Former British prime minister Tony Blair says the promotion of interfaith dialogue is "the rest of my life's work". Speaking to The Times, Mr Blair said he had focused his efforts on religion because, along with his own personal interest in the subject, combating climate change and eradicating poverty - both also interests of his - were "well-trodden ground". Mr Blair, who converted to Catholicism in December, was Britain's premier from 1997 to last June, and has since become a Middle East peace envoy, is heading a team of experts charged with securing a deal to combat climate change, and is hoping to turn his Tony Blair Faith Foundation into a "global foundation". "People will think this is a piece of spin but, I've always been as interested in religion as politics," Mr Blair told the British daily. "I see this over time as the rest of my life's work." Of his foundation, Mr Blair said the aim was not to throw "all the faiths in a doctrinal melting pot and coming out with the world religion as it were, that's not what it's about". "At the moment, you've still got really quite profound struggle going on about whether religion is going to be taken over by those who do not regard even the thought of an encounter with those of another faith as a good thing. On the contrary, they regard it as a betrayal of their faith.".... read more
AND THE THIRD ANGEL FOLLOWED THEM, SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE, IF ANY MAN WORSHIP THE BEAST AND HIS IMAGE, AND RECEIVE HIS MARK IN HIS FOREHEAD, OR IN HIS HAND. *** REVELATION 14:9
Thursday, April 10, 2008
BLAIR TO DEVOTE LIFE TO INTERFAITH DIALOGUE
POPE SEEKS JPII INTERCESSION

VATICAN CITY (CNS): Pope Benedict XVI has prayed that Pope John Paul II would intercede for him with God, helping him to gather and build on the spiritual gifts that Pope John Paul gave to the Church.
The Vatican police said almost 40,000 people joined Pope Benedict on April 2 in St Peter's Square for a Mass marking the third anniversary of Pope John Paul's death.
"We pray that from heaven he will continue to intercede for each one of us, and in a special way for me, whom providence has called to harvest his invaluable spiritual heritage," the Pope said in his homily.
"May the Church, following his teaching and example, continue his evangelising mission faithfully and without compromise, tirelessly spreading the merciful love of Christ, the source of true peace for the whole world," he said.
The concelebrants included Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz of Krakow, who had served as Pope John Paul's secretary for almost 40 years.
At an April 1 conference dedicated to the memory of Pope John Paul, Cardinal Dziwisz said he continued to receive hundreds of letters from people who have asked for Pope John Paul's intercession and he, himself, continued to pray for his former boss' assistance.
"I do not miss John Paul," he said. "I accompanied him for almost 40 years and now he accompanies me. When I have a problem, I turn to him and he is with me."
Monsignor Slawomir Oder, the priest in charge of promoting the cause, told Vatican Radio on March 31 that he had completed a 2000-page draft of the "positio", the official position paper explaining why Pope John Paul should be proclaimed a saint.
An official at the Congregation for Saints' Causes is examining the draft, a few adjustments are expected, and then the report will be officially submitted for judgment, Msgr Oder said.
ROMAN CATHOLICISM IS NOT BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY

This is a declaration of Truth before Rome's Pope comes to visit the U.S. next week (April 15-20)
when there is likely to be a flood of CFR-controlled, corporate media coverage of his multiple
activities in the two targeted cities on 9-11, Washington D.C. and New York City (e.g., Rupert Murdoch
of NewsCorp., over FOX News, is a CFR-member; as is Diane Sawyer (ABC); Katie Couric (CBS); and
Jim Lehrer and Judy Woodruff (PBS News Hour), et al.); and before mis-leader (Isaiah 3:12, Isaiah 9:16)
ecumenical CNP-member "Christian" mega-ministry "leaders" (e.g., Pat Robertson, James Dobson)
might try to portray the Pope as a "Christian" leader, or Roman Catholicism as representative of the
"Christian" church - neither of which is true.
The Pope is not saved, he is not a Christian - he is lost and going to hell unless he repents, and
Roman Catholicism is NOT Biblical Christianity.
When the Pope comes to the U.S. next week, beginning with a visit to the White House on April 16
to see his NWO servant George W. Bush, do not be deceived !!!
The New World Order:
One-World Government (UN, EU, NAFTA, WTO, CAFTA, SPP, NAU, ad nauseam)
One-World Money (euro, amero, World Bank, IMF, ad nauseam)
One-World Religion (ecumenism under Rome's Vatican)
Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) Membership Roster
www.stopthenorthamericanunion.com/CFRMembers.html
1998 CNP Membership List
www.seekgod.ca/1998cnp.htm
False Romanist teachings include:
1) Transubstantiation (spiritual witchcraft)
2) Blasphemous re-enactment of Saviour's sacrifice in the Mass
3) Immaculate conception of Mary herself
4) Assumption of Mary into heaven
5) Mary as Mediatrix
6) Purgatory
7) Praying to Mary, saints, etc
Saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in the Saviour alone,
Ephesians 2:8,9
Steve Lefemine
(former Catholic who God graciously showed the unbiblical teachings of the institution of Roman Catholicism,
and who God has continued to increasingly show how Roman Catholicism is NOT Biblical Christianity at all,
but a "Christianized" pagan system of religion based upon the false religion of historical ancient Babylon)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Five Reasons Why Roman Catholicism is not Biblical Christianity
www.ianpaisley.org/tiara.asp?printerfriendly=true
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Evangelism to Roman Catholics by a former Roman Catholic priest:
The http://www.bereanbeacon.org/ website is the ministry outreach of former Catholic priest
Richard Bennett.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The Pope Kissing The Koran
www.deceptioninthechurch.com/popekiss.html
Here is a photo of the Pope at the end of an audience with Patriarch Raphael I of Iraq where
"the Pope bowed to the Muslim holy book the Qu'ran presented to him by the delegation
and kissed it as a sign of respect".
_________________________________________________________________________________________
"The Two Babylons - Romanism and Its Origins," by Alexander Hislop (1916):
www.chick.com/catalog/books/0185.asp
"Where did the practices and beliefs of Roman Catholicism come from? In this scholarly classic,
first published over eighty years ago, Alexander Hislop reveals that many Roman Catholic teachings
did not originate with Christ or the Bible, but were adopted from ancient pagan Babylonian religion,
and given Christian names."
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The Vatican/Jesuits are leaders in the New World Order:
(one-world government, one-world money, one-world religion)
http://www.vaticanassassins.org/
www.cuttingedge.org/
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
"... I will build My church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18
Yeshua Messiah
Hallelu-Yah !
Steve Lefemine, pro-life missionary
dir., Columbia Christians for Life
PO Box 50358
Columbia, SC
(803) 765-0916
http://www.christianlifeandliberty.net/
http://www.righttolifeactofsc.net/
http://www.lefemineforlife.net/
April 7, 2008 / Revised April 9, 2008
REPACKAGING, RENAMING, RELAUNCHING THE SPP
ByDana Gabriel http://newworldordermustbestopped.com/DanasBlog1.html
With the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP) of North America Leader Summit in New Orleans fast approaching, there are calls to rename and relaunch this whole process. This could be in an effort to try and kickstart the SPP as it is encountering fierce resistance. Beware because any new incarnation could be seen as a victory when in reality nothing would have changed except for the name.
There is little doubt that the SPP is in need of a drastic makeover in order to give it a new lease on life. The U.S. think tank Hudson Institute has stated, “it may ultimately be necessary to redesign and relaunch a new process to take up the work of the SPP under a new acronym.” This follows a recent report by the Fraser Institute which called for expanding and fast tracking the SPP. Co-author of the report, Alexander Moens, said of the SPP, “the time has come to rebrand the talks and give them a clear mandate.” The report also called for changing the SPP’s name to the North American Standards and Regulations Area (NASRA).
Could there also be a push to squeeze Mexico out of the SPP? The Canadian think tank C.D. Howe has recommended a new bilateral trade initiative between the U.S. and Canada . Former Canadian ambassador to the U.S. Derek Burney also seemed to echo the same sentiments when he said, “Attempts to ‘triangulate’ in recent years, by bringing in Mexico , have little substance and allowed attention to be diverted from more pressing bilateral concerns.”
It is unclear if this would mean the end of the SPP as we now know it. This could also be a huge distraction to confuse and shift the debate. The reality is that through NAFTA and the SPP, much integration has already been achieved. The SPP might be doomed, but the push for a North American Union is not dead and obviously Mexico remains an important part of this agenda.
Interest in the SPP on the part of all participants appears to have declined, but incremental integration into a North American Union continues. In many ways, their agenda has been stalled, but we cannot be lulled into a false sense of security. The proponents of a North American Union are simply retooling and regrouping. The SPP Leader Summit could be used to plot and launch a different course of action with the same goals and end results.
Make no mistake about it - the SPP remains a priority to the global elite.
We must put it to rest for good and not have it rear its ugly head again under a new name or entity. The North American Union agenda is in trouble. Let’s make the SPP Leader Summit in New Orleans the last one.
Source: http://webmail.peoplepc.com/wam/msg.jsp?msgid=1429&folder=INBOX&isSeen=false&x=685955656
LORD CAREY URGES END TO RELIGIOUS VIOLENCE
United Kingdom: Lord Carey Urges End to Religious Violence
"The future depends on us all digging deeper into the differences with respect and tolerance so that a new world may be born," Lord Carey of Clifton, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury, remarked during the 2006 Beach Lecture at Adventist-owned Newbold College, Berkshire, England. [Photo: Victor Hulbert/ANN]
Lord Carey inspired his audience to work toward creating understanding rather than antagonism among their respective religions. [Photo: Victor Hulbert/ANN]
Longtime friends greet at Newbold: Adventist statesman Bert B. Beach, left, and Lord Carey meet each other at Newbold College, Berkshire, England. [Photo: Angela Matthews/ANN]
Lord Carey and Dr. Bert Beach with Newbold College principal, far left, and the staff of the Centre for Religious and Cultural Diversity. Left to Right: Dr. David Penner (Principal); Dr. Beach; Lord Carey; Dr. David Trim; Ms. Valerie Bernard; Dr Michael Pearson (chair of CSRCD); Pastor Gifford Rhamie. [Photo: Angela Matthews/ANN]
"We must deplore violence wherever it is found and especially deplore its association with religion," declared Lord Carey of Clifton, a former head of the Church of England, to an audience of 450 people at Adventist-owned Newbold College in the Berkshire suburbs of London on Sept. 19.
Lord Carey, who as 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury led the worldwide Anglican fellowship from 1991 to 2002, gave the 2006 Beach Lecture entitled "The Crescent and the Cross - The Clash of Faiths in an Age of Secularism."
He began by directly questioning those on both sides who see Muslim-Christian relations as "a clash of civilizations" and those who argue that no dialogue is possible between the two faiths.
Instead, Carey argued for a "dialogue that flows from co-operation, tolerance and understanding between the faiths" and encouraged his audience to "form a new mental map of relationships between the Abrahamic faiths." He suggested that we ask "a new and important question: Is there a basic spirituality that we share?"
He challenged politicians and diplomats to note the importance of religion in resolving conflict. He concluded by offering an agenda for change and action which involved "grassroots engagement" between people of different faiths and living with respect and honoring diversity--not "out there," but "here with us."
Carey did not avoid the difficult issues. His questions were posed accordingly: "Why is it that, although true Islam is not a violent religion, Islam has become associated with violence?"
He answered his own question by saying that his "many Muslim friends" assert that true Islam is not a violent religion, and that he believes this assertion. At the same time, Carey said, both faiths need to reach an understanding on the nature of martyrdom.
"I find it difficult to understand the argument that a person can be a blessed martyr if, in the cause of his conflict, he knowingly kills innocent people. Christian martyrdom is unlike this. We have no martyrology which honors people who kill innocent people. ... She or he suffers for God and his people and does so, not by fighting or killing, but by suffering. A terrorist by definition cannot be a martyr," he declared.
Carey also issued a call for "reciprocity" between the two faiths.
"Christians will want to point to the need for reciprocity in regard to mission and the building of churches abroad," he said. "I find it very strange that Muslims, who plead and argue so strongly for their rights when [they are] minorities, [but] are unaware of the plight of Christians in Muslim lands. The fact that Muslims may build their mosques and schools in the West, make converts and advertise their faith is, sadly, not reciprocated in Muslim lands. It is exceedingly difficult, if not dangerous, for a Muslim to convert to another faith."
He also cited Pope Benedict's recent controversial lecture suggesting that the Pope had been quoted out of context. Lord Carey reminded his audience that "our celebrated access to information has made us all too quick to pick up sound-bites and all too lazy to engage in thoughtful debates, in attitudes of courtesy and respect. Discussion, examination and argument have roles to play in reaching agreement," he said.
He concluded, "although we are living in difficult times, we are far from powerless. The future depends on us all digging deeper into the differences with respect and tolerance so that a new world may be born."
A Newbold professor lauded Carey's comments.
"Lord Carey has a distinguished record as a promoter of inter-faith relations in a variety of ways and we are delighted that he chose to address this significant subject in the Beach Lecture at Newbold College," said Dr. David Trim, associate director of the Centre for the Study of Religious and Cultural Diversity at the College.
"Responses to the lecture on all sides have made it clear that Lord Carey helped to enthuse an audience of people of several faiths to recognize their ignorance about each other. Clearly, many people went home encouraged to work in their own communities to create understanding between faiths which have clashed but also have much to offer each other and the wider secular world," Trim added.
Dr. David Penner, Principal of Newbold College, added his endorsement.
Penner said Lord Carey's "presentation was a careful outline of issues needing to be addressed and a solution to be found. He spoke at length about the need to keep balance in the dialogue between Christians and Muslims. While noting that the news is filled with reports of terrorism with Muslim connections, he reminded Christians of the violence of the crusades of the Middle Ages and the occupation of the Middle East by European Countries in the early twentieth century. His words were a call for and an encouragement to engage with our neighbours and communities in finding a peaceful way forward."
Newbold College describes itself as "a center of higher education committed to providing quality learning within a Christian ethos." It was founded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1902 as Duncombe Hill Missionary College in North London, and has been in its present location since 1946. Its students come from more than 60 countries around the globe.
"Source: Adventist News Network" must appear under the headline or immediately following the article. The words "Source: Adventist News Network" must be given equal prominence to any other source that is also acknowledged.
Source: http://news.adventist.org/data/2006/1158788301/index.html.en
B.B. BEACH : WCC & EASTER WORSHIP -- 1997
B.B.BEACH FILES #3: WCC & EASTER WORSHIP–1997
B.B.BEACH (AND THE GEN. CONF.) DETERMINE THE BEST TIME TO CELEBRATE EASTER! –1997
In 1997, Bert B. Beach representing the General Conference of SDA met with ten other churches at a World Council of Churches assembly, where they worked out an agreement for all churches around the world to celebrate Easter on specific Sundays. On May 10, 2000, the World Council of Churches issued a document titled “Towards a Common Date for Easter,” which includes the following statement: “Besides the work already done on baptism, eucharist and ministry, the churches need to address the renewal of preaching, ¦the recovery of the meaning of Sunday, and the search for a common celebration of Pascha (Easter) as ecumenical theological concerns” World Council of Churches, Faith and Order, Towards a Common Date for Easter, item 3. Read this internet document: (Press control, then click: http://www.oikoumene.org/en/resources/documents/wcc-commissions/faith-and-order-commission/i-unity-the-church-and-its-mission/towards-a-common-date-for-easter/towards-a-common-date-for-easter.html#c10573
After viewing, send us your response. One sincere Seventh-day Adventist who saw the above, reacted this way:
What is the Biblical response to all of this? I know of another meeting that took place in the Czec Republic during August of last year, and another meeting that is scheduled for this coming August, 2007 with Adventist leaders in close communion and dialogue with ecumenical members. How we can support them with our monies? How can we evangelize on their behalf?
Another wrote: If the brethren at Silver Springs would spend more time studying and sharing the Three Angel’s Message and less time holding conferences with “the image of the beast” they could hasten the day when the latter rain will fall. Instead they are hastening the day when the false revival and explosion of spiritualism will sweep over the unsheltered churches of the land. I saw that B.B. Beach, the same man who gave the gold medal to the “beast power,” is STILL supervising these ecumenical conferences 30 years later. May the Lord awaken him so that he can repent and seek forgiveness before he goes down to the grave with blood on his garments.
A third SDA has written:
The name of any Seventh-day Adventist leader on such a document is difficult for any faithful church member to understand. What could a Seventh-day Adventist possibly contribute to a committee discussion intent on “the recovery of the meaning of Sunday and the search for a common celebration of Pascha (Easter)?”
Was Dr. Beach just an observer at this meeting? If so, why would he be listed as one of the committee members? The Seventh-day Adventist public has repeatedly been assured from official church sources that our denomination is not a member of the National or World Council of Churches. Why, then, do documents of this kind keep surfacing which seem to imply our active participation in such gatherings? Even if our status is only that of an observer, documents such as these clearly convey something beyond observation, which make the statements of our leaders look equivocal and lend credibility to the notion–however false–that our church has entered into official agreement with ecumenical bodies compromising our basic doctrines.”
We believe the Biblical response is to CALL FOR REPENTANCE. Below are the reasons why Bert B. Beach, a ring-leader in apostasy, needs to publicly repent, or be disfellowshipped: (We are not dealing with character, or motive, but a public action.)
1) The resurrection of Christ is commemorated at each Baptism–a public memorial to one’s death to self and resurrection with Christ to newness of life. See Romans 6:1-11. This is the result of the everlasting gospel of the 1st Angel’s message that brings victory over sin! The Bible memorial of the resurrection of Christ is not the celebration of a holiday called Easter, whose roots are in paganism. Like Peter, we call on Br. Beach and the General Conference leaders who sponsored him, to Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38. It is obvious that Br. Beach is off the everlasting gospel of the 1st Angel’s Message, off the Bible New Covenant.
2) Br. Beach is working with individuals who represent their church organization. So, in reality, Br. Beach is dealing with church organizations, not individuals. Br. Beach is working with church organizations that are a part of spiritual Babylon. We can talk to individuals of any denomination. They can, and should, be called out of corporate sin. But what can you say to a church system that has already rejected truth?
It is obvious that Br. Beach has discarded the 2nd Angel’s Message that asks everyone who has experienced the gospel to, ‘Come out of her (the fallen Protestant churches), My people, lest ye be partakers of her sins.’ Rev. 18:4.
3) Br. Beach is leading other fallen church systems (and the SDA church) to a unity of worship on Sunday. These systems are known in the Bible as the beast and [in the near future] ‘the image of the beast.’ The 3rd Angel’s Message warns about worshipping the beast and his image lest they receive of the wrath of God–the seven last plagues. It is obvious that Br. Beach is not standing on the 3rd Angel’s message.
“I saw a company who stood well guarded and firm, giving no countenance to those who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God looked upon them with approbation. I was shown three steps, the first, second, and third angels’ messages. Said my accompanying angel, ‘Woe to him who shall move a block or stir a pin of these messages. The true understanding of these messages is of vital importance. The destiny of souls hangs upon the manner in which they are received.’ Early Writings, 259,260.
What is the firm platform of truth, the foundation of the church? It is Jesus Christ in the Three Angels’ Messages of Revelation 14:6-12. This is an important fact to remember.
This work with the WCC is a massive betrayal of sacred trust. A sin against God and His faithful people. The true Seventh-day Adventist Church stands on the Three Angel’s Messages of Revelation 14:6-12:
In a special sense Seventh-day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers. To them has been entrusted the last warning for a perishing world. On them is shining wonderful light from the word of God. They have been given a work of the most solemn import the proclamation of the first, second, and third angels’ messages. There is no other work of so great importance. They are to allow nothing else to absorb their attention.” 9 Testimonies, 19.
In this work with the World Council of Churches Br. Beach was not representing true Seventh-day Adventism. If there is no public repentance, his membership in the Seventh-day Adventist church should be terminated. The local elders of whatever church he is a member of, have the responsibility to plead with him to publicly repent, or take his name from the books.
But unfortunately, THIS IS NOT JUST A PUBLIC SIN by an individual, IT IS A CORPORATE SIN.
Br. Beach did not act alone. He was sent by, and represented, the General Conference of SDA. The WCC lists it as an ecumenical body. Therefore, it is our duty to call for the General Conference to publicly repent. If it does not, we know that the General Conference of SDA must approve of his action. Then we will know, too, whether it is on or off the firm platform of truth, and whether it represents true Seventh-day Adventism, or not.
Remember, the shaking is not in on out of a structure, but in or out of the truth.
“The mighty shaking has commenced and will go on, and all will be shaken out who are not willing to take a bold and unyielding stand for the truth and to sacrifice for God and His cause.” Early Writings, 50. This was written before there was any General Conference organization.
We call on B.B.Beach and the General Conference to publicly repent of their actions:
1) Through the official church publication that communicates with church members the Review (formerly known as the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald.)
2) By asking the WCC to remove their names from the above website and other official ecumenical documents.
There have been many such departures from true Seventh-day Adventism by both B.B.Beach and the General Conference of SDA leadership. This is just the first step. There are many areas in the General Conference church structure where repentance and reform are needed.
(If there is no public repentance from the General Conference, we encourage individual Seventh-day Adventists to act as did the tribe of Levi in the Golden Calf apostasy. Stand on the firm platform of the Three Angels’ Messages. Give no countenance to those (the G.C.) who would unsettle the established faith of the body. God will look on you with approbation. Early Writings, 259.)
Let this call to repentance not discourage anyone. Paul exhorts us to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the [Seventh-day Adventist] saints. For there are certain crept in unawares. Jude 3. The Reformation has not ended, it will continue on till it is completed.
The Historical Importance of the Easter Question
In the second century the aims of the sun-worshiping emperors and those of the Alexandrian theologians ran parallel. There was an ambitious scheme on foot to blend all religions into one of which the sun was to be the central object of adoration. Speaking of the influence of pagan philosophy on early church writers, Schaff says, We can trace it even in St. Augustine, who confessed that it kindled in him an incredible fire.
Approving in their hearts the conciliating attitude of the pagan emperors and the mass methods of Alexandria’s evangelism, the bishops of Rome decided to eclipse any public attraction which pagan festivals could offer. Seated in the empire’s capital, from the height of their pedestal of influence, they determined to bring together Easter, a yearly festival, and Sunday, a weekly holiday sacred to the worship of the sun, to make the greatest church festival of the year.
The controversy over Easter, which was to rage for centuries, now began. God had ordained that the Passover of the Old Testament should be celebrated in the spring of the year on the fourteenth day of the first Bible month. Heathenism in the centuries before Christ had a counterfeit yearly holiday celebrating the spring equinox of the sun. It was called ‘Eostre’ from the Scandinavian word for the goddess of spring, from whence we get our word ‘Easter.’ Since the resurrection of Christ had occurred at the time of the Old Testament Passover, a custom developed of celebrating it yearly, though neither Christ nor the New Testament provided for it. This rivaled the pagan spring festival. However, the fourteenth day of the month of the Passover could fall, as now, on any day of the week. The eastern churches celebrated the resurrection of Christ annually two days after the Passover feast. They commemorated the resurrection on whatever day of the week the sixteenth day of the month fell. This was in harmony with the way the Bible regulated the Old Testament Passover feast.
In addition to their yearly spring festival at Eastertime, sun worshipers also had a weekly festival holiday. As was previously pointed out, the first day of the week had widespread recognition as being sacred to the sun. The bishop of Rome, seeking to outrival pagan pomp, assaulted those churches which celebrated Easter as a movable feast. He determined to force East to come on the same day of the week each year, namely, Sunday.
By this he would create a precedent which only a devout and scholarly opposition could expose. By this he would appeal to the popular prejudices of his age, be they ever so incorrect. By this he would claim to be the lord of the calendar, that instrument so indispensable to civilized nations. By this he would assert the right to appoint church festivals and holy days. By this he would confuse and perplex other church communions, more simple and scriptural than he. Only those who have read carefully the history of the growth of papal power will ever know how powerfully the controversy concerning Easter served in the hands of the bishops of Rome.
Victor I, the bishop of Rome, assembled provincial synods up and down the Mediterranean coasts to come to an agreement on the date of Easter. Clement, at the head of the school of Alexandria, brought decision in favor of Rome’s attitude by publishing a summery of traditions he had collected in favor of Sunday observance. Clement went further. There is no record of a writer daring to call Sunday the Lord’s day before him. This Clement did. At the same time Victor proclaimed it to all the nations around the Mediterranean. He knew that the pagans would agree to a fixed yearly spring festival and that those Christians who were becoming worldly would do the same. Therefore, he issued his decree ordering the clergy everywhere to observe Easter on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox. A lordly command issuing from one bishop over others was something new in the world. Christian clergy, up to that time, had had their provincial synods. Generally, they had followed the decrees obtained by a majority vote in these regional gatherings. Never before Victor I, had any bishop dared to pass over the head of the provincial synods to command other clergy to obey his decrees. The shock was so astonishing and the resistance to it so pronounced that the historian Archibald Bower describes this assumption of power as the first essay of papal usurpation.
The Church of the East answered the lordly requisition, declaring with great spirit and resolution that they would by no means depart from the custom handed down to them. Then the thunders of excommunication began to roar. Victor, exasperated, broke communication with them, pronounced the clergy of the East unworthy of the name of brethren, and excluded them from all fellowship with the church at Rome. Here was a gulf created between the eastern and the western churches, a gulf which widened as the bishop of Rome grew in power. When Papas was elected as supreme head over the Assyrian communion, he found himself and his church anathematized, excommunicated.
The controversy over Easter, which was to rage for centuries now began.
[Taken from: Truth Triumphant, by Benjamin Wilkinson.]
TOWARDS A COMMON DATE OF EASTER: WCC
I. The Issues
Background to this consultation
1. In the 20th century the churches have rediscovered a deep concern for Christian unity. They have expressed this in their efforts to find common ground on theological issues that have long divided them. They have learned to give common witness in a variety of ways. But despite this progress towards visible unity, many challenges remain. One very sensitive issue, with enormous pastoral consequences for all the Christian faithful, has taken on growing urgency: the need to find a common date for the celebration of Easter, the Holy Pascha, the feast of Christ's resurrection. By celebrating this feast of feasts on different days, the churches give a divided witness to this fundamental aspect of the apostolic faith, compromising their credibility and effectiveness in bringing the Gospel to the world. This is a matter of concern for all Christians. Indeed, in some parts of the world such as the Middle East, where several separated Christian communities constitute a minority in the larger society, this has become an urgent issue. While there has been some discussion of this question, it still has not been given the serious attention that it deserves.
2. While the question of a common date for Easter/Pascha has been addressed at different times since the earliest Christian centuries, a renewed discussion of this issue has arisen in the present century in the churches of both East and West. It also has emerged in significant ways in the secular world. The question was put to the wider Christian world in a 1920 encyclical of the ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople and addressed in a 1923 Pan-Orthodox congress, whose decision to revise their calendar unfortunately led to several schisms within the Orthodox churches. Around the same time, discussion was beginning in secular circles especially in Western Europe concerning the possibility of establishing a fixed day for Easter, such as the Sunday following the second Saturday in April, so as to facilitate commercial planning and public activities. In addition, proposals for introducing a new fixed calendar were being advanced, for similar utilitarian reasons. After World War II the context for discussion of such issues changed in several ways. International secular initiatives received little support. The churches were especially opposed to any calendar reform which would break the cycle of the seven-day week. On the other hand, many churches continued to express interest in the idea of a common day, whether movable or fixed, for the celebration of Easter/Pascha. The Orthodox returned to the paschal question from 1961 onwards, in the context of preparations for the Great and Holy Council of the Orthodox Church; the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council (1963) gave renewed impetus in the Roman Catholic Church to discussion of this issue; and since 1965 the World Council of Churches has taken up the subject on a number of occasions.
3. In recent years, concrete steps have been taken in the Middle East, where Christians of so many traditions live closely together in a largely non-Christian society. The Middle East Council of Churches has been particularly active in encouraging and facilitating the celebration of Easter/Pascha on a common day. Two recent WCC consultations have taken up this concern. A consultation on "Christian Spirituality for Our Times" (Iasi, Romania, May 1994) proposed that "a new initiative be taken towards the common celebration of Easter." Even more striking are the conclusions reached by a consultation "Towards Koinonia in Worship" (Ditchingham, England, August 1994):
Besides the work already done on baptism, eucharist and ministry, the churches need to address the renewal of preaching, the recovery of the meaning of Sunday and the search for a common celebration of Pascha as ecumenical theological concerns. This last is especially urgent, since an agreement on a common date for Easter - even an interim agreement - awaits further ecumenical developments. Such an agreement, which cannot depend on the idea of a "fixed date of Easter", should respect the deepest meaning of the Christian Pascha, and the feelings of Christians throughout the world. We welcome all initiatives which offer the hope of progress in this important area." (T.F. Best/D. Heller, eds., So We Believe, So We Pray: Towards Koinonia in Worship, Faith and Order Paper No. 171, WCC Publications, Geneva 1995, pp. 9-10.)
In view of the concerns expressed at these consultations, the Executive Committee of the WCC, meeting in Bucharest, September 1994, recommended that Unit I, "especially the Ecclesial Unity/Faith and Order stream and the Worship and Spirituality stream, give renewed attention to the subject of the common celebration of Easter, keeping in mind that in the year 2001, the dates of Easter according to both Eastern and Western calendars coincide."
4. The present consultation, meeting in Aleppo, Syria, March 5-10, 1997, comes in response to this request. Sponsored jointly by Unit I of the WCC and by the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), it brings together representatives of a number of communions which participate in the annual meeting of the Conference of Secretaries of Christian World Communions, representatives of the Eastern and Oriental Orthodox Churches, representatives of the MECC, and invited experts and staff. Together participants in the consultation enjoyed the hospitality of the Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese of Aleppo and experienced first-hand the commitment to unity of the Chritsian communities of this city. At a meeting with members of these communities, they listened to a call for removal of the painful sign of separation which differing dates for Easter/Pascha constitute. In an atmosphere of prayer and common study, participants considered the problem of a common day for the celebration of Easter/Pascha from various perspectives - theological, historical, liturgical, catechetical and pastoral. The consultation offers to all the churches the following observatuins and recommendations.
Christ's resurrection, basis of our common faith
5. The apostolic faith of the Church is based on the reality of the resurrection of Christ. As St. Paul says: "Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the death, how can some of you say there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised, and if Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation has been in vain and your faith is in vain." (1 Cor. 15:12-14) Viewed as the ultimate victory over the powers of sin and death, the resurrection of the Lord is not only an historical event but also the sign of God's power over all the forces which can keep us from his love and goodness. It is a victory not only for Christ himself but also for all those united with him (1 Pet. 1:3f). It is a victory which marks the beginning of a new era (Jn 20:17). The resurrection is the ultimate expression of the Father's gift of reconciliation and unity in Christ through the Spirit. It is a sign of the unity and reconciliation which God wills for the entire creation.
6. As the apostles began their missionary activity, the resurrection was at the heart of their preaching (1 Cor. 15: 1-17, Acts 2:22-36, 1 Pet 1:3), and as the evangelists began to record aspects of the Lord's teachings and ministry, the resurrection comes as the culminating event in their gospels. In every aspect of her life, the early Church was first and foremost the community of the resurrection. Thus the early Church's life of worship focused on God's reconciling love as manifested in the saving passover of Christ's death and resurrection. The first day of the week became the preeminent day of the Christian assembly because it was the day on which the Lord rose from the dead (Jn 20:1, Acts 20:7). At the same time, this came to be known as the "eighth day," a day of new creation and ultimate fulfillment. Each year too, Christians both remembered and experienced the continuing power of Christ's passion and resurrection in a single but multifaceted celebration. This celebration also became the occasion for baptism, in which Christians shared in Christ's passage from death to life, dying to sin and rising to new life in him. Therefore the behavior of Christians was rooted in their relationship with the risen Lord and reflected the new reality inaugurated by him (Col. 3:1-11).
Historical background to the present differences
7. The New Testament indicates that Christ's death and resurrection were historically associated with the Jewish passover, but the precise details of this association are not clear. According to the synoptic gospels, Jesus' last supper was a passover meal, which would place his death on the day after passover, while according to John his death occurred on the day itself, indeed at the very hour, when the paschal lambs were sacrificed. By the end of the 2nd century some churches celebrated Easter/Pascha on the day of the Jewish passover, regardless of the day of the week, while others celebrated it on the following Sunday. By the 4th century, the former practice had been abandoned practically universally, but differences still remained in the calculation of the date of Easter/Pascha. The ecumenical council held at Nicea in 325 AD determined that Easter/Pascha should be celebrated on the Sunday following the first vernal full moon. Originally passover was celebrated on the first full moon after the March equinox, but in the 3rd century the day of the feast came to be calculated by some Jewish communities without reference to the equinox, thus causing passover to be celebrated twice in some solar years. Nicea tried to avoid this by linking the principles for the dating of Easter/Pascha to the norms for the calculation of passover during Jesus' lifetime.
8. While certain differences in the mechanics of determining the date of Easter/Pascha remained even after Nicea, which occasionally resulted in local differences, by the 6th century the mode of calculation based on the studies of Alexandrian astronomers and scholars had gained universal acceptance. By the 16th century, however, the discrepancy between this mode of calculation and the observed astronomical data was becoming evident. This led to the calendar change introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. Since that time, western Christians have come to calculate the date of Easter on the basis of this newer Gregorian calendar, while the eastern churches generally have continued to follow the older Julian calendar. While calendrical changes in some of the Orthodox churches in 1923 affected fixed-date feasts, the calculation of the Easter date remained linked to the Julian Calendar. Our present differences in calculation of the date of Easter thus may be ascribed to differences in the calendars and lunar tables employed rather than to differences in fundamental theological outlook.
9. In its study of the mechanics of the paschal calculation, the consultation took note of the fact that both the current eastern (Julian) and the current western (Gregorian) calculations diverge in certain respects from the astronomical data as determined by precise scientific calculation. As is well known, the Julian calendar at present diverges from the astronomical by thirteen days; the Gregorian at present does not diverge significantly, though it will in the distant future. Less well known is the fact that both Julian and Gregorian calculations rely upon conventional tables for determining the lunar cycle. For both modes of calculation, these tables at times give results that diverge from the astronomical data.
The continuing relevance of the Council of Nicea
10. In the course of their deliberations, the participants in the consultation came to a deeper appreciation of the continuing relevance of the Council of Nicea for the present discussion. The decisions of this council, rooted as they are in scripture and tradition, came to be regarded as normative for the whole Church.
(a) Despite differences in the method of calculation, the principles of calculation in the churches of both East and West are based on the norms set forth at Nicea. This fact is of great significance. In the present divided situation, any decision by one church or group of churches to move away from these norms would only increase the difficulty of resolving outstanding differences.
(b) The Council of Nicea's decisions are expressive of the desire for unity. The council's aim was to establish principles, based upon the scriptural data concerning the association of the passion and resurrection of Christ with the passover, which would encourage a single annual observance of Easter/Pascha by all the churches. By fostering unity in this way, the council also demonstrated its concern for the mission of the church in the world. The council was aware that disunity in such a central matter was a cause of scandal.
(c) The Nicene norms affirm the intimate connection between the biblical passover (cf. especially Exod. 12:18, Lev. 23:5, Num. 28:16, Deut. 16:1-2) and the Christian celebration of "Christ our paschal lamb" (1 Cor. 5:7). While the council rejected the principle of dependence on contemporary Jewish reckoning, it did so on the grounds that this had changed and become inaccurate, not because it regarded this connection as unimportant.
(d) In the course of their discussions the consultation also gained a deeper appreciation for the wealth of symbolism which the Nicene norms permit. In the worship of many of the churches, especially in the biblical readings and hymnography of the paschal season, Christians are reminded not only of the important link between the passover and the Christian Easter/Pascha but also of other aspects of salvation history. For example, they are reminded that in Christ's resurrection all creation is renewed. Some early Christian sources thus linked the Genesis account of the seven days of creation with the week of Christ's passion, death and resurrection.
(e) The Council of Nicea also has an enduring lesson for Christians today in its willingness make use of contemporary science in calculating the date of Easter. While the council sought to advance the concrete unity of the churches, it did not itself undertake a detailed regulation of the Easter calculation. Instead it expected the churches to employ the most exact science of the day for calculating the necessary astronomical data (the March equinox and the full moon).
II. Two recommendations
First recommendation
11. In the estimation of this consultation, the most likely way to succeed in achieving a common date for Easter in our own day would be
(a) to maintain the Nicene norms (that Easter should fall on the Sunday following the first vernal full moon), and
(b) to calculate the astronomical data (the vernal equinox and the full moon) by the most accurate possible scientific means,
(c) using as the basis for reckoning the meridian of Jerusalem, the place of Christ's death and resurrection.
12. This recommendation is made for the following reasons.
In regard to point a:
(i) The Church needs to be reminded of its origins, including the close link between the biblical passover and the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ - a link that reflects the total flow of salvation history. In the estimation of this consultation, a fixed date would obscure and weaken this link by eliminating any reference to the biblical norms for the calculation of the passover.
(ii) Easter/Pascha has a cosmic dimension. Through Christ's resurrection, the sun, the moon, and all the elements are restored to their primordial capacity for declaring God's glory (Ps. 19:1-2, 148:3). Easter/Pascha reveals the close link between creation and redemption, as inseparable aspects of God's revelation. The Nicene principles for calculating the date of Easter/Pascha, based as they are on the cycles of sun and moon, reflect this cosmic dimension much more fully than a fixed-date system.
(iii) In addition to underscoring many important symbolic aspects of the feast, a movable date for the observance of Easter/Pascha also indicates in palpable fashion the dramatic way in which the resurrection breaks into the comfortable routines of this world. While such a date may in some respects be less convenient than a fixed Sunday, it does call attention to a significant theological point which otherwise might be overlooked.
(iv) An earlier WCC consultation on the date of Easter/Pascha (Chambésy, 1970) observed, "In any case the churches should arrive at a solution for reasons based entirely on the religious meaning of the feast and for the purpose of Christian unity rather than for the purpose of satisfying inherently secular interests." The present consultation wholly concurs with this sentiment.
(v) This recommendation maintains what, for most churches, is an important aspect of tradition. Adoption of a fixed Sunday approach would raise difficulties for many churches and, if introduced unilaterally by one church or group of churches, might well result in not two but three different dates for Easter/Pascha in a given year.
In regard to point b:
In recommending calculation of the astronomical data by the most accurate possible scientific means (as distinct, for example, from reliance on conventional cyclical tables or personal observation), the consultation believes that it is being completely faithful to the spirit of the Council of Nicea itself, which also was willing to make use of the best available scientific knowledge. We are fortunate that experts in astronomy have already provided these necessary calculations; they are conveniently presented in Synodica V (Chambésy - Genève, Les Editions du Centre Orthodoxe, 1981) 133 - 149.
In regard to point c:
Astronomical observations, of course, depend upon the position on earth which is taken as the point of reference. This consultation believes that it is appropriate to employ the meridian of Jerusalem, the site of Christ's passion and resurrection, as this necessary point of reference for the calculation of the March equinox and the subsequent full moon.
13. The recommendation just stated will have some different implications for the churches of East and West as they seek a renewed faithfulness to Nicea. Both will face the need for education of their faithful. For eastern churches, changes in the actual dating of Easter/Pascha will be more perceptible than for the western churches. Given the contexts in which these churches live, this will require both patience and tact. For western churches, on the other hand, the challenge may lie in communicating deeper aspects of the Nicene principles for the calculation of Easter/Pascha, such as those sketched above, and in acquainting their faithful with the concerns and insights of the eastern churches.
14. The consultation is well aware of the particular circumstances of many eastern churches. In some countries in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where the Christian churches have lived with the challenge of other religions or materialistic ideologies, loyalty to the "old calendar" has been a symbol of the churches' desire to maintain their integrity and their freedom from the hostile forces of this world. Clearly in such situations implementation of any change in the calculation of Easter/Pascha will have to proceed carefully and with great pastoral sensitivity.
15. To aid the churches in their discussion of the above recommendation, the consultation appends to this report a table of Easter/Pascha dates from 2001 through 2025, based on the astronomical specifications already indicated. For convenience of reference, the table also indicates the dates of Easter/Pascha according to the current Gregorian and Julian reckonings, the astronomically determined date of the first vernal full moon, i.e., the first full moon following the March equinox (cf. Exod. 12:18, Lev. 23:5, Num. 28:16, Deut. 16:1-2), and the date of passover according to current Jewish reckoning.
Second recommendation
16. This consultation also recommends that the churches now undertake a period of study and reflection towards the goal of establishing as soon as possible a common date for Easter/Pascha along the lines set forth above. In the year 2001 the paschal calculations now in use by our churches will coincide. Together, Christians will begin a new century, a new millennium, with new opportunities to witness to the resurrection of Christ and to proclaim their joy in his victory over sin, suffering and death. The unity that will be reflected as Christians celebrate Easter/Past on the same date will be for many a sign of hope and of witness to the world. This celebration of Easter/Pascha on the same date should not be the exception but the rule.
17. The way is now open for the churches to consider again their current practice for determining the date of Easter/Pascha. As a first step, in the interval between 1997 and 2001, this consultation encourages the churches to take up consideration of the recommendations here proposed, and, if they find them acceptable in principle, to explore ways of implementing them according to their own procedures, in light of their own opportunities, and within their own contexts. This consultation suggests that during these years the churches consult with each other on the ways in which a common date for Easter/Pascha can be implemented. In this interval also, the present consultation encourages continuation of existing local and regional initiatives, as interim measures, for observance of a common Easter/Pascha.
18. As a second step, the consultation suggests that the year 2001 would also provide a good opportunity for the churches to review reactions and to assess progress made towards agreement on this matter. It recommends, therefore, that the World Council of Churches, in cooperation with its ecumenical partners and other Christian groups, organize then a consultation in which this assessment could be reported and implementation co uld be discussed.
19. It is the sincere hope of the participants in this consultation that the churches will give an early and prayerful consideration to the recommendations made in this report, as a step towards preparing for a united witness to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Participants
Participants:
Dr Bert Beach, U.S.A.
(for the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists)
Metropolitan Damaskinos (Papandreou), Switzerland
(for the Ecumenical Patriarchate)
Canon John Halliburton, United Kingdom
(for the Anglican Communion)
Rev. Fayiz Y. Henain, Syria
(for the Evangelical Churches in the Middle East)
Fr. Datev Mikaelian, Syria
(for the Armenian Orthodox Church)
Archbishop Boutros Marayati, Syria (Armenian Catholic Church)
(for the Middle East Council of Churches)
Ven. Dr. Koenraad Ouwens, Netherlands
(for the Old-Catholic Churches of the Union of Utrecht)
Msgr. John Radano, Vatican City
(for the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity)
Mr. Alexander Sologoub, Syria
(for the Patriarchate of Moscow)
Archbishop Dr. Gunnar Weman, Sweden
(for the Lutheran World Federation)
Metropolitan Elias Yusef, Syria
(for the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch)
Hosts:
Metropolitan Gregorios Yohanna Ibrahim
(Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch)
Mr Razek Syriani
(Syrian Orthodox Church / MECC)
Consultants:
Prof. John H. Erickson, U.S.A.
(Orthodox Church in America)
Rev. Dr. Ronald Kydd, Canada
(Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada)
WCC Staff:
Fr. Dr. Thomas FitzGerald
(Ecumenical Patriarchate)
Rev. Dr. Dagmar Heller
(Evangelical Church of Germany, United)
P.S. BOLDS AND RED HIGHLIGHTS ADDED TO AWAKEN THE BRETHREN!.........arsenio.
THE 'DAY OF THE LORD' COMETH
1Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand;
2A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations.
3A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them.
4The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run.
5Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.
6Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness.
7They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks:
8Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.
9They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief.
10The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:
11And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?
12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?
15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:
16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.
17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?
18Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
19Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
20But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.
21Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things.
22Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength.
23Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.
24And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.
25And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.
26And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed.
27And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed.
28And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
29And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.
30And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.
31The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come.
32And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Joel 2 (King James Version)
SOUND AN ALARM!
Sound an Alarm!
Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. Joel 2:1.
The things that concern our eternal welfare are now to absorb our attention. We cannot afford to give heavenly things the second place. . . . The judgments of God are in the land. They speak in solemn warning, saying, "Be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh." {Mar 106.1}
There are many, many in our churches who know little of the real meaning of the truth for this time. I appeal to them not to disregard the fulfilling of the signs of the times, which say so plainly that the end is near. O how many who have not sought their soul's salvation will soon make the bitter lamentation, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved"! {Mar 106.2}
We are living in the closing scenes of this earth's history. Prophecy is rapidly fulfilling. The hours of probation are fast passing. We have no time--not a moment--to lose. Let us not be found sleeping on guard. Let no one say in his heart or by his works, "My lord delayeth his coming." Let the message of Christ's soon return sound forth in earnest words of warning. Let us persuade men and women everywhere to repent, and flee from the wrath to come. Let us arouse them to immediate preparation; for we little know what is before us. Let ministers and lay members go forth into the ripening fields. . . . {Mar 106.3}
The Lord is soon to come, and we must be prepared to meet Him in peace. Let us be determined to do all in our power to impart light to those around us. We are not to be sad, but cheerful, and we are to keep the Lord Jesus ever before us. . . . We must be ready and waiting for His appearing. O how glorious it will be to see Him, and be welcomed as His redeemed ones! Long have we waited, but our faith is not to become weak. If we can but see the King in His beauty, we shall be forever and forever blessed. I feel as if I must cry aloud, "Homeward bound." We are nearing the time when Christ will come with power and great glory, to take His ransomed ones to their eternal home. {Mar 106.4}
DAVID WOULD NOT DRINK THEREOF...
And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!
And the three mighty men brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but poured it out unto the LORD.
And he said, Be it far from me, O LORD, that I should do this: is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did these three mighty men.
2 Samuel 23:14-17.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
PETRAEUS: WHAT WAS HE THINKING?
HAITIANS STORM PRESIDENT'S PALACE
UN peacekeepers have become a target of Haitians rioting over severe food shortages [AFP]
Haitians stormed the presidential palace in Port-au-Prince to demand the resignation of Rene Preval, the country's president, while going on a rampage in the capital over soaring food prices.
United Nations (UN) peacekeepers drove them away from the palace on Tuesday firing rubber bullets and tear gas.
The rioters, however, had left trails of destruction across the capital by late afternoon.
Concrete barricades and burned-out cars blocked streets, while windows were smashed and buildings set on fire from the capital's centre up through its densely populated hills.
The UN Security Council has pledged to support Haiti's government amid growing anger across the country over the cost of basic foodstuffs.
Hedi Annabi, UN envoy, said on Tuesday after briefing the council: "I think we have made progress in stabilising the country, but that progress is extremely fragile, highly reversible, and made even more fragile by the current socio-economic environment."
'Political dimension'
Annabi said that the current unrest appeared "to have a political dimension, in addition to expressing mounting frustration about the rising cost of basic food commodities".
Outnumbered UN peacekeepers watched as people looted businesses near the presidential palace, not budging from the building's perimeter.
Nearby, but out of sight of the authorities, another group swarmed a slow-moving car and tried to drag its female driver out of the window.
Global food price falls are having a devastating
affect on the impoverished nation [EPA]
"We are hungry! He must go!" protesters shouted as they tried to break into the palace by charging its chained gates with a rolling dumpster.
Moments later, Brazilian soldiers in blue UN helmets arrived in Jeeps with assault vehicles, firing rubber bullets and tear gas canisters and forcing protesters away from the gates.
Haiti, home to 8.5 million people, is the poorest country in the Americas.
Eighty per cent of its population earns less than $2 a day, below the UN-established poverty rate.
Global food price rises, up almost 40 per cent on average since mid-2007, are causing havoc in Haiti.
Eating dirt
The most desperate Haitians have come to depend on a traditional hunger palliative of cookies made of dirt, vegetable oil and salt.
Riots broke out in the normally placid southern port of Les Cayes last week, quickly escalating as protesters tried to burn down a UN compound leaving five people dead.
The protests spread to other cities, and on Monday tens of thousands took to the streets of Port-au-Prince.
Aides said the president, who has made no public statements since the riots began, continued to work in the palace during the protests.
Patrick Elie, an adviser to Preval, said: "I compare this situation to having a bucket full of gasoline and having some people around with a box of matches.
"As long as the two have a possibility to meet, you're going to have trouble."
Blaming the UN
As well as calling for the president's removal, protesters are demanding the departure of the 9,000 UN peacekeepers, whom they blame in part for the cost of living.
"I compare this situation to having a bucket full of gasoline and having some people around with a box of matches"
Patrick Elie,
presidential adviser
The peacekeepers came to Haiti in 2004 to quell the chaos that followed the removal of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the country's former president.
While the peacekeepers spend more than $500m a year in Haiti, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has collected less than 15 per cent of the $96m it says Haiti needs in donations this year.
The WFP issued an emergency appeal on Monday for more donations.
Meanwhile, new customs procedures aimed at collecting revenues and stopping the flow of drugs has left tons of food rotting in ports, especially in the country's north.
In a country where almost all food is imported, cargo traffic from Miami in the US ground nearly to a halt.
Shippers, however, say intervention by Preval last month has improved the situation somewhat.
Riots 'manipulated'
Government officials say the riots are being manipulated by outside forces, specifically drug smugglers who can operate more easily amid chaos.
In particular, they blame Guy Philippe, a fugitive rebel leader wanted in US federal court in connection with a drug indictment.
Many in the crowds are demanding the return of the exiled Aristide, and thousands showed up on Monday for a rally by a key Aristide ally, Gerard Jean-Juste, a reverend, in the seaside slum of Cite Soleil.
Source: Agencies
Source: http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/2F14DC83-B602-4FC4-9452-3A49886B0AC1.htm
Monday, April 07, 2008
IN THE SIGHTS OF THE PRINCE OF THE AIR
Who do you think is next to go belly-up?
What company or industry is heading for and following a downward path?
Well, it seems to me that the Air-Line Industry is the Prince of the Air's, next victim.
Look around! Cancelled flights; Reports of scheduled maintenance ignored; Complaint (Critique) Reports of Air Line Carriers; Restrictive flying guidelines, such as no bottles on planes; Extra charge for extra luggage; Air-Line Flyers 'Bill of Rights'; Passengers stuck on an airplane; stuck on the flightline for several hours without water, or fresh air, cooped-up indefinitely; etc.
The Prince of the Air is intent on grounding every possible airplane that is now flying. It's as if there's a concerted, full frontal attack on the industry. No more Pan Am, Eastern, Branniff, etc; let them all disappear. Clear the air! Also Boeing, McDonald Douglas, they should also go out of business. Let's go back to the Pony Express days. Airplanes should only be used for bombing "The Enemy". It seems to me that that's what the Devil wants.
Today, a group of Muslim men are being tried in London England for allegedly planning to blow-up airplanes making Trans-Atlantic flights. Last week, several Air-Line Carriers closed-up shop, and went out of business.
Where is all this commotion leading to? To a full, complete bankrupcy of the Air-Line Industry. That's my opinion. The Prince of the Air might be happier if we all walked, not flew. I think he and his agents, reminisce the good old days; When a trip of a 50 miles distance, woud take a two day trip by horse and carriage. This is what we're contemplating. So, the next time you fly, kiss your plane goodbye; Here come the good olde days.
I think Satan wants eveybody to stay home and watch Cable TV, and play on their X-Box.
Arsenio.
'THIS IS WHERE MY FAITH HAS LED ME"
'This is where my faith has led me’ HCH photo by Anna Weaver David Pendleton takes advantage of some peace and quiet in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace.‘This is where my faith has led me’ Former state representative and Seventh-day Adventist minister will be received into the Catholic church this Easter Vigil By Anna Weaver When former state representative David Pendleton receives his First Communion and Confirmation this Easter Vigil at The lifelong Seventh-day Adventist said there was no “eureka” moment that led to his decision to become Catholic. Instead, Pendleton said, “It was awareness over time that Catholicism and Catholic Christianity were speaking to me, heart and mind, head and soul.”
Pendleton, 41, was born in For a short time at La Sierra Campus, now a separate university from As part of his graduate studies, Pendleton learned about various Christian religions. He remembers being fascinated by the documents of the Second Vatican Council, particularly the ones that focused on religious freedom, which he found to be “kind of the borderline between law and religion, government and religion, state and church.” At the time, he was debating whether the best way to serve in his career was as a minister or in public service. Pendleton decided to get a law degree from the Legislative days In 1995, Pendleton moved back to At the capitol, Pendleton participated in a Bible study group that brought together politicians of different political and religious backgrounds. Two Catholic politicians in the group were then state Reps. Jun Abinsay and Bob McDermott. Pendleton’s conversations with them and their example positively influenced his perception of Catholicism. “They never tried to invite me to church or to give me some literature to persuade me about a doctrine,” he said. “It was just that friendship, that sincerity, that integrity, that Christian faith that pervaded how they conducted themselves at the legislature.” While at the capitol, Pendleton also encountered Father Marc Alexander, who was then the executive director of the Hawaii Catholic Conference. Father Alexander remembers Pendleton as a legislator who “could make both biblical and theological arguments, as well as, very secular arguments” with his law background equally well. Pendleton kept in touch with Father Alexander, and remembers telling him recently, “Who knows but that my time in the legislature was brought about by God, [not only to] serve the people, but also for my life and Father Marc’s life to intersect, as well as with those other Catholic legislators.” During his representative days, Pendleton also enjoyed reading the Hawaii Catholic Herald, which is sent to every legislator. “I would always say, ‘Wow, look at how much we actually have in common in terms of our perspectives.’” After leaving office in 2004, Pendleton joined Gov. Linda Lingle’s staff as a senior policy advisor. In July 2006 the governor appointed him to the Labor and Industrial Relations Appeals Board for a 10-year term. Faith quest The “aesthetic experience” of Catholicism — Gregorian chant, incense, church architecture and religious art — had always appealed to Pendleton. But it wasn’t until 2005 and 2006 when he began reading extensively about early Catholic Church history and theology that he first seriously considered becoming Catholic. “Some people watch television,” he said. “What really got me excited was just connecting with what the early Christians believed and taught and lived.” He says he felt himself drawn more and more to the church. He especially liked the “breadth of perspective” among Catholics and the Communion of Saints, which to him was “a tremendous thing that you are a part of this large extended family.” In March 2007, after further discernment, Pendleton turned in his Seventh-day Adventist ordination credentials and a few months later started taking classes through the RCIA program at St. John Vianney Parish in “For me I didn’t want to be in a particular faith tradition just out of habit, or just out of comfort, or because the recent generations of my family had been there,” Pendleton said. “I needed to choose for myself and to learn for myself where God willed me to be.” Tom Cajski, a friend of Pendleton’s from their time in the Great Books Club in Kailua, said he was surprised and delighted to get a call from him a few months ago asking Cajski to be his sponsor. “I hope to stand by to give him my view as a long-time member of the church,” he said. Pam Aqui, St. John Vianney’s RCIA coordinator, said jokingly of Pendleton, “He’s basically more Catholic than the pope.” She said he has put a lot of thought and study into his decision and added, “We’re very pleased to have him. He’s a bright light in our community.” Pendleton said that people at St. John Vianney who recognized him from his time as their district representative have come up to him and said, “Wow, Dave, you represented us for years in the legislature and I had no idea you were Catholic!” He added with a hearty laugh, “And I said, ‘I didn’t know either.’” As he approaches his “big day” of coming into “full communion” with the Catholic Church on March 22, Pendleton continues to be a voracious reader. On a recent day, he was returning “The Catholic Catechism for Adults” and Boniface Ramsey’s “Beginning to Read the Fathers” to the State Library’s main branch in However, Pendleton added, “I don’t want my faith to be just an intellectual faith. I’m learning more about the various devotions and finding myself blessed by those as much as I am by reading theology.” His friend from their legislative days, Bob McDermott, said Pendleton’s thirst for knowledge won’t stop once he becomes Catholic. “He’ll go down to the Pauline bookstore and he won’t know where to start,” he said, likening him to “a kid in the candy store.” “He’s successful at everything he does,” McDermott added. “Whatever organization he’s a part of benefits from him. So I am sure our church will benefit.” The challenges of conversion The decision to become Catholic hasn’t been an easy one. His wife, Noemi, whom he met at college, has been very supportive, but it’s been a big change for the active Adventist family and they are “practicing Christian patience.” The couple has four children: Roland, a high school senior; Raquelle, a high school freshman; Danielle, a fourth grader; and David II, a kindergartner. The kids are adjusting to being an interdenominational family. They go to Adventist services with their mom and attend occasional social gatherings at St. John Vianney. The reaction from Seventh-day Adventist church friends and ministers has been mixed. According to Pendleton, some have been supportive, others disappointed. “There are some Protestants who no longer consider me a Christian brother,” he said. Pendleton said that adding to the difficulty of becoming Catholic was the fact that he’s a former politician and Seventh-day Adventist minister. “An imperfect analogy would be someone switching [political] parties,” he said. “People take their faith much more seriously than politics so you can understand why some have reacted the way they have.” “But for me, I just had to be honest with where I felt I was, where I was being led,” Pendleton said, adding he hopes that over time relationships can be healed. He has only good feelings toward his Adventist friends, he said. Whenever he’s tempted to feel sorry that a friendship has been estranged because of his conversion, Pendleton looks at how much harder it was for other converts like Cardinal John Henry Newman, who was publicly ridiculed in the press for leaving Anglicanism, and for the early Christian martyrs. “There might be some who think of Sunday Mass as an obligation,” he said. “But look at the freedom we have. Christians were meeting in catacombs for fear that they might be killed by the Roman government.” Pendleton said that’s why whenever he can he attends noon Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace. “It’s such a nice oasis in one’s work day,” he said. “I’ve always believed that your faith has to make a difference in every aspect of your life. It’s not just something you do when you go to a church service,” Pendleton said. His best witness to being a Catholic Christian is being a good husband, father, neighbor, and labor appeals board member. “My only regret is that I waited until I was 41 before I realized where I belonged,” Pendleton said. “But maybe sometimes the Holy Spirit speaks and we’re so caught up with the busyness of life that it takes us awhile to hear.” “This is where I feel I’m at home. This is where my faith has led me.” |
Source: http://www.hawaiicatholicherald.com/Home/tabid/256/newsid884/1259/Default.aspx Also appears on a Seventh Day Adventist site: At sda: http://www.atoday.com/content/adventist-news-roundup-6 |