Christianity Unique Among Religions

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/003/23.76.html

[ChristianityToday.com] March 6, 2006--The faith's distinctiveness told winsomely, yet with little impact.

State bill proposes Christianity be Missouri’s official religion

http://www.kmov.com/topstories/stories/030206ccklrKmovreligionbill.7d361c3f.html

[KMOV.com] March 4, 2006--Missouri legislators in Jefferson City considered a bill that would name Christianity the state's official "majority" religion.

Study: Clergy & Laity Differ on Tithing Mandate

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2510/section/study.clergy.amp.laity.differ.on.tithing.mandate/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 4, 2006--Most Protestant clergy say Christians are biblically mandated to tithe to the local church, but less than half of the laity in Protestant churches agree, a new research study released Thursday revealed.

The Agenda Behind Brokeback Mountain

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1764/section/the.agenda.behind.brokeback.mountain/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 2, 2006--Ah - the good old days. You remember, right? The time when the term “forbidden love” applied primarily to romance across class lines, economic lines, and racial lines. But none of that is controversial any more folks, so in the 21st century we decided to cross a new line- one that runs roughly through the state of Wyoming.

'Lesbian Evangelist' Found Not Guilty in Presbyterian Court

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2509/section/lesbian.evangelist.found.not.guilty.in.presbyterian.court/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 4, 2006--A “lesbian evangelist” who was the first minister in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. to be tried for performing weddings for same-sex couples was acquitted Friday of violating church policies on homosexuality.

Gov'ts Urged to Remember Christians in Islamic States

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1381556.html

[Crosswalk.com] March 6, 2006--A Christian group has launched a campaign urging governments to protect Christian minorities in Islamic countries.

For more information, go to http://www.righttojustice.org/.

Push against conversions in India considered evidence of Gospel’s success in that country

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22771

[Baptist Press] March 3, 2006--A new campaign against the conversion of Hindus to Christianity is “evidence of success” for the spread of the Gospel in India, a Christian worker there says.

Bush urged to press Pakistan on Muslim extremists’ violence

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22772

[Baptist Press] March 3, 2006--President Bush should call on Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf at their March 4 meeting to act to protect Christians and other minorities from “rampant” attacks by Muslim extremists, two members of a federal panel on religious freedom overseas have said.

John Adams' former church supporting 'gay marriage'; Supporters of Md. amendment not giving up

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22775

[Baptist Press] March 3, 2006--Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams just might be rolling over in their graves.

America turns its back on Brokeback

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22779

[Baptist Press] March 3, 2006--While the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences might be all a-twitter over a homosexual cowboy movie, it seems that America’s movie-going public may not be as enamored as we have been led to believe.

Mississippi Abortion Ban Bill Passes House; Moves to Senate for Approval

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/mar/06030304.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] March 3, 2006--A bill to ban abortion passed Thursday by a 94-25 margin in Mississippi’s House, but only after a heated debate had significantly altered the proposal of an outright ban to include exceptions for rape and incest. Senate Bill 2922 now heads back to the Senate for approval of the changes.

Related article:
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22773
Mississippi House passes ban on most abortions - Baptist Press

Lone Canadian Bishop Responds to Priests’ Dissent: “Forget About it”

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/mar/06030301.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] March 3, 2006--Reactions from the hierarchy of the Canadian Catholic Church to the letter signed by a group of dissident priests have been far from resounding. Only one bishop has made any public statement and that was only to say that the letter, which attacked the Church’s teaching on homosexuality, was inconsequential.

Massachusetts Bishop Refuses to Present Award to Pro-Abortion Honoree

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/mar/06030307.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] March 3, 2006--Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell, of Springfield Diocese, has said he will not present an award for distinguished achievement to a recipient who is pro-abortion.

Archbishop fears Church ‘rupture’

http://titusonenine.classicalanglican.net/?p=11719

[titusonenine] March 6, 2006--The Archbishop of Canterbury has warned that the worldwide Anglican Church faces a fundamental “rupture” on the issue of homosexuality. Dr Rowan Williams told BBC One’s The Heaven and Earth Show he feared any split could take decades to heal.

Papal no to women

http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/papal-no-to-women/2006/03/04/1141191891009.html

[The Age] March 5, 2006--Pope Benedict XVI today formally ruled out once again the prospect of women priests but said that there was a case for seeing if their role in the Roman Catholic church could be enhanced.

Deciphering Dan Brown

http://www.smh.com.au/news/books/deciphering-dan-brown/2006/03/03/1141191845297.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] March 4, 2006--A new thriller has forced the best-selling author out of his hideaway and into an unwelcome spotlight, writes James Button.

Does praying make God change His/Her/Its mind?

http://www.smh.com.au/news/big-questions/does-praying-make-god-change-hisherits-mind/2006/03/02/1141191770474.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] March 4, 2006--It may or may not change God, but it changes us. I think that's the key.

Fireworks at Christian church in Israel sparks brawl

http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/fireworks-at-christian-church-in-israel-sparks-brawl/2006/03/04/1141191876869.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] March 4, 2006--Three Israelis set off firecrackers inside an important Christian shrine in the Israeli Arab town of Nazareth on Friday, sparking panic among worshippers and a mass brawl outside.

Life's on-call butler: how teens view God

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18342764%5E2702,00.html

[The Weekend Australian] March 4, 2006--Teenagers no longer fear the existence of God, believing instead that a higher power is more like a "butler", to be called on whenever they are in strife.

Church gives Jesus shoe the boot

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

[sydneyanglicans.net] March 3, 2006--As Muslim groups worldwide protest the publication of Mohammed carictures in a Denmark newspaper, Sydney Anglicans launched a quiet protest against an attempt by an Australian sportswear company to trademark the name Jesus.

Gone Camping

This Saturday I will not be posting any articles on AnglicansAblaze. I serve as the troop champlain for a Boy Scout troop and I will be accompanying the troop on our first campout this year. The Weather Channel is promising rain for the weekend. Please keep us in your prayers.

A Depraved Nation

http://www.therealitycheck.org/GuestColumnist/nkareiva030306.htm

[TheRealityCheck.Org] March 3, 2006--For those of you living in the 60s and 70s or who are TV science fiction lovers, you undoubtedly remember the above phrase as the theme from Star Trek. However, that same phrase also accurately identifies the state of America's moral decay today.

Man became Wiccan after leaving Episcopal church

http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060303/LIFESTYLE08/603030323/1032

[Battle Creek Enquirer] March 3, 2006--"I left the Episcopal priesthood in 1997. My sense is that the strain of leading a Christian flock while not fully being able to believe the message I was preaching finally dropped me into what might be called a very early mid-life crisis. I went through a couple of years of therapy and soul-searching — one of those times when a person really asks what she/he is about, what she/he believes, what life holds. I had always been interested in spiritualities of most any kind.

"During that time I read the Harry Potter books along with my children. My curiosity about the world of Harry Potter led me to do an Internet search on magic, which led me to Wicca. Online, I became acquainted with people from a Wiccan group in Flint. Eventually my wife and I went there and immediately felt we had finally found our spiritual home."

Is this were the Episcopal Church is heading? May be the danger of reading Harry Potter books has not be exaggerated?

Christian Persecution Posters Displayed in Poland amid Cartoon Debate

http://www.christianpost.com/article/europe/616/section/christian.persecution.posters.displayed.in.poland.amid.cartoon.debate/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 2, 2006--A Roman Catholic group in western Poland drew attention to modern-day Christians who have been killed or imprisoned for their beliefs through a poster campaign in public places.

Discovering My Purpose Driven Principles

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1763/section/discovering.my.purpose.driven.principles/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 3, 2006--In 1974, I served as a student missionary to Japan. I lived with a Southern Baptist missionary couple in their home in Nagasaki. One day, while rummaging through the missionary’s library, I picked up an old copy of HIS, a Christian student magazine published by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

The Grace and Greatness of True Humility

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/702/section/the.grace.and.greatness.of.true.humility/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 3, 2006--CNN founder Ted Turner once remarked, "If I only had a little humility, I would be perfect." In a strange and almost perfectly ironic sense, this statement encapsulates the spirit of our age--an attitude that gives lip service to humility while celebrating self-promotion. Humility is hardly a hallmark of our age.

The Rise Of Religion And A Changing Society

http://e.sinchew-i.com/content.phtml?sec=2&artid=200603030013

[e.sinchew-i.com] March 3, 2006--However, it is not only Muslims that now face difficult times in Western Europe. Christians and Christianity seem to be in a more distressing and ironic situation. They have to face the reality that churches are now empty and Christianophobia reigns on the continent where Christianity became what it is today (Newsweek, March 28, 2005)....

Christian Group Protests 'Brokeback Mountain' Oscar Nominations

http://www.christianpost.com/article/culture/1696/section/christian.group.protests.brokeback.mountain.oscar.nominations/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 3, 2006--A U.S. Christian group said on Thursday that it gathered more than 61,000 signatures to protest the eight Oscar nominations for Brokeback Mountain, which it said makes “homosexuality mainstream in America.”

American congregations join foreign Anglican branches

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2006-03-02-church-split_x.htm

[USA TODAY] March 2, 2006--Each Sunday before beginning the main service at Grace Church in Orange Park, Fla., the Rev. Sam Pascoe tells the assembled congregation that after 125 years, the church they worship in is no longer part of the American Episcopal Church.

Hmm. No mention of how the Diocese of Newark is declining.

Episcopal Church torn by gay issue as more parishes leave

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2006-03-02-episcopal-gay_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA

[USA TODAY] March 2, 2006--More than a dozen congregations have defected from the U.S. Episcopal Church since the first of the year in a growing rebellion triggered by the ordination of an openly gay bishop in 2003.

The Absurdity of Same Sex Unions

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

[Church of Nigeria News] March 3, 2006--Issues affecting human sexuality have, in the recent time, been the front burner of debates in the Christendom. The legitimacy, desirability and canonicity of homosexuality, lesbianism and sodomy are issues that have seen the Church of God chanting discordant tunes.

Stay, Leave, or Stand

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3687

[VirtueOnline] March 2, 2006--At a recent clergy day I was asked if I would put into writing a response I made to a question posed to me by one of our rectors. As I reflected on the request, I thought my TRINITY column might be a good place to give everyone in our diocese opportunity to consider what I had been asked to put into print.

The Soul Winner's Six Mighty Motivations

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/ministry_articles/1375932.html

[Crosswalk.com] March 3, 2006--If you received a thousand dollars for every soul you led to Christ, would it make a difference? Would it increase your motivation? I want to speak to you about the soul winner's motivation.

Loving the Storm-Drenched

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/003/10.36.html

[ChristianityToday.com] March 3, 2006--We can no more change the culture than we can the weather. Fortunately, we've got more important things to do.

A Pen in God's Hand

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/109/52.0.html

[ChristianityToday.com] March 3, 2006--Richard Baxter wrote, preached, taught, and visited his way to become the model pastor.

Dr Williams asked to censure Akinola over riot reaction

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/80256FA1003E05C1/httpPublicPages/1BA1F69F1F98F407802571250051B555?opendocument

[Church Times] March 3, 2006--of volunteers in Nigeria has written an open letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury asking him to denounce last week's "irresponsible" statement by the Archbishop of Nigeria, the Most Revd Peter Akinola, on the current Christian-Muslim riots.

I am prompted to ask why Church Times does not identify who the "volunteers" are, the organizations with which they are associated, and any common factors that link them together such as a particular theological stance or political or social agenda? As far as we know, they may long-standing liberal critics of the Primate of Nigeria, exploiting his statements for their own purposes.

Malawians bar Malango and fête Henderson

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/80256FA1003E05C1/httpPublicPages/31EC7FB0D347E5208025712500543298?opendocument

[Church Times] March 3, 2006--Events in the diocese of Lake Malawi took a further turn two weeks ago, when clergy and lay people openly defied the Archbishop of Central Africa, the Most Revd Bernard Malango (below), and gathered as a large Anglican presence to greet the Revd Nicholas Henderson (above), their bishop-elect, when he arrived at the airport on a private visit to Malawi.

U.S. commission says it is 'alarmed' at treatment of Iran's religious minorities

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22762

[Baptist Press] March 2, 2006--The United States should speed up attempts to protect the religious freedom and other human rights of beleaguered minorities in Iran, a federal advisory panel has warned.

The Mohammed cartoons: fear casts out love

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22769

[Baptist Press] March 2, 2006--Muslim reaction to the Mohammed cartoons published in the Danish paper Jyllands-Posten has been fearsome –- or would that be fearful? For all the grand talk of restoration of the caliphate, even into Western Europe, for all the alleged cries of righteous indignation at blasphemies, and for all the expressions of disgust at the decadent lifestyle of infidels, there is a strong element of fear and dread in Islam.

Germany’s Carnival – OK to Bash Catholic Church but Islam off Limits

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/mar/06030205.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] March 2, 2006--Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday and Pancake Tuesday are among the many names for the custom of keeping a festival on the last day before the beginning of the Christian penitential season of Lent. In most countries that have European roots, Mardi Gras has always included elements mocking Catholic ceremonies and customs.

But the tone has changed since the growth of what Christians are recognizing as a new militant secularism that specifically fosters hatred of Christianity....

Canada an “International Embarrassment” on Sex Trafficking

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/mar/06030209.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] March 2, 2006--Canada and the United Kingdom have been singled out in an international study for failing to meet their obligations for the protection of victims of human trafficking, while other developed countries received praise for their efforts. The study comes at a time when the UK government is considering an overhaul of its policy in this area, and a new Conservative Government has taken power in Canada.

A new 'heresy' is to be sure of anything - Peter Jensen

http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/archbishop/abwrites/a_new_heresy_is_to_be_sure_of_anything_peter_jensen/

[sydneyanglicans.net] March --I have noticed an odd thing: that in talk about faith, a new 'heresy' is to be sure of anything.

Orthodox Church raps 'Da Vinci Code'

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060302-014910-7143r

[United Press International] March 2, 2006--The Russian Orthodox Church has condemned the upcoming movie "The Da Vinci Code" because it says the novel on which the movie was based is blasphemous.

Coming Soon - A New Church on the North Shore

True Vine Anglican Church is just starting.

Our Target Area

Located approximately 30 miles north of New Orleans across the waters of Lake Pontchartrain on the North Shore, at the western end of St. Tammany Parish, one of the fastest growing parishes in Louisiana. Within the area are four North Shore communities – Abita Springs, Covington, Madisonville, and Mandeville.

The area has grown at a rate of 7% every 5 years since the opening of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in the late 1950s.

The 1990 population of the target area was 54,718. The 2000 population was 94,185. The 2009 population – based upon the area’s pre-Hurricane Katrina growth rate, is projected to be 105,697.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina St. Tammany has experienced an unprecedented growth spurt. More than 1400 new households have relocated to the parish. Many new families have moved to our target area. The area has also seen an influx of Spanish-speaking workers. A number of these workers have brought their families with them. It is a time of great spiritual opportunity.

Our Vision

Vibrant and engaging worship that honors God and changes lives

Clear Bible teaching

Reach out to those who are spiritually-disconnected and without a church family

Loving, caring family to all

Help people to grow to Christian maturity and to discover their true purpose in life.

Welcome, value, and protect children

Plant a new church in the United States or in another country every two to three years.

Play a leading role in a growing network of dynamic Anglican churches here in the Gulf South.

Embody a serious commitment to the spread of the gospel throughout the world

For More Information

Contact Robin Jordan at 985-264-0593 or truevineanglican@yahoo.com.

Resurrection Joins Atlanta Area AMiA

http://www.theamia.org/index.cfm?id=4A0A1BBE-E67D-4416-827AF375285ABECD

[Anglican Mission in America] March 2, 2006--A new congregation in Woodstock Georgia, Resurrection Anglican Church, has been planted in the Anglican Mission in America. The group of about 60 worshipers is growing and focusing on its community, and is being led by the Rev. Victor Oliver, a pastor with many years of experience in ministry. the church joins other Atlanta-area AMiA congregations in Marietta, Roswell, Douglasville and Atlanta.

Networking in the Mid-Atlantic

http://www.anglicanmissioninamerica.org/index.cfm?id=2CA8E319-538B-4C14-B59B7F9E9D57D5F7

[Anglican Mission in America] March 2, 2006--The Anglican Mission in America is committed to the releasing and development of networks of churches to be ‘on mission’—providing growth and resource for the planting of new churches. This has been a distinctive of the AMiA’s since its launch in 2000, and has been featured recently in The Wave and in on online conversation with Bishop TJ Johnston.

A group of churches in Virginia and the Carolinas is moving forward with a network to encourage church leaders and planters.

ACiC Congregation Calls Rector

http://www.anglicanmissioninamerica.org/index.cfm?id=0979A37B-6F60-44D7-ADFA90555AC80328

[Anglican Mission in America] March 2, 2006--Nanaimo, British Columbia, is a beautiful place. Located in Vancouver Island--a harbour town and close to mountains--it’s a paradise in the minds of many. It’s also home to the Light of Christ Church, an Anglican Coalition in Canada congregation that has called a new Rector to lead them forward in discipleship and mission. The Rev. Kathy King is used to ‘destination’ towns, having most recently served on staff at an AMiA congregation in Buena Vista, Colorado.

Press Release: Facts on “Anglicans hold Archbishop Hostage” article

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/?page_id=52

[Church of the Province of Central Africa] February 25, 2006--The office of the Church of the Province of Central Africa would like to categorically refute some of the information masqueraded as facts that appeared in both The Nation and The Daily Times newspapers of Friday’s edition which is not only incorrect but misleading.

Row over graveyard flowers goes to Parliament

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5809&title=Row%20over%20graveyard%20flowers%20goes%20to%20Parliament

[The Church of England Newspaper] March 3, 2006--A row that has broken out over a ban on flowers in a church’s graveyard has reached the House of Commons. St Mary’s Church, in Humberstone, Leicester, has said that flowers and mementoes can no longer be left on ground where mourners’ loved ones are interred. The church’s parochial church council says that the ruling needs to be enforced to keep the site tidy. There is no general church law on such matters, but individual PCCs have the power to introduce such rules.

Chad shrine found

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5809&title=Chad%20shrine%20found

[The Church of England Newspaper] March 3, 2006--The discovery of the ancient shrine of St Chad, buried for over 1,300 years under Lichfield Cathedral, has been hailed as “of European significance” by leading archaeologists. The find includes the “Lichfield Angel”, three fragments of an Anglo-Saxon sculptured panel, which formed part of the shrine believed to house the bones of St Chad, the first Bishop of Lichfield.

Tory MPs round on Synod over Caterpillar vote

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5809&title=Tory%20MPs%20round%20on%20Synod%20over%20Caterpillar%20vote

[The Church of England Newspaper] March 3, 2006--Conservative MPs have described General Synod’s recent disinvestment motion on Caterpillar and Israel as a “further hurdle to peace rather than a bridge”.

President's victory frustrates Ugandas Christian population

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5809&title=Presidents%20victory%20frustrates%20Ugandas%20Christian%20population

[The Church of England Newspaper] March 3, 2006--The Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni won a clear victory in an election process that has frustrated Christians in Uganda. The president will now enter his third term in an election that was overshadowed by violence in some parts of the electorate and questionable administration. Mr Museveni won 59 per cent of the vote while his rival, Kizza Besigye, took 37 per cent, according to the Electoral Commission.

Empire mentality stifling Christian debate says Archbishop

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5809&title=Empire%20mentality%20stifling%20Christian%20debate%20says%20Archbishop

[The Church of England Newspaper] March 3, 2006--Echoes of empire and imperialism have prevented the Church from hearing clearly what each side has been saying in the debates over human sexuality, Archbishop Rowan Williams told Anglican delegates to the World Council of Churches on February 17. Dr Williams argued: “The Anglican Communion is worth working for” and urged the warring factions to hold together in continued dialogue, seeking God’s will for the Church. “There is a perception that Western elites rule, manipulate, determine the agenda” for the rest of the world, Dr Williams said. While the Churches of the Global South have sought to “affirm their integrity, their intellectual and spiritual maturity” in the debates over human sexuality, the “background noise” to the conversation had become those of “empire” and of “global US policy”.

Why should a cartoon bring us to civil war?

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5809&title=Why%20should%20a%20cartoon%20bring%20us%20to%20civil%20war?

[The Church of England Newspaper] March 3, 2006--Muslims in Africa need to learn from their counterparts in the Western world, insists the Archbishop of Kaduna, Josiah Idowu Fearon, reflecting on the bloodshed in Nigeria. “Muslim citizens of this country wouldn’t get up and attack their fellow British citizens even as they are worshipping in Church,” he says incredulously. He is on a stopover in London on his return to Nigeria. Thankfully, in Kaduna state, where he lives, demonstrations against the controversial Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad went off peacefully, unlike the 2002 riots over the Miss World pageant in which communal violence claimed many lives.

WCC assembly demonstrates 'spirit of antichrist,' prof says

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3686

[VirtueOnline] March 2, 2006--Recognizing the Holy Spirit in other religions, tolerating homosexual marriage and denouncing the U.S. war on terror were among the views advocated at the 9th World Council of Churches Assembly Feb. 14-23 in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Anglican Shame

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3683

[VirtueOnline] March 1, 2006--With impeccable timing, the British Anglican General Synod -- the Anglican Church's highest governing body -- has voted for a campaign of economic attacks on Israel just as Hamas is settling into power.

New Report Contradicts Past Claims of Black Church Decline

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2506/section/new.report.contradicts.past.claims.of.black.church.decline/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 1, 2006--A recent groundbreaking study concluded that there are at least 1,210 megachurches in the United States today, but the large scale participation of African Americans in the 2,000+ congregations has escaped notice, according to a newly released research on black churches.

Teamwork Essential for Strategic Leadership, Reveals New Barna Study

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1762/section/teamwork.essential.for.strategic.leadership.reveals.new.barna.study/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 28, 2006--More senior pastors of Protestant churches now consider themselves to be effective leaders, according to a new survey by The Barna Group. Few, however, say they are effective at strategic leadership.

On Being Servants for the Greater Cause: A Response to Stephen Noll on Rowan Cantuar

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

[Global South Anglican] March 2, 2006--Noll noted that we both plead ‘the central authority of the Holy Scripture’ in ecclesial life. I would hasten to add that the Communion world-wide, including the younger churches...are equally in danger of ‘replacing key teachings’ of the historic faith by various forms of ideology. I shall attempt the following response in the spirit of friendly conversation across the continents…

LOOK NOT TO CANTUAR : A Friendly Rejoinder to Michael Poon - by Stephen Noll

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

[Global South Anglican] March 2, 2006--"I hope this article and any responses will contribute to genuine dialogue for those who are seeking God’s will for our Communion." - from Stephen Noll, in a note to the editorial

Westlake Parish is First to Seek DEPO in Ohio

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1724

[The Living Church] March 1, 2006--After more than two years of parish-wide discernment, the Church of the Advent in Westlake has become the first congregation in the Diocese of Ohio to receive delegated episcopal pastoral oversight. The vestry, the rector and the Bishop of Ohio have engaged the Rt. Rev. Edward S. Little, II, Bishop of Northern Indiana.

Sudan Won’t Break Ties with Episcopal Church

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1722

[The Living Church] March 1, 2006--Lambeth Palace has applauded the Episcopal Church of the Sudan’s (ECS) decision not to break with the Episcopal Church in protest to the actions of the 74th General Convention on human sexuality. At a recent meeting of the Provincial Synod, the Sudanese Church condemned recent innovations to Church teaching, but decided to continue in prayerful dialogue and Eucharistic fellowship.

PM wants to retain parliamentary prayers

http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/PM-wants-to-retain-parliamentary-prayers/2006/03/02/1141191774285.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] March 2, 2006--Prime Minister John Howard has dismissed as absurd a bid by minor parties to have prayers dropped from parliamentary proceedings.

Christian Churches Set on Fire in Pakistan

http://www.theconservativevoice.com/article/12738.html

[The Conservative Voice] March 1, 2006--Tuesday, another Christian church was set afire by Pakistani Muslims. The latest in a series of Christian church burnings is the Basti Noori Gate Presbyterian Church.

Appeal announced in classroom Christian-themed postings

http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=4570048

[wavy.com] March 2, 2006--The case of a York County teacher who was told he could NOT post Christian-themed materials in his classroom is heading to an appeals court.

Leader's Insight: Bringing Milli's into Leade

http://www.christianitytoday.com/leaders/newsletter/2006/cln60227.html

[ChristianityToday.com] March 2, 2006--Generation-X is being replaced by the bright (and more upbeat) next generation.

Three Ways to Get Small Groups Going

http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/3waystogetgoing.html

[ChristianityToday.com] March 2, 2006--So you're on your way to launching small groups at your church. But you're still wondering how it's going to work. How am I going to inspire them? How am I going to lead them? Will people really get involved?

Space Invaders

http://www.christianitytoday.com/yc/2006/001/2.32.html

[ChristianityToday.com] March 2, 2006--Portable dividers provide the perfect solution to the never-ending quest for more classrooms.

Wis. legislature sends marriage amendment to voters

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22755

[Baptist press] March 1, 2006--Wisconsin's legislature Feb. 28 sent a proposed constitutional marriage amendment to voters, making the state the sixth to place the issue of marriage on the ballot for 2006.

Italian intellectuals: moral and spiritual crisis prevents Europe from reacting to Islamic terrorism

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=6128

[Catholic News Agency] March 1, 2006--A significant number of Italian lawmakers, politicians and intellectuals, led by the president of the Italian Senate, Marcello Pera and including such individuals as Italy’s Culture Minister, Rocco Buttiglione, has presented a manifesto in which they attribute the confusion and fear in Europe over Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism to “a moral and spiritual crisis” that prevents the continent from finding “the courage to react.”

Barbour says he'd likely sign bill to ban most abortions in Miss.

http://www.sunherald.com/mld/sunherald/13984932.htm

[The Sun Herald] March 1, 2006--Republican Gov. Haley Barbour said Wednesday that he likely would sign a bill to ban most abortions in Mississippi if it's approved by lawmakers.

The Myths and Reality of Living Together Without Marriage

http://www.cwfa.org/articles/10218/BLI/dotcommentary/index.htm

[Concerned Women for America] February 28, 2006--In the United States, living together instead of marrying has become the norm for couples - half of young adults aged 20-40 are cohabiting instead of getting married. Cohabitation has increased nearly 1,000 percent since 1980, and the marriage rate has dropped more than 40 percent since 1960.

Anglican Mission reaches out

http://www.southernblackhillsweeklygroup.com/articles/2006/02/28/hot_springs/community/comm01.txt

[Hot Springs Star] March 1, 2006--When circumstances cause the closure of rural churches or radical changes leave one church-less, some folks shift their sights a little closer to home — in home, that is, in the case of Charles “Chip” Johnson, a former Episcopalian deacon. Johnson and a handful of former Episcopalian congregants launched the St. Francis Anglican Mission in October 2005.

Retired bishop says Griswold consorted with gays in Parish when Bishop of Chicago

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3672

[VirtueOnline] February 27, 2006--A retired Episcopal bishop says that the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Frank T. Griswold consorted with known drag queens and homosexuals in Paris in the late 80's, bringing a dozen of them to the American cathedral, where he was ordered by the then Bishop of the American Convocation to leave his cathedral and to take his gay friends with him.

St. Andrew's joins conservative Episcopalians

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3677

[VirtueOnline] February 28, 2006--In a unanimous vote, a Savannah church has become the first locally to join a conservative offshoot of the Episcopal Church of the USA.

Change arrives at Advent

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3674

[VirtueOnline] February 27, 2006--This Sunday will be the last that members of some families will worship together at the Episcopal Church of the Advent.

Nigerian archbishop of bigotry?

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3676

[VirtueOnline] February 28, 2006--The Washington Post, which is losing circulation, has published an article written by Washington's Episcopal Bishop John Chane, whose denomination has lost more than a million members.

The Death of Orthodoxy in ECUSA?

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3678

[VirtueOnline] February 28, 2006--The Episcopal Church USA [ECUSA] is without a doubt facing the most significant crisis of its history to date as parishes, laity and clergy leave in increasing numbers as a result of the theological, ethical and liturgical innovations of the greater part of its Episcopal and elected clerical and lay leadership.

Openly gay priests at odds as Christ's representatives, says Vatican doctrine head

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3675

[Catholic News Service] February 27, 2006--Cardinal-designate William J. Levada said a priest who publicly announces he is homosexual makes it difficult for people to see the priest as representing Christ, the bridegroom of his bride, the church.

Chester Cathedral and the Unitarians

http://www.evangelicals.org/news.asp?id=348

[EV News] March 1, 2006--The Times reports today that Chester Cathedral has withdrawn an invitation to allow the Unitarian Church to hold an annual services in the Cathedral.

Pastoral Letter from the Bishops of the Province to the Diocese of Lake Malawi

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/?page_id=50

[Anglican Mainstream] March 1, 2006--Twelve Bishops of the Province of Central Africa have issued a pastoral letter to the Diocese of Lake Malawi over the appointment of an interim bishop following the non-confirmation of the bishop-elect.

The Thirty-Nine Articles A Faith for Today Articles for Today (Part 2)

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_082_Allister13.pdf

[Cross†Way] Issue Autumn 2001 No. 82--Concluding the final part of Donald Allister’s series on the Thirty-nine Articles this continues fromArticles for Today (Part 1) printed in the previous edition of Cross†Way.

(j) The Church Invisible and Visible
The one universal church of God has two aspects, visible and invisible, but is not two churches. It is invisible in that God alone knows those whom he has chosen and whose repentance and faith are sincere. It is visible in that the public ministry of the word and sacraments, for which local congregations or churches gather, are visible. When a man repents and believes, which normally occurs through the witness of the church, he is thereby joined to the church invisible, and it becomes his right and duty to join the church visible, or to confirm his existing membership of it.

Reports Reveal More Anti-Conversion Campaigns in India

http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/1975/section/reports.reveal.more.anti-conversion.campaigns.in.india/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 27, 2006--New reports on the peaceful Shabari Kumbh Hindu Festival are further convincing Christians of its anti-conversion tactics and attempts to reconvert tribal believers to Hinduism.

Religious Leaders Condemn Latest Cartoon Violence

http://www.christianpost.com/article/africa/513/section/religious.leaders.condemn.latest.cartoon.violence/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 28, 2006--After the worst violence that erupted in Nigeria since 2004, religious leaders called for an end to the protests that have killed at least 127 people, condemning the Muslim-Christian clashes.

Fatherhood and the Future of Civilization

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/700/section/fatherhood.and.the.future.of.civilization/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 1, 2006--Will the world soon experience a return of patriarchy? That is the question raised by Phillip Longman in the current issue of Foreign Policy.

Cartoon Controversy Spills Over to U.S. Colleges

http://www.christianpost.com/article/americas/210/section/cartoon.controversy.spills.over.to.us.colleges/1.htm

[The Christian Post] March 1, 2006--The controversy over the reprinting of cartoons of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad continues to spread, spilling over to the campuses of colleges and universities in America.

Central African Primate Mobbed

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1720

[The Living Church] February 28, 2006--The Primate of Central Africa was mobbed on Feb. 22 at the diocesan offices in Lilongwe after he declined to accede to demands made by supporters of an English priest whose election as a diocesan bishop in that province was rejected.

Washington Bishop Condemns Proposed Nigerian Law, Primate's Role

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1717

[The Living Church] February 27, 2006--The Bishop of Washington, the Rt. Rev. John B. Chane, has lambasted the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria for endorsing a revision to Nigeria’s sodomy laws which Bishop Chane said will deny “gay citizens the freedoms to assemble and petition their government.”

Archbishop Williams Urges Shared Sacrifice, Continued Dialogue

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1716

[The Living Church] February 27, 2006--Obedience to God and determined dialogue with one another are the ways forward through the Anglican Communion’s crisis over human sexuality, according to the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Most Rev. Rowan Williams addressed the Anglican delegates to the World Council of Churches assembly meeting in Porto Alegre, Brazil, on Feb. 17.

Muslim Dissenters Make Public Stand Against Islamism

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1381315.html

[Crosswalk.com] March 1, 2006--Islamism is the new totalitarianism, and the recent uproar over the publication of cartoons depicting Mohammed has revealed the necessity of the struggle for freedom, equal opportunity and secular values.

No Nordic Bliss

http://www.nationalreview.com/kurtz/kurtz200602280810.asp

[National Review Online] February 28, 2006--There’s no refuting the claim that same-sex partnerships harm marriage.

Families Sue to Opt Their Kids Out of School-Mandated Pro-Homosexual Seminar

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/afa/282006e.asp

[AgaperPress] February 28, 2006--A federal judge has prohibited students from opting out of mandatory pro-homosexual diversity training in one Kentucky school system. District Judge David Bunning says students in Boyd County Schools have no religious or free-speech right to opt out of a yearly seminar aimed at preventing anti-homosexual harassment.

Massachusetts Gov. Romney Changes Position, Supports Bishops Opposed to Gay Adoptions

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/mar/06030102.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] March 1, 2006--Governor Mitt Romney has said he will consider the request of the Massachusetts bishops that Catholic adoption agencies should be exempted from placing children with gay couples, in an unexpected shift from earlier statements,

HHS Removes Pro-Gay Web Page After Complaint By Family Research Center

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/mar/06030103.html

[LifeSiteNews,com] March 1, 2006--The Family Research Center (FRC) has succeeded in convincing the federal Department of Health and Human Services to remove pro-gay content on the department’s website.

Abortionists Admit Humanity of Unborn; Now Claiming Right to Feel Good About Killing

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06022810.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 28, 2006--The pro-life movement has made such gains in arguing for the humanity of the unborn, that abortionists and their apologists are finding their rhetoric is too harsh, even in traditionally supportive political circles.

Another Take on Gospel Truth About Judas

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/24/AR2006022401799.html

[The Washington Post] February 25, 2006--The first translation of an ancient, self-proclaimed "Gospel of Judas" will be published in late April, bringing to light what some scholars believe are the writings of an early Christian sect suppressed for supporting Jesus's infamous betrayer.

There's No Pulpit Like Home

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1167737,00.html

[TIME.com] February 27, 2006--On a Sunday at their modest, gray ranch house in the Denver suburb of Englewood, Tim and Jeanine Pynes gather with four other Christians for an evening of fellowship, food and faith. Jeanine's spicy rigatoni precedes a yogurt-and-wafer confection by Ann Moore, none of the food violating the group's solemn commitment to Weight Watchers. The participants, who have pooled resources for baby sitting, discuss a planned missionary trip and sing along with a CD by the Christian crossover group Sixpence None the Richer. One of the lyrics, presumably written in Jesus' voice, runs, "I'm here, I'm closer than your breath/ I've conquered even death." That leads to earnest discussion of a friend's suicide, which flows into an exercise in which each participant brings something to the table--a personal issue, a faith question--and the group offers talk and prayer. Its members read from the New Testament's Epistle to the Hebrews, observe a mindful silence and share a hymn.

Making war, talking peace

http://www.standfirminfaith.com/index.php/site/article/making_war_talking_peace/

[Stand Firm] March 1, 2006--The battle for American Anglicanism is a fight worth having.

Supreme Court sides with abortion protesters, rules pro-lifers not extortionists

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22743

[Baptist Press] February 28, 2006--Pro-life protesters are not extortionists, a unanimous U.S. Supreme Court has ruled, apparently putting an end to a lengthy legal campaign to convince the judicial system otherwise.

Related article:
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1381159.html
Supreme Court Sides With Pro-Life Demonstrators - Crosswalk.com
http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2281/section/supreme.court.rules.for.abortion.protestors/1.htm
Supreme Court Rules for Abortion Protestors - The Christian Post

Recipe bringing youth back to church

http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2006/02/27/1141020021815.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] February 28, 2006--The last 25 years has seen a double trend in the size of Protestant congregations. Most denominations have seen the average number attending decrease. However, at the same time most denominations have witnessed an increase in the number of mega-churches. The result is a bi-modal distribution of size - most small, and an increasing number very large.