Religion Today Summaries - September 12, 2005

Northern and Southern Christian Religious Leaders to Sign Communiqué on Poverty Reduction Action
Religion News Service

Faith leaders representing one-third of the world’s population will meet Sept. 11-13 at Washington National Cathedral to call for a stepped-up role of the religious sector in alleviating extreme poverty and affirming the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. The result of the meeting, officially known as the “Consultation of Religious Leaders on Global Poverty,” will be a communiqué outlining concrete steps by which the Christian churches can increase collaboration between governments and themselves to increase the effectiveness of their work for the poor. On Tuesday, Sept. 13, the group’s official communiqué will be presented at the UN in New York. The consultation, the inaugural event of the Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation at Washington National Cathedral, is an international, multi-denominational meeting convened by the South African Archbishop, The Most Rev. Njongonkulu W. H. Ndungane of South Africa. His Roman Catholic counterpart from Nairobi, The Most Rev. Raphael Ndingi Mwana’a Nzeki will be participating along with 30 plus high-ranking faith leaders from the Northern and Southern hemispheres representing Anglican, Roman Catholic, Reformed, Methodist, Evangelical, Lutheran, Greek Orthodox, and Seventh-day Adventist denominations. "A Day of Reflection on Global Poverty": http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/news/050911index.shtml

Highest Concentration of Born-Again Christians in US Located in Alabama
Agape Press

A recent Barna Research Group survey finds that 67 percent of Alabamians can be classified as "Born Again," making theirs the state with the highest concentration of born-again Christians in the United States. Christian Coalition of Alabama president John Giles says that means "Alabama ranks first place in the nation in Christianity" since the state "leads the nation in the percentage of residents that claim faith in Christ." Giles believes this high ranking explains many of the state's powerful dynamics, which he sees as playing a role in the defeat of the expansion of gambling, the demand for good stewardship in government spending, and increasing positive influences on the legislative agenda. "If anything good needs to happen or if anything bad needs to be blocked, Alabamians can meet that challenge," the CCA spokesman asserts. He also feels the Barna survey results explain why citizens of his state are so generous to the poor. According to the 2004 Generosity Index published by the Catalogue for Philanthropy, Alabamians ranked 38th in personal assets but 7th in giving, resulting in an overall rating of 5th in the nation. The fact that Alabama currently leads the nation in Christianity is "a testament to our fine and tirelessly dedicated clergy across this state," Giles contends.

'50 Ways To Help Persecuted Christians'
Dan Wooding, Assist News Service

Christian Freedom International has released a new publication entitled “50 Ways to Help Persecuted Christians.” This new ministry guide provides concrete details on exactly how to assist Christians living under persecution in places like Burma, China, Iraq, Indonesia and many other countries. According to Christian Freedom International President Jim Jacobson, “Many Christians in America want to help suffering Christians around the world, but simply don’t know what to do. This new ministry guide provides step-by-step answers on exactly how to help. “From praying or volunteering your time to making on-site visits to those living in repressive regimes, the Christian Freedom International ‘50 Ways to Help’ publication is a call-to-action for all caring Christians.” Jacobson, who has served as a legislative aide on Capitol Hill and as a policy analyst in the Reagan White House, went on to say, “No church or caring Christian in America should be without this new ministry guide. It’s free, simply for the asking. “With this guide, any caring man, woman, child, or church can make a major difference in the life of a persecuted Christian.” A free copy of “50 Ways to Help Persecuted Christians” can be obtained by calling 1-800-323-2273 or visiting online their website which is: www.christianfreedom.org. Christian Freedom International is an interdenominational human rights organization for religious liberty helping persecuted Christians.

Police Jail Another Protestant Wedding Party
Compass Direct

Eritrean police arrested a bridal couple along with their 18 wedding guests on Sunday night, dragging them to jail because they are Pentecostals, authorities said. The seven women and 13 men were attending a private wedding ceremony on September 4 in the home of the bride when Asmara police raided the house. Breaking into the traditional wedding tent of the groom, the police took him into custody along with his bride and their best men and bridesmaids. Jailed at Police Station No. 5 in Asmara, the 20 prisoners included two key leaders of the Hallelujah Church, as well as an evangelist in the Philadelphia Church. The church reportedly had taken careful precautions, as there was no singing or noticeable Christian activities, but somehow police learned about the wedding and arrived just as the ceremony was beginning.