(RNS) — Rev. Howard Creecy Jr., a Baptist preacher chosen early this year as the new president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), died suddenly July 28 at the age of 57. His death means the civil rights organization…
Vatican unveils new JPII iPhone app
VATICAN CITY (RNS) — Pilgrims at next month’s Catholic World Youth Day in Madrid will have some high-tech help in their devotions, thanks to a new iPhone app unveiled at the Vatican on July 29. World Youth Day (WYD), an…
Norway's churches try to foster healing after attacks
TRONDHEIM (RNS/ENInews) — A Norwegian bishop addressing the recent bombing and shooting attacks in Norway said his country has “countered this insane terrorism by demonstrating love and solidarity.” “We have brought out a social capital we maybe even did not…
Higher Things conferences draw record 2,100 participants
Three four-day Higher Things Lutheran youth conferences in July drew a record total attendance of more than 2,100 young people, chaperones and pastors from throughout North America. “Coram Deo” (Latin for “before God”) was the theme of nearly identical conferences…
Lutherans plan response to East Africa drought crisis
In response to the life-threatening drought in East Africa, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya (ELCK) is making plans with a local relief agency and the Kenyan government to participate in relief efforts for hard-hit Somali refugees. After a telephone…
Walther Bicentennial celebration includes tours, movie
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod is planning several two-day tours of historic Lutheran sites in St. Louis and Perry County, Mo., this fall as part of the national church body’s 200th birthday celebration of its first president, Dr. C.F.W. Walther. Sites…
Commentary: 'Lutheran Service Book' after five years
LSB’s project director shares thoughts on its development, impact By Paul J. Grime During the development of Lutheran Service Book (LSB), which started in earnest at the beginning of 1999, all of the work advanced with one date in mind…
Pressure Points (August 2011)
With Dr. Bruce Hartung Reader: Thanks for “cracking open the door” on congregational response of both hurt and loss to pastoral departure in your “Pressure Points” column. [For the July column, visit http://classic.lcms.org/?18896.] …. Especially of concern to those of…
Requests for Reinstatement (August 2011)
BRUCE CHARLES MORANT, Palos Verdes, Calif., and KEVIN A. HAHN, Marinette, Wis., have applied for reinstatement to the Ministers of Religion–Ordained roster of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. KATHERINE DUNCAN, Fairborn, Ohio; DENISE JOY PACILLI, Kent, Wash.; YVONNE KAY WITTROCK, Pocatello,…
Positions (August 2011)
Concordia Plan Services (CPS), the benefits administrator for The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), seeks a candidate with a proven track record for the position of vice-president and chief marketing officer (CMO). CPS provides a full range of competitive employee benefits…
Items wanted, available (August 2011)
Note: Reporter cannot accept notices about items offered for sale or that people wish to purchase. Items described as “Wanted” or “Available” are sought or may be obtained for shipping costs only. Notices may be sent to Karen Higgins at…
Gifts help lift spirits of flood evacuees
By Kim Plummer Krull Five weeks after the sirens blasted a final evacuation warning, Amanda Mosser and coworkers at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch are among the thousands of Minot, N.D., area residents still living in emergency shelters, campers…
Judge tosses out circumcision referendum
(RNS) — A proposed circumcision ban will not appear on San Francisco’s citywide ballot in November, a Superior Court judge ruled July 28. Judge Loretta Giorgi has determined that as “a widely practiced medical procedure,” circumcision cannot be banned by…
Stott, called 'evangelical pope,' dies at age 90
(RNS) — Rev. John Stott, a renowned and prolific author credited with shaping 20th-century evangelical Christianity, died July27 in England at age 90. While not a household name like evangelist Billy Graham, Stott was considered nearly as influential. He wrote…
LCMS musician Rev. Robert Bergt dies
Rev. Robert Bergt, whose work and reputation as a musician are known around the world, died in a St. Louis hospital July 26 at the age of 81. The cause of death was heart failure and its resulting complications. A private…
Churches divided on Hungary's new religion law
(RNS/ENInews) — Christian leaders in Hungary are divided over a restrictive new law on religion, with larger denominations welcoming its curbs on church activities and smaller groups voicing fears for their future. “We wanted a new law to make it…
