ENInews suspends service, seeks further funding

(RNS/ENInews) — Ecumenical News International (ENI) announced Oct. 1 that its ENInews service is suspending operations, effective immediately, as it seeks emergency funding in order to operate for the remainder of 2012. “We regret taking this step, but despite a…

Golter accepts call to direct International Mission office

The Rev. Randall L. Golter of Highlands Ranch, Colo., has accepted a call to serve as the first executive director of the LCMS Office of International Mission. He plans to begin work in the post Oct. 25, when he will…

Murray sees LMI impact in Tanzania

By Paula Schlueter Ross Back from a weeklong visit to Tanzania, East Africa, the Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray says he was “blessed” to see how efforts to eradicate malaria in Africa are making progress.  In that country, malaria deaths…

More missionaries needed worldwide this year

By Joe Isenhower Jr. and Paula Schlueter Ross Of the 165 positions and requests for LCMS missionaries available worldwide this year, only about half have been filled, according to the Rev. Dr. David Birner, interim executive director of the Synod’s Office…

Survey: Syrian rebels seek Islamic democracy

(RNS) — Members of the Syrian opposition generally want a democratic government that protects the rights of minorities, though many also want a constitution based on Islam, according to a recent survey. Their aspirations are important because the Obama administration has…

Anniversary

Concordia College Alabama in Selma, Ala., will celebrate its 90th anniversary with a special 11 a.m. worship service followed by a luncheon, campus tours, reception with the president, and alumni ball on Nov. 2; homecoming parade, presidential luncheon for donors,…

Youth Gathering registration 'priority window' opens Oct. 16

The registration process for the 2013 National LCMS Youth Gathering moves into full swing as its registration “priority window” is open Oct. 16-30. The Gathering is July 1-5 in San Antonio. Mailing the necessary forms and deposit during the Oct. 16-30…

Concordia University, St. Paul, cuts tuition by $10,000

By Paula Schlueter Ross In a bold move designed to make the cost of a private education more affordable, Concordia University in St. Paul, Minn., is decreasing the annual tuition for its traditional undergraduate program by $10,000. The tuition decrease…

New LHM documentary debuts Sept. 30

“The Intersection of Church & State,” an hourlong documentary produced by Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), will debut Sunday, Sept. 30, on the Fox Business Network as paid programming at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. (Check listings for local times.) The program, which…

Amish petition for bail after beard-cutting hate crimes verdict

CLEVELAND (RNS) — A federal judge has given defense attorneys until Sept. 27 to convince him that nine Amish defendants convicted of hate crimes should not be imprisoned until their sentencing Jan. 24. In a motion filed Sept. 21, Assistant U.S.…

Judge blocks law that prevents preaching in French Quarter

NEW ORLEANS (RNS) — A federal judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of a city law that was recently used to arrest Christian evangelists who were preaching on Bourbon Street during Southern Decadence, the annual celebration of gay culture in the…

LCMS launches ‘Free to Be Faithful’ awareness campaign

By Vicki J. Biggs In response to increasing intrusions by government into the realm of the church, the LCMS is launching “Religious Liberty: Free to Be Faithful,” an education and awareness campaign aimed at inspiring LCMS rostered members and laity to…

Convention Corner (October 2012)

With Barbara A. Below As staff at the International Center sort through the logistical side of the 2013 Synod convention — with matters such as voting ballots and seating; bylaws; and nametags — the Rev. Timothy Pauls is hard at…

Convention mailing includes information for election of president

LCMS congregations are advised to quickly pass along to their 2012 district convention delegates information in a postcard that is being mailed to congregations Sept. 28. The postcard announces an Oct. 15 test for those who will participate in the…

Update: Judge allows Texas cheerleaders to use Bible banners

(RNS) — Texas cheerleaders can continue to use banners with Bible verses after a court granted them a temporary restraining order against their school district. A judge in Hardin County, Texas, issued the order Sept. 20 after parents filed suit on…

Poll: White working-class voters still looking for a candidate

(RNS) — The white working class, a potentially rich bloc of voters for Republicans or Democrats, hasn’t settled on Mitt Romney or President Barack Obama, a new study from the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) shows. “These white working-class voters are…