A group of former ecumenical accompaniers got together to share updates over the situation in occupied Palestinian territory with European Union (EU) officials. They particularly focused on the conditions in so-called Area C of the West bank, which contains most Israeli settlements.
Religious groups have long vied for prime parcels of land, planting churches on town squares and monasteries amid isolated mountains. But now they’re targeting real estate in a less tangible sphere: cyberspace. For the first time in its history, the international nonprofit that doles out generic Internet domain names such as “.com” and “.edu” will allow more specific web address extensions like “.church.”
Heads of the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Greek Orthodox churches in Australia used the pulpit to pressure politicians to oppose same sex marriage ahead of a federal parliamentary debate.
Like the rest of society, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is experiencing a time of great change, with a great diversity of opinion on matters such as evangelism, stewardship and membership. Formed by the 219th General Assembly (2010), the Special Committee on the Nature of the Church in the 21st Century was directed to “help to increase understanding of the church from a Reformed and Presbyterian perspective and assist current and new members in forming faithful plans for our common future.”
Four Presbyterian congregations in central New Jersey will host a four-night series focusing on the use of the Psalms in prayer, celebration and grief.
Dr. Vladimir Li, pastor of “Moscow Presbyterian Church,” predicts that Russia`s very first Presbyterian umbrella, a General Assembly, will be formed in October.
As Catholic theology has branched out, bishops ― who have the ultimate teaching authority in the church ― have struggled to curb theological thinking they consider a potential source of confusion for the lay faithful. As a result, in recent years the bishops have criticized the work of a number of prestigious American theologians.
The Japanese government has approved the restart of two nuclear power plant reactors in the central Fukui prefecture (state) as faith groups and individuals continue to oppose the move, citing the quake-triggered Fukushima nuclear crisis.
Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding—a series of biblically based mini-courses published by CMP—has released a new study focusing on mission and ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Into All the World: Participating in God’s Mission, written by Donald J. Dawson and Jennifer A. Haddox, helps adult and young adult participants understand the missional identity of the church and its members.
With the passage of a new form of government and new ordination standards, the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) did a lot — and commissioners at this summer’s 220th Assembly would be wise to use this meeting to take stock of the denomination, said Cynthia Bolbach, outgoing moderator.