Church goes back to roots to revamp its style

http://www.timesherald.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15770866&BRD=1672&PAG=461&dept_id=33380&rfi=6

[The Times-Herald] December 16, 2005--With all the radical changes taking place, no one will be lumbering along a beaten path to the door of St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church anymore.

Pastors and priests are facing ever more empty pews in 2006

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1134601812563&call_pageid=970599119419

[Toronto Star] December 17, 2005--Many churches failing to meet spiritual needs. Members prefer experience of God to dogmas, creeds.

Irondequoit Episcopal Aligns With Church Of Uganda

http://www.13wham.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=0F85D69F-4CBF-4FFA-9445-5C1781732080

[13WAHM.com] December 16, 2005--An Episcopal church in Irondequoit that split from the Rochester Diocese is apparently now aligning itself with the Church of Uganda.

Russian Orthodox Back Vatican Stance On Gays

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3392

[The Tablet] December 16, 2005--Russia's Orthodox Church has backed the Vatican's position on homosexuals in seminaries, and accused Protestant denominations of "succumbing to secular values" over the issue.

Malawi 21 reject Bishop Mwenda

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/80256FA1003E05C1/httpPublicPages/9611ADB518ED0649802570D800539307?opendocument

[Church Times] December 16, 2005--A clergy conference in the Lake Malawi diocese has resolved to reject the appointment of the retired Bishop of Lusaka, the Rt Revd Leonard Mwenda, which was imposed ( News, 9 December) when the Bishop-elect, the Revd Nicholas Henderson, was rejected by the provincial court of confirmation.

Is God Really in Control?

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/1368191.html

[Crosswalk.com] December 17, 2005--Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Does God really have things in hand here, or is my life spinning out of control?” I have. Trusting in Jesus Christ at age 18, I soon concluded that if I simply did enough of the right things, my Christian life would be a steady climb toward maturity. Numerous setbacks and failures later, I still believed God was in control and had a purpose through it all.

Church on Christmas? Sorry, We're Closed

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/1368450.html

[Crosswalk.com] December 17, 2005--"There is an old carol that has a line that goes, 'And all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day, and all the bells on earth shall ring, on Christmas Day in the morning.' If churches still bother with bells anymore, they won't be ringing on Christmas Day in the morning this year. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire and presents under the tree are issuing a louder call."

Planned Parenthood Caught Concealing Rape of 11-year-old

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121602.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 16, 2005-- Planned Parenthood’s San Francisco office has removed a letter from its website that purported to be from a girl thanking the organization for not telling her parents that she has been raped when she was eleven by her then-17 year-old “boyfriend.” “Planned Parenthood helped me deal with the aftermath of the rape allowing me to deal and cope as best as I could in my own way,” the letter said.

'Sexual' school clubs decried

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/12/14/Hillsborough/_Sexual__school_clubs.shtml

[St. Petersburg Times] December 14, 2005--Petitioners ask the School Board to ban Gay-Straight Alliances that meet in several high schools. It's a thorny free-speech issue.

USCCB Changes Rating on Brokeback Mountain to Morally Offensive

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121607.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 16, 2005--The United States Conference of Bishops Office for Film and Broadcasting has altered their rating for the homosexual propaganda film Brokeback Mountain after a story by LifeSiteNews.com pointed out that the office's praise for the film was completely inappropriate. (see the LifeSiteNews.com story: http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/ )

US Archbishop Candid About Islamic Persecution of Christians

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121609.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 16, 2005--Archbishop Charles Chaput, of the diocese of Denver, broke free from politically correct restrictions to speak openly about growing Moslem persecution of Christians, in an address to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, of which he is a member.

Poll: Majority prefers 'Merry Christmas' over 'Happy Holidays'

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22300

[Baptist Press] December 16, 2005--A majority of Americans would rather hear "Merry Christmas" than "Happy Holidays" when greeted in stores and public institutions, according to a new Gallup poll.

House OKs domestic sex trafficking measure

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22305

[Baptist Press] December 16, 2005--The campaign against sex trafficking in the United States has taken a significant step forward.

Putting Christians back in Christmas

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22308

[Baptist Press] December 16, 2005--The Grinch has finally stolen Christmas. Funny thing is, it turned out to be an inside job.

St Nicholas returns to take on his red imposter

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3933-1936401,00.html

[TimesOnline] December 17, 2005--Our correspondent talks to the lay canon reacquainting children with their patron saint.

To the church, he’s public enemy No. 1

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10351693/

[MSNBC] December 15, 2005--Researcher of religion’s link to social ills comes under withering attack.

As Narnia film hits theaters, Jews uneasy with strong Christian theme

http://www.jewishledger.com/articles/2005/12/14/news/news07.txt

[Jewish Ledger] December 15, 2005--A potential mega-blockbuster film, financed by a fervent Christian and bursting with Christian overtones, is being mass-marketed to -- guess who? -- Christians.

I was a vicar's sex slave

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/tm_objectid=16486149&method=full&siteid=94762&headline=i-was-rev-s-sex-slave--name_page.html

[Mirror.co.uk] December 15, 2005--A church cleaner claimed a vicar tied him to a bed and raped him in a three-day sex ordeal.

Sydney Anglicans defiant on colonising outsiders

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,17583805%255E2702,00.html

[The Australian] December 16, 2005--Sydney's Anglican diocese has defied the national church over whether it should be able to colonise other dioceses with its evangelical brand of Christianity in a move that could see rival Anglican churches operating in the same towns.

'Narnia' naysayers

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-seipp16dec16,0,6369984.story?coll=la-news-comment-opinions

[The Los Angelos Times] December 16, 2005--Last week's long-anticipated opening of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," the first film adaptation of C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia," has brought a torrent of anti-Lewis commentary from the left. Narnia is sexist (threatened by evil witches who are always women), racist and religiously intolerant (its enemies are swarthy, turban-wearing idol worshipers) and offensively Christian (the magical land is ruled by a Christ-like lion deity named Aslan).

The Archbishop of Canterbury's Christmas Message to the Anglican Communion

http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/articles/40/75/acns4088.cfm

[Anglican Communion News Service] December 15, 2005--Perhaps the two images most of us will carry away from the last twelve months are those of the devastation caused by the tsunami just after last Christmas and by the hurricanes that devastated the southern states of America in the autumn. The natural world became a place of terror and disaster.

Resignation of priest 1st sign of rift in S.D.

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20051216-9999-7m16church1.html

[SignOnSanDiego.com] December 16, 2005--An Episcopal priest has resigned from his church and taken much of his congregation with him in the first significant sign that the divisions between the U.S. Episcopal Church and its Anglican counterpart have arrived in San Diego.

Narnia's Significance in Christianity

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1656/section/narnias.significance.in.christianity/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 15, 2005--The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe debuted over the Dec. 9-11 weekend at $67.1 million – exceeding all profit expectations – and filmgoers rated it a rare A-plus on an out-going survey. But on the subject of the film’s impact on Christendom, Christian leaders and laymen rated it a great conversation starter, but not a significant cinematic achievement.

Homosexuality Debate Drives Wedge Between American Baptists

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2434/section/homosexuality.debate.drives.wedge.between.american.baptists/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 15, 2005--A conservative regional body within the American Baptist Churches announced last week that it may withdraw from the national denomination over “irreconcilable” differences on homosexuality.

Twenty Nine Chinese House Church Leaders Arrested

http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/1915/section/twenty.nine.chinese.house.church.leaders.arrested/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 15, 2005--Twenty nine house church leaders were arrested in Henan Province, China this week during a gathering at a believer’s house.

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

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/603/section/why.do.we.preach.a.foundation.for.preaching.part.one/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 15, 2005--Preach the Word! That simple imperative frames the act of preaching as an act of obedience. That is where any theology of preaching must begin.

Congress Asks President to Protect Prayer in the Military

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2101/section/congress.asks.president.to.protect.prayer.in.the.military/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 15, 2005--Members of Congress and a Christian legal group announced on Wednesday that over 160,000 petitions have been gathered to protect prayer in the military, urging President George Bush to protect religious freedom in the Air Force.

New Study Shows Changing Evangelical Views on Islam Since 9/11

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2103/section/new.study.shows.changing.evangelical.views.on.islam.since.911/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 15, 2005--Numerous surveys, evangelical books and articles published in the last decade have reflected the more negative view of Islam than other Americans, but the new study indicates that this viewpoint has strengthened since 9/11. The findings resulted from analysis of popular evangelical books published before and after 9/11, showing that writings after 9/11 draw sharper distinctions between Islam and Christianity, as well as asserting that Islam is essentially violent.

Dorothy Sayers: "The dogma is the drama"

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2005/150/52.0.html

[ChristianityToday.com] December 16, 2005--A gifted public communicator, Dorothy L. Sayers (1893–1957) believed that those who slept through church had no idea what dynamite the gospel really was. Through her plays and essays, she tried to get people to see, as she said, that "the dogma is the drama." And she succeeded brilliantly—opening up the power and truth of orthodox Christianity for many who had abandoned the lukewarm cultural faith of England's religious establishment. CH&B senior editor Chris Armstrong talked recently with Sayers's friend, biographer, and collaborator in Dante translation, Dr. Barbara Reynolds, from her home in England.

To read more articles from ChristianityToday.com, go to http://www.christianitytoday.com/ctmag/.

But, Archbishop, this is the bleak mid-winter for many Christians

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3391

[Telegraph] December 10, 2005--'The Koran is the Muslim Bible" is something that most Westerners would say by way of a shorthand description. Although Koran and Bible are the most sacred scriptures of their respective religions, the comparison may be misleading.

Evangelicalism in the [Protestant] Episcopal Church of the USA

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3388

[VirtueOnline] December 15, 2005--For too long insufficient academic effort has been devoted to seeking to establish the reasons for the total demise of the evangelical party in PECUSA.

Jesus, was he Miraculous?

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3386

[VirtueOnline] December 15, 2005--What do you think of Jesus? Well, here is a prior question: what do you think of miracles? Possible? Impossible? Unlikely?

The coming into effect of the Civil Partnerships Act, December 2005

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/Dec05/16dec05.html

[Anglican Mainstram] December 16, 2005--As a member of the House of Bishops I want especially to note and to affirm what the Statement said about "the blessing of civil partnerships"; and what it said about "those wishing to be in ordained ministry and to register a civil partnership".

DURHAM: Bishop says he cannot support same-sex blessings

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/Dec05/15dec05.html

[Anglican Mainstream] December 12, 2005--Warm greetings to you all on a chilly December day. I have been sparing with the Ad Clerum genre over the last two years, but I think it's time to start making amends. And there is a pressing matter about which you need to know how things are shaping up.

Next Lambeth Conference to avoid confrontation

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5799&title=Next%20Lambeth%20Conference%20to%20avoid%20confrontation

[The Church of England Newspaper] December 16, 2005--The 2008 Lambeth Conference will meet from July 16 to August 3 at the University of Kent in Canterbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury has announced and will take on a didactic rather than deliberative tone. The Conference will be an opportunity for “individual Christian pastors to meet Jesus afresh, for our Church to be renewed in mission, for the world to hear good news,” Dr Williams wrote in an Advent letter to the Primates of the Anglican Communion. Meeting at ACC headquarters in London from December 6-9, the 2008 Lambeth Conference Design Group, chartered by Dr Williams in February 2004 to plan the forthcoming Conference, reviewed the terms of participation and the aims of the next meeting of Bishops of the Anglican Communion. Canon Jim Rosenthal told The Church of England Newspaper invitations would be extended to all active stipendiary diocesan, suffragan and assistant bishops in the Communion.

To read more articles from The Church of England Newspaper, go to http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php.

Panel of Reference Receives First Referrals

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1562

[The Living Church] December 14, 2005--The Panel of Reference has received its first batch of referrals from the Archbishop of Canterbury, according to sources in London familiar with details.

Some Churches Taking Heat for Closing Doors Christmas Sunday

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1368632.html

[AgapePress] December 16, 2005--Some Christian leaders feels some U.S. churches are bowing to secular culture by not having worship services on Christmas Day this year. Recently, a number of mega-churches across the nation announced that they are canceling their services on Sunday, December 25, saying they expect low turnout or want to allow members to spend time with their families on the holiday.

Christians under siege globally, Land, others say

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22289

[Baptist Press] December 15, 2005--American Christians may live with concerns about whether “Merry Christmas” greetings are welcome at their local retailers or in the public square, but followers of Christ in numerous countries live with the knowledge that expressing their faith may result in torture, imprisonment or death.

Ruling that banned Christ's name in legislature is appealed

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22290

[Baptist Press] December 15, 2005--The Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives says he is appealing a court decision that bans ministers from using Christ's name in legislative prayers.

The world still wants to hear 'Merry Christmas'

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22297

[Baptist Press] December 15, 2005--Another Christmas, another controversy. The annual battle over whether Christmas is a sacred season of worship and celebration or a license to shop and party has resumed. This time it rages around phrases such as “happy holidays” replacing “Merry Christmas.” Wishing your neighbor a “Merry Christmas” apparently has become as dangerous to public tranquility as putting up a manger scene on the courthouse steps.

French MP Faces 6 Months Jail and $30,000 Fine over "Hate Speech" against Homosexuals

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121505.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 15, 2005--A law banning hate speech against homosexuals enacted in France last year has proved its criticisms valid by being pressed against a sitting MP for comments which cannot be considered hateful in any true sense. Christian Vanneste, a member of the UMP representing the Lille region faces up to six months' imprisonment and a $30,000 fine after being taken to court by three homosexual activist groups - SOS Homophobie, Act Up-Paris and Sneg.

US Bishops' Organization Gives Glowing Review of Homosexual-Sex Propaganda Film

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121503.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 15, 2005--The Catholic Church identifies homosexuality as a serious moral and psychological disorder of unknown origin, one that is serious enough to make a man who suffers from it ineligible for priestly ordination.

Ford Meets with National Gay and Lesbian Organizations to Reassure Advertising will Continue

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121501.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 15, 2005--Senior executives from the Ford Motor Company met in Washington D.C. with the leadership of national gay and lesbian organizations Monday to reassure them of their continued support for the homosexual agenda.

Couple wins Nativity scene battle

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47911

[World Net Daily] December 15, 2005--Accompanied by a lawyer, a couple successfully acquired permission from a Pennsylvania town council to set up a Nativity scene on public property.

On a 'Christmas' crusade

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051215/News01/512150400/CAT=News01

[South Bend Tribune] December 15, 2005--P-H-M parent 'fed up with the political correctness'

Wal-Mart Preparing to Offer Another Carrot to GLBT Community

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/afa/152005b.asp

[AgapePress] December 15, 2005--The American Family Association (AFA) is expressing disappointment and concern over a pro-homosexual seminar being held on Friday at Wal-Mart's headquarters in Arkansas.

Truth and Courage

http://www.ncregister.com/articulo2.php?artkod=MTU1

[National Catholic Register] December 16, 2005--The new Vatican document is courageous.

Nation's first civil union ending

http://www.rutlandherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051215/NEWS/512150385/1003

[Rutland Herald] December 15, 2005--The first same-sex couple in the United States to receive many of the legal rights of marriage are in the process of dissolving their historic civil union in Vermont.

Latvia cements gay marriage ban

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4531560.stm

[BBC News] December 15, 2005--MPs in the Baltic state of Latvia have passed a constitutional amendment ensuring that gay couples cannot marry.

Chronicles of Narnia on Big Screen

http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/special/narnia.html

[Anglican Mission in America] December 14, 2005--The Pevensie children have returned, this time to motion picture cinemas around the world as The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe has opened at the height of the holiday film season. This latest production from the Disney Studios captures much that is enduring and essential about the book, penned by CS Lewis, one of the top selling authors of all time. An Ox-bridge Don and Anglican churchman, Lewis was known all over the world for his ability to bring the mind and heart together in Christian literature. The new film is co-produced by his stepson, Douglas Gresham, and was tops in the box-office opening weekend.

Ordinations in the Anglican Mission

[Anglican Mission in America] December 14, 2005--Bishop John Rodgers has ordained two people to ministry in the AMiA, who will serve under Bishop Thad Barnum.

At services in Hudson, Ohio Sarah B. Nix was ordained to the permanent Diaconate on Saturday December 3rd. The Rev. Nix came to Holy Trinity from the Methodist Church where she was a Licensed Local Pastor. In addition to her sacramental duties, The Rev. Nix will oversee the church's Alpha program, ministries of visitation, altar service, and prayer with her rector The Rev. Doc Loomis. Sarah and her husband David have been married 25 years and have one daughter, Ali. The Nix's reside in Bath, OH.

Ordained to the Priesthood in Florida was Carlos Miranda. He has been raised up through the Anglican Church of the Word in Pembroke Pines, Florida, in order to eventually plant a new church in Miami.

Churches become targets in Australian race-related violence

http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/article_1068934.php/Churches_become_targets_in_Australian_race-related_violence

[monstersandcritics.com] December 14, 2005--Sydney - Police were guarding Sydney churches Wednesday in the aftermath of an arson attack and gunfire outside a Christmas carol service in Australia's biggest city.

Affirming Catholicism and two bishops back civil partnerships

http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_051214affcath.shtml

[ekklesia] December 14, 2005--With the first civil partnerships due to be registered in England on 21 December 2005, the progressive Anglican organization Affirming Catholicism has announced the publication of a booklet calling on the Church to welcome the development as a pastoral opportunity and a means of listening to the experience of lesbian and gay Christians.

Anglicans reject bishop again

http://www.dailytimes.bppmw.com/article.asp?ArticleID=436

[The Daily Times] December 14, 2005--The Anglican Diocese of Lake Malawi has rejected retired Bishop Leonard Mwenda of Lusaka, Zambia who was last month appointed interim head of the church in place of another rejected Bishop-elect Reverend Nicholas Paul Henderson.

Five Parishes Announce they will leave ECUSA in January

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3382

[VirtueOnline] December 14, 2005--On December 12, 2005 a letter (below) was delivered to Bishop Howard which stated that during the first week of January, five congregations will transfer from the Episcopal Diocese of Florida to other provinces within the worldwide Anglican Communion. These congregations seek to remain faithful to Christ and be in full communion with the majority of the members in the larger Communion.

Related article:
http://www.americananglican.org/site/c.ikLUK3MJIpG/b.691905/apps/nl/content2.asp?content_id={9E1387AB-A2FD-4DAE-97BF-572838F5CAC0}&notoc=1
Letter from Anglican Alliance of North Florida to Bishop Howard Requesting Transfer to Anglican Bishop - American Anglican Council

Grassroots Campaign Takes First Step to Overturn Mass. Gay Marriage

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2095/section/grassroots.campaign.takes.first.step.to.overturn.mass.gay.marriage/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 13, 2005--Thousands of volunteers took their first step last week in a grassroots effort to ban homosexual marriage in the only state that allows it, turning in boxes full of signatures to change the state’s constitution.

Hindu Extremists Take Over Indian Church

http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/1911/section/hindu.extremists.take.over.indian.church/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 14, 2005--Hindu extremists in India forced native Christians to flee from their church in a north Indian state, converting the house of worship into a Hindu temple.

Southern Baptist Mission Agency Votes Against 'Private Prayer Language'

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2426/section/southern.baptist.mission.agency.votes.against.private.prayer.language/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 12, 2005--A controversial vote within the Southern Baptists’ International Mission Board to eliminate missionaries who speak in tongues may be part of a larger attempt to oust the organization’s president, claimed a report from the Associated Baptist Press.

Miss. Presbyterians Adopt Overture Critical of Sexuality Recommendation

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2428/section/miss.presbyterians.adopt.overture.critical.of.sexuality.recommendation/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 13, 2005--The Presbytery of Mississippi approved an overture that calls for significant changes to the language of a controversial recommendation that could possibly open doors to sexually active gay ministers in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Christmas 'Grinches' Running For Their Lives, Says Liberty Counsel

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2097/section/christmas.grinches.running.for.their.lives.says.liberty.counsel/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 14, 2005--As it educates and litigates on behalf of slighted Christmas celebrants, the Liberty Counsel says that its campaign for religious freedom is bearing fruit.

Costco Fires Catholic Who Denied Knights of Columbus Hall for Lesbian "Marriage"

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121302.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 13, 2005--Man struggling to support three small children faces loss of home.

Polygamy Next "Right" on Judicial Chopping Block Warn Pro-Family Advocates

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121305.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 13, 2005--Pro-family analysts are warning that, since the legalization of same-sex "marriage" in Canada and Massachusetts, polygamy is likely the next frontier in the advancing disintegration of the Judeo-Christian edifice.

Target, Sears do about-face, say they'll include ‘Christmas’

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22267

[Baptist Press] December 13, 2005--Two of the country’s largest retail chains have reversed course and are now directly acknowledging Christmas in their in-store promotions and advertising.

Iowa becomes 9th state with 'gay marriage' suit

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22272

[Baptist Press] December 13, 2005--Iowa became the ninth state involved in a "gay marriage" lawsuit Dec. 13 when the homosexual organization Lambda Legal filed a suit on behalf of six same-sex couples.

Poll: 78 percent in U.S. 'convinced' that God exists

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22273

[Baptist Press] December 13, 2005--Ninety-four percent of Americans say they believe in God and the overwhelming majority of them are "convinced" that He exists, according to a new Gallup poll.

Special Commission Plans Second Meeting

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1549

[The Living Church] December 14, 2005--The special commission charged with reporting “on the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion” to the 75th General Convention will convene again Dec. 20 at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City. The group held its first meeting Nov. 7.

Ad Hoc Bishops Group Focuses on Windsor Response

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1548

[The Living Church] December 13, 2005--An ad hoc group of 15 bishops from across the theological spectrum continued discussion on a variety of issues that have caused pain and dissension in the Episcopal Church during a meeting Dec. 6-8.

Property Task Force Meets, Reviews Recent Disputes

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1547

[The Living Church] December 13, 2005--An ad hoc group of about 20 bishops, diocesan chancellors and lawyers reviewed recent legal disputes over property in several dioceses and also discussed “key issues” that might arise during future legal action during a Dec. 8-9 meeting in Chicago.

Design Group Begins Planning for Lambeth 2008

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1546

[The Living Church] December 13, 2005--The 2008 Lambeth Conference of Bishops will meet from July 16 to Aug. 3 at the University of Kent in Canterbury and the Archbishop of Canterbury will extend invitations to all active stipendiary diocesan, suffragan and assistant bishops in the Anglican Communion. The Archbishop of Canterbury officially announced the dates and outlined his hopes for the conference in an Advent letter to the primates of the Anglican Communion.

Related article:
http://www.americananglican.org/site/c.ikLUK3MJIpG/b.691905/apps/nl/content2.asp?content_id={897C5428-632A-41C2-B5BB-4D709EE65B6E}&notoc=1
Dates for 2008 Lambeth Conference announced by Archbishop of Canterbury - American Anglican Council

Judge Sides with Two LA Parishes

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1536

[The Living Church] December 13, 2005--All three parishes that withdrew from the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Los Angeles in August 2004 are legally entitled to retain their buildings and other assets, according to Orange County Judge David C. Velasquez. On Dec. 12, Judge Velasquez dismissed a suit brought by the diocese against All Saints’ Church, Long Beach, and St. David’s, North Hollywood. Last August the same judge dismissed a similar complaint against St. James’, Newport Beach.

Related article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2429/section/conservative.parishes.win.in.property.rights.dispute/1.htm Conservative Parishes Win in Property Rights Dispute - The Christian Post
http://www.americananglican.org/site/apps/nl/content2.asp?c=ikLUK3MJIpG&b=689485&ct=1729335
Judge Sides With 2 Episcopal Parishes in Property Dispute - American Anglican Council

School Okays Christmas Witch, Rewrites 'Silent Night'

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1367673.html

[AgapePress] December 14, 2005--The "war against Christmas" rages on. A Wisconsin elementary school has changed the song "Silent Night" to "Cold in the Night," and secularized the lyrics. Ridgeway Elementary School in Dodgeville may be taking a cue from the White House, which as been sending out greeting cards in the last few weeks, wishing recipients a happy "Holiday Season" rather than "Merry Christmas."

A Teenager in Nigeria Counts the Cost of Embracing Christ

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1368237.html

[Compass Direct] December 14, 2005--For Pastor Zacheous Habu Bu Ngwenche, time is running out. In the next two weeks he may find himself back in police detention if he does not produce a convert from Islam abducted from his house by Muslim militants in September.

Author Advises Readers to "Say Goodbye to Stubborn Sin"

http://www.crosswalk.com/fun/books/1366820.html

[AgapePress] December 14, 2005--A Pennsylvania surgeon says the Apostle Paul was exactly right when he called humans' sinful nature "the flesh," because many sins actually do have physiological connections. Dr. Clark Gerhart, M.D., author of "Say Goodbye to Stubborn Sin" (Siloam Press, 2005), says he hopes the book will show Christians how thoroughly fleshly they are by helping them understand where their sins originate.

Shots fired into cars at carol service

http://www.smh.com.au/text/articles/2005/12/13/1134236063930.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] December 14, 2005--Shots were fired at teachers' cars, and parents and children were abused at a primary school Christmas carol service in Sydney, the Catholic Church has said.

Related article:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1530250.htm
Pell condemns gunfire at Christmas carols - ABCNewsOnline

Recife Diocese Grows In 2005

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/Dec05/13dec05.html

[Anglican Mainstream] December 13, 2005--Despite tension, persecutions and financial limitations, the Diocese of Recife registered a growth of about 25% (twenty five per cent) among its communicant members in the present year, from 2.310 in 2004 to 2.883 in 2005, with a total of 573 new confirmations. Including the children and not-confirmated adults (the so-called ÒcongregatedÓ) the Diocese of Recife is constituted by a community of 4.371 persons, enrolled in 37 parishes, missions and missions stations, led by 41 clergy and 16 lay ministers and evangelists, 25% was, also, the growth of clergy ordinations this year.

Ministering Pastorally to Homosexuals is Possible

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3376

[VirtueOnline] December 13, 2005--When an overwhelming number of Anglican bishops passed the Human Sexuality Resolution 1.10 at the Lambeth Conference in 1998 it marked a milestone in Anglican history.

New Commandment Task Force Puts Face on ECUSA Crisis

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3375

[VirtueOnline] December 12, 2005--The November meeting of the New Commandment Task Force which met at All Saints Church, Pasadena in order to find reconciliation between revisionists and orthodox within the Episcopal Church over property disputes and more, brought together 24 lay people, priests and bishops representing a range of theological positions including 10 conservatives, 11 liberals and 2 moderates.

Judge sides with two Episcopal parishes in property dispute

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3377

[VirtueOnline] December 13, 2005--A judge ruled that two conservative parishes that broke away from the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles were the rightful owners of their church buildings and other property.

British Cleric fights to Overturn Rejection as Bishop

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3373

[VirtueOnline] December 12, 2005--Defeat is always painful. But once you lose, you don't need to make unnecessary noise as if you are mad. What Henderson is doing at the moment ganging up support in this Diocese and in the UK is a worrisome development. According to e-mails which the clergy who have been supporting Henderson in the diocese are circulating are only trying to incite violence to the new bishop."

Pakistani militants call for the elimination of Christians

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3372

[VirtueOnline] December 12, 2005--Militant Islamists in Pakistan have called for the elimination of Christians and the public hanging of a Christian accused of blasphemy.

Jesus, Religious Genius or Failed Prophet?

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3374

[VirtueOnline] December 12, 2005--Jesus creates a problem. He announced that the kingdom of God was imminent. It did not arrive. Is it best to think of him as a religious and moral genius, or a failed prophet? If we think that he is a genius, we save his teaching but lose our integrity. If we think of him as a failed prophet, we keep our integrity, but it is difficult to explain why he has been so significant in the history of the world.

Film Review: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/051212a.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] December 12, 2005--The great English journalist and novelist, G.K. Chesterton said that myth speaks to the human heart by making a proposition about the nature of reality. It does not present a fantasy that merely distracts from the real, but offers an interpretation of the real that gives readers an opportunity to see reality in a different way. “True” myth articulates the deep plea of the human heart: “Why cannot these things be?!”

Push to nix gay nuptials begins

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_3292702

[DenverPost.com] December 9, 2005--But groups not all on same page.

Liberals' Use of Words Effective Tool in Promoting Radical Ideologies

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/12/92005gst.asp

[Agape Press] December 9, 2005--Let's face it, liberals over the years have been effective in requiring the public and the media to use terminology they have reinvented to engage in philosophical debate. While the spectrum might be broad, it is clear that liberals' use of philosophically friendly words has gone a long way in winning over people who may never have entertained liberal ideology in the first place.

The marriage of many

http://www.washtimes.com/specialreport/20051211-121113-7195r.htm

[The Washington Times] December 11, 2005--"Polygamy rights is the next civil rights battle." So goes the motto of a Christian pro-polygamy organization that has been watching the battle over homosexual "marriage" rights with keen interest.

How free speech was quietly abolished

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2005/12/12/do1202.xml&DCMP=EMC-new_12122005

[Telegraph] December 12, 2005--Sometimes, you wonder whether the police have taken leave of their senses.

Related article:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/dec/05121207.html
UK Author, Broadcaster, Subjected to Police Inquiry for Criticizing Homosexual Adoption as “Homophobic” - LifeSiteNews.com

The debates of Narnia

http://www.qctimes.net/articles/2005/12/11/features/arts_leisure/doc439bba37407e8586400448.txt

[Washington Post] December 12, 2005--When Lucy and the rest of the Pevensie children went through the back of the professor’s magic wardrobe, apparently they stepped into more than the crunch-crunch of freshly fallen snow.

Lloyd Alexander’s Taran the Wanderer series and Susan Cooper’s “The Dark is Rising” series has my vote.

'Narnia's' message enchants Christians

http://www.oregonlive.com/O/tvandmovies/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1133990706222050.xml&coll=7

[The Orgeonian] December 11, 2005--On movie screens throughout the country, little Lucy Pevensie is slipping into an old wooden wardrobe and stumbling into Narnia. "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," a beloved book for 55 years, is now a Hollywood movie.

Anglican church to close Congregation down to nine

http://newsfeed.recorder.ca/cgi-bin/LiveIQue.acgi$rec=16093

[Brockville Recorder & Times] December 9, 2005--The 100-year-old St. Paul's Anglican Church here will be closing at the end of this month.

According to the rector's warden of St. Paul's Anglican Church, the closure is a sign of things to come.

"I think the Anglican church is coming to a demise slowly but surely," said Margaret Palmer, of Elgin.

Griswold Agonistes

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3367

{VirtueOnliene] December 10, 2005--When Frank Tracy Griswold was installed as the 25th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church USA in 1997, he told the story about how God had spoken to him in Italy as he visited the significant sites of the life and witness of Francis of Assisi. He said that God told him to "Rebuild His Church."

This Life: Married to equality. Eames speaks out

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3368

[Belfast Telegraph] December 11, 2005--When is a wedding not a wedding? Most reasonable people will welcome the new legislation which allows same-sex couples to register their partnership, but these are not to be regarded as 'weddings' in the normal sense of the term.

Our Confidence is in God: A brotherly rejoinder to David Edwards' open letter on Western Values

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3369

[VirtueOnline] December 11, 2005--I had the good opportunity to meet and entertain you during your Hong Kong and China visit a few years ago. It was your first visit -or the first in many years-to North Asia. I trusted the visit refreshed you and expanded your horizons.

This is why I am puzzled and perplexed by your somewhat buoyant defense of 'western values' in your open letter to the archbishops of the Global South. I was not sure whether you are trying to defend the values of 'Christian England' (of which you had written extensively), of Europe today, the rationale of North American churches, or that of the Communion

Olympia's Peaceful Example

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1474

[The Living Church] December 4, 2005--Throughout the 17 years he has served as Bishop of Olympia, the Rt. Rev. Vincent W. Warner, Jr., has maintained a consistent aversion to using canon law as a means to compel members of the clergy or the congregations in western Washington to act contrary to their consciences. Last month, during the annual diocesan convention, Bishop Warner called for the election of his successor, and as his proposed mid-May 2007 retirement date looms closer, his aversion to using canon law as a cudgel is under increasing strain.

Indonesia Church Torched in North Sulawesi; Holiday Security Heightened

http://www.christianpost.com/article/asia/851/section/indonesia.church.torched.in.north.sulawesi.holiday.security.heightened/1.htm
[The Christian Post] December 10, 2005--Islamic militants torched a church in the Indonesian Province of North Sulawesi, Thursday night, raising fears of more violence to come during the Christmas holidays.

Related article:
http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3355
Persecution: Pakistan, Somalia, Indonesia, Sudan

Christians 'Compelled' to Share Message of Christ Through Narnia

http://www.christianpost.com/article/church/2423/section/christians.compelled.to.share.message.of.christ.through.narnia/1.htm

[The Christian Post] December 9, 2005--Whether beloved Christian author C.S. Lewis meant to preach the gospel through his Chronicles of Narnia series is still disputed. However, with the release of the film adaptation of Lewis’ book today, churches, denominations and ministries of all sizes, will be taking hold of what some view as a “God-inspired opportunity” to spread the message of Christ.

Despite a Few Distractions, "Narnia" Wows

http://www.crosswalk.com/fun/movies/1367416.html

[Crosswalk.com] December 12, 2005--After months and months of eager expectation, families across America will now finally get to see “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.” Based on the beloved children’s book by Christian apologist and theologian C.S. Lewis, the making of the film has been one of this year’s biggest news stories in Christian circles. Devotees and casual readers alike have been excitedly gobbling up any and all information available on the film’s production. The foremost question on everyone’s mind: will the movie properly portray the underlying Christian themes of the book?

Exclusive: Sen. Allen Withdraws 'Hate Crimes' Support

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1367698.html

[CNSNews.com] Republican U.S. Sen. George Allen will no longer support "hate crimes" legislation that includes "sexual orientation" as a protected status, even if the proposal is identical to a bill he voted for in 2004. The Virginia senator acknowledged Friday that such legislation could be used by federal courts to extend civil rights protections to homosexuals and to squelch free speech.

For an example of sexual orientation hate crime laws' chilling effect on the freedom of speech, read the next article.

Police warn author over gay comments

http://news.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/12/10/ngay10.xml

[Telegraph] December 12, 2005--An author and broadcaster condemned as "sinister" yesterday an inquiry conducted by police over comments she made about homosexuals on a live radio programme.

Christmas-prayer rebuke ignites community uproar

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=47846

[World Net Daily] December 10, 2005--Supervisor who denounced mention of Jesus forced to apologize to citizens over outburst.

Southern African bishops condemn court ruling on same-sex marriage

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0507040.htm

[Catholic News Service] December 9, 2005--Bishops in southern Africa condemned a high court ruling that it is it unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.