Pope In America; Live Prayer Event on God TV: United Methodists Not So United
Speaking to the United Nations on Friday, Pope Benedict XVI said questions of security, development and protection of the environment require international leaders to work together in good faith, particularly when dealing with Africa and other underdeveloped areas vulnerable to "the negative effects of globalization."
The Associated Press reports that Benedict also insisted that the way to peace was by insuring respect for the dignity of human beings.
"The promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between countries and social groups, and increasing security," the pope said.
Those whose rights are trampled, he said, "become easy prey to the call to violence and they then become violators of peace."
By contrast, the leader of the world's 1 billion Roman Catholics said, the recognition of human rights favors "conversion of heart, which then leads to a commitment to resist violence, terrorism and war."
While Benedict, a former university professor and theologian, has spoken out less on global conflicts than his predecessor, John Paul II, he too lived through the Second World War. He was drafted into the German army at war's end and later deserted.
After three days in Washington, the pope took an early morning flight from the nation's capital to New York City. Cardinal Edward Egan greeted Benedict, who was escorted to a helicopter for the ride into Manhattan.
Across from the U.N., several hundred supporters, many of them Hispanic, gathered behind metal police barricades as Benedict spoke.
"Benedetto!" many shouted in Spanish.
A group of New Jersey Catholics held up a banner for the German-born pope that combined German - "Willkommen Pope Benedict XVI" - and English sentiments: "You Rock!"
A small anti-pope contingent included a group calling itself Forum for Protection of Religious Pluralism. Financial consultant Padmanabh Rao, a Hindu from Woodbridge, N.J., complained that the Vatican is converting people in India to Catholicism.
Before the pontiff's speech, Benedict and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon met alone for 15 minutes for what the Vatican called a discussion on a range of international issues. No details were given.
Later, speaking to U.N. staff members, Benedict paid tribute to 42 civilians and peacekeepers killed in 2007. He said the United Nations plays a key role in monitoring how well governments protect their citizens.
"Indeed, this is coming to be recognized as the moral basis for a government's claim to authority," the pope said.
From CBN News: Pope Turns to Global Audience
Official site for papal visit: http://www.uspapalvisit.org/
Mammoth Prayer Event to Air LIVE on GOD TV
As Christians gather in stadiums across America on Saturday, April 26th for a national day of prayer and repentance, under the umbrella of 'ReignDown USA,' GOD TV will be in Washington, D.C. to broadcast the event direct from the National Mall.
The US capital, where GOD TV has studios near the White House, will be abuzz with believers from many different denominations as they come together to worship and pray, and the four-hour broadcast will be televised LIVE at 6pm (EST) throughout the USA on GOD TV (DIRECTV 365) as well as internationally to nearly half a billion people.
ReignDown USA is a broad coalition of Christians who have a vision for believers in every state to humbly seek God's presence and forgiveness so that His mercy would reign free across the nation, bringing healing and restoration. It is headed up by veteran Lutheran minister Walt Kallestad and his daughter, Shawn-Marie Cole, who personally received a powerful vision from the Lord of Christians rallying together to cry out for God's mercy upon America.
This is in keeping with 2 Chronicles 7:14: "...and if My people, My God-defined people, respond by humbling themselves, praying, seeking My presence, and turning their backs on their wicked lives, I'll listen from Heaven, forgive their sins, and restore their land to health" (The Message version).
ReignDown USA is supported by many high profile ministries and churches including Prayer Watch International; the Presidential Prayer Team; Congressional Prayer Caucus; and the Awakening America Alliance. Top US recording artist Michael W. Smith will lead worship during the broadcast and prayers will be said by many different ministers including Cindy Jacobs of Generals International and Lou Engle of TheCall.
"The USA is entering a time of desperation for our Lord Jesus Christ," said Walt Kallestad "We've witnessed firsthand the threat of terrorism, natural disaster, broken marriages, moral depletion, denominational division and denying Christ as the center of everything we do. The time has come to repent and put God back in the center of our lives, our relationships and our nation.
"We are so pleased that GOD TV will be broadcasting ReignDown USA LIVE which will allow the broadest possible coverage of this event so that the entire Body of Christ around the world can unite simultaneously in worship and prayer as we lift up this nation."
Prayers during the four-hour ReignDown broadcast will include intercession for the President and future presidents, as well as prayers for the US Congress and Senate and judges serving in the Supreme Court, governors, mayors, state employees, pastors, teachers and other leaders, ending off with prayer for one another.
"As a ministry GOD TV is committed to praying for America, the president and for revival." said GOD TV co-founder, Wendy Alec. "There is enough power in the Church today to change the destinies of our nations, and so we encourage viewers across the world to tune in to ReignDown USA as we humble ourselves and pray together corporately. As we come into agreement, we will see breakthrough in the great nation of America."
For more information visit http://www.god.tv/ or http://www.reigndownusa.com/
The United Methodist Meet -- Though They are Far from United
The 2008 General Conference of the United Methodist Church will meet in Ft. Worth, Texas from April 23rd through May 2nd. The United Methodist Church has over 11 million members in the United States, Africa, Europe, and the Philippines. The General Conference, which meets every four years, is the denomination's top legislative body.
The denomination is divided over hot button issues like homosexuality, with U.S. church leaders being more theologically and politically liberal than their overseas counterparts. In response to this, some U.S. leaders have proposed dividing the U.S. church from the overseas churches. IRD/UMAction supports a conservative perspective that affirms traditional church teachings and opposes the global segregation of the church.
Watch for fireworks from the 1,000 delegates of the United Methodist Church as they meet to discuss these hot button issues.
From the United Methodist Church: Delegates Prepare for General Conference
More from Christian World News
More from CBN News
More from Spiritual Life
More from Craig von Buseck