News

URC stands against extremist politics

Thursday, 04 February 2010 12:29

The UK's United Reformed Church (URC) has put out a reminder to its leaders and congregations of its long-standing opposition to extreme right-wing and racist political parties.

The reminder urges congregations to act in accordance with the URC resolution that “The United Reformed Church believes support for extremist parties to be incompatible with Christian discipleship.”

East Asia region defends use of Allah

Thursday, 04 February 2010 12:16

Delegates from CWM’s East Asia region met in Malaysia against a backdrop of violent church attacks sparked by Christian use of the word "Allah".

Rev Dr Tan Kim Sai from the Malaysian Bible Seminary, underlined the need for the Christian church to speak out against such intimadatory attacks during the meeting’s opening worship service in Kuala Lumpur.

Christian use of the word "Allah" during worship has recently been made contrary to Malaysian law.

EU Orissa visit sparks Hindu protests

Thursday, 04 February 2010 12:15

Hindu protests have broken out in Orissa following the arrival of a European Union delegation sent to visit areas where dozens of Christians were killed in 2007.

The delegation is undertaking a fact-finding mission into the anti-Christian violence that plagued Orissa following the murder of radical Hindu leader Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati.

But the trip has been strongly opposed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council), who warned it could reignite tensions, Christian Today reported.

New laws threaten Taiwan's aborigines

Thursday, 04 February 2010 12:14

New laws threatening to topple the autonomy of Taiwan’s aboriginal community have been met with protest by local church leaders.

Presbyterian Church in Taiwan ministers have spoken out after a new government act issued last month outlined plans to replace aboriginal community mayors with government-appointed district chiefs.

The move means current villages and townships in Kaohsiung, Tainan, Taichung, and Taipei will be demoted to districts and could undermine aboriginal autonomy.

Christian students protest China rail link

Thursday, 28 January 2010 14:12

Christian students in Hong Kong have joined thousands of demonstrators protesting a new high speed rail link, by joining them in meditation.

The Zen-inspired demonstration is being carried out in protest at the HK$66.9 billion (US$8.6 billion) link intended to connect Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of China, to the mainland's high-speed rail network.

Many fear the China-wide link - which includes controversial plans to relocate an entire village - will cause major environmental damage.

Delay for UK women bishops

Thursday, 28 January 2010 14:11

The consecration of women bishops in the Church of England has been setback after it emerged that legislation for the move won't be completed by the February deadline.

The revision committee charged with drafting the legislation have failed to ensure paperwork is pushed through in time for February's General Synod.

Criticisms have been voiced over the possibility that the committee deliberately stalled progress to prevent the legislation going through, Christian Today reported.