Angolan women count on churches to face a new type of war
(ENI)--The armed conflict in Angola ended seven years ago, but the consequences of four decades of war are felt still today. And women seem to be bearing most of the brunt.
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Lutherans approve full communion pact with Methodists
Even as their churches are riven by internal debates over homosexuality, the two nation's two largest mainline Protestant denominations agreed Aug. 20 to share ministers and resources in a "full communion" accord.
Form of government report draft approved by task force
The new Form of Government Task Force has approved final drafts of the report it will submit to the 2010 General Assembly, with only minor editing changes left to be made.
S. Africa council uneasy at exclusion from Zuma’s interfaith group
CAPE TOWN (ENI) — The largest Christian grouping in South Africa says it is concerned that it was not invited to be part of an interfaith group formed to help President Jacob Zuma deal with national protests against a lack of essential services.
India’s claim to be a ‘secular state’ questioned in book on violence
(ENI) — Carnage aimed at a tiny Christian minority in the remote Kandhamal area of India's Orissa state raises questions about the claim of the world's second most populous country to be a secular state.
Film in review: “Inglourious Basterds”
The trouble with making a “once upon a time” film about historical characters is that the viewer has to work even harder to suspend disbelief.
World’s oldest pupil praised after death in Kenya
NAIROBI (ENI) — Praise has poured in for Kimani Maruge, the world's oldest pupil, who gave a new meaning to education, and inspired Kenyans and many others after he began primary school at the age of 84 and learned how to read the Bible.
The church S.O.B.
We had just begun to unload the U-haul in the manse driveway — in anticipation of beginning our first ministerial call — when an older gentleman rolled up in his car.
Presbyterians for Earth Care: New name, renewed vision
They gathered under the banner of Presbyterians for Restoring Creation (PRC) and the Eco Justice Network, but they left carrying the banner, Presbyterians for Earth Care.
Madagascar ministries continue in uncertain circumstances
As the Indian Ocean island nation of Madagascar continues to work through the consequences of a government takeover in March 2009, its citizens, including many Christian believers, are trying to carry on through difficult circumstances.
Elders urged to re-think role, take risks, be “dangerous”
ATLANTA — “The office of elder is not just some job in the church. It is a distinct call and the key to the renewal of the Presbyterian Church.”
Officer training as a way to transform your church
Years ago, I was invited to participate in a small group of leaders in town.
I do and I will
As the officers gathered around the baptismal font to be ordained and installed they felt varying degrees of nervousness.
Officer training on the other side of the pond
October 2006 was a great time for the European Ryder Cup team. Do you remember?
From silence to service
The room became quiet. A newly-elected group of elders and deacons had gathered with me to talk about the training process ahead.
Yes, we elders are ordained, too
If someone asked you to give a brief picture and description of an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church, what would you say? Where would you begin?
Five things we have unlearned in five years
Mark Twain wrote in his Notebook in 1898, “Education consists mainly in what we have unlearned.” (www.twainquotes.com). So, what have we “unlearned” in training officers over the years?
Still dangerous elders
One of the hopes I have as stated clerk of the General Assembly is to help bring about a renewal of the office of elder in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), moving us to think about them — and for them to think about themselves — as the spiritual leaders of their congregations.
Helping healthy pastors makes for healthy congregations
At the point of new business, Roger Miller raised his hand at the session meeting of the Four Point Presbyterian Church, “In three months we will welcome our fourth pastor in the last twelve years.
Church officer development: An annotated bibliography
First of all, check with your presbytery’s resource center. It will have a listing of other available officer development resources as well as samples for you to preview.
On spiritual leadership: A word to pastors (for elders to overhear)
John Calvin believed that lay people could be spiritual leaders.
Metrics vs. Emotions
If you want a lively argument, ask a group to name a “top ten” list of players in a sport, top ten movies, top ten songs.
Conventional wisdom
After reading reports from the Episcopal Church’s recent General Convention in Anaheim, Calif., I was reminded that church conventions aren’t “the church,” any more than Congress is “the nation.”
Film in review: “The Time-Traveler’s Wife”
OK, first of all, you can’t do time travel in the movies without suffering from the illogical.
Reforming health care system can’t wait, says Gradye Parsons
LOUISVILLE — Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly, has issued the following statement in light of the national attention on health care reform: