New York (ENI). US Islamic leaders have issued a fatwa - an Islamic religious ruling - against violence and acts of political extremism. The ruling, announced at a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., was endorsed by more than 120 Muslim organizations and leaders and was issued by the 18-member Fiqh Council of North America, an Islamic jurisprudence body. [315 words, ENI-05-0580]

'Big responsibility' for Irish churches as IRA says no more war

Dublin (ENI). The two church representatives invited to verify a process of putting Irish Republican Army weapons beyond use in co-operation with an official body to oversee the disarming process bear a great responsibility along with governments and church bodies, say denominational leaders. The announcement by the IRA orders a complete end to a 30-year "armed struggle" that was viewed as terrorism by its opponents and victims. It has been greeted with relief, joy and scepticism by different people in Northern Ireland. [532 words, ENI-05-0581]

Nigerian president wants Church to nurture God-fearing politicians

Lagos (ENI). Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, lamenting poor leadership and corruption among public officers in his country, has urged churches to help nurture political leaders who are honest, hardworking, visionary, and inspiring. "The Church has a major role to play in identifying, nurturing, promoting and guiding such leaders at all levels of our society and our polity," Obasanjo said in Lagos at the laying of the foundation stone of a sanctuary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention. [368 words, ENI-05-0582]

World's Baptists return to Britain for centenary congress

London (ENI). Undeterred by bombing on London's transportation system, more than 12 000 Baptist Christians from around the world have returned to Britain for their centennial congress where, in processions, drama and musical events they have reaffirmed their faith as part of their global mission. British Prime Minister Tony Blair described the world's 35 million Baptists as a powerful force for good who were "ready to challenge the powers that be". [436 words, ENI-05-0583]

28 July 2005

New York (ENI). Recent legislation approved by a local assembly in a Pakistani province that borders Afghanistan could impose Taliban-like rules over the region and it threatens religious freedom, a US commission has warned. The legislation approved by the provincial assembly in Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province would "impose a system of controls on social and religious behaviour similar to those under which Afghans suffered during the notorious Taliban regime", the US Commission on International Religious Freedom has said. [323 words, ENI 05-0577]

'People's Tribunal' demands equal rights for India's Christian Dalits

New Delhi (ENI). A church-supported "people's tribunal" on discrimination that Christian Dalits face in India has said the low-caste group needs to have the same rights as those of other Dalits. "It is necessary that the Christian Dalits are given the same benefits aids and advantages, facilities and opportunities as given to [other] Dalits," said the report of the jury of the public tribunal. [398 words, ENI-05-0578]

After condemnation of churches, UN; Zimbabwe halts demolitions

Harare (ENI). Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was being feted as a key African leader in China when his security forces finally declared a respite in a two-month long destruction of homes of poor people in urban areas that triggered the ire of international church groups and the United Nations. The South African Council of Churches said a container of relief supplies would be sent to Zimbabwe at the beginning of August as part of its "Operation Hope for Zimbabwe", aimed at relieving suffering after the government's Operation Murambatsvina which means in the Shona language, "Drive Out Trash". [387 words, ENI-05-0579]

27 July 2005

New York (ENI). The general secretary of the World Council of Churches has warned political leaders in the United States against invoking "the name of God" in support of US presuppositions and policies. "The latter practice, seen by many around the world as taking the Lord's name in vain, if not hypocrisy, has also raised the spectre of a self-styled American 'theocracy' in the making," the Rev. Samuel Kobia said in a speech at the 2005 general assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Portland, Oregon. [293 words, ENI-05-0574]

Pakistan Christians hail curbs, but say West also to blame for terror

New Delhi (ENI). Christian leaders in Pakistan have welcomed an initiative by President Pervez Musharraf to clamp down on those spreading hatred and inciting violence - a move that follows the recent London bombings. "This has been long overdue. This is a good move and we welcome it fully," said Cecil Choudhary, executive secretary of the All-Pakistan Minority Alliance. [347 words, ENI-05-0575]

Priests held as suspects in killing of Kenyan Catholic bishop

Nairobi (ENI). The arrest of two Roman Catholic priests in connection with the murder of the Apostolic Vicar of Isiolo diocese, Italian-born Bishop Luigi Locati, has perturbed members of the clergy in the troubled area of northern Kenya. Bishop Locati was killed at Isiolo on 14 July, a week before his 77th birthday. His death came soon after nearby violent clashes close to the Ethiopian border that left at least 76 people dead, and about 6000 homeless. [442 words, ENI-05-0576]

26 July 2005

New York (ENI). The general secretary of the World Council of Churches has defended the church body's recent call that its member denominations consider withdrawing investments from firms profiting from the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. "I understand that one is tempted to look upon the [WCC call] as something directed against the very existence of the State of Israel," the Rev. Samuel Kobia said in a Chicago speech to the annual conference of the International Council of Christians and Jews. [369 words, ENI-05-0571]

Pastors not barred from joining ex-communists, says German church

Bielefeld, Germany (ENI). Germany's biggest Protestant church grouping has rejected reports that new "loyalty guidelines" will prohibit pastors joining left-wing parties, such as the Party of Democratic Socialism (PDS), the successor to the communist party that ruled East Germany for 40 years. "The Protestant church believes it is legitimate for its employees to become involved in political parties which are founded on the basis of the constitution," said Christof Vetter, the spokesperson of the Evangelical Church in Germany. [369 words, ENI-05-0570]

England's Anglican clergy may register 'chaste' same-sex unions

London (ENI). Church of England clergy will be able to enter into same-sex civil partnerships in Britain under national legislation set to come into force on 5 December, but they will be told that they must remain chaste. The position was explained by the Bishop of Norwich, Graham James, who headed an Anglican working group on the issue. He spoke on a pastoral statement by the Anglican House of Bishops on the country's Civil Partnerships law. This allows same-sex couples to register a legal commitment to each other and enjoy equal rights and responsibilities on matters like maintenance, inheritance, pension and employment benefits. [439 words, ENI-05-0573]

Israeli court rejects nuclear whistleblower Vanunu's petition

Jerusalem (ENI). Israel's Supreme Court has rejected a petition by nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu to receive copies of letters and a prison journal he kept during his 18 years in jail. The warden of the prison where Vanunu served his sentence for treason confiscated the documents before his release a year ago. Israel's highest court has upheld the confiscation, saying the journal and copies of more than 2500 letters Vanunu sent to supporters, contained sensitive information. [326 words, ENI-05-0572]

Germany's Tomas Gärtner wins Templeton religion writer award

Geneva (ENI). Tomas Gärtner, a freelance journalist writing mainly for the German daily newspaper Dresdner Neueste Nachrichten has been named the winner of the 2004 John Templeton award for the "European Religion Writer of the Year". The announcement of the award, valued at 5000 Swiss Francs, was made in Geneva by the Office of Communication of the Conference of European Churches, which administers the award on behalf of the US-based "John Templeton Foundation". [479 words, ENI-05-0569]

25 July 2005

Jerusalem (ENI). Israel has summoned the Vatican's ambassador for an official rebuke after Pope Benedict XVI was accused of failing to include a mention of terrorist attacks in the Jewish state in a Sunday sermon condemning terrorism. Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom gave an official dressing down to the Vatican's ambassador Archbishop Pietro Sambi, telling him the Pope was effectively granting legitimacy to attacks against Jews by excluding Israel from a list of countries struck by terrorism. [378 words, ENI-05-0568]

Canadian Lutherans reject blessings for same-sex unions

Winnipeg, Canada (ENI). Delegates to the convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada in Winnipeg have defeated a controversial resolution which would have given congregations a "local option" to introduce blessings for same-sex unions. "Our community is divided almost 50-50," National Bishop Raymond Schultz told Ecumenical News International after the vote. "That means we have a lot more talking to do with each other." [401 words, ENI-05-0565]

Two Reformed church groupings look to strengthen ties

Geneva (ENI). Two groupings of Reformed churches around the world are to explore greater cooperation, including the possible sharing of projects and personnel, the Geneva-based World Alliance of Reformed Churches has announced. "When the two organizations dare to journey together in God's mission, our member churches will be served better and, in fact, our witness as Reformed churches will be stronger," said WARC general secretary the Rev. Setri Nyomi. [214 words, ENI-05-0567]

Islam said to gain converts among Mexico's Chiapas Protestants

Geneva (ENI). The rough, dusty roads are traversed by women with veils. Nearby in the state's capital, the original inhabitants are building a mosque. "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his messenger," chant a group of children. A scene straight out of the Middle East, Asia or Africa? No, it's in the second largest Roman Catholic country in Latin America: Mexico, in its turbulent southern state of Chiapas. [492 words, ENI-05-0566]

22 July 2005

Manila (ENI). Filipino and foreign Protestant church leaders have condemned what they describe as "massive human rights violations" and outright killings of innocent people perceived as "subversives" under the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. "We demand justice for all victims of massive human rights violations and desecration of human lives under Arroyo's watch," Sharon Rose Joy Ruiz-Duremdes, general secretary of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, said in a statement. [465 words, ENI-05-0562]

Kenya church leaders blame civic groups, opposition for violence

Nairobi (ENI). Church leaders in Kenya have censured civil society groups and opposition politicians for violence that has rocked the country over a constitutional review process, after the groups called people onto the streets for mass action last week. On 21 July the Kenyan parliament approved a draft constitution that had been criticised by some as leaving too much power in the hands of President Mwai Kibaki. Kenya has been gripped by three days of violent clashes between riot police and protesters outraged over the handling of constitutional reform. At least one person has been killed and scores injured in Nairobi. [413 words, ENI-05-0563]

Inter-religious group urges dialogue to overcome Togo crisis

Lome (ENI). The leader of an inter-faith peace mission to Togo has urged government and opposition politicians to work together to bring an end to a political crisis that has gripped the West African nation since February but whose roots stretch back much further. "There is no way forward other than a national dialogue and a government of national unity," Lutheran World Federation general secretary the Rev. Ishmael Noko told a news conference in Lome at the end of the mission's five-day visit. [469 words, ENI-05-0564]

13 clerics offer candidacy for Holy Land patriarch's post

Jerusalem (ENI). Thirteen Greek Orthodox clerics have offered their candidacy to become the church's patriarch of the Holy Land in another blow to Irineos I, who has fought to hold on to the title despite being deposed by his Holy Synod and leaders of the world's Orthodox churches. The synod convened in Jerusalem on 20 July to begin selecting a replacement for Irineos. Twenty-three members attended the meeting and three participated via teleconference from Jordan. The meeting went ahead after an Israeli court rejected a petition by Irineos to issue an injunction against the election of a successor. [397 words, ENI-05-0561]

21 July 2005

Harare (ENI). A South African Council of Churches (SACC) delegation says it intends to launch an international relief campaign after security forces destroyed tens of thousands of urban dwellings for poor people in Zimbabwe in a government campaign. An initiative to help Zimbabweans left homeless by the two-month long "clean-up" campaign has been launched in consultation with Zimbabwean churches, the South African Council of Churches said. [420 words, ENI-05-0559]

Anglican leader roots for peace in African Great Lakes region

Nairobi (ENI). Archbishop Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican communion, says church and development agencies are deeply concerned about ongoing brutal violence and desperate insecurity in the African Great Lakes region. Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, while visiting Nairobi, heard the experiences and concerns of church and international development agency leaders from the region, who renewed their commitment to combating violence and conflict. [250 words, ENI-05-0560]

British Catholics counter 'Da Vinci Code' portrayal of Jesus

London (ENI). Roman Catholics in England and Wales have launched a Web site to counter the portrayal of Jesus Christ and the Christian Church in the fictional blockbuster book, Dan Brown's "The Da Vinci Code". The Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation has compiled material to rebut the book's most sensational claim - that Jesus married Mary Magdalene and that their descendants are alive today. The agency also presents the St Mary Magdalene known to history as a reformed sinner who was the first person to see the risen Christ. [371 words, ENI-05-0558]

20 July 2005

New Delhi (ENI). A court-ordered suspension of an agreement between the Sri Lankan government and Tamil rebels for sharing international tsunami assistance is a setback to the peace process in the island nation say church leaders. "This set back has created an impasse," said the Rev. Kingsley Perera, president of the Sri Lanka Baptist Union, who in July heads the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, a grouping of eight Protestant denominations. [503 words, ENI-05-0555]

Church of Scotland says South African police brutal against AIDS activists

London (ENI). The Church of Scotland's HIV-AIDS Project is backing a protest by the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance over police treatment of peaceful protesters asking for treatment at a hospital in Queenstown, South Africa. The Rev Nigel Pounde, the church's HIV-AIDS project co-ordinator, said it would add its signature to a letter which the alliance was sending to South African government ministers calling for an investigation and appropriate disciplinary action. [292 words, ENI-05-0556]

Catholic Church remains strong force in Philippine politics

Manila, 20 July (ENI--From one political crisis to another, the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines always seems to be there when politicians stumble or flex their muscles. During two "people power" uprisings the church was at the forefront in this predominantly Catholic Southeast Asian nation of 87 million people. The country looked to be heading for another "people power" mobilisation early in July. But the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines this time ruled out an extra-constitutional path to oust President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo whom the opposition was asking to resign. [582 words, ENI-05-0557]

19 July 2005

Geneva (ENI). The mobilisation of churches and advocacy groups that highlighted economic injustice during the summit of G8 leading industrial nations in Scotland earlier in July was not a one-off event. Today they are focussing on the upcoming general council meeting of the World Trade Organization, the Geneva-based body that regulates global commerce. Geneva's Ecumenical Centre, home to the World Council of Churches, is to host a series of conferences and seminars around trade and the WTO, to coincide with the meeting. [466 words, ENI-05-0554]

Sudanese church leaders expect more freedom with national unity

Nairobi (ENI). Sudanese church leaders have welcomed the introduction of power sharing arrangements in the national administration, but some have been more guarded about the development, which paves the way for a government of national unity after decades of war. "The politicians' move is encouraging," the Rev Santino Maurino of the Sudan Catholic Bishop's Regional Conference told Ecumenical News International in Nairobi. "Our country has been at war for a long time. The people have yearned for peace for many years." [436 words, ENI-05-0553]

Northern Ireland's Orange Order, its marches and why they happen

Dublin (ENI). During July the sound of marching drummers and flutes in Northern Ireland towns is music to the ears of some residents, but a detestable provocation to others. People from the Roman Catholic community in Ardoyne, north of Belfast on 12 July attacked police with grenades, petrol bombs and other weapons to express their fury over the staging of marches by the Orange Order, a Protestant group that holds parades across Northern Ireland. This year's riot was a repetition of those in years past when marches took place. In July marching men wearing bowler hats, white gloves and orange sashes are able to invoke the ire of the Catholic community in the British administered part of Ireland. [510 words, ENI-05-0552]

18 July 2005

New Delhi (ENI). An Indian Christian health forum says it is alarmed over the results of a study done in Delhi that found widespread selective abortions aimed at preventing women giving birth to girls. The Christian Medical Association of India found that in families that had a third child after two girls, there were only 219 girls for 1000 boys. Similarly, if the first child was a girl, there were only 558 girls for 1000 boys, noted the study after scrutinising 370 000 birth records in Delhi's eight leading hospitals over a decade. [423 words, ENI-05-0551]

Catholic bishop suggests Zimbabwe actions offer China a 'reward'

Cape Town (ENI). A report co-signed by Roman Catholic Archbishop Pius Ncube suggests the current destruction of many thousands of makeshift homes by Zimbabwean authorities in its "Operation drive out the filth" may have a reward for an old ally of President Robert Mugabe - China. A South African church delegation that visited Zimbabwe last week returned on 18 July. "The objective is to stop the operation, and to express solidarity with the victims and to help bring an end to the ongoing suffering of the people," South African Council of Churches (SACC) president Russel Botman was quoted as saying by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. [535 words, ENI-05-0550]

15 July 2005

Nairobi (ENI). A Roman Catholic bishop of Italian origin has been killed in northern Kenya soon after violent tribal clashes near the Ethiopian border. In those clashes at least 76 people, including 26 children, have died so far and about 6000 people have been displaced. Bishop Luigi Locati was killed at Isiolo on 14 July, a week before his 77th birthday. He was the Apostolic Vicar of Isiolo diocese where the Catholic Church provides most of the medical services and education. [420 words, ENI-05-0547] Christian-Jewish group pans UCC's Israel 'economic leverage' plan

Jerusalem (ENI). A Christian-Jewish interfaith group has protested a decision by the United Church of Christ to impose what it interprets as a policy of divestment from companies that do business with Israel as well the denomination's condemnation of a West Bank barrier that Israel built following a wave of suicide bombings. Officials from the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews and the Simon Wiesenthal Center called the recent vote by the general synod of the United Church of Christ a hypocritical decision they say will embolden terrorists and lead to more attacks against Israelis. [433 words, ENI-05-0548]

Pope's Harry Potter qualms highlighted before new book published

Bielefeld, Germany (ENI). Pope Benedict XVI believes that Harry Potter erodes Christianity in the soul of young people, a German sociologist has said on the eve of the publication of the latest in the blockbuster series about an English schoolboy wizard. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, he voiced his concern two years before he became pontiff after the publication of the 5th book of the series by the British author J.K. Rowling in a letter to Roman Catholic academic Gabriele Kuby, who like the Pope is from Bavaria. [420 words, ENI-05-0548]

14 July 2005

Nairobi (ENI). Church leaders in Kenya are outraged at the massacre at least 76 people, including young school children, in Marsabit District near the Ethiopian border, in inter-clan violence and have lambasted lax government polices that allowed it to happen. "This is terrible destruction of life and a demonstration of lack of security in the country," said the Rev. Wellington Sanga, secretary of the Methodist Church of Kenya. [420 words, ENI-05-0545]

Reconciliation 'distant' 10 years after Bosnian massacre

Warsaw (ENI). Ten years after Europe's worst mass execution since the Second World War, the Srebrenica massacre, reconciliation remains an arduous task, says Mato Zovkic, vicar-general of the Roman Catholic Church in Sarajevo. "Our congregations, whether Catholic, Orthodox or Muslim, expect us to side with our own ethnic groups - to see and hear them primarily, before we look at what's happening in the neighbour's yard," said Zovkic. [491 words, ENI-05-0546]

Now Palestinian leader issues decree to oust Greek Patriarch

Jerusalem (ENI). Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas has officially withdrawn recognition from Greek Orthodox Patriarch Irineos I in a step that may force the embattled patriarch to heed the decision of his bishops and resign. "We have decided to issue a decree to dismiss Irineos I from his position as the patriarch of Jerusalem and the Holy Land and to revoke all rights and privileges which go with this position," Abbas said. [411 words, ENI-05-0544]

13 July 2005

Canterbury, England (ENI). Like President Robert Mugabe whom he once backed to the hilt as a friend, Wilf Mbanga grew up with a Roman Catholic missionary background, but now he is a bitter opponent of the Zimbabwean leader and is editing a newspaper in exile. At the age of 57, Mbanga, who covered his country's independence war as a correspondent and then became one of Zimbabwe's top editors, is now exiled in Southampton, England with his wife Trish, an evangelical Christian from Harare who helps edit the paper, The Zimbabwean. [730 words, ENI-05-0542]

Lutherans' 2005 award goes to Norwegian and two Americans

New York (ENI). A Norwegian Lutheran missionary and two Americans living in the state of Illinois who have dedicated their lives to social service ministry have been honoured as recipients of the 2005 Wittenberg Award. The annual award, given by the Washington DC-based Luther Institute, honours Lutheran laity and clergy for distinguished service to church and society. [262 words, ENI-05-0541

15 churches to share 'multiplex' centre in Amsterdam suburb

Amsterdam (ENI). Construction has begun in Amsterdam of a multiplex church centre with five worship areas to be used by at least 15 groups in a suburb that has the country's largest number of immigrant churches. The beginning of building work on 6 July heralded the start of a determined effort to ease the chronic shortage of worship space for Christians belonging to the more than 80 immigrant churches in the Bijlmer suburb of Amsterdam. [347 words, ENI-05-0543]

12 July 2005

Harare (ENI). Pope Benedict XVI has expressed support for Zimbabwe's Catholic bishops who have condemned recent actions of their government that have left hundreds of thousands homeless and that shocked a recent delegation of South African church leaders. In a pastoral letter entitled, "The Cry of the Poor", the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops' Conference condemned the seven-week demolition by officials of President Robert Mugabe's government of shanty towns deemed illegal throughout the country. [386 words, ENI-05-0538]

Kenyan church leaders express concern over forest evictions

Nairobi (ENI). Church leaders in Kenya are expressing concern about the eviction of squatters from forest lands in a government exercise that has left more than 10 000 people displaced in southwestern Kenya. "This is a very sensitive issue," said the Rev. Wellington Sanga, the conference secretary of the Methodist Church of Kenya. "We know the government is trying to undo past illegal allocation, but there should be human-face in it." [334 words, ENI-05-0539]

Church of England vote opens way for women bishops, possible split

London (ENI). The Church of England, the founding institution of worldwide Anglicanism, has voted to open the way for women bishops, 11 years after women were first admitted as priests, but faces a potential split on the issue. The church's ruling general synod met in the northern English city of York and made the decision on 11 July by 367 votes to 127. It decided to "set in train" a process to remove legal obstacles to women bishops, with the issue to return to a synod next year. [423 words, ENI-05-0537]

European political and religious leaders want continuing dialogue

Geneva (ENI). Religious leaders from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim traditions along with the president of the European Commission, Manuel Barroso, have said they are committed to making a common, diverse and united Europe a reality. Barroso and the religious leaders after meeting on 12 July reaffirmed their dedication to building a Europe, "where all citizens and nations, regardless of their religion, convictions, language, culture, tradition and ethnic origin, may live together and feel at home united in diversity". [283 words, ENI-05-0540]

11 July 2005

London (ENI). Britain's two largest Christian aid organizations have expressed disappointment about the Africa package agreed at a meeting of the Group of Eight nations last week in Scotland, but have pledged to fight on for economic and trade justice. At least one African church group rued that the 7 July bombings in London that killed at least 52 people and injured hundreds of others had been detrimental to the church-backed Make Poverty History campaign for the G8 meeting. [532 words, ENI-05-0533]

Philippine Catholic bishops soften clamour for Arroyo to quit

Manila (ENI). The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines has slowed the momentum of calls for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to step down over accusations of vote rigging and charges of illegal gambling payments that implicate her family. In a pastoral letter the bishops said they would not join the clamour demanding the resignation of the embattled president. However, they advised the president to ponder what her opponents were demanding and how it related to good governance in the country. [414 words, ENI-05-0532]

Zambian churches lament refugees' plight in their country

Lusaka (ENI). Refugees in Zambia suffer verbal abuse, harassment, arbitrary detention, and physical violence, say church leaders who are campaigning for the government to alleviate the situation of people who have taken refuge in the central African country. "The Church regrets the fact that people with genuine protection concerns have been forcibly returned from Zambia to countries to countries where their lives or freedom are in jeopardy," said leaders of the (Roman Catholic) Zambia Episcopal Conference, the Council of Churches of Zambia, and the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia. [441 words, ENI-05-0536]

8 July 2005

London (ENI). The main representative bodies in Britain for Christians and Muslims have jointly condemned "in the strongest possible terms" the London bombs that left at least 50 people dead and around 700 injured. A statement from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and the Muslim Council of Britain described the explosions on 7 July hitting three underground trains and a bus as a "criminal attack". [385 words, ENI-05-0528]

New religious groups challenge churches in Africa, says Vatican aide

Nairobi (ENI). Cardinal Walter Kasper, the Vatican's top official for Christian unity, says proselytism and the growth of new religious groups, Pentecostal and African indigenous churches are challenging ecumenism in Africa where Christianity is on the rise. "Christians have many things in common, but they still have differences," Kasper told journalists in Nairobi, where he was attending a conference on ecumenism. "But we are in a globalising world so we have to work together." [262 words, ENI-05-0531]

Afro-Anglicans to meet in Canada to celebrate black heritage

Vancouver (ENI). Hundreds of black Anglicans from around the world are to converge this month on Toronto, Canada, for the third international conference on Afro-Anglicanism. "We will be celebrating the gifts of our common heritage within the Anglican Communion," said the Rev. Stephen Fields, chair of the local planning committee for the gathering. South African Anglican Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane is to attend the conference whose patrons include Mozambique Bishop Dinis Sengulane, and Ugandan-born Bishop John Sentamu who has been named as the next Archbishop of York, the second-highest post in the Church of England. [283 words, ENI-05-0527]

Israel invites Pope Benedict to visit Holy Land

Jerusalem (ENI). Israeli officials have invited Pope Benedict XVI to visit the Holy Land, in another sign of warming ties between the Jewish state and the Holy See. The invitation from Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon was delivered by Communications Minister Dalia Itzik during a private meeting at the Vatican with Benedict at which she presented the pontiff with a first edition copy of an Israeli stamp commemorating Pope John Paul II's visit to the Holy Land. [289 words, ENI-05-0526]

Seventh-day Adventist membership in N. America tops 1 million

New York (ENI). The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America now has more than 1 million members, the denomination has announced. The membership figures were presented during the church's general conference meeting in St Louis, Missouri. Officials said the church has grown by 153 000 new members since 2000 and that there are now 6000 Adventist congregations in the United States and Canada. [208 words, ENI-05-0529]

7 July 2005

Manila (ENI). Protestant churches belonging to the National Council of Churches in the Philippines have urged President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to resign after questioning about her conduct in the 2004 presidential election. "The most honourable thing for her to do now is to resign," said the council, which groups eight Protestant churches with about 13 million members, after the president admitted "a lapse in judgement" for a conversation with an election official. [293 words, ENI-05-0523]

Pakistan Christian told to burn papers, faces death over Quran insult

New Delhi (ENI). The arrest of a 60-year-old illiterate Christian sweeper on charges of defacing the Quran has prompted Pakistan's Roman Catholic Church to reiterate its call for the repeal of blasphemy laws which carry the death penalty. Yousaf Masih, a Catholic who is a professional sweeper, was arrested at Naushera village in the North West Frontier Province on 28 June under the blasphemy law which legislates that insulting Islam, its prophet Muhammad or the Quran can be punished with death. [437 words, ENI-05-0524]

Canadian Lutherans faces backlash over same-sex blessings' plan

Vancouver (ENI). The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is dived il ahead of a 21-24 July meeting in Winnipeg at which it is to consider a resolution that would give congregations a "local option" to institute blessings for same-sex couples. Opponents have garnered 4000 signatures - among them more than 100 pastors - on a Statement of Concern protesting against the resolution drafted by the denomination's national church council. The opponents say the proposal is divisive and wrong and should be defeated. [327 words, ENI-05-0522]

World church leaders condemn London attacks as barbaric

Geneva (ENI). World church leaders have expressed horror and condemnation at a series of bomb blasts in London that have killed more than 37 people and have badly wounded hundreds of others. They pleaded for a strengthening of the values terrorists sought to destroy and said extremists must not be allowed to create divisions between communities. World Council of Churches general secretary the Rev. Samuel Kobia said: "Peace is the only way to achieve justice for all. When, as it seems on this occasion, violence is deliberately targeting civilians and willing to create terror in the population, it could be described as a crime against humanity. There is nothing that can justify the killing of innocent people anywhere." [592 words, ENI-0525]

6 July 2005

Warsaw (ENI). Russia's Orthodox Moscow Patriarchate has come closer to healing an eight-decade division after outlining areas of agreement with a Russian Orthodox church abroad that has run its own affairs since a schism after the 1917 Bolshevik revolution. However, the churches indicated that reunification could lead to a downgrading of ties with other Christian denominations. [469 words, ENI-05-0518]

Zambian church body supports use of condoms in AIDS fight

Lusaka (ENI). The Council of Churches in Zambia is supporting condoms in the fight against HIV/AIDS after it opposed their use along with the Roman Catholic Church for many years since the pandemic arrived in the early 1980s. The Zambia Episcopal Conference, which represents the Catholic Church, and some member churches of the CCZ as well as the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia still oppose the use of condoms, arguing they encourage immorality and promiscuity. [310 words, ENI-05-0519]

United Church of Christ in US endorses same-sex marriage

New York (ENI). The United Church of Christ has become the first major denomination in the United States to endorse same-sex marriage. In a move heralded as historic by gay-rights proponents and criticised by opponents of same sex relationships, the UCC's general synod, meeting in Atlanta, on 4 July voted overwhelmingly in favour of a resolution that "affirms equal marriage rights for couples regardless of gender". [312 words, ENI-05-0521]

Colonial soldier who became Kenyan education pioneer dies at 72

Nairobi (ENI). Dr Geoffrey William Griffin, a Kenyan educationalist born to a British family and seen as a "father" to thousands of orphans in Kenya, has died aged 72. Griffin served in the British army during Kenya's Mau Mau uprising against colonial rule in the 1950s, but became disillusioned and in 1959 founded a centre in three tin huts for boys orphaned during the conflict. The institute grew to become one of Nairobi's top schools, the Starehe Boys Centre, admitting poor boys from across Kenya. [397 words, ENI-05-0520]

6 July 2005

New York, le 6 juillet (ENI) - L'Eglise adventiste du septième jour a pour la première fois élu une femme à la vice-présidence de l'Eglise. Ella Simmons, enseignante de 57 ans, a été élue le 3 juillet par les délégués qui participaient à la 58e Conférence mondiale de l'Eglise à Saint-Louis, dans le Missouri, aux Etats-Unis. (ENI-05-0258F)

Les Eglises et les Sri-Lankais affectés par le tsunami déplorent le manque de coordination des secours

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, le 6 juillet (ENI) - Aisha Biwi et ses deux fils, âgés de 5 et de 8 ans, n'ont pas mangé depuis 48 heures. Désespérée, cette veuve musulmane se lamente: "Il n'y a pas eu de feu dans notre four depuis deux jours." Aisha Biwi fait partie de cette vingtaine de familles musulmanes qui se sont déplacées en juin dans un ensemble d'abris temporaires érigés à Kinniya, à 35 kilomètres de Trincomalee sur la côte orientale de Sri Lanka. (ENI-05-0259\F)

5 July 2005

Jerusalem (ENI). A Palestinian Authority committee of inquiry has cleared Irineos, the deposed Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, of accusations that he was involved in leasing church property to Jewish investors. The findings could mean Irineos will be able to hold on to his job as patriarch despite being disowned in May by leaders of the world's Orthodox churches and deposed by his own bishops over the land scandal. [396 words, ENI-05-0513]

Churches razed in Zimbabwe 'trash cleanup', Methodists alarmed

Harare (ENI). Two church buildings belonging to the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa in Chitungwiza - about 25 kilometres south of Harare - have been destroyed in a government programme of mass evictions and demolition of settlements deemed illegal. The number of people "thrown out on the streets" in Zimbabwe is between one million and 1.5 million, Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, was quoted saying by the South African Broadcasting Corporation. [331 words, ENI-05-0515]

Kenyan Anglican church backs Israel divestment call

Nairobi (ENI). The Anglican Church of Kenya has backed a call from a top committee of the 75 million-member Anglican Communion urging churches to divest from companies whose activities contribute to the occupation of Palestinian land or to violence against innocent Israelis. "No person who believes in justice and human dignity can really support Israel in whatever it is doing," Kenyan Bishop Gideon Ireri, who heads the church's peace and justice network, told journalists on 1 July at the end of a synod meeting. "You only have to go there and [you will] sympathise with the Palestinians especially when it comes to the separation wall." [247 words, ENI-05-0514]

Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern to meet Pope Benedict XVI

Dublin (ENI). The Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern is to meet Pope Benedict XVI on 7 July at the Vatican and he will become one of the few political leaders to have privately met with the pontiff since he was elected in April. The two are expected to discuss British-administered Northern Ireland as well as the future of the European Union and other international issues, including the worldwide campaign to Make Poverty History, said government officials. [265 words, ENI-05-0517]

Seventh-day Adventists elect first woman as vice president

New York (ENI). The Seventh-day Adventist Church has selected its first woman to serve as one of the denomination's vice presidents. Ella Simmons, a 57-year-old educator, was elected by delegates attending the church's 58th world convention in St. Louis, Missouri. [269 words, ENI-05-0516]

4 July 2005

London (ENI). Scotland is preparing for further protests in advance of a summit of the Group of Eight (G8) principal industrial nations after a march that brought 225 000 people to its capital, Edinburgh, to send a message about global poverty. So many people wanted to join the demonstration on 2 July that marchers were still queuing to leave the starting point after the scheduled end of the event. [626 words, ENI-05-0508]

Kenyan church to reject US funds in row over homosexuality

Nairobi (ENI). The Anglican Church of Kenya is to refuse financial support from its counterpart in the United States because of the consecration of an openly gay bishop in the US, but it says this action will not jeopardise church activities in the East African country. "We have said no to the funds from the American church because we believe a church is formed to preach the gospel," Kenyan Anglican Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi told journalists. [327 words, ENI-05-0509]

Ultra-orthodox protestor halts gay pride demo in Jerusalem

Jerusalem (ENI). A gay pride parade through the streets of Jerusalem which had stirred controversy among Jewish, Christian and Muslim groups was temporarily halted when an ultra-orthodox Jewish protester stabbed three participants. The assailant was among a group of about 200 protesters who picketed the parade along the streets of the holy city on 30 June. He jumped out of a crowd and stabbed one man in the chest and then knifed a woman in the hand before turning his knife on another participant. He then ran back into a crowd of ultra-religious protesters who had tried to block the parade's path. [388 words, ENI-05-0510]

French Catholic woman ordained a priest faces excommunication

Lyon, France (ENI). French Roman Catholic bishops have condemned the "ordination" of a Catholic woman by a movement campaigning for the Catholic Church to accept women priests. Genevieve Beney, aged 56 and married to a Protestant, faces excommunication after the ordination ceremony on a boat on the Saone river running through the French city of Lyon. It was conducted by three women "bishops" already excommunicated by the Vatican. [371 words, ENI-05-0511] Tsunami relief coordination distresses Sri Lanka church workers

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka (ENI). Aisha Biwi and her two sons, aged five and eight, had not eaten for 48 hours. Distressed, the Muslim widow said: "There's been no smoke in our oven for the last two days." Biwi is among more than 20 Muslim families who during June moved into a cluster of temporary shelters erected at Kinniya, 25 kilometres from Trincomalee on Sri Lanka's east coast. Previously she had been in a camp at a school in Kinniya where more than 200 people died in the massive tidal waves triggered by an undersea earthquake on 26 December. [497 words, ENI-05-0512]

1 July 2005

Geneva (ENI). Why are Australia's Sydney Harbour Bridge, Rome's Trevi Fountain, London's St Paul's Cathedral, Berlin's Brandenburg Gate and many other landmarks wrapped in white bands? "To draw attention to the campaign to end global poverty," said the Rev. Simon Oxley, a Baptist minister working at the World Council of Churches, in advance of a prayer meeting on 1 July, which has been declared "International White Band Day". [559 words, ENI-05-0507]

US religious leaders call for Iraq withdrawal timetable

New York (ENI). Church leaders in the United States opposed to the US-led military action in Iraq have stepped up calls for a change in policy, describing the war as "dishonourable" at the same time as President George W. Bush mounted a televised defence of the intervention. "It has become clear that the rationale for invasion was at best a tragic mistake, at worst a clever deception," said a statement which originated with the governing board of the National Council of Churches (NCC) and was issued to coincide with the 4 July independence holiday. [309 words, ENI-05-0503]

Irish church leaders endorse 'Make Poverty History' campaign

Dublin (ENI). Nine leaders of different Christian denominations in Ireland - which for a number of decades in the 20th century was considered a poor country - have joined their counterparts from other nations and endorsed the Make Poverty History campaign. "We have the resources, knowledge and technology to end this human tragedy - but we need more political will to make it happen. There are encouraging signs that this is happening, but more needs to be done," they said. [365 words, ENI-05-0505]

Kenyan churches call for government action on killer booze

Machakos, Kenya (ENI). The deaths of at least 50 people who consumed an illicit home brewed liquor in the Machakos district of eastern Kenya have left church leaders aggrieved and demanding government action on illegal alcohol. "We are shocked and sad," said the Rev. Scholar Wayua, the Anglican priest in charge of the Greater Machakos parish where the deaths occurred. "People should take care of themselves, but we challenge the government to take action to rid the country of illicit brews." [301 words, ENI-05-0506]

Rabbis shun interfaith talks after 'pressure' from Islamic extremists

Jerusalem (ENI). Leading Israeli rabbis have refused to take part in an interfaith conference in Qatar after organizers requested that they not appear on the panel or participate in the programme due to pressure from Islamic fundamentalists, Israeli officials have said. "Due to pressure that was put on the Qataris from Islamic extremists against having any Jews, the Qataris communicated to the Israeli Foreign Ministry that while the Israelis would be very welcome they would not appear formally on the programme or on the panels," said David Rosen, one of the rabbis who pulled out of the meeting. [320 words, ENI-05-0502]

WCC leader wants Geneva research centre to promote interfaith links

Geneva (ENI). The World Council of Churches has inaugurated a new Ecumenical Research Centre near Geneva that it hopes will help build bridges and promote understanding between the different religions and peoples of the world. "The world has become a global village, and the phenomenon of religious plurality can no longer be ignored," said WCC general secretary the Rev. Samuel Kobia at the inauguration this week of the centre. "At a time when multi-faith living is increasingly becoming a reality in Europe and the rest of the world, it will be appropriate for this centre to include the participation of scholars and people of other faiths as well." [308 words, ENI-05-0504]

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