News Briefs
Episcopal News Service. January 31, 2001 [2001-23]
Historic covenant signed
(Jerusalem Post) Representatives of the Syrian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem and the Anglican Church in the United Kingdom and Nigeria signed a history-making covenant between the three dioceses.
According to the Rev. Petra Heldt of the Ecumenical Theological Research Fraternity in Israel, which was instrumental forging the link between the churches, this is the first official link between the Syrian Orthodox Church and the Anglican Church.
"Ecumenism isn't just a matter of contacts between the Vatican and the World Council of Churches, it is also a matter of cooperation between churches on a local level," Heldt said.
The agreement was signed this month by Bishop Colin Bennetts of the Church of England, Bishop Josiah Fearon of Kaduna, Nigeria, and Archbishop Mar Swerios of the Syrian-Orthodox Church in Jerusalem.
Bennetts said that he saw the agreement as a step toward furthering peace. "I am very excited by this new three-way partnership. Jerusalem, with all its historic connections to the Christian faith, is the ideal place for us to sign a covenant of friendship and cooperation. I pray that in some small way we may play our part in bringing peace to that troubled land."
Heldt added that on a practical level, the agreement will mean financial support for the new Syrian Orthodox school in Jerusalem.
ELCA offering two new videos
(ENS) MOSAIC, the video magazine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA), is introducing two new videos about Martin Luther
"Opening the Door to Luther" is a 30-minute video documentary about the life of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. It is hosted by public television travel expert and author Rick Steves, and was recorded on location in Wittenberg, Eisleben, Worms, Marburg, Coburg and Erfurt. The video and user guide were designed for use in confirmation and new member classes.
It was produced by the ELCA department of communication and will be distributed free of charge to every ELCA congregation on March 1, courtesy of a grant from Aid Association for Lutherans. Additional copies are available for $12.50 from mosaic@elca.org
The second video, "The Morning Star of Wittenberg: The Life of Katie Luther," provides an intimate look at Katharina von Bora, former nun, 16th Century entrepreneur and wife of Martin Luther.
El Salvador earthquake update
(ENS) Bishop Martin Barahona, of the Diocese of El Salvador, reports that Salvadorans are now "waking up" from the effects of a January 13 earthquake. He said that 98 municipalities of the national territory are practically destroyed, and that current data reports 726 deaths, 4, 440 wounded, 111,401 are homeless and 118,157 homes destroyed.
Barahona expressed gratitude for the Episcopal Church of the United States and the Anglican Communion for all their prayers and financial assistance. He said that on a daily basis the Episcopal Church of El Salvador prepares and shares 2,000 meals along with packages of food and water which are given to the homeless. But he says they are "getting ready for the restoration stage."
According to Sandra Swan, executive director of Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), this means through continued support from Episcopalians across the United States, an extensive program of reconstruction similar to what was done in Honduras will take place.
Barahona said this process will also include pastoral and psychological attention.