NewsLink, Serving the Episcopal Church
Daybook -- Today is Tuesday, February 6, 2007, in Epiphany.
* Today in Scripture: Daily Office meditation: http://www.forwardmovement.org/todaysreading.cfm * Today in Prayer: Anglican Cycle of Prayer: http://www.anglicancommunion.org/acp/index.cfm * Today in History: On this day in 891, Photius, patriarch of Constantinople, died. His 867 encyclical, which objected to the filioque clause in the creed ("the Holy Spirit...who proceeds from the Father and the Son"), was significant in the East-West conflict that eventually led to the "Great Schism" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photius
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Diocesan Digest
FLORIDA: Bishop urges diocese to regroup, rebuild, find new leadership http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_82049_ENG_HTM.htm
OLYMPIA: Diocese announces nominees for eighth bishop http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_82048_ENG_HTM.htm
More Diocesan news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_19507_ENG_HTM.htm
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World Report
UGANDA: Hellen Wangusa congratulated on appointment as UN Anglican Observer http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_82050_ENG_HTM.htm
More World news: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_77937_ENG_HTM.htm
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Teaching: Churches for Middle East Peace set for May 6-8 conference in Washington, D.C.
[ENS] Middle East advocates from across the country are invited to attend the Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) conference, meeting May 6-8 in Washington, D.C. under the theme "For the Peace of Jerusalem."
The conference will provide an opportunity for church members and clergy to understand the current issues in Israel/Palestine and to learn about the principles of effective advocacy grounded in faith.
The Episcopal Church is one of 22 U.S. churches and church-related organizations that make up the CMEP coalition.
"We are hoping for a large turnout of Episcopalians for this important conference," said Maureen Shea, director of Government Relations for the Episcopal Church and chair of the CMEP board. "Effective advocacy necessitates accurate up-to-date information and this conference will equip participants with the required knowledge to engage meaningfully on Middle East issues."
On January 23, CMEP sent a letter signed by 39 church leaders, including Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, to President Bush encouraging him to make Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking, in the context of a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace initiative, an urgent priority for his Administration. The letter states a deepening concern for the welfare and future of the Palestinian Christian community. It also calls attention to the very grave situation of Jerusalem. The full text of the letter is available at http://www.cmep.org/Alerts/2007Jan24.htm.
Conference participants will learn about the current issues related to Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking and the sharing of Jerusalem; and lobby Congress with up-to-date, specific talking points designed to make their voices heard. Church leaders, issue analysts, policy experts and government officials will provide important insights and updates and prepare conference participants to meet with elected officials both in Washington and at home. One evening will be reserved for members of denominations to dine with others from their respective faith community. Space is limited so participants are urged to sign up as soon as possible. The registration form is available at http://www.cmep.org/Alerts/2006Oct27.htm and the fee is $100.
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Catalyst: "Race, Racism And The Biblical Narratives" from Augsburg Fortress Press, by Cain Hope Felder, 54 pages, paperback, c. 2002, $6
[Source: Augsburg Fortress Press] -- Felder's important work clarifies the profound differences in racial attitudes in the biblical world and now. He shows processes at work in both testaments that reflect ancient ambiguity about what we call race. He uncovers misuses of the biblical text (such as the so-called curse of Ham) in subsequent interpretation and shows how the Bible has been used to trivialize African contributions and demean and enslave black people. Felder challenges scholars and church people alike to deeper and more honest engagement with the biblical text.
To order: Episcopal Books and Resources, online at http://www.episcopalbookstore.org or call 800-903-5544.
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