CUBA: “Finally!” exclaimed Pope Francis upon meeting Patriarch Kirill in the Havana airport. Not because the Russian Orthodox Church leader’s flight had been delayed, but because this was the first meeting between the heads of Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy’s largest branch since Christianity split into West and East in 1054. The reason: ISIS, and how persecution of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa has hit record levels. “We believe that these martyrs of our times . . . are a pledge of the unity of Christians,” the primates declared. Many observers saw more political posturing by Kirill (and Moscow). But both sides hope that today’s “ecumenism of blood” will become history.
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With dozens of congregations already on their way out, the Reformed Church in America anticipates “difficult decisions” at its postponed General Synod this week.
You have reached the end of this Article Preview
With dozens of congregations already on their way out, the Reformed Church in America anticipates “difficult decisions” at its postponed General Synod this week.
As a child, I hid God’s Word in my heart. Now it sneaks out when I least expect it.
Brian Houston will go to court in Sydney over alleged child abuse by his late father.
What looks like rebellion might often be pain and despair.
