Prime Minister Harper Axe’s a Prime Mover of Same Sex “Marriage”

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022203.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 22, 2006--Homosexual ‘Marriage’ was forced on Canada by a deliberate scheme which was revealed by former Justice Minister Martin Cauchon when he accepted an award form a U.S. homosexual organization, Equality Forum, in Philadelphia on May 1, 2004. There, the former Justice Minister revealed that besides himself, only three men masterminded the overthrow of the traditional family. One of those men, the clerk of the Privy Council Alex Himelfarb, has just been ousted from his privileged position by Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

UK Immigrants Faking Gay Civil Unions as Quick Ticket to Passports

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022202.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 22, 2006--Immigrants seeking entrance to the UK now have an easier route to follow, thanks to December’s law allowing gay civil unions. Homosexual couples now have the same immigration rights as married heterosexual couples, and can receive a full passport after two years in the country.

Religious Schools in UK Forced to Teach About All Religions

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022208.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 22, 2006--State-run religiously-affiliated schools must now teach students about all religions in a bid to “combat prejudice,” the Times on Line reports.

Atheists are Ripping a Page from the Gay Manual

http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0039614.cfm

[Family News in Focus] February 22, 2006--The culture wars may be getting a new combatant. Atheists are saying they have no voice in American life and claim they are discriminated against if they bring their beliefs out of the closet. Dave Silverman of the American Atheists says it amounts to second-class citizenship.

Bishop calls new Spanish law on reproduction “monstrosity”

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=6061

[Catholic News Agency] February 22, 2006-- Bishop Jose Manuel Lorca Planes of Teruel, Spain has joined a chorus of critics condemning a new law on assisted human reproduction passed by the country’s House of Representatives, calling it a monstrosity that attacks human dignity by promoting the murder of the innocent.

Thomas More Law Center asks court to rehear case on Nativity ban

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=6064

[Catholic News Agency] February 22, 2006--The Thomas More Law Center has petitioned the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit to rehear a case challenging an anti-Christian policy of the New York City school system.

Gay Rights Leader Calls For Halt To LGBT Support For Hillary Clinton

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/02/022206clinton.htm

[365Gay.com] February 22, 2006--The head of New York State's largest LGBT civil rights organization is calling for an end to financial support by gays of Hillary Rodham Clinton's re-election campaign because of her refusal to support same-sex marriage.

Parents Worry About Forced Sex Education in Public Schools

http://www.ncregister.com/articulo4.php?artkod=MTkx

[National Catholic Register] February 19-25, 2006--Theresa Breguet’s 7-year-old son could be exposed to a radical sex education program if Massachusetts lawmakers enact two bills backed by Planned Parenthood.

Is hospice movement going beyond end-of-life care?

http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=18746

[Catholic Online] February 17, 2006--Families who have contacted the nonprofit Hospice Patients Alliance are raising important questions about hospice as a movement.

Although hospice’s stated mission remains that of providing compassionate and dignified care to people at the end of life, some are asking whether hospices are starting to go beyond that role by hastening death instead.

Christian settles with Allstate

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48946

[WorldNetDaily] February 22, 2006--A Christian former employee of Allstate has settled a lawsuit with the company he had filed claiming he was fired because of an anti-homosexual, anti-same-sex marriage column he wrote on his own time.

Calif. Episcopal Diocese Nominates Gay, Lesbian Ministers as Next Bishop

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2503/section/calif.episcopal.diocese.nominates.gay.lesbian.ministers.as.next.bishop/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 22, 2006--The Episcopal diocese of California nominated an openly gay man and lesbian woman to be its next bishop, reigniting the flame over homosexuality that has nearly divided the worldwide Anglican Communion.

In view of what happened after the confirmation and consecration of Gene Robinson, the Archbishop of Canterbury might have used stronger language.

Belief Meets the Universal Acid—Dennett Strikes Again

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/692/section/belief.meets.the.universal.acid%97dennett.strikes.again/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 22, 2006--Daniel C. Dennett is at it again. In his new book, Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon, Dennett applies his radical vision of Darwinism to belief in God, and the entire question of faith and belief. As you might expect, Dennett doesn't think much of belief in God.

High Court Upholds Exception in Religious Drug Tea Case

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2273/section/high.court.upholds.exception.in.religious.drug.tea.case/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 22, 2006-- The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Tuesday to uphold a lower court ruling that a small religious sect in New Mexico should not be prohibited from using a hallucinogenic tea in its practices.

Latest Pew Study Notes Link between Church Attendance, Happiness

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1758/section/latest.pew.study.notes.link.between.church.attendance.happiness/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 21, 2006--The latest study from the Pew Research Center has found that people who attend religious services weekly are happier than those who attend monthly or less. Other factors contributing to happiness were also explored.

House Resolution Rebukes Iran

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1379166.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 23, 2006--In a vote of 404 to 4, the House Thursday approved a resolution condemning Iran's nuclear program and calling on other nations to apply sanctions to thwart Iran's ability to develop atomic weapons.

Christians Targeted as Bloody Cartoon Violence Continues

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1379619.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 23, 2006--More than two dozen people have been killed in another weekend of Muslim rioting linked to cartoons of the Muslim prophet Mohammed, with the most serious violence occurring in Nigeria, where Christians bore the brunt of Muslim anger.

Gaza's Tiny Christian Community Threatened With Violence

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1380081.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 23, 2006--Extremists are threatening to blow up the Palestinian Bible Society in the Gaza Strip if the people who work there do not close up shop and abandon their ministry by the end of February, a Christian source told Cybercast News Service.

Related article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/1971/section/gaza.violence.rises.bible.society.threatened/1.htm
Gaza Violence Rises; Bible Society Threatened - The Christian Post

Brown's Plan to Give Power Back to Church Receives Mixed Reception

http://www.christiantoday.com/news/society/brown.plan.to.give.power.back.to.church.receives.mixed.reception/740.htm

[Christianity Today UK] February 23, 2006--There has been a mixed reaction from church leaders to Gordon Brown’s plan to return the power to select Bishops completely to the Church of England.

Archbishop Makes Reconciliation Visit to Leeds Area of London Bombers

http://www.christiantoday.com/news/society/archbishop.makes.reconciliation.visit.to.leeds.area.of.london.bombers/742.htm

[Christianity Today UK] February 23, 2006--The Archbishop of York was in the area of Leeds this week, where two of the London July bombers lived, as part of a move to further reconciliation in the community in the aftermath of last year’s terrorist attacks.

Muslim Cartoon Protests Claim Over 100 More Lives in Nigeria

http://www.christiantoday.com/news/missions/muslim.cartoon.protests.claim.over.100.more.lives.in.nigeria/621.htm

[Christianity Today UK] February 22, 2006--The furore over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad may have claimed over one-hundred more lives, following violence this week in northern Nigeria.

Small Is Huge

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/002/41.72.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 22, 2006--Small churches, also, can serve, nurture, and rescue people in ways that only small-church intimacy can provide. Big churches have large capacity for innovation and setting trends, and they can create specialized ministries for special audiences. But there is an advantage to smallness.

Weblog: Nigeria's Christians Retaliate

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/108/31.0.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 22, 2006--Plus: Partial-birth abortion and religious freedom at Supreme Court, Episcopal Church considers a second gay bishop, Thomas Nelson goes private, and other stories from online sources around the world

The Way to Heaven

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_094_WaytoHeaven.pdf

[Cross†Way] Issue Autumn 2004 No 94--Who will go to heaven and how? These are important questions. Indeed, although we rarely acknowledge it, they are the most important questions that face us in this life. Yet there is great confusion on the answers not least in the churches.

The 39 Articles A Faith for Today Articles 33-36: Organizing the Church

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_073_Allister8.pdf

[Cross†Way] Issue Summer 1999 No. 73--Christ’s church needs to be organized. It cannot exist in a state of anarchy, nor is it to be a dictatorship. Freedom and order, love and submission are to exist side by side - as they do in heaven. But on earth this is hard to achieve, because believers are sinful people. We have seen aspects of church order in previous chapters, but Articles 33-36 give us more. These may seem pedantic or irrelevant to the church today: in fact they offer important principles and details.

Nigeria struggles against religious violence and oil rebels

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/africa/article_1131747.php/Nigeria_struggles_against_religious_violence_and_oil_rebels

[Monsters and Critics] February 21, 2006-- Anti-Christian violence in Nigeria's overwhelmingly Muslim northern states has resulted in the reported deaths of at least 50 people since clashes erupted at the weekend, although residents say that number is likely to be much higher.

In Uganda, church works to ensure clean presidential election

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0601041.htm

[Catholic News Service] February 21, 2006--As Ugandan elections approached, the Catholic Church and Christian groups took a leading role in trying to ensure that the presidential candidate chosen by the people is the candidate who actually wins.

Church programme targets Western Province

http://www.kbc.co.ke/story.asp?ID=35194

[Kenya Broadcasting Company] February 22, 2006--The Anglican Church of Kenya says it is targeting over 55 thousand households in Western province for its programmes in Capacity building and food security this year.

We killed bishop’s assistant in error

http://www.tribune.com.ng/210206/news05.htm

[Nigerian Tribune] February 21, 2006--The Bishop of Bida Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Jonah Kolo, was actually the target when his administrative assistant, Bishop Elisha Yisa, was killed by gunmen last month.

Rise of megachurches may be dangerous, top cleric warns

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/rise-of-megachurches-may-be-dangerous-top-cleric-warns/2006/02/22/1140563858577.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] February 23, 2006--Gary Bouma, an Anglican priest and professor of sociology at Monash University, said yesterday that Mr Kobia's criticism ignored a growing cultural shift away from traditional forms of worship to a more experiential form of religious expression.

Megachurches addressed the needs of those who were uninterested in traditional church yet wanted a deeper sense of meaning in their lives, he said.

Related article:
http://smh.com.au/news/opinion/the-good-and-bad-of-religionlite/2006/02/22/1140563858123.html?page=2
The good and bad of religion-lite - Sydney Morning Herald

Episcopal bishop issue stirs up schism fears

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/02/22/BAGOCHCDIF1.DTL

[San Francisco Chronicle] February 22, 2006--A gay man and a lesbian are on the short list to be the Bay Area's next Episcopal bishop, but many Episcopalians said the 77 million Anglicans worldwide might split permanently if a gay person is selected.

Related story:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/02/22/nchur22.xml&sSheet=/news/2006/02/22/ixhome.html
California opens door to electing gay bishop - The Telegraph

The day is coming when British Muslims form a state within a state

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3645

[The Times] February 19, 2006--For the past two weeks, Patrick Sookhdeo has been canvassing the opinions of Muslim clerics in Britain on the row over the cartoons featuring images of Mohammed that were first published in Denmark and then reprinted in several other European countries.

Didn't the British learn the lesson of the dangers of accomodation and appeasement from the last World War?

Moral climate change in Britain

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3648

[VirtueOnline] February 21, 2006--I think it would be a mistake to confine our attention today to the Danish cartoons and their aftermath, regrettable though all that is, or indeed to the recent court cases. These fall within a larger moral and social landscape. We are faced with moral climate change, which is comparable to other forms of climate change and equally dangerous.

Living beyond the law

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3647

[VirtueOnline] February 21, 2006--As a man who has dealt with habitual sexual sin, and as one who has ministered to hundreds of men and women living in the grip of sex addiction, the Scripture passages above-and others like them-have perplexed me.

Seattle cleric a finalist for California post

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002818625_taylor21m.html

[The Seattle Times] February 21, 2006--Among the five finalists to succeed the California Diocese's Bishop William Swing, who is retiring, Taylor and Perry are openly gay.

That's not meant to be a political statement, said the Rev. Jack Eastwood, an adviser to Bishop Swing. "We're trying to find the best person to lead this diocese," which is diverse in its ethnicity, sexuality and income levels.

"I think the elected leadership really has to respect the fact that we do have differences throughout the church worldwide."

"...not meant to be a political statement..." Doesn't the ECUSA have a moratorium on consecrating people in same sex relationships as bishops?

Kirk is asked to give green light for same sex ‘weddings’

http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/56602.html

[The Herald] February 21, 2006--The Church of Scotland's highest court is to be asked to allow ministers and deacons to conduct church services marking civil partnerships free from fear of punishment.

Cartoon Protests Spark More Muslim-Christian Clashes in Nigeria

http://www.christianpost.com/article/africa/509/section/muslim-christian.cartoon.violence.in.nigeria.kills.24/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 22, 2006--Christian and Muslim riots in two Nigerian cities left at least 24 people dead on Tuesday, only days after Muslim demonstrators attacked Christians and churches this past weekend in violent protests against cartoons of the prophet Muhammad.

A Letter from Bishop Benjamin Kwashi in Jos, Nigeria

http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/a_letter_from_bishop_benjamin_kwashi_in_jos_nigeria/

[Global South Anglican] February 22, 2006--Peace and greetings. This note comes with much gratitude to God for the brothers and sisters from all around the world that God has given to me in my life. Last night God opened my eyes to see and I saw that the host of the army of those on their knees on our behalf far outnumber, beyond mathematical equations, the number of those who wish us harm. We have been surrounded by love, support and prayers. I had a good laugh at myself when I just sat down and thought about my life. When I was growing up I was the subject of prayer as my mother prayed very hard for me to be converted and committed to Jesus Christ. When I gave my life to Christ and became born again I became the subject of prayer, and after ordination those praying for me increased beyond family to the church, the nation and around the world. My life and that of my family seems to be in constant danger and inviting the prayers of the Church of God around the world. Maybe I should get into more trouble ….. !!!!

Please pray.

How Should the Christian Community Respond to Hamas?

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/1379439.html

[The Christian Post] February 22, 2006--God has His people strategically placed all over the world. And yet, there are times when the situation becomes very bleak. In the midst of political turmoil in the Middle East, Geoffrey Smith has a reminder for us.

Stewardship for Small Churches

http://www.christianitytoday.com/bcl/areas/stewardship/articles/021306.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 22, 2006--Eight great stewardship ideas.

Small Groups - Stretch Your Faith Through Service

http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/stretchfaith.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 22, 2006--As Christ's disciples, we grow by doing something that stretches our faith: taking time alone with God, giving, and serving. As leaders, you need to nudge each person in you group to take on a small service role to help them grow as Christ's disciples.

Worship Music Trends

http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/2004/004/7.64.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 22, 2006--Since 1993, Your Church has surveyed churches every three years on the style of music used in worship. In 1993, nearly half (49 percent) of churches chose a traditional style and only 13 percent used a contemporary style; the rest used a blended style (see Graphic 1). The latest study shows a surge in the use of contemporary music with a corresponding drop in traditional. Today, churches are evenly grouped in each category: 37 percent blended, 32 percent contemporary, and 31 percent traditional.

Related article:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/2002/006/10.72.html
Worship Becoming More High Tech - ChristianityToday.com

Hosting Small Groups

http://www.ctcourses.com/storefront/storefront.asp?cat=4491

[ChristianityToday.com] February 22, 2006--Hosting Small Groups is led by small group champion, and award-winning author, Brett Eastman, who has been called "the best small group consultant on the planet."

Weblog: Muslim Riots Move from Anti-Europe to Anti-Christian

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/108/21.0.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 21, 2006--Plus: The post-Katrina church, the ultimate church gym, N.C. GOP wants church directories, and other stories from online sources around the world.

Forced Abortion on Poor Ethnic Women Proposed in Holland

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022109.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 21, 2006--Marianne van den Anker, an alderman in the Rotterdam city council in charge of public health and security has proposed forced abortion and forced contraception for teenage mothers whose origin is in the Antilles and on drug addicts and people with mental handicaps. The alderman suggested that such mothers are nearly always guilty of child abuse.

What next?

“Pro-Choice” Position is Heresy Says Oregon Catholic Bishop

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022106.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 21, 2006--Robert Vasa, the Catholic bishop of the Oregon diocese of Baker, has written a letter to his diocesan newspaper clearly identifying the so-called “pro-choice” position among Catholics as a “heresy”. For decades, many Catholics have argued that “primacy of conscience” allows them to dissent from basic Church teaching, including the right to life, and still consider themselves “good Catholics.”

US Supreme Court Takes on Partial-Birth Abortion Ban: Likely to Approve

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022101.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 21, 2006--The legality of partial-birth abortion will come under the scrutiny of the U.S. Supreme Court, the court announced today. The Court will hear arguments and decide the case during its next term which begins in October.

UK Out of Wedlock Births: 1980 12%, 2004 42%

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022105.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 21, 2006--The number of children born outside of marriage has skyrocketed to 42% from 12% previously in 1980, according to statistics released from the UK’s Office for National Statistics.

Equitable Solution To Unfair Law

http://au.christiantoday.com/news/church/equitable.solution.to.unfair.law/573.htm

[Christianity Today UK] February 21, 2006--The EMU held a meeting to discuss the proposed state bill seeking to redress the issue of property right within the Uniting Church after the deep split which emerged after R48 was passed.

Anglicans face big wait for a leader

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/anglicans-face-big-wait-for-a-leader/2006/02/21/1140284069969.html

[The Age] February 22, 2006--Melbourne Anglicans could be without an archbishop for a long time after a deadlocked election was abandoned on Monday night.

Related article:
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,18227596%5E3462,00.html
Harrower bows out of Melbourne race - The Mercury

Pak Christian singer forced to recite Kalima

http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=256236

[WebIndia] February 21, 2006--Prominent Pakistani singer of Christian origin, A Nayyar was recently robbed and beaten and then forced to recite the Kalima, and if that isnt surprising enough, well, it happened very near the Punjab Chief Ministers house, if report are to go by.

Denmark's flag, now burned by Muslims, has Christian past

http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2006a/022406/022406l.php

[National Catholic Reporter] February 24, 2006--In the heat of battle, a flag made of lambskin descended from the heavens and led the Danish army to victory over their heathen enemies. So goes the 13th- century legend of the “Dannebrog,” Denmark’s national banner depicting a white cross with a red background.

Police arrest 15 people after Muslim-Christian clashes in Egyptian village

http://aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=1&id=3862

[Asharq Alawsat News] February 21, 2006--Police have arrested 15 people after clashes between Muslims and Christians in a village south of the capital, police officials said Tuesday.

Nigeria: State Accused Of Seeking To Train Jihadists

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1379436.html

[Compass Direct] February 21, 2006--The Nigerian government says intelligence agents have found that Kano state in northern Nigeria was seeking foreign support to train 100 jihadists among vigilante enforcers of Islamic law.

Researchers say numbers not the only measure of church health

http://www.cathnews.com/news/602/117.php

[Cath News] February 20, 2006--NCLS Research - the national body funded by Catholic, Anglican and Uniting Church bodies - has said that focusing on congregation size along is "too limited".

What we need is research on why declining denominations decide that numbers do not matter.

West should remain secular and democratic

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2006%5C02%5C21%5Cstory_21-2-2006_pg3_2

[Daily Times] February 21, 2006--The chances of fundamental Christian regimes coming into power in the West are remote, although I can never be sure of what can happen in the USA. What we should dread more is the revival of racism. This time round instead of an anti-Jewish racism propelling fascist movements to violent action an anti-Muslim racist ideology can be fabricated...

What about the totalitarian tendencies of Islam?

Orthodox church sees gap with Protestants growing

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3579798a12,00.html

[stuff] February 21, 2006--Liberal reforms allowing female clergy and same-sex marriage are creating a widening gulf within world Christianity, a leading Russian Orthodox bishop said.

Reaction of Archbishop Peter Akinola to Muslim fanaticism in Nigeria

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

[Church of Nigeria News] February 21, 2006--Having watched with sadness and dismay the recent development in some States in the Northern part of this Country where many Christian Churches and other property have been wantonly destroyed by some Islamic fundamentalists, the Christian Association of Nigeria is compelled to issue the following statements....

Standing Committee: Anglican Churchmen converge in Ibadan

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

[Church of Nigeria News] February 17, 2006--The biannual meeting of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), called the Standing Committee, will open in Ibadan this Wednesday, February 22.

Keep the Great Commission, Bonnke urges Christians

http://www.thetidenews.com/article.aspx?qrDate=02/20/2006&qrTitle=Keep%20the%20Great%20Commission,%20Bonnke%20urges%20Christians&qrColumn=NEWS

[The Tide Online] February 20, 2006--German evangelist, Reinhard Bonnke, Thursday said all Christians must imbibe the habit of preaching the gospel as part of their responsibilities in the faith.

Seattle church leader could become second gay Episcopal bishop

http://159.54.227.3/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060221/NEWS06/60221038

[The Olympian] February 21, 2006--The dean of St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral is among five finalists for the position of bishop of the Diocese of California.

The 39 Articles A Faith for Today Articles 19-22: What is the Church?

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_072_Allister7.pdf

[Cross†Way] Issue Spring 1999 No. 72--The church is not a building but a people. The Articles are clear on this basic biblical truth but spell it out in more detail. To understand this we need to think about three distinctions: visible and invisible, local and denominational, organization and organism.

Brown would end PM’s vote on bishops

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2047382,00.html

[The Times] February 19, 2006--Gordon Brown is planning to return the power to choose bishops to the Church of England for the first time since the reign of Henry VIII.

With Charlie on the throne in a few years we might get a Muslim Archbishop of Canterbury!

Area church leaves Episcopal denomination

http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/news/ci_3527633

[Pasadena Star-News] February 20, 2006--The Rev. Ron Jackson was an ordained Episcopal priest for 33 years until a week ago, when he renounced the denomination and joined an Anglican province on the other side of the world.

Schism is a reality, says liberal leader

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3636

[VirtueOnline] February 19, 2006--It is slowly dawning among the rank and file inside the Episcopal Church that schism might be, and probably is, inevitable. What they also might to have admit, is that the church's innovators and revisionists are the primary cause of that rupture because they are the ones who have left the one holy, catholic and apostolic church.

Integrity Applauds Nominations in Diocese of California

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3640

[Integrity] February 20, 2006--Integrity is pleased by the wonderful diversity of the nominees for the next bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California-including both a gay man (the Very Rev. Robert Taylor) and a lesbian woman (the Rev. Bonnie Perry). It was inevitable that another gay/lesbian person would eventually be nominated to the episcopacy. Whether or not Robert or Bonnie is elected by the Diocese of California, it is inevitable that another gay/lesbian person WILL eventually be elected, confirmed, and consecrated to that order of ministry as the Episcopal Church continues to live into its call to fully include all of the baptized into the Body of Christ.

Evangelical Christianity shifting outside West

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3637

[The Philadelphia Inquirer] February 20, 2006--Evangelical Christianity, born in England and nurtured in the United States, is leaving home.

Coptic Orthodox leader blasts Egyptian Anglican bishop in letter to Williams

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3635

[VirtueOnline] February 19, 2006--Last month at Trinity College, Dublin, a meeting was held to launch a resource pack "The Hand of History (Exploring Christian/Muslim Dialogue)" attended by the Grand Mufti of Egypt & Rector of Al-Azhar University in Cairo; the President of the Dialogue with Monotheistic Religions at Al-Azhar and Dr. Mouneer Hanna Anis, the Anglican Bishop in Egypt.

Whilst recognising the great importance of continuing dialogue in this vital but difficult area and valuing the contribution of Christians of all traditions, there were statements made by Dr. Mouneer which caused me some concern. When asked to comment on the issues of conversions from Islam and the increase in attacks on Coptic Orthodox churches, Dr. Mouneer replied by stating that the Egyptian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion; quoting the Quran that "there is no compulsion in religion"; stating that most of the problems with conversion issues were within families rather than from outside agencies; and observing that, in his experience, the situation has improved greatly in the past 20 years.

Bishop Airs Concerns over Church Property Sales

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3634

[VirtueOnline] February 19, 2006--The following letter was sent by Bishop Mark Sisk to diocesan leaders....

The evangelical Anglican

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3631

[The News & Observer] February 18, 2006--A dynamic preacher and a dissident congregation find a perfect match

"Turning Around The Mainline" -- A Review

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3643

[VirtueOnline] February 21, 2006--Turning Around the Mainline by Thomas C. Oden
Tom Oden's most recent book is not his most stunning, but it is a useful compendium of resources for those in the mainline churches who are determined not to see their great traditions overturned by what Oden calls liberated theology and its cohorts. Liberated theology is, "doctrinally imaginative, liturgically experimental, disciplinarily nonjudgmental, politically correct, morally broad-minded, and above all, sexually lenient and permissive." He goes on to comment, "As a former full-time card-carrying liberator, I know from experience how mesmerizing this enchantment can be" (Page 25).

Islamic scholars call for new law in cartoon protest

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3641

[Church Times] February 20, 2006--Islamic religious scholars in Britain have called for a change in the law to stop publications of images of Muhammad, after protest rallies in London and an international outcry against cartoons of the Prophet published in Denmark and elsewhere.

'Appeasement does not ultimately bring peace', says Scholar of Islam

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3638

[VirtueOnline] February 7, 2006--Sir Iqbal Sacranie, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, has said that he wishes to see Muhammad protected from insult or disrespect.

Supreme Court to take up late-term abortion

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-02-21-abortion_x.htm

[USATODAY.com] February 21, 2006--The Supreme Court said Tuesday it will consider the constitutionality of banning a type of late-term abortion, teeing up a contentious issue for a newly-constituted court already in a state of flux over privacy rights.

Hundreds Arrested in Pakistan Cartoon Protest; Church Burned

http://www.christianpost.com/article/asia/903/section/hundreds.arrested.in.pakistan.cartoon.protest.church.burned/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 20, 2006--Pakistani security forces arrested hundreds of protesters on Sunday, using gunfire and tear gas to put down the demonstration against cartoons of the Muslim prophet Muhammad.

Truth-Telling is Stranger Than It Used to Be, Part Two

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/691/section/truth-telling.is.stranger.than.it.used.to.be.part.two/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 21. 2006--The rise of postmodernism presents Christians with the undeniable reality that many people simply do not accept the idea that truth is absolute, or even that written texts have a fixed meaning. All claims to truth--especially claims to universally valid truth--are met with suspicion, or worse. This presents the Christian with a changed climate for truth-telling--and a genuine intellectual challenge.

New Barna Survey Finds Most Americans Baffled by 'Holiness'

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1757/section/new.barna.survey.finds.most.americans.baffled.by.holiness/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 21, 2006--A new nationwide survey released Monday by The Barna Group indicates that most adults are unclear on the concept of holiness, with Evangelicals faring slightly better than the national average.

So Many Christians ... So Few Lions

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1755/section/so.many.christians..so.few.lions/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 20, 2006--So one day I’m reading through some blogs and I came across a quote from someone who apparently doesn’t have the fondest feelings for us. I could be wrong, but it’s hard for me to see it otherwise when he threw out this phrase:

Sodom and Gomorrah Archaeologist Discusses Importance of Discovery

http://www.christianpost.com/article/education/1105/section/sodom.and.gomorrah.archaeologist.discusses.importance.of.discovery/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 13, 2006--An archaeologist spoke last week to students and faculty of Erskine College and Seminary about his search for Sodom and Gomorrah.

Conflicts cited at Christian conference

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/13918861.htm

[The Mercury News] February 20, 2006--The statements at a global Christian conference have been predictable as the rage over Prophet Muhammad cartoons claims more ground: Freedom of expression is an essential right, but it must be exercised with care.

Listening: Anglicans have strong presence at WCC Brazil

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_71967_ENG_HTM.htm

[Episcopal News Service] February 17, 2006--"God has given us the gift of life and we have abused it." These words are from the report by Dr. Samuel Kobia, Secretary General of the World Council of Churches (WCC), to the gathered delegates of the ninth General Assembly that opened on February 14 in Porto Alegre, Brazil with the theme "God, in your grace, transform the world." Bringing together over 3,000 participants from more than 350 churches, communions, and other Christian organisations, the assembly is the highest governing body of the WCC and meets about every seven years.

How Do I Find a Good Church?

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/ministry_articles/1374793.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 20, 2006--One of the questions I am most frequently asked is, ?How do I find a good church?? This question has taken on added significance in recent years because of the massive impact televangelism has had on our culture. In all too may cases, worship has been replaced with entertainment, and fellowship has been transformed into individualism. In view of these cultural developments, it is critical that Christians have a handle on the ingredients of a healthy well-balanced church.

Jesus and Mohammed Smooching: Gay 'Tolerance' Cartoon Published by University of Toronto

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022011.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 20, 2006--The University of Toronto's Victoria College student newspaper The Strand, has used the controversy surrounding the cartoons ridiculing Islam to bash Christianity and Islam simultaneously. Accompanying an article on the cartoon controversy, the paper published a cartoon of its own depicting Jesus smooching with Mohammed in the "Tolerance Tunnel".

Vienna Catholic Cathedral Blessing for Homosexual Couples

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022007.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 20, 2006--A German language Catholic news site reports that the rector of Vienna’s Catholic cathedral has instituted a ceremony to bless “couples, fiancés and people in love” including homosexual partners. The cathedral, 800 year-old St. Stephan’s, is the seat of Christoph Cardinal Schonborn, the archbishop of Vienna who is widely regarded as a conservative.

Canadian National Newspaper First to Warn of Impending Population Collapse

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022003.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 20, 2006--Canada’s National Post is the first major Canadian news source to sound the alarm over the nation’s impending population crisis. It is publishing a four part series on the fertility crisis. In part one, a front-page feature appearing Saturday titled , A childless culture, Anne Marie Owens warns of a future “where senior citizens drastically outnumber babies, schools will be replaced by old-age homes, neighbourhoods of single-family dwellings will make way for smaller condos and townhouses, and playgrounds will become disused relics of the past.”

Massachusetts Tells Catholic Church it Must Permit Homosexual Adoption

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022010.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 20, 2006--Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and a top government leader have told a group of bishops that their request that Catholic institutions be exempt from placing foster children with same-sex parents will be denied.

No More Hims of Praise

http://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=19-02-016-v

[Rouchstone] February 20, 2006--Even when a traditional hymn is included in the modern Catholic hymnals, one cannot settle in to praise God with words written by greater men than we are. Almost always, the lyrics have been so flattened, botched, castrated, and lobotomized that I’d almost prefer to sing “On Turkey’s Wings” (you know, “I will raise you up on turkey’s wings, la de da and la de da, la de da da da da daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah”).

I personally object to Prof. Ensolen's parodying of Michael Joncas' adaption of Psalm 91, "On Eagle's Wings."

Ky. students can't skip anti-gay harassment training

http://www.firstamendmentcenter.org/news.aspx?id=16508

[First Amendment Center] February 20, 2006--Students have no religious or free-speech right to opt-out of school training aimed at stopping anti-gay harassment in Boyd County schools, a federal judge has ruled.

Mohammed: the ugly truth about the founder of the world's most violent religion

http://www.hebookservice.com/products/BookPage.asp?prod_cd=c6614

[Human Events Book Service] February 20, 2006--The Life and Religion of Mohammed by J.L. Menezes--Fr. J.L. Menezes knew Islam up close: as a priest in India, he devoted his priestly life to introducing that nation's tens of millions of Muslims to Christianity. With this life of Mohammed, he left us the record of his appeals: a frank, honest, and exhaustively researched exploration of the life of the "prophet" of Islam, the development and contents of the Koran, and an introduction to various Muslim sects.

Christians, Islam and the Future of Europe

http://www.chiesa.espressonline.it/dettaglio.jsp?id=46115&eng=y

[chiesa.com] February 21, 2006--How, and why, Islam can be part of “Catholic” Europe. On two conditions: a strong Christianity, and Muslim self-reform. A conference held in Denver, Colorado, at the invitation of the archdiocese

I fear that they may be engaging in self-deception.

Starting small, thinking big

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

[sydneyanglicans.net] February 21, 2006--Six couples trying to start a new church in a hard to reach part of Sydneyhave transformed into a committed group of almost 70 believers just 24 months later.

Archdeacon defends 'male priest only' village

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/02/20/npriest20.xml

[Telegraph] February 20, 2006--A senior figure in the Church of England yesterday defended a village that has refused to appoint a woman priest.

Leading Anglican hits back in 'anti-Israel' row

http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,1713408,00.html

[The Guardian] February 20, 2006--Anglican churchmen hit back yesterday in the increasingly ugly spat between the Church of England and the chief rabbi over the general synod's call for disinvestment in a company making bulldozers used to demolish Palestinian homes. They denied that their criticism of Israeli government policy was tantamount to anti-semitism.

Howard hits out at 'jihad' Muslims

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18204301%5E601,00.html

[The Australian] February 20, 2006--John Howard has strongly criticised aspects of Muslim culture, warning they pose an unprecedented challenge for Australia's immigration program.

Cartoon Protestors Burn 15 Churches in Nigeria Muslim-Christian Clash

http://www.christianpost.com/article/africa/507/section/cartoon.protestors.burn.15.churches.in.deadly.nigeria.muslim-christian.clash/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 19, 2006--Nigerian Muslims angry over the caricatures of the Muslim prophet Muhammad attacked Christians and burned churches during a protest on Saturday, killing at least 15 people in the deadliest confrontation yet over the drawings.

Muslims are clearly using the Danish cartoons as a pretext to perpetrate unwarranted violence against Christians who have no connection with the cartoons whatsoever, revealing Islam for what it truly is - a religion of hatred!

Sydney Anglicans under fire

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/sydney-anglicans-under-fire/2006/02/19/1140283950691.html

[The Age] February 20, 2006--Sydney Anglicans are trying to force the rest of the Australian church back to the 16th century, says Melbourne laywoman Muriel Porter.

Related article:
http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/sydney-extremism-threatens-anglican-unity-author/2006/02/19/1140283952548.html
Sydney extremism threatens Anglican unity: author - Sydney Morning Herald

For those unfamiliar with Muriel Porter, she is a former member of the Anglican Church of Australia's General Synod and a leading liberal critic of the Diocese of Sydney, who like other liberals on the radical fringe present herself as a "moderate."

Danish Christian express regret to Muslims over controversial

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_060219cartoons.shtml

[ekklesia] Febuary 19, 2006--A delegation of Danish Christians has expressed regret to Muslims over the publication of cartoons that lampooned the Prophet Muhammad in the daily Jyllands-Posten.

Related article:
http://www.iranmania.com/News/ArticleView/Default.asp?NewsCode=40642
Orthodox dignitaries condemn offensive toons - IranMania

Will Muslims apologize the unwarranted violence their coreligionists are perpetrating against the world Christian community?

Election process to begin again

http://www.media.anglican.com.au/news/2006/election.html

[Anglican Media Melbourne] February 20, 2006--The Anglican Diocese of Melbourne is still without an Archbishop after the Synod of the Diocese voted tonight to return to the beginning of the selection process.

Related article:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18222186%255E29277,00.html
Anglicans split on new archbishop - The Australian

Make conversion illegal: VHP

http://in.rediff.com/news/2006/feb/19vhp.htm

[rediff.com] February 19, 2006--The Viswa Hindu Parishad's 'dharma samsad', presently holding its two-day session in Puri, has demanded that conversion from one faith to another should be made a "cognizable offence" through enactment of law.

To the Readers of AnglicansAblaze

Due to the Presidents Day holiday on Monday February 20, 2006 I will not be posting any articles on AnglicansAblaze. I will resume posting articles on the following day.

Here we go again - Limerick renews its links with New Hampshire

http://www.reform-ireland.org/index.php?p=232&r=1

[Reform Ireland] February 18, 2006--Whilst Reform Ireland respects the right of individual diocese to form 'companionship' links throughout the Anglican Communion it was once again with a sad heart that we read of the proposed continuation of the Limerick/New Hampshire link. It would appear from the Limerick Diocesan Magazine article by the Rev Bob Hanna that the immoral lifestyle of Bishop Gene Robinson is irrelevant and of no consequence to the Anglican Communion, nor to the Church of Ireland in particular.