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The B.C. Supreme Court ruled Feb. 3 that the B.C. College of Teachers was correct in suspending Chris Kempling for one month over letters to the editor proscribing homosexuality. Though written in his off-the-job hours, the Court stated his comments were “discriminatory and could reasonably cause disruption” to the school system. “It is a black day for religious freedom,” Kempling said, noting no evidence for disruption was presented.
—Kempling letter
The eight police officers discussing their vocation at a Christian Officers’ Peace Seminar held at Conrad Grebel College Nov. 29 say they see their primary task as peacemaking. They intervene in domestic and neighbourhood disputes, hold people accountable, solve problems, and help maintain healthy communities. The eight attend Mennonite or Brethren in Christ churches.
—Canadian Mennonite
The Christian church in Iraq is growing since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s regime, with new churches of various denominations and bookstores opening, and Christian radio broadcasts filling the airwaves. Church leaders fear that they will be repressed again, however, if the United States compromises with Islamic radicals in future political arrangements.
—Evangelical Press News
Rolando Santiago is the new executive director of Mennonite Central Committee US, starting in August, succeeding Jose Ortiz. Born in Puerto Rico, he studied at Eastern Mennonite College, Harrisonburg, VA. and the University of Albany, NY. He is currently a public health analyst for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration in Silver Spring, MD.
—MCC News
A recent survey of Mennonite Church USA reveals that about one third of 1,100 participants are excited about the future of their church. But a significant number do not understand or connect with the new denomination, formed by the merger of the former Mennonite Church and General Conference Mennonite Church. Pastors are showing widespread support and will be critical to building denominational identity, the survey’s authors say.
—Mennonite Church USA News
“Peace: The Ultimate Trick” is a new video/DVD that introduces kids grades 5 to 9 to MCC’s worldwide work and challenges them to work for peace. The 12-minute production is narrated by Ryan, an Ontario boy who likes to skateboard. Overcoming violence is the ultimate “trick” he says. The video/DVD is available for free loan or purchase from MCC offices.
—MCC News
Team 2000, a 3-family MB Mission and Service International (MBMSI) ministry team in Thailand, has completed its first 3-year term. Ricky and Karen Sanchez, Dave and Louise Sinclair-Peters, and Andy and Carmen Owen spent the first year in language study, then settled in Chonburi with the goal to plant a church. They have been excited with their contacts. MBMSI is seeking missionaries for an additional team to the Isan people of Thailand and Laos.
—Global Bridge
Unemployed? A program of Mennonite Central Committee called Compass helps residents of Abbotsford and Mission, B.C. work through career transitions. Workshops provide the opportunity to discover skills and abilities, and to find education and training options. For more information call 604-859-4500.
—MCC BC release
The “top” stories of 2003 from the persecuted church world-wide were: the hundreds of Christians jailed and tortured for their faith in Eritrea; the anti-conversion bill in Gujarat, India that sparked controversy and violence against Christians; and escalating violence against Christians in Indonesia. Other prominent stories of oppression come from Vietnam, Egypt, Mexico, Pakistan, Nigeria, Jordan and Peru.
—Compass Direct
A new investment fund aimed at the poor was launched Jan. 22 in New York. MicroVest One, which seeks to link poor entrepreneurs in the developing world with investors in North America, was founded as a joint venture of Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), CARE USA and the Seed Capital Development fund. It hopes to assist 2 million poor entrepreneurs over 10 years.
—MEDA news release
Beef will still be canned for Mennonite Central Committee in Guelph, Ont., says the meat canning committee, in spite of concerns over mad cow disease (BSE). It is a way to express confidence in beef produced locally and to “stand with our farmers and donors.” In the last years the meat canned in Guelph has gone to Bosnia, North Korea and Iraq; these countries are still accepting beef.
—MCC Ontario
The Disciple Making International (DMI) evangelism campaign in the Ukraine last September had special meaning for many North American participants. At least 3 witnessed in villages where they spent their earlier years. Among the blessings experienced was the conversion of 2 women in the house where team member Nicholas Dyck was born. DMI is a short term evangelism program of MBMS International.
—Global Bridge
Relief sales in Canada and the US raised $5.7 Cdn for Mennonite Central Committee in 2003, up from $5.67 in 2002. There were 46 sales. Quilt auctions and food sales continued to be popular. The highest-selling quilt was purchased at the Ontario Relief Sale for $ 44,000.
—MCC News
A retreat for families with a handicapped person, sponsored by Camps with Meaning, will be held at Camp Assiniboia, near Headingley, Man., Mar. 5–7. Speaker John H. Neufeld will develop the theme “Our Story, God’s Story.” Contact 204-896-1616.
—release
Mennonite churches have helped some 15,000 refugees resettle in Canada over the past 25 years. About 15% of private refugee sponsorships in Canada are currently done through Mennonite Central Committee. Mennonites have also established centres to work with refugees and immigrants in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Kitchener, Toronto and Montreal. There are nearly 15 million refugees in the world in any given year.
—Canadian Mennonite
The worship service of a German Mennonite congregation – Weierhof Mennonite Church – was telecast on public television to an estimated 1.28 million people Jan. 18. The channel ZDF televises a worship service live every Sunday morning from a Catholic or Protestant church. It was the first time a Mennonite congregation was included.
—Mennonite World Conference
“Transformation: arts, Christ & culture” is a bilingual celebration of the arts coming to Montreal Mar. 18–21. Sponsored by Youth With A Mission (YWAM) and Christian Direction, the goal is to encouraged the Church’s understanding of arts and culture, connect with non-churchgoing people through art, and recognize Christian artists in Quebec.
—YWAM release
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