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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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WCC General Secretary Challenges Christians to Reject Concept of "Enemy" September 12, 2012 – The question of who is your enemy is one that touches everyone in the world particularly in a place like Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina which suffered a devastating civil war nearly two decades ago. But it was here on 11 September, in a city of rich cultural, ethnic and religious diversity, that Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), challenged Christian participants at the Sant'Egidio International Meeting of Prayer for Peace before they met with others to pray in their respective holy places, to move beyond the concept of "enemy." WCC General Secretary Condemns Making of the Film Offensive to Islam September 14, 2012 – The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has expressed great "regret" on making of the film "The Innocence of Muslims." He called the film an "an insult to the heart of the Muslim faith" and "to all peoples of faith." The film made in US offensive to the Islamic faith has recently spurred reactions, including an attack on the US Consulate in Libya. In a statement issued on 14 September, Tveit urged non-violence, respect for religions and the Christian and Muslims to "stand together in condemning such insults." Tveit said that "the film was produced and distributed by particular individuals who are not in any way representative of the attitudes of any mainstream religious group, nor indeed of particular countries or governments." September 8, 2012, MALMÖ, Sweden/GENEVA – The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) general secretary Rev. Martin Junge has urged the Church of Sweden to view Sweden's growing secularization and cultural diversity as opportunities to redefine the church. "All these challenges and changes shouldn't be obstacles for a renewed and sustained reflection and discernment about this church's call into God's mission but an opportunity to define how the church claims its citizenship anew, and how it defines its presence in the public space," Junge said. WCC Adopts Statements on Contemporary Public Issues September 12, 2012 – South Africa, Australia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece, French Polynesia (Maohi Nui), Pakistan, Syria and Myanmar have provided the subjects for statements and minutes of concern voiced by the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC) as part of public issues actions during a recent meeting of that governing body at the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolympari, Greece. Informed by witnesses in the affected nations and by reports from observers representing the WCC and its 349 member churches, the Central Committee called for prayer and ministries of support for all who are suffering as a result of social injustice, human rights violations and prejudice among peoples. Nation Pays Tribute to ‘World Icon' Neil Armstrong September 13, 2012 – The United States honored "the first human being to walk on another world" at Washington National Cathedral Sept. 13 with a combination of Scripture, a voice from the past, tributes, traditional hymns and Frank Sinatra. Neil Armstrong, 82, "can now finally put out [his] hand and touch the face of God," Eugene A. Cernan, the Apollo 17 mission commander and last man to walk on the moon, said during the service. Armstrong died Aug. 25 of complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures, according to a family statement. He had undergone heart bypass surgery earlier in August in Cincinnati, Ohio, near where he lived. A private memorial service was held there on Aug. 31. ELCA Presiding Bishop to Visit Church Leaders in China September 11, 2012 – CHICAGO – The Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), will meet with national Chinese church leaders Sept. 11-17 in Shanghai and with regional leaders in the Sichuan Province of China to share the current context of mission and explore opportunities for further collaboration and engagement, especially in areas of social services, disaster response, leadership training and more. "I look forward to deepening our relationship with the leadership of the China Christian Council, the national expression for the Protestant church in China," said Hanson, who will meet with the Rev. Gao Feng, president of the council. Women Bishops: Draft Legislation September 13, 2012 – The House of Bishops has today by an overwhelming majority settled the text of the legislation to enable women to become bishops in the Church of England. The House of Bishops made clear its desire for the draft legislation to be passed into law when it goes forward for final approval to the Church of England's General Synod in November. Speaking on behalf of the House at the conclusion of their meeting the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams said: "Before turning to the matters we have been discussing, I want to say, on behalf of the Bishops, that our thoughts and prayers are very much with the people of Liverpool and all affected by the Hillsborough tragedy on this day when the report is released. Communique: International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue September 10, 2012 – In the name of the Triune God, and with the blessing and guidance of our Churches, the International Commission for Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue (ICAOTD) met at the University of Chester, United Kingdom during 3-10 September 2012. The Commission is grateful for the hospitality extended by the Anglican Communion. The ICAOTD is continuing in its in-depth study of Christian anthropology, particularly in regard to what it means to be a human person created in the image and likeness of God. "Recognise Christ in One Another," Urges IASCUFO Chair September 14, 2012 – Archbishop Bernard Ntahoturi yesterday challenged his fellow members of the Inter Anglican Standing Commission on Unity Faith and Order (IASCUFO) "to recognise the body of Christ when we meet each other." "When people look at us today, can they see beyond divisions within the Communion to recognise the body of Christ?" he asked, as the Commission gathered to take forward its work on deepening communion between the Churches of the Anglican Communion, and within the global Christian family. IASCUFO's members were welcomed to Dublin, for their fourth meeting, by Mr Adrian Clements, the Church of Ireland's General Secretary. Dioses, Creencias Y Neuronas, En Un Libro De Aproximación Científica a La Religión 13 septiembre 2012, CIUDAD DE MÉXICO – Un texto que permite una aproximación científica a la fe bajo el título de Dioses, creencias y neuronas, de Ramón María Nogués, acaba de ver la luz en las librerías del país, en el día de ayer, cuando, según su propio autor, la religión ha de tomarse seriamente, sea usted o no religioso, como un signo de respeto a la realidad. Un compendio de 320 páginas, bajo el sello editorial Nirvana, asume un interesante y profundo análisis del tema, en un país de tanta complejidad en esa materia, cuando, según el propio Nogués, se trata de un texto de homenaje a la religión bien construida y un antídoto contra la religión degradada. CMI Y Iglesias Latinoamericanas Expresan Esperanza Por La Paz En Colombia 12 septiembre 2012 – Los representantes de las iglesias y organizaciones ecuménicas que forman parte de la Comisión de Paz del Consejo Evangélico (CEDECOL), de la Red Ecuménica en Colombia y del Consejo Latinoamericano de iglesias (CLAI) han publicado recientemente una declaración pública en la que celebran la iniciativa de diálogos por la paz en Colombia. El CMI Aprueba Declaraciones Sobre Cuestiones De Actualidad 14 septiembre 2012 – Sudáfrica, Australia, la ex República Yugoslava de Macedonia, Grecia, la Polinesia Francesa (Maohi Nui), Pakistán, Siria y Myanmar fueron objeto de declaraciones y notas en las que el Comité Central del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) expresó su preocupación como parte de las medidas relacionadas con las cuestiones de actualidad tomadas durante la reciente reunión que ese órgano rector celebró en la Academia Ortodoxa de Creta en Kolympari, Grecia. 10 septiembre 2012, SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – Combatir la pobreza rural en Latinoamérica, desde las perspectiva de estudiar las políticas de mercado y trabajo, fue el resultado final de un seminario realizado aquí, la pasada semana, a partir de estudios realizados por la OIT, la CEPAL y la FAO, entre otros organismos y entidades. Según el estudio presentado en el cónclave, la relación entre la pobreza y la población rural bajó solo de un 60 por ciento, en 1980, a un 53 en 2010, a pesar del incremento de la actividad agrícola y de las agro-exportaciones, así como del crecimiento económico registrado en la región, especialmente durante la última década. Lo cual pone de manifiesto que los esfuerzos realizados no han tenido resultados muy alentadores. Las Iglesias Deben Asumir Su Misión Como Parte 13 septiembre 2012 ESTOCOLMO, Suecia – El Secretario General de La Federación Luterana Mundial (FLM), Rev. Martin Junge, instó a la Iglesia de Suecia a ver la creciente secularización de ese país y la diversidad cultural como oportunidades para redefinir la iglesia. "Todos estos desafíos y cambios no deben ser un obstáculo para una reflexión renovada y sostenida y para un discernimiento del llamado de esta iglesia en la misión de Dios, antes bien deben considerarse una oportunidad para definir cómo la iglesia afirma nuevamente su ciudadanía, y cómo ve su presencia en el espacio público," dijo Junge. El Secretario General Del CMI Interpela a Los Cristianos 14 septiembre 2012 – La cuestión de quién es nuestro enemigo es un asunto que afecta a todas las comunidades del mundo, especialmente en lugares como Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), que sufrió las consecuencias de una devastadora guerra civil hace casi veinte años. Pero fue aquí, el 11 de septiembre, en una ciudad multicultural, multiétnica y multirreligiosa, donde el Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit, secretario general del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI), interpeló a los participantes cristianos del Encuentro Internacional de Oración por la Paz de la Comunidad de Sant'Egidio, antes de que se reunieran con los demás para orar en sus respectivos lugares de culto, a que dejasen a un lado el concepto de "enemigo." El CMI Insta Al Diálogo Y La Oración En Apoyo De La Paz En Siria 10 septiembre 2012 – Haciendo un llamamiento a que se ponga fin de inmediato a todas las formas de violencia perpetradas en Siria, el Comité Central del Consejo Mundial de Iglesias (CMI) emitió una declaración pública el 4 de septiembre en la que insta "a todas las partes a entablar un diálogo –como única solución– a fin de salvaguardar la unidad y la pluralidad histórica de Siria." 8 septiembre 2012, LA HABANA – La pastora que jugó un papel fundamental en el regreso del niño balserito Elián González a Cuba años atrás, ahora, coincidentemente con que este 5 de septiembre se cumplieron 14 años de encarcelamiento, envió una carta abierta al presidente Barak Obama, expresando que "Hoy me uno a miles de personas de todo el mundo para pedirle que realice un gesto humanitario y permita que cinco cubanos, cuatro de ellos en prisiones estadounidenses y uno bajo libertad supervisada regresen a sus hogares junto a sus seres queridos." Organizaciones Interreligiosas Apoyan La Propuesta De Diálogos De Paz En Colombia 11 septiembre 2012, LIMA, Perú – El Consejo Interreligioso de Colombia y Religiones por la Paz América Latina y el Caribe manifestó apoyo a los diálogos de paz iniciados por el gobierno de Colombia con las FARC-EP, conducentes a la finalización del conflicto armado que ha afectado al país, por más de medio siglo. "Confiamos que el ELN se integre en dichas negociaciones," subrayan. Entendemos que la paz en Colombia solamente se logrará con verdad, justicia y reparación, y que para ello, las comunidades religiosas deben estar junto con las víctimas, los más pobres y los más desprotegidos. Representantes Del Concejo Ecuménico Reiteran 8 septiembre 2012, CIUDAD DE GUATEMALA – Representantes del Concejo Ecuménico Cristiano de Guatemala reiteraron esta semana el apoyo a Monseñor Alvaro Ramazzini, recientemente nombrado Obispo de Huehuetenango, y el compromiso de impulsar el trabajo ecuménico en favor de la vida, la paz y el medio ambiente, en su nueva diócesis, ubicada a 266 kilómetros de esta capital. Una Misma Virgen Desde Dos Orillas Celebra Su Aparición Con Júbilo De Sus Creyentes 10 septiembre 2012, LA HABANA, Cuba – Tanto en Cuba como en Miami creyentes católicos celebraron este sábado, de diversas maneras, el aniversario 400 de la aparición de la imagen de la Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, cuando, según la leyenda, dos hermanos indios y un muchacho negro de unos diez años, conocidos en el imaginario popular como "Los tres Juanes," divisaron el icono sobre una tablilla en el mar allá por el año 1612. ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to New U.S. Poverty Data September 12, 2012, CHICAGO – In response to the new poverty figures released today by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said that this church's commitment to those who live in poverty is "a biblical imperative for which Christ frees us to serve." The poverty rate fell to 15 percent in 2011, down slightly from 15.1 percent from the year before. More than one in seven U.S. citizens – or 46.2 million people – lived in poverty in 2011, including more than 16 million children. In addition to the release of these figures, videos from U.S. President Barack Obama and the former governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney, were released today at the National Press Club. WCC Congratulates Tarek Mitri on His New Assignment in Libya September 14, 2012 – The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary has hailed the appointment of Dr Tarek Mitri as the United Nations Secretary General's special representative in Libya, a decision announced on 12 September at the U.N Security Council meeting. Mitri is a former WCC programme executive from Lebanon who worked for the inter-religious dialogue and cooperation programme from 1991 to 2005. He will be succeeding Ian Martin of Britain who is to complete his assignment on 14 October. "We should as churches offer our prayers and support to Tarek Mitri for his assignment in Libya," said Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, the WCC general secretary. Newly Created Asian Forum on Theological Education Meets and Sets Course September 9, 2012 – Some 22 representatives of the major Asian associations of theological schools came together recently in Indonesia to discuss challenges for training of ministers and lay people in Asian churches and to set goals for a new forum on theological education. The meeting, which was the first of the newly created "Asian Forum on Theological Education" (AFTE), took place in Jakarta from 29 August – 1 September and was hosted by the Evangelical Amanat Agung Theological Seminary. After preparatory meetings in Bangkok (2010) and Singapore (2011), the three-day meeting was the broadest forum ever held in the region in terms of geographical and interdenominational participation. LWF Assists Flood Victims in Southern Chad September 10, 2012, N'DJAMENA, Chad/GENEVA – Heavy rains in July and August in Chad have caused severe flooding that has damaged crops in the southern region where The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is managing two refugee camps. The camps will have to be relocated as a result of the catastrophe. The Chadian government and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), both partners of the LWF, have decided that the nearly 17,000 refugees from the Central African Republic currently living in the Yaroungou and Moula camps will be relocated to a new site nearby. The LWF will assist the most vulnerable refugees by identifying new sites for planting crops, distributing agricultural tools and seeds and providing medicine for livestock. WCC and Latin American Churches Express Hope for Colombia Peace Talks September 9, 2012 – A public statement applauding steps toward peace talks in Colombia was issued recently by representatives of churches and ecumenical organizations that form the Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council (CEDECOL), the Ecumenical Network in Colombia and the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI). The statement, released on 28 August and responding to an announcement that the Colombian government and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People's Army) were working on a proposal to start peace talks, expressed thankfulness to God and hope for a more peaceful future in the country, which has been wracked by decades of conflict. September 13, 2012, KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia/GENEVA – Lutheran leaders and scholars from seven Asian countries concluded that the urgent task of establishing a Lutheran identity in Asia should be rooted in the various cultural contexts in which the churches serve. Meeting in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, under the theme "An Asian Perspective of Lutheranism and Lutheran Identity in a Post-Modern Era," 20 Lutheran churches and seminary representatives noted that Lutheranism in Asia offers important insights to the worldwide communion as it approaches the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Department for Mission and Development (DMD) organized the 20-24 August conference at the Sabah Theological Seminary as part of LWF's aim to support member churches, theological institutions and networks to respond to their respective contexts. September 11, 2012, GENEVA – Bishop Dr Munib A. Younan, president of The Lutheran World Federation (LWF), is urging diligence by global political leaders in pursuing a Syrian-led process of dialogue to resolve the current civil conflict, as the influx of refugees into neighboring countries increases. "It is regrettable that the Syrian conflict is being viewed almost exclusively through the lens of geopolitical concern when the human suffering is so great and so avoidable," Younan said in a statement addressed to global political and religious leaders. Ecumenical Voices in Brazil Urge "Communication for Life, Justice and Peace" September 13, 2012 – Recent debates on the role of Christian communication are being impacted by a communications statement released in May by the World Council of Churches (WCC), the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) and the Korean Host Committee for the WCC 10th Assembly. Called the Busan Statement and named after the Korean host city of the WCC 10th assembly in 2013, it focuses on the role of Christian communication in which communication work promotes life, justice and peace. The statement attempts to make a contribution to the theme of the WCC's upcoming assembly, "God of life, lead us to justice and peace." Activists Hail Release of Christian Pastor in Iran, Teen in Pakistan September 11, 2012 – Religious rights activists are hailing the release over the weekend of an Iranian pastor accused of apostasy and a Pakistani girl who was charged with blasphemy. Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was released on Sept. 8 after a six-hour hearing, reported the American Center for Law and Justice, which worked to garner American support for the minister's release, Religion News Service reports. The Christian convert had faced possible execution. "Your prayers, your advocacy, and your voice has been heard," read an online announcement from ACLJ. |
