|
| |
|
|
|
|
Recomendar |
|
|
Agregar a
favoritos |
|
|
Página de inicio |
|
|
¿Quiénes somos? |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
'face of Christ' on a Russian flag
Moscow, October 1st, 2003 (ACPress.net).
The 90th anniversary
of the Bolshevik Revolution is only a few days away but the
statue of Lenin is decapitated for ever and religious icons
are beginning to make an appearance in the nation dominated
until recently by the atheist doctrine of Communism.
One of the most dramatic instances is in Penza, almost 200 miles
south of Moscow, where the local Council has put up its new
flag whose central feature is the face of Christ. The icon is
a replica of a medieval banner hoisted in 1380 by the forces
of Russian Prince Dimitri in their epic victory over the Mongols.
The fashion for recovering pre-Soviet iconography is indirectly
encouraged by the Putin government, which has ordered all administrative
regions to choose a new flag, shield and song within the next
five years. The free choice of these symbols, which must then
be submitted to examination by a heraldic commission, is leading
to unusual controversies. The cull of Stalinist busts began
in Moscow in 1991, but in more remote areas things have moved
more slowly.
Despite nostalgic conservatives though, the total eclipse of
all atheist idols seems inevitable. In July this year, an enormous
chapel was opened in the town of Yekaterimburgo at the spot
where Tsar Nicolas II was murdered in 1918. Side by side with
this new trend, is the fight by the Russian Orthodox Church
for religious domination. Its recovery has come up against a
very different religious map than they would like; the existence
of other groups, from cults to evangelical Christians. Recent
estimates suggest up to 5 million Russians are in contact with
some kind of new religious group.
Another battlefield is education. The Russian Orthodox Church
wants 'Orthodox Culture' to be an optional school subject, arguing
that "in the Soviet Union there were thousands of people
giving atheism classes. They were professional atheists. But
the overwhelming majority of the new Russia are in favour of
teaching the basic tenets of Russian Orthodox culture."
Currently, Russian pupils are offered an optional subject about
world religions.
Source: El Mundo. Editing: ACPress.net
Out of the body but not
out of mind
London, October 2nd, 2003 (ACPress.net).
British scientists investigating
paranormal experiences are hoping to conduct widespread experiments
in Britain to determine whether the mind really can leave the
body just prior to death. They will interview patients whose
heart stopped to see if they had out-of-the-body experiences
during re-animation.
"We hope to glean information from about 100 people a year
who left their bodies", said neuro-psychiatrist Peter Fenwick
at the annual meeting of the British Association for the Advance
of Science. The researchers are going to ask permission of 25
hospitals to place special objects and pictures in their cardiology
departments to see if patients can recall them afterwards, if
they saw them while claiming to have been above their bodies
'watching' the reanimation process.
"If they notice them when the brain is not functioning
then this will confirm that the mind separates from the body,"
says Fenwick. According to him, "there is broad anecdotal
evidence for out-of-the-body experiences, but little data."
People can apparently obtain information while out of their
bodies. However, Fenwick added that if noone who claimed to
have these experiences could identify the objects, then the
theory would be debunked.
Other scientific research has shown that prayers work, such
as the case in a clinic in Seoul when the number of women who
conceived from a fertilisation treatment doubled when people
prayed for them.
Source: Reuters. Editing: ACPress.net
Cardinal support for Gibson
film
Rome, October 2nd, 2003 (ACPress.net).
A leading Catholic Cardinal
has expressed his approval of Mel Gibson's film, 'The Passion',
about the last hours of Christ's life before the crucifixion.
Darío Castrillón Hoyos, a Colombian in charge
of priests at the Vatican, said it was an artistic triumph and
that he would "change some of the homilies I have pronounced
about the passion of Christ due to some of the film's scenes."
The Anti-Defamation League said recently the film could lead
to anti-Semitism because it blames the Jews for the death of
Jesus. Clearly, the League is unaware that the Bible does the
very same thing.
Hoyos rejected the idea that the film could cause anti-Semitism,
saying that like all forms of racism, anti-Semitism distorted
the truth. Rabbi Marvin Hier at the Simon Wiesenthal Centre
in Los Angeles, USA, said he had received lots of hate mail
caused by advance publicity for the film. Vatican II, the Catholic
Council held between 1962 and 1965, officially repudiated the
concept of collective Jewish guilt for the death of Christ and
began dialogue with the Jewish community.
Apparently, the film is violent in its portrayal of the final
12 hours of Christ's life (prior to His resurrection, of course),
but as the Gospels make clear, these hours included his arrest,
beatings and crucifixion. Hoyos adds that "in my opinion,
one of the great achievements of this film is to have shown
so effectively the horror of sin and selfishness, and the redemptive
power of love. I believe if we could understand what Jesus Christ
did for us and we could follow His example of love and forgiveness,
there would not be any hatred or violence in our world. This
film will help make it possible."
Source: Reuters. Editing: ACPress.net
|
|
L
a t i n . A m e r i c a |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Soap
opera star turns to Christ
El Salvador, October 1st,
2003 (ACPress.net).
Julio César Herrera,
better known as Freddy Stewart Contreras, who played the part
of 'Ugly Betty' in a Colombian soap, has professed faith in
Christ during a visit to El Salvador.
'Freddy' paid his first visit to the Central American country
so as to share spiritual experiences with people in the city
of Cojutepeque, invited by 'Beth Shalom Christian Ministries',
a group which works among drug addicts and prostitutes. There
he spoke of his conversion to Christ and of the Christian's
great responsibility to show Jesus Christ to others.
Source: Mercado Cristiano.
Editing: ACPress.net
Cuban churches improve access
for the disabled
Havana, October 1st, 2003
(ACPress.net).
Cuban evangelical churches
have become a campaign to improve access for the disabled to
their buildings.
The move stems from work by the Cuban Council of Churches (CIC)
to break down both physical and mental barriers to a full involvement
of disabled people in church life. Most existing church buildings
in Cuba date from the 1950s, a period when noone thought about
such matters, but many have now begun to alter their entrances.
The CIC Committee has agreed that any churches which benefit
from their 'Churches helping churches' project that finances
improvements to their buildings, must include the elimination
of obstacles to disabled access.
Source: ALC. Editing: ACPress.net
Brazil hangs on cult child
murder verdict
Rio de Janeiro, October 1st,
2003 (ACPress.net).
Valentina Andrade, the
woman who heads the 'Superior Universal' cult accused of murdering
more than 20 children, has been remanded in custody until the
result of the current trial since she was found trying to flee
the country.
A doctor, Anisio Ferreira de Souza, has already been sentenced
to 77 years in prison for his involvement in the death of three
youngsters and for attempting to murder another two who managed
to escape but only after their sexual organs had been cut off.
Victims' relatives say Andrade was convinced that children born
after 1981 were possessed by the devil. The victims were aged
between 8 and 13 and were tortured or murdered between 1989
and 1993.
Source: CNN+. Editing: ACPress.net
Don't vote for me, Argentina
Buenos Aires, October 1st,
2003 (ACPress.net).
The Kingdom of God, as
a work of His grace and power and the basis of our hope, can
not be compared to any social, political or economic system,
according to a statement put out by the Argentinian Federation
of Evangelical Churches (FAIE).
"Faith cannot be associated with any particular doctrine
or ideology", says the document which is entitled 'Debate
about the political participation of Christians.' It goes on
to recognise that political and social interest is something
Christians share with their fellow-citizens but that religion
and politics operate in different spheres. FAIE encourages Christians
to get involved in politics as part of their responsibility
to society, but warns that the Christian faith does not belong
to any one political party or sector, nor does the fact that
a party has some evangelical candidates make it the only option
for Christian voters.
The statement adds that the Church should not try and impose
any political viewpoint on its members but that each individual
Christian be free to choose according to their understanding
of the Gospel, and vote for those who they consider will best
follow God's will. The document is signed by FAIE Chairman,
Emilio Monti, and FAIE Secretary, Osvaldo González, and
is in response to divergent views within the evangelical community
in Argentina as to whether Christians should get involved in
politics or not.
Source: ALC. Editing: ACPress.net
Prayers said for Chile and
the President's wife
Santiago, October 1st, 2003
(ACPress.net).
Prayers were said at
an evangelical 'Te-Deum' in the Chilean capital for reconciliation
in that country, for God to help the judges, for the Armed Forces
to draw closer to the people and for the health of the President's
wife, Luisa Durán.
The service is held annually on the anniversary of Chile's independence,
and President Ricardo Lagos attended along with his daughter
Ximena. His wife was unable to attend because of illness. Others
there included the Senate leader, the Interior and Defence Ministers
and the Commander of the Armed Forces.
Francisco Anabalón, Chairman of the Committee of Evangelical
Organisations (COE), said for Chile to continue forwards it
was necessary for people to forgive each other and put the past
behind them, in a clear allusion to the 1973 coup and the divisions
this caused in the nation. September 11th saw the 30th anniversary
of the overthrow of Allende. President Lagos expressed his gratitude
for the concern shown for his wife's health.
In his prayer, Bishop Jorge Méndez of the Philadelphian
Church, asked that God would give the nation's judges "a
deep sense of justice". He also called on God to give the
President strength and wisdom to govern well.
Source: ECU. Editing: ACPress.net
Light for the blind in Ecuador
Quito, October 1st, 2003 (ACPress.net).
The second Conference
of Blind Christians not only offered dramatic personal testimonies
but also included a football match and a joyful and spiritual
atmosphere.
The Conference was held at an altitude of 3,000 metres in Riobamba,
Ecuador, and was attended by around 50 blind or partially sighted
Christians. It was organised by the Ecumenical Disability Advocacy
Network (EDAN), the World Council of Churches, and the Latin
American Council of Churches. Three groups working with the
blind in Ecuador were also involved.
People came from all over Ecuador and Spanish and Quechua mixed
happily. The youthful age of most of the participants added
to the jovial atmosphere, aided by the reflective and mature
nature of the Quechua attendees. The Conference lasted for three
days and included Bible study, personal testimony, worship and
discussion about taking on responsibility in church and society.
Carlos, 48, explained how he was put to work from the age of
6 and whipped by his boss. He escaped at the age of 9 and went
back aged 13 armed with a gun with the intention of killing
the cruel man who had exploited him. Then came his conversion,
his change of life, and new aspirations and dreams. Another
highlight of the Conference was the spontaneous football match
which led to much hilarity and much kicking of the air.
Another special time was when the younger members of the Conference
discussed courtship and marriage from the perspective of a blind
person.
Source: ALC. Editing: ACPress.net
|
|
R
e s t.. o f..
t h e.. W o r l d |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Muslim
chaplain accused of spying at Cuban base
Guantánamo, October
2nd, 2003 (ACPress.net).
A Muslim chaplain working
with the U.S. army with Al Qaeda suspects at the Cuban base
of Guantánamo has been arrested on suspicion of treason
and espionage.
Military sources say Captain James Yee, a graduate of West Point
Academy in New York and a convert to Islam some years ago, is
being held at a military centre in Charleston, USA. He has been
detained since September 10th although as yet he has not been
charged with any crime. Despite the lack of official information,
a spokesman of American Southern Command said Yee is accused
of exchanging information with prisoners.
Yee had been transferred to the naval base at Guantánamo
in November because he speaks Arabic, which facilitated the
religious services offered to the 650 prisoners held there.
The prisoners, from 43 different countries, have still not been
charged, despite being detained since the fall of the Taliban
regime in Afghanistan two years ago this month.
Source: C. Ser. Editing: ACPress.net
Guerra sings and talks of
love in New Jersey
New Jersey, USA. October 2nd,
2003 (ACPress.net).
Dominican Christian singer
Juan Luis Guerra performed in Cleveland Secondary School in
the town of Elizabeth, in the USA recently, in front of an audience
of around 1,500 youngsters.
Guerra sang from his well-known repertoire of romantic ballads,
but also spoke about love and going out from a Christian perspective.
He also sang some Christian numbers. He was joined in the concert
by the Christian band 'Mostaza'.
Source: CIC. Editing: ACPress.net
Christian night of joy at
Disney World
Florida, USA. October 2nd,
2003 (ACPress.net).
'Night of Joy 2003',
a festival of Christian music and entertainment held at Disney
World's Magic Kingdom in Orlando, Florida, was a complete success.
There was a lot of fun and a great brotherly spirit. The performers
included : Petra - Rebeca St Jones - Nicole Mullen - Michale
W. Smith -Freddie Callocazo - Yolanda Adams and others. Thousands
had queued for hours to get in to the show, held at a special
time when the park was less in demand. Unfortunately, many failed
to get in due to the popularity of the event.
Source: CIC. Editing: ACPress.net
Is this the beginning of
the end for Christian free speech?
Hobart, Australia. October
2nd, 2003 (ACPress.net).
Two Christian pastors
have been taken to court by the Islamic Council of Victoria
and three Australian Muslims after making critical statements
about the Islamic faith on a website and at a seminar for Christians
held in March last year.
A complaint of religious vilification was made against the two
Christian pastors, Danny Nalliah and Daniel Scot. The complaint
deals with many issues, such as the nature of jihad, aspirations
of Muslims in the west, and the connection between the laws
of jihad and the treatment of non-Muslims under Islam. The Victorian
Racial and Religious Vilification Act was passed in 2001 and
has yet to be fully put to the test. It was established in order
to promote intercultural and interfaith harmony in Victoria,
in support of democratic ideals, in itself a worthy aim. One
of their programmes, called "Stand up to Racism",
promotes positive regard for Islam's stand on universal human
rights.
The complaint against the two pastors has had to be mediated
through the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission, but attempts
at achieving conciliation failed. Following this the Islamic
Council of Victoria brought the case before the Victorian Civil
and Administrative Tribunal, a legal court which has the power
to impose a significant fine against the two pastors, if they
are found guilty. The case is due to be heard at the Tribunal
in mid-October 2003.
Many evangelical Christians in the state fear that the Islamic
Council of Victoria is using the case to stifle all criticism
of Islam or Muslims, in effect bringing in a pseudo-blasphemy
law to protect Islam. Similar legislation against religious
'hate speech' is currently before parliament in both New Zealand
and the UK and is prompting serious concern from libertarians
and supporters of free speech who fear the similar misuse of
such laws.
The fact that one of the defendants is Pastor Daniel Scot is
bitterly ironic. Scot, a Pakistani Christian, became one of
the first victims of Pakistan's notorious blasphemy laws when
in 1986 he was charged with insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad,
which under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code carries
a death sentence. The blasphemy laws have attracted widespread
condemnation from human rights groups and the international
community for their harsh punishments and the way they have
been misused to target vulnerable religious minorities. Political
pressure meant that Daniel was never prosecuted. However, he
was forced to flee to Australia with his family to escape the
threat of Islamic extremists who have since murdered four Christians
accused of blasphemy in Pakistan.
Now seventeen years later, having fled religious discrimination
in Pakistan, Scot again finds himself accused of a similar crime
in Australia, the country in which he originally found refuge.
This is an indication of the growing trend to place Islamic
teaching and Muslim actions beyond the bounds of criticism,
not only in the Islamic world, but also, as a result of misguided
ideas of political correctness, in the West as well. It is a
bitter twist that Scot, an Asian Christian, should face this
accusation from three white Australian converts to Islam who
unannounced attended the March 2002 seminar (intended for the
religious instruction of Christians only - and as such should
fall outside the remit of the Act) and took offence resulting
in the complaint.
Source: Barnabas Fund. Editing:
ACPress.net
|
|
|
