Church Bodies

After hitting an already devastated Philippines, a tropical storm with powerful winds hit the central coast of Vietnam Monday, forcing more than 80,000 people to evacuate.

Tropical Storm Mirinae boasted 63 miles per hour winds as it knocked down trees and utility poles in Phu Yen province, causing electrical blackouts. As it made its way inland, the storm was downgraded to a tropical depression.

Though the weather center warned of possible flash floods and landslides, no deaths were reported thus far. more >>

Church bells across the nation rang 350 times Saturday to sound the alarm on the threat of global climate change in observance of International Day of Climate Action.

The number 350 represents the limit of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that scientists say is safe – 350 parts per million.

In addition to the bell tolling, churches in the United States served sustainable food dinners and distributed fluorescent light bulbs, among other activities. more >>

The governing body of the Lutheran World Federation elected its eighth general secretary Monday after delaying the scheduled vote late last week.

The Rev. Martin Junge from Chile was elected for a seven-year term during a closed session of the LWF Council, which has been meeting since Thursday at Chavannes-de-Bogis near Geneva, Switzerland.

Junge’s election marks the first time someone from the Latin America and Caribbean region has been called to LWF’s highest position and took place days after the LWF Council asked the seven-member search committee “to make every effort to bring an additional name of a candidate” for consideration. more >>

The governing body of the Lutheran World Federation has delayed the election of a new general secretary and has asked the search committee “to make every effort to bring an additional name of a candidate” for consideration.

“This in no way reflects on the quality of the search committee’s report,” commented Bishop Mark S. Hanson, president of LWF, in an announcement made public Friday.

The move does, however, make a case for those who have complained about the lack of transparency in the search process. more >>

LONDON – The Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans believes it could be the key to preventing a split in the Church of England.

FCA Chairman the Rt. Rev. Paul Perkin said the organization could be the “glue” needed to hold the Church together.

His comments follow the announcement this week by the Vatican of a new structure to allow orthodox Anglicans to enter into full communion with the Roman Catholic Church. more >>