The Power of Christmas

http://www.nationalreview.com/jgraham/graham200512221014.asp

[National Review Online] December 22, 2005--And so it came to pass that Joseph, the earthly father of Our Savior, had to go out of town, and in his absence, my son Galen was promoted from lowly shepherd to the most famous stepfather in history.

Christmas parties in Asia point seekers to faith in Jesus & fellowship in house churches

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22344

[Baptist Press] December 22, 2005--Throughout southern Asia, Southern Baptist workers are hosting Christmas parties to introduce Jesus to Hindu, Muslim and Buddhist friends who do not yet know the true meaning of Christmas.

Orthodox Anglicans might consider inviting their unchurched friends, neighbors and relatives to Christmas parties like those described in the article to help them learn the true meaning of Christmas and to find fellowship in an Anglican house group.

His Unequaled Love’

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22350

[Baptist Press] December 22, 2005--Take God’s Word and turn, if you will, to Luke, chapter 2, the Christmas story. I’m going to begin reading in just a moment in verse 1 of Luke, chapter 2.

Call Darwinism what it is -- a religion

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22351

[Baptist Press] December 22, 2005--The headline read, “Judge rules against Intelligent Design: Religious alternative to evolution cannot be taught in public school classes.” Evangelical and conservative commentators alike picked up the rhetoric and most bemoaned the fact of another public setback in the culture wars.

The Apocalypse at Christmastime

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22353

[Baptist Press] December 22, 2005--At the outset of the Christmas season a few Sundays ago, I was preparing to teach a Sunday School class in a series from Revelation on Jesus as a conquering Warrior Messiah, dripped in blood and destroying His enemies. Somehow it seemed a little inappropriate for this time of year.

Are you listening?

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22354

[Baptist Press] December 22, 2005--What does God respond to? One thing should be a no-brainer, but for most of us it’s a very neglected aspect of our lives: listening to Him.

Pastor starts new church

http://www.gazette.net/stories/122205/walknew205606_31900.shtml

[Gazette] December 22, 2005--A new church called the Lamb of God Charismatic Episcopal Church will hold its first service at 11 p.m. on Christmas Eve in what locals call the ‘‘Little Church on the Hill” on Angleberger Road in Lewistown.

The Charismatic Episcopal Church is not part of the Anglican Communion or a Continuing Anglican Church . However, it has attracted disaffected Episcopalians in recent years.

Straw's sister in ritual dance

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/12/22/nstraw22.xml&sSheet=/news/2005/12/22/ixhome.html

[Telegraph] December 22, 2005--An Anglican dean has defended the sister of Jack Straw after complaints about her "spiritual dancing" at his cathedral.

Some churches not taking holiday this holy Sunday

http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=127312&format=html

[The Herald-Mail Online] December 22, 2005--While many area churches are having elaborate and traditional Christmas Eve observances, few are using that as a reason not to have a service on Christmas Day, which falls on Sunday this year.

Christingles light up special service

http://www.news24.com/Regional_Papers/Components/Category_Article_Text_Template/0,,486_1854575~E,00.html

[Hermanus Times] December 22, 2005--Christmas is the time of the year when the birth of the Christ child is celebrated. On Sunday evening a very special family carol service was held in St Peter's Anglican church.

Standing with Christ crucified

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/editorial.php

[The Church of England Newspaper] December 22, 2005--Constantine’s victory over Maxentius in 312 at the battle of Milvian Bridge saw the beginning of the end of official persecution of Christians, as Constantine became Emperor and adopted an increasingly sympathetic approach to Christianity as the fast growing faith in the West. The ‘establishment’ of Christianity followed quickly and Constantine was the convenor of the Council of Nicea in 325 to define the status of Christ as the divine Son. Slavery was later abolished under Justinian. The Christian way became part of the fabric of society. Establishment in England continues structurally to reflect such influence. But this ancient pattern, which of course had it dark side as well its merits, now exists in form alone. It becomes clearer by the day that Christianity as a kind of moral stitching of social value is being deliberately unpicked at many levels. The Constantinian pattern is going into reverse, and this leaves an established church particularly exposed and tempted to water down its message.

The Episcopal Church and Biblical Fundamentalism - a Response

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3412

[VirtueOnline] December 22, 2005--Recently, a senior priest in the Diocese of Florida posted an article on the web titled "THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND BIBLICAL FUNDAMENTALISM." Posting something on the web is a little like nailing something on cathedral doors at the time of Luther, it is an invitation to discussion. Because I know and respect the priest who wrote this piece, I will assume he wanted to spark honest discussion.

Military chaplains told to shy from Jesus

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3411

[The Washington Times] December 21, 2005--To pray -- or not to pray -- in Jesus' name is the question plaguing an increasing number of U.S. military chaplains, one of whom began a multiday hunger strike outside the White House yesterday.

Vicar's blessing ignores guidelines from bishops

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1953129,00.html

[Times Online] December 22, 2005--A vicar who had his civil partnership blessed at a church service yesterday could face disciplinary action from the Church of England.

Priests, Nuns Brutally Assaulted in China

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1369841.html

[Compass Direct] December 22, 2005--Mobs attacked nuns in Xi’an and priests in Tianjin during the past month as the Roman Catholics peacefully tried to settle property disputes with the government.

Christmas draws record numbers back to church

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/12/19/nchur119.xml

[Telegraph] December 19, 2005--The Church of England is experiencing a huge resurgence of churchgoing this Christmas, according to a new survey hailed as evidence that Britain remains essentially Christian.

Where Does Christ Fit into Your Christmas?

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/1236159.html

[Crosswalk.com] December 22, 2005--Imagine throwing a birthday party for a friend, inviting hundreds of guests, preparing an abundant supply of food, and decorating for hours on end, without ever inviting him or her to the party. That would be crazy!

Canada Legalizes "Sex Clubs" - "14-year-olds will be exploited"

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05122104.html

[LifeSiteNew.com] December 21, 2005--The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that group sex in publicly accessible venues is legal.

Group sex neither offends nor harms the Canadian public, argues Supreme Court Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin.

Christian school faces discrimination suit

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/12/21/news/californian/21_33_4112_20_05.txt

[NCTimes] December 20, 2005-- In what one state official is calling the first case of its kind, two students and their parents are suing a private, Christian high school for expelling the two students for allegedly being lesbians.

True Christian must wish everyone a Merry Christmas

http://www.tribune-georgian.com/articles/2005/12/21/news/opinion/letters/1letter12.21.txt

[Tribune & Georgian] December 22, 2005--Dear Editor, You've probably noticed during the last couple of weeks the people, the stores are saying "Happy Holidays," instead of "Merry Christmas." I guess they want to be politically correct.

Costco Replies to Numerous Complaints Regarding Fired Knight of Columbus

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05122106.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 21, 2005--Costco has received numerous complaints after LifeSiteNews.com broke a story about a Knight of Columbus fired from Costco for denying a co-worker a hall for her same-sex wedding (see story: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/).

Christian beliefs are being suppressed

http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2005/12/21/opinion/letters/doc43a8ed0487e19473610401.txt

[Quad-City Times] December 22, 2005--Our country was designed so that we have the right to choose to believe or not believe in Christ. It is Christians who are now being suppressed.

"Nothing Extraordinary"?

http://www.insidethevatican.com/newsflash/2005/newsflash-dec20-05.htm

[Inside the Vatican] December 22, 2005--An analysis of the new Vatican document on homosexuality and the priesthood, dated November 4 and published in Rome on November 29.

ACLU Secularists Defeat Intelligent Design Choice; Lose on Kentucky Ten Commandments

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05122108.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 21, 2005--Judge John Jones, of the District Court for the middle district of Pennsylvania, has ruled that the Dover school district violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, usually called “separation of Church and State,” by allowing their schools to teach so-called “intelligent design” (ID) as an alternative to Darwinian evolution.

Related articles:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/151/32.0.html
Intelligent Design Is Too Religious For Schools, Judge Rules - ChristianityToday.com
http://nationalreview.com/comment/klinghoffer200512210814.asp
It’s God or Darwin - National Review Online
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22334
Appeals court upholds Ten Commandments display, judge rebukes ACLU as 'tiresome' - Baptist Press

Church Planting in Uganda: An effective system for the States

http://www.tesm.edu/sh/2005-5/uganda

[Seed and Harvest] November-December 2005--Ben and I learned several things in Uganda regarding church and diocesan planting. The first was the importance and power of the laity. The growth of the church in North Ankole does not revolve around a few gifted clergy; it is driven by passionate, mission driven lay people. Secondly, the diocese is designed to support the mission of the local parish as opposed to the parish supporting the mission of the diocese. It has been my experience in the US that the parish functions to not only keep its own programs functioning, but the diocesan programs as well. What we saw in the Diocese of North Ankole was a bishop and diocesan staff whose primary purpose was to uphold the mission of the local parish. What was so beautiful was that because of the diocese’s support, the parishes were then in return freely able to support the ministry of the diocese and see to it that it would not only grow, but multiply.

Anglicans mourn Bishop Ereaku

http://www.anglican-nig.org/bshpereaku_death.htm

[Church of Nigeria News] December 14, 2005--The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) is in a state of mourning after the death of a young enterprising and evangelical Bishop.

Evangelism: Missionary diocese of Western Izon maps out 117 communities for church planting

http://www.anglican-nig.org/westernizon_evang.htm

[Church of Nigeria News] December 6, 2005--The Anglican Communion, which has an ambitious project to double its size to 36 million by 2007, has mapped out 117 riverine communities in Bayelsa and Delta States, for church planting beginning from 2006.

‘Happy Christmas.’ Why in God’s name should that cause offence?

http://www.irishexaminer.com/pport/web/opinion/Full_Story/did-sglyft-qkwjOwsgadLjt5C321I.asp

[Irish Examiner] December 21, 2005-- “It is a totally unnecessary example of political correctness to avoid sensitivities people simply do not have,” argued Anglican archdeacon John Barton....

How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus: One Theory

http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=81960

[Zenit News Agency] December 20, 2005--The modern persona of Santa Claus is a far cry from its origins: St. Nicholas, bishop of Myra.

The Church of Ireland - A Church for Ireland in the 21st century?

http://www.reform-ireland.org/index.php?p=230&r=1

[Reform Ireland] December 21, 2005--When the foundations are being destroyed....

Lay Presidency at the Lord’s Supper: Opening a Debate for the Church

http://www.reform-ireland.org/index.php?p=101&r=1

{Reform Irleand] December 21, 2005--In terms of its present practice with regard to the Lord's Supper the Church of Ireland might easily be accused of a creeping Catholicism. Whereas for the most part the entire congregation now joins in the erstwhile 'priestly' words of the Collect for Purity and the Prayer of Humble Access, or again it is admissible for a licensed lay reader to read, or preach, or even pronounce absolution in the first person plural form, only the ordained minister, and an ordained presbyter at that, is permitted to preside at the Lord's Table during the Prayer of Consecration. In a church which claims to be biblically reformed and reforming this surely must be questioned - if ever there were a case of Protestant priestcraft, this is it! For evangelicals who remain opposed to the use of stoles because of the division of word and sacrament which they imply, such a pattern is tantamount to a 'vestiture of praxis' in that the opportunity to serve for those who are otherwise seen as leaders in the local church is denied at this crucial point. Perhaps the time is now right for some considered reflection and courageous thinking as to how this restriction might be ended.

The Windsor Report and Scripture

http://www.reform-ireland.org/index.php?p=105&r=1

[Reform Ireland] November 16, 2005--Following the decisions of the Canadian diocese of New Westminster, to approve 'same-sex blessings', and the appointment by the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA) of a practising homosexual to be bishop of New Hampshire, the Primates of the Anglican Communion at a meeting in Lambeth Palace in October 2003 not only condemned such moves, but also asked the Archbishop of Canterbury to establish a commission to look at the theological and legal issues that surrounded these dangerous innovations. However, the decision was taken for the subsequent Lambeth Commission not to rule on whether or not the Canadian and American innovations were unbiblical, but rather to focus primary attention on how best to maintain the institutional unity of the Anglican Communion.

Have yourself a megachurch Christmas

http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=RELIGION-FAITH-12-21-05

[Scripps Howard News Service] December 21, 2005--"I think the whole Christmas wars story was being driven by TV talk shows and politics and we just turned into the next day's story," said Mark Ashton, who serves as "pastor of spiritual development" at Willow Creek.

"Ironically, when all is said and done, this could turn into the biggest outreach event that we've ever done as a church."

Willow Creek has, as a rule, never held services on Christmas Day, he explained. The exception came in 1994, which was the last time Christmas fell on a Sunday. After hosting the usual throngs in the pre-Christmas services, hardly anyone _ which at Willow Creek means 1,000-plus people _ returned that Christmas Sunday. This is serious, since it takes 1,000-plus people to operate the children's ministries, youth groups, food services, bookstore operations and parking lots when the megachurch opens its doors on an ordinary Sunday.

Thus, Willow Creek's leaders decided to create a 12-minute DVD this year containing a story _ entitled "Emmanuel: God With Us" _ about a young woman in Chicago struggling to understand the meaning of Christmas. The church produced 25,000 of the DVDs for home use by families on Sunday.

"We don't think that we're skipping worship on that Christmas Sunday," said Ashton. "What we're doing is decentralizing it. ... We're hoping to end up with 20,000 miniservices in homes in the Chicago area and all across America."

Church Leaders Combating National Negatives By Energizing Congregations, Says Faith Alive

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3406

[VirtueOnline] December 21, 2005--Faith Alive is ramping up to meet new demands for ministry as an increasing number of churches look to its lay witness weekend as an opportunity to keep focused on how God is working within their congregations.

Bishop Accepts Missioner's Departure as Renunciation

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3405

[VirtueOnline] December 20, 2005--On Monday, Dec. 19, 2005, the Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia, accepted the written statement of departure from the ordained ministry of the Episcopal Church of the Rev. Phil Ashey as a notice of renunciation of the ordained Ministry of the Episcopal Church under Canon III.13 of the Episcopal Church Canons.

Without A Website a Church Is Not On the Roadmap, Says Expert

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1667/section/without.a.website.a.church.is.not.on.the.roadmap.says.expert/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 20, 2005--A church without a website is a church that's not on the roadmap, according to the head of a Web development company that specializes in building websites for larger congregations.

In the 21st Century a website is a must for churches seeking to pursue and reach the unchurched.

Christian Student Club Denied Official Status over Homosexuality Restrictions

http://www.christianpost.com/article/education/1074/section/christian.student.club.denied.official.status.over.homosexuality.restrictions/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 20, 2005--The number of California universities in conflict with Christian organizations or clubs increased by one this week in a case where a campus group is being denied recognition because it denies membership to homosexuals.

The War Against The Light

http://thewandererpress.com/a12-22-2005.htm

[The Wanderer] December 22, 2005--We elderly and semi-elderly people can still remember a time when nothing was less controversial than the words “Merry Christmas.” If you said them in July, of course, you might be regarded as more than a little eccentric, perhaps in need of professional help of some kind, but even then people would have been puzzled, not offended.

Noted U.S. Psychologists Condemn Gay Activist Influence on APA

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05122008.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 20, 2005--Accuse mental-health associations of allowing gay activists to distort research.

Dispatches from the War on Christmas

http://www.family.org/cforum/extras/a0038928.cfm

[CitizenLink] December 14, 2005--CitizenLink readers weigh in with stories from the front lines on the battle to call the Dec. 25 holiday by its actual name.

1st Amendment 'doesn't create church-state wall of separation'

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48006

[WorldNetDaily] December 20, 2005--Court whacks civil-liberties group, OKs Ten Commandments display.

Catholic Church again protests against registered partnership

http://www.praguemonitor.com/ctk/?id=20051219F02145;story=Catholic-Church-again-protests-against-registered-partnership

[Prague Daily Monitor] December 19, 2005--The Catholic Church again sharply protested against the bill on registered partnership of same-sex couples passed by the Chamber of Deputies on Friday in a statement issued by the Catholic Bishops' Conference today.

UK Church Leaders Speak Out Against Anti-Christmas Trend

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1369274.html

[Crosswalk.com] December 21, 2005--As Christmas nears, religious leaders here have launched an unprecedented attack on "political correctness" and what they call the increasing secularization of the holiday.

Appeals Court Approves Ten Commandments Display in Kentucky

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1369421.html

[CNSNews.com] December 21, 2005-- A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday in favor of keeping the Ten Commandments in a display of historical documents at the courthouse in Mercer County, Ky.

Fewer services doesn't mean lesser Christmas, syas ministers

http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/christmas_night_is_for_families_says_church/

[sydneyanglicans.net] December 22, 2005--Amidst verseas media reports of US 'mega churches' shutting down Sunday services at Christmas, Sydney Anglicans have offered their ownexplanation for reduced gatherings this year.

Stop apologising for being Christian

http://www.opinion.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2005/12/21/do2101.xml

[Telegraph] December 21, 2005--A measure of the sort of country we now live in - or fear we live in - was to be found on the front of Monday's Daily Telegraph. "Stand up for Christmas, archbishops tell their flocks", our headline read.

The Fight Before Christmas

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1139412,00.html

[Time Online Edition] December 9, 2005--Evangelicals split over the decision by some megachurches to close on Christmas Day. Inside the controversy.

Western Isles votes to ban gay wedding ceremonies

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/52772.html

[The Herald] December 19, 2005--The Western Isles is to become the only region in Britain to ban gay wedding ceremonies, it emerged yesterday.

Twisted tradition

http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/twisted-tradition/2005/12/20/1135032014682.html

[The Age] December 21, 2005--Christmas means many things to many people. To some, it's a celebration of the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which we commemorate by exchanging gift vouchers and consuming enough carbs to last us until autumn.

The House of Bishops: a generation of vipers

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3399

[VirtueOnline] December 19, 2005--By now, it must be apparent to orthodox evangelical and Anglo-Catholic parishes caught in revisionist dioceses, that their days are numbered.

Scottish Gays Say 'I Do'

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon05/12/122005scotland.htm

[365gay.com] December 20, 2005-- Seven gay and lesbian couples headed to town halls and registry offices in Scotland on Tuesday to sign the register and become official civil partners, a day after their counterparts in Northern Ireland, and day before those in England and Wales, did the same.

Three of the couples tied the knot in Edinburgh. One of them was an American couple - John Maguire and Laurence Scott-Mackay who live in Washington but who have returned to Edinburgh for their ceremony. Following the registry officer ceremony their union was blessed by the former Anglican Bishop of Edinburgh, Richard Holloway.

Canadian Anglicans wipe themselves out

http://www.michnews.com/artman/publish/article_10945.shtml

[MichNews.com] December 20, 2005--That’s a possibility.

Ousted Episcopal church establishes new connections

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/NEWS01/512200335/1002/NEWS

[Rochester Democrat & Chronicle] December 20, 2005-- A church that was recently voted out of the local Episcopal diocese has aligned itself with the Church of Uganda.

Related article:
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051219/NEWS01/512200306/1007/SPORTS
Excised All Saints here now Church of Uganda - Rochester Democrat & Chronicle

O Come, Let Us Ignore Him

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/607/section/o.come.let.us.ignore.him/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 19, 2005--The war waged against Christmas has been horrendous this year. Cities have refused to allow for public Nativity displays. Public schools have forbidden Christmas religious themes and decorations, revised old Christmas hymns and replaced the words with secular phrases. Retailers have substituted the Merry Christmas greeting with Happy Holidays. Christmas trees have been renamed Holiday trees.

CHRISTMAS - it's all in the word

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3402

[VirtueOnline] December 20, 2005--We have seen a secular (could we say sinister) attempt to eliminate "Merry Christmas" and replace it with "Happy Holiday". Take away the name to take away the message.

Catholic, Protestant Divide

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3400

[VirtueOnline] December 19, 2005--In recent times there has been a rekindling of the effort to reconcile Rome with Anglican Protestants. I do not condemn such effort, but I have to point out that there are differences and that it will take years of hard work between men of good will. If John Calvin and the Vatican could talk of reunion way back then, there is much good to say about the current talks. Of course, remember that Calvin's underlings were against reconciliation because it affected their positions.

Sticking Points

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/012/23.71.html

[ChristianityToday.com] December 20, 2005--Despite recent rapprochement, evangelicals and Catholics remain far apart on key issues.

Do all roads really lead to heaven?

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22320

[Baptist Press] December 19, 2005--A documentary from ABC News correspondent Barbara Walters, titled "Heaven: where is it? And how do we get there?" airs Tuesday night, Dec. 20, purporting to bring viewers closer to the celestial abode than they may have ever been.

Truth, Christmas, and the Eucharist

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/151/23.0.html

[ChristianityToday.com] December 20, 2005--Why I didn't like the hymns and praise songs we were singing—and why I was missing the point.

Fray over ‘Christmas’ fuels SBC leader’s column, novella

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22316

[Baptist Press] December 19, 2005--Author, lawyer and Southern Baptist missions leader Randy Singer has entered the national debate over the appropriateness and legality of public religious expressions during the Christmas season with the publication of his newest novel and a column in USA Today.

A Year of Violence Against India's Catholics

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1368850.html

[Crosswalk.com] December 20, 2005--As Catholic believers across India gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus, many will carry physical or emotional scars as a result of attacks launched by Hindu extremists over the past year.

All Major U.S. Media Lean Left Except Fox News and Washington Times, UCLA Study Finds

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121903.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 19, 2005--While the editorial page of The Wall Street Journal is conservative, the newspaper's news pages are liberal, even more liberal than The New York Times. The Drudge Report may have a right-wing reputation, but it leans left. Coverage by public television and radio is conservative compared to the rest of the mainstream media. Meanwhile, almost all major media outlets tilt to the left.

City Sued for Banning Christian Dancers from Performing in Holiday Event

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/192005a.asp

[AgapePress] December 19, 2005--The American Family Association Center for Law & Policy (CLP) has lodged a civil rights complaint against the City of Chula Vista (California) and the supervisor of its recreation department. The complaint stems from a December 3 incident in which a Christian hip-hop dance group affiliated with a local church, after being invited to perform, was removed by a city official from a holiday festival performance sponsored by the city.

Pope’s New Representative to U.S. Had Denounced Jerusalem “Gay Pride”

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121904.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 19, 2005--Archbishop Pietro Sambi, newly appointed as Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, had condemned a Gay Pride celebration planned for Jerusalem last August. Then Apostolic Nuncio to Israel and Palestine, Archbishop Sambi called the planned gathering “a provocation to the Jews, Christians and Muslims of Jerusalem and all over the world,” reported Joel Greenberg for the Jewish World Review.

Belgian Pharmacists Given Green Light to Supply Euthanasia Cocktail

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121912.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 19, 2005--Belgian pharmacists were given the go-ahead to dispense lethal cocktails to physicians who request them for the purpose of euthanizing patients, three years after the practice was legalized.

Related article:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121913.html
Swiss Hospital Sanctions Euthanasia - LifeSiteNews.com

Christian schools don't restrain celebration

http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20051219/NEWS/112190012

[MSNBC] December 19, 2005--As public schools walk the line of political correctness during the holiday season, private schools are welcome to celebrate to their hearts' content.

Plano woman sues over Christian pamphlets

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa051219_lj_plano.26a45a38.html

[WFAA.com] December 19, 2005--A woman who was told she couldn't hand out religious materials on a sidewalk in front of a school sued the Crowley Independent School District on Monday.

Corporatised churches shun Christmas

http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/corporatised-churches-shun-christmas/2005/12/19/1134840793750.html

[The Age] December 20, 2005--Some of America's megachurches - independent Protestant churches that each attract up to 20,000 worshippers on a Sunday - are reported to be closing their doors this Christmas. They say they want to free their pastors and volunteers to enjoy Christmas at home with their families.

Here is the take of a leading liberal Anglican down under on the media-generated "controversy" over a number of megachurches not holding services on Christmas Day. Please note that she perpetuates in her article the erroneous belief that Christmas was once a pagan festival, the Feast of Sol Invictus. For the true story of the origin of Christmas I recommend Dr. Thomas J. Talley's The Origins of the Liturgical Year.

More Adults Plan to Attend Church this Christmas

http://www.christiantoday.com/news/society/more.adults.plan.to.attend.church.this.christmas/634.htm
[Chritianity Today UK] December 19, 2005--A new poll has found that more adults are planning to attend church at some point over the Christmas period, an increase from the numbers in 2003 and also 2001.

Belfast Witnesses Britain’s First “Gay Marriage” Amid Protests

http://www.christiantoday.com/news/church/belfast.witnesses.britains.first.gay.marriage.amid.protests/930.htm

[Christianity Today UK] December 19, 2005--Belfast was the scene for Britain’s first “gay marriage” today, which went ahead despite large protests and objections taking place from Catholic and Evangelical Christians that have given the stark warning that such civil partnerships would lead to an eventual break-down in families and society.

Related article:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121911.html
Belfast Lesbians first to “Marry” in UK - LifeSiteNews.com
http://www.christianpost.com/article/europe/584/section/civil.union.ceremonies.spark.protests.in.conservative.northern.ireland/1.htm
Civil Union Ceremonies Spark Protests in Conservative Northern Ireland - The Christian Post

The Truth About Seperation Of Church And State

http://www.postchronicle.com/chronic/archives/2005/12/the_truth_about.shtml

[The Post Chronicle] December 17, 2005--Liberals have run off with this phrase, prostituting it per usual.

The Passion according to C.S. Lewis

http://www.tnr.com/doc.mhtml?i=20051226&s=jenkyns122605

[The New Republic Online] December 18, 2005--lan Jacobs observes in his book that C.S. Lewis seems not to have been a particularly likeable or interesting man before his conversion to Christianity in 1929. Lewis himself would probably have agreed. Looking back at that time, he recalled examining himself with a practical purpose for the first time and being appalled by what he found: "a zoo of lusts, a bedlam of ambitions, a nursery of fears, a harem of fondled hatreds." He was probably judging himself by standards that would condemn most of us even more severely, but certainly his conversion appears to have infused and changed every part of his life and action.

With fewer faces in pews, two Pawtucket churches merge

http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15772446&BRD=1713&PAG=461&dept_id=24491&rfi=6

[The Pawtucket Times] December 17, 2005--Last summer the parishioners of the Church of the Advent, faced with dwindling numbers and prospects, decided they would be better off relocating to a nearby parish.

Don't stifle Christianity by political correctness, says Carey

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1939710,00.html

[Times Online] December 19, 2005--The public expression of the Christian faith and other religions is being undermined by political correctness, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey of Clifton, says.

The Christmas War: Secular and religious battling over the holiday

http://www.chicoer.com/local_news/ci_3320310

[Chico Enterprise Record] December 18, 2005--One week remains until an armistice in the Christmas War, when the religious and the secular move on to other battles, until this front opens up again next fall.

Day I was called black monkey – Archbishop of York

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/news/national/2005/dec/19/national%20-19-12-2005-005.htm

[The Sun News On-line] December 19, 2005--With Dr John Sentamu’s recommendation for the office of the Archbishop of York by Prime Minister Tony Blair, not a few wondered what a black immigrant from Uganda had to offer. But when the Queen of England ratified the appointment, Dr Sentamu entered the history books as the first black man to hold such an exalted post.

The Real War on Christmas

http://www.nationalreview.com/comment/shea200512190809.asp

[National Review Online] December 19, 2005--Christmas is a time of joy for Christians and, for multitudes around the world, a time of suffering. Last Wednesday, under the auspices of Senator Rick Santorum and the Congressional Working Group on Religious Freedom that he cochairs with Congressman Roy Blunt, some of the world's foremost defenders of persecuted Christians gathered in the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to this suffering.

Islam remains number one danger to the Christian Church

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3397

[VirtueOnline] December 19, 2005--The Rev. Dr. Patrick Sookhdeo is the international director of the Barnabas Fund based in England. The Fund is a ministry which assists Christian minorities in the Islamic world and in other areas where Christians undergo persecution. Dr. Sookhdeo was recently in the United States where he spoke with David W. Virtue of VirtueOnline. Dr. Sookhdeo is a leading world authority on Islam, author of several books on Islam including "Understanding Islamic Terrorism" and "A Christian's Pocket Guide to Islam". Born in Pakistan of Islamic parentage he converted to Christianity while a student in London in the early 60s.

Caspian in the Works?

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/news/blog-051219.html

[ChristianityToday.com] December 19, 2005--The buzz is that the next Narnia film, Prince Caspian, gets the thumbs-up. Plus: Golden Globe noms; Da Vinci Code trailer; Geisha riles Chinese; docudrama on 12 Apostles; and more.

Pakistani Christians Call for Day of Prayer, Fasting for Repeal of Blasphemy Law

http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/1919/section/pakistani.christians.call.for.day.of.prayer.fasting.for.repeal.of.blasphemy.law/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 17, 2005--Churches in Pakistan are calling for a day of fasting and prayer for the repeal of the country’s “blasphemy law,” under which many Pakistani Christians have suffered and even died.

Traditionalist Parish Leaves ECUSA for APA. Priest inhibited

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3394

[VirtueOnline] December 16, 2005--A traditionalist, Forward in Faith parish in the Diocese of San Diego has walked away from its building and allied itself with the Anglican Province of America (APA), coming under the ecclesiastical authority of Bishop Richard Boyce, (Diocese of the West) and its Presiding Bishop Walter Grundorf.

Iran's President: "I will stop Christianity in this country"

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3396

[Compass Direct] December 18, 2005--An Iranian convert to Christianity was kidnapped last week from his home in northeastern Iran and stabbed to death, his bleeding body thrown in front of his home a few hours later. Ghorban Tori, 50, was pastoring an independent house church of convert Christians in Gonbad-e-Kavus, a town just east of the Caspian Sea along the Turkmenistan border.

Why Do We Preach? A Foundation for Preaching, Part Two

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/605/section/why.do.we.preach.a.foundation.for.preaching.part.two/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 16, 2005--"In the past," wrote the author of Hebrews, "God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways. But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe" [Heb. 1:1-2]. The God who reveals Himself (Deus Revelatus) has spoken supremely and definitively through His Son.

Is The Gift You're Giving Worth Your Life?

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/606/section/is.the.gift.youre.giving.worth.your.life/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 18, 2005--I love Christmas.

Alpine Episcopal rift confirmed by separate worship services

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20051219-9999-1m19churches.html

[SignOn SanDiego] December 19, 2005--There are two churches, where there once was one.

United Kingdom Opens Doors to Civil Unions

http://www.christianpost.com/article/europe/583/section/united.kingdom.opens.doors.to.civil.unions/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 19, 2005--The first “gay marriages” in Britain are to take place today despite strong objections from Catholics and Evangelical Christians who warn that such unions will lead to a greater break-down of family and society.

University Administrator Declares Christmas 'Forbidden'

http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=\Culture\archive\200512\CUL20051216a.html

[CNSNews.com] December 16, 2005--An administrator at California State University, Sacramento has banned decorations pertaining to Christmas and the 4th of July, among other holidays, from her office because they represent "religious discrimination" and "ethnic insensitivity."

Discretion Recommended for British Civil Partnerships

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1603

[The Living Church] December 17, 2005--With Great Britain’s first same-sex civil unions set to be recognized under law on Dec. 21, an informal poll conducted by the advocacy group Changing Attitude suggests uneven enforcement of disciplinary procedures spelled out in a July 25 pastoral letter by the House of Bishops.

Courts Are to Blame for War on Christmas

http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=10905

[Human Events Online] December 16, 2005--For generations, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, Menorahs and other traditional holiday items have been displayed in places of business and public squares, largely without objection. Groups could sing carols, schools could hold pageants, children could exchange Christmas cards, and towns across America could place Christmas trees and menorahs in front of courthouses.

Critic Believes Narnia Emphasizes Human Ability Over God's Redemptive Work

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/162005d.asp

[AgapePress] December 16, 2005--While many evangelicals are praising Disney's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as an overtly Christian movie, one Christian author claims the film twists more biblical truth than it alludes to.

To read more articles from AgapePress, go to http://www.agapepress.org/.

Sydney supports suspended evangelical

http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/sydney_supports_suspended_evangelical/

[sydneyanglicans.net] December 19, 2005--Sydney Diocese has announced its support for a British clergyman whose license to minister was revoked by the Bishop of Southwark last month.

A religious plot

http://www.theage.com.au/news/film/a-religious-plot/2005/12/15/1134500959653.html

[The Age] December 18, 2005--The Chronicles of Narnia has done the unthinkable - it's put Christianity smack-bang in the middle of a pop-cultural debate. Stephanie Bunbury spoke with Tilda Swinton and the Kiwi director Andrew Adamson about the film's "hidden" meaning.

Archbishop attacks 'PC' Christmas

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4540538.stm

[BBC News] December 18, 2005--Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said "silly bureaucrats" wanted to wipe Christian symbols from Christmas.

The Church – The Greatest Force on Earth

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1655/section/the.church.%96.the.greatest.force.on.earth/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 15, 2005--The Church is the most magnificent concept ever created. It has survived persistent abuse, horrifying persecution, and widespread neglect. Yet despite its faults (due to our sinfulness), it is still God’s chosen instrument of blessing and has been for 2,000 years.

Chapel Hill Church Vandalized

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=local&id=3732220

[abc11tv.com] December 16, 2005--Nothing seemed unusual Thursday morning as Johnsie Wilkens arrived at St. Benedict's Anglican Church on Weaver Dairy Road in Chapel Hill.

Then, she saw it.

In bold red and black letters, someone had written "Jews Rule" on the church's sign.

Millions Still Shelterless in Pakistan; Winter Temperatures Plummet

http://www.christianpost.com/article/asia/856/section/millions.still.shelterless.in.pakistan.winter.temperatures.plummet/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 16, 2005--World Vision is urgently pushing to get shelters to the millions in Pakistan still left living in the open air as temperatures drop.

Would C.S. Lewis Have Risked a Disney 'Nightmare?'

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/604/section/would.cs.lewis.have.risked.a.disney.nightmare/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 16, 2005--A newly published letter by C.S. Lewis shows how clearly he would have objected to a live-action version of his Chronicles of Narnia story, The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Lewis writes in the letter dated Dec. 18, 1959, “I am absolutely opposed … to a TV version. Anthropomorphic animals, when taken out of narrative into actual visibility, always turn into buffoonery or nightmare.”

AFA May Renew Boycott on Ford over Gay Ads

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2106/section/afa.may.renew.boycott.on.ford.over.gay.ads/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 16, 2005--The American Family Association is considering renewing a boycott of Ford Motor Company after it said the automaker turned back on some agreements it reached with the organization.

Weblog: Sydney Churches Burn

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/150/51.0.html

[ChristianityToday.com] December 16, 2005--Plus: Indiana House prayer ban challenged, Wa. Democrats apologize for anti-fish item, cloning fabrications, and other stories from online sources around the world.

Anglicans, Catholics Revisit Joint Mary Document

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2436/section/anglicans.catholics.revisit.joint.mary.document/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 16, 2005--Catholics and Anglicans are revisiting their joint reflection on understanding the role of Mary, mother of Jesus, in shaping the life and doctrine of the church.