Latest News from Ekklesia

British MP says Epiphany shows need for Middle East humanitarian action

staff writers — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:17:02 +0000

An MP who took part in a parliamentary delegation to Israel-Palestine last year has said that the season of Epiphany vividly illustrates the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian measures in Gaza.

Anger as Israeli shells cause carnage at UN school in Gaza

staff writers — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:00:45 +0000

Israeli shells have killed 40 people and injured 60 at a UN-run school in Gaza – the third hit so far – fuelling accusations that the IDF are acting outside international legal and humanitarian standards.

The challenge to 'get real'

Giles Fraser — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:39:35 +0000

These days we are often encouraged to 'get real'. But what does this mean, in the world at large and in the church in particular, asks Giles Fraser. It means returning to practicalities in a new way.

Humanity versus hatred in Colombia

Juan Michel — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:15:29 +0000

In the midst of violent conflict in Colombia, humanitarian zones supported by churches and civic groups are a way of stopping the killing and modelling an alternative.

On not being left eyeless in Gaza

Simon Barrow — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 13:07:15 +0000

What we see in Gaza is the abyss of violence, says Simon Barrow. Limiting retribution is important, but in the longer run only active, nonviolent love can challenge the destructive politics of vengeance.

Repaying violence with violence

Martin E. Marty — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:35:10 +0000

Taking the the ancient religious law of proportionate response ("an eye for an eye") as an injunction for modern revenge and preemptive attack is a recipe for disaster, says Martin Marty.

Bishops join call for UK to block EU privileges for Israel

staff writers — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 11:03:01 +0000

Three Anglican bishops have joined public figures in a call for the European Union to refuse further privileges to Israel while it remains in breach of international law and acting brutally in Gaza.

Catholic charity rapped over NHS contraception case

staff writers — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:32:28 +0000

The Charity Commission has criticised a Catholic hospital charity for the way it dealt with the consequences of its decision to sublet part of its premises to doctors prescribing contraceptives.

American Lutheran bishops travel to the Middle East

Agencies — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:00:35 +0000

Despite conflict in Gaza, bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are proceeding with plans to travel to the Middle East today.

Humanitarian disaster follows continued Gaza aggression

staff writers — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:29:56 +0000

Over 4000 Israeli ground troops are now operating inside Gaza. 550 Palestinians and 5 Israelis have died. Many hundreds of Gazans have been injured and one million are living without electricity.

British missionary couple seek clemency in Gambia

staff writers — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 18:05:34 +0000

A British missionary couple sentenced to one year's hard labour for writing emails which were interpreted as criticising the Gambian government are hoping for a pardon after a public apology.

Churches maintain pressure on Mugabe in Zimbabwe

Agencies — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 17:48:42 +0000

Anglican bishops and other church leaders in Southern African have been maintaining pressure on dictator Robert Mugabe over the past week, calling for action against the Zimbabwean president.

Half of Catholic adoption agencies won over to new equality law

staff writers — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:07:25 +0000

Half of the Catholic adoption agencies that the Church threatened to close if they were required to work with gay couples have now adopted the new equality law following an exemption period that ended on 1 January.

Gaza incursion deepens as attempts to 'deflect' diplomatic pressure continue

staff writers — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 16:52:58 +0000

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni has said her “intensive diplomatic activity in recent days is aimed at deflecting the pressure for a cease-fire to allow enough time for the operation to achieve its goals.”

Church members share concern about government social policies

staff writers — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 23:12:46 +0000

Leading members of the Church of England share the concern of five Anglican bishops about the impact of government economic and social policies on the most vulnerable, a new Sunday newspaper survey claims.