Sunday, August 31, 2008

VHP Plans kalash march for Swami Laxmananda

The BJD-BJP government in Orissa has been complicit in some way in the ongoing Christian cleansing in the State.

Praveen Togadia,VHP Leader, for example, was allowed by the state administration to visit the affected areas.

The swami’s funeral march was allowed to travel 200 km through the district, provoking violence. Wherever it went, arson, looting and killing followed the march. Now they are planning a kalash march. The kalash is supposed to carry the ashes of the swami but there are no ashes really.

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Orissa: Jeypore burning

Saturday,30 August 2008 21:56 hrs IST

A large mob near the district headquarters town of Koraput tonight blocked roads ensuing that no movement of force could be possible to Jeypore town which was literally burning. The district magistrate of Koraput Balakrushna Sahu and Deputy Inspector General of Police Sanjeev Panda who were on the way to Jeypore town along with forces, failed to reach the disturbed areas because of the blockade, sources said. Read it all
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The Story of
Kandhamaal

Kandhmaal is tribal dominated district in central Orissa.

It gets its name from the Kandhaa tribes which form 55 per cent of the population.The district also has a Dalit population of 15% and a Christian population of 25 per cent. Eighty per cent of the population lives below the poverty line. The literacy rate is only 52 per cent which is much below the national average.

About five decades agao the Christian missionaries started various philanthropic works by serving the poor and diseased, giving education to children and providing them livelihood. .

The Christian population has now risen to one lakh eighty thousand from only 14 thousand in 1970s. The number of churches and prayer houses built in last few decades is over one thousand. Read more

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Hindu Neighbours Protect Christians

Some of the 150,000 Christians in the Kandhamal area have been sheltered by Hindu neighbours, but about 5,000 are believed to have sought refuge in the forests, with up to 10,000 under guard in camps set up by the government. The Oberver. Read it all


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Saturday, August 30, 2008

Orissa under mob justice: 2000 houses destroyed

23 members of the Digal family killed
6000 people in relief camps: DNA News

Curfew imposed in Jeypore town


137 people arrested and 39 cases registered in connection with the violence.Read more
Centre favours CBI probe, Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal told reporters

Christians are forcibly Reconverted to Hinduism

Maoists say: "We killed Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati to avenge his villainous role in Kandhmal," said Azad, a leader of Maoist outfit, People's Liberation Guerrilla Army, in an interview to a leading Oriya daily on Friday. Read more

There is a complete collapse of gov­ernance in Orissa.
The Central Government should act to protect the People, the Church leaders ask.

The Bishop of Phulbani in the Church of North India (CNI), the Rt Revd Bijay Nayak, gave a graphic account of the events in his area by email. He writes: “Situation is very critical. More than 15 people are killed, among them seven are from our church from Barakhama and Udayagiri. Many church buildings are destroyed and still going on. Many many people are in jungle out of fear. Balliguda hostel, Udayagiri boys and girls hostel children were in the jungle last night. Continuously they are de­stroy­ing the people’s houses.

“Mr Mathew Naik is killed at Kritangia village near Raikia. He was boys’ hostel superintendent for many years and at present he was Diocese executive member. They caught and put him in the water and cut into pieces and burnt in front of the Church. They have also targeted the Christian leaders of the district. All the leaders are hiding. I request you with tears kindly organize the prayer for us.”

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Worship and Sermon by Mr. G. Greeto Racharia, BD IV

Worship and Sermon by Mr. G. Greeto Racharia, BD IV

Mr. G. Greeto Racharia, BD IV, led the evaluation worship and sermon , the last of the June term, on 27th August 2008. The worship started with a music prelude during which a slide show of slum children and refuges was presented with the caption “open your eyes to the realities around you.” This introduced the theme of his worship and sermon: “The Life giving mission of God Towards children.” The text selected was Genesis 21: 8-20, the story of Abraham casting away Hagar and Ishmael their the plight in the wilderness. The invocation song was the composition of Dr. Parattai (a) Theophilus Appavoo, who always experimented with unconventional tunes and style of folk music in worship. Greeto’s confessional prayer also used an unconventional format. He made his methodology clear at the very beginning: a reflection on the text from a sociological perspective of the suffering children. Greeto Racharia runs a Non Governmental Organization for the benefit of the children in one of the biggest slums in Chennai, Kannagi Nagar. It was his involvement with the slum children that made him to read the Bible from the perspective of the slum children who go without food and proper education.
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Friday, August 29, 2008


45,000 Church institutions catering to Five million students remain closed to bring spotlight on Orissa violence

Christian denominations like the Church of South India (CSI) and Marthoma Syrian Church joined the protest against the violence. “All those attending our institutions will attend work wearing black badges," said an official of Mar Thoma Church at its headquarters in Thiruvalla. In Kerala, around 5,900 educational institutions remained closed. The institutions that were closed in Kerala include four medical colleges and 11 engineering colleges run by the Catholic Church.

In Delhi scores of Christians marched to Orissa Bhawan, the office of the state resident commissioner, to protest the violence in Orissa against Christians. “Christians from at least 30 churches across the country participated in the rally in Delhi.

Several social activists like Udit Raj and Teesta Setelvad also participated in the protest march to Orissa Bhawan and addressed the gathering there. Read more



7th to 21st September, to be observed as a fortnight of prayer and solidarity for peace and harmony of all people of faith in India.


NCCI intitating an inter-faith peace group for peace measures in Orissa.

Rev.Raj Bharath Patta,Executive Secretary, Commission on Dalits and Adivasis, National Council of Churches in India, writes:
At a moment like this, we all need to be united in our efforts, and we in NCCI are working hard to get connected with people in Orissa through our regional council, the Utkal Christian Council. An inter-faith peace group is envisaged to be initiated for peace measures in Orissa, and I also request you all to organise inter-faith groups in your localities in sensitizing them in addressing issues on communal violence and for a wider network of solidarity for the Dalit Christians in Orissa.

It was also decided that on the 7th September 2008, Sunday, the Churches will declare a day of prayer and fasting and will hold prayer services and memorial gatherings, highlighting the need for solidarity with all the victims and pray for peace and harmony among people of all faiths. Therefore I urge you all to join in observing the day of prayer on the 7th, wherever you are and take the lead in your local congregations to do so. At our NCCI secretariat, few prayers and a brief worship order has been prepared and is posted on our NCCI website for you all to make use of those resources for the 7th. As we all know 21st September is celebrated as the International Day of Prayer for Peace, which was initiated by the World Council of Churches, may I also ask you all to take the occasion from the 7th to 21st September, a fortnight, in calling all people of faith for prayer and solidarity for peace and harmony in India.

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Catholic schools in India protest

About 25,000 schools and colleges in India run by the Catholic Church remained closed today to protest against continuing anti-Christian violence in Orissa. The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described the violence as a "national disgrace".

Pope Benedict XVI labelled the death of Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati as "deplorable". He said,"I firmly condemn any attack on human life." Pope told a crowd of pilgrims on Wednesday. "I express spiritual closeness and solidarity to the brothers and sisters in faith who are being so harshly tested."

Read

Gurukul College also Joined the protest meeting held in Chennai Central on Friday, on 29th August 2008.

Human Rights Watch, Christian Solidarity Network, Dalit Freedom Network and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty have appealed to foreign ministers in the EU and the US to immediately call for an end to the sectarian violence in India's Orissa.

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In a memorandum submitted to Dr Manmohan Singh the Christian community said, “We are pained and shocked at the merciless killings and unabated violence against the Christians all over the State of Orissa. While the Christian leaders have condemned the heinous crime perpetrated on Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati and his associates in the Ashram at Kandhamal District, Orissa, the killings of and atrocities against Christians are the evil designs of the fanatic fundamentalists. They are still continuing the violence and the State Government has failed to protect the Christians and other innocent people”.

The way Sangh goons have killed tens of Christians in the state with impunity shows that how lax we are when it comes to saving the minorities in the country.

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 Letter from Orissa -- what have we done wrong?
I believe God is love, and our job is only to love and serve. In fact, over 90 % of my community health team is Hindu and not Christian. We do not work with a village unless we are invited in writing. Panchayath leaders are always involved. Tribal leaders evaluate and guide our work. Most of our education centres actually open with a small puja or breaking of a coconut. So tell me – what have we done wrong? Is it wrong to help a lady deliver safely in a hill village ? Is it wrong to help parents run a school where the teacher never comes, so that their children can get primary education ?

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Gayadhar Digal: Frenzied mob did not know he reentered Hinduism and cut him to pieces


Why him? And a villager whispered: "He practiced Christianity for sometime, but was back to the Hindu-fold later. Maybe those in the mob who were from nearby areas, didn't know about his reentering Hinduism."

"The situation in Kandhmal is such that Christians have started claiming to be Hindus to escape communalists' rage. As such, it's difficult to ascertain religious affiliation of people. Many people, even after embracing Christianity, choose to remain Hindus in official records for SC/ST benefits," said a police officer.

Read more
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If God does not want to save us, then let us die,"

Fifty-five-year-old Pushpalata Nayak's house has been burnt down and her family has been without food and shelter for four days. Most people in Badimunda village share her fate.

"No one is here to protect us. Police is fleeing when the mob comes. We are old people, where shall we go? At this age how can we change our religion? If God does not want to save us, then let us die," says Pushpalata

Fifty houses have been burnt down by a violent mob in the village and all the house belong to Christians. Even the houses of some of those who had reconverted to Hinduism were torched.

Some of the victims however feel communal hatred was not the only motive.

Read more
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Kandhs and Panu tribals set against one another
A source in the Rapid Action Force said the unrest had spread deep. Not only were the state police not acting, the source said, a senior bureaucrat on deputation in Kandhamal hid in the house of a CRPF company commander yesterday fearing the mobs. “The situation is so bad that about 10,000 Christians are hiding in a hill in Kandhamal while the police are not acting,” said a senior CRPF officer in New Delhi.

A Reuters report said mobs armed with rods put up roadblocks across the district and others attacked churches.
People armed with bows and arrows and axes have attacked Christian homes, dragging out women and children. Hundreds have fled to forests and nearby hills, officials said. “Moments after we passed by a Christian village, people set it on fire and everything was over within minutes,” a senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said from Kandhamal.
The Kandhamal clashes are primarily between the Kands, who are predominantly Hindus, and the Panu tribals, who are Christians. The latter are financially better off and are into several trades, including money-lending, sources said.

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Communal violence in state resulted from negligence -- The Statesman
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Monday, August 25, 2008

Kandhamal is Burning

Kandhamal is Burning

Update: Seven More die in Orissa

A Letter from Orissa
This is an emergency. There is a pogrom-like campaign being carried out today in most districts of Orissa, with the worst situation in the central district of Kondhamal. All over the state, Churches and Christians are being systematically attacked. And the outside world doesn’t know.

Some of you may know that the district of Kondhamal (or Phulbani) in the middle of Orissa was racked by violence in December 2007, just 8 months ago. The violence erupted on Christmas Eve, when there was an attack on the cavalcade of Swami Lokananda Saraswati, a leader of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad. This happened on top of a mounting agitation by the tribal organization, Kui Samaj, against Dalits and their claim for tribal status. The two together made a potent combination. Almost immediately a cascade of events followed, with trees cut all over the district to close off roads, and mobs on a trail of destruction. Four days later, so much was lost – Churches, Christian NGO’s and infrastructure were selectively destroyed. In the fights that broke out at least 300 Hindu houses and 300 Christian houses were destroyed.

An Enquiry Commission was set up to probe into the violence. This last week we have seen news reports of people giving evidence to the Commission. Some have been alleging that the whole thing was pre-planned and orchestrated by the VHP. And in the middle of all this, an armed group of maybe 20-30 people broke into the Ashram of Swami Lokananda and shot him and 4 others. Press reports suggested this was the work of Maoists. The VHP says it was the Christians. Even as the body of the Swamiji was being brought to his home in procession for the funeral rites, a state-wide bandh was called. The Press reported that the Bandh was complete almost throughout Orissa, with all traffic stopped, trains held up, shops and offices closed, schools and colleges shut etc, while protest processions were taken out in most towns.

But what the media did not report was the huge campaign of violence that has been unleashed in district after district, and town after town. The district of Kondhamal was cut off exactly as was done in December, but this time the reports coming out are of vicious violence, targeting Christians and their homes; priests and nuns; Churches and Christian Organisations. We are hearing desperate cries from friends in the districts ; one girl whose house was destroyed with a bomb last evening ; she and her family are hiding in the forest now. Another of our girls, saying her house has been burned down and she can’t locate her family members. Another called to say nuns are being raped and priests kidnapped. There are reports of arson and destruction of Churches from all over Orissa – Boipariguda and Narayanpatna in Koraput District, Umerkote in Nabarangapur District, Muniguda and Bissamcuttack in Rayagada District, Padampur in Bargarh District and so on. The news we are getting is that the Police and the District Administrations are trying their best to control situations, but they are far too few in the face of simultaneous movement of multiple mobs.

All sorts of agendas and scores are being settled under the cover of a “spontaneous backlash”. It is neither spontaneous or a backlash. The innocent are made scape-goats.

I write this as night is falling on the 25th of August 2008. Officially the Bandh is over. Roads are being cleared and traffic is beginning to move. But will the violence end ? And who will count the losses ? Or do we just go back to work as usual. Does India care ? The National Press is busy with J&K, and Singur and Beijing. We are too insignificant to warrant reporting. But Information is our only hope. The news must be publicized. People outside have to know what is happening. And so I write to you. Please look and listen. And pray for us. Sphere: Related Content

Gurukul Forum for Social and Theological Issues

Praxes: Gurukul Forum for Social and Theological Issues Sphere: Related Content

The Killing of VHP Leader evokes violence against minorities in Orissa

According to media reports thirty armed Naxals ambushed the Ban Basi Kalyan ashram for girls at Jalespata ashram, near Tumudibandh some 340 km from Bhubaneswar, in Kandhamal District of Orissa when Janmashtami celebrations were taking place on Saturday evening. The attack killed four people, including the senior VHP leader Swami Lashmananda Saraswat, the chief of the Ashram. Other dead were prominent VHP leaders, Arupananda, Chinmayananda and Mata Bhaktimayee. Saraswati has served tribes, mainly Kandhs, in the region. His main ashram is located at Chakapad in the same district.

The Naxals threw grenades and opened indiscriminate firing at the ashram. Tension broke out at some places in the tribal-dominated Kandhmal after the attack on the ashram and roads leading to Tumudibandh were sealed, police said that steps were being taken to prevent any communal flare-up in the district. Kandhamal, which witnessed violence during Christmas in December last year, has long been a communal flash point. In January this year too, violence had erupted after Christian missionaries were attacked by Hindu groups. Kandhamal district has a population of around 600,000 including 150,000 Christians.The district has been put on high alert and additional police forces, including the CRPF, have been rushed in to keep stock of the situation. Section 144 imposed in entire Kandhamal district.The whole state of Orissa has been put on high alert.

In a fallout of the Kandhamal incident, a prayer house was burnt in Tentulieadapada area of neighboring Sundargarh district on Sunday, a van of some Catholic nuns was destroyed, and the sisters were injured.

The All India Christian Council condemned the killing of VHP leader. Dr. Sam Paul, AICC National Secretary of Public Affairs, said, "The Christian community in India abhors violence, condemns all acts of terrorism, and opposes groups of people taking the law into their own hands."

VHP has called for 12-hour Orissa bandh on Monday to protest the killings.

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Sunday, August 24, 2008

Rosemary Radford Ruether Deprived of Teaching Post



The Catholic University of San Diego (USD)_Department of Theology and Religious Studies published on USD website its election of Professor Rosemary Radford Ruether, an eco-feminist who refers to God as the feminine "Gaia" and supports abortion and contraception, to the Monsignor John R. Portman Chair in Roman Catholic Theology for 2009-2010 academic year. Ruether was expected to teach one undergraduate course and deliver the annual Portman Lecture as part of her honorary position.

Later, USD Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs, Pamela Gray Payton, stated that the decision was reversed "upon review of the specific purpose" of the honorary chair, which was established in 2000 as a "sign of the Catholic character of the University."

To read more click here Sphere: Related Content

Women abandon the churches in England .

Church in the World: Women abandon the churches in England . Sphere: Related Content

Friday, August 22, 2008

Esao Basumatary's worship and sermon

Esao Basumatary's worship and sermon

Esao Basumatary, BD IV, conducted his evaluatory worship and sermon on 20th August, 2008. The theme of the sermon was "A call for God's inclusive mission through transformation." The text was Matthew 8:5-13 (Jesus healing the centurion's servant). The sermon was divided in to three sections: (1) Preparing ourselves to be transformed for God's mission - self transformation, (2) Becoming an agent of transformation for God's mission and,( 3) Practicing God's inclusive mission. His major emphasis was that unless one has been transformed one cannot be part of God's mission: To change others we have to change ourselves first. To teach others we have to learn first. Being transformed is the precondition to become an agent for God's mission. God's mission is inclusive. Inclusive mission is participating in God's mission by joining hands with others who work for the upliftment of the marginalized regardless of religion, caste and economic status.

To continue reading click here
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Thursday, August 21, 2008

Gurukul Alumnus Chosen as Metropolitan Designate of Malankara Syrian Church



Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Abraham Thukalan was chosen as Metropolitan designate of the Malanakara Syrian Chuurch. He was elevated to the order of Ramban (Rabban- Monk) by His Beatitude the Catholicos Mor Baselios Thomas I at a solemn function held at the St. Athanasius Cathedral, Puthencuriz on August 11, 2008. Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Thukalan will henceforth be known as 'Sthepahnos.' Ramban Sthepahnos will be consecrated as Mtropolitan for the diocese of Idukki on Sunday 24th August, 2008 by the supreme head of the Church His Holiness the Patriarch of Antioch & all the East at the St. Peter & St. Paul Cathedral, Mor Aphrem Seminary, Damascus along with Rev. Fr. Paul (Ullas) Varkey Vettikkunnel (Ramban Shemavun). Fr. Kuriakose Abraham studied in Gurukul for a short course in the Department of Communication.

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Vatican Says "Yahweh" Not to Be Pronounced

Theology Reader: Vatican Says "Yahweh" Not to Be Pronounced Sphere: Related Content

John 2:13-22 Reformation Day Sermon

Paul in his first letter to Corinthians (3: 16) tells the members of the church that they are the temple of God. People are the Temple of God. The temples that raised of stone or marbles smell the exploitation of the poor which are detested by God. To find glory and satisfaction in such magnificent edifices built up at the expense of the poor is devilish and no stones of such a temple “ will be left on one another, [but ] all will be thrown down (Mark 13:1-2). Invest not in buildings but on people, is the exhortation of Paul. God’s temple is God’s people. God starts counting God’s people beginning from the lost and the least; God starts building God’s temple from the stone that was thrown away by builders, making it the corner stone. The primary concern of any church must be God’s concern for the world which God so loved and others rejected or exploited. Any movement will turn to an institution with in fifty years has become an accepted maxim. God wanted the Great Day of Atonement to be proclaimed in every fifty years, the Jubilee year (Lev. 25, Deut.15). Atonement is the restoration of people’s right and dignity, liberation from their slavery, restoration of their land rights, and liberation of those who are imprisoned.

Read the full sermon here
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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Maker of Film on Binayak Sen's Life Imprisoned for 90 days

Ajay T G, who made a film on the life and work of Dr. Binayak Sen, was arrested under the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security (CSPS Act, 2005) on May 5, 2008, for “having links with the outlawed Communist Party of India (Maoist)." Dr. Sen was also arrested on similar charges on 14 May 2007. Ajay has been serving as a state executive of the Peoples Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) in Chattisgarh.

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Saturday, August 16, 2008

The deafening silence of dissent: Humanae Vitae after Forty years

The deafening silence of dissent: Humanae Vitae after Forty years Sphere: Related Content

“Silver Linings” in Indian Freedom Struggle: Moses P. Manohar

Gurukul Independence day Celebrations

Dr. Moses P. Manohar, Executive Director of Inter Church Service Agency (ICSA, Egmore, Chennai) and a Visiting Faculty at Gurukul was the chief guest for the 61st Independence Day celebrations in Gurukul on 15th August 2008. He hoisted the National Flag and gave a very meaningful Independence Day Message. Dr. Moses P. Manohar in his speech recollected the contributions of the freedom fighters and outlined four “silver linings” that made Indian freedom movement unique and remarkable. Read it all here
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Other Freedom Thoughts: "India-LXI"


Other Freedom Thoughts: "India-LXI"

As our beloved India turns 61—in terms of significance an inconsequential double-digit before the sheer sweep of history—do we have much to cheer? We sit on the debris of bomb blasts that keep dismembering us with clockwork regularity. The branding 'LXI' befits our old-country new-nation legacy because the acronym wears a gladiatorial crown forged in Augustan Rome. Let us clamber on to this wagon and look for 61 of India's most defining characteristics, without which our country would not have been half as desirable and alluring as she is. Read it all from Bishwadeep Moitra's article in Outlook
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The Chronological Study Bible


"The Chronological Study Bible" will be released this fall in the United States.
The latest edition rejiggers the order of books, psalms, and Gospels in an effort to provide a historical framework for a text most scholars consider chronologically challenged.
So, for example, whole sections of Isaiah and Nehemiah are reordered to better reflect an accurate historical timeline; the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are merged into one based on Mark's chronology; and some of St. Paul's letters (which traditionally appear later in the New Testament) are woven into the Book of Acts.
Read it all here
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Friday, August 15, 2008

Evaluation Sermon by Ms. Rosalind Elaiyarani

Rosalind Elaiyarani, BD IV, conducted her evaluation worship and sermon on Wednesday 13 August 2008. The text was Micah 4:1-5. The sermon was titled, "Towards a New Community in Obedience to God." She had three points in her sermon: 1) Towards a community of Unity. 2) Towards community of Peace. 3) Towards a community of Economic Sustainability. Read more Sphere: Related Content

Chengara Land Sturggle

Aound 5000 landless families who are engaged in a struggle to claim land for a living in Chengara in Kerala State are facing violent reprisal from vested interest groups with the connivance of the ruling coalition. In order to show solidarity to the victims and to put pressure on the Government of Kerala to act immediately and secure justice a petition addressed to the President of India by some concerned individuals and organisations are being circulated. You can also participate in this campaign by signing the petition here.


Read more here.


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Thursday, August 14, 2008

Nikah solemnized by woman in Lucknow


The nikah of Naish and Imran, which was solemnized by a woman qazi, has created much controversy and debate among the Islamic clergy in Lucknow.

At their wedding here Tuesday night, the qazi's task was performed by Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, who is a member of the Planning Commission of India.

Naish Hasan, 34, is a postgraduate in economics and women rights activist running her own NGO, Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan, which had recently brought out its own draft of nikahnama.

Its version of nikahnama was in sharp deviation from the traditional one but it was claimed to be in the larger interest of Muslim women and had no room for separation by triple utterance of the word talaq.

Read it all here

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Biodynamics in Agriculture


Biodynamics is a science of life-forces, a recognition of the basic principles at work in nature, and an approach to agriculture which takes these principles into account to bring about balance and healing. In a very real way, then, Biodynamics is an ongoing path of knowledge rather than an assemblage of methods and techniques.

Biodynamics is part of the work of Rudolf Steiner, known as anthroposophy - a new approach to science which integrates precise observation of natural phenomena, clear thinking, and knowledge of the spirit. It offers an account of the spiritual history of the Earth as a living being, and describes the evolution of the constitution of humanity and the kingdoms of nature. Some of the basic principles of Biodynamics are: (Read more)
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

William P. Young’s Mesmerizing novel, The Shack

William P. Young’s The Shack, is within the top-100 best-selling titles at Amazon. The book is becoming a hit and especially among students and among those who are part of the Emergent Church. The book is acclaimed as a "life-changer, a transformer.” This book, which was released in May has already gone into its fourth printing. It has obviously struck a chord with Christians.
The Shack revolves around Mack (Mackenzie) Philips. Four years before this story begins, Mack’s young daughter, Missy, was abducted during a family vacation. Though her body was never found, the police did find evidence in an abandoned shack to prove that she had been brutally murdered by a notorious serial killer who preyed on young girls. As the story begins, Mack, who has been living in the shadow of his Great Sadness, receives a strange note that is apparently from God. God invites Mack to return to this shack for a get together. Though uncertain, Mack visits the scene of the crime and there has a weekend-long encounter with God, or, more properly, with the godhead.
God is represented by a large African-American woman, known as Papa. Jesus is a young middle-aged man of Middle-Eastern (i.e. Jewish) descent with a big nose and rather plain looks while the Holy Spirit is played by Sarayu, a small, delicate and eclectic woman of Asian descent.

Read it all in the review by Tim Challies Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Vincent Brümmer: Atonement

Vincent Brümmer: Atonement, Christology and the Trinity (2005).

He contends that the church's ancient doctrines are no longer readily intelligible because of their "Platonic categories," and that they should be re-formulated in existential or personalist categories. His starting point is a theological anthropology that highlights the human aspirations to fulfill one's self, to enter into communion with others, and to become united with God. The struggle between humanity's deepest longings and its frustrations is the result of our estrangement from God. In order to move toward wholeness, people must open themselves to God's grace. When they do, they find that God is intent on healing the alienation in human life, and, in response to God, men and women can undergo a change of heart and mind that re-orients them toward God, self, and neighbor. This dynamism of divine forgiveness and human repentance constitutes "the matrix of faith" exists at the heart of Christianity. According to Brummer this matrix or movement also operates in Judaism and Islam, therefore it can serve as the common ground for interreligious dialogue among the Abrahamic religions. In Brümmer's judgment the Christian conviction that God extends forgiveness to all people should anchor Christian reflection on God's saving work in Jesus Christ. Indeed, this conviction calls into question theologies that speak of Jesus Christ paying humanity's debt to God, or propitiating God's anger, or becoming the sacrifice that satisfies God. Christians must remember that God "would rather suffer at our hands than to turn his back on us" This soteriological idea leads to a christological one: Jesus Christ is the revealer of God's love for us and also of our most appropriate response to God.

For the full article go to:
Christology Readings: Atonement, Christology and the Trinity: Making Sense of Christian Doctrine, By Vincent Brummer

For Various theories of atonement click here. Sphere: Related Content

Monday, August 11, 2008

Scripture Interpreter: Bible for the Middle Class




Most middle class people stay away from the Bible as it expects them to change, with the MCM Bible they can own and read a Bible that suits their lifestyle choices.
See how Matt.19: 6-9 is translated :....Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate unless things are getting a bit hard and they really have no idea how to communicate with each other and he finds her parents unbearable, and she is tired of his excessive snoring”"Why then,” they asked, “did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?” Jesus replied, “Moses permitted you to divorce your wives. But it was not this way from the beginning. I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, different life goals, constant arguing over which new BMW to buy, or a clash over the colour scheme in the kitchen and marries another woman isn’t very sensible.”
(more here)

Scripture Interpreter: Bible for the Middle Class Sphere: Related Content

How Churches Might Face the Coming Crises?

Here is what Chuck Warnock a Baptist pastor see "How Churches Might Face the Coming Crises" by adapting to the three interrelated crises--energy, economy and environment. Here are some excerpts:

For him "Church will no longer be the place we go. Church will be the people we share faith with. Churches will still meet together for worship at a central time and location, but that will become secondary to the ministry performed during the week. Church buildings will become the resource hub in community ministry, like the old Celtic Christian abbeys. Church impact will replace church attendance as the new metric. Churches will sell their conventional buildings and reestablish in storefronts that operate as retail businesses six days a week, and gathering places on Sunday (or Thursday or whenever).Churches will focus outwardly on their "parish" more than inwardly on their members. Church staff will become more community-focused rather than church-program focused and become team leaders in new missional ventures.
With fewer people "attending" church, fewer will also attend Christian education classes. Churches will deliver Christian education content via mobile devices. Short video clips accessible from iPhones (and other smart devices) will be the primary content carriers for church and culture. Read more here

Church in the World: How Churches Might Face the Coming Crises Sphere: Related Content

TELC Bishop J.G.Johnson Passed Away on Sunday 10th August 2008

Rt. Rev. Dr. Joshua Gnanbaranam Johnson passed away on Sunday 10th August 2008 at Chennai. Funeral will be held on Tuesday in the Lutheran Arulnathar Church, Kellys, Kilpauk, Chennai 600007. He was the TELC bishop of Tanquebar. He was seventy five years old.

Rev. Dr. Ponniah Manoharan, Director, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai, expressed his condolence in his obituary to the community. Bishop Johnson was a prolific writer and served Gurukul as a teacher and then its Director. Gurukul community offered special prayers for the bereaved family during the worship services. For other details and information of the funeral services click here. Sphere: Related Content

Did Jesus play Cricket?

Dr Abraham Terian, a visiting professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as Fulbright Distinguished Chair in the Humanities, says that in the Armenian Gospel of the Infancy, translated into Armenian in the 6th century from a much older lost Syriac original, a passage tells of Jesus playing what may well be the precursor of cricket, with a club and ball. He gives the following translation: "He (Jesus) would take the boys to the seashore and, carrying the playing ball and the club, he would go over the waves of the sea as though he was playing on a frozen surface, hitting the playing ball."

Quoting from his Armenian source, Terian says the gospel relates how Jesus, at the age of nine, had been apprenticed to a master dyer named Israel in Tiberias, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. To read the full story click here Sphere: Related Content

Jerry Achen on Global Warming Awareness Day 08.08.08

Fr. Jerry Kurian, currently doing doctoral studies in Communication in Gurukul suggested ten ways to beat the global warming locally. He was talking to the Gurukul Community on the August 8th 2008 at 8 pm when the Gurukul lights were switched off to show its solidarity with those who are concerned with global warming. Chennai has followed Sydney and Mumbai, in this exercise of solidarity. Jerry Achen who belongs to the Syrian Orthodox Church has been a member of the faculty of the Orthodox Seminary at Mulanthuruthy, Kerala. To enter into his thought world go to his blog, Jerry achens world.

To read the full text of the speech click here. Sphere: Related Content

Thursday, August 7, 2008

The Archbishop of Canterbury Concluding Presidential Address to the Lambeth Conference 2008

The Archbishop of Canterbury Concluding Presidential Address to the Lambeth Conference 2008 Sphere: Related Content

Dr. Rajaratnam's 89th Birthday Celebrations

Dr. Rajaratnam's 89th Birthday Celebrations Sphere: Related Content

Dr. Raj Irudaya S. J. Gurukul Retreat Leader

The Staff and Students Retreat for the First Term was led by Rev. Fr. Raj Irudaya S. J. on August 6, 2008 at the Gurukul Schwans Memorial Chapel. Dr. Raj Irudaya, a Johannine scholar, is currently the Rector of the Aikiya Alayam, Arul Kadal Jesuit Seminary, Mylapore. The theme of the Retreat was "Mission of Jeus Today: Johannine Perspectives and challenges." Raj Irudaya led three sessions. He emphasized three features of Jesus Mission: 1) to the marginalized 2) to the women and 3) to the non-Jewish people. The overall purpose of Jesus mission was to make the marginalized, the women and those outside of the Jewish community, children of God, members of the Kingdom of God. He interpreted Jesus' mission from the perspective of the Dalit, women and the pluri-religious, cultural context of India. The morning session started with Holy communion led by Dr. P. Manoharan (Gurukul Director), Rev. Sandeep Theophil (MTh.I -- Communications), Rev. Baset Bassanio Mardi (MTh.I -- Theology) and Ms. Sonia John (MTh.II -- Theology). Dr. K. Rajaratnam,the Director Emeritus of Gurukul, whose Birth day was on August 6th, was also present for the Communion Service. In the evening there was a Birthday celebration in honour of Dr. Rajaratnam for which the chief guest was Archbishop Chinnappa of the Madras-Mylapore Archdiocese. (To read more click here) Sphere: Related Content

Theology of Development

For some articles on theology of development use the link: LifeWorld. Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Rev. Usha Rani Subburam

Obituary

Rev. Ms. Usha Rani Subburam, who was a member of the faculty in the Department of Christian Ministry in Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai, died yesterday evening. She was an ordained minister in the Church of South India (Vellore Diocese-honourary ordination) and a member of the Tamil Methodist Church, Vepery. She was a chronic diabetic and under dialysis for some years. She was a committed and effective teacher who had been in charge of preaching and communication for B. D. students. Before joining Gurukul she worked with FMPB for several years. She is survived by her husband Mr. Subburam and daughter. The funeral will be held at the Kilpauk Cemetery at 5 pm today (05.08.08). We express our heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family and thank God for her beautiful Christian witness in Gurukul and in the City of Chennai.
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Saturday, August 2, 2008

Book Review --Y. T. Vinaya Raj. Re-imagining Dalit Theology - Postmodern Readings.

Even though the book is only less than 100 pages, it is rich and solid in its contents. The attempt of the author is to construct an Indian Christian theology based on Dalit experiences along postmodern lines. Vinaya Raj views caste as an epistemological problem. Caste as an episteme positions Dalits in a “subordinate” social status and renders them as “lesser human beings.” To read more click here



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Friday, August 1, 2008

Evaluation Worship and Sermon: Vakappalli Dora Babu

V. Dora Babu, BD IV, conducted his evaluation worship and sermon on July 30, 2008 in the Gurukul Schwans Memorial Chapel. He preached on the text, Acts 16: 9-15. The sermon was titled "'God's Mission' -- A Journey from Vision to Mission." The worship included songs in Hindi, Malayalam and Tamil; also there was a prayer of confession suiting the message of the sermon. The sermon started with the story of Helen Keller who lost her eyesight and hearing ability at the age of one and half years due to some illness. "What would be worse than being born blind?" she was asked once. "Having sight without vision," was her reply. (....to read more click here) Sphere: Related Content