World Food Day: Hunger and Malnutrition Top Health Risks Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 15.10.2010 | ADRA The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) commemorates World Food Day on October 16, 2010, recognizing the severe lack of access to food in many countries around the world. With more than a billion people going to bed hungry every night, World Food Day refocuses the world’s attention on the increasing need for food assistance worldwide. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), hunger and malnutrition remain the number one risk to individual health worldwide, posing a higher healt
Exhibition on Protestantisms in independent Ukraine opened in Lviv Lviv/Ukraine | 08.10.2010 | International A new exhibition titled "Protestantism in Independent Ukraine", highlighting the history and the development of current Protestant churches worldwide and in modern Ukraine, was opened in Lviv at the Museum of Religion. The exhibition theme is represented by lithographs, clerical and liturgical clothings of ministers, preachers, pastors and bishops, various religious objects, publications (books, magazines, calendars), numerous photographs, and the Bible translation of Martin Luther. Accord
European Protestants and Baptists sign cooperation agreement Rome/Vienna/Berne | 04.10.2010 | Ecumenism The Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) and the European Baptist Federation (EBF) are seeking closer ties and better relations. Michael Bünker (Vienna) and Tony Peck (Prague), general secretaries respectively of the Community of Protestant Churches in Europe (CPCE) and the European Baptist Federation (EBF), signed an agreement for this purpose in Rocca di Papa, near Rome, on 24 September. This means the two Europe-wide organisations are now ‘mutually co-operating bodies.’ The E
In Northern Mexico, Adventists mourn killings of two young members <br> Case of mistaken identity in border town with warring drug cartels Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua/Mexico | 22.09.2010 | International Seventh-day Adventist leaders in Ciudad Juarez are concerned about the safety of their church members following last week's murder of two young Adventists. The killings are believed to be a case of mistaken identity in a border city at the center of an ongoing war between drug cartels. Jose Ines Martinez, 18, and his sister Maribel Martinez, 26, both active members of the Zaragoza Adventist Church, were found shot to death in their vehicle on September 12. Both were among 17 victims killed i
Christian Communicator Walter R.L. Scragg 84 dies <br> Headed Adventist World Radio and World Church Communication Department Wahroonga, NSW/Australia | 21.09.2010 | Media Walter Robert Lambert Scragg, a retired president of two Seventh-day Adventist world regions, a former president of Adventist World Radio (AWR), and a former General Conference communication director, died at Lady Davidson Hospital, North Turramurra, NSW, on September 20, aged 84. Scragg gave 48 years of distinguished service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church mainly as Christian Communicator, and in many leadership and departmental roles around the world. He attended Avondale College,
Adventist world church president dismayed by planned Qur’an burning <br> Inciting religious tensions Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 09.09.2010 | Statement on... The Seventh-day Adventist Church is deeply dismayed by a non-denominational pastor's plan to burn copies of the Qur’an on September 11. In a statement released September 8, Adventist world church President Ted N.C. Wilson said the so-called "Burn a Qur’an Day" is "directly contrary" to the belief that Christians ought to relate to others with mutual respect. Terry Jones, pastor of the Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center, recently announced his intention to burn copies of the Qur’an
New Zealand: Massive Earthquake in Christchurch - Adventist Church services canceled Christchurch/New Zealand | 08.09.2010 | unknow A state of emergency remains in Christchurch September 7, as aftershocks as large as magnitude 5.4 continued to rumble through the region. More than 100,000 homes were damaged after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake hit at 4:35 a.m. on September 4 (Saturday morning), disrupting power, water and sewage services. Another 5.1-magnitude aftershock has hit Christchurch on September 8, causing more damage and another evacuation of the city's central business district. Most Seventh-day Adventist chur
ADRA Sending Medical Aid to Flooded Communities in Pakistan Islamabad/Pakistan & Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 20.08.2010 | ADRA As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in Pakistan following heavy monsoon rains, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is sending medical teams to some of the worst affected areas in the north, agency officials report. ADRA’s response is targeting the Khyber-Pakhtunkwa Province’s Nowshera District, an area located northwest of the capital Islamabad that has experienced some of the heaviest flooding so far. As part of the intervention, ADRA plans to mobilize medic
Somalia: ADRA's Focus Remains on Humanitarian Work <br> Somali militant group bans three international humanitarian aid agencies Sliver Spring, Maryland/USA | 09.08.2010 | ADRA The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) denies a statement made August 9 in Somalia that it is attempting to proselytize through its humanitarian work. The statement, issued by the governing body of south-central Somalia, Harakat al-Shabaab al-Mujahideen (Movement of Warrior Youth), declares that ADRA and two other international non-governmental organizations, World Vision and Diakonia, can no longer operate inside the country because they are "acting as missionaries under the gu
Pakistan: Situation Critical in Flood-Affected Communities Pakistan: Situation Critical in Flood-Affected Communities | 09.08.2010 | ADRA As waters begin to slowly recede in northern Pakistan following some of the worst flooding in the area in 80 years, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is assessing the immediate needs of affected communities, the agency reported. Some of the most urgently needed relief aid, ADRA emergency response experts say, includes shelters for displaced families, blankets, hygiene kits, food, water, and medical assistance. Since the flooding began in late July, more than 1,500 people
ADRA Sends Aid to Violence-Torn Kyrgyzstan Silver Spring (USA)/Geneva (Switzerland) | 09.08.2010 | ADRA In the aftermath of deadly clashes between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbeks that killed up to 2,000 people and forced an estimated 500,000 to flee their homes in southern Kyrgyzstan, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is partnering with other relief organizations to send much needed humanitarian aid to affected areas. During this emergency response, ADRA is working with ACT Alliance, to provide essential relief aid to 6,100 beneficiaries. ACT is an alliance of 100 churches and church
Adventist outreach earns church role in world mission conference <br> Sharing Christ in 21st century among collaborative event Edinburgh/Silver Spring, MD/USA | 02.08.2010 | Seventh-day Adventist mission experts were among representatives from more than 100 Christian denominations who met in Edinburgh, Scotland last month to envision the future of Christian mission in the 21st century. Christians from all over the world joined in unity and explored different ways of Witnessing to Christ Today. The event marks 100 years since the first Edinburgh World Missionary Conference, considered a watershed in the collaborative shaping of mission. While three Adventist c
New Zealand Adventists's join the alcohol campaign Auckland/New Zealand | 31.07.2010 | Health & Ethics The Seventh-day Adventist Church of New Zealand is taking a public stand in support of initiatives to dismantle New Zealand's heavy drinking culture. The Church has specifically endorsed the 5+ Solution based on the WHO sponsored publication “Alcohol: No Ordinary Commodity”. Paul Rankin, Health Director for the Adventist Church, speaking on behalf of the 12,000 adult baptized church members in New Zealand, said the Church backs the Law Commission’s recommendations and is hopeful the gove
New Adventist president envisions a church marked by prayer, revival <br> Emphasis on evangelism and stewardship practical keys to 5-year strategic plan Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 29.07.2010 | International In his first address to employees at Seventh-day Adventist world church headquarters, newly elected church President Ted N. C. Wilson outlined July 28 a strategic plan for the denomination meant to spur a renewal of members' commitment to the church's mission. An emphasis on personal and corporate prayer and the launch of a Revival and Reformation Committee at church headquarters featured prominently in the plan. The belief that Christians cannot "hasten or delay" the Second Coming is a
Palestinian Bishop New President of Lutheran World Federation Stuttgart/Germany | 25.07.2010 | Ecumenism The Rev. Munib A. Younan, bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Jordan and the Holy Land, has been elected president of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) July 24 at the LWF Assembly in Stuttgart. The LWF comprises 145 member churches in 79 countries, representing more than 70,1 million Lutheran Christians worldwide. Younan received 300 votes affirming his election, 23 against and 37 abstentions. There were no other nominees. Younan succeeds the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bisho
New Adventist Church president reaffirms cooperation with China's Protestant organization <br> Wilson hosts China Christian Council representatives at world headquarters, accepts invitation to visit China Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 11.07.2010 | Religion + State Seventh-day Adventist world church President Ted N. C. Wilson affirmed that his church will maintain a cooperative relationship with China's officially recognized Protestant organizations, the China Christian Council (CCC) and the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). "Although the Adventist Church has distinct doctrines, we are certainly open to cooperating with fellow Christians who are lifting up Christ," Wilson said following a meeting with representatives of the China Christian Council a
Ted N.C. Wilson elected president of Seventh-day Adventist world church <br> <br> VP, son of former president, to serve five-year term Atlanta, Georgia/USA | 25.06.2010 | Ted N. C. Wilson (60), a vice president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, was elected June 25 to serve to serve five-year term as president of the 16.3-million member global Protestant denomination. Wilson is the son of former General Conference president Neal C. Wilson, who served in the post from 1979 to 1990. Wilson was appointed by the church's 236-member Nominating Committee and confirmed by the General Conference Session delegation, which is an international body of 2
Polish Flood Victims Receive Adventist Relief Aid Warsaw/Poland | 24.06.2010 | ADRA The Polish Adventist Church Christian Charity Services and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA Poland) teams are supporting relief efforts to assist people affected by the worst flood in centuries that has brought havoc to some parts of Poland. Heavy rain has caused damage estimated at more than US$3.5 billion forcing the evacuation of thousands of people from their homes along the Vistula river, which flows from the southern Tatra mountains into the Baltic. Many of those affec
«Christian Leaders Sweeping Money Under The Carpet» <br> <br> New UK Survey on Christian giving shows leaders' timidity over money means churches risk losing out Colchester, Essex/UK | 23.06.2010 | International Most church leaders in the United Kingdom dislike talking about the need to give money, according to a new survey on Christian giving. As a result, churchgoers are being given "an array of mixed messages" by ministers about the need to give. According to the report "Why Christians Give – Understanding the hearts and minds of 21st century evangelical donors" churches risk losing out on large amounts of potential giving due to an unnecessary timidity when it comes to talking about financial ne
Atlanta, home of the fastest growing Adventist church in the U.S. <br> <br> Business-minded pastor mobilizes members for ministry Atlanta, Georgia/USA | 19.06.2010 | International A Seventh-day Adventist church in Atlanta (Georgia/USA) is growing quickly in a country where the rest of the denomination is growing slowly. While young adults are absent from many of the country's congregations, the Atlanta Berean Adventist Church has attracted and mobilized them, along with other members, to conduct community outreach and traditional evangelism. The 3,800-member church last year gained the most members of any church in the United States. It could earn the same distincti
New Reformed church organization to be launched at global assembly in the United States Grand Rapids, Michigan/USA | 17.06.2010 | Ecumenism The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) are coming together in a new union with 227 member churches representing more than 80 million Reformed Christians in 108 countries - the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC). The new organization will be established in Geneva where the WARC offices are currently located. The Uniting General Council (UGC) that launches this new Reformed organization will be held from 18 to 26 June in Grand Rapids, M
Adventist Church contributed to Edinburgh World Mission Conference 2010 Edinburgh/Scotland | 11.06.2010 | International The Seventh-day Adventist Church contributed to the Centenary of the 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, 2 - 6 June. The event marked 100 years since the last Edinburgh World Missionary Conference, when more than 1,200 Christians representing numerous faiths and countries gathered to discuss the future of mission. One hundred years later, the 1910 conference is still recognized as a significant event in modern mission. Seventh-day Adventist missiologist, Ganoune Diop,
City of Baeza honors Spain's first Adventist missionary Baeza/Spain | 11.06.2010 | International Officials of the southern Spanish city Baeza have honored the memory of the country's first Adventist missionary, one of several early 20th-century religious freedom and democracy martyrs whose graves were later desecrated. In 1914, Walter Bond, a missionary from the United States, died at age 35, reportedly poisoned for preaching Adventist teachings. Bond's name was added to Baeza's Wall of Honor last month during a ceremony that included the mayor, city officials and Adventist Church leader
ADRA Responds After Deadly Tropical Storm Strikes Honduras Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 10.06.2010 | ADRA Following the recent devastation caused by Tropical Storm Agatha that brought widespread flooding and landslides across Honduras and other parts of Central America, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) provided assistance to some of the most affected communities. Answering the call for assistance by the Honduran government, ADRA worked in coordination with the nation’s Permanent Commission on Contingencies (COPECO) to transport and distribute basic hygiene kits to 750 families,
Edinburgh 2010: «Common Call» Released <br> <br> Christian Church Leaders Reaffirmed Commitment to Witnessing to Christ | 06.06.2010 | International Leaders of the Christian World Communions and delegates from over 50 denominations have reaffirmed their commitment to witnessing to Christ during an international conference in Edinburgh to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Missionary Conference held in the Scottish capital in 1910. The conference culminated on June 6 with a "Common Call" to Christians and a special historic celebration at the Assembly Halls of the Church of Scotland, the venue of the 1910 gathering. Keynote spe
In East-Central Africa, Adventist president urges 'ownership' of church <br> <br> Involvement, financial contribution necessary to support growth, Paulsen says Nairobi/Kenya | 30.05.2010 | International Seventh-day Adventist world church President Jan Paulsen recently encouraged local leadership and members in East-Central Africa to "take ownership" of the church. During a four-day tour end of May, Paulsen met with local church leaders, laypeople and Adventist University of Africa (AUA) administration and partners, encouraging self-sufficiency in the region. "The Adventist church in Africa must be able to provide for its own needs for the future because of its rapid growth," he said, cit
Adventists to participate in Edinburgh World Missionary Conference <br> <br> Church's study center director will co-chair Foundations for Mission session Washington D.C./Edinburgh | 30.05.2010 | [img id=1727 align=right]Seventh-day Adventists will contribute to an historic mission conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, June 2 to 6. The Edinburgh event marks 100 years since the last Edinburgh World Missionary Conference when 1,355 Christian delegates, including 208 women, representing western Mission societies of numerous faiths and countries gathered to discuss the future of mission. One hundred years later, the 1910 conference is recognized as a significant event in modern mission. A s
Norwegian ambassador, Paulsen meet at Adventist church headquarters <br> <br> Countrymen focus on commonalities despite religious differences Silver Spring, Maryland/USA, | 13.05.2010 | Religion + State The ambassador of Norway to the United States of America, Wegger Christian Strommen, visited recently the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters. He praised Seventh-day Adventists for their international humanitarian work and denominational unity. Ambassador Strommen was hosted by fellow countryman Jan Paulsen (born 1935 in Narvik, Norway), since 1999 president of the denomination, along with a group of church leaders during an April 26 protocol visit. Strommen was appointed ambas
Dutch Queen Beatrix honors three Adventists for community service <br <br> Order of Orange-Nassau awarded for community involvement Amsterdam/The Netherlands | 13.05.2010 | Persons Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands honored three Seventh-day Adventists for their community service along with other national award recipients during an annual ceremony on April 30. Pastoral worker Jan Kerssen was knighted into The Order of Orange-Nassau in the town hall in Groningen, by its Mayor Peter Rehwinkel. Kerssen was awarded for his commitment to smoking-cessation programs and for his involvement in setting up an inner-city drop-in center, The Oasis, in conjunction with other Protestan
Evangelical Alliance in the UK calls on Cameron and Clegg to lead in a spirit of trust and co-operation London/UK | 12.05.2010 | International The Evangelical Alliance in the UK has congratulated David Cameron as the country's 52nd prime minister, and Nick Clegg his deputy for coming together to form a Government and called for them to lead in a spirit of trust and co-operation. Steve Clifford, General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, said: ”Out of the potential chaos that followed Thursday's indecisive result, we have seen our political leaders act with a dignity that accords their high office. “I hope that the coming week
In Kenya, Adventist leadership distancing itself from proposed abortion law <br> <br> Members expected to 'make informed decisions,' church official says Nairobi/Kenya | 11.05.2010 | Health & Ethics Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership in Kenya are not urging opposition or support for a proposed law that may relax abortion restrictions in the country, instead encouraging church members to vote according to their consciences. The law, part of a proposed constitution, is widely opposed by Kenya's Protestant Christian majority. Adventist Church leaders have distanced themselves from the opposition, specifically declining to participate in an ongoing campaign to amend the law's wording b
Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine Against Involvement of Churches in Politics Kyiv/Ukraine | 02.05.2010 | Religion + State The Council of Evangelical Protestant Churches of Ukraine (CEPCU) published on April 21 a statement expressing its position on the role of the church in the society and on its attitude about politics. In the document, the heads of the Protestant churches expressed concern over the fact that certain politicians attempted to use the authority of the council and the Evangelical Protestant churches for their own political interests, reports the Kyiv based Institute of Religious Freedom (IPC). "It
70,000 Visitors Expected at 2010 Adventist World Synod in Atlanta, Georgia, USA Atlanta, Georgia/USA | 23.04.2010 | International The world synod of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, being held June 23-July 3, will bring additional international flavor to the already diverse city of Atlanta, Georgia, business meeting planners said. "Atlanta is well known for its rich cultural diversity, heritage, and Southern hospitality throughout the USA," said Sheri Clemmer, associate session meeting planner for the Adventist Church. "Atlanta has a long history of hosting national religious organizations and gatherings, " Clemmer sa
Women's ordination issue not on World Session agenda, Adventist president says Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 10.04.2010 | International The issue of women's ordination will not be added to the agenda for the 59th General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the church's President Jan Paulsen said April 6. Speaking to leadership at Spring Meeting in Silver Spring, Maryland, Paulsen said that a canvass of the church's 13 world church divisions revealed only three willing to accept a change in the current policy of not ordaining women to pastoral ministry, and eight divisions reporting the move would negativel
New documentary takes pulse of Adventist Church's impact in North America <br> <br> Film set to air on public television next month Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 03.04.2010 | Media A documentary showcasing the Seventh-day Adventist Church's health message and ministry is scheduled to air on Public Broadcasting Stations across the United States beginning April 3. The Adventists explores what independent filmmaker Martin Doblmeier sees as paradox: a conservative faith community at the forefront of medical technology. Learning why Adventists, who believe in the soon coming of Jesus, are committed to living long and well motivated the documentary, Doblmeier said. T
U.N. «Defamation of religions» resolution sees dwindling support <br> <br> Religious liberty advocates encouraged by 54 percent increase in opposition Geneva/New York | 03.04.2010 | Religious Liberty Support continues to dwindle for a United Nations resolution seeking to bridle potentially offensive religious speech, despite the measure's passage for the tenth consecutive year, religious liberty advocates said. Three fewer member nations of the UN Human Rights Council voted for the so-called "defamation of religions" resolution this year, a 13 percent drop in support from 2009. Opposition to the resolution grew 54 percent, with 17 nations voting against it compared to last year's 11.
Evolution controversy stirs U.S. Adventist campus <br> <br> California's La Sierra reaffirms church's teachings; student critic placed on probation Riverside, California/USA | 03.04.2010 | Education La Sierra University in Riverside, California, United States has been the focus of denominational controversy over science education and faith development. The school serves some 1,850 students. [photo courtesy La Sierra] To a visitor, the 100-acre campus of La Sierra University, an 88-year-old Seventh-day Adventist tertiary institution, seems a tranquil retreat amidst the gritty hustle of southern California's "Inland Empire," a place where local commerce intersects with trucks headed fro
Belize: Adventist Church closes schools to protest alleged police violence <br> <br> Young church member latest in string of related deaths Belize City/Belize | 17.03.2010 | International The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Belize closed all 25 of its schools last Friday to demonstrate against escalating alleged police violence in the country, most recently the killing of a church member. Teddy R. Murillo Jr was reported shot to death early on Saturday, February 27, by a law enforcement officer who was questioned and later released. Murillo, 21, was a member of the Mount Zion Adventist Tabernacle in Belize City -- the first church established in the city. He was an active
ADRA Project Focuses on Preparing Cambodia's Children for First Year of School Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 17.03.2010 | ADRA To help Cambodia’s youngest children improve their odds of succeeding in school, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) began a project that is helping parents and caregivers develop a supportive environment for their children in preparation for their first year of primary school. “Our goal is to create an environment where children can reach their full potential in a fun and dynamic atmosphere,” said Ann Stickle, associate director for ADRA Cambodia. “This will contribute to Mi
Haiti: ADRA Immunization and HIV Prevention Efforts Ongoing Among Displaced Populations Port-au-Prince/Haiti | 17.03.2010 | ADRA A massive vaccination drive and HIV prevention campaign are being implemented in an effort to minimize the spread of disease inside a Port-au-Prince camp where more than 20,000 displaced Haitians are staying, reported the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). "With people living so close together, the risk of the spread of communicable diseases remains extremely high," said Sandra Golles, health services coordinator for the ADRA Emergency Response Center in Haiti. "We are hoping ou
Nepal: ADRA Seeks to Provide Emotional Healing to Children of Recent Civil War Kathmandu/Nepal | 17.03.2010 | ADRA In Nepal, where thousands of children are struggling with the psychological wounds they sustained during that country’s violent 10-year civil war, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is launching a new project to assist former child soldiers and other affected children living in the Mid-Western region. "Many of these children that are suffering from psychological problems are too afraid to share with others due to social pressures," said Chandeshwari Tamrakar, an officer with
Victims of Violence against Women must be supported, Perpetrators punished New York, N.Y./USA | 16.03.2010 | International Violence against women devastates individuals and societies alike, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said March 11, calling for united action to demand accountability, end impunity and support the victims of this global scourge. Whether it is domestic violence, sex trafficking, so-called “honour” crimes or female genital cutting, violence against women and girls continues to be a horrific and all-too common crime, Mr. Ban said in remarks to a panel at UN Headquarters on the issue. In ad
Police rescue 31 Adventist Pathfinders in Tasmania Devonport, Tasmania/Australia | 13.03.2010 | International Police have rescued a group of 31 hikers stranded by a flooded river in Tasmania's central highlands, reports the Australian Associated Press (AAP). The group, from the Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinder Club, had become stranded on the eastern side of the Fisher River, south of Devonport, police said. Aged from 10 to 63, they had been camping in the Lake McKenzie area but heavy rain caused the Fisher River to rise, preventing them from leaving. Police were notified in the late afternoon
ADRA Coordinates with Chilean Government to Provide Aid Santiago de Chile/Silver Spring | 28.02.2010 | ADRA Following a deadly 8.8-magnitude earthquake, one of the strongest ever recorded, the extent of the humanitarian crisis in some of the worse hit areas in south-central Chile is becoming apparent, reports the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), which is coordinating with disaster response authorities to provide assistance. The Chilean National Office of Emergencies and Information (ONEMI) has called ADRA to assist immediately with food and water distribution. Agency officials have a
Magnitude 8.8 Quake Strikes Chile; ADRA Responds (Up-dated) Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 27.02.2010 | ADRA Early Saturday (February 27), a powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake shook south-central Chile killing at least 120, damaging infrastructure, and triggering a tsunami. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is assessing the needs in the worst hit areas and coordinating with authorities, the agency reported. “Our staff in Chile are already in the affected areas to see first hand the extent of the earthquake damage and identify the communities that are worst hit,” said Mario Ochoa, Exe
Lutheran Bishop Resigned as Chairperson of the Evangelical Church and as bishop Berlin/Germany | 24.02.2010 | International The German Lutheran bishop Margot Kaessmann has given up on February 24 her posts as head of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) and as bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Hanover, but will continue as a pastor. She is resigning days after she was apprehended for an alleged drunk-driving offense. Fifty-one-year-old Kaessmann has been elected only four month ago, as the youngest ever chairperson of the EKD council, to lead the 24-million Protestant members of the Evangelical Churc
Church of England expresses its confidence in the Bible London/United Kingdom | 24.02.2010 | Bible At the General Synod two weeks ago, a motion was agreed that means that the Church of England will join Christians across the country in celebrating and promoting the Bible as part of the 400th anniversary in 2011 of the Authorised Version. The Synod voted unanimously to approve a motion which expresses a confidence in the Bible and calls on churches, deaneries and dioceses to use 2011 to teach, preach and share the Bible afresh with our nation. The Revd John Dunnett, General Director of t
Adventist Media Center in Middle East launches Television Channel Beirut/Lebanon | 23.02.2010 | Media A new Seventh-day Adventist television channel in Beirut is expected to help spread the Bible-based Adventist church's message of hope among Arabic-speaking communities in the Middle East, a region "rich in Biblical history," its director said last week. Church leaders said the "Al Waad Channel", launched along with the Al Waad Media Center February 13 at a packed Middle East Adventist University Church, will potentially reach an audience of more than 300 million Arabic speakers in the regio
Haiti: Diseases Threaten IDP Camps, Sanitation Critical Carrefour and Port-au-Prince/Haiti | 21.02.2010 | ADRA The possibility of an outbreak of deadly diseases in quake-affected Haiti is growing, making the need for clean water and basic sanitation even more critical, reported the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). The number of temporary shelters, already a staple in Haiti, has increased dramatically in the aftermath of the earthquake, resulting in internally displaced people (IDPs) clustering together in open spaces, creating IDP camps that have populations reaching into the tens of th
Haiti: ADRA Center Helps Children with Emotional Recovery Carrefour and Port-au-Prince/Haiti | 21.02.2010 | ADRA Child survivors of the recent earthquake in Haiti continue to suffer from physical and psychological injuries caused by the ongoing crisis, making recovery for the nation’s youngest citizens even more difficult. In response, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has opened a Children’s Center that is helping Haiti's children begin to heal. Of the three million Haitians affected by the quake, more than one million are children, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNIC
Heaven Sent: Helicopter Delivers Precious Cargo to Isolated Haitians Port-au-Prince/Haiti | 21.02.2010 | ADRA The little yellow box clutched in the man’s hand could have been mistaken for a small suitcase. Despite its bright but rugged exterior, what it held inside had become, in the last two weeks, as valuable as a rare jewel. No sooner had he jumped into the row of seats behind the two pilots, the box tucked beside him, the helicopter roared to life. Lifting from the ground of the ADRA Haiti compound in the Port-au-Prince neighbourhood of Carrefour, the craft surged toward its destination. Every
Russian Pioneering Adventist Leader Mikhail P. Kulakov died <br> <br> Kulakov secretly operated Adventist work in former Soviet Union Washington D.C./Moscow | 12.02.2010 | International Mikhail P. Kulakov Sr., the first president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's Euro-Asia region, and a pioneering Adventist leader who endured imprisonment in the former Soviet Union for his faith, died of brain cancer February 10 at his home in Highland, California (USA). He was 83. Once exiled as an enemy of the state, Kulakov in the 1980s was able to openly write in leading national Soviet publications on freedom of conscience, winning him respect from fellow believers, dissidents and
Moroccan Authorities Raid Bible Study, Arrest Christians Marrakech/Marseilles | 10.02.2010 | Religious Liberty A large, military-led team of Moroccan authorities raided a Bible study in a small city southeast of Marrakech last week, arresting 18 Moroccans and deporting a U.S. citizen, reports Compass Direct News. According to local Christian leaders approximately 60 officers from the Moroccan security services on February 4 raided the home of a Christian in Amizmiz, a picturesque city of 10,000 mainly Berber people 56 kilometers southeast of Marrakech. A church Bible study was in progress at the home
Haiti: Relief workers face challenges distributing deluge of supplies Port-au-Prince/Haiti | 31.01.2010 | ADRA More than two weeks after the earthquake, relief agencies are fighting blocked roads and lack of centralized organization while attempting to distribute food and fresh water to Haitians around the capital of Port-au-Prince, workers said. Tasks that would take a matter of hours under normal circumstances can take days, said Dan Weber, a videographer working with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). "Once you find out where [supplies are] sitting at the airport, you have to
New smoking ban in Finland expected to pass by summer Helsinki/Finland | 31.01.2010 | Health & Ethics The Finnish government took further measures for public health earlier this month by proposing a ban on smoking in private cars with underage occupants and prohibiting stores from displaying tobacco products. While government statistics report that only 20 percent of the Finnish population smokes, the goal is to eliminate smoking entirely, said state Health Ministry secretary Ilkka Oksala in an interview with the BBC. Health experts for the Seventh-day Adventist Church supported the move,
Haiti: Tensions Ongoing Among Survivors Desperate for Aid Port-au-Prince/Silver Spring (USA) | 27.01.2010 | ADRA While aid has started to flow into areas of Port-au-Prince, tensions among survivors seeking food, water, and basic necessities continue to be a serious issue among displaced populations, reported the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International. “It’s been difficult finding food. People push you to get something to eat,” said Michele, a young woman who is eight months pregnant and currently living in a camp for internally displaced persons in Carrefour, a neighborhood of Port
First Adventist church planned for Gulf region Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates | 26.01.2010 | International Seventh-day Adventists in the Middle Eastern Gulf region anticipate worshipping in their first permanent church building by year's end, local church officials said at a January 8 groundbreaking ceremony. Victor Harewood, church leader for the United Arab Emirates and Oman, along with some 250 local members met on the plot in Ras Al Khaimah to unveil the building's cornerstone, officially opening the construction site. Ras Al Khaimah is one of seven emirates in the UAE. Its crown prince a
Adventist Church President Jan Paulsen speaks to Haitian Adventists: 'Don't lose courage' | 26.01.2010 | International In a statement aired on the Seventh-day Adventist Church's television station, the Hope Channel, church President Jan Paulsen urged Haitians to not lose courage in the aftermath of the earthquake. "Your brothers and sisters around the world, they think about you, they pray for you, they want to be involved and want you to know that they are your family," Paulsen said during the televised statement. Paulsen's words came hours after a magnitude 6.1 aftershock struck Haiti, renewing anxiety
Adventist headquarters for UK, Ireland nears completion after fire Stanborough Park/UK | 26.01.2010 | International Administrative offices for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland are nearing completion 14 months after a fire gutted previous headquarters. The final phase of rebuilding -- including a foyer, training rooms, boardroom and additional offices -- is expected to take place within the year, regional church officials said. The fire started November 16, 2008 in the roof space above the boardroom and quickly spread to 75 percent of the building. Employees moved back
ADRA Emergency Response Team Arrives in Haiti Jimani/Haiti | 16.01.2010 | ADRA An international emergency response team from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, this afternoon after entering from the Dominican Republic, bringing with them water treatment systems, tents, mobile clinics, and medical personnel to help alleviate a growing humanitarian crisis. The group, which departed the Dominican Republic’s capital of Santo Domingo early Friday, January 15, arrived at the border town of Jimani, about 150 miles from Port-au-
Survey: Most American Protestant Pastors Find Islam Dangerous Nashville, Tennessee/USA | 15.01.2010 | Religious Liberty Two-thirds of American Protestant pastors believe Islam is a "dangerous" religion, according to a new survey from by LifeWay Research, a Southern Baptist-affiliated research group. The survey of more than 1,000 Protestant clergy found that 45 percent strongly agree with the statement "I believe Islam is a dangerous religion" and another 21 percent agree somewhat with it. Evangelical pastors were more likely to agree with the statement than mainline Protestant pastors--77 to 47 percent. L
ADRA Commits US-$ 1 Million to Earthquake Response in Haiti Washington D.C./USA | 15.01.2010 | ADRA As the humanitarian crisis continues to grow in quake-hit Haiti, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has expanded its relief efforts by committing $1 million worth of emergency aid to assist survivors in the hardest hit areas. ”As an organization, we recognize the urgency that this disaster demands, and press forward to meet the most immediate needs of survivors,” said Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International. “We will continue to do everything possible to alleviate t
Adventist Relief Response Underway in Quake-hit Haiti Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 14.01.2010 | ADRA The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is launching an immediate response following a devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake on January 12 that leveled much of Haiti’s capital, affecting an estimated 3 million people, and raising fears that up to 500,000 have died, according to preliminary news reports. “Many, many have died,” said Ketteline Israel, administrative assistant for ADRA Haiti, in a message from Port-au-Prince. “The country is devastated.” “Accessibility has been diff
Adventist World Church president celebrates 75th birthday <br> <br> Paulsen sees church embrace diversity, engage community Silver Spring, Maryland/USA | 06.01.2010 | International As Seventh-day Adventist Christians worldwide gear up for a new decade, their world church's president, Jan Paulsen, celebrated on January 5 his 75th birthday, affording the veteran leader an opportunity to reflect on a different decade -- the nearly ten years he's spent at the helm of the global Protestant denomination with 16-million adult baptized members. During those years, Paulsen said he has seen Adventists unite to focus perhaps more deliberately than ever on their mission to spread
