Tongan Chaplain To Lead World Gathering Of Anglican Bishops

http://www.pacificislands.cc/pina/pinadefault2.php?urlpinaid=20345

[Pacific Magazine] February 17, 2006--Tongan-born Reverend Winston Halapua has been chosen to be the chaplain of the 2008 Lambeth Conference - the once-every-decade gathering of the world's Anglican bishops.

Ministers forced out as cartoon row escalates

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/18/AR2006021800538.html

[The Washington Post] February 18, 2006--The row over controversial Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad forced two ministers out of their jobs in Europe and the Middle East on Saturday after clashes between police and protesters claimed 11 lives in Libya.

'Ex-Gay' Ministry Leader Finds ECUSA Bishop's Alcohol Problem Unsurprising

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/162006c.asp

[AgapePress] February 16, 2006--Bennett: Substance Abuse Is Many Homosexuals' Response to 'a Life of Pain'

The Cross: A Call to the Fundamentals of Religion

http://www.anglicanlibrary.org/ryle/cross/index.htm

[The Anglican Library] February 18, 2006--The cross is the foundation of a church’s prosperity. No church will ever be honored in which Christ crucified is not continually lifted up. Nothing whatever can make up for the want of the cross.

The 39 Articles A Faith for Today Articles 28-31: Holy Communion

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_071_Allister6.pdf

[Cross†Way] Issue Winter 1998 No. 71--Sacraments are effectual signs, though not automatic channels, of God’s blessing but they must be received aright, with the attitude of the recipient being all-important. Articles 28-31 focus our thinking on the Lord’s Supper (the name preferred by the reformers to Holy Communion). Again there is a brief correction of the extreme Protestant misunderstanding; but most of these Articles deal with the dreadful heresies current in the Roman church in the 16th century. Sadly this is still relevant today, with Rome continuing to teach all these doctrines and with many Anglicans once again espousing them. But these Articles are not completely negative: they contain strong and positive teaching too.

Some Brits feel their religious speech under threat

http://www.sacbee.com/24hour/religion/story/3176050p-11884191c.html

[The Sacramento Bee] February 16, 2006-- One of the demonstrators was a small child with a placard that said, "Whoever insults the prophet kill him." Another marcher wore a suicide bomber costume.

Robinson, alcoholism, and unanswered questions

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3626

[VirtueOnline] February 17, 2006--The sudden revelation that the Bishop of New Hampshire, V. Gene Robinson is an alcoholic who checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic, has come as a shock to the Episcopal community. But it raises more questions than it answers.

Related article:
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=48882
The homosexual, alcoholic bishop - WorldNetDaily

Reforming ECUSA by creating a covenanted, godly remnant

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3629

[VirtueOnline] February 17, 2006--A call to discernment and fervent prayer by Episcopalians

On the Brink

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3627

[VirtueOnline] February 16, 2006--Female ECUSA priest leaves Diocese of Lexington

The Healing of the Soul

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3617

[VirtueOnline] February 16, 2006--In this essay I will draw on Arnold Come's outstanding text on biblical anthropology, Human Spirit, Holy Spirit(1). I will also consider the ancient practice of lectio divina.

Communiqué from Provincial Synod of the Episcopal Church of Sudan

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

[Global South Anglican] February 18, 2006--We strongly oppose actions recently taken within the Anglican Church in USA and Canada in consecrating a practising homosexual as bishop and in approving a rite for the blessing of same-sex relationships. We reject homosexual practice as contrary to biblical teaching and can accept no place for it within ECS. We believe that human sexuality is God’s gift to human beings which is rightly ordered only when expressed within the life-long commitment of marriage between one man and one woman. We require all those in the ministry of the Church to live according to this standard and cannot accept church leaders whose practice is contrary to this. Valuing our belonging to the one holy, catholic and apostolic Church and out of love for our brothers and sisters in these churches, we will continue to call for repentance while listening to all voices within the Anglican Communion.

Religious Freedom Experts Account Christian Fears, Faith in Middle East

http://www.christianpost.com/article/missions/1969/section/religious.freedom.experts.account.christian.fears.faith.in.middle.east/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 17, 2006--Every decade of history has been repeating itself in Pakistan as far as religious freedom is concerned, according to a leading activist for human rights and religious freedom in Pakistan.

Pakistani Cleric Announces Bounty for Muhammad Cartoonist

http://www.christianpost.com/article/asia/900/section/pakistani.cleric.announces.bounty.for.muhammad.cartoonist/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 17, 2006--A Pakistani cleric announced on Friday a $1 million reward for whoever kills the cartoonist who drew the controversial Muhammad cartoons that sparked raging protests numbering in the thousands.

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

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/687/section/truth-telling.is.stranger.than.it.used.to.be.part.one/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 18, 2006--A common concern now seems to emerge wherever Christians gather--the task of truth-telling is stranger than it used to be. In this age, telling the truth is tough business, and not for the faint-hearted. The times are increasingly strange.

For Sentimental Reasons

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/107/52.0.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 17, 2006--How the emotional stories of Christian preachers and writers shaped a movement.

Another N.Y. appeals court rules against 'gay marriage'; Court hearing goes well for Neb. amendment

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22679

[Baptist Press] February 17, 2006--For the second time in three months, a New York state appeals court has upheld the state's laws and refused to legalize "gay marriage."

The importance of having an active faith

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22681

[Baptist Press] February 17, 2006--Hoisting several hundred pounds of free weights over his chest, famous San Francisco 49er Jerry Rice once said, “I’m willing to make the sacrifices, to do the work. There’s not many out there with my endurance or my desire.”

Prayer & Empowering Kingdom Growth

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22682

[Baptist Press] February 17, 2006--As I am privileged to travel across our nation and present the Empowering Kingdom Growth strategy, I always state this is not a program but a passion. This passion demands supernatural empowering, and supernatural empowering is dependent upon prayer.

Activists Planning to Stage '06 World 'Gay Pride' Celebration in Jerusalem

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/afa/172006a.asp

[AgapePress] February 17, 2006--Homosexual activists are planning to stage a massive "gay pride" party and parade this summer in Jerusalem. Jerry Falwell says that's a mistake that could backfire on the homosexual community worldwide.

New York Appeals Court Rules Against Gay “Marriage”

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021701.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 17, 2006-- New York’s marriage law is constitutional, a five-judge panel decided at a mid-level appeals court yesterday.

Russia’s Chief Rabbi: Perverse Gay Pride as Bad as Anti-Religious Cartoons

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021706.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 17, 2006-- Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berl Lazar has come out against a proposed “Gay Pride” parade in the capital, saying such an event “would be a blow for morality,” according to an InterFax report.

Czech President Vetoes Gay Partnership Bill

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021707.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 17, 2006--Czech President Vaclav Klaus has vetoed same-sex partnership legislation approved by the country’s parliament. The president deliberated over the issue for several weeks, after both the upper and lower houses of parliament approved the measure – the first of the former Soviet bloc countries to do so. The measure carried by a margin of 147 to 86 in the lower house.

Media’s Cowardice Pales Next to Politicians

http://www.hudson.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=publication_details&id=3874

[Hudson Institute] February 17, 2006--An old anti-Soviet joke tells how a mother was asked by her puzzled child to explain something mysterious in her history book: what was a meat queue? Patiently she explained that a queue was when people had to stand in line in order to obtain some scarce product.

“Oh, don’t be silly, mommy,” interrupted the child. “I know what a queue is. But what is meat?”

The Swedish Media Massage

http://www.afa.net/clp/GetArticle.asp?id=63

[American Family Association] February 17, 2006--The disturbing truth about Sweden’s moral decay should serve to sober us from our own complacent drunken stupor.

Bishops dealt setback in pursuit of gay adoption exemption

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/02/17/bishops_dealt_setback_in_pursuit_of_gay_adoption_exemption/

[The Boston Globe] February 17, 2006--Governor Mitt Romney and a legislative leader yesterday delivered unwelcome news to the Catholic bishops of Massachusetts, who plan to seek permission from the state to exclude gay and lesbian parents from adopting children through its social service agencies.

Who's afraid of a marriage vote?

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bal-op.marriage15feb15,0,378554.story?coll=bal-oped-headlines

[The Baltimore Sun] February 15, 2006--Marylanders are being treated to a strange spectacle as they watch democratically elected officials shy away from the democratic process.

European Secularism Is No Match for Islamic Fundamentalism

http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=12532

[Human Events Online] February 17, 2006--If the old adage that "you can't beat something with nothing" is true, then Europe is headed for trouble in its current conflict with Islamic fundamentalism.

Martyrdom and Muslim Fundamentalism

http://www.theindiancatholic.com/news_read.asp?nid=1125

[Indian Catholic] February 13, 2006--The main culprits behind the martyrdom of Christians appears to be shifting from the ideologies of yesteryear to the Muslim fundamentalism of today.

New cardinals? Rome buzzes with excitement as rumors fly

http://www.theindiancatholic.com/news_read.asp?nid=1136

[Indian Catholic] February 17, 2006--One rumor reported by The Times of London in early January was that the pope's over-80 cardinal nominations might include Msgr. Graham Leonard, a former Anglican bishop of London who was ordained a Catholic priest in 1994. If that happens, beyond the ecumenical implications, the College of Cardinals would have its first married member in several centuries.

One of three, or none, to be archbishop

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/one-of-three-or-none-to-be-archbishop/2006/02/17/1140151816839.html

[The Age] February 18, 2006--Melbourne Anglicans today will choose one of three men to be their archbishop. Two have virtually no chance, and quite possibly none will be elected, senior Anglicans have predicted.

Related article:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/women-ready-for-top-job-but-church-lags/2006/02/17/1140151816842.html
Women ready for top job, but church lags - The Age

Mystery death in church

http://maitland.yourguide.com.au/detail.asp?class=news&subclass=local&story_id=459648&category=General%20News&m=2&y=2006

[Maitland Mercury] February 17, 2006--Police are investigating the mysterious death of an elderly handyman found slumped in a chair with an apparent head injury in a room at St Luke's Anglican Church in Telarah on Thursday.

Local Buddhist must improvise to follow faith

http://cnjonline.com/engine.pl?station=clovis&template=storyfull.html&id=15922

[Clovis News Journal] February 17, 2006--“I went to McDonald’s yesterday ... Many Buddhists are vegetarians, by choice. I am not, by choice,” said Forbes, who was born in Kentucky and into the Episcopal Church where her parents, both musicians, were members.

Some churches help people to faith; others...?

St. Luke's Clergy temporarily inhibited by Bishop

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3620

[VirtueOnline] February 15, 2006--In the latest action taken after St. Luke's Church, La Crescenta, voted to separate itself from the Diocese of Los Angeles, Bishop J. Jon Bruno today issued a letter of temporary inhibition for clergy serving at St. Luke's, barring them from all functions of the ordained ministry. Under inhibition are the Rev. Ronald Jackson, rector; the Rev. Edmund Gibbs, and the Rev. Sara Burch (deacon).

The 39 Articles - A Faith for Today - Article 17: Predestination and Election

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_070_Allister5.pdf

[Cross†Way] Issue Autumn 1998 No. 70--Predestination and election are subjects which always seem to arouse great passions. Often in discussion on this issue much more heat is produced than light. Many of us will have heard of people being attacked as ‘Calvinist’ or ‘Arminian’, almost as if these titles described some particularly evil form of immorality or denied the very existence of God.

Synod has damaged relations with Jews, says Chief Rabbi

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2006/02/17/nrabbi17.xml

[Telegraph] February 17, 2006--The Chief Rabbi, Sir Jonathan Sacks, warned the Church of England that it had seriously jeopardised its relations with British Jews by adopting an "ill-judged" policy on Israel.

The Missing Link to the Recent Anglican Fiasco

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3622

[VirtueOnline] February 17, 2006--"My name is Gene and I'm an alcoholic," is the missing link that best explains the Anglican fiasco concerning Gene Robinson being made a bishop in the Episcopal Church of the United States of America (ECUSA). Just five years earlier at the 1998 Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops a stance was approved stating that homosexual practice was incompatible with Holy Scripture.

An Episcopal Exemplar?

http://www.challengeonline.org/modules/news/article.php?storyid=105

[The Christian Challenge] February 16, 2006--Even when one considers the source—the resoundingly liberal Episcopal Diocese of California—it was hard to believe. But there it was, staring back at us from the jurisdiction’s website. The California diocese, which is preparing to elect a successor to Bishop William Swing, had held up as a model “shepherd” a deceased prelate whose ministry was marred by sexual misconduct with a teenager.

Iraqi churches bombed: link with Danish cartoons?

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3618

[VirtueOnline] February 16, 2006--A spate of car bombs exploded outside churches in Iraq last Sunday 29th January in what appears to have been a coordinated attack. The explosions occurred within a half hour period, apparently chosen to coincide with the time at which Christians would be going to church.

The Road to Growth

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/Feb06/roadgrowth.html

[Anglican Mainstream] February 17, 2006--Following on from Hope for the Church, Bob Jackson, the Archdeacon of Walsall and Growth Officer for the Diocese of Lichfield, has written that rarity in publishing: a "must read" book.

Communiqué from the Global South Primates Steering Committee meeting at Singapore, 6 Feb 06

http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/weblog/comments/gsp_sc_communique_6_feb_06/

[Global South Anglican] February 16, 2006--We are gathered on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the formation of Province of South East Asia to give thanks for the ministry of Archbishop Yong Ping Chung and to rejoice in the installation of Bishop John Chew as the Third Archbishop.

Network Offers New Structure for Parishes Forced Out

http://www.acn-us.org/archive/2006/02/network-offers-new-structure-for-parishes-forced-out.html

[Anglican Communion Network] February 17, 2006--“Representatives of more than seventy of the Anglican Communion Network’s 1000 plus congregations will meet together in Kansas this March,” Bishop Robert Duncan, Moderator of the Network, announced today. “The ten dioceses and six convocations of the Network will shortly be joined by a seventh ‘international’ convocation,” Bishop Duncan said. “These seventy congregations, while no longer a part of ECUSA, have been parishes of the Network from day one.” They are now under the jurisdiction of dioceses in four Anglican Provinces: Uganda, Southern Cone, Kenya and Central Africa.

Single clause gives way to TEA

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/80256FA1003E05C1/httpPublicPages/B5C35F5DE3368FC8802571170053324E?opendocument

[Church Times] February 17, 2006--The Bishops of Guildford and Gloucester are to carry forward the work on the Guildford proposals for transferred episcopal arrangements (TEA) after the Synod 's vote last week to explore this option further before drafting legislation for the ordination of women bishops.

Preaching Tips That Will Change Lives

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1752/section/preaching.tips.that.will.change.lives/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 16, 2006--I’ll say it over and over: The purpose of preaching is obedience. Every preacher in the New Testament – including Jesus – emphasized conduct, behavioral change, and obedience. You only really believe the parts of the Bible that you obey. People say, “I believe in tithing.” But do they tithe? No? Then they don’t believe in it.

The Glory of God in the Goodness of Marriage

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/685/section/the.glory.of.god.in.the.goodness.of.marriage/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 16, 2006--"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable state, instituted by God in the time of man's innocency, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his Church."

Star Trek Lesson

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1753/section/star.trek.lesson/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 16, 2006--“You have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.” So said St. Augustine in the late fourth century. Yet, some 1600 years later, millions of people remain woefully, sometimes willfully, ignorant of that profound fact.

US Planning 'Last Resort' Bombing on Iran's Nukes, Report Says

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1378271.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 17, 2006--A report over the weekend saying that the Pentagon is planning for potential military strikes against Iran brought the customary response from Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. She said the United States wants a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute but no options are off the table.

Protests Escalate Ahead of Bush's Planned Visit to Pakistan

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/1379267.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 17, 2006--Protests in Pakistan this week, some of which turned violent and deadly, are building up to countrywide demonstrations planned for March 3, around the time President Bush is due to visit the South Asian country.

The Spiritual Problem With Teens: They're Following Us

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1378663.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 17, 2006--Recent sociological studies are revealing a growing scandal within American Christianity. Many of our churchgoing teens are not Christian or, perhaps, are marginal believers who profess religious ideas that represent an astonishing departure from historic Christianity.

Pakistan: Muslim Women Vandalize Catholic Church

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1377963.html

[Compass Direct] February 17, 2006--A crowd of Muslim women and a few men attacked a Catholic church in Pakistan's Punjab province recently, injuring two Christian women - one 70 years old - and vandalizing the building.

Alabama Church Fires Spread Alarm Among Rural Congregants

http://www.crosswalk.com/news/religiontoday/1379111.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 17, 2006--John Giles of the Christian Coalition of Alabama says people across the state are stunned by the region's latest church fire, the tenth in a recent series of arson attacks to target a rural Alabama congregation's sanctuary over the past 11 days.

Too many church guests are ignored, DOM says

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22672

[Baptist Press] February 16, 2006--When Thomas Hammond led a workshop eight years ago on how churches can become more visitor friendly, he had no idea he would stimulate an ongoing series of sessions that continue today.

Biblically orthodox Anglican churches also need to prepare for visitors.

Experts: Churches must focus more on connecting with guests

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22673

[Baptist Press] February 16, 2006--While Southern Baptists have long been known for their missions support, an official with LifeWay Christian Resources said they must become “missional.”Barry Sneed, director of LifeWay’s church consulting practice, said SBC churches have to learn to conduct the same kind of outwardly-focused activities that missionaries do overseas.

What applies to Southern Baptists also applies to Biblically orthodox Anglicans.

Creating culture warriors

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22674

[Baptist Press] February 16, 2006--A recent Newsweek story describes the emphasis evangelical universities are placing on training debaters. The debate team at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., ranks number one in the nation. (Harvard is number 14.)

Protest planned at Christian conference on homosexuality

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/13889935.htm

[The Kansas City Star] February 16, 2006--A conference aimed at helping Christians address homosexuality or change their sexual orientation will be met with protests from the gay rights community when it meets Feb. 25 in St. Louis.

America’s irreverent sense of humor: Christian symbols aren’t off-limits for parody

http://www.indianexpress.com/full_story.php?content_id=87957

[The Indian Express] February 16, 2006--Blasphemy! Wow. You want blasphemy, try Christianity in America.

Church's job: never mind errors, use the code

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/church-can-crack-code-dilemma/2006/02/16/1140064202472.html

[Sydney Morning Herald] February 17, 2006--The Hollywood adaptation of Dan Brown's fictional whodunit about a global Catholic conspiracy could accomplish more than certain box office success.

French Government Report Says No to Homosexual “Marriage”

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021601.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 16, 2006--A government commission set up at the request of the President of the French National Assembly has concluded that homosexual ‘marriage’ and adoption by homosexual couples, and medically assisted procreation for homosexual couples should not be permitted by law. The decisive factor to the report's conclusions, after an investigation of more than a year, was the commission’s decision to act “to affirm and protect children’s rights and the primacy of those rights over adults’ aspirations.”

Microchips Being Implanted Into Humans; Concerns About Privacy and Civil Liberty

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021607.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 16, 2006--The head of an American security company has had himself and two employees injected with computer microchips for more secure access to confidential surveillance information.

Georgia Bill Forces Students to Consult Parents before Joining School Clubs

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021608.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 16, 2006--Homosexual activists furious state would prevent kids from joining gay clubs

Dean considers blessing gay couples in civil partnership

http://www.guardian.co.uk/gayrights/story/0,,1710720,00.html

[The Guardian] February 16, 2006--The dean of a Cambridge college has said he will consider offering blessings for same sex couples, in the first breach of the Church of England's ban on clergy offering services after civil partnership ceremonies. The Rev Jeremy Caddick, Dean of Emmanuel College, has written to the Bishop of Ely telling him that the college does not see itself as falling under his jurisdiction.

The 39 Articles: A Faith for Today - Articles 12-16 The Christian Life

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/Cway_068_Allister4.pdf

[Cross†Way] Issue Spring 1998 No. 68--Every one of these Articles dealing with the Christian life focuses on our sinfulness (Article 14 only by implication, but it is clearly meant). To some people that will make the Articles seem negative, unhelpful and lacking in encouragement. ‘We don’t want to hear about our sins but to be built up, loved and shown the greatness of God’ - so the argument goes. In fact, as we shall see, these Articles are marvelously encouraging, they are realistic; they accept us as we are; they deal with the actual human condition; they magnify the grace and goodness of God.

Today In History - Feb. 16

http://cbs11tv.com/watercooler/watercooler_story_044141511.html

[CBS11TV.com] February 16, 2006--In 1977, Janani Luwum, the Anglican archbishop of Uganda, and two other men were killed in what Ugandan authorities said was an automobile accident.

Christians advised to work for salvation

http://www.thetidenews.com/article.aspx?qrDate=02/16/2006&qrTitle=Christians%20advised%20to%20work%20for%20%20salvation&qrColumn=RIVERS

[The Tide Online] February 16, 2006--Christians have been urged to work out their salvation by living the exemplary life of Christ and abstaining from acts capable of luring them into sin.

Anglican Diocese ordains 3rd women

http://www.observer.gm/enews/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3452&Itemid=33

[Daily Observer] February 16, 2006--The Anglican Bishop of The Gambia and erstwhile Dean of the Church of the Province of West Africa (CPWA), Rt Rev, Dr Solomon Tilewa Johnson, last Sunday admitted Sarah Margaret Rose Sock-Taylor into the Order of Deacons, in a service held at the Christ Church Parish in Serrekunda.

Los Angeles Diocese Will Fight Parish Departure

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1701

[The Living Church] February 15, 2006--In a letter to the clergy and laity in the Diocese of Los Angeles, Bishop J. Jon Bruno said the claim to church property by the departing congregation of St. Luke’s in the Mountains in La Crescenta, Calif., was “clearly illegal” and it was his “pastoral and fiduciary duty” to pursue the matter.

Are we surprised?

Cut glass bishop needed

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3615

[Irish Anglican News] February 15, 2006--Speculation in the press about the appointment of a woman bishop to the Diocese of Cashel and Ossory is distasteful for, and demeaning to, every member of that bruised diocese.

Archbishop urges bishops to give a lead

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5807&title=Archbishop%20urges%20bishops%20to%20give%20a%20lead

[The Church of England Newspaper] February 17, 2006--The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has criticised his colleagues for failing to provide leadership to the Church, which has meant that it has been weakened in its mission to society. In a thinly veiled reference to the war over homosexuality that has torn the Church apart, he said that there was a need to get away from “an all-or-nothing attitude” and to learn how to hold dialogue with opponents.

Transferred Episcopal Arrangements pave the way for women bishops

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5807&title=Transferred%20Episcopal%20Arrangements%20pave%20the%20way%20for%20women%20bishops

[The Church of England Newspaper] February 17, 2006--Plans for ‘Transferred Episcopal Arrangements’ will provide the framework for the Church of England’s move towards women bishops, despite warnings that it will “enshrine discrimination against women”. A majority of the clergy voted for the single clause measure to be explored further as an option that would ensure women were treated equally, but they were defeated as the rest of Synod heeded the call of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Iran clamping down on rights of Christians

http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php?read=on&number_key=5807&title=Iran%20clamping%20down%20on%20rights%20of%20Christians

[The Church of England Newspaper] February 17, 2006--Iranian Christians and converts from a Muslim background are facing increasing persecution and are becoming fearful for their lives, according to observers in the region. In a House of Lords debate on the Middle-East country, the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, also raised his concerns over their plight.

More articles from The Church of England Newspaper can be found at http://www.churchnewspaper.com/news.php.

Valentine's Day Brings Out Clergy on Opposing Sides of Marriage Debate

http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2259/section/valentines.day.brings.out.clergy.on.opposing.sides.of.marriage.debate/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 15, 2006--Valentine's Day brought Evangelicals out to the steps of New York’s City Hall to advocate traditional marriage. A newly formed gay marriage alliance also converged on City Hall the same hour.

The Heteroflexible, Pansensual, Bi-Curious Teenager

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/684/section/the.heteroflexible.pansensual.bi-curious.teenager/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 15, 2006--Teenage sexuality has been a perpetual concern for parents--and for good reason. In our own times, American teenagers have unprecedented opportunities to experiment sexually and they are bombarded with cultural messages that encourage sexual experimentation and promiscuity. In a very real sense, the chickens have come home to roost as this nation faces the inevitable result of a breakdown in sexual morality.

The Leadership Files: Dr. Ken Blanchard on ''Lead Like Jesus''

http://www.christianpost.com/article/ministries/1750/section/the.leadership.files.dr.ken.blanchard.on.lead.like.jesus/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 15, 2006--Twenty-four years after the release of what many consider as the best-selling management book of all time, "One Minute Manager" author Ken Blanchard has outdone himself in his latest book, "Lead Like Jesus."

Three Charged for Manitoba Church Fire; Congregation Moves Forward

http://www.christianpost.com/article/americas/209/section/three.charged.for.manitoba.church.fire.congregation.moves.forward/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 15, 2006--While three people have been charged with arson for setting a United Church of Canada in southwestern Manitoba on fire over the weekend, the congregation is counting their losses and moving forward.

Over 70,000 Join Riot in Pakistan's Largest Cartoon Protest

http://www.christianpost.com/article/asia/897/section/over.70000.join.riot.in.pakistans.largest.cartoon.protest/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 16, 2006--Violence erupted in Pakistan on Wednesday as more than 70,000 people joined Pakistan’s largest protest yet against the Muhammad cartoons.

Islam - the religion of "peace"

Go Figure

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2006/003/9.22.html

[ChristianityToday.com] February 16, 2006--Recent stats on evangelicals and abortion, and American spirituality.

New Jersey Supreme Court hears 'gay marriage' case

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22659

[Baptist Press] February 15, 2006--New Jersey's Supreme Court heard oral arguments Feb. 15 in a "gay marriage" case that could result in the Garden State following Massachusetts' lead in redefining marriage.

Idaho legislature sends marriage amendment to voters

http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?ID=22663

[Baptist Press] February 15, 2006--Idaho's Senate Feb. 15 sent a state constitutional marriage amendment to voters, making it the fifth state to place such an amendment on the ballot for 2006.

Related article:
http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/2258/section/indiana.house.of.reps.opposes.jesus.prayer.ban/1.htmIndiana House of Reps Opposes 'Jesus' Prayer Ban - The Christian Post

Poll: Majority of Canadians Would Support Conservative Gov't Restricting Abortion

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021503.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 15, 2006-- An Ipsos-Reid poll released by CanWest Global has revealed that a majority of Canadians would oppose opposition parties toppling the Conservative government over abortion restrictions. The poll also found that, by an even larger margin, Canadians would oppose ousting the Conservatives if they tried to pass a law making same sex 'marriage' illegal.

Italian Judges Rule Crucifix Can Remain in Public Schools

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021506.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 15, 2006--Judges from Italy’s highest court have thrown out a suit aimed at eliminating crucifixes from the country’s public schools, arguing they are symbolic of the Christian values that underpin all principles held dear by secular society.

Canada's Largest Catholic Paper Lauds Gay Propaganda Film Brokeback Mountain

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021508.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 15, 2006--The Catholic Register is Canada's oldest and largest national weekly Catholic newspaper. Owned by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto, the Register is considered one of the most influential religious publications in the country.

Indiana House Defies Judge with 83-0 Vote for Christian Prayer

http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2006/feb/06021502.html

[LifeSiteNews.com] February 15, 2006--The Indiana House voted 83-0 to re-instate Christian prayer after a federal judge there declared the practice of invoking the name of Jesus Christ unconstitutional.

Polls Distort U.S. Views on Abortion

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/ic/2006/2/14/153052.shtml?s=ic

[NewsMax.com] February 14, 2006--As two vacancies on the Supreme Court opened up last year, a series of polls found that people in the U.S. approve of the Roe v. Wade decision by a significant margin – but these polls distort Americans’ real feelings regarding abortion.

The Agonizing Problem of the Assurance of Salvation

http://www.crosswalk.com/faith/1374743.html

[Crosswalk.com] February 16, 2006--The most agonizing problem about the assurance of salvation is not the problem of whether the objective facts of Christianity are true (God exists, Christ is God, Christ died for sinners, Christ rose from the dead, Christ saves forever all who believe, etc.). Those facts are the utterly crucial bedrock of our faith. But the really agonizing problem of assurance is whether I personally am saved by those facts.

Russian foreign minister cautions against Muslim-Christian split

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20060215/43559898.html

[RIA Novosti] February 15, 2006--Russia's foreign minister warned Wednesday about a possible split between Christians and Muslims in the wake of a scandal around religious cartoon republication in European media.

Divisive Anglican Bishop in New Alcohol Controversy

http://www.christiantoday.com/news/church/divisive.anglican.bishop.in.new.alcohol.controversy/1008.htm

[Christianity Today UK] February 15, 2006--The first openly gay bishop in the Anglican Communion, Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire has this week admitted that he is participating in treatment for alcoholism.

Related article:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5621952,00.html
Bishop's Alcoholism Familiar to Clergy - The Guardian

The question is whether this problem is a new developemnt or long-standing. If it is long-stannding, it should have disqualified him as a candidate for the episcopate.

Evangelical center coming to J'lem

http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1139395390346&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull

[The Jerusalem Post] February 12, 2006--The Jerusalem Municipality has authorized the temporary establishment of an Evangelical Christian center for worship on the Mount of Olives for the benefit of those visiting the Holy Land, according to the city and the organizer.

Nukes Deplored at Christian Gathering

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5622000,00.html

[The Guardian] February 15, 2006--The spread of nuclear weapons technology is ``an outrage to all humanity'' in an unstable world of terrorism networks and increasing violence in the name of religion, the head of the largest alliance of Christian churches said Wednesday.

Large congregations rely on conservative values, strong pastors, study finds

http://www.oxfordpress.com/business/content/shared/news/stories/MEGACHURCHES_0215_COX.html

[The Oxford Press] February 15, 2006--As megachurches continue to sprout across the country, a new study concludes that many of the common assumptions about these large houses of worship are simply not true.

Two Loudoun churches leave ECUSA

http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab1.cfm?newsid=16127191&BRD=2553&PAG=461&dept_id=506035&rfi=6

[Loudoun Times-Mirror] February 14, 2006--Two Episcopal churches in eastern Loudoun have made history, being the first and second congregations in Virginia to leave the umbrella of the Episcopal Church of the United States of America and join the Anglican Province of Uganda.

Virginia Episcopal Parish Breaks Away From Unrepentant ECUSA

http://headlines.agapepress.org/archive/2/142006e.asp

[AgapePress] February 14, 2006--Rector Clancy Nixon says the parish's decision was sparked by more than just the denomination's ordination of an openly homosexual bishop and approval of same-sex ceremonies, although those actions by the U.S. denomination have played a part. Still, he notes, "The ECUSA has refused to repent. Indeed, they've continued on this path."

For instance, Nixon says, "Just this last week, I understand that ECUSA is now funding a lobbying arm for the abortion industry." Also, he adds, the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Virginia have undermined core teachings on who Jesus really is, the authority of the Bible, and discipline in the church.

The 39 Articles: A Faith for Today - Articles 9, 10, 11, and 18: Sin and Salvation

http://www.churchsociety.org/crossway/documents/CWay_066_Allister3.pdf


[Cross†Way] Issue Autumn 1997 No. 66--There is other teaching in the Articles on sin and salvation, but these four Articles give a gloriously clear introduction to the biblical teaching, contrasting it with most of the misunderstandings and heresies of the sixteenth century and today.

Bishop Blasts Times Union Story as 'Innuendo, Inaccurate and Deceptive'

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3609

[VirtueOnline] February 14, 2006--Political agenda lies at heart of attacks, suggests bishop

Liberals want Forward in Faith to stay in Church, but on their Terms

http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=3607

[VirtueOnline] February 11, 2006--After attending the great Forward In Faith Rally in London attended by over two thousand supporters, and listening to the two General Synod debates, this observer would interpret the present state of play along these lines....

The Passion of our Lord (Lenten Season 2006)

http://www.globalsouthanglican.org/index.php/comments/the_passion_of_our_lord_lenten_season_2006/

[Global South Anglican] February 15, 2006--A special Lenten message by Archbishop Peter Akinola (Nigeria)

Christmas Report from Earthquake Relief Area in Pakistan

http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/Feb06/christmasreport.html

[Anglican Mainstream] February 15, 2006--The following report from the Earthquake Relief area in Pakistan was sent at Christmas but has only just arrived....

St. Luke’s of the Mountains Church Aligns with the Worldwide Anglican Communion

http://www.americananglican.org/site/c.ikLUK3MJIpG/b.691905/apps/nl/content2.asp?content_id={667801F7-A653-4803-8305-7ACD6F61B88A}&notoc=1

[American Anglican Council] February 14, 2006--St. Luke’s of the Mountains, a biblically orthodox church for over 60 years, affirms its membership in the Anglican Communion and will no longer be affiliated with the Episcopal Church USA or the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Rio Grande, San Diego Bishops Announce Partnership

http://www.livingchurch.org/publishertlc/viewarticle.asp?ID=1699

[The Living Church] February 14, 2006--The Bishop of San Diego, the Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes, and the Bishop of the Rio Grande, the Rt. Rev. Jeffrey Steenson, have entered into a partnership designed to move forward in communion, despite theological differences. The two bishops have pledged to remain in conversation with each other and to be available to churches in each other’s diocese who may find it helpful to interact with a bishop of a more conservative or progressive position.

Comparing Islamic Fascists to Christian Conservatives

http://www.christianpost.com/article/editorial/681/section/comparing.islamic.fascists.to.christian.conservatives/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 14, 2006--It has become a world crisis. Cartoons printed by a Danish newspaper depict the Prophet Muhammad in a way that Muslims say is blasphemous. In retaliation, Muslims are violently protesting by burning flags, attacking embassies in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran. Riots have broken out in Beirut, Indonesia, the Palestinian territory, and Afghanistan. Muslim clerics continue to stir the flames of Islamic indignation, calling upon Muhammad's followers to enforce respect for the prophet's name with their own blood. People are being seriously injured and killed.

Pakistan Struck by 'Worst Violence' Against Muhammad Cartoons

http://www.christianpost.com/article/asia/896/section/pakistan.struck.by.worst.violence.against.muhammad.cartoons/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 14, 2006--Thousands of protestors stormed through two cities in Pakistan on Tuesday, torching Western businesses and shouting slogans in what officials call ‘‘Pakistan’s worst violence against the Prophet Muhammad drawings.’’

Lutheran Numbers Grow Worldwide, Shrink in Global North

http://www.christianpost.com/article/intl/141/section/lutheran.numbers.grow.worldwide.shrink.in.global.north/1.htm

[The Christian Post] February 14, 2006--The number of Lutherans worldwide rose by nearly a quarter million members, largely through the sharp growth of Christians in Africa.