From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org


[ACNS] Story Round up of 7 March 2005


From Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>
Date Mon, 07 Mar 2005 12:02:43 -0800

The following is a roundup of recent stories added to the ACNS digest, with
items from Ireland, the US, England, Melanesia, Canada, Kenya, and
Australia. The digest can be found here:

http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm

(331) 07-March-2005 - Northern Ireland : A new dawn? - Ireland

>From the Church of Ireland Press Office

3 March 2005

Ireland's Primates, Archbishop Robin Eames and Archbishop Sean Brady,
deliver talks at Rathfarnham Parish, Dublin in a Lenten series of lectures

Extracts from address by Archbishop Robin Eames

The inheritance of the troubles

"Behind the current state of the political part of the Peace Process are
the human consequences of over 30 years of paramilitary violence and
destruction. When people talk about the Peace Process they usually mean
political matters only. But the real Peace Process is to do with people's
lives, outlooks, relationships, hopes and fears. Politics must provide the
structure for stable government and administration. But without the support
and understanding of people in their everyday lives political progress will
be limited...

Consequences of the troubles

We are now seeing the depths of what was done to ordinary human lives by
those years of the Troubles.

- Trust was shattered - and still trust remains the real casualty of those
years.

- Fear became a reality - not just physical fear, but fear of hidden
agendas and motives.

- Paramilitary power destroyed lives - and today continues to control how
many people live.

- Despondency overcame hopes for the future - today our society still seeks
a new confidence in itself.

- Suffering and division caused memories which haunt too many lives today -
the power of memory is one of today's controlling factors in Northern
Ireland community life.

Memories

The memories of so much of those 30 years cast their shadow over life in
Northern Ireland today. How we deal with those memories will dictate the
sort of society we are - or can become. Negative memories of loss,
suffering and alienation reinforce resentment. The sense of hurt plays
into the hands of those who still want to divide people.

I do not believe an exact copy of the South African Truth and
Reconciliation Commission would meet the needs of Northern Ireland. But
there is no doubt there is healing when people are free to tell their story
- and to believe people are listening. The Church has an important role
here. I suggest that the pastoral role of the Church in providing a
platform to allow hurt and grievance to be listened to needs to be examined.

Forgotten people

Undoubtedly the most forgotten people in Northern Ireland today are the
victims of the Troubles. They are found in all our communities. They
believe society has moved away from them - that they are yesterday's
people. Over the years I have met many of them - their sense of being
forgotten is obvious. They no longer feel society cares about them.

The price of progress

There is a crucial question for society to address. As history moves on
what price is it prepared to pay for progress?

When we say 'let the past bury itself' so that we can move on - what price
a new sheet? Can Northern Ireland move on in any real sense by shutting
the door completely on the lessons of the past?

Of course progress means taking risks - but there are some aspects of our
past which will never be forgotten as long as they are perceived to be
unanswered.

Major moral issues for Northern Ireland

There is a major aspect of Northern Ireland's experience which I feel as a
Church leader entitled to raise.

It is the moral issue of what is the price we are asked to pay for peace?

Is expediency justified for political reasons?

Of course progress to peace means taking risks - but is there a limit to
those risks if we can enjoy a society which is built on moral principles?

Is there a price too great to pay if it will produce peace at any cost?

The Troubles have lessened the sanctity of life - life is cheap - how long
can we tolerate that attitude if we are to build a moral society?

The Troubles have eroded the nature of truth and integrity - are we
prepared to allow that to continue?

While major atrocities have thankfully ended we are being asked to accept
levels of violence - how long can society be expected to endure this before
a real grip is taken on those who peddle violence in many areas?

How far have the Troubles eroded standards of basic morality in how we deal
with each other, particularly in the political arena?

The answers to questions such as these will determine to a large extent the
sort of society which will ultimately emerge in Northern Ireland.

Ends

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=331&pos=#331

(330) 07-March-2005 - Portuguese translation of communiqué - ACO

A translation of the Primates Statement from last month's meeting at
Dromantine can be found here:

http://www.aco.org/primates/downloads/communique_portuguese.pdf

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=330&pos=#330

(329) 03-March-2005 - Documentary highlights Rwandan women - USA

by Daphne Mack

Wednesday, 2 March, 2005

>From the Episcopal News Service (ECUSA)

Anglican women joined other participants in the 49th session of the UN's
Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) gathered at the United Nations
Church Center for a screening of Ladies First, a film highlighting the new
roles of Rwandan women in government, business, education and reconciliation.

The 50-minute documentary profiled Rwandan women on the forefront of change
and showcased the challenges facing them and their country as Rwanda
struggles to build a sustainable peace between the Hutus and Tutsis.

Rwanda is a tiny country of only 26,000 square kilometres (about the size
of Maryland) with a pre-genocide population of seven million. In the late
1980s, its economy began to slide under the authoritarian politics of
President Juvenal Habyarimana.

Habyarimana vowed to create a policy of ethnic "balance" that would allot
education and employment to Hutu (85 per cent of the population) and Tutsi
(15 per cent of the population.) Extremist Hutu, opposed to this plan,
formed the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) and invaded, plunging the country
into civil war and a vicious cycle of human rights abuse.

After a plane carrying Habyarimana and Cyprien Ntaryama, president of
Burundi, crashed in April 1994 killing both men, a wave of anarchy and mass
killings followed slaughtering an estimated 800,000 people in just 100 days.

Those who fled to survive the massacre returned to Rwanda in late 1996 and
early 1997.

Viewers of Ladies First heard stories of hope from women who were the lone
survivors in their families, alienated by the families of their common-law
husbands, and now are property owners. Ladies First told the story of how
Rwandan women, who before did not have the right to vote, much less run for
political office, now make up 48 per cent of the country's Parliament.

Colette Kunkel, of Wide Angle, the films producer, said that one of the
things that "stood out" for in this film was that it was a "grassroots
effort." She said that the leadership roles that women had in Parliament
began when they started taking leadership roles in their homes.

She was also asked about the roles of women in the church. "It is the
church mothers who are doing the work of reconciliation," she said. "They
are in the prisons having Hutus apologize to Tutsis and vice versa."

"I think this film will help women get representation at the church's
table," Archdeacon Taimalelagi Fagamalama Tuatagaloa-Matalavea, Anglican
Observer at the United Nations, said.
The event was sponsored by the Anglican Consultative Council and Episcopal
Women in Mission and Ministry, USA and was moderated by Dr. Pauline Muchina
of Population Services International.
To obtain a copy of Ladies First visit http://www.wideangle.org/

- Daphne Mack is staff writer for Episcopal News Service.

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=329&pos=#329

(328) 03-March-2005 - MU at the United Nations - England

For the first two weeks in March, the Mothers' Union will be represented at
the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and will be
involved in discussions with governments, other NGOs and women on the
progress made in achieving gender equality worldwide.

For information on the MU's involvement at the UN, click here:

http://www.themothersunion.org/content.asp?iid=49

For a summary of the MU written statement to the CSW, click here:

http://www.themothersunion.org/documents/TenYearsBrochure.doc

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=328&pos=#328

(327) 03-March-2005 - Reflections on directions for Ecumenism - Ireland

An address to the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland assembly by the
Bishop of Clogher, the Rt Rev Michael Jackson on 23 February 2005

SOME REFLECTIONS ON FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR ECUMENISM

Small writ large, large writ small

When we lived in Cork I had someone come one day to install a Burglar Alarm
System. With an intonation in his voice all of his own, which it would be
both impertinent and impossible to imitate, he said to me: Twenty years
ago, people wanted an Alarm installed because they were out of the house a
lot; today they want one installed because they are in the house a lot. Not
only had circumstances changed but perspectives had also changed, as indeed
had priorities. We too are about such a shift in emphasis and expectation
here in the CTBI Assembly. We seek a perspective on the past in order to
help to illuminate the priorities of the future. If we are not to become
rooted once again in present structures this will require some thinking on
our part 'outside of the box.' This is all the more necessary as the
Assembly seeks a sense of fresh direction.

More here:

http://www.ireland.anglican.org/pressreleases/index.php?p=352

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=327&pos=#327

(326) 03-March-2005 - Anglican youth parishes launch festival - Melanesia

By Eslyn Kaltongga - Vanuatu Daily Post

Posted Thursday, March 3, 2005

Anglican youth groups from the parishes in Luganville gathered at the
Sarakata parish ground to witness the official launching of this year's
Youth Festival last Sunday.

Anglican Youth festival began in 2003 and this year is its third year of
development. Coordinator for the Anglican youth, Mr Sam Toa told Daily
Post, "For the past two years the festivities were held every month with
one parish as a host.

"This year the youth council has decided to have it every two months with
two parishes hosting the event," he said.

More here:

http://www.news.vu/en/living/religion/050303-anglican-youth-parishes.shtml

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=326&pos=#326

(325) 02-March-2005 - 40 day prayer fest fuels mission - Australia

Forty Days with the Risen Lord is a call for focused prayer from Easter
Sunday, 27 March to Ascension Day, 5 May. It has been taken up by over 70
parishes who are rallying congregations in prayer for everyone to respond
to God in repentance and faith.

The prayer movement is led by the Bishop of Wollongong, the Rt Revd Reg
Piper in line with Policy One of the Diocesan Mission. The Mission aims to
see 10 per cent of the population converted by 2012.

So far 185 people have become 'prayer warriors' - people committed to
active, regular prayer. Bishop Piper is also encouraging churches to hold
'Ascension Day assemblies' - prayer gatherings - on 5 May

More here:

http://www.sydneyanglicans.net/sydneystories/40_day_prayer_fest_fuels_mission/

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=325&pos=#325

(324) 02-March-2005 - Candidates for Bishop of Newcastle - Australia

The names of candidates for the position of Bishop of Newcastle, Australia,
have been released ahead of the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle's Bishop
Election Synod on 10-12 March.

The six candidates represent a wide range of ministry experience and are
all currently serving within the Anglican Church of Australia, including
two from the Diocese of Newcastle. They range in age from 45 to 63.

Candidates named on the list that will go forward to Synod are: the Revd
Canon Chris Bullock; the Reverend Canon Dr Ray Cleary; the Rt Revd Dr Brian
Farran; the Very Revd Steven Ogden; the Ven Ian Palmer; and the Revd Stuart
Robinson.

The Revd Canon Chris Bullock is a priest of the Diocese of Newcastle and
Rector of Waratah.

The Revd Canon Dr Ray Cleary is the CEO of Anglicare Victoria.

The Right Revd Dr Brian Farran is an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Perth.

The Very Revd Steven Ogden is the Dean of Adelaide.

The Ven Ian Palmer is the Archdeacon of the Upper Hunter in the Diocese of
Newcastle.

The Revd Stuart Robinson is the Acting CEO of Evangelism Ministries and
Consultant in Mission and Strategic Planning in the North Sydney and South
Sydney Region of the Diocese of Sydney.

Each candidate on the list has been nominated by one member of Synod and
supported by five others. The Synod is made up of the Diocese's clergy,
plus three lay representatives from each parish.

To be eligible for nomination, candidates had to be proved canonically fit,
that is, that they have been baptised, have been ordained priest; and are
at least 30 years of age.

The Bishop Election Synod will be held on March 10-12 in Newcastle. Synod
will commence with a Eucharist at Christ Church Cathedral on Thursday 10
March at 730pm. Synod will convene on Friday 11 March for a closed session,
which only elected Synod members can attend.

If the Synod elects a bishop, the President of Synod, Bishop Graeme
Rutherford, will contact the candidate to seek his acceptance. He will then
contact the Metropolitan of NSW, Archbishop Peter Jensen, to obtain his
consent, along with the consent of other bishops of the Province of NSW. If
the consent of each bishop is obtained, the name of the next Bishop of
Newcastle will be announced to the public.

Phone Lauren Eyles, Communications Officer, Anglican Diocese of Newcastle,
on 0425 324 974 for more information.

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=324&pos=#324

(323) 02-March-2005 - Deported Serbian returns to church family - Canada

>From the Anglican Journal (Canada)

MARITES N SISON
STAFF WRITER

28 February, 2005 - Sanja Pecelj returned to Canada early this morning as a
permanent resident, putting an end to a period that included 441 days as a
refugee in sanctuary in the basement of an Anglican church in Halifax and
nearly six months as a temporary resident in Mexico City, where she
nervously waited for Citizenship and Immigration Canada to decide on her fate.
More than 40 supporters of Ms Pecelj, including the Rt Revd Sue Moxley,
suffragan bishop of Nova Scotia, member of Parliament Alexa McDonough (NDP)
and parishioners from St Mark's church (where Bishop Moxley served as
parish priest and which served as Ms. Pecelj's sanctuary) as well as a
dozen members of the media welcomed her arrival at Halifax International
Airport at 2am.
"I couldn't believe it," said Ms Pecelj in a telephone interview. "I was
surprised to see so many of them."
"We're absolutely happy," said Bishop Moxley. "Everyone kept saying, 'she's
actually here.' She (Ms Pecelj) could hardly believe it herself."
"This particular battle has been won but the war against immigration isn't
over," said Bishop Moxley, recalling roller-coaster months that saw federal
officials, including Prime Minister Paul Martin, promising to review Ms
Pecelj's application as a refugee, and reneging on that promise.

More here:

http://anglicanjournal.com//extra/news.html?newsItem=2005-02-28_mns.news

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/index.cfm?years=2005&months=3&article=323&pos=#323

(322) 22-February-2005 - USPG Lent appeal 2005 - Africa

USPG's Lent appeal for 2005 focusses on the life-changing work carried out
by the church in Ethiopia to care for refugees from Sudan; work which is
supported by USPG (United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel).

Sudanese refugees who manage to escape from the wars and horrific conflict
in their homeland to refugee camps in Ethiopia face a tough life. USPG
missionaries Andrew and Janice Proud and the church congregation of St
Matthew's, Addis Ababa, in Ethiopia, are working to equip and care for the
refugees living in the camps.

More here:

http://www.uspg.org.uk/ethiopia.html

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/archive.cfm?years=2005&months=2&article=322&pos=#322

(321) 22-February-2005 - Kenyan church increases criticism over corruption
- Kenya

Pressure has mounted from Anglican clergy on the Kenyan government over
corruption, reports Kenya's the Nation newspaper. More here:

http://allafrica.com/stories/200502210270.html

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/archive.cfm?years=2005&months=2&article=321&pos=#321

(320) 21-February-2005 - Collect for the Primates Meeting - ACO

The following prayer was written for the 2005 Primates Meeting by the
chaplain to the meeting, the Revd Shane Forster, on the staff of the
Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland:

Collect for the Primates Meeting

Almighty and eternal God, you have called us to serve you in your Church
and from the four corners of the earth we have heard and responded to that
call. Guide and inspire us by your Holy Spirit and help us to find a deeper
union in your Son. Grant that as we meet together we may listen to your
voice, that we may listen to one another and in love and faithfulness seek
to follow in the footsteps of your only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/archive.cfm?years=2005&months=2&article=320&pos=#320

(319) 18-February-2005 - Primus takes important role at Primates Meeting -
Scotland

>From the Scottish Episcopal Church

Scotland's Primus takes on important role at meeting of world-wide Anglican
Communion Primates

The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and Bishop of Aberdeen &
Orkney, the Most Revd Bruce Cameron will have an important role in next
week's meeting of the world-wide Anglican Communion Primates (leaders),
when he will be tasked with presenting a summary of the responses from the
entire Anglican Communion to the Windsor Report presented by the Most Revd
Robin Eames, the Primate of All Ireland, last October.

The Windsor Report addresses some of the main issues facing the Anglican
Communion today, including the response to the consecration of the American
Bishop, the Rt Revd Gene Robinson, and the future pattern of the Anglican
Communion in how it deals with divisive issues.

The Most Revd Bruce Cameron will take the views of his own church to the
primates meeting, giving a Scottish perspective on the Windsor Report, but
has also spent the last few weeks absorbing the comments and reactions of
all other member countries of the Anglican Communion.

He says "the responses received from many in the Scottish Episcopal Church
very much reflect a wide diversity of view and opinion. There has been
particular concern about the sense of centralisation of authority to which
the Anglican Communion may be moving towards. However, from the Scottish
responses and those from across the world, there is a genuine desire for
the Anglican Communion to stay together and find a way through its present
difficulties.

"Although time will be spent in discussing the responses to the Windsor
Report we will also spend time in prayer and bible study and will look at
some of the issues affecting today's world, including a first hand account
of the Anglican church's work in South East Asia since the tsunami."

The meeting of the Primates of the Anglican Communion takes places in
Dromantine Conference Centre, Newry, Northern Ireland, from 21-25 February.

-Ends-

http://www.scotland.anglican.org/

http://www.aco.org/primates/index.cfm

permalink.
http://www.aco.org/acns/digest/archive.cfm?years=2005&months=2&article=319&pos=#319

___________________________________________________________________
ACNSlist, published by Anglican Communion News Service, London, is
distributed to more than 7,500 journalists and other readers around
the world.

For subscription INFORMATION please go to:
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acns/acnslist.html


Browse month . . . Browse month (sort by Source) . . . Advanced Search & Browse . . . WFN Home