Scotland's largest voluntary social care organisation has urged the government to maintain their investment in services despite the tough financial climate.Scotland's largest voluntary social care organisation has urged the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), government and health boards to maintain their investment in services despite the tough financial climate.CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland, provides a host of services to some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens, including people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, those who are homeless and those with criminal justice, substance misuse, counselling and children’s issues.Convener of CrossReach, the Rev Syd Graham, commented: “No matter how forward-looking and innovative our strategic plan might be, we operate in a challenging external environment."He continued: “Cuts in public spending at national and local government level are expected to have an increasing impact in the coming year."“We are already witnessing service users with a learning disability being advised of cuts of up to 35 per cent,"said Graham.He continued: “The agenda of'Reshaping Care for older People', including those with dementia, must remain a priority and must be funded appropriately."“This is at a time of much public debate regarding the key role of voluntary and faith-based organisations in delivering transformational services to reach the poorest and most vulnerable,"the CrossReach chief said.“Over the next year, while acknowledging the overall financial crisis, we need to have a clear voice on behalf of those whom we serve that cuts in our funding will have a further damaging impact on many who are already marginalised and caught in the poverty trap,” declared Mr Graham.The majority of CrossReach’s funding comes from service users, local authorities and health boards, but with budgets being squeezed reduced financial support could be a real possibility.CrossReach"cares for thousands of Scotland’s most vulnerable citizens every day", providing over 70 services ranging from care homes for the elderly, post-natal depression counselling and residential schools, the agency points out.* More on the Church of Scotland General Assembly:http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/general_assembly* Ekklesia on the General Assembly:http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/kirkgeneralassembly[Ekk/3]

The Kirk's General Assembly has received guidelines produced for members on dealing with the effects of suicide among young men.The Church of Scotland General Assembly, meeting in Edinburgh, has received guidelines produced for members on dealing with the effects of suicide among young men.Suicide is a leading cause of death among young men in Scotland, say experts.Pastoral and health workers point out that a person dying young is always one of the most devastating events for a family and when that death results from suicide that tragedy is harder to cope with.On 26 May 2011, the Rev Ian Galloway, Convenor of the Kirk's Church and Society Council presented to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the guidance documentSuicide among young men: the Church as a community of carers.He declared:"Any suicide, but particularly that of a young person, has a profound effect on the community to which the church seeks to minister. Walking with a family facing a bereavement due to suicide is a challenge that ministers and congregations face regularly and we want to make sure that they have all the support they need.""We are encouraging Kirk Sessions to use the free training on suicide prevention and bereavement counselling provided by specialist organisations as we know that there is expertise out there we should be using,"said Mr Galloway.He added:"We are also encouraging the Church of Scotland's Ministries Council to engage with Presbyteries to ensure that effective support can be made available to Ministers, should they wish it, on encountering suicide among young men in congregations and parishes".The report notes that in Scotland, men make up the largest proportion of young people taking their own lives. The peak rate among both men and women is in the 34-44 age range. Among men in the 25-34 age range it is the second highest rate, the overall male to female ratio is about 3:1.Many churches struggle to know how to deal with issues around suicide, the Kirk admits. It is hoped that the guidance, and sensitive support from those with expertise, will help to change this situation.* More on the Church of Scotland General Assembly:http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/general_assembly* Ekklesia on the General Assembly:http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/kirkgeneralassembly[Ekk/3]

A newlivesimply award scheme has been launched to encourage Catholic parishes to undertake environmental projects and help people in need.A newlivesimply award scheme has been launched to encourage Catholic parishes to undertake environmental projects and help people in need. The new award scheme was launched in Clifton Cathedral on 20 May 2011 by Bishop Declan Lang of Clifton, who chairs the International Department of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.“We want to be known as people who care for God’s Creation” said Bishop Lang, “and the new award helps parishes to do practical things that make a difference to help treasure our world”.Hilary Farey of St Bonaventure’s parish in Bishopston, Bristol spoke at the event oflivesimply initiatives in her parish over the past six months to care for the environment and the victims of environmental problems, such as climate change. Parish lunches, children’s liturgies on thelivesimply theme have taken place and a regularlivesimply ‘Thought for the Week’ in the parish newsletter.The parish carbon footprint has been worked out and ongoing projects to reduce it include improved insulation in the presbytery and the possibility of solar panels on the church roof. Parish recycling days and ‘bring and buy’ events on different themes have ensured the re-use of unwanted items and raised money for CAFOD projects.“We are delighted to be a pilot parish for thelivesimply parish award” Hilary said, “and living simply is not just about consuming less, but is a whole attitude to the way we live our lives”. Musicians from the parish played at the launch and children from St Bonaventure’s primary school sang the speciallivesimply song, ‘Reach out to the world’, to rapturous applause from an enthusiastic congregation of several hundred.Thelivesimply award, created in partnership between CAFOD and Eco-congregation England and Wales, encourages parishes to demonstrate at least nine ways in which they are changing the way they impact on the environment and support those in developing countries.Pope Benedict’s words in his 2009 encyclicalCaritas in Veritatehave been inspirational, say parishes. He wrote: “The environment is God’s gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole”.Award-winning parishes will receive a wooden plaque, made from the recycled wood of old church pews. A new website supports parish involvement in the award scheme, giving plenty of ideas for action, study and prayer.Since 2006, nearly 80 Catholic organisations, including CAFOD and the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales, have been encouraging Catholics to live simply, sustainably with creation and in solidarity with communities living in poverty.The parish award is the latest initiative to support this goal. From ‘greening’ church buildings and fair trade to ‘green’ liturgies and planting trees, there are many ways to win an award.* For more information:www.livesimplyaward.org.uk* Contact information: E-mailcoordinator@livesimplyaward.org.ukor phone 0114 263 6421.---------------©Ellen Teagueis a freelance Catholic journalist who works regularly for The Tablet, JUSTICE magazine, Independent Catholic News, Redemptorist Publications and the Messenger of St Anthony. She is also a member of the Columban Missionary Society Justice and Peace team, and chairs the Environment Working Group of the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales.

There are whispers in Whitehall that a decision on the future of the Serious Fraud Office is imminent. The Home Office is considering rolling the Serious Fraud Office’s lawyers into the Crown Prosecution Service, while its investigators would be hived off into a new FBI-esque crime agency. And all this against the advice of most experts in the field.

If Church of England leaders continue to discriminate against even those lesbians and gays who have made considerable sacrifices out of respect for church discipline, there will be considerable damage to its credibility as a force for love and justice in the world, says Savi Hensman.Recent news items have raised serious doubts about the Church of England’s commitment to equality and justice.In 2003, Church of England priest Jeffrey John was chosen as Bishop of Reading, then forced to back down because he was gay. Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, though a friend of his, was afraid that appointing him would harm church unity. Many lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGB&T) people felt hurt and betrayed.In 2010 John – an outstanding pastor and preacher – was one of the candidates for the vacancy of Southwark. John is in a longstanding but celibate relationship with his civil partner. But there was a huge row over an alleged breach of confidentiality when the press found out, and he was not selected.A Guardian article by Andrew Brown in May 2011 contains disturbing revelations about what happened, and ongoing attempts by top church leaders to prevent even celibate gays from becoming bishops.According to the newspaper report, based on a memorandum by the late Dean of Southwark Colin Slee, who was involved in the selection process, Williams was fiercely opposed to appointing John. Both he and Archbishop of York John Sentamu apparently put intense pressure on other panel members. Slee believed that the source of the leak was Williams’ approach to lawyers when he sought legal advice on how to block any chance that John would be selected. The archbishop’s staff dispute some aspects of the account by Slee, who later died of cancer.Secrecy around LGB&T clergy is heavily entrenched in the Church of England, which is hardly the most healthy environment for spiritual flourishing. According to Slee’s memo, there several gay bishops"who have been less than candid about their domestic arrangements and who, in a conspiracy of silence, have been appointed to senior positions".Bishops are reportedly now divided over whether gays in civil partnerships but pledged to celibacy should even be considered for episcopacy, in case this upsets those Anglicans in England and abroad who are most hostile to homosexuality. Church lawyers have reportedly said that, while candidates cannot be turned away simply because of their orientation, those in sexually active same-sex relationships should be refused and acceptance of even those who are celibate but partnered might be in question, since bishops must"act as a focus for unity".Equality, prejudice and powerThis raises an important issue: is it lawful, let alone ethical, to discriminate against minorities on the grounds that others might be prejudiced against them? No doubt there are parts of England where anti-immigration sentiment is running high and some congregations would find it hard to accept a black person born abroad as their new bishop. Should this then be a bar, or should the church instead challenge such views and work with those congregations to help them to live with diversity?But there is another factor besides prejudice at play here: power.In recent decades, increasing numbers of theologians, and others in church and society, have come to believe that, in the words of a Church of England working party report in 1979, “there are circumstances in which individuals may justifiably choose to enter into a homosexual relationship with the hope of enjoying a companionship and physical expression of sexual love similar to that which is to be found in marriage".This proved too radical to be accepted at the time, but eminent Anglicans including Williams – then a professor of theology – and John continued to make the case for acceptance, as attitudes shifted.In 1991 the House of Bishops produced Issues in human sexuality. This set out the official line that sex should only take place within heterosexual marriage, but accepted that there were people who were homosexual in orientation, who should be treated with respect, and that laypersons might, in good conscience, enter into faithful and committed sexual relationships with the same sex. Clergy however were expected to abstain. It was accepted that ongoing discussion was necessary.There was however no ban on loving lifelong same-sex friendships, involving emotional intimacy and mutual support. Some, like John and his partner, deferred to church discipline and accepted this, a huge (some might think excessive) sacrifice, while continuing to hope for change.Many Anglicans – including a number of conservative evangelicals – were prepared to continue discussing the issues involved. But some insisted that their interpretation of the Bible on this matter was sacrosanct, and threatened to leave if there were moves towards greater inclusion.Increasingly in Anglican circles in England and particularly overseas, this faction gained ground. Some, especially in churches other than the Church of England, were openly homophobic, showing hostility or contempt towards those of lesbian or gay orientation (since they believed that those with sufficient faith would not even be attracted to the same sex) and/or regarding sex between two men or two women as worse than heterosexual ‘sin’.When Jeffrey John was chosen as Bishop of Reading in 2003, nine Church of England bishops (one of whom later apologised) wrote a public letter of protest, stating that:Dr John has many admirable qualities for the work of a bishop. But the issue is ‘what is acceptable sexual behaviour in God’s sight? By his own admission he has been in a same-sex relationship for twenty years. We value, of course, the gift of same-sex friendship and if this relationship is one of companionship and sexual abstinence, then, we rejoice. We warmly commend such relationships to the Church as a whole.We are glad at the reassurances from the Bishop of Oxford that Jeffrey John’s life is now celibate. But it is the history of the relationship, as well as Dr John’s severe criticism of orthodox teaching, which gives concern...We must... express our concern because of the Church’s constant teaching, in the light of Scripture and because of the basic ordering of men and women in creation.We must also express our concern because of our responsibility for the Church’s unity, both in this country and throughout the world.Yet theological diversity has long been accepted within the Church of England. For instance, though for decades there has been official acceptance that women can validly be ordained, people are still free to argue against this. Indeed, the Church of Englsnd has tied itself in knots to try to accommodate the small minority opposed to women’s ordination. Again, the notion that Christ’s death was the work of a wrathful Father goes against official church doctrine, but those who argue for this view have not been barred from becoming bishops.Some of their overseas allies were less tactful about gays and lesbians. Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria wrote that “if homosexuals see themselves as deviants who have gone astray, the Christian spirit would plead for patience and prayers to make room for their repentance. When scripture says something is wrong and some people say that it is right, such people make God a liar. We argue that it is a blatant lie against Almighty God that homosexuality is their God-given urge and inclination. For us, it is better seen as an acquired aberration... Homosexuality or lesbianism or bestiality is to us a form of slavery, and redemption from it is readily available through repentance and faith in the saving grace of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.”It is noteworthy however that, in England at least, there was acceptance in principle of celibate but loving same-sex relationships even by those strongly opposed to full inclusion.Unity in diversityWhen Dr Williams gave way to this faction, he encouraged them to become bolder in their demands. This in itself became a strain on church unity, as they came to see any refusal to accept their own views as rebellion against God.When civil partnerships became law in the UK, a 2005 House of Bishops pastoral statement was issued. This stated that “The House of Bishops does not regard entering into a civil partnership as intrinsically incompatible with holy orders, provided the person concerned is willing to give assurances to his or her bishop that the relationship is consistent with the standards for the clergy set out in Issues in Human Sexuality. The wording of the Act means that civil partnerships will be likely to include some whose relationships are faithful to the declared position of the Church on sexual relationships”.Since then, the case for full acceptance has been increasingly strongly made by Anglican and other Christian theologians, and many in the Church of England now fully accept LGB&T people in loving and committed relationships. However, others have continued to push for an even narrower stance, and the archbishops have shown great reluctance to offend them, while being quite willing to alienate those who feel that exclusion goes against God’s will for the church.If Church of Engalnd leaders continue to discriminate against even those lesbians and gays who have made considerable sacrifices out of respect for church discipline, there will be considerable damage to its credibility as a force for love and justice in the world. It will also be harder to have a reasoned debate on sexuality and related issues if senior clergy are afraid to express their views, and indeed share their experience, with their brothers and sisters in Christ.Reference:Andrew Brown,'Church of England tied in knots over allowing gay men to become bishops'(Guardian, Wednesday 25 May 2011) -http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/25/church-england-gay-clergymen...--------------©Savitri Hensmanworks in community care and equalities. She is a long-standing and respected writer and commentator on Christian social action and theology, as well as an Ekklesia associate.

The National Council of Churches in Korea has been threatened with legal action by the Seoul government after sending food aid to starving North Koreans.The National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) has requested its partners worldwide to pray for them and petition the Seoul government to resume its economic support to starving North Koreans -writes Hisashi Yukimoto."The NCCK sent 172 tons of flour, worth $87,000, to the North Korean Christian Federation on 18 May 2011, through the Amity Foundation in Nanjing, China,"said the Rev Heawon Chae, executive coordinator of the Ecumenical Forum for Peace, Reunification, and Development Cooperation on the Korean Peninsula. The group is affiliated with the NCCK."The South Korean government is now angry with the NCCK and plans to sue, claiming the move violated the Law of Civilian Cooperation and Exchange between the North and the South. The law forbids any contact with North Korea without government permission,"said Chae.North Korea faces chronic economic problems, according to the CIA World Factbook, which states"the population continues to suffer from prolonged malnutrition and poor living conditions."Officials said the South Korean Christians went ahead with an unauthorised shipment of food aid to North Korea despite a warning from Seoul they could be punished, reported Agence France-Presse on 18 May."Because of South Korean President Lee Myung Bak’s stance for the past three years, we could not send any food or medicine to the starving people in North Korea,"says Chae, who is currently attending the International Ecumenical Peace Convocation in Jamaica."But we will follow the order of Jesus Christ, to love our suffering neighbours."[With acknowledgements to ENInews.ENInews, formerly Ecumenical News International, is jointly sponsored by the World Council of Churches, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Communion of Reformed Churches, and the Conference of European Churches.][Ekk/3]

Contact: John Lofton, 301-873-4612, JLof@aol.comSEVERN, Md., May 25, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- On June 3, 2011, the"Institute on the Constitution"will host the Honorable Roy S. Moore, former Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court who is now President of the Foundation for Moral Law in Montgomery, Alabama. Many know the Chief Justice as the"Ten Commandments"Judge when he fought against the removal of the Ten Commandment's monument from the Alabama Supreme C Source: The American View

One Week After Rifqa Deposition was Taken at a Confidential Location, the Bar Dismissed Their Action Against StembergerThe Ohio Defamation Lawsuit Brought Against Stemberger by Muslim Lawyer Omar Tarazi Continues to be Actively Litigated in Federal CourtContact: Maria Camacho, 407-251-1957, Maria@OrlandoLawyer.tvORLANDO, Fla., May 20, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Thursday, May 19, 2011, The Florida Bar signed filed a voluntary and complete dismissal of the grievance complaint bro Source: Law Offices of John Stemberger, P.A.

Contact: Rachel Sparkman, Media Coordinator, 888-889-7757, Rachel@ChinaAid.org; Mark Shan, Spokesperson, 267-205-5210, Mark@ChinaAid.org; both with China Aid Association; www.ChinaAid.org, www.MonitorChina.org BEIJING, May 12, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Leading house church pastors in China on Wednesday released a historic first-ever petition to the national legislature calling for a special investigation into the events that led one of Beijing's largest house churches to clash Source: China Aid Association, Inc.

Contact: Colin Mason, Population Research Institute, 540-622-5240 ext 029FRONT ROYAL, Va., May 11, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- On Friday, May 13th, Steven W. Mosher will testify on Chinese human rights abuses before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mosher is an internationally recognized authority on China and population issues, as well as an acclaimed author, speaker, and president of the Population Research Institute (PRI).The hearing is being held by the House Subcommittee on Source: Population Research Institute

Contact: Rachel Sparkman, Media Coordinator, 888-889-7757, Rachel@ChinaAid.org; Mark Shan, Spokesperson, 267-205-5210, Mark@ChinaAid.org; both with China Aid Association; www.ChinaAid.org, www.MonitorChina.org BEIJING, May 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In a historic move, clergy from dozens of mainland Chinese house churches are petitioning China's legislature to guarantee freedom of religion and to peacefully resolve the recent church-state conflict involving one of the largest hou Source: China Aid Association, Inc.

Phoenix Megachurch Sending 22 Members to Work and Witness Among MuslimsContact: Ron Keener, Church Executive, 800-541-2670 ext 204PHOENIX, May 3, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ --"The most important way American Christians can show Christ to Muslims is through solidarity in the struggle for justice and liberty,"say a couple in missional work."Dialogue, rather than foreign claims or answering questions that have not been asked, is the only effective form of witness in our time."J. Source: Church Executive

Church Leader Pleads for Prayer, Fasting for PeaceContact Jerry Dykstra, Open Doors USA, 616-915-4117, jerryd@odusa.orgSANTA ANA, Calif., April 28, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ongoing turmoil in the embattled nation of Syria means its Christians face uncertain futures.Easter weekend was one of the bloodiest since the riots and anti-government demonstrations started in mid-March, leading some churches to cancel Easter services. The Associated Press reported 120 deaths Source: Open Doors USA

Contact: Rachel Sparkman, Media Coordinator, 888-889-7757, Rachel@ChinaAid.org; Mark Shan, Spokesperson, 267-205-5210, Mark@ChinaAid.org; both with China Aid Association; www.ChinaAid.org, www.MonitorChina.org HOHHOT, Inner Mongolia, April 26, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- At least 10 house church pastors who were involved in the Third Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism have been criminally detained as the Chinese government starts"settling the score"in the wake of the sn Source: China Aid Association, Inc.

Contact: Lori Sanada, Advocates for Faith&Freedom, 951-304-7583 weekdays, 951-500-7854 weekends and eveningsHEMET, Calif., April 26, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- On February 2, 2011, one assistant pastor and two elders from Calvary Chapel of Hemet, California, went to the Hemet DMV before it opened and one of the men started to read the Bible aloud. Less than thirty minutes later, he was arrested for"impeding an open business"under Penal Code Section 602.1(b).Shortly after the men Source: Advocates for Faith&Freedom, Inc.