24 June 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] Extensive Internet Coverage Planned for RPCNA 178th Synod Meeting 22-26 June 2009
[2] PCUSA in 2008 Suffers Largest Membership Decline Since PCUS-UPC Merger in 1983
[3] Layman Online Reports PCA Suffered Membership Loss in 2008 for the First Time in PCA History
[4] PCA General Assembly Rejects Formation of Study Committee on Women’s Roles in the Denomination
[5] Anglican Church in North America Launches 22 June 2009 in Bedford, Texas
[6] Pro-Life Prayer Service in Wichita, Kansas Moved after National Organization for Women Plans Disruption
[7] African Holocaust Documentary Maafa 21 Connects Slavery, Racism, American and Nazi Eugenics, and Legalized Abortion
[8] John Lofton Condemns FOX News’ Bill O’Reilly for Mischaracterizing Abortion and Abortion Laws
[9] Roman Catholic Boston, Massachusetts-Affiliated Hospital and Healthcare Network Set to Offer Abortion and Family Planning Services
[10] Church of Scotland Approves August 2009 St. Stephen’s Church, New Town, Edinburgh, Stage Event Featuring 150 Dancing Nude Women
[11] Petition Against “Pedophile Protection Act” Spearheaded by the Pray in Jesus Name Project
[12] Presbyterian Seminary Professor Publishes Parts II and III of Article "Why a “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Identity” “Hate Crimes” Law Is Bad for You"
[13] Dearborn, Michigan Forbids Distribution of Christian Materials by Arab Christians at Muslim Festival
[14] Kindee, New South Wales, Australia, Free Presbyterian Church to Celebrate 70^th Anniversary 27 June 2009
[15] Presbyterian Lay Committee Sponsoring Layman Regional Conference 11 July 2009 in Butler, Pennsylvania
[16] Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary Professor Dr. Richard C. Gamble’s Volume I of Biblical Theology The Whole Counsel of God Available from P&R Publishing
[17] Calvin Conference Schedules District Conference of Presbyters and Church Workers for 8 August 2009 in Lorain, Ohio


[1] Extensive Internet Coverage Planned for RPCNA 178th Synod Meeting 22-26 June 2009

The 178^th Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) got underway at 7:00 p.m. on 22 June 2009 at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and is scheduled to conclude on 26 June.

Extensive Internet coverage of the synod meeting is being provided on the RPCNA website, and simultaneously on the RPCNA page on Facebook.

+ Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), 7408 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208, 412-731-1177, Fax: 412-731-8861


[2] PCUSA in 2008 Suffers Largest Membership Decline Since PCUS-UPC Merger in 1983

The 2008 annual statistical reports of the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) showed that in 2008, the PCUSA suffered the largest numerical and percentage net membership decline since the 1983 merger of the Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS) and the United Presbyterian Church (UPC). The PCUSA’s total membership declined by 69,381 to 2,140,165, representing a decline of 3.14 percent from the 2007 membership total.

PCUSA Stated Clerk Gradye Parsons issued a statement about the membership decline that concluded: “Presbyterians can be evangelists! But we often stumble over the words. Can we not challenge one another to be able to answer these basic questions — Why do I believe in God? Why do I go to church? Why do I go to that particular church?”

The PCUSA 2008 annual statistical reports additionally reflected a decline in total giving to the church at all levels of US$24,234,268 from the 2007 total of US$2,162,131,650, representing a decline in 2008 of 1.12 percent in total giving.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[3] Layman Online Reports PCA Suffered Membership Loss in 2008 for the First Time in PCA History

The Layman Online reported in a 20 June 2009 article that the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) for the first time in the denomination’s history suffered a membership loss, from 345,582 members in 2007 to 340,852 members in 2008, representing a decline of 1.37 percent, or a loss of 4730 members.

PCA General Assembly Moderator Brad Bradley said that various factors caused the membership decline, including a purging of membership rolls at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, one of the largest PCA congregations that at its height had 10,000 members, but currently has only 2000 members.

Other PCA GA church statistical report data showed that adult baptisms fell 6.4 percent from 2007 to 2008, that Sunday school attendance fell 1.1 percent from 2007 to 2008; and that infant baptisms dropped 0.6 percent from 2007 to 2008.

Bradley in 1998 founded the PCA’s Southwest Church Planting Network to focus on the fast-growing Sunbelt region of the southwest United States. Bradley said that church members need to focus on growing the denomination numerically and urged every existing PCA church to plant a new one by 2020.

Outgoing GA Moderator Paul Kooistra warned in his 16 June 2009 evening sermon Tuesday that the PCA currently is at risk of being weakened by prideful infighting. Kooistra urged members to be more accepting of one another’s views, especially in what Kooistra described as non-essential issues, such as how to interpret the six-day creation described in Genesis 1.

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org

+ Presbyterian Lay Committee, Post Office Box 2210, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645, 828-758-8716, Fax: 828-758-0920, laymanletters@layman.org


[4] PCA General Assembly Rejects Formation of Study Committee on Women’s Roles in the Denomination

The Presbyterian Church in America General Assembly on 18 June 2009 by a vote of 427 to 446 rejected adopting overtures that would form a study committee to examine women’s roles in the denomination.

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org


[5] Anglican Church in North America Launches 22 June 2009 in Bedford, Texas

Anglicans from across North America, many of them recently departed from the Episcopal Church, convened in Bedford, Texas on 22 June 2009 to formally launch the new Anglican Church in North America (ACNA). ACNA unites twenty-eight Anglican dioceses under a single Archbishop and positions itself as an alternative to the U.S. Episcopal Church (TEC) within the Worldwide Anglican Communion. The ACNA is working to be recognized as part of the 80-million member Worldwide Anglican Communion, and observers from many overseas Anglican churches have sent observers to the conference.

Ecumenical speakers including Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California and Metropolitan Jonah of the Orthodox Church in America will offer keynote addresses during the conference.

The Worldwide Anglican Communion is divided over issues including homosexuality and scriptural authority, with TEC church leaders being more theologically and politically liberal than their overseas counterparts.

Institute on Religion and Democracy Director of Anglican Action Jeff Walton commented: “This new Anglican movement in North America is easily the largest North American denomination to come into existence since the 1970s. The ACNA is remarkable not because it is splitting off from an existing church, but because it is uniting multiple churches. After over 30 years of splintering, traditionalist Anglicans are setting aside many of their differences in order to pursue common mission. This is clearly not a schismatic quest for purity by a small group of discontents. Rather, it is a theologically diverse group that sees how much is held in common.”

+ Institute on Religion and Democracy, 1023 15th Street Northwest, Suite 601, Washington DC 20005-2601, 202-682-4131, Fax: 202-682-4136, info@theird.org

+ Anglican Church in North America, 1001 Merchant Street, Ambridge, Pennsylvania 15003, 724-266-9400, admin@theacna.org

+ Worldwide Anglican Communion, St Andrew's House, 16 Tavistock Crescent, London W11 1AP, England, 44-0-20-7313-3900, Fax: 44-0-20-7313-3999, aco@anglicancommunion.org

+ Episcopal Church Center 815 Second Avenue New York, New York 10017, 800-334-7626, cdawkins@episcopalchurch.org


[6] Pro-Life Prayer Service in Wichita, Kansas Moved after National Organization for Women Plans Disruption

After the National Organization for Women (NOW) announced plans to hold a counter demonstration during the 20 June 2009 prayer and memorial service in Wichita, Kansas for the family of slain abortionist George Tiller and the unborn children slain in his abortuary, the pro-life organizers of the memorial service moved the location of the event in order that the memorial service not be disrupted.

Representing the memorial service sponsors, Reformed Presbyterian pastor the Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Washington, D.C. based Christian Defense Coalition, commented: "It is shameful that the National Organization for Women would disrupt a prayer vigil and memorial service for women and children with a counter demonstration. It seems they are taking a page out of the playbook of hatemonger Fred Phelps with their disturbing actions. Our goal was simply to conduct a prayer vigil and memorial to remember and honor the 70 thousand innocent lives that were lost at Dr. Tiller's clinic and work for social justice and pray for an end to violence in Wichita. Sadly, NOW decided to show utter contempt for a religious and solemn service and decided to disrupt it. We are thankful that the pro-life community showed respect for Dr. Tiller and his family and chose not to disrupt or demonstrate at his memorial service."

After 20 June 2009 prayer services were held at several Wichita locations of former abortion clinics, an evening prayer service was conducted at the former location of Dr. Tiller’s abortion clinic with no protesters present.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741


[7] African Holocaust Documentary Maafa 21 Connects Slavery, Racism, American and Nazi Eugenics, and Legalized Abortion

RenewAmerica.com columnist Matt C. Abbott reports that Life Dynamics Incorporated (LDI) is a Texas-based prolife organization known for their work in exposing the marketing of aborted baby parts and abortion industry’s concealment of child rape. LDI has now produced a documentary film that shows the connection between slavery, racism, the American eugenics movement—of which Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger was an influential figure—Nazi Germany, and legalized abortion.

LDI describes Maafa 21: “They were stolen from their homes, locked in chains and taken across an ocean….But when slavery ended, their welcome was over. America's wealthy elite had decided it was time for them to disappear….What you are about to see is that the plan these people set in motion 150 years ago is still being carried out today…”

Abbott concludes: “In addition to showing the follies of the once pro-life Jesse Jackson and the pro-abortion NAACP, the documentary points out that leaders of both the Democratic and Republican parties—the wealthy elites—have formed a "family planning cartel" that does not tolerate dissent when it comes to the issue of population control. And the words and/or actions of past U.S. presidents Lyndon Johnson, Dwight Eisenhower, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Bill Clinton illustrate that they were at least sympathetic to, if not outright supportive of, the eugenics movement and population control….The bottom line: It's utterly disgraceful that the monstrosity known as Planned Parenthood receives money—and a lot of it—from the U.S. government and various corporations.”

+ RenewAmerica.com, 811 Virginia Avenue Southeast, Washington DC 20003

+ Life Dynamics Incorporated, 204 Cardinal Drive, Denton, Texas 76209, 940-380-8800, 940-380-8700


[8] John Lofton Condemns FOX News’ Bill O’Reilly for Mischaracterizing Abortion and Abortion Laws

John Lofton, Communications Director for the Institute On The Constitution, has issued a statement condemning Fox News reporter Bill O’Reilly’s characterizations of abortion, and for O’Reilly’s understanding of secular laws when said laws are contradictory to the Law of God.

Lofton takes issue with O’Reilly’s oft-repeated statement that the 60 thousand abortions performed by slain abortionist George Tiller were “legal,” and for O’Reilly characterizing unborn children as “potential life.” Both of these statements are…egregiously and dangerously wrong, particularly from [O’Reilly] who purports to be a Christian. Tiller's killing by abortion of innocent human beings, in their earliest stage of development, was mass murder. Murder can never be "legal" because God's Law prohibits it. Thus, none of Tiller's abortions were "legal." To those who say Tiller's mass murders were "legal" because abortion has been made "legal" by various "laws" and/or court rulings, this assertion is also false. Man-made "laws" that contradict God's Law are not law. This is the teaching of the Bible, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, William Blackstone and Dr. Martin Luther King.”

Lofton quotes O’Reilly as saying, "The Constitution does give an American a right to an abortion," and Lofton responds: “I have no idea what makes him think this since such a "right" is not in the U.S. Constitution. I fear for our fetuses if the guardians of our fetuses are no more knowledgeable on the abortion topic than is Bill O'Reilly.”

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Institute on the Constitution, 8028 Ritchie Highway Suite 211, Pasadena, Maryland 21122, 866-730-9796, Fax: 410-760-5642

+ Fox News, 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, 888-369 4762, Fax: 212 462 6127, yourquestions@foxnews.com


[9] Roman Catholic Boston, Massachusetts-Affiliated Hospital and Healthcare Network Set to Offer Abortion and Family Planning Services

The Catholic Action League of Massachusetts on 17 June 2009 revealed that the majority of hospital and healthcare network Caritas Christi's Board of Governors are major contributors to pro-abortion politicians, and that Caritas Christi is scheduled starting 1 July 2009 to begin including abortion and family planning services in its healthcare coverage benefits package.

Caritas Christi is an affiliate of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and is answerable to Cardinal Sean O'Malley.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ American Life League, Post Office Box 1350, Stafford, Virginia 22555, 540-659-4171, Fax: 540-659-2586, info@all.org

+ The Vatican


[10] Church of Scotland Approves August 2009 St. Stephen’s Church, New Town, Edinburgh, Stage Event Featuring 150 Dancing Nude Women

The Arches, producers of a dance performance for the 7-31 August 2009 Fringe festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, are looking for 150 women to join a “high-energy, naked dance ensemble” that will perform at the St. Stephen’s Church in Edinburgh’s New Town district.

Arches consulted the Church of Scotland (COS) about the nature of the performance, “and [the COS is] quite happy with it as long as there is no blasphemy….They think the body is a beautiful creation, and we’re celebrating it so they were fine with it.”

+ BBC, 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TS, England, Fax: 020-8008-2398

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH2 4YN, 0131-225-5722


[11] Petition Against “Pedophile Protection Act” Spearheaded by the Pray in Jesus Name Project

Pray In Jesus Name Ministries is spearheading a petition campaign to stop the "Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act," better known as the "Pedophile Protection Act," from being enacted by the U.S. Senate. Overwhelming opposition to the bill voiced in constituent communications with individual senators has driven Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to attempt to get the act passed by sneaking an amendment into an unrelated “must pass” bill.

The "Pedophile Protection Act" makes "sexual orientation," "gender," and "gender identity," into federally-protected classes under the law, and codifies federal protection of up to 547 types of sexually deviant behaviors, including incest, necrophilia, pedophilia, zoophilia a.k.a. bestiality, voyeurism, and many other perversions.

A key danger of the bill to Christians is the legislation lays the legal foundation to investigate, prosecute and persecute pastors, youth pastors, Bible teachers, and anyone else whose speech and thought is based upon and reflects the truths found in the Bible.

+ Pray In Jesus Name Ministries, Post Office Box 77077, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80970, 719-360-5132, chaplaingate@yahoo.com


[12] Presbyterian Seminary Professor Publishes Parts II and III of Article "Why a “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Identity” “Hate Crimes” Law Is Bad for You"

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Associate Professor of New Testament Robert A. J. Gagnon, Ph.D., has published Parts II and III of an article titled, “Why a “Sexual Orientation” and “Gender Identity” “Hate Crimes” Law Is Bad for You,” on Dr. Gagnon’s website, Part II on the question of abridging your freedom of speech, and Part III addressing the inroads against personal freedom already made in the United States by homosexual and transsexual political activism.

Part I, which addresses the promotion of hatred toward people opposed to homosexual practice and transgenderism, is also available.

+ Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 North Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206, 412-362-5610, Fax: 412-363-3260

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[13] Dearborn, Michigan Forbids Distribution of Christian Materials by Arab Christians at Muslim Festival

Dearborn, Michigan is home to the largest concentration of Muslims in the United States, and for the past several years has held the annual Arab International street fair, which is open for free to the public and businesses along the streets remain open during the festival.

Members of the Arabic Christian Perspective (ACP), and Pastor George Saieg have attended the festival each year, where they hand out Christian literature along the public sidewalks to those attending the street fair, and the literature distribution has never caused a problem.

The Dearborn, Michigan Police Department has now restricted ACP to stand on a single street corner, preventing ACP members from freely mingling with festival gatherers, and thus will not be able to distribute their literature to the intended audience, a clear violation of ACP’s rights under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Thomas More Law Center is representing ACP and filed for a temporary restraining order against the City of Dearborn, which was denied by U.S. District Court Judge Nancy Edmunds on 18 June 2009.

+ Detroit Free Press, 615 West Lafayette, Detroit, Michigan 48226,
313-222-6400, Fax: 313-222-5981

+ Jihad Watch and Dhimmi Watch

+ Thomas More Law Center, 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106, 734-827-2001, Fax: 734-930-7160, info@thomasmore.org


[14] Kindee, New South Wales, Australia, Free Presbyterian Church to Celebrate 70^th Anniversary 27 June 2009

The Presbyterian Church of Eastern Australia in Kindee, New South Wales, will celebrate the 70^th anniversary of its 23 June 1939 opening with a worship service and a picnic lunch on 27 June 2009.

A paper on various aspects of the church and the surrounding area will be presented. A welcome is extended to any who would be interested in attending. A plate of food would be appreciated to help with catering.

+ Hastings Gazette, 47 Hastings Street, Wauchope, New South Wales 2446, Australia, 02 6585 2355, hastingsgazette@ruralpress.com


[15] Presbyterian Lay Committee Sponsoring Layman Regional Conference 11 July 2009 in Butler, Pennsylvania

The Presbyterian Lay Committee is sponsoring a Layman Regional Conference 11 July 2009 at Summit Presbyterian Church’s Community Outreach Campus in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Conference speakers will be Presbyterian Lay Committee President Carmen Fowler and Parker Williamson, editor emeritus of The Layman.

For further information, please contact Deb Corley of the Presbyterian Lay Committee at 1-800-368-0110 or e-mail dcorley@layman.org.

+ Presbyterian Lay Committee, Post Office Box 2210, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645, 828-758-8716, Fax: 828-758-0920, laymanletters@layman.org

+ A Classical Presbyterian Blog

+ Presbyterian Lay Committee, Post Office Box 2210, Lenoir, North Carolina 28645, 828-758-8716, Fax: 828-758-0920, laymanletters@layman.org


[16] Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary Professor Dr. Richard C. Gamble’s Volume I of Biblical Theology The Whole Counsel of God Available from P&R Publishing

P & R Publishing has released Volume I of a three-volume Biblical theology, The Whole Counsel of God, a biblical theology written by Dr. Richard C. Gamble, professor of systematic theology at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ P&R Publishing Company, 1102 Marble Hill Road, Phillipsburg, New Jersey 08865, 908-454-0505, generalinfo@prpbooks.com


[17] Calvin Conference Schedules District Conference of Presbyters and Church Workers for 8 August 2009 in Lorain, Ohio

The Calvin Synod is sponsoring the District Conference of Presbyters and Church Workers 8 August 2009 at the Hungarian Reformed Church of Lorain, Ohio.

The featured speaker is the Rev. Imre Bertalan, and his message will focus on church membership, retention, visitation, church growth, and the role of consistory, congregation, and church youth members.

For further information, please call Mr. John Evanko at 440-364-3410 or email at gratt67@oh.rr.com.

+ Calvin Synod, C/O Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop, 7319 Tapper Avenue, Hammond, Indiana 46324, 219-931-4321, kkludwig@aol.com

17 June 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] CRCNA Synod 2009 Begins 13 June 2009 at Trinity Christian College
[2] REC and WARC Executives Meet in Late May 2009 to Plan 2010 Merger
[3] Romania Amends Civil Code to Define Marriage as the Union of One Man and One Woman
[4] Erskine College Students Stage “Moonlight Revolution” in Reaction to Perceived Hypocrisy
[5] ARP Synod Meets 9-11 June 2009 at Bonclarken Conference Center in East Flat Rock, North Carolina
[6] PCA General Assembly Overtures Committee Rejects Study Committee on Women’s Roles in Churches
[7] Robert H. Schuller’s Daughter Sheila Schuller Coleman to Lead Crystal Cathedral Ministries
[8] Dr. James Dobson Pays Tribute to Dr. Ralph Winter
[9] Philadelphia Abortuary Offers Free Abortions on 9 June 2009 in Honor of Slain Abortionist George Tiller
[10] Pro-Life Organizations Sponsor Prayer Vigil and Prayer Walk in Wichita, Kansas 19 and 20 June 2009
[11] Free EBook Download Historical Revisionism: An Attempt to Rewrite America's Christian History Available from American Vision
[12] A New Way Out Leadership Conference to be Held 18 July 2009 at Hope by the Sea in San Juan Capistrano, California
[13] Belleview Christian School Seeking High School Physical Science/Physics Teacher and High School and Junior High School Math Teacher
[14] Crown & Covenant Publications The Book of Psalms for Worship Available in Late June 2009
[15] Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church Celebrating 175^th Anniversary 19-20 September 2009


[1] CRCNA Synod 2009 Begins 13 June 2009 at Trinity Christian College

The Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) Synod 2009 began 13 June 2009 at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois, with the election of officers the Rev. William T. Koopmans, pastor of Grace Christian Reformed Church in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, as president; the Rev. Shelia Holmes, pastor of Northside Community Christian Reformed Church in Paterson, New Jersey, as vice-president; elder delegate Donald Dykstra of Hammond, Indiana, as first clerk; and the Rev. William Veenstra, pastor of Ancaster Christian Reformed Church of Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, as second clerk.

Synod 2009 will be reviewing the Belhar Confession, and has been asked to send the document to CRCNA churches with a recommendation that it be reviewed and adopted as another confession of the church. If the confession is sent to and adopted by the churches, Synod 2012 will be asked to act on it.

Synod 2009 additionally will be discussing proposals related to faith formation and how the church should respond to Third Wave Pentecostalism. Candidates for ministry will be presented and the ministry budget for next year will be reviewed and voted upon.

+ Christian Reformed Church in North America, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560, 616-241-1691, Fax: 616-224-0803 crcna@crcna.org


[2] REC and WARC Executives Meet in Late May 2009 to Plan 2010 Merger

Full executive committees from the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) and the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) met in Geneva, Switzerland, the last week of May 2009 to plan the merger of the two bodies into the World Communion of Reformed Churches. Delegates from both organizations’ member churches will meet in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 18-28 June 2010 for the Uniting General Council.

+ Reformed Ecumenical Council, 2050 Breton Road Southeast, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, 616-949-2910, rvh@recweb.org

+ World Alliance of Reformed Churches, 150 route de Ferney, Post Office Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland, 41-22-791-6240, Fax: 41-22-791-6505, warc@warc.ch

+ World Communion of Reformed Churches, info@reformedchurches.org


[3] Romania Amends Civil Code to Define Marriage as the Union of One Man and One Woman

Romania, in early June 2009, amended the country’s civil code to define marriage as the "freely consented to union of a man and a woman established according to the law," to prohibit homosexual marriage and the legal recognition of such unions contracted outside Romania, and to criminalize euthanasia and assisted suicide.

World Congress of Families International Secretary Dr. Allan C. Carlson congratulated the Alliance of Romania's Families for its successful efforts to amend Romania's civil code to protect marriage and the family, saying: "While some countries are choosing 'diversity" over natural law and common sense, Romania is standing firm for marriage and the natural family. We are proud of the leadership role the Alliance of Romania's Families has played in effecting these necessary changes."

In 2006, the Alliance collected over 650,000 signatures of Romanian voters in support of a defense-of-marriage statute.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ World Congress of Families, 934 North Main Street, Rockford, Illinois 61103, 815-964-5819, Fax: 815-965-1826, info@worldcongress.org


[4] Erskine College Students Stage “Moonlight Revolution” in Reaction to Perceived Hypocrisy

Evangelical Press News Service Editor Warren Cole Smith in an article titled “Annual Meeting Of Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church Could Be Dramatic Battle In Theological Wars,” describes how conservative students at the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP)’s Erskine College staged an impromptu “Moonlight Revolution” after the 24 April 2009 Convocation (on the eve of the annual Alumni and Accepted Students Day) where the students heard what they considered to be disparaging remarks made by the college president.

The “revolution” began when a student made sidewalk chalk available in front of the Daniel Moultrie Science Center, and students were invited to contribute. Students wrote complaints about the high cost of tuition, the inadequacy of housing, the continuing evolution vs. creation controversy, and the failure of the Erskine Administration to implement the mission of the college as Christian and Evangelical.

The chalk was washed away in preparation for the next day’s events, but between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. the morning of the big event, the students recreated the washed-away messages and posted what were called the “Erskine 95 Theses” on doors and walls around the college.

The chalk messages included questions about why the school was not fulfilling its Christian and Evangelical mission, and why the school was not being “Gospel driven.” The perceived permissiveness and secular nature of the college was addressed by one student who wrote: "Alcohol - Big trouble next time. Sex in Dorms - We'll let it slide. Christian Commitment - How dare you!"

+ Evangelical Press News Service, 612-562-1234, editor@epnews.com

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Center, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729


[5] ARP Synod Meets 9-11 June 2009 at Bonclarken Conference Center in East Flat Rock, North Carolina

The 205^th annual meeting of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) Synod was held 9-11 June 2009 at the Bonclarken Conference Center in East Flat Rock, North Carolina.

A pre-synod conference called “The Powerful Word” was held the evening of 8 June and the morning 9 June, with messages provided by the Rev. Dr. R.J. Gore, the Rev. Iain H. Murray, and the Rev. Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson.

The ARP Synod, upon the recommendation of the Committee on Interchurch Relations, voted overwhelmingly to sever fraternal relations with the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) due to the PCUSA’s long-running descent into apostasy.

After the close of business on the evening of 10 June, questions were posed to the President of Erskine College and Seminary, Dr. Randy Ruble, and the Vice President of Erskine Theological Seminary, Neely Gaston. In answer to one question, Dr. Ruble said that he had instructed the biology department to go on record stating they affirmed biblical creation.

The biology department did not comply directly with the request, but instead issued a separate statement, which said that Christianity and science were complementary and not enemies, and that Christianity was relegated to matters of ethics and values, and distinct from scientific inquiry. The statement further stated that the biology department believed in “organic evolution.” Dr. Ruble characterized the statement to be a “Christian position.”

Another questioner asked about ordination of women. Dr Gaston said that he did not support the ordination of women. Dr. Ruble said that he personally favored female ordination, but had always complied with ARP practices.

On 11 June, a memorial was passed to form a commission to investigate the practices of Erskine College and Seminary. Erskine students were given the privilege of the floor during debate on the memorial, and were allowed to read a petition and to show a video to the church court. ARP pastor the Rev. Tim Phillips of Midlane Park ARP Church in Louisville, Kentucky, characterized the Erskine students as “very impressive in their manner and character.” The commission will report its findings and actions to the 2010 General Synod.

A motion was approved to explore other endorsing agencies for the ARP military chaplains, because the current agency also endorses PCUSA and Cumberland Presbyterian Church (CPC) chaplains, and there are serious theological differences between the ARPs and the other denominations served by the current endorsing agency.

+ Gairney Bridge Blog

+ Associate Reformed Presbyterian Center, 1 Cleveland Street Suite 110, Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, 864-232-8297, Fax: 864-271-3729

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005

+ Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8207 Traditional Place , Cordova, Tennessee 38016, 901-276-4572, Fax: 901-272-3913


[6] PCA General Assembly Overtures Committee Rejects Study Committee on Women’s Roles in Churches

The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) General Assembly Overtures Committee, meeting during the PCA’s 37^th General Assembly in Orlando, Florida, by a vote of forty to thirty-four with two abstentions, on 15 June 2009, rejected two overtures that asked that a study committee be formed to consider women’s roles in PCA churches.

A minority report may be presented when the committee recommendations are reported to the General Assembly commissioners later in the week.

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org


[7] Robert H. Schuller’s Daughter Sheila Schuller Coleman to Lead Crystal Cathedral Ministries

The daughter of the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, Sheila Schuller Coleman, was named 7 June 2009 to be the new leader of Crystal Cathedral Ministries (CCM).

Coleman expressed surprise at being selected as a woman to lead what she considers to be a conservative Christian church, saying: Our church didn't even start ordaining women until 1973. I'm proud of my dad for doing this and I hope I can serve as a role model for younger women who want to get things accomplished in this church."

Coleman holds a Bachelor’s degree in organic chemistry from Hope College in Holland, Michigan; a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of California at Irvine (UCI), California; and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from UCI. Coleman was ordained to the ministry a month prior to the 7 June 2009 announcement.

Coleman’s brother, the Rev. Robert A. Schuller, was ousted from the position of senior pastor for CCM several months ago after the younger Robert Schuller’s vision for the ministry, including a more scriptural emphasis in the Sunday services, was rejected by his father and other church leaders.

+ Orange County Register, 625 North Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, California 92701, 877-469-7344, thorne@ocregister.com

+ Reformed Church in America, 4500 60th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512, 800-968-6065, questions@rca.org


[8] Dr. James Dobson Pays Tribute to Dr. Ralph Winter

Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family sent the following tribute in honor of the late Dr. Ralph Winter to the U.S. Center for World Mission:

“Dr. Ralph Winter is being remembered as a pioneer of the modern world missions movement, and indeed, he was. I remember being moved and inspired by the courage he demonstrated when he purchased the old Pasadena Nazarene College campus back in the 1970s. We all knew at the time that Dr. Winter was faithfully following the Lord's leading, but we were also aware of the serious financial obstacles that seemed to stand in the way of his dream.”

“But with every financial challenge that arose, the Lord made a way around them. God's people caught the vision and responded generously, and the U.S. Center for World Mission and William Carey International University were born. The establishment of these institutions represented a tremendous answer to the prayers of many people, as well as a significant advancement to the cause of world missions. I did what I could, but it was Dr. Winter who led the charge in those days. Everyone who cares about the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ-and who is passionate about the salvation of lost souls from every tribe and tongue and nation-owes Dr. Winter a debt of gratitude. He was one of a kind, and he is sorely missed. But his legacy lives on.”

James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
Founder and Chairman Emeritus
Focus on the Family

+ Mission Frontiers, 1605 Elizabeth Street, Pasadena, California 91104, 626-797-1111, Fax: 626-398-2263, mission.frontiers@uscwm.org

+ Focus on the Family, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80995, 800-232-6459


[9] Philadelphia Abortuary Offers Free Abortions on 9 June 2009 in Honor of Slain Abortionist George Tiller

The Philadelphia Women's Center on 9 June 2009 provided free abortions in order to honor slain late-term abortionist George Tiller.

Operation Rescue President Troy Newman commented: "There seems to be no comprehension of the value of human life with these people. Killing babies for free to honor someone who was murdered can only be described as sick….There is no such thing as a 'free abortion.' It costs the life of an innocent baby and puts the woman at risk for increased problems in her life. The loss of each innocent life diminishes us all. If the people running that abortion clinic really wanted to help women, they would follow the Tiller family's example and close their clinic for good."

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Operation Rescue, Post Office Box 782888, Wichita, Kansas 67278-2888, 800-705-1175, Fax: 916-244-2636, info@operationrescue.org


[10] Pro-Life Organizations Sponsor Prayer Vigil and Prayer Walk in Wichita, Kansas 19 and 20 June 2009

Pro-life organizations including the Christian Defense Coalition, Operation Rescue, and Living Word Outreach are sponsoring a prayer vigil and a prayer walk through Wichita, Kansas on 19 and 20 June 2009 to pray for the family of slain abortionist George Tiller and to ask God to bring healing to the City of Wichita, Kansas.

Reformed Presbyterian minister and director of the Christian Defense Coalition the Rev. Pat Mahoney commented: "As members of the pro-life and faith community, we are coming together for a time of prayer and remembrance. We will be praying for the Tiller family as well as asking God to bring healing to the City of Wichita. We will also be asking God to end the violence both inside and outside of abortion clinics. Specifically, we will be praying that Wichita respects human rights and social justice and that no abortions would ever be performed in the city again. The activities will also include a time of remembering the 70 thousand innocent children who lost their lives at Women's Health Care Services as well as the women who have been bruised and diminished through abortion.”

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741

+ Operation Rescue, Post Office Box 782888, Wichita, Kansas 67278-2888, 800-705-1175, Fax: 916-244-2636, info@operationrescue.org

+ Living Word Outreach, 3033 South Hillside, Wichita, Kansas 67216, 316-683-8641, Fax: 316-683-4010, livingword@livingwordks.com


[11] Free EBook Download Historical Revisionism: An Attempt to Rewrite America's Christian History Available from American Vision

American Vision has made available for free download the eBook Historical Revisionism: An Attempt to Rewrite America's Christian History by Gary DeMar.

+ American Vision, Post Office Box 220, Powder Springs, Georgia 30127, 770-222-7266, Fax: 770-222-7269, mail@AmericanVision.org


[12] A New Way Out Leadership Conference to be Held 18 July 2009 at Hope by the Sea in San Juan Capistrano, California

The ‘A New Way Out Leadership Conference with Dick B.!’, sponsored by the International Christian Recovery Coalition (ICRC), will be held on 18 July 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Hope by the Sea in San Juan Capistrano, California.

The conference begins with a discussion of modern, Christian-oriented recovery efforts that incorporate the fruits of Dick B.’s nineteen years of historical research into the roles played by God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible in the astonishing, documented, seventy-five percent success rate in Akron, Ohio of the early Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) program developed by Bill W. and Dr. Bob during the summer of 1935 and documented by Frank Amos on page 131 of the A.A. General Service Conference-approved book, DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers; and with a discussion of the successes, problems, and needs of Christian leaders and workers in the recovery arena—with a view to improving the effectiveness of their efforts in carrying the message to those who still suffer with life-controlling problems and self-destructive behaviors such as alcoholism and drug abuse.

Further information is available at the ICRC website.


[13] Belleview Christian School Seeking High School Physical Science/Physics Teacher and High School and Junior High School Math Teacher

The Belleview Christian School of Clyde Hill, Washington, is seeking a High School Physical Science and Physics Teacher, and a High School and Junior High School Math Teacher for the school year beginning August 2009.

+ Belleview Christian School, 1601 98th Avenue Northeast, Clyde Hill, Washington 98004, 425-454-4028, info@bellevuechristian.org

+ Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), 7408 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208, 412-731-1177, Fax: 412-731-8861


[14] Crown & Covenant Publications The Book of Psalms for Worship Available in Late June 2009

Crown & Covenant Publications is taking pre-orders for The Book of Psalms for Worship, which is shipping in late June 2009.

+ Crown & Covenant Publications, 7408 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208, 412-241-0436, info@crownandcovenant.com

+ Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), 7408 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208, 412-731-1177, Fax: 412-731-8861


[15] Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church Celebrating 175^th Anniversary 19-20 September 2009

Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church (RPRPC) in New Castle, Pennsylvania, on 19-20 September 2009, will be celebrating the 175^th anniversary of its founding as the "Slippery Rock Branch" of the Reformed Presbyterian Church on 12 April 1834.

For further information, please contact RPRPC pastor Charles A. Brown at modernreformation@yahoo.com.

+ Rose Point Reformed Presbyterian Church, 468 Rose Point Road, New Castle, Pennsylvania 16101, 724-924-9519, modernreformation@yahoo.com

+ Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA), 7408 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15208, 412-731-1177, Fax: 412-731-8861

10 June 2009

Presbyterians Week Headlines

[1] U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama, in 4 June 2009 Speech at Cairo University in Egypt, Quotes from Koran Passage about Muslims Fighting Unbelievers
[2] New Hampshire Legalizes Homosexual Marriage
[3] Church of Scotland Investments Lose UK£89 Million in Value During the Past Year
[4] PCUSA General Assembly Turns to Early Retirements, Position Eliminations, and Reorganization to Meet Budget Goals
[5] PCA Pastor Disciples Caribbean-Area Ministers through Langham Preaching Partnership and John Stott Ministries
[6] Orthodox Presbyterian Church Holds 76^th General Assembly 27 May – 3 June 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan
[7] RCA General Synod President’ in Opening Remarks to Delegates, Lauds Belhar Confession and Identifies Worship, Baptism, and Ministry as Keys to RCA Identity
[8] RCA General Synod Adopts Belhar Confession
[9] Cathedral College Senior Fellow Addresses 21^st Century Religion at Western Theological Seminary
[10] Christian Defense Coalition Marks 20th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre
[11] Christian Defense Coalition Calls on U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama to Respect Public Faith Expressions
[12] UCLA Biology Professor Prohibits Graduate from Referencing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Student’s Pre-Graduation Speech
[13] Florida High School Seniors Rebel Against ACLU Lawsuit Silencing Teachers and Administrators by Praying Aloud the Lord’s Prayer at Graduation
[14] Phoenix, Arizona Church Leader Convicted and Sentenced for Ringing Church Bells
[15] Death of the Rev. Kálmán Csia
[16] Death of NIV and TNIV Translator the Rev. John Stek
[17] June 2009 Reformation Voice Available Online
[18] Inheritance Publications Offering No-Annual-Fee Book Club with Twenty Percent or More Savings


[1] U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama, in 4 June 2009 Speech at Cairo University in Egypt, Quotes from Koran Passage about Muslims Fighting Unbelievers

As reported by the Jihad Watch and Dhimmi Watch blog, in a 4 June 2009 speech at Cairo University in Egypt by U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama to the worldwide Muslim community, the U.S. President quoted, out-of-context, a passage from the Koran (Qur'an) where Obama was purportedly speaking about the shared interests of all human beings when he was actually quoting from a passage that instructs Muslims about fighting unbelievers.

Jihad Watch and Dhimmi Watch explains the passage in question, saying: “…the Qur'an is scolding Muslims who refused to accompany Muhammad on his expedition to Tabouk in northern Arabia, where he wanted to fight a Byzantine garrison. The Byzantines weren't there when he arrived, and so there was no battle, but he was considerably angered that some Muslims in Medina and among the Bedouins ("wandering Arabs") had refused to make the trip -- they "prefer[red] their lives to his life." The Qur'an promises that if they do anything that "angereth the disbelievers," they will be credited with having done a good deed, and Allah will repay them for such good deeds. The Muslims should fight the unbelievers and be harsh with them….In reality, the passage is about the necessity to wage jihad warfare against unbelievers, and not to fail to perform this duty. [Obama] took a passage about warfare and division and passed it off as part of a call for us all to come together and sing kumbaya.”

+ Jihad Watch and Dhimmi Watch


[2] New Hampshire Legalizes Homosexual Marriage

New Hampshire, on 3 June 2009, became the sixth state to legalize homosexual marriage, with provisions that all religious organizations, associations or societies have exclusive control over their religious doctrines, policies, teachings and beliefs on marriage; that the churches themselves will be able to decide whether to conduct religious marriages for same-sex couples; and that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same-sex spouses of employees.

+ Cybercast News Service, 325 South Patrick, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, 703-683-9733


[3] Church of Scotland Investments Lose UK£89 Million in Value During the Past Year

Church of Scotland investments have lost UK£89 million in value over the past year due to worldwide financial problems. UK£66 million in value was lost in three investment funds totaling UK£296 million in value, and the COS pension fund has lost more than UK£23 million and is now valued at UK£236 million. One of the three investment funds alone dropped twenty-seven percent in value. A shortfall in income is expected to cause COS reserve coffers, currently worth UK£59 million, to run out by 2018.

In order to deal with the budget shortfall, the COS may cut ministers’ stipends, the number of ministers, or abandon some church parishes altogether. Income from congregations and the methods whereby some well-attended congregations subsidize smaller congregations are being examined in hope of being able to better balance the COS budget.

+ The Herald, 200 Renfield Street, Glasgow, Scotland G2 3QB, 0141- 302-7000, Fax: 0141-302-7117, On-lineEditor@theherald.co.uk

+ Church of Scotland, 121 George Street, Edinburgh, Scotland EH2 4YN, 0131-225-5722


[4] PCUSA General Assembly Turns to Early Retirements, Position Eliminations, and Reorganization to Meet Budget Goals

In order to deal with budget shortfalls for 2009 and 2010, the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) Office of the General Assembly announced on 5 June 2009 the voluntary early retirement of three staffers, the elimination of two senior administrative assistant positions and one associate for examination position, and the creation for 2010 of an associate position and a program assistant position for preparation for ministry and examinations in the Office of Vocation.

+ Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, 888-728-7228, Fax: 502-569-8005


[5] PCA Pastor Disciples Caribbean-Area Ministers through Langham Preaching Partnership and John Stott Ministries

Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) pastor the Rev. Paul Carter of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Virginia, was in Grenada 18-21 May 2009 under the auspices of Langham Partnership Preaching and John Stott Ministries to disciple ministers from several Caribbean nations by teaching skills in biblical exposition, practical scriptural application, and writing sermons that focus on the biblical text.

Pastor Carter described the methodology of the teaching to be quite similar to that found in Christ-Centered Preaching: Redeeming the Expository Sermon by Bryan Chappell, President and Professor of Practical Theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

Langham Partnership Preaching seeks to encourage local and national movements for biblical preaching in countries around the world, and provides practical onsite support for preachers and teachers by working with national leaders to arrange seminars, provide resources, and build networks of training and support as part of a local movement committed to Bible exposition.

+ Langham Partnership International, Post Office Box 997, Guildford
GU1 9DS, England, info@langhampartnership.org

+ John Stott Ministries, 1050 Chestnut Street, Suite 203, Menlo Park, California 94025, 650-617-0390, Fax: 650-617-0389, info.jsm@johnstott.org

+ Presbyterian Church in America, 1700 North Brown Road, Suite 105, Lawrenceville, Georgia 30043, 678-825-1000, Fax: 678-825-1001, ac@pcanet.org


[6] Orthodox Presbyterian Church Holds 76^th General Assembly 27 May – 3 June 2009 in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The 76^th General Assembly of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) was held 27 May to 3 June 2009 at Kuyper College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The assembly elected the Rev. William Shishko as new OPC moderator, and outgoing moderator the Rev. Alan D. Strange led prayer on Shishko’s behalf. Stated Clerk the Rev. Donald J. Duff announced his retirement in 2010, and the Rev. George R. Cottenden was elected to a three year term as stated clerk beginning in 2010.

The Committee on Foreign Missions reported on the work going on in eleven active mission fields.

The Rev. Bernard Westerveld reported on his church planting and strengthening of existing l'Église Réformée du Québec (Reformed Church of Quebec (ERQ)) congregations. Several OPC church planters in the U.S. reported on their mission works.

A Diaconal Summit for 3-5 June 2010 at Wheaton College in Chicago, Illinois was approved.

The Committee on Revisions to the Directory for the Public Worship of God (DPWG) presented their final recommendations for amendments to the to the constitutional portion of the directory, which were adopted by the assembly and will be sent to the presbyteries for approval. Several amendments and additions to the Suggested Forms in the DPWG were considered and adopted by the assembly. Having concluded the work to which it was charged, the revisions committee which had served the latest three general assemblies was formally dissolved.

The 78th OPC General Assembly convenes 8 June 2011 at the Sandy Cove Conference Center in North East, Maryland.

+ The Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 607 North Easton Road, Building E, Box P, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania 19090, 215-830-0900, Fax: 215-830-0350


[7] RCA General Synod President’ in Opening Remarks to Delegates, Lauds Belhar Confession and Identifies Worship, Baptism, and Ministry as Keys to RCA Identity

In opening remarks to Reformed Church in America (RCA) General Synod delegates, RCA General Synod president Carol Bechtel spoke of her travels to several parts of the world, and lauded the Belhar Confession, which is the focus of the RCA 2009 General Synod, as “…a faithful and helpful expression of Reformed faith--and a growing edge of our identity."

Bechtel made several proposals to the 2009 General Synod, and focused on three areas that she believes will clarify the RCA's identity - worship, baptism, and ministry.

Bechtel concluded the opening remarks saying: "The church is not just a collection of people who have decided to align themselves with Jesus. It is the upshot of election. God chooses us, not the other way around. And that, ultimately, is very good news."

+ Reformed Church in America, 4500 60th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512, 800-968-6065, questions@rca.org


[8] RCA General Synod Adopts Belhar Confession

The Reformed Church in America (RCA) General Synod (GS) on 8 June 2009 adopted the Belhar Confession, which will now be put to a vote of the RCA classes, of which a two-thirds vote in favor is required to complete the adoption of the confession.

The Belhar Confession was written amid the apartheid controversies of 1980’s South Africa. A clause in the confession referring to "any other human or social factor" was a cause of concern among some of the GS delegates who fear that the clause may be applied to the RCA’s ongoing debate over homosexuality.

Walter Rozeboom, an elder at Providence Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan expressed concern saying that the Belhar Confession wanders from Reformed teachings by not stressing the cross of Jesus Christ as "the source and fountain of all reconciliation.”

Belhar Confession supporter the Rev. Andrea DeWard, pastor of Church of the Living Christ in Fremont, Michigan, said: "We need the Belhar that tells us how to act toward one another, not just in my congregation, but I need it in my family as a mother."

In other RCA GS news, an earlier decision to cancel due to financial concerns the 2010 RCA GS in Orange City, Iowa was reversed by a two-to-one margin.

+ The Grand Rapids Press, 155 Michigan Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, 616-222-5818, dgaydou@grpress.com

+ Reformed Church in America, 4500 60th Street Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49512, 800-968-6065, questions@rca.org


[9] Cathedral College Senior Fellow Addresses 21^st Century Religion at Western Theological Seminary

Diana Butler Bass, a senior fellow at the Cathedral College in Washington DC, recently spoke about religion in the 21^st Century at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Michigan to a group including two Christian Reformed Church in North America executives.

Ms. Bass said that the 21st Century will see an unexpected resurgence in religion, the dying of fundamentalism, and the move away from creeds, beliefs, and unresponsive institutions; and that in their place will be more emphasis placed on the movement of the Holy Spirit, greater intimacy among church members and their leaders, and creative approaches to worship.

Bass went on to say that that the line between what is a conservative and what is a liberal church is blurring, and that saying conservative churches are growing and liberal ones are declining fails to describe a new reality.

Bass says the conservative/liberal split is a holdover from an era that is passing, and that the new division is more like what Bass calls conventional religion and intentional religion. Bass defines conventional religion as being focused on institutions and creeds, and intentional religion as being focused on practices and community.

Bass believes that to create a vibrant church, leaders need to develop an ability to empathize with the challenges that people face, to understand the subtleties of human interaction, to find joy in one’s self in order to elicit it in others, and to stretch one’s self to better understand what has purpose and meaning for those the leader serves.

+ Christian Reformed Church in North America, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560, 616-241-1691, Fax: 616-224-0803 crcna@crcna.org


[10] Christian Defense Coalition Marks 20th Anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre

Christian Defense Coalition director and Reformed Presbyterian pastor the Rev. Pat Mahoney on 4 June 2009 placed roses outside the embassy of the Peoples Republic of China to honor those killed during the Tiananmen Square massacre of 4 June 1989.

Additionally, Mahoney will be challenging the administration of U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama to stop ignoring the human rights abuses and religious persecution by the Chinese government against their own people.

Mahoney stated: "Today we honor all those who were brutally massacred by the Chinese government twenty years ago in Tiananmen Square. Their only crime was speaking out for human rights and democratic freedoms. I will also be praying for the millions in China who today are being persecuted, intimidated and brutalized because of their faith traditions and political beliefs.”

During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Mahoney joined with Christian leaders Brandi Swindell and Michael McMonagle to hold the first ever public faith service in Tiananmen Square to honor the victims of the massacre. The trio was dragged out of Tiananmen Square twice, arrested, and finally deported.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741


[11] Christian Defense Coalition Calls on U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama to Respect Public Faith Expressions

The Christian Defense Coalition (CDC) on Sunday 7 June 2009 in front of the White House displayed a sixteen-foot cross, the Star of David, and a sacred symbol for the name of Jesus, with the purpose of calling upon U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama to respect and protect public expressions of faith after the Obama administration ordered that a cross and a symbol for the name of Jesus be covered up at a Georgetown University speech.

Faith leaders are asking that the White House issue a written policy saying they will not cover up any religious or sacred symbols during appearances and speeches by U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama.

The leaders and their groups are troubled and find hypocritical that U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama would highlight religious liberty and freedom at his recent speech in Cairo, Egypt, yet here in America he chooses to cover up Christian religious symbols and trample on religious liberty.

The coalition wonders out loud if U.S. President Barrack Hussein Obama is being "selective" when it comes to protected religious freedom. In his speech, he talked about protecting the right of women and girls to wear the hijab and using the courts to punish those who would deny it. Yet the President shows no respect for the Christian tradition by covering the cross and a symbol for the name of Jesus.

+ Christian News Wire, 2020 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington DC 20006, 202-546-0054, newsdesk@christiannewswire.com

+ Christian Defense Coalition, 540-538-4741


[12] UCLA Biology Professor Prohibits Graduate from Referencing the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Student’s Pre-Graduation Speech

University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Biology Professor Pamela Hurley has forbidden graduating student Christina Popa, from saying "I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ," in her own pre-graduation speech, telling the student that, unlike all other students allowed to write their own pre-graduation speech, Christina would be allowed to make a speech if she didn't mention Jesus Christ.

Dr. Hurley wrote Popa: “UCLA is a public university where the doctrine of separation of church and state is observed,” and then wrote Popa when she objected: "If you prefer, Christina, I can read none of what you wrote. I am very sorry that this is a problem for you."

The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), in a 5 June 2009 letter to UCLA officials, urged the university to refrain from violating Popa’s free speech rights. That same evening, Popa received a voice message from UCLA officials saying that she would be allowed to read her speech verbatim at the 11 June 2009 ceremony. The ADF received a letter from the UCLA administration on 10 June 2009 confirming Popa’s 5 June 2009 voice message.

+ Pray In Jesus Name Ministries, Post Office Box 77077, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80970, 719-360-5132, chaplaingate@yahoo.com

+ Alliance Defense Fund, 15100 North 90th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, 800-835-5233, Fax: 480-444-0025


[13] Florida High School Seniors Rebel Against ACLU Lawsuit Silencing Teachers and Administrators by Praying Aloud the Lord’s Prayer at Graduation

Most of the 400 students graduating from Pace High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida, stood up during their 30 May 2009 graduation ceremony and prayed in unison the Lord’s Prayer, protesting a lawsuit files by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) against their school, which led to a consent decree that essentially bans all Santa Rosa County (Florida) School District employees from engaging in prayer or religious activities.

Mathew D. Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “Neither students nor teachers shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate. The students at Pace High School refused to remain silent and were not about to be bullied by the ACLU. We have decided to represent faculty, staff and students of Pace High School, because the ACLU is clearly violating their First Amendment rights. Schools are not religion-free zones, and any attempt to make them so is unconstitutional.”

Great Schools Inc., a non-profit organization that empowers and inspires parents to get involved in their children's development and educational success, gives Pace High School a rating of nine out of a possible ten – one of only a handful of Florida schools to be so rated, and gives Pace High School a parental rating of five out of a possible five.

+ Liberty Counsel, Post Office Box 540774, Orlando, Florida 32854, 800-671-1776, Liberty@LC.org

+ Great Schools Inc., 301 Howard Street, Suite 1440, San Francisco, California 94105, 415-977-0700, info@greatschools.net


[14] Phoenix, Arizona Church Leader Convicted and Sentenced for Ringing Church Bells

Bishop Richard Painter of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced to ten days in jail, suspended, and three years of probation for ringing church bells and thus purportedly violating a city noise ordinance.

The church bells normally chimed on the hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The judge further ordered the church bells to ring at no more than sixty decibels only on Sundays for two minutes and on specific religious holidays.

Bishop Painter is being represented by the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), and is pursuing legal options to defend his rights.

A loudness test of the Cathedral of Christ the King bells had registered sixty-seven decibels at the church’s closest property line. The ADF says that a normal human conversation registers sixty to seventy decibels.

+ Alliance Defense Fund, 15100 North 90th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260, 800-835-5233, Fax: 480-444-0025


[15] Death of the Rev. Kálmán Csia

Former Calvin Synod pastor and director of the Bethlen Home Retirement Home from 1963-1978, the Rev. Kálmán Csia, 98, died 5 June 2009 with son Kálmán Csia and daughter-in-law Becky Csia at his bedside.

+ Magyar Református Egyház

+ Calvin Synod, C/O Rt. Rev. Koloman K. Ludwig, Bishop, 7319 Tapper Avenue, Hammond, Indiana 46324, 219-931-4321, kkludwig@aol.com


[16] Death of NIV and TNIV Translator the Rev. John Stek

New International Version (NIV) and Today’s New International Version (TNIV) Bible translator and former Old Testament professor at Calvin Theological Seminary, the Rev. John Stek, 84, died 6 June 2009 after battling a lengthy illness.

Stek served on the translation committee for the NIV for almost forty-five years, was chairman of the committee that in 2002 produced the TNIV with its gender-neutral language, and edited a popular NIV study Bible.

Stek is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Nadine, four children, sixteen grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and three sisters.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on 10 June 2009 at Fuller Avenue Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A memorial service will be held at Calvin Seminary Chapel on a later date to be announced.

+ The Grand Rapids Press, 155 Michigan Street Northwest, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, 616-222-5818, dgaydou@grpress.com

+ Christian Reformed Church in North America, 2850 Kalamazoo Avenue Southeast, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49560, 616-241-1691, Fax: 616-224-0803 crcna@crcna.org


[17] June 2009 Reformation Voice Available Online

The June 2009 issue of Reformation Voice is available online at http://hra.witnesstoday.org/RVJune2009.pdf.

Reformation Voice is a publication of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, whose purpose is to assist Reformed churches of the Heidelberg tradition to rediscover, preserve and celebrate their Reformed convictions and heritage through mutual fellowship, worship, prayer, work, counsel, and teaching.

+ Heidelberg Reformation Association, Rev. Howard Sloan, Secretary, 5543 Business 220, Bedford, Pennsylvania 15522


[18] Inheritance Publications Offering No-Annual-Fee Book Club with Twenty Percent or More Savings

Inheritance Publications, a publisher of biblical, Reformed literature, is offering several book clubs that provide savings of twenty percent or greater discount on the purchase of Inheritance Publications books.

For further information, please access http://www.telusplanet.net/public/inhpubl/webip/prod14.htm.

+ Inheritance Publications, Box 154, Neerlandia, Alberta T0G 1R0, Canada, 780-674-3949, Fax: 775-890-9118