African priest's "miracle cure" stirs debate
In villages to towns across Africa, messages of HIV prevention are resonating through churches in the wake of global events marking World AIDS Day.
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Cultural and religious beliefs obstacles to gay rights, says Hillary Clinton
Clinton commits $3 million to seed Global Equality Fund.
The world needs to act more proactively to promote and protect the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, said United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in a keynote address delivered at the European headquarters of the United Nations.
Church leaders join fight against Italian energy giant in rural Guatemala
Mayan Ixhil community members protest outside the Catholic church in the town of Cotzal after ENEL representatives failed to show up for a scheduled August 2, 2011 negotiation session. Photo by Yasmin Méndez.
Tension filled the cramped, block-wall room in the Guatemalan highlands as indigenous leaders sat across from negotiators for ENEL, an Italian-based energy company building a $228-million hydro-electric dam in the area.
Castello wins $3,500 music award
Mary Castello, second year music student at Wilfrid University
Mary Castello is the 2012 recipient of the $3,500 Abner Martin music scholarship given by Menno Singers, a community choir in the Waterloo Region of Ontario,
MCCO stands with the Attawapiskat
MCCO supports the growing plea for a sustainable housing plan in Attawapiskat and other remote First Nations. --MCCO Photo by Lyndsay Mollins Koene.
Mennonite Central Committee Ontario (MCCO) supports the growing plea for a sustainable housing plan in
Nearly 100 churches report on their singing
The present hymnal will be 20 years old in 2012
Nearly 100 congregations in Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada are reporting on the songs they sing. They are helping to determine what the next collection of music for the church will look like.
But the planners of the next hymnal or song collection are looking for more churches to participate in the current song survey.
MCC intern shocked by NYC's 'secularism'
The Rev. Mautji Eloridge Pataki, general secretary of the South African Council of Churches, met with Keyla Cortez Vanegas, a Mennonite World Conference intern at MCC U.N. Office, to encourage her while he was in New York City for a meeting. --Doug Hostetter photo
As a Christian who takes her faith seriously, Keyla Cortez Vanegas was shocked by New York City’s secularism when she arrived there in August. Cortez Vanegas belongs to Esquipulas Brethren in Christ church —one she describes as “traditional”—in a small Nicaraguan town.
Carbon emissions: 'Practice what you preach'
Will Braun: 'The case would be stronger if North American reps stayed home.'
When it comes to carbon emissions and care for the Earth, Canadian faith leaders should practise what they preach, says a local environmental activist.
MC Canada supports flood relief in Bangkok
Pat and Rad Houmphan, with the congregation of Living Water Church in Borabu, will use the money to assemble care packages.
Mennonite Church Canada has wired $3,500 for flood relief in Thailand. Executive staff approved the emergency gift on Nov. 16.
Mennonite Church Canada workers Pat and Rad Houmphan, with the congregation of Living Water Church in Borabu, will use the money to assemble care packages for those who have been displaced by flooding.
Norwegian Christians and Muslims condemn religious extremism
Anders Behring Breivik is being held in custody charged with mass murder.
In the aftermath of attacks last July that killed 77 and were carried out by a self-described "cultural Christian," Norwegian Christians and Muslims on Nov. 22 jointly condemned religious extremism as "contrary to the teachings of our religions."
Faith groups oppose proposed cluster bomb accord
Religious groups are opposing a proposed new international law on cluster bombs currently being discussed in Geneva since they say it would put more civilians at risk than an existing treaty.
Sudermans spend five weeks at AMBS
During a lunch gathering on their last day at AMBS, Irene and Jack Suderman reflected on forty years of ministry. A prevailing theme, Jack noted, is the important role of the church in our lives and in the world. “The peoplehood of God is the primary strategy God wants to use to heal the world,” he said.
Robert J. (Jack) and Irene Suderman say it was a gift to spend five weeks at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary where they studied almost 40 years ago.
Despite protests, Polish order defends silencing priest
A Polish monastic order has defended its decision to bar a former superior-general from speaking to the media, despite a protest against the decision from thousands of the priest's supporters.
Forced to flee, he now assists refugees
From left: Payam Bagheri, Esteban Rivera (coordinator), Maria del Pilou Ofunoz, Michael Seviour (mentor) and Weiwen Ye at a conversation class organized by RIAC in St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador. --MCC Photo by Nina Linton
Jose Rivera understands the diverse needs of newcomers as they try to develop a sense of belonging in a new country.Death threats forced him, his wife Maria and their two children to flee Colombia in 2002 and rebuild a new life in St. John’s.
Global Forum focuses on rise of Global South
The GCF Committee. Anne-Cathy-Graber, MWC representative, is on the far right.
Anabaptists were among the 287 participants in a diverse Christian gathering held here October 4-7. The meeting was the second international gathering of the Global Christian Forum (GCF). The first was held in Kenya in 2007.
'From Gutenberg to Google'
Communications - "from Gutenberg to Google" - will be an important factor in 2017 when churches celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, according to a committee that is guiding the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in marking the event.
Rempel Returns to Grebel for a Role at TMTC
John Rempel
Update: In October 2020, Mennonite Church Eastern Canada announced the termination of the ministerial credentials of John D. Rempel, on the basis of ministerial sexual misconduct.
Becker trains leaders in Asia
Palmer Becker using the 12 disciples model.
Lifelong pastor and educator Palmer Becker has embarked on another short-term mission assignment to Asia with Mennonite Church Canada. From Nov. 6 to Dec. 9, Becker is sharing his vision for shaping leadership with Anabaptist church leaders.
Donated books arrive at ANiSA
Imvu, a knitted white and black sheep clad in a red backpack, is a familiar face to those who regularly read the prayer letters of Mennonite Church Canada workers Andrew and Karen Suderman. In the latest prayer letter, Imvu shares with young friends his perspectives on the growing Anabaptist Network in South Africa Peace Library and Resource Centre
Although a rich history of Mennonite/Anabaptist presence is evident in South Africa, Mennonite Church Canada workers Andrew and Karen Suderman discovered a lack of good quality Anabaptist resource materials for churches.
Priest's killing in Philippines revives anti-violence campaign
Father Fausto Tentorio
The killing of a well-loved priest in southern Philippines has inspired the revival of a campaign to end political killings, supported by international faith and human rights groups, church workers said.
Miller recognized for 21 years at Mennonite World Conference
Eleanor, left, and Larry Miller are all smiles as they accept a gift of love for their 21 years of service at MWC from Andrew Reesor-McDowell (center), moderator of Mennonite Church Canada and Bert Lobe, North American representative for MWC.
Bob Janzen (2nd from left), is in swoon mode as he belts out 'Leaning on Jesus' along with Dale Mieske (left) as standup bass and guitar, Tim Bergen, (3rd from left) manolin, guitar and fiddle, and Arnold Snyder, accordian and keyboards.
No, he (they) didn’t get a gold watch to mark their retirement, but rather a stoneware serving set for refreshment made by a local potter, Phil Yordy. It was an evening of memories and recalling the “migrant missionary” nature of Larry and Eleanor Miller, signing off after nearly 22 years as general secretary and administrative assistant for Mennonite World Conference.
International Colloquium explores 18th-century expulsion of Anabaptists from Bern
Castle and Reformed church of Trachselwald. For the Bernese Anabaptists it was a century-long expression of unholy alliance.
More than 80 persons from seven countries met in September at the Bienenberg Theological Seminary and Conference Center in Liestal
UK churches seek action on tax avoidance
Representatives from the United Kingdom's main Christian denominations and charities submitted a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (treasury secretary) on Oct. 31, urging the government to tackle tax avoidance in order to "Close The Gap" between rich and poor.
In Philippines, native wisdom enhances Christian spirituality
Devotees use towels to touch the face or hands of the image of Jesus during the Black Nazarene procession. The towels are later used to anoint the sick.
Indigenous spirituality is enhancing Christian tradition in some Philippine churches as they retrace the local context of their faith.
Talking restorative justice in Washington, D.C.
Marc Ediger (back to camera), a lieutenant with the Reedley (Calif.) Police Department, describes preventive and restorative approaches to public safety. Others pictured left to right are: Mary Fast, mayor of Reedley; Carol Chodroff, Sheri Plett Wiedenhoefer, director of West Coast MCC; Joe Garza, Reedley Police Dept.
“We need to get you back here for a briefing! People in Congress need to hear what you’re doing.”
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