Rapid Reading Summary – Short reports with links –
Christians praying for Mandela’s recovery
Christian Today
http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christians.praying.for.mandelas.recovery/29391.htmCNI – the
Pope says marriage is only place ‘worthy’ of conception
TheJournal.ie – Pope Benedict also said that infertile couples should shun artificial procreation.
http://www.thejournal.ie/pope-says-marriage-is-only-place-worthy-of-conception-367408-Feb2012/
New era of freedom and expansion for Cuban church
Most Canadians visiting Cuba in February are there for the sun, the sea and the mojitos. But early this month, Archbishop Fred Hiltz of the Anglican Church of Canada led a delegation with a different purpose: to observe the 103rd synod of the Episcopal Church of Cuba, led in Havana by Bolivian-born Bishop Griselda Delgado del Carpio, bishop since 2010. The Episcopal Church of Cuba traces its origins to an early Anglican presence on the island in 1901. It consists of 46 parishes and about 10,000 members. Within the Anglican Communion, the Cuban church has the status of an extra-provincial diocese since it is not part of a larger province and has no primate. Its governance includes the Metropolitan Council, which exercises oversight in matters of faith and order.
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/02/22/new-era-of-freedom-and-expansion-for-cuban-church/
Prison drama takes Ecumenical Jury prize at the Berlin International Film Festival
ENI – As the Berlin International Film Festival, or “Berlinale,” reached its climax on 18 February, the Ecumenical Jury announced its choice of films to be commended for their artistic treatment of existential, spiritual, and social issues.
http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=5478
Religion in the News: Islam and Politics Dominate Religion Coverage in 2011
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life – The biggest religion stories of 2011 involved tensions over Islam and questions about faith in presidential politics, especially Mormonism, according to an annual review of religion in the news by the Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism
http://www.pewforum.org/Government/Religion-in-the-News–Islam-and-Politics-Dominate-Religion-Coverage-in-2011.aspx
Lenten reflections focus on water as God’s gift and a human right
(ENInews). A series of weekly reflections are available during Lent focusing on the “economy of water,” offering suggestions for how people can work toward water justice in their communities. The Seven Weeks for Water began 20 February, with additional resources produced for 22 March, which is World Water Day.
http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=5480
Survey: more Israeli Jews express belief in God
ENI – Almost 80 percent of Israeli Jews say they believe in God according to a recent survey, up from 76 percent in 1999. The survey results reflect a marked move away from the socialist-secular ideals of the Eastern European Jews who were the driving force behind the founding of modern Israel.
http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=5489