bishops and clergy condemn the trip to Iran by Martin Kobler, the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Iraq and his discussing the fate of the residents of Ashraf and Liberty with Iranian oppressors. In the statement, the church leaders express their dismay that the trip has been organised while the Iranian regime did not allow Ahmed Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the situation of Human Rights in Iran to travel to that country. May 18, 2012 – Standing at the window in her church office, Roberta Karstetter watched the angry man circle the building, checking every door as he looked for a way inside. She had just refused to let him into the offices of Christ Episcopal Church in Delavan, Wisconsin, where she is the parish administrator. "I spoke to him through the glass doors and I just had an uneasy feeling about him, so I wouldn't unlock the door," she told ENS in a recent interview. He said he needed help, but he wouldn't say what kind of help. "He got really belligerent and angry," Karstetter recalled. He opened his coat, saying, "I don't have a gun or anything, just let me in." He began rattling the door. On Anniversary of Arrests, Canadian MPs Highlight Iran's Human Rights Violations May 16, 2012, OTTAWA, Canada – In a wide-ranging debate that took place on the fourth anniversary of the arrest of imprisoned Iranian Baha'i leaders, members of the Canadian Parliament voiced their grave concern about worsening violations of human rights in Iran. Earlier on Monday 14 May, Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs – John Baird – marked the anniversary by issuing a statement which said, "Iranian authorities continually undermine the right to freedom of religion by tolerating and even encouraging persecution of Baha'is, Christians and members of other minority religious communities. Freedom of religion is a universal human right." Traditional Culture Blends with Christianity in North Sumatra May 15, 2012 – When churches in the Karo region of North Sumatra, Indonesia began to integrate the traditional music, instruments and dances of the Indigenous Karo people into Sunday worship, church membership soared, says the head of the region's largest group of Protestant churches. Pastor Matius P. Barus, Moderator of the Gereja Batak Karo Protestan Church (GBKP), made his comments in a presentation to the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) that is meeting in Berastagi, North Sumatra, 10-17 May. Episcopal and Catholic Bishops Ready to "Do All in Their Power" to Realize an End to War May 14, 2012 – Episcopal and Catholic bishops from South Sudan have said that together they "stand committed to do all in [their] power" to realise an end to war between Sudan and South Sudan. Following a three-day meeting in Yei, South Sudan, lead by Archbishop Paulino Lukudu Loro and Archbishop Daniel Deng Bul, the 14 bishops issued a ‘Message of Peace' which laid out their hopes and plans for an end to conflict. Referencing the famous Martin Luther King speech, the bishop's said: "We dream of two nations which are democratic and free, where people of all religions, all ethnic groups, all cultures and all languages enjoy equal human rights based on citizenship. We dream of two nations at peace with each other, co-operating to make the best use of their God-given resources, promoting free interaction between their citizens, living side by side in solidarity and mutual respect, celebrating their shared history and forgiving any wrongs they may have done to each other. May 16, 2012, OSTRAVA, Czech Republic/GENEVA – Churches must be global citizens addressing issues that can only be tackled at the worldwide level, Rev. Martin Junge, general secretary of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) told Lutheran leaders from Europe. In a keynote address to the LWF European Leadership Consultation in Ostrava, Czech Republic, held 11-14 May, Junge noted that the church's global citizenship is rooted in the call to participate in God's mission in the world. "This notion of ‘global citizenship' calls upon the LWF member churches to express their role in its global dimension, becoming actively involved in the burning global issues that no longer allow for narrow national or regional approaches," he said at the meeting jointly hosted by the Evangelical Church of Czech Brethren and the Silesian Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession. Church Warns of Change Happening Too Fast in Myanmar May 17, 2012 – The Archbishop of Myanmar has warned that political change is happening so fast that his country could be swamped by consumerism and competition. During a visit to the USPG offices in London, Archbishop Stephen Than Myint Oo said he welcomed change in his country – but also urged caution. He said: ‘We want change, but it's happening too fast. Many people are coming into the country – business people in search of profits, tourists, and many others – and restrictions are opening up. This will change the lifestyle of the Burmese people. ‘Over the years our people have acquired a peaceful mind; we are used to a simple lifestyle and have learned to cope with limited opportunities. We have been able to stand up to pressure and poverty, but now I worry that we won't be able to stand up to western values. NEW ZEALAND: Christchurch Council Calls for Cathedral Demolition Pause May 17, 2012 – The Christchurch City Council has asked for an "immediate pause" in the demolition of ChristChurch Cathedral. After a lengthy debate, councilors on May 17 voted 10-4 to call for a halt to demolition while "deeper and more open consideration" of restoration plans take place. However, deconstruction has already been halted to around mid-June. In a statement this afternoon, the diocese pointed out that there is still a section 38 notice on the building and plans still have to meet the safety requirements of this notice. James Nieman Elected President of Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago May 14, 2012, CHICAGO – The Rev. James R. Nieman was elected May 14 to serve as the 17th president of the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. He will begin his service Aug. 1. An installation service will be held at Rockefeller Chapel here Oct. 28. The seminary is one of eight of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). In presentations given during the presidential search process, Nieman said that he sees the seminary as distinctly situated in the ELCA to meet challenges facing denominational seminaries. |
