Wednesday, October 6, 2010
'You know who I am': Obama's presidential seal falls off podium during s...
he presidential seal fell off President Barack Obama's lectern and clattered to the stage as he delivered a speech to a women's conference.
"That's all right, all of you know who I am," the president joked to laughter from the audience when he realized what had happened.
"But I'm sure there's somebody back there that's really nervous right now, don't you think?" the president added, referring to whatever staffer had hung the seal on the front of his lectern so precariously.
"They're sweating bullets," he said, laughing. "Where were we," he then said, and returned to his remarks.
It happened about halfway through the president's speech to Fortune magazine's "Most Powerful Women Summit" Tuesday night at Carnegie Mellon Auditorium.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Bible Study Knowing God By J.I. Packer
Comments by Readers.
Profound book about the God of the Bible
First, I must admit that Knowing God is the first book by Packer that I have read. Luckily, I was not disappointed. Considered a modern Christian classic by many, Knowing God lives up to its reputation. In it Packer presents a balanced view of God - who He is, what He is like, what He has done for us, and what He expects from us in return. I had a pretty good understanding of some subjects before reading this book, but found myself learning a lot as Packer challenged me to dig deeper into the Bible, and apply my faith in order to get a clearer picture of God.
Luis Palau: Mass evangelism still works
Fifty years into proclaiming the Gospel, evangelist Luis Palau has not slowed down in telling the world who Jesus Christ is.
It may be a bit traditional or just plain simple, but he strongly believes that "the more we preach, the more the Gospel spreads".
At 75, the Argentina-born preacher continues the tradition of mass evangelism that he picked up from Billy Graham. And like Graham, he has had to face critics who doubt his method of preaching.
Luis Palau celebrates 50 years of ministry this year.
It may be a bit traditional or just plain simple, but he strongly believes that "the more we preach, the more the Gospel spreads".
At 75, the Argentina-born preacher continues the tradition of mass evangelism that he picked up from Billy Graham. And like Graham, he has had to face critics who doubt his method of preaching.
Andrew Palau preaches love in Uganda despite terrorist threats
More than 80,000 people turned out to hear Andrew Palau preach in Kampala over the weekend in spite of heavy security and fears of another terrorist attack.
The two-day Love Kampala Festival went ahead at the city’s Kololo Airstrip even after the local authorities ramped up security in the wake of another terrorist threat.
Just one week before the festival, a Somalian man was arrested on suspicion of terrorism onboard a Uganda-bound flight that was also carrying seven members of Palau’s team. The latest threat comes after a fatal attack on Kampala in July, when the al-Qaeda-linked Somalian terrorist group al-Shabab set off two bombs in the capital, killing 76 people.
Andrew Palau preached the Gospel to more than 80,000 people in Kampala, despite security concerns.
The two-day Love Kampala Festival went ahead at the city’s Kololo Airstrip even after the local authorities ramped up security in the wake of another terrorist threat.
Just one week before the festival, a Somalian man was arrested on suspicion of terrorism onboard a Uganda-bound flight that was also carrying seven members of Palau’s team. The latest threat comes after a fatal attack on Kampala in July, when the al-Qaeda-linked Somalian terrorist group al-Shabab set off two bombs in the capital, killing 76 people.
Are we just too afraid to ask people to church?
As more than 600,000 people across the United Kingdom are being invited to special church services for Back to Church Sunday this weekend, one of the founders of this movement is on a mission to mobilise long-term church growth.
Michael Harvey, who first helped to launch Back to Church Sunday back in 2004 in Manchester, England, has spent the last year travelling across the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, preparing churches to invite their friends back to church by running seminars called "The 12 Steps to Becoming an Inviting Church".
Harvey explains how he came up with this teaching series.
Michael Harvey, who first helped to launch Back to Church Sunday back in 2004 in Manchester, England, has spent the last year travelling across the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, preparing churches to invite their friends back to church by running seminars called "The 12 Steps to Becoming an Inviting Church".
Harvey explains how he came up with this teaching series.
Opponents of women bishops establish new society in Church of England
The new Mission Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda has been met with consternation from supporters of women bishops.
Anglo-Catholics have established a new society as the Church of England moves closer to consecration of women bishops.
The Mission Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda was launched this week by nine Anglo-Catholic bishops, including the Bishop of Chichester and the Bishop of Gibraltar, as draft legislation on women in the episcopate was sent out for consideration to dioceses this week.
The new society has been founded as an alternative to leaving the Church of England and joining the Catholic Church under the auspices of an Ordinariate offered by Pope Benedict.
The Church of England's General Synod voted in July to send draft legislation on women in the episcopate out to dioceses for consideration
Anglo-Catholics have established a new society as the Church of England moves closer to consecration of women bishops.
The Mission Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda was launched this week by nine Anglo-Catholic bishops, including the Bishop of Chichester and the Bishop of Gibraltar, as draft legislation on women in the episcopate was sent out for consideration to dioceses this week.
The new society has been founded as an alternative to leaving the Church of England and joining the Catholic Church under the auspices of an Ordinariate offered by Pope Benedict.
Muslim extremists suspected in death of Christian worker in India
Family members of a Christian worker who was found dead in a Muslim area in Jharkhand state a day after the Islamic Eid festival said they suspect he may have been murdered by local residents.
The body of Shravan Kumar, who had worked with the Gospel Echoing Missionary Society, was found lying in a well near the Idgah Mosque in Garhwa town in the wee hours of Sept. 13, a close relative of the deceased told Compass by phone.
Kumar, 31, lived in Pratapgarh district in neighboring Uttar Pradesh state. He left for Garhwa, 65 kilometers (40 miles) from his house, saying he wanted to see a colleague there on Sept 10.
“But neither did he visit the colleague, nor did he get back home,” said the relative.
On Sept. 15, a family member went to Garhwa looking for him. He found his picture in an advertisement police had placed in a local newspaper in an effort to identify the body.
“When Kumar’s body was handed over to the family, it was beyond recognition; it had swollen,” said the relative.
The body of Shravan Kumar, who had worked with the Gospel Echoing Missionary Society, was found lying in a well near the Idgah Mosque in Garhwa town in the wee hours of Sept. 13, a close relative of the deceased told Compass by phone.
Kumar, 31, lived in Pratapgarh district in neighboring Uttar Pradesh state. He left for Garhwa, 65 kilometers (40 miles) from his house, saying he wanted to see a colleague there on Sept 10.
“But neither did he visit the colleague, nor did he get back home,” said the relative.
On Sept. 15, a family member went to Garhwa looking for him. He found his picture in an advertisement police had placed in a local newspaper in an effort to identify the body.
“When Kumar’s body was handed over to the family, it was beyond recognition; it had swollen,” said the relative.
Ground Zero mosque may be moved further away from WTC site
An attorney for Hisham Elzanaty, the man who claims to be the majority stakeholder in the project, said he is considering building the Islamic community center at 30 Cliff Street, the location of an active mosque about seven blocks away from ground zero.
“It is nicely situated on a nice piece of property,” said Wolodymyr Starosolosky , Elzanaty’s attorney, according to Fox News New York. “It seems well attended. All sorts of people come there – white Americans, black Americans, people from the Middle East and so forth. It is very active.”
Starosolosky said he already met the imam of the 30 Cliff Street mosque and the people there “were very kind and very courteous.” He also clarified that his client is the ultimate decision maker in where the Park51 project will be built because he has the most money invested in it.
“It is nicely situated on a nice piece of property,” said Wolodymyr Starosolosky , Elzanaty’s attorney, according to Fox News New York. “It seems well attended. All sorts of people come there – white Americans, black Americans, people from the Middle East and so forth. It is very active.”
Starosolosky said he already met the imam of the 30 Cliff Street mosque and the people there “were very kind and very courteous.” He also clarified that his client is the ultimate decision maker in where the Park51 project will be built because he has the most money invested in it.
Coptic leader apologises for bishop's Koran remarks in Egypt - said Muslims are guests only.
The leader of the Coptic Orthodox Church in Egypt has apologised for the "inappropriate" comments made by the church body’s second highest ranking cleric regarding the authenticity of some Koran verses.
Last week, Bishop Bishoy sparked outrage when he was quoted by the Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper as saying that "Muslims are only guests" in the country. Bishoy was also quoted in the Egyptian media for wondering about the time frame for the revelation of the Koranic verses disputing the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
Last week, Bishop Bishoy sparked outrage when he was quoted by the Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper as saying that "Muslims are only guests" in the country. Bishoy was also quoted in the Egyptian media for wondering about the time frame for the revelation of the Koranic verses disputing the divine nature of Jesus Christ.
Muslim Mob Attacks Christians in Gujrat, Pakistan
A mob of Muslim extremists on Thursday (Sept. 23) shot at and beat dozens of Christians, including one cleared of “blasphemy” charges, in Punjab Province’s Gujrat district, Christian leaders said.
The attack on Tariq Gill, exonerated of charges of blaspheming the Quran on Sept. 3, 2009, and on his father Murad Gill, his mother and the other Christian residents was the latest of more than 10 such assaults on the Christian colony of Mohalla Kalupura, Gujrat city, since Sept. 8, the Rev. Suleman Nasri Khan and Bishop Shamas Pervaiz told Compass.
About 40 Islamists – some shooting Kalashnikovs and pistols at homes and individuals on the street, others brandishing axes and clubs – beat some of the Christians so badly that they left them for dead, Pastor Khan said. So far, 10 families have been targeted for the attacks.
The attack on Tariq Gill, exonerated of charges of blaspheming the Quran on Sept. 3, 2009, and on his father Murad Gill, his mother and the other Christian residents was the latest of more than 10 such assaults on the Christian colony of Mohalla Kalupura, Gujrat city, since Sept. 8, the Rev. Suleman Nasri Khan and Bishop Shamas Pervaiz told Compass.
About 40 Islamists – some shooting Kalashnikovs and pistols at homes and individuals on the street, others brandishing axes and clubs – beat some of the Christians so badly that they left them for dead, Pastor Khan said. So far, 10 families have been targeted for the attacks.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Iran's Nuclear Agency Trying to Stop The destructive Stuxnet worm
TEHRAN, Iran -- Iran's nuclear agency is trying to combat a complex computer worm that has affected industrial sites throughout the country and is capable of taking over power plants, Iranian media reports said.
Experts from the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran met this week to discuss how to remove the malicious computer code, or worm, the semi-official ISNA news agency reported Friday.
The computer worm, dubbed Stuxnet, can take over systems that control the inner workings of industrial plants. Experts in Germany discovered the worm in July, and it has since shown up in a number of attacks - primarily in Iran, Indonesia, India and the U.S.
The ISNA report said the malware had spread throughout Iran, but did not name specific sites affected. Foreign media reports have speculated the worm was aimed at disrupting Iran's first nuclear power plant, which is to go online in October in the southern port city of Bushehr.
Iranian newspapers have reported on the computer worm hitting industries around the country in recent weeks, without giving details. Friday's report also did not mention Bushehr.
The Russian-built plant will be internationally supervised, but world powers remain concerned that Iran wants to use its civil nuclear power program as a cover for making weapons.
Iran denies such an aim and says its nuclear work is solely for peaceful purposes.
While there have been no reports of damage or disruption at any Iranian nuclear facilities, Tuesday's meeting signaled a high level of concern about the worm among Iran's nuclear officials.
The destructive Stuxnet worm has surprised experts because it is the first one specifically created to take over industrial control systems, rather than just steal or manipulate data.
The United States is also tracking the worm, and the Department of Homeland Security is building specialized teams that can respond quickly to cyber emergencies at industrial facilities across the country.
Paris Hilton Denies Entering japan
NARITA, Japan - Paris Hilton was denied entrance into Japan on Wednesday, two days after she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in Las Vegas.
Japan has strict immigration laws that bar entry to those convicted of drug offenses, although exceptio
ns are occasionally granted.
"I'm going back home, and I look forward to coming back to Japan in the future," a smiling Hilton said to reporters at Tokyo's airport.
The 29-year-old celebrity socialite was supposed to promote her fashion and fragrance lines at a news conference Wednesday morning in Tokyo. She arrived Tuesday evening but was stopped at the airport and spent the night at a hotel there after being questioned by officials.
Denied Entry after Questioning
A Japanese immigration official said she was denied entry Wednesday after a total of about six hours of questioning over the two days. The country has taken a tough line with famous figures in the past, although it also grants exceptions on occasion.
Soccer icon Diego Maradona was initially banned from entering the country during the 2002 World Cup finals for his past drug offenses, but was eventually given a 30-day visa as a "special delegate."
The Rolling Stones struggled for years to gain entry to the country but were eventually allowed in despite its members' drug convictions.
In January 1980, former Beatles member Paul McCartney was arrested for marijuana possession upon arrival at Narita airport. He was deported without carrying out a planned concert tour by his rock group Wings.
Tokyo was the first stop on Hilton's planned Asia tour, during which she planned to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and open a new retail store in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Lawmakers Spotlight N.Korea Sex Trafficking
Members of the House Human Rights Commission hosted a congressional hearing this week, shining a spotlight on how China is ignoring the plight of North Korean refugees living in the country.
Lawmakers heard firsthand the horrors of three North Korean women who were sold into the sex trade.
"Ninety percent of the women who flee North Korea fall victims to traffickers, and the Chinese government does nothing about it," Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., said. "In fact, it is the Chinese government's ruthless policy of repatriating North Koreans that makes them so vulnerable to the traffickers."
"Hopefully, when President Obama meets with the leader, particularly the leader of China later on this year, he will raise this issue. He will raise this," Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va, added.
"This administration has lost its voice. It is silent on these issues. And this aught to be on the forefront," Wolf said. "Nuclear issues are important, but human rights for the people of North Korea is particularly important too."
China also returns refugees to North Korea, where they face imprisonment and death.
Some recommended that China's status be upgraded on the State Department's human trafficking list. Doing so would allow the United States to place economic sanctions on the country.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Six arrested in Gateshead over 'Koran burning'
Officers detained two men on September 15 and four more yesterday and all six were bailed pending further inquiries, Northumbria Police said.
''The arrests followed the burning of what are believed to have been two Korans in Gateshead on September 11,'' the spokesman said.
The men hide their faces as they hold a copy of the Koran prior to setting fire to it
''The arrests followed the burning of what are believed to have been two Korans in Gateshead on September 11,'' the spokesman said.
Second Church Threatened with Demolition in Malaysia
A second church in Orang Asli is slated for destruction even though the native parishoners don't know why.
The church, located in a forested area of Pos Pasik, is only accessibly by four-wheel drive.
"The community has always had bamboo churches which have to be replaced once every two years," said Moses Soo, bishop of all Orang Asli churches in Kelantan. "Two years ago, the government began providing brick houses for the villagers and this sparked the idea of a brick church too."
Cash for the church construction, which began in May, was raised by the community and aided by Soo.
The church, located in a forested area of Pos Pasik, is only accessibly by four-wheel drive.
"The community has always had bamboo churches which have to be replaced once every two years," said Moses Soo, bishop of all Orang Asli churches in Kelantan. "Two years ago, the government began providing brick houses for the villagers and this sparked the idea of a brick church too."
Cash for the church construction, which began in May, was raised by the community and aided by Soo.
Pope attacks current of ‘aggressive secularism’ in Britain
Pope Benedict XVI has begun his four-day visit to Britain with a warning against “aggressive forms of secularism” that are failing to tolerate traditional values.
Addressing the Queen and other leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Deputy Prime Minister, the Pope spoke of the "Nazi tryanny that wished to eradicate God from society and denied our common humanity to many, especially the Jews".
He said: "As we reflect on the sobering lessons of the atheist extremism of the twentieth century, let us never forget, how the exclusion of God, religion and virtue from public life leads ultimately to a truncated vision of man and of society and thus to a 'reductive vision of the person and his destiny'.".
Pope Benedict XVI rides in the Popemobile down Edinburgh's Princes Street on the first day of his four day visit to the United Kingdom
Addressing the Queen and other leaders, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Deputy Prime Minister, the Pope spoke of the "Nazi tryanny that wished to eradicate God from society and denied our common humanity to many, especially the Jews".
He said: "As we reflect on the sobering lessons of the atheist extremism of the twentieth century, let us never forget, how the exclusion of God, religion and virtue from public life leads ultimately to a truncated vision of man and of society and thus to a 'reductive vision of the person and his destiny'.".
Pope Benedict XVI rides in the Popemobile down Edinburgh's Princes Street on the first day of his four day visit to the United Kingdom
Sarah Kelly sings of emotions, struggles and hopes in new album
Midnight Sun is the latest project from Christian music favourite Sarah Kelly.
The album became something of a collaboration among friends for the two-time Grammy nominee. Kelly enlisted several trusted friends to co-write several of the songs, including her worship leader husband Jonas Ekman, Jeremy Hunter (Taylor Swift, Jonny Lang), and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay).
Justin Knox (Colbie Caillat), Hunter and Dane came in to share the production credits, and Steve Mason from Jars of Clay even signed on to play on four of the album’s more rock-based songs.
The album became something of a collaboration among friends for the two-time Grammy nominee. Kelly enlisted several trusted friends to co-write several of the songs, including her worship leader husband Jonas Ekman, Jeremy Hunter (Taylor Swift, Jonny Lang), and Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay).
Justin Knox (Colbie Caillat), Hunter and Dane came in to share the production credits, and Steve Mason from Jars of Clay even signed on to play on four of the album’s more rock-based songs.
Bollywood producers announce new movie on Jesus Christ
The Indian film industry is to shoot a movie on the life of Jesus Christ for the first time.
Produced by Aditya Productions, the movie is believed to be India's highest budget movie at an estimated cost of $30 million.
Shooting will begin in the Holy Land in October under the direction of veteran Bollywood film-maker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao.
The film will depict the story of Jesus Christ from his birth until his death and resurrection and will be released in English and three Indian languages in 2011.
Produced by Aditya Productions, the movie is believed to be India's highest budget movie at an estimated cost of $30 million.
Shooting will begin in the Holy Land in October under the direction of veteran Bollywood film-maker Singeetham Srinivasa Rao.
The film will depict the story of Jesus Christ from his birth until his death and resurrection and will be released in English and three Indian languages in 2011.
US tells Egypt to bring Christmas Eve killers to justice
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has called on Egypt’s government to resume the trial of three men charged with the murder of seven people in a small southern Egypt town on Christmas Eve.
Since February, court proceedings have been postponed numerous times, and USCIRF is pressing the government to ensure that Saturday’s scheduled trial go on as planned.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” remarked USCIRF chair Leonard Leo, whose agency makes policy recommendations to the US President, Secretary of State, and Congress with respect to matters involving international religious freedom.
“Is it possible for Coptic Orthodox Christians to get justice in the Egyptian court system?” he asked.
On January 6, as Coptic Christians prepared to observe Christmas Day, gunmen travelling in a car opened fire in a shopping district in the town of Nagaa Hammadi and later in front of the southern Egyptian town’s main church as worshippers emerged from midnight mass.
Since February, court proceedings have been postponed numerous times, and USCIRF is pressing the government to ensure that Saturday’s scheduled trial go on as planned.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” remarked USCIRF chair Leonard Leo, whose agency makes policy recommendations to the US President, Secretary of State, and Congress with respect to matters involving international religious freedom.
“Is it possible for Coptic Orthodox Christians to get justice in the Egyptian court system?” he asked.
On January 6, as Coptic Christians prepared to observe Christmas Day, gunmen travelling in a car opened fire in a shopping district in the town of Nagaa Hammadi and later in front of the southern Egyptian town’s main church as worshippers emerged from midnight mass.
India's president under pressure to protect Christians
India’s president is being pressed to protect Christians in the country’s northern Kashmir region after a mob burned down the oldest school there and also attacked other Christian institutions nearby.
“I am pained to state that though the local authorities were informed about a possible attack … no protection was provided,” stated the Rt Rev Pradeep Kumar Samantaroy in a message to President Pratibha Patil.
“You are aware that the Christians in the State of Jammu and Kashmir are a tiny minority who always live and serve under stressful and sometimes threatening situations,” the Church of North India bishop added Wednesday. “The present situation has made the Christians in Jammu and Kashmir feel very insecure.”
Muslims shout slogans as they burn a placard bearing the name of US President Barack Obama in Jammu, India, on Tuesday in protest of the reported desecration of Korans in the US.
“I am pained to state that though the local authorities were informed about a possible attack … no protection was provided,” stated the Rt Rev Pradeep Kumar Samantaroy in a message to President Pratibha Patil.
“You are aware that the Christians in the State of Jammu and Kashmir are a tiny minority who always live and serve under stressful and sometimes threatening situations,” the Church of North India bishop added Wednesday. “The present situation has made the Christians in Jammu and Kashmir feel very insecure.”
Muslims shout slogans as they burn a placard bearing the name of US President Barack Obama in Jammu, India, on Tuesday in protest of the reported desecration of Korans in the US.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu appeals to world to give generously to Pakistan
Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other leaders are calling on the world to give “more quickly and generously” to help millions of people affected by floods in Pakistan.
The Elders, a group of distinguished independent leaders, warned that the situation in Pakistan was deteriorating rapidly and that little aid was reaching many of those affected.
Some 3.5 million people are now at risk of water-borne illness such as hepatitis and diarrhoea. The Elders said the scale of the flooding was “disastrous” and that its long-term impact would be felt by around 20 million people.
A Pakistani man carries relief goods in flood hit Muzaffargarh district, Punjab province, Pakistan, Thursday, August 19, 2010.
The Elders, a group of distinguished independent leaders, warned that the situation in Pakistan was deteriorating rapidly and that little aid was reaching many of those affected.
Some 3.5 million people are now at risk of water-borne illness such as hepatitis and diarrhoea. The Elders said the scale of the flooding was “disastrous” and that its long-term impact would be felt by around 20 million people.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Christians seek Pakistan debt cancellation
group of South Asian Christians in Britain is pressing for the cancellation of Pakistan’s international debts as the recovery from this summer’s devastating floods looks set to run into years.
The South Asian Forum of the Evangelical Alliance warns that life-saving relief efforts for some 20 million flood victims could be jeopardised if the Pakistani government is forced to send almost a third of its annual budget revenues to foreign creditors.
Pakistani families displaced by flood live in a camp setup for displaced people in Thatta, Pakistan on Thursday Sept. 16, 2010
The South Asian Forum of the Evangelical Alliance warns that life-saving relief efforts for some 20 million flood victims could be jeopardised if the Pakistani government is forced to send almost a third of its annual budget revenues to foreign creditors.
Pakistani families displaced by flood live in a camp setup for displaced people in Thatta, Pakistan on Thursday Sept. 16, 2010
Steven Curtis Chapman’s latest album soars up iTunes charts
Grammy Award-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman' new project, 'Safe In The Arms'
was only released this week but has already garnered the No 2 spot on the iTunesChristian & Gospel Albums Chart.
Available only in digital formats, Safe In The Arms features a never before released song, "Close To Your Heart" featuring worship artist Matt Redman and a special new acoustic recording of "Beauty Will Rise", the title track off his last studio album that released last year.
In addition, Chapman opens up in a in-depth interview about Beauty Will Rise, his most personal album to date.
was only released this week but has already garnered the No 2 spot on the iTunesChristian & Gospel Albums Chart.
Available only in digital formats, Safe In The Arms features a never before released song, "Close To Your Heart" featuring worship artist Matt Redman and a special new acoustic recording of "Beauty Will Rise", the title track off his last studio album that released last year.
In addition, Chapman opens up in a in-depth interview about Beauty Will Rise, his most personal album to date.
Christians launch anti-slavery initiative
A new Christian anti-slavery initiative has been launched by a handful of people who feel strongly about the suffering of those entrapped in slavery.
The Christian Anti-Slavery Today (CAST) has been launched to raise awareness of contemporary slavery and effectively combat it within a Christian context.
"Many people do not understand the shocking reality of slavery today," explained spokeswoman Bisi Omiteru.
"Therefore education remains a primary objective. CAST is providing free resources for different age groups to heighten awareness."
There are an estimated 12 million people enslaved worldwide, affecting every every continent. Many, including children, are forcibly trafficked and abused in Britain today.
The Christian Anti-Slavery Today (CAST) has been launched to raise awareness of contemporary slavery and effectively combat it within a Christian context.
"Many people do not understand the shocking reality of slavery today," explained spokeswoman Bisi Omiteru.
"Therefore education remains a primary objective. CAST is providing free resources for different age groups to heighten awareness."
There are an estimated 12 million people enslaved worldwide, affecting every every continent. Many, including children, are forcibly trafficked and abused in Britain today.
Pope expresses ‘sorrow and shame’ over child abuse
The Pope apologised again for the Catholic Church’s handling of child abuse in a meeting with victims yesterday.
The Pope spent 40 minutes yesterday with five people who had been abused by Catholic priests as children.
The Pope spoke of his “sorrow and shame” suffered by victims and prayed with them.
A spokesperson for the Pope said: “He was moved by what they had to say and expressed his deep sorrow and shame over what victims and their families had suffered.
“As he has done on other occasions, he prayed that all the victims of abuse might experience healing and reconciliation, and be able to overcome their past and present distress with serenity and hope for the future.”
The Pope spent 40 minutes yesterday with five people who had been abused by Catholic priests as children.
The Pope spoke of his “sorrow and shame” suffered by victims and prayed with them.
A spokesperson for the Pope said: “He was moved by what they had to say and expressed his deep sorrow and shame over what victims and their families had suffered.
“As he has done on other occasions, he prayed that all the victims of abuse might experience healing and reconciliation, and be able to overcome their past and present distress with serenity and hope for the future.”
Christian human rights group urges Indonesia to protect religious freedom
Christian Solidarity Worldwide has called upon the Indonesian Government to safeguard religious freedom and pluralism in the wake of attacks on Christians and Ahmadiyya Muslims in the country.
The Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace says that at least 30 attacks on churches have been reported so far this year, with extremist Islamist groups targetting churches in West Java in particular.
In one attack earlier this month, an elder of the Batak Christian Protestant Church in Bekasi was seriously injured when he was stabbed in the heart and stomach while on his way to a service. In another incident, a pastor was beaten with a wooden block.
The Setara Institute for Democracy and Peace says that at least 30 attacks on churches have been reported so far this year, with extremist Islamist groups targetting churches in West Java in particular.
In one attack earlier this month, an elder of the Batak Christian Protestant Church in Bekasi was seriously injured when he was stabbed in the heart and stomach while on his way to a service. In another incident, a pastor was beaten with a wooden block.
New figures reveal changing shape of Methodist Church
New figures from the Methodist Church have revealed the diverse nature of its congregations today.
This year’s Statistics Mission Report is the first to include data on language, ethnicity, Fresh Expressions and the number of churchgoers engaged in children and youth ministry.
According to the report, there are at least 89 Methodist congregations in Britain running worship or fellowships in a non-English language. Just some of the language groups are Hindi, Mandarin, Farsi, French and Zimbabwean.
Walworth Methodist Church in London is typical of the many multi-ethnic congregations that exist throughout Britain. It operates four fellowships and services for Christians from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, with parts of the services taking place in the mother tongue.
The Methodist Church said 89 of its congregations are holding fellowships or worship in languages other than English
This year’s Statistics Mission Report is the first to include data on language, ethnicity, Fresh Expressions and the number of churchgoers engaged in children and youth ministry.
According to the report, there are at least 89 Methodist congregations in Britain running worship or fellowships in a non-English language. Just some of the language groups are Hindi, Mandarin, Farsi, French and Zimbabwean.
Walworth Methodist Church in London is typical of the many multi-ethnic congregations that exist throughout Britain. It operates four fellowships and services for Christians from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, with parts of the services taking place in the mother tongue.
The Methodist Church said 89 of its congregations are holding fellowships or worship in languages other than English
Bishop Eddie Long to Address Sex Abuse Claims
Bishop Eddie Long, the prominent Atlanta pastor accused of sexually abusing three former members of his congregation, said he will wait until Sunday services to speak publicly about the charges against him.
The news comes one day after the 57-year-old pastor "categorically" denied claims that he coerced two men - 20-year-old Maurice Robinson and 21-year-old Anthony Flagg - into a sexual relationship when they were teenagers
"Bishop Eddie Long adamantly denies the allegations," Long's attorney Craig Gillenand said in a statement Wednesday. "It's unfortunate the two young men have chosen to take this course of action."
The two filed separate civil lawsuits Wednesday saying Long showered them with cars, clothes, jewelry, and electronics, took them on trips in private jets, and put them up in luxury hotels.
The news comes one day after the 57-year-old pastor "categorically" denied claims that he coerced two men - 20-year-old Maurice Robinson and 21-year-old Anthony Flagg - into a sexual relationship when they were teenagers
"Bishop Eddie Long adamantly denies the allegations," Long's attorney Craig Gillenand said in a statement Wednesday. "It's unfortunate the two young men have chosen to take this course of action."
The two filed separate civil lawsuits Wednesday saying Long showered them with cars, clothes, jewelry, and electronics, took them on trips in private jets, and put them up in luxury hotels.
Holocaust Survivors Helped by Christian Charity
Sixty-five years after the end of World War II, Holocaust survivors have grown older and their numbers are dwindling.
For many, their last days are lonely. But now a Christian charity - sponsored project is helping some Holocaust survivors in Israel live their last days in dignity.
Bayit Hahm, which means "a warm home" in English, is unique because it's the only place in Israel where Holocaust survivors can live for free.
"They receive medical treatment, meals," said Shimon Sabag, director of charitable group Yad Ezer L'Haver. "There are also games and drama. They have a painting club, a crafts club -- really life from A to Z -- I think for them it's really a kingdom."
More than 200,000 Holocaust survivors reside in Israel and about one-third of them live in poverty.
For many, their last days are lonely. But now a Christian charity - sponsored project is helping some Holocaust survivors in Israel live their last days in dignity.
Bayit Hahm, which means "a warm home" in English, is unique because it's the only place in Israel where Holocaust survivors can live for free.
"They receive medical treatment, meals," said Shimon Sabag, director of charitable group Yad Ezer L'Haver. "There are also games and drama. They have a painting club, a crafts club -- really life from A to Z -- I think for them it's really a kingdom."
More than 200,000 Holocaust survivors reside in Israel and about one-third of them live in poverty.
United Methodists Start to See Uptick in Young Clergy
The United Methodist Church has begun to see an increase in the number of young clergy after decades of decline, a new report reveals.
There are now more young local pastors than at any time in recent history, according to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
Up from 3.4 percent in 1985, local pastors under the age of 35 now make up 5.8 percent of all 7,341 UMC clergy, including part-time pastors.
At the same time, however, the median age of local pastors is still 55.
CrossRoads United Methodist Church in Phoenix is seen here in a Feb. 13, 2010 photo.
There are now more young local pastors than at any time in recent history, according to the Lewis Center for Church Leadership.
Up from 3.4 percent in 1985, local pastors under the age of 35 now make up 5.8 percent of all 7,341 UMC clergy, including part-time pastors.
At the same time, however, the median age of local pastors is still 55.
CrossRoads United Methodist Church in Phoenix is seen here in a Feb. 13, 2010 photo.
Pro-Israel Leaders Urge UN to Indict Ahmadenijad
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadenijad addressed members of the United Nations Thursday.
His speech came as a group of influential pro-Israel leaders are pressing the UN to indict Ahmadenijad for incitement to genocide over his frequent calls for Israel's destruction.
Pastor John Hagee's organization, Christians United for Israel, has released a video featuring Sen. Joe Lieberman, Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel, Jewish leader Malcolm Hoenlein, and attorney Alan Dershowitz calling for Ahmadenijad's prosecution in an international tribunal.
His speech came as a group of influential pro-Israel leaders are pressing the UN to indict Ahmadenijad for incitement to genocide over his frequent calls for Israel's destruction.
Pastor John Hagee's organization, Christians United for Israel, has released a video featuring Sen. Joe Lieberman, Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel, Jewish leader Malcolm Hoenlein, and attorney Alan Dershowitz calling for Ahmadenijad's prosecution in an international tribunal.
Megachurch Pastor Preaches 24 Hours Straight on Audacious Faith
One of the youngest megachurch pastors in the country preached what may have amounted to half a year's worth of sermons in 24 hours.
Executing what he called the craziest, most asinine ideas he's ever had, Pastor Steven Furtick stood in front of a live Web audience on Tuesday and Wednesday, teaching from the Bible for 24 hours straight.
Though hours of sermons may have easily sounded like a snooze fest for some, the online event was a big draw for thousands who were familiar with the young pastor's passionate preaching.
"Audacious faith" was the main message he proclaimed.
It's the same message found in his newly released book, Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible.
"There's so many people living with the ache of the ordinary; nothing seems to ever happen supernatural in their lives," he said.
Steven Furtick, senior pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., preaches to a live Web audience for 24 hours straight, Sept. 21-22, 2010.
Executing what he called the craziest, most asinine ideas he's ever had, Pastor Steven Furtick stood in front of a live Web audience on Tuesday and Wednesday, teaching from the Bible for 24 hours straight.
Though hours of sermons may have easily sounded like a snooze fest for some, the online event was a big draw for thousands who were familiar with the young pastor's passionate preaching.
"Audacious faith" was the main message he proclaimed.
It's the same message found in his newly released book, Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the Impossible.
"There's so many people living with the ache of the ordinary; nothing seems to ever happen supernatural in their lives," he said.
Steven Furtick, senior pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, N.C., preaches to a live Web audience for 24 hours straight, Sept. 21-22, 2010.
Study: Leaving Religion May Be Bad for Health
For some people, leaving their religion means more than taking a spiritual risk. They could be risking their physical health as well, according to one recent study.
In the study conducted done by Christopher Scheitle, a senior research assistant in sociology at Penn State University, 40 percent of those who said they practice a religion with strict social, moral and physical guidelines reported themselves to be in excellent health.
As they moved further from their strict religion, the percentage of those describing themselves in excellent health declined. About 25 percent of those who switched to a more liberal religious group said they were in excellent health, and the figure dropped to 20 percent for people who quit religion all together.
In the study conducted done by Christopher Scheitle, a senior research assistant in sociology at Penn State University, 40 percent of those who said they practice a religion with strict social, moral and physical guidelines reported themselves to be in excellent health.
As they moved further from their strict religion, the percentage of those describing themselves in excellent health declined. About 25 percent of those who switched to a more liberal religious group said they were in excellent health, and the figure dropped to 20 percent for people who quit religion all together.
Ban on Converting Others Proposed in Nepal
NEW DELHI (Compass Direct News) – A legislative panel in Nepal has proposed retaining a ban on converting others in the country’s new constitution.
Parliament has yet to decide on the proposal, but Christian leaders said they fear it is likely to be approved given that Nepal’s largest political party, led by former Maoist rebels, sympathizes with the deposed king’s wishes for such a ban. The country is forging a new constitution as part of its transition from a Hindu monarchy to a democracy.
Bishop Narayan Sharma of the Believers Church said he expects approval of the ban as recommended by the Committee on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles (CFRDP). A Sept. 13 report by the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance said a preliminary draft the CFRDP presented to Nepal’s Parliament penalizes activities aimed at encouraging others to convert, though it does not punish individuals for converting.
Parliament has yet to decide on the proposal, but Christian leaders said they fear it is likely to be approved given that Nepal’s largest political party, led by former Maoist rebels, sympathizes with the deposed king’s wishes for such a ban. The country is forging a new constitution as part of its transition from a Hindu monarchy to a democracy.
Bishop Narayan Sharma of the Believers Church said he expects approval of the ban as recommended by the Committee on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles (CFRDP). A Sept. 13 report by the Religious Liberty Commission of the World Evangelical Alliance said a preliminary draft the CFRDP presented to Nepal’s Parliament penalizes activities aimed at encouraging others to convert, though it does not punish individuals for converting.
New Jersey Abortion Clinic Closes After State Funding Cut
A New Jersey Planned Parenthood office is closing its doors forever after Gov. Chris Christie cut state taxpayer funding to the abortion giant -- and the state senate failed to over-ride his decision.
The Cherry Hill, N.J. office is operated by Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey. It stands to lose as much as $160,000 in taxpayer funds, because of Christie's decision.
The Cherry Hill, N.J. office is operated by Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey. It stands to lose as much as $160,000 in taxpayer funds, because of Christie's decision.
Study: Behaviors Americans Consider 'Sinful'
Americans overwhelmingly believe in the concept of sin whether they are religiously involved or not, according to a new Ellison Research study released Tuesday.
“Sin,” as defined by the research organization, is “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.” The study questioned more than 1,000 American adult respondents whether they believe in such a thing as “sin” and then asked them whether 30 different behaviors were sinful.
Out the list of 30 behaviors, adultery was most often described as a sinful behavior by American respondents (81 percent).
Following adultery was racism (74 percent); using “hard” drugs such as cocaine, heroine, meth, LSD, etc. (65 percent); not saying anything if a cashier gives you too much change (63 percent); abortion (56 percent); and homosexual activity or sex (52 percent) rounded out the top five behaviors most often considered sinful by Americans.
File photo dated April 25, 2007, of two females drinking wine in a central London pub.
“Sin,” as defined by the research organization, is “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective.” The study questioned more than 1,000 American adult respondents whether they believe in such a thing as “sin” and then asked them whether 30 different behaviors were sinful.
Out the list of 30 behaviors, adultery was most often described as a sinful behavior by American respondents (81 percent).
Following adultery was racism (74 percent); using “hard” drugs such as cocaine, heroine, meth, LSD, etc. (65 percent); not saying anything if a cashier gives you too much change (63 percent); abortion (56 percent); and homosexual activity or sex (52 percent) rounded out the top five behaviors most often considered sinful by Americans.
File photo dated April 25, 2007, of two females drinking wine in a central London pub.
Obamas Join Worship Service at Episcopal Church
President Barack Obama and his family made a rare appearance at church on Sunday. The first family attended Sunday morning service at St. John's Church.
With daughters Malia and Sasha, Obama and his wife, Michelle, strolled across Lafayette Square to join an hourlong service at the nearby Episcopal church.
It was the first time in months that the president worshipped in public.
The Rev. Dr. Luis Leon preached that morning on the parable of the dishonest steward.
"Jesus is not endorsing the guy because he's dishonest but because he's shrewd," the rector explained.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama leave St. John's Episcopal Church as Rev. Luis Leon follows after services in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010
With daughters Malia and Sasha, Obama and his wife, Michelle, strolled across Lafayette Square to join an hourlong service at the nearby Episcopal church.
It was the first time in months that the president worshipped in public.
The Rev. Dr. Luis Leon preached that morning on the parable of the dishonest steward.
"Jesus is not endorsing the guy because he's dishonest but because he's shrewd," the rector explained.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama leave St. John's Episcopal Church as Rev. Luis Leon follows after services in Washington, Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010
T.V. Actor Says Christianity is Being Marginalized in Britain
Christianity is being marginalized in Britain because of a concern for not offending other faiths, says London-born actor David Suchet.
Suchet, star of ITV’s "Poirot," told Woman’s Weekly magazine that a charity he worked for had been recently turned down for government funding “because it was a Christian charity, even though it had been funded by the Government for several years.”
“I do feel that Christianity is being marginalized by other religions in Britain,” said Suchet, who was confirmed two years ago.
“Don’t misunderstand me. We should embrace all religions and marginalize none,” he told the magazine. “But we seem more concerned with marginalizing Christianity, and not offending other faiths."
“We are in danger of losing the importance of the Christian faith in our own country,” he said.
Suchet, star of ITV’s "Poirot," told Woman’s Weekly magazine that a charity he worked for had been recently turned down for government funding “because it was a Christian charity, even though it had been funded by the Government for several years.”
“I do feel that Christianity is being marginalized by other religions in Britain,” said Suchet, who was confirmed two years ago.
“Don’t misunderstand me. We should embrace all religions and marginalize none,” he told the magazine. “But we seem more concerned with marginalizing Christianity, and not offending other faiths."
“We are in danger of losing the importance of the Christian faith in our own country,” he said.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
J. I. Packer to Be Suspended from the Anglican Church of Canada
In June of 2002, the synod of the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster (in Vancouver, Canada) voted to authorize a service to bless same-sex unions. J. I. Packer was among the synod members who walked out in protest, and he explained why in an article forChristianity Today. The lede summarized his rationale: “Why did I walk out with the others? Because this decision, taken in its context, falsifies the gospel of Christ, abandons the authority of Scripture, jeopardizes the salvation of fellow human beings, and betrays the church in its God-appointed role as the bastion and bulwark of divine truth.”
On Feb. 13, 2008, Packer’s church, St. John’s Shaughnessy in Vancouver (at 760 members, the largest church in the Anglican Church of Canada), voted to leave the ACC and to align with a more orthodox branch in Argentina: the Province of the Southern Cone.
On Feb. 22, 2008, Michael Ingham, Bishop of the New Westminster Diocese, sent a letter to Packer (who has been an honorary assistant at St. John’s for over 20 years) and other clergy serving a Notice of Presumption of Abandonment of the Exercise of the Ministry under Canon XIX, based on (1) publicly renouncing the doctrine and discipline of the Anglican Church of Canada; and (2) having sought or intending to seek admission into another religious body outside the Anglican Church of Canada.
If they do not dispute these facts by April 21, 2008, their authority as ministers of the Word and Sacrament (conferred at their ordinations) will be revoked.
Ted Olsen writes: “Frankly, this story isn’t terribly newsworthy in the traditional sense. It’s predictable, and any suspension would be irrelevant. Packer will continue his ministry just as he has been doing since he left the diocese.” Olsen continues: “The possible suspension of Packer may create a bit of a problem for both the Archbishop of Canada and the Archbishop of Canterbury given the reaction that could be expected from many parts of the Communion. It also has potential to make non-Anglican evangelicals worldwide more interested in the Anglican crisis. ”
St John’s put together a DVD (perhaps an hour and a half in length) for their congregation to explain what has happened and why. Journalist Susan Martinuk interviews the rector, Rev. David Short, and Dr. Packer.
The DVD has been broken into 10 parts and posted on YouTube (you can view all of the videos here.)
Because, frankly, I have not been very familiar with the Anglican structure and the ins-and-outs of the controversy, I took a few notes on Rev. Short’s interviews, which may be helpful as a kind of Anglican Reallignment Crash Course for Dummies:
All the different Anglican churches in an area gather in a diocese; over the diocese the head pastor is a bishop. In a geographical area (like British Columbia) a group of dioceses form together, and one of their bishops is elected to be archbishop. Canada together is called a province, and one of the archbishops is elected to be a primate. Each province has a primate. The primates meet once every two years. The Archbishop of Canterbury is “first among equals” and calls together the Lambeth Conference.
The Anglican Communion is a global body made up of 38 interdependent provinces (i.e., national churches). (Canada is a province; the US is a province; Kenya is a province; England is a province; New Zealand is a province; etc.) The global communion is, at it were, 38 ships that are all chained together in the historic faith that we have received in the Scriptures, that is expressed in the creeds, in the formularies of the Anglican Church. We are a flotilla of 38 ships sailing toward, say, England. Since 2002, two of the independent provinces [US and Canada] have decided that we are going to sail in a different direction, say, Australia. So the chain that binds all these provinces together is being stretched and stretched. The ships are calling on two of the ships—Canada and the US—to turn around and head in the historic direction that the church has been heading.
In 2003, the primates said that if Canada and the US continued, they will have torn the fabric, broken the chains—so much so that many of these provinces have said we are going to have to cut the chains and allow those two ships to go their own way. The polite Anglican language to speak about that is “to walk apart.”
Many of us in Canada and the US don’t want to go to Australia. We believe that the direction set for us in the Scriptures and in the historic church is the right direction and God has not changed his mind. We want to be part of the global communion, sailing in this direction.
What’s happening now is that a number of orthodox groups are being forced out of their provinces in Canada and the US, and the other provinces are coming along and saying, “You belong to us”—building links and chains, saying “We will take you with us.” A little bit like a rescue option. It’s unprecedented. Never before have two provinces sought to move away from the communion theologically, and never before has there been a rescue mission for those who want to belong to the rest of the church.
In the view of the majority of the communion, schism has taken place. 22 of 38 have indicated “completely broken” or “impaired” communion with Canada and the US. The reason it’s taken 5 years to fall out is because the global communion has (rightly) wanted to be as patient and gracious and careful as possible, calling for moratoriums on same-sex unions. There is still the possibility that the churches in Canada and the US would turn back.
Same-sex unions is really an iceberg issue. 19/20 of the iceberg is below the water. Several issues rise above the water (same-sex blessings; the uniqueness of the Lord Jesus Christ; etc.) What drives this disagreement is a different view of God, of the Bible, of what Jesus came to do, of what the church is all about. That’s below the surface of the water. It’s not so muchinterpretation of the Bible; it’s the authority of the Bible—how the Word of God functions in the life of the ordinary believer.
Here are the clips from the interview with Packer:
Nine NATO troops were killed in a helicopter crash in the insurgent heartland of southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, making 2010 the deadliest year for i
The Taliban, which have been waging an increasingly deadly insurgency against the Afghan government and foreign troops since the 2001 US-led invasion ousted them from power, immediately claimed responsibility.
Chrono: Deadliest days for NATO in Afghan campaign
The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said the cause of the crash was "under investigation," adding: "There are no reports of enemy fire in the area."
The helicopter came down in the Daychopan district of Zabul province in the Taliban stronghold of southern Afghanistan, said provincial spokesman Mohammad Jan Rasoulyar.
"We don't know the cause of the crash or the number of casualties," he said.
Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi claimed the insurgents shot the helicopter down and killed "more than 10 foreign soldiers". The militia routinely exaggerates its claims.
Another NATO soldier, an Afghan soldier and a US civilian were injured, ISAF said, but it did not identify the nationalities of the dead troops.
"We have no more details at the moment because the helicopter recovery operation is underway," an ISAF spokesman told AFP on condition of anonymity.
The incident brings to 529 the number of foreign troops killed this year, according to an AFP tally based on the count kept by icasualties.org, surpassing the previous record of 521 deaths in 2009.
A total of 2,097 coalition troops have now died since the US-led invasion of 2001 which ousted the hardline Islamist Taliban regime and set off a brutal insurgency which has also killed thousands of Afghans.
The US Marines and US Army dominate the foreign forces concentrated in hotspots of the southern provinces of Helmand, Kandahar and Zabul.
After only nine months, 2010 has now become the deadlist year of the long war, with the extra deployment of international forces to nearly 150,000 drawing more battlefield engagements, and leading to a spike in casualties.
June was the deadliest month of the war for coalition troops, with 103 fatalities, according to an AFP count based on the independent icasualties.org figures.
Ten foreign troops, mostly American, were killed in a series of attacks across the country on June 22, and another 10 ISAF soldiers died in bombings in the south and east on June 7.
Until recently NATO identified American casualties, while leaving coalition partners to identify their own dead separately. That changed earlier this month and US casualties are no longer revealed.
The United States and NATO have increased to almost 150,000 the number troops trying to quell the insurgency which has spread across the country with the Taliban now present in almost every one of the 34 provinces.
Their influence is strongest in the south and the eastern provinces which border Pakistan, where the Taliban leadership is said to be taking refuge, and from where attacks on Afghan targets are planned and funded.
US President Barack Obama ordered up an extra 30,000 forces in December as part of a renewed counter-insurgency strategy focusing on the south.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said last week that US strategy appeared to be working and that he was cautiously optimistic at signs of progress.
Obama has issued a deadline of mid-2011 for United States forces to begin drawing down, adding a sense of urgency to such tasks as training of Afghan forces so they can take over responsibility for the country's security.
NATO chopper crash breaks Afghan war toll record
"The cause of the crash is under investigation," the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said. "There are no reports of enemy fire in the area."
Another NATO soldier was injured, along with an Afghan soldier and a US civilian, ISAF said, but it did not identify the nationalities of the dead troops and did not give further details on where the crash took place.
The incident brings to 529 the number of foreign troops killed this year, according to an AFP tally based on the count kept by icasualties.org, surpassing the previous record of 521 deaths in 2009.
Chrono: Deadliest days for NATO in Afghan campaign
A total of 2,097 coalition troops have now died since the US-led invasion of 2001 which ousted the hardline Islamist Taliban regime and set off a brutal insurgency which has also killed thousands of Afghans.
The US Marines and US Army dominate the foreign forces concentrated in hotspots of the southern provinces of Kandahar and Helmand.
After only nine months, 2010 has now become the deadlist year of the long war, with the extra deployment of international forces to nearly 150,000 drawing more battlefield engagements, and leading to a spike in casualties.
June was the deadliest month of the war for coalition troops, with 103 fatalities, according to an AFP count based on the independent icasualties.org figures.
Ten foreign troops, mostly American, were killed in a wave of attacks across the country on June 22, and another 10 ISAF soldiers died in bombing attacks in the south and east on June 7.
Until recently NATO identified American casualties, while leaving coalition partners to identify their own dead separately. That changed earlier this month and US casualties are no longer revealed.
The United States and NATO have increased to almost 150,000 the number troops trying to quell the insurgency which has spread across the country with the Taliban now present in almost every one of the 34 provinces.
Their influence is strongest in the south and the eastern provinces which border Pakistan, where the Taliban leadership is said to be taking refuge, and from where attacks on Afghan targets are planned and funded.
US President Barack Obama ordered up an extra 30,000 forces in December as part of a renewed counter-insurgency strategy focusing on the south.
US Defence Secretary Robert Gates said last week that US strategy appeared to be working and that he was cautiously optimistic at signs of progress.
Obama has issued a deadline of mid-2011 for United States forces to begin drawing down, adding a sense of urgency to such tasks as training of Afghan forces so they can take over responsibility for the country's security.
Nine foreign troops were killed in a NATO helicopter crash in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday, the military alliance said, taking the overall death to
Two NATO troops, an Afghan soldier and a US civilian, were also injured, NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said in a statement.
"The cause of the crash is under investigation," it said. "There are no reports of enemy fire in the area."
Chrono: Deadliest days for NATO in Afghan campaign
It gave no details on the nationalities of those killed or the exact location of the crash.
The four injured people had been taken to an ISAF medical facility, the statement said.
The crash has raised the death toll among foreign troops in Afghanistan this year to 529, according to an AFP toll based on the icasualties.org website, surpassing the figure of 521 for 2009.
A total of 2,097 coalition troops have now died since the US-led invasion of 2001 which ousted the Taliban regime.
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