Hit a busy spot in my schedule and fell behind and things are about to get really busy with Assembly meetings starting, but I will see what I can get cranked out here.
For the second half of January, here are a few items that caught my attention.
There was a theme about the church protecting and helping the poor expressed from various branches around the world be it a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana:
Presbyterian Church urged to protect the poor – from GhanaWeb
Or the words about economic justice from a former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland to the Northern Ireland Executive:
Presbyterian Church voices concern over vulnerable – from Belfast News Letter
Or a church in Rochester, New York, responding to the severe cold of the winter to fast-track permits to host a homeless shelter:
Downtown United Presbyterian Church to be Interim Homeless Shelter – from WXXI News
A party in a church basement in Portland had a shooting occur in the street right outside. The party was not a church function but rented out for a private party.
Party in church basement leads to possible gang shooting, ‘people running all over,’ police say – from The Oregonian
Tabor Space changes party policy after shooting – from KOIN
A bill permitting assisted suicide is making its way through the Scottish Parliament and some Scottish churches, including the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland, are uniting against it:
Bill raises questions about life and death – from Stornoway Gazette
Religious leaders to speak out on legalising assisted suicide – from stv news
However, a later article grabbed headlines when it quoted the Very Rev. Sandy McDonald – former Moderator of the General Assembly and father of actor David Tennant – in support of the legislation
David Tennant’s terminally ill father pledges support for assisted suicide – from Best Daily
However, in just the last few days the report has come back and church opposition is still present but there does not appear to be support for the bill from the members of parliament:
Church reaffirms opposition to assisted suicide bill following health committee report – Church of Scotland press release
Prof addresses assisted suicide conference – Free Church of Scotland press release
Setback for campaigners as MSPs fail to back Assisted Suicide Bill – from The National
From the Presbytery of Chicago, the presbytery was sued for alleged sexual abuse at a presbytery-run youth center
Seven men file sex abuse suits against Chicago Presbytery – from Chicago Tribune
Lawsuits allege abuse at West Side Presbyterian ministries – from Chicago Sun Times
A major gift to a seminary, the largest in its history
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary bequeathed $20 million – from Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Also from Ghana — a new President of the Presbyterian University College
Rev Prof Obeng inducted as PU College President – from spyghana
An appeal to let the missions run the mission schools
Hand over our schools to us to manage – Presby Church demands – from GhanaWeb
And
Church to clamp down on indisipline – from spyghana; “The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), has entreated Ministers, Catechists and Presbyters of the Church to abide by its tenets and principles in the discharge of their duties.”
A statement showing solidarity on racial justice issues
Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Presidents Issue Open Letter on Racial Justice – from Planet Princeton
And in New Zealand, the church working on racial reconciliation issues with the indigenous peoples:
Non-Maori urged to connect with Maori – from Radio New Zealand
Presbyterian Church to lead Waitangi Day dawn ceremony for first time – PCANZ press release; “For the first time in the history of the Presbyterian Church, its ministers, led by the Church’s Māori Synod, will conduct the Waitangi Day dawn ceremony at Waitangi.”
A church’s community project in northern Scotland is at full capacity. It was opened during the General Assembly with a royal visit.
Stornoway community project celebrates success after royal opening – from Stornoway Gazzete
Some news about individual churches and their buildings
Two Presbyterian Churches get historic landmark status – from Paterson Times (New Jersey)
And finally, a retirement
Farewell to the Royal Navy’s top ‘bish’ as chaplain of the fleet retires – from The News; “For the past four years, the Reverend Scott Brown has presided over a sizeable parish made up of 77 vessels and all the souls of the Royal Navy… Rev Brown, who is only the second ever chaplain of the fleet to be of the Church of Scotland, has served in the post for the last four years.”
And the funeral for Ernie Banks at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Chicago
Fans, former teammates, friends pay respects at Ernie Banks visitation – from Chicago Tribune
That’s it for now. Until next time have a good one.
