Anglican Clergy Back Gay Bishops

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Anglican Clergy Back Gay Bishops

Hundreds of Anglican clergy and laity have signed an open letter supporting gay bishops in the Church of England.

In what they have described as “A Love Letter to Gay Bishops”, the signatories pledge to affirm the ministry of all bishops, regardless of sexual orientation, should they choose voluntarily to “come out” as gay.

It follows a warning by the campaigner Peter Tatchell, disclosed in Christian Today last week, that bishops known to be gay could be involuntarily “outed” if they do not do so themselves. The Bishop of Buckingham Alan Wilson estimates in a new book that as many as one in ten bishops could be gay.

The letter, organised through Facebook among members of Changing Attitude, a lobby working for the full inclusion of LGBT people in the Church of England, reads: “We write to assure those bishops who may choose to openly acknowledge their sexual orientation as gay or bisexual that you will receive our support, prayer, and encouragement.”

The letter has been signed by about 300 Anglicans, mostly from the Church of England and including clergy and Bishop Wilson. Members of other churches, including the Methodist Church, have also signed up.

Bishop Wilson said: “Sexual orientation is a deeply personal matter, but I am sure that as colleagues find the confidence to be as real about sexuality corporately as I always find they are personally and individually it will be a blessing to the Church.”

Rev Kate Bottley, the “Gogglebox” vicar from the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese, who also signed the letter said: “The role of Bishop is demanding and at times difficult, all our bishops deserve our encouragement, affirmation and prayers as they serve, and I am only too pleased to add my voice to this letter. I can only imagine how demanding the role of bishop is and so I am keen to offer my encouragement and support to all who serve in this way, especially those who choose to acknowledge their sexual orientation as gay or bisexual.”

She added: “Woop! woop! for all the beautiful, hardworking, committed Bishops who have given so much for the Gospel.”

Anglican theologian, Dr Susannah Cornwall, who writes and teaches on theology, sex and gender at the University of Exeter also signed the letter. She said: “There are gay and bisexual people present and active at every level of the Church of England, but, regrettably, the ministry of openly LGBT people is not always endorsed or encouraged. The lack of any publicly LGBT people in the House of Bishops perpetuates the mistaken perception that LGBT identity is incompatible with Christianity in general and episcopal ministry in particular. No-one should ever be forced to come out, or outed against their will. However, the Church of England’s public discourses on sexuality sometimes belie the diversity of experience and belief that already exists within the institution. As signatories to this letter we express support for gay and bisexual members of the House of Bishops, affirm their ministry, and assure those who do choose to come out that they will find bountiful support and encouragement in this part of their journey.”

Laura Sykes, editor of the online think tank Lay Anglicana and another signatory, said: “If the Church is to continue to be led by bishops who are appointed rather than elected, it is essential that the laity can trust them. Truth-telling on this issue would command trust and loyalty from the great majority of churchgoers. ”

Source:Christian Today

Pope condemns ‘evil’ Pastors

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Pope condemns ‘evil’ Pastors

The Pope has condemned “evil” pastors who lay “intolerable burdens” on the shoulders of others which they do nothing to lift. He has called on his priests and bishops to pay attention to “the debates of the time” and the “anguishes” of Catholics.

Pope Francis also said the people of God needed nurturing. He used the biblical metaphor of the fruit in God’s vineyard.

“God’s dream is his people. He planted it and nurtured it with patient and faithful love, so that it can become a holy people, a people which brings forth abundant fruits of justice,” he said.

But in both the ancient prophecy and in Jesus’ parable, God’s dream is thwarted, he said. “It is the farmers themselves who ruin the Lord’s plan: they fail to do their job but think only of their own interests.”

Speaking in his homily at St Peter’s, Rome at the opening of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family, the Pope said the job of leaders was to nurture the vineyard with freedom, creativity and hard work.

“But Jesus tells us that those farmers took over the vineyard. Out of greed and pride they want to do with it as they will, and so they prevent God from realising his dream for the people he has chosen.”

His words will be seen by some as criticisms of over-zealous interpretation of aspects of Catholic doctrine. The Pope is attempting to focus on evangelisation in a Church that is out of step with society on crucial issues such as contraception, marriage and divorce and homosexuality. Many Catholics simply ignore teaching on artificial contraception in particular, which is technically banned. The most pressing issue for many is the refusal to allow remarried divorcees to receive Holy Communion if their previous marriage has not been annulled. This is regarded as cruel and unjust to people such as women who are devout Catholics, but who have been deserted and divorced by faithless husbands.

The Pope said: “The temptation to greed is ever present.” He added: “To satisfy this greed, evil pastors lay intolerable burdens on the shoulders of others, which they themselves do not lift a finger to move.”

He continued: “Synod Assemblies are not meant to discuss beautiful and clever ideas, or to see who is more intelligent. They are meant to better nurture and tend the Lord’s vineyard, to help realise his dream, his loving plan for his people. In this case the Lord is asking us to care for the family, which has been from the beginning an integral part of his loving plan for humanity.”

He warned against being tempted to “take over” the vineyard, because of that greed which is always present in us human beings. “God’s dream always clashes with the hypocrisy of some of his servants. We can thwart God’s dream if we fail to let ourselves be guided by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit gives us that wisdom which surpasses knowledge, and enables us to work generously with authentic freedom and humble creativity.”

The homily served to emphasise the theme of modernising the Church’s approach to the concerns of its people, which he also spoke about at a vigil on Saturday night. He said: “To seek again what the Lord asks of His Church today, we must lend an ear to the debates of this time and perceive the odor of the people of today, to the point of being impregnated with their joys and hopes, their sadness and anguishes.”

There are nearly 200 bishops from around the world at the synod, which lasts for a fortnight. It will be followed by a bigger gathering next year.

Arthur Roche, former bishop of Leeds and secretary of the congregation for divine worship, told the Guardian that despite expectations running high around the world it was “impossible to say at this stage” what to expect from this month’s gathering.

Source: Christian Today

Our Latest Video

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Watch This !

LEFT BEHIND Movie now Showing in Cinemas – See Official Trailer

CM Editor
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LEFT BEHIND Movie now Showing in Cinemas – See Official Trailer

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwHQfvY_s_Y[/youtube]

LEFT BEHIND – OFFICIAL TRAILER

Without warning, millions of people around the globe simply vanish.

All that remains are their clothes and belongings … and an overwhelming sense of terror. The vanishings cause unmanned vehicles to crash and burn. Emergency forces everywhere are devastated. Gridlock, riots and looting overrun the cities. And there is no one to help or provide answers. In an instant, the earth has been plunged into darkness.

For RAY STEELE, the pilot of a jumbo jet, it means trying to calm his hysterical passengers who saw loved ones vanish before their eyes. It also means trying to land his damaged plane when every airport is jammed with burning wrecks, all while wishing that he could talk to his family one last time.

For BUCK WILLIAMS, the world-renowned journalist trapped at 30,000 feet, it means a struggle to understand the incomprehensible, the most devastating event in history.

And for CHLOE STEELE, Ray’s daughter back on the ground, it means trying to find her mother and brother. Lost in a world of chaos, she is forced to head home through a world where despair and rage rule the day.

This is the story of the Rapture, the story of those LEFT BEHIND.

LEFT BEHIND is directed by Vic Armstrong, from a screenplay by Paul Lalonde and John Patus, based on the novel “Left Behind” by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins and produced by Stoney Lake Entertainment. The novel is the first in the best-selling Left Behind series that has over 65 million copies in print.

 

LEFT BEHIND opens on October 3, 2014

 

Left Behind – Starring Nicolas Cage. In theaters on October 3, 2014.

More details: http://leftbehindmovie.com

Ten amazing Christian rapture movies that culture Left Behind

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Ten amazing Christian rapture movies that culture Left Behind

Christianity Today report – Implausibly, this month sees the release of a Big Screen adaptation of the Left Behind books, starring none other than Nicolas Cage. Even more implausibly, it’s only the latest in a long line of films on the subject.

Like the Blockbuster video shelves that they once adorned, these extraordinary covers are a gateway into a world of weird Christian movies you never imagined existed, and which perhaps never should have done.

1. A Thief in the Night

The first of four films about the rapture, presumably involving a big clock, a van, and a woman with a melting face. If that’s not scary enough to get you into church, nothing is.

 

2. Left Behind 3: World at War

Louis Gossett Jnr looks like he’s just remembered he’s a serious actor with credits like Roots behind him; Kirk Cameron is either on the phone, firing his agent or is somehow using that call to save the Remnant. Which do you think it is?

 

3. Judgment

The final part in a long-running film series that begins with 1998’s Apocalypse. It’s got Mr T in it. Who’s betting his role isn’t quite as major as the cover suggests? Who’s hoping he has to say the line: ‘I ain’t gettin’ on no cloud, fool’?

 

4. Vanished

‘From the producers of Left Behind’ isn’t something you’d necessarily boast about is it? It’s 55 minutes long, and it has Pastor John Hagee in it – end of. Also, is ‘twinkling’ the least movie-poster-worthy word ever?

 

 5. New World Order: The End has come

Only released last year, this is apparently a film made by people who thought Harry Potter’s forehead makeup was too subtle. The quote from the Dove Foundation assumes there will be some sort of ‘time of the beast.’ We think they should stick to campaigning for real beauty.

 

 6. It has begun

A ‘documentary’ that reveals – chillingly – that we’re already in the End Times.You might as well have that takeaway tonight.

 

7. The Last Messengers

See her? She’s an atheist, she is. Well – not for long! While it’s understandable that a low-budget film might need to use CGI artwork, we’re not entirely sure why that guy in the purple shirt also appears to be computer generated…

8. End of the Harvest

The cover of this rapture movie doesn’t suggest a huge amount of drama. Nor does the plot, which concerns some atheists coming to a debating group. MAYBE THERE ARE CYBORGS! But probably there aren’t.

 

 9. A Thief in the Night IV – The Prodigal Planet

You see what they’ve done with that title. What they’ve done with the wardrobe department is less clear. A magnificent use of text which makes one yearn for comic sans.

 

 10. 2012: Prophecy or panic?

…Panic, as it turned out.

Source & Original Content – Christian Today

ISIS release video showing lan Henning beheaded: David Cameron vows to bring killers to justice

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ISIS release video showing lan Henning beheaded: David Cameron vows to bring killers to justice

Christianity Today – Humanitarian Alan Henning has been beheaded by terrorist group ISIS, confirmed by another video purporting to show the grisly footage which emerged online Friday.

ISIS released another short video showing the beheading of British Aid worker Henning. In what has become a familiar sight, the victim is dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit with his captors behind him, covered up and waving a knife around.

Prior to the beheading, Henning speaks to the camera about the British Parliament’s decision to join America in the bombing campaign against ISIS.

After the brutal beheading, the camera shifts to American Peter Kassig, who ISIS threatens to kill next.

Henning was part of a group of volunteers that traveled to Syria in December 2013 to help bring food and water to those affected by the civil war. He was captured by masked gunmen just after Christmas.

After the video went live, Prime Minister David Cameron vowed to bring the killers to justice and stated: “The brutal murder of Alan Henning by ISIL shows just how barbaric and repulsive these terrorists are. Alan had gone to Syria to help get aid to people of all faiths in their hour of need. The fact that he was taken hostage when trying to help others and now murdered demonstrates that there are no limits to the depravity of these ISIL terrorists.”

The White House also released a statement after Henning’s death: “Mr. Henning worked to help improve the lives of the Syrian people and his death is a great loss for them, for his family and the people of the United Kingdom.

“Standing together with our UK friends and allies, we will work to bring the perpetrators of Alan’s murder — as well as the murders of Jim Foley, Steven Sotloff and David Haines — to justice. Standing together with a broad coalition of allies and partners, we will continue taking decisive action to degrade and ultimately destroy ISIL.”

Source : Christianity Today

Joel and Victoria Osteen Say New SiriusXM Radio Station will Show Different Side of Them

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Joel and Victoria Osteen Say New SiriusXM Radio Station will Show Different Side of Them
Next week, Joel and Victoria Osteen will launch their SiriusXM radio station. The megachurch pastors of Lakewood Church say that the radio station will show a different side of them.
The BLAZE reports that Joel and Victoria will have separate talk shows that feature sermons, as well as an opportunity for the public to interact with the celebrity pastors through candid conversations with callers. The Osteens will not have everything scripted and believe that the radio station will be an opportunity to show the public that they are normal people.
Joel Osteen said, “It’s nice that it’s a different side of us, because most of our other stuff is very prepared. I hope they’ll get a chance to see just that [we’re] real and that there’s humor and fun.”
Victoria Osteen said, “This is an opportunity that came and it’s a stretch. It’s something that we haven’t done before and I hope it says something to [show] people that we are real.”
Joel Osteen’s talk show premieres Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. ET and will continue to air at the same time every Monday. Victoria’s first show is Oct. 8 at 12 p.m. ET and will be aired every Wednesday.
Businessman and reality TV star Donald Trump called the Osteens during Monday’s launch event to discuss his faith and to offer kind words and well wishes for the station. Hear what he had to say below:
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/siriusxmentertainment/donald-trump-wishes-joel-and-victoria-osteen-good-luck[/soundcloud]
And listen to Oprah also call in and congratulate the couple on the launch of “Joel Osteen Radio”:
[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/siriusxmentertainment/oprah-talks-w-joel-and-victoria-osteen[/soundcloud]
With the rise of the Islamic State terror group and a plethora of negative headlines, Osteen said that he’s hoping his radio outfit can help listeners turn toward their faith and trust more fervently in God.

Seven Reasons Why We Should Not Give Up on Established Churches

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Seven Reasons Why We Should Not Give Up on Established Churches

If you truly believe that established churches have no hope, there is no reason to read this post. I am not, however, among those pessimists.

I am an obnoxious optimist about our churches.

Excited about This Book

What motivated me to write this post was a new book by my son, Sam Rainer: Obstacles in the Established Church. All familial prejudice aside, I am greatly heartened to read a work by a 30-something pastor about what we used to call “traditional churches.”

While the title caught my eye, the subtitle gave me hope: How Leaders Overcome Them. It is indeed a book of hope.

Defining an Established Church

Sam offered this definition of the established church: “An established church has a longstanding culture. The histories of these churches include generations of families. Established churches have enduring programs, staff positions, and expectations. In these churches tradition is cherished and change comes more slowly.”

It is perhaps that last sentence that captures the essence of frustration for leaders in these congregations: “In these churches tradition is cherished and change comes more slowly.”

Seven Reasons Not to Give Up

So why should we not give up on established churches? Building on the content of Sam’s book, I offer seven of many reasons.

  1. God is still at work in many of these churches. I wish you were privy to all the great stories of church revitalization that come to me. You would see great hope for these churches.
  2. Many pastors and other staff are still being called to established churches. God’s true calling does not take place unless He has a plan for these congregations.
  3. There are too many of these churches to give up. Depending on the definition you use, there are around 300,000 of these churches in the U. S. alone. We can’t abandon all of these churches.
  4. We need the facilities of these churches. Buildings are expensive. Land is scarce in many areas. Zoning restrictions are onerous in other locations. Either through revitalization or merger, we need to keep these billions of dollars in land and facilities for God’s work.
  5. There is a renewed emphasis in church revitalization. God is stirring the hearts of many for a reason.
  6. Churches and Christians are messy. If you have any doubt, read again 1 Corinthians. It’s always been that way. God does not give up on His people. We must not give up on His churches.
  7. Church membership is being taken more seriously. One of the struggles in many churches has been a weak view of church membership. Many churches expect nothing, and that’s exactly what they get. I am seeing hopeful signs of healthier expectations of members.

 A Hopeful Future

I don’t have my metaphorical head in the sand. I know there are serious issues in many churches. But it’s not time to give up on the established church.

Sam said it well when I asked him why he wrote Obstacles in the Established Church: “Many established churches have common obstacles preventing health and growth. I wrote the book to encourage church leaders that these obstacles are not insurmountable. Since the majority of churches in North America are established, we must care about these congregations. God does not give up on them; neither should we.”

Well said, Sam. Well said.

Dr. Thom Rainer is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Source : Christian Post

Ukraine: Christians Threatened with Firing Squads, Pastors Held Hostage

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Ukraine: Christians Threatened with Firing Squads, Pastors Held Hostage
Reports are surfacing that rebels are threatening churches, interrupting services and even holding pastors hostage in eastern Ukraine.
According to reports, rebels broke a ceasefire and attacked Donetsk airport this week. Thursday, a Red Cross aid worker was killed by shelling in Donetsk.
Last week, a Seventh Day Adventist minister was abducted during a church service by pro-Russian gunmen.
The Institute for Religious Freedom, which is based in Kiev, has reported several incidents of religious persecution that happened over the summer, including the capture of four men from Transfiguration Evangelical Church in Donetsk. One man escaped and said the others had been tortured and shot to death.
Other churches have reported that their buildings have been looted and taken over by pro-Russian forces.
“They ordered us to take the furniture and get out, insisting that these churches are sects and they will be destroyed. The people in the building were threatened with a firing squad if they made a fuss about the incident,” pastor Segiv Kosiak told IRF about the taking of the Word of Life Evangelical Church.

Breathe new life into your old PC for Free

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Breathe new life into your old PC for Free

IF your PC is slow when you run games, applications and your browser, there’s good news. You can easily breathe new life into your old PC for free, and avoid spending a lot of money on a new one.

Baidu PC Faster is designed to clean up your computer, manage updates and boost your Internet speed with a single click of a mouse.

Clear cache and junk files
Over time, a computer gets filled with things that can slow it down. Whenever you use your computer, little bits of code accumulate and take up disk space. Baidu PC Faster cleans it all instantly.

Optimize your start-up items
Every time your computer starts up, it has a long list of things to do, like turn on your Internet connection, open system services and get your computer ready to work.

With Baidu PC Faster, it’s easy to clear out unnecessary start-up items and save minutes each time you boot up.

Tune up your web browser
Everyone needs fast Internet! With an optimization tool like Baidu PC Faster, you can clean out the clutter and adware your computer doesn’t need, and browse the Web as quickly as you did when your PC was new.

To learn more about making your computer run like new, visit www.pcfaster.com/go/

Source : Manila Times

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