Barna Research in USA: "Majority of Millenials believe in Cohabitation"

Barna Research writes:

"Cohabitation is the new norm. Shifting gender roles and expectations, the delay of marriage, and a secularizing culture are leading more American adults to believe that moving in together before tying the knot is a good idea. A recent Barna study asked Americans their views on cohabitation: the pros, cons, motivations, and effects of living together prior to marriage. Though its acceptance is widespread in American culture, there are still large pockets of resistance to this changing ethic among religious communities and those who adhere to more traditional values and premarital expectations." Read it all.

Barna Research: Bible Engagement in the New World

Barna Research identified three trends that make Biblical engagement with our society increasingly difficult: 1. increasing skepticism; 2. self-fulfillment as the new 'moral good'; and 3. explosion of digital tools at the same time as a decline in relational discipleship.

Read it all.

Christian University in Canada in Court over its Moral Convictions regarding Marriage

The law societies of Ontario and British Columbia voted not to admit lawyers trained at Trinity Western University to its ranks because the university has a code of conduct that favors marriage between one man and one woman.

The CTV article reads, "At the core of the dispute is Trinity Western's "community covenant" or code of conduct, which the Evangelical Christian institution requires all students to agree to. It includes requiring students to abstain from gossip, obscene language, prejudice, harassment, lying, cheating, stealing, pornography, drunkenness and sexual intimacy "that violates the sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman."

The university notes, however, that it does not ban admission to gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender students or faculty, and said its community offers "an environment in which sexual minorities are supported, loved and respected."

Read it all.

Christianity - what if it disappears from Europe? What would be lost? - The Guardian

A telling editorial in The Guardian examines changes in Britain. More and more people classify themselves as "no religion". In England and Wales the number of Christians is dropping quickly. For every person who becomes either "Catholic" or "Anglican", ten people leave those churches.

This raises the question: If Christianity disappears from Europe, what will be lost?

(Note: Attentive readers will note that the editor of The Guardian shows no clue about the growth of the Christian faith in the countries of the "south", Central and South America, Africa and Asia.)

Read it all.

32 Trillion dollars in Off Shore (mostly tax free) accounts. What to say about this?

Two years ago, amazing details began to seep out about wealthy individuals and their "off shore accounts". Recently, the "Panama Papers" provided a treasury of information about the mostly "tax free" accounts.

For every $1.00 that the West sends in aid to poor countries, $10.00 is sent to these off-shore accounts. More than $32 trillion appears to be beyond the reach of tax authorities.

The Micah Statement on the Panama Papers has this quote ... and much more.

"Compare the $50 to $80 billion a year that flows as overseas development ‘aid’ to poor countries with the $500 billion to $800 billion that the World Bank estimates is being sent illegally out of these same poor countries. For every $1 given across the table, the West has been receiving $10 back under the table ... We call on world leaders to have the political courage, the moral integrity and a genuine concern for the poor to act and stop this theft! This will require the adoption of fair policies and transparent governance practices that can be scrutinised by all. The pledge by 6 countries to at the London Summit on Corruption (12th May 2016) to use a public register of beneficial ownership is a small step in the right direction. We call on our leaders, national, regional and local, our business leaders and our church leaders, to lead by example and ensure that all citizens are treated equally before the law, not allowing the tax burden to be transferred from the richest to the poorest."

Read it all.

"A Confession of Liberal Intolerance" - and reactions against his wanting to hear all voices - NYT

On May 7, 2016, Nicholas Kristof wrote a critique of the prejudice that Liberals on universities have towards "conservative thinking".

Read it all.

What Kristof wasn't prepared for was the immense push-back received for his attempts to show the "blind spot" that exists: "I wondered aloud whether universities stigmatize conservatives and undermine intellectual diversity. The scornful reaction from my fellow liberals proved the point."

And another quote from the NYT article: "Yancey, the black sociologist, who now teaches at the University of North Texas,  conducted a survey in which up to 30 percent of academics said that they would be less likely to support a job seeker if they knew that the person was a Republican.

The discrimination becomes worse if the applicant is an evangelical Christian. According to Yancey’s study, 59 percent of anthropologists and 53 percent of English professors would be less likely to hire someone they found out was an evangelical.

“Of course there are biases against evangelicals on campuses,” notes Jonathan L. Walton, the Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard. Walton, a black evangelical, adds that the condescension toward evangelicals echoes the patronizing attitude toward racial minorities: “The same arguments I hear people make about evangelicals sound so familiar to the ways people often describe folk of color, i.e. politically unsophisticated, lacking education, angry, bitter, emotional, poor.”

What is the connection between Canada's Universal Health Care system and the Evangelical church?

Perhaps people are surprised at this, but there is a close connection between Canada's Universal Health Care system and the evangelical churches of the 1930's. What kind of philosophical foundation lay beneath the rise of a medical system that is today one of the country's most fundamental values?

This is spelled out in this article: Read it all.

"The Kasich Conundrum" - Christianity Today

Christianity Today examines a real Conundrum. Of the three last Republicans running, Kasich was the one most evangelicals admired, on one poll at least, yet because of these characteristics he was left out in the cold. Why?

Here's one quote from the article. "At a time when incivility is perceived as courage, and a lack of anger equated to a lack of understanding, Kasich is the odd man out."

Read it all.

China exporting railroads to Kenya and five more countries in East Africa. Amazing.

The video that has been taken as the new Kenya Railway reaches 60% of its completion is an indication that China is winning over the hearts of East Africans at an amazing rate.

Watch the video - and be amazed.

Become an encourager for your life-long mate

Become an awesome encourager: Developing a Habit of affirming your mate.
By David and Claudia Arp

Every day we make choices either to feel threatened by or to benefit from our partner’s strengths. Do you encourage and appreciate the strengths your partner brings to your marriage partnership? If so, it will help you through the hard times. When you’re willing to affirm each other’s strengths, you may find that some of your roughest times become some of the best times in your marriage. Here are two practical tips that will help you develop the habit of affirming your spouse. Read it all.

"Chinese Millionaire Kids in Vancouver - The Golden Generation" - The New Yorker

The second generation of Chinese kids - how they love Vancouver and all it offers. This article shows what is happening as wealth flows from their parents on the mainland of China to the offspring in North America's largest cities.

It is an unprecedented display of fashion ... at times bringing out jealousy in those can no longer afford to live in Vancouver, where a small house with a tiny lot recently sold for $2.3 million, $150,000 above the asking price.

Read it all.

"The Church in the West is Sick. What's the Cure?" - Christianity Today.

Painting from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

In town after town and city after city across England, church buildings are closed, or converted into other uses: cafes, apartments or shops.

In this article, Simon Posonby, of St. Aldates, Oxford, speaks of the need to be different, to lead a holy life.

In fact that's the name of his excellent new book.

Read it all.

New Jersey: They stopped a mosque from being built. Now they are facing a law suit.

Citizens of Basking Ridge, New Jersey, west of NY city were able to stall and then cancel plans for the construction of a mosque. Now they are facing a law suit.

Read more from New York Times.

What does Jesus have to do with ISIS? From "Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward"

What Does Jesus Have to Do With ISIS? by Nabeel Qureshi, from Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward

Since Christians will live forever, they are told not to fear in the face of death. Paul says, Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? — 1 Corinthians 15:55 Since we know we will be with God forever, there is no more fear of death for the Christian of true faith. In fact, death is even beneficial to a Christian, because it sends him to God, with whom he is longing to be. Paul writes, For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. — Philippians 1:21 The security of salvation is what liberates Christians to follow difficult teachings of Jesus and to self-sacrificially love one’s enemies, even being ready to die for them. That is why some Christians have been willing to go to tumultuous Muslim contexts and serve those who could do nothing for them, even in the face of death. Ronnie Smith was a Texan science teacher who decided to move his family to Benghazi when the Libyan revolution was underway. For a few years, he taught chemistry to high school students in the war-torn country, bringing them hope when they had little. He wanted to serve people just as Jesus had, and just as people killed Jesus, so a group of radical Muslims killed Ronnie Smith. A short time before his death, Ronnie Smith answered a survey indicating that the gospel is what encouraged him to serve people despite the risk of death. He knew his life was in danger before moving to Libya, but Jesus enabled him to answer jihad with compassion. Through the message of the gospel, Jesus made Ronnie Smith invincible. He was able to love without fear. In February 2015, ISIS beheaded twenty-one Christians on a beach in Libya. In a video the men are seen moments before their execution, calling out to Jesus and mouthing prayers. Most of them were migrant laborers working in Libya to provide for their families in Egypt. Although ISIS slaughtered the men to shock the world with terror, the response of their families sent an altogether different message. In an interview with VICE News, the mother of twenty-four-year-old Abanoub Ayiad said, “May God forgive ISIS,... [but because of them] I gave the best gift to God: my son.” The mother of twenty-five-year-old Malak Ibrahim said, “I’m proud of my son. He did not change his faith till the last moment of death. I thank God... He is taking care of him.” The mother of twenty-nine- year-old Samuel Abraham said, “We thank ISIS. Now more people believe in Christianity because of them. ISIS showed what Christianity is.” The wife of twenty-six-year-old Milad Makin said, “ISIS thought they would break our hearts. They did not. Milad is a hero now and an inspiration for the whole world.” As with Ronnie Smith, these twenty-one men had been transformed by the gospel, as had their families. They were able to live and die with confidence, and their families were able to rejoice in their deaths because they are now truly alive. Bishop Felobous, himself related to five of the slain men, even expressed sadness upon hearing that the Egyptian military was retaliating against ISIS. “I was very sad when I heard the news of the air strikes led by the Egyptian military against ISIS. God asked us to even love our enemies.” Even after they had slaughtered five of his relatives, Bishop Felobous was able to answer jihad with compassion. According to numerous reports, one of the men on the beach in Libya was not an Egyptian Christian, but a citizen of Chad. It was not until he saw the faith of the men around him that he was moved to trust in Christ. When the time came to make his decision, asked whether he would denounce Christianity and live or proclaim the gospel and die, he said, “Their God is my God.” He chose to live for one minute as a Christian rather than for the rest of his life after having denied Jesus. In Christianity, Jesus shows Christians how to answer persecution with love. Although this suggestion might seem impossible to some and ridiculous to others, Jesus’ teachings were always radical, and they are only possible to follow if the gospel message is true. If we will live eternally with God in bliss, then we can lay down this life to love even our enemies. In the face of jihad, the Christian Jesus teaches His followers to respond with love. Excerpted with permission Answering Jihad: A Better Way Forward by Nabeel Qureshi, copyright Nabeel Qureshi. Published by Zondervan.

Which nation is about to become the "most Christian"? Who would have believed this in 1949?

In 1949, all Christian workers were expelled from China as a communist revolution swept away all vestiges of former power and centuries of Chinese government.

And who would have believed that since 1984 the number of believers there would grow so dramatically?

Read more.

Mother Teresa Retirement Home in Yemen - attacked by radicals - 16 killed

A shameful action on the part of radicals, taking elderly people and nuns and deliberately killing each one in Yemen.

Read more.

The Myth of Trump's 'Evangelical voters': From the Institute for Pschological Studies

How many evangelicals are supporting Trump in his quest to the White House? Some interesting stats came out after Super Tuesday.

Read more.

Architecture - some of the world's most unusual buildings. Is the world going crazy?

Amazing, eye-popping buildings are being built in many places.

Read more.

Bolivia: Morales is set to lose his referendum for a Fourth Term in Office

Major changes were brought to Bolivia by President Evo Morales during many years in power.

But it appears that things just might be turning against him. Under his leadership, the average income of many Bolivians rose, but his appeal, using many arguments from the left of the political spectrum, are coming up against changes all over South America, where socialist ideas are currently unsuccessful.

Read more.

Christian training in Lebanon: Arab speaking students draw attention from around the world.

"In order to increase accessibility to our training, we launched a new online program in Arabic, a Certificate in Ministry. The purpose of this program is to enrol students who cannot come to Lebanon for their studies and who would not be able to acquire training otherwise. Our online students in this Arabic program today come from Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen.

"Our English degree continues to draw attention from around the world. The degree is a Masters of Religion in Middle Eastern and North African Studies. This is a unique and innovative multidisciplinary program that provides a strong theoretical understanding of the Middle East and North Africa and the issues that they face, combined with an emphasis on developing applied skills needed to work in or with the region. It is a flexible distance-learning program that enables students to study while they continue their work or ministry. Students currently enrolled in this program come from the United States, Brazil, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Switzerland, South Korea, Australia, Egypt, and Lebanon.

"The theme for the 2016 Middle East Consultation will focus on 'The Refugee Crisis and the Body of Christ: Exploring the Nature of the Crisis and Our Understanding of the Church" Opposing reactions are taking place: some refuse to help refugees while others welcome them in the name of Christ.

"From a theological, emotional and sociological perspective, to what extent should non-Christian refugees be incorporated into the life of a Christian community, for example in educational and health programs?

"How might a biblical expression of "church" - including new believers from non-Christian backgrounds - be fostered in such a way as to flourish in a non-Christian environment?"

"Is Turkey doing enough to protect its Protestants?"

Ozbek told Al-Monitor that the snub by the state began after the Justice and Development Party (AKP) took power in November 2002.

“During AKP rule, we have never been treated as interlocutors by government officials and presidents. During the terms of previous governments, however, we used to have meetings with officials.We are being threatened. There are serious obstacles that keep us from expressing ourselves. We live in difficult conditions. We are unable to open places of worship and [properly] perform our religious rituals. ‘You cannot live here,’ is the message we are being sent. The problems we face both in daily life and in terms of representation leave us with a sense of entrapment. The country is already going through a difficult period amid armed conflict, political tensions and uncertainty. Under these conditions, things become even more difficult for us.”

Read more.

Growing wealth in Bolivia - amazing, unique architecture.

Above Laz Paz, Bolivia, an amazing new form of architecture is spreading through the simple houses of the Aymara population.

The fact that this appeared in Aljazeera is an amazing testimony to the power of Freddy Mamani, the indigenous architect who has initiated this new form of architecture.  Read more.

Canadian hospitality for refugees: "Build mosques on military bases, buy copies of Qur'an, prayer mats and food"

Up to 6,000 of the Syrian refugees, coming to Canada under the new Trudeau government gesture of hospitality and welcome, will be housed in seven Canadian Forces Bases. Seeking to meet all their needs, housing, nutritional, emotional and spiritual, the Ministry of Immigration will build "worship centers" (mosques), buy the necess

ary prayer mats and purchase sufficient copies of the Qur'an, as well as food, classes in English or French, and education for children.

Suggestion to the Canadian government: request mosques in Toronto, of which there are now many, to support the new-comers with copies of the Qur'an - their members get Income Tax receipts for funds given for this purpose. The government should not be paying for these "religious support" costs.

Let's also remember that we have THOUSANDS of First Nations people on the reservations across Northern Canada and many of them lack the basics: education, running water, proper housing and equipment for fighting fires. Note to Canadian Government: can there be a balance between the tens of thousands of Canadians up north and what they need, in comparison to the 6,000 who are to be put on military bases?

Read more.

"Why no one really understood enough to call it the 'Arab Spring'"

At the time, we all thought it was 'cute'. The term 'Arab Spring' suggested a repeat of the 1990's when Eastern Europe came to life, when we had "Life-coming-back-to-normal-after-Communism". So, that was "spring" for the West.

And, logically, "Spring" was bound to come to the Arabic speaking world, right? Of course! Didn't everybody know that every nation wanted democracy and freedom? Democracy would arrive full blown in less than a year, right?

But, a centuries old mistrust was a cracked foundation. The two new pillars of "liberty" and "democracy" could not prevent the roof, the new ideals, from caving in, and in a short period of time, the new construct had fallen apart, causing great harm to the House of Islam, especially in the "Room of the Arabian Nights".

After all, who in the West understood the complexities of the interpretation of the Quran? Or, the deep polarization between social opposites, such as the Brotherhood movement and the Egyptian army? or the vision of the young people devoted to Egyptian television against the Salafist desire to control everyone under the Sharia Law?

A new book gives a lot of insight into this. Read more. and concludes, "The chaos we see at the moment is a long way from the hopes that filled the streets in 2011. And this chaos is likely to continue for many more years." 

"The Cross and the Crescent: the Gospel and the Challenge of Islam." - Part 1 - Anglican Curmudgeon

A recent Anglican Conference in Charleston, South Carolina brought seven top-notch speakers together to consider this important topic: "The Cross and the Crescent: the Gospel and the Challenge of Islam."

This is a two-part series, which I found helpful on the topic of Islam and a measured Christian response to the challenges in North America as more and more Muslims are making their homes in our cities. Read more for part 1.

and Part 2 here.

"The March of Christianity: The future of the world's most popular religion is African" - The Economist

A well-researched article on the growth of the Christian faith in Africa and the reasons for African people being such devout followers of Jesus Christ.

Sub-Saharan Africa is not only home to the world’s most observant Christians; it is also the fastest-growing region on the planet by population. And its entrenched poverty means that even if it enjoys decades of rapid economic development, it is unlikely to reach the levels of wealth that tend to correspond to increased secularisation. As Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, the centre of gravity of the world’s most popular religion is shifting towards the birthplace of humanity itself.

Read more.

The Gospel in the Face of Religious Extremism

A very important conference is being held in Bethlehem, at the Bethlehem Bible College on a topic that everyone is concerned about: "Religious Extremism".

The details for this conference are available through the college's website:

The upcoming Christ at the Checkpoint conference, which will take place in Bethlehem from March 7-10, 2016. The theme of the conference is "The Gospel in the Face of Religious Extremism."  With all that is happening in

the world these days, this theme has become even more relevant. Bishop Efraim Tendero, the Secretary General of the World Evangelical Alliance, has the opening address on Monday, March 7, entitled, "The Gospel and the Challenge of Global Religious Extremism." The conference has outstanding speakers to address issues of religious extremism within the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths, and many opportunities to respond from a Christian understanding of the Gospel.

"A Powerful Antidote to ISIS in Lebanon" - Washington Post

In Beirut — the troubled capital of a country with one of the worst histories of sectarian violence in the world — a unique experiment is underway.

This new experiment with Grade 3 - 4 children in Beirut brings them together to learn together.

Read more.

"After dinner - a Beheading" ISIS wants $157 million for Andrew White's head" - First Things

Is war always wrong? Shouldn't we as Christians try to make peace with our enemies?

Andrew White, also known as the 'Vicar of Baghdad', has seen 1,500 persons of the 6,000 members of his Anglican church in Baghdad killed.

This article takes a penetrating look at the aims of ISIS and how Andrew White tried to talk to them. They would accept his hospitality and then cut off his head.

Read more.

"Morocco Declaration: Muslims should do more to protect Christians" - Christianity Today

The relationship between Christians and Muslims is one of today's hottest topics. Muslims can build mosque in all countries in the West: Christians cannot build churches in Muslim lands. In fact, Christians are greatly persecuted, and even killed, in countries where Islam prevails.

The increasingly polarized attitude towards Muslims in the USA led Bob Roberts, of Texas, and other evangelical leaders to initiate a dialogue

"For years, Texas megachurch pastor Bob Roberts has been building relationships with Muslims. Last year, after Franklin Graham argued that the US government should ban Muslims from immigrating to America, the NorthWood Church leader joined Muslim leaders in denouncing the comments. In October, he and imam Muhammad Magid hosted the Spreading the Peace Convocation, which was attended by nearly 200 imams and evangelical pastors.

This week, Roberts traveled to Marrakesh, Morocco, alongside more than 250 Muslim religious leaders, heads of state, and scholars, for a groundbreaking. On Wednesday, the Muslim leaders released the Marrakesh Declaration: a 750-word document calling for religious freedom for non-Muslims in majority-Muslim countries."  Read more.  

"Babylonians were using advanced geometry 1,400 years earlier than previously thought." - BBC

One of thousands of tablets in cuneiform writing from Babylon

The more we learn about the ancient world, the more we realize that our understanding of what was going on is inaccurate or only partially correct. The fact that ancient Babylonians could track the path and velocity of Jupiter across the night sky is tantalizing in its implications - and presents researchers with even more questions. Read more.

Tanzania: home to largest number of elephants; 65% killed in four years, and why it happened.

Shocking news for those of us who love Africa.

65% of the elephant herd in Tanzania's game park next to Serengeti have been wiped out in four years. Read more about a pilot killed who was hunting poachers.

Why the slaughter of elephants continues unchecked and how it was supposed to be stopped is a story worth reading. The Telegraph digs deeper into the story.

Canada's Wasted "Brain Gain" - How Immigrants could be earning what they should be getting.

We have many neighbors who are highly skilled in their professional life before coming here as immigrants. Everything has been done legally, their applications granted and now they have their families, homes and work.

Except .... that their professional credentials from "back home" are not accepted. Or, if they are accepted, their new credentials are not portable across Canada, from province to province. Here is a good analysis of the problem. Read more.

Orthodox Church Council meeting - After 1,200 years it was supposed to meet in Syria - in May!

A religious summit last held more than 1,200 years ago suddenly risks being downgraded or postponed because of Syria’s four-year civil war. This unexpected twist has come as the world’s Orthodox churches, the second-largest ecclesial family in Christianity, were supposed to be only months away from their first major council since 787.

Now it is no longer clear when or where the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, a summit first proposed at least as far back as 1961 and provisionally scheduled for May in Istanbul, will be held.

Read more.

How Coffee affects our body within seconds.

An interesting insight into the many different functions in our bodies that respond to coffee. In at least nine different ways.

Read more.

"EU has only two months to solve the Refugee Crisis at its borders" - Donald Tusk, EC President

Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council has

issued the starkest warning yet. The European Union has only two months left to figure out how to handle the refugee crisis. If there is no decision by the end of March, countries across Europe will begin to close their borders.
Read more.

A video prayer for peace in Jerusalem

A prayer for peace in Jerusalem, that the Messiah will bring harmony - five min video. Watch the video

"Love and Loss in Syria" - from The Gospel Coalition

The story of Ibrahim's struggles in Syria, his marriage and present situation in Turkey is a powerful demonstration of the Gospel. When he was arrested in another country, he was told that his life was as damaging as that of ISIS. He replied, "No, the ideas inside the heads of ISIS leads them to kill others. The ideas inside my head leads me to love others." Read more.

Top 10 archaeological discoveries that authenticate the Bible

These discoveries are interesting for a number of reasons. These discoveries cover several sections of the Bible. Some of the discoveries discredit teachings that are commonly taught in some seminaries, such as, 'There is no evidence for the "house of David", or King David's reign, etc." Very interesting.

Top 10 archaeological discoveries that Authenticate the Bible

The Anglican dilema: "Doctrine and Holiness (in African Churches) vs. Pastoral Care (In the Western Churches)

"Same Sex Marriage" rites in The Episcopal Church in the USA, TEC, and soon to be approved rites in the Anglican Church of Canada, ACC, are at the roots of a 12 year long battle between completely different points of view.

African Provinces, in Kenya, Uganda and Nigeria, all of them characterized by growing numbers of adherents, emphasize Biblical doctrines and holiness. The leaders of churches in the USA and Canada, more swayed by "Human Rights" than their African counterparts, stress "Pastoral Care" for those of the GBLT community.

These three articles in The Guardian show how the recent decision of the Anglican Primates has been received on the "liberal" end of the spectrum in the UK.
Anglican Church risks global schism over homosexuality (January 12) and
Anglican church avoids split over gay rights - but liberals pay the price (January 14) and
Chris Bryant quits Church of England over its views on homosexuality (January 15)

Churches in African, Asia and South America,, which are growing and possibly make up 85-90% of active Anglicans, as measured by church attendance and other criteria, see things from a completely different point of view.

Left out of most aspects of the conversation is that these churches were begun during a time of colonialism. The main ideas forming the basis of their understanding came from the West, from colonial powers. Now, colonialism is a bad word. And it is now that new winds, new "doctrines" are coming from the West, principally from academics, seminaries and top ecclesiastical leaders, and African leaders, especially, are not about to accept what they call, "this new colonialism".  They are grouped under an organization called GAFCON, or Global Anglicans . . .. Here is their statement after the Primates gathering.   A close reading of these four articles shows the impossible gap between the declining, older and wealthier congregations in the West, and the exploding, younger and impoverished churches in the South.

"Same Sex Marriage" rebuked in USA Episcopal Church - Anglican Communion damged, but survives.

THE CONFLICT: Same Sex marriage rites threatened to divide the third largest group of Christians in the world.

THE RESOLUTION: The significant meeting, still being held by the archbishops and primates of the world wide Anglican Church, has avoided a major split, instead, issuing a statement on "how we may preserve our unity in Christ given the ongoing deep differences that exist among us concerning our understanding of marriage. . . . such unilateral actions on a matter of doctrine without Catholic unity is considered by many of us as a departure from the mutual accountability and interdependence implied through being in relationship with each other in the Anglican Communion."

Same Sex marriage has been the most recent issue facing Christians in the Anglican Church, has been authorized by The Episcopal Church of the USA, TEC, and a same-sex marriage rite is being established by the Anglican Church of Canada, ACC.

After this historic meeting, Same Sex marriage will not be tolerated by the majority of Anglicans. "Marriage in the Anglican Communion is held to be between a man and a woman. Same Sex marriage has been identified as being contrary to the Scriptures and "represent(s) a fundamental departure from the faith and teaching held by the majority of our Provinces on the doctrine of marriage. The traditional doctrine of the church in view of the teaching of Scripture, upholds marriage as between a man and a woman in faithful, lifelong union. The majority of those gathered reaffirm this teaching."

THE SANCTIONS: As a result, TEC is being sanctioned, given the seriousness of these matters we formally acknowledge this distance by requiring that for a period of three years The Episcopal Church no longer represent us on ecumenical and interfaith bodies, should not be appointed or elected to an internal standing committee and that while participating in the internal bodies of the Anglican Communion, they will not take part in decision making on any issues pertaining to doctrine or polity.

Read more.

SIGNIFICANCE: For the first time, Christians in the non-West part of the world have stood up to the church bodies in the West and demanded a response. These are significant decisions: 1. because of the  careful leadership of Archbishop of Canterbury. 2. The communique was issued by the primates, with at least 2 / 3 of the regions around the world signing on. 3. At upcoming meetings breakaway groups of Anglicans in the USA will not have TEC voting against them when they apply for status and approval as "Anglican bodies" during the next few years. 4. For the first time, Anglicans in the USA have formally been sanctioned by Anglicans around the world. 5. This is the first time that Christians have pushed back against "Same-Sex marriage rites" after these were authorised for general use in the churches (the authorization was given at General Council, summer, 2015).

OTHER STATEMENTS: This statement by the majority of Anglicans (numerically at least) comes from most of the churches in Africa, Asia and Latin America. They are grouped in a body known as GAFCON and were threatening to break off all relationships with Anglicans in the USA and Canada. They are disappointed that the statement makes no reference to repentance on the part of TEC and ACC.

"The Anglican Communion is our spiritual home and the GAFCON Primates travelled to England in the hope that godly faith and order could be restored through renewed obedience to the Bible.
We are pleased that Archbishop Foley Beach of the Anglican Church in North America has played a full part in the Canterbury meeting of Primates and that sanctions have been applied to the Episcopal Church of the United States, (TEC) recognising the need for mutual accountability on matters of doctrine within the family of the Communion." Read more.

ANGLICAN INK:  George Conger writes: The primates of the Anglican Communion have suspended the Episcopal Church from full participation in the life and work of the Anglican Communion. On 14 January 2016 a motion was presented to the gathering of archbishops and moderators gathered in the crypt of Canterbury Cathedral that called for the Episcopal Church to be suspended for a period of three years. Read more.

Archbishop Justin Welby's Address:

Here is his opening address, attempting to keep the Anglican Church together, world-wide.

Read it all.

The Anglican Church communion worldwide: Will it split this week? Or, will it stay together?

An historic meeting of the Anglican Church / Communion is taking place right now.

This is an important turning point in Protestant Christianity. Take time to learn the issues.

The future of Anglicans as a major church boy may be determined by decisions reached during the next three days. At issue is whether the North American bodies, in the USA The Episcopal Church, TEC and in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, ACC will be accepted by, or rejected by the other larger Anglican church bodies in other bodies around the world. At issue is how to interpret Biblical doctrines. The presenting issue, as you probably know, was "same-sex marriage".

If you are only just now becoming aware of the controversy, here is a lucid blog on the "Liberal" side, by Mark Harris, of Delaware in the USA. Read more.

On the "Conservative" side David Ould spells out the possible results of a world-wide split in Anglicanism. Read more.

"Why Millions of Muslims are Leaving Islam" - An interview with Iranian Dr. Hormoz Shariat

This is a time of great tension for Muslims. They were brought up believing Islamic doctrines, which included the unity between followers of Mohammed and they were taught their religion was one of peace. However, confronting daily realities that show these and other tenants of their faith to be not real in their lives, many are searching for a deeper connection with the Lord. This is an amazing story, one that is not usually reported in the mainstream press for obvious reasons. Read more.

"Should Christians be Encouraged to Arm Themselves?" Article by John Piper

"For the sake of the safety of his campus, and in view of terrorist activity, Liberty University's President Falwell encouraged the students to get permits to carry guns.

"After implying that he had a gun in his back pocket, he said, 'I just want to take this opportunity to encourage all of you to get your permit. We offer a free course. And let’s teach them a lesson if they ever show up here.' On December 9 he stated that the policy at Liberty now includes permission to carry guns in the dormitories."

What should be the Christian's attitude towards the tendency for citizens to arm themselves? John Piper begins with a series of Biblical texts as he addresses the need for security. Read more.

"Putin's Power Play in Syria" - Foreign Affairs

In October,

Putin said, “The collapse of Syria’s official authorities will only mobilize terrorists. Right now, instead of undermining them, we must revive them, strengthening state institutions in the conflict zone.”

Although Moscow may not be wedded to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the long run, it is adamantly opposed to anything that would weaken the rule of secular strongmen in the Middle East—hence Putin’s repeated denunciations of U.S. support for opposition forces during the Arab revolts of 2011 . . . "

Read more.

Sad details of Refugees living in Turkey - those unable to travel to Europe

So often we hear of refugees crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey on their way to the Greek Island of Lesbos. They pile into a small rubber dingy, far too many people in each one considering the large waves they will encounter on the precarious way across the straight.

What of the refugees who are unable to pay the approximately $2-3,000 per person to the human smugglers? At least two million people are living in deplorable circumstances in towns and cities across Turkey. Here is a recent eye witness account:

The Turkish Coast Guard showed us pictures of adults, babies & children whom they had rescued from sinking rafts in the Aegean.  Most of the refugees going over to Greece leave from the region near Assos.

We were able to travel through the Arabic and Kurmunji (Kurdish) speaking camps.  The two language groups attack each other with knives, stealing from one another, and causing mayhem. The conditions are deplorable.  People live in structures made of trash and plastic. They cook in the open, and fetch water from a drainage ditch.  After a  rain they walk in mud up to their ankles.  Some churches are handing out grocery vouchers and supply packages for babies & children.  Those who are involved in helping the refugees will not go to the camps at night.

"The most dangerous crisis in decades"

A penetrating analysis about the Middle East at the beginning of 2016 comes from Hassan Rouhani. Unfortunately, the changes of the last two months spell continued and apparently unending suffering for millions. Read more. and here: The most dangerous crisis in decades.

This is where the action was 4,000 years ago. Surprise?

.

"Britain is no longer a Christian nation and it's time to rid England of Anglicanism" - a panel says.

"Britain is no longer a Christian country and should stop acting as if it is, a top-level inquiry into the place of religion in society has concluded, provoking a backlash from politicians and the Church of England."

Read more. from the Telegraph on this development.

Diyarbakir's Christians suffer in the margins during Turkey's war with PKK Separatists" - Al Monitor

In Sur, Turkish special forces teams backed by tanks, helicopter gunships and armored personnel carriers have laid virtual siege to the district, which now lies in ruins.

The youths remain dug in, but over half of Sur’s residents have fled. And while their suffering has been well-documented, little has been said about the clutch of Christians who have been quietly toiling to resurrect Sur’s once vibrant multi-faith community. It was brutally destroyed in 1915, when Ottoman forces and their Kurdish collaborators slaughtered hundreds of thousands of Christians (most of them Armenians) and other non-Muslims in what many respected scholars call genocide. Immense human suffering continues and few in the world know of it.
Read more.

Important cultural divisions in America - Barna Group Research

The following topics were studied in depth in 2015 by the Barna Research Group:

1. Legal Same-Sex marriage reveals cultural fault lines.
2. Concerns over religious freedom are growing.
3. Post-Christian beliefs are on the rise.
4. U.S. Adults do not agree on who Jesus was and is.
5. Americans define themselves by family country and faith.
6. Voters want a presidential candidate to take a stand on issues.
7. Discipleship in American churches is not effective, pastors say.
8. Scotland research offers lessons on ministry in a post-Christian context.
9. Women are disengage
ng from the church.
10. Most Americans plan to stay where they are living.

Read more from this excellent research.

"Biblical birth narratives are weird and incredible. We can stop sanitizing them." - Washington Post

The Biblical narrative of Christ's birth is built upon at least seven aspects that churches avoid at Christmas: infertility, peasant life, refugee status, the shame of an unwed mother, quiet faithfulness of seniors, injustice and social stigma. Did your Christ
mas play of the nativity deal with any of these?

This well-written essay W. David. O. Taylor examines the Christmas story as it is written in the Gospels. Read more.