SBC to create event: Repentance in 5 days

In Nashville, Tenn., the Great Commission Resurgence Task Force, which is a body organized by the Southern Baptist Convention, issued a report recently with an emphasis on repentance and a call to a "solemn assembly."

Reportedly, the solemn assembly is to be held for the "purpose of calling Christ's people to return to God, to repentance, and to humility in service to a renewed commitment to Christ and the Great Commission," with the challenge reiterated by SBC President Bryant Wright and the leaders of the convention's bodies.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Scott sisters to go free in controversial decision by Mississippi governor

In Jackson, Mississippi, sisters Jamie and Gladys Scott have served behind bars for 16 years over their part in an $11 armed robbery. Now, to share freedom they also have to share a kidney. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour suspended the two life sentences contingent upon Gladys, 36, donating her kidney to Jamie, 38, who requires daily dialysis.

The Scott sisters were convicted in 1994 of leading two men into an ambush in Central Mississippi the year before. The men were each hit in the head with a shotgun and the robbers made off with a total of $11.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

The 2011 Urban Angel Awards Gala will be held on April 5, 2011

The New York Theological Seminary will be hosting its 2011 Urban Angels Awards Gala on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 from g-9:30 p.m. at the Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway and 36th Street, in Manhattan. Awardees for the evening will be: the Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, senior pastor of the Grace Baptist Church, Mount Vernon, NY; the Family Equality Council; the Rev. Dr. Paul C. Chang, senior pastor of the Korean Methodist Church and Institute; Rosanna Rosado, publisher and CEO of El Diario; and Haitian-born public interest attorney Marie Michel.

Co-chairs for the event will be Dr. William Lee and Ms. Susan K. Reed. Past honorees include, among others, the Hon. Hazel Dukes, from the NAACP New York State Conference; and Mrs. Maria Elena Girone, from the Puerto Rican Family Institute.

Queens toddler gets donation, celebrates Christmas home

A toddler in Queens, who was born without an immune system, will get her Christmas wish today. Isabella Maciel, 2, will sit on Santa's lap today as she celebrates her first real holiday at home with her family. Isabella said, "I good girl."

This Christmas Season marks a very happy ending to a painful sojourn for Isabella, who received the gift of life through a bone-marrow donation. Isabella was born on May 22, 2008 and, when she was just 5 months old, she caught a cold that turned into pneumonia.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every walk of life, for careers in ministry.

Merry Christmas! The Mormon Tabernacle Choir 2010

Merry Christmas to you and yours this Christmas Season. From everyone at the New York Theological Seminary family to everyone in yours. This is a wonderful selection from the celebrated Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Please enjoy this seasonal music selection.

Ground Zero health bill clears both houses of Congress in legislative 'Christmas Miracle'

In Washington DC yesterday, after years of delay, the U.S. Congress adopted legislation that provides $4.3 billion in funding to aid 9/11 first responders who are battling illnesses they contracted during their service at Ground Zero.

New York's U.S. senators, Charles Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand, were key motivators for the legislation. After the bill was passed by the Senate, the House version passed within hours of the Senate vote.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Health care bill for 9/11 rescuers may come up for a vote today

 In Washington D.C., a health care bill intended to provide free medical treatment to Ground Zero volunteers may come up for a vote on Wednesday.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-New York, said the bill may come up at about the same time as a nuclear arms policy matter being proposed by the Obama administration.

The James Zadroga 9/11 Health Bill, named for a deceased NYPD detective, passed in the House, 268-160, with a vote that was mostly along partisan lines.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Rev. Julie Olmsted selected as winner in the First Call Writing Project

NY Theological Seminary alumna the Rev. Julie Olmsted (M/Div. 2005) has been selected as a winner of the First Call Writing Project of the Academy of Parish Clergy. Rev. Olmsted is the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Hatfield, Massachusetts. Rev. Olmsted's winning article, titled "Visiting: The Surprising Gift of Pastoral Care for Shut-Ins" appears in this month's edition of the academy's journal, Sharing the Practice.

Rev. Olmsted will also be leading a discussion at the Annual Conference of the Academy, which will be held in Oviedo, Florida, Feb. 15-17, 2011.

NYTS and Christ Apostolic Church (First in the Americas) announce the Abraham A. Oyedeji Scholarship

The New York Theological Seminary and Christ Apostolic Church (First in the Americas) recently announced the creation of the Abraham A. Oyedeji Scholarship at the New York Theological Seminary.

The scholarship is named in honor of Dr. Abraham Adegoke Oyedeji, founding pastor of Christ Apostolic Church (First in the Americas) in Brooklyn, New York, and currently one of five chairmen providing leadership to congregations associated with Christ Apostolic Church in the United States.

Dr. Oyedeji was born in Owo-ope, in the Olujide Ruling House Compound in Gbongan, Nigeria. He is the son of a chief and is married to Rebecca Abiodun Oyedeji. The couple came to the United States in 1971, bringing with them 10 hymnbooks of the Christ Apostolic Church and a copy of the Christ Apostolic Church constitution in both English and Yoruba.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Senate votes to end gay ban in United States armed forces

In a historic vote on behalf of gay rights in America, the U.S. Senate today did away with the U.S. military's ban on openly gay service members. The measure will now be sent to President Barack Obama for signature. This proposed law overturns the Clinton-era "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy established during the 1990s.

The significance of the ban being lifted is profound, and would result in openly gay service members no longer fearing separation from the military should their status be discovered by the chain of command. The Senate voted 65-31 to lift the controversial ban.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Pope: 2010 ends after being marked by religious intolerance for Christians

Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday that Christians suffer more religious persecution and intolerance than any other religious group. The pontiff denounced the lack of religious freedom to worship and characterized it as both intolerable and even a threat to world security.

Reportedly, the pope's observation reflected his concerns about Christian groups in the Eastern world. He stated that this year ends after having been "marked by persecution, discrimination, terrible acts of violence and religious intolerance."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

French court challenges Ireland's constitutional abortion ban

Ireland's nationwide ban upon abortion rights is being challenged by pro-choice advocates, who assert that the ban violates the rights of women to receive proper medical attention. Recently, the ban was targeted by the European Court of Human Rights, which issued an opinion that harshly criticized the Irish government's stance on the issue.

The judgment from the court, which is based in Strasbourg, France, attempts to pressure Irish lawmakers to amend their position on abortion rights for women whose pregnancies are potentially fatal to their own health. Most especially, the Strasbourg judges noted that Irish law makes abortion rights unclear for women whose pregnancies were categorized as high-risk by physicians.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Dr. Rowan Williams reflects upon the meaning of Advent

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams,offers his reflections of Advent.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Christianity had tough competition in the 1st century Roman Empire

Within the 1st century AD Roman Empire, the Roman gods were competing with Jesus Christ, the Egyptian goddess Isis and the eastern sun god Mithras. The Archaeological Institute of America discusses the competitive nature of emergent religions in the world after the death of Jesus, and how Christianity was rivaled for awhile by the spread of Mithraic beliefs, which especially drew in Roman soldiers.

History tells us there were many similarities between the cult of Mithras and the young Christian church, including a communal meal and a resurrection tradition for Mithras' followers. In the race of time, though, the church of Jesus Christ outlasted the cult of Mithras, which had faded by the 5th century.


The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Prayer is at the center of local fight to be decided in state Superior Court

In Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, the First Amendment is getting a workout during the winter, as two lawsuits over the Lord's Prayer and council members' invocations at public sessions of the governing body are being hard in state Superior Court next week.

At that time, a judge will decide whether to temporarily block the prayers while the court decides the issue. Prayer supporters believe this matter is "political correctness run amok," while opponents are sure this is a case of individual rights being trampled. This local fight has picked up enough inertia that it drew a New York television crew to the governing body's Nov. 30 session.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Pennsylvania couple facing possible prison term in alleged faith-related death

A Pennsylvania couple could face up to five or 10 years behind bars for a manslaughter charge, and three-and-a-half to seven years on a charge of endangering the welfare of a child after the 2009 death of their almost three-year-old son.

According to published reports, the prosecutor in the case argued that the child's death could have been prevented if the couple had sought medical assistance instead of relying upon their beliefs in faith healing. During the trial, defense attorneys argued that faith played no part in the parents' decision to forgo medical assistance.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

2 arrested, charges with bias attack of Imam on A-train Wednesday morning

Two men were arrested in Manhattan Wednesday morning on charges that they allegedly beat an Imam. Police claim that the two attackers called the 49-year-old victim a "camel jockey" and threw his religious head covering onto subway train tracks.

The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) confirmed the man who was attacked was, in fact, an Imam. The men were riding on a northbound A train when the harassment reportedly took place.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Baptists plan for 2011 GDVA Winter Games in Garden State

American Baptists in the Garden State are planning the 2011 GDVA Winter Games, tentatively scheduled for March 18-19 in Palmyra, New Jersey. According to event planners, "The 2011 GDVA Winter Games are a first step in connecting people together simply to enjoy some fun activities and connect with others while participating."

Individual events being planned include: Wii swordfighting, Wii ski jump, Wii Slalom, Wii Home-Run Derby and Wii Frisbee Toss to Dog, among others. There will be an invitation to congregations, who can be represented by up to two contestants. The 2011 GDVA Winter Games are being chaired by the Rev. Wesley Allen, who can be contacted on Twitter @wezlo.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

John Lennon remembered on anniversary of his death

The sad death of music legend and peace activist John Lennon is remembered today. Lennon was killed exactly 30 years ago while returning to his New York City residence after a studio session. Yoko Ono, Lennon's widow, noted that the world is still learning from her late husband's messages of peace.

"On this tragic anniversary, please join me in remembering John with deep love and respect. The world was lucky to have known him. We still learn so much from him today. John, I love you," Ono said.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

N.Y. state senator, Putnam exec pleads guilty to accepting charity kickback

Disappointing conduct by public officials is a part of life. Placing anyone on a pedestal is an unwise practice, generally speaking. The work of charities in this world is invaluable.

Whether it is feeding people in the U.S. or around the world, caring for those who are ill, or providing housing for those in need, among other functions, charities are vital to providing hope for scores of people in this country.

But, not all charities, or their founders, have charity on their minds. According to the New York Post, N.Y. state Senator Vincent Leibell, who represented Putnam County in Albany as well as serving as the Putnam County executive, pleaded guilty yesterday to taking kickbacks from the charity he founded, and which received millions of dollars of funding from the state.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Mass. Gov. proposes medical care spending budget for individuals

In Massachusetts, the state's largest group representing physicians offered a partial endorsement to a controversial plan to lower spiraling health-care costs statewide.

According to this proposal, everyone possessing health insurance would be put on a year-to-year "medical spending budget." According to the Massachusetts' governor's office, the amount of the proposed budget is yet to be considered.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Concern, protest sparked by allegations of city police brutality

In Asbury Park, New Jersey, more than a dozen city residents converged upon a local police station, bundled up against a day that was barely above freezing, to protest what they believe is wrong: alleged police brutality.

City resident Duane Small said people shouldn't be afraid of their government. The protest was arranged after a packed City Council meeting. The particular concern that sparked the community response was the alleged recent assault of two teens, a male and a female, by officers.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Sojourners seeking to raise the level of religious conversation

In Sojourners: Faith, Politics, Culture there is "A Covenant for Civility" circulating, which seeks to solicit "…a pledge by church leaders from diverse theological and political beliefs who have come together to make a covenant with each other to model civility in the public square."

Among the seven elements of the covenant there is: "We will ever be mindful of the language we use in expressing our disagreements, being neither arrogant nor boastful in our beliefs."

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Successor named for Bishop John M. Smith, of NJ's Trenton Diocese

Bishop John M. Smith, 75, of the Trenton Diocese, in New Jersey, is slowly heading into retirement after his successor was named by Pope Benedict XVI weeks ago. Yet, it will not be until July 2011 that Bishop Smith formally steps away from his office, to be replaced by the Very Rev. David M. O'Connell, 55.

Rev. O'Connell is the former president of the Catholic University of American, in Washington D.C., and officially becomes the bishop once Bishop Smith retires. He will take the helm of a diocese comprised of 111 parishes in Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington and Mercer counties.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

Former archbishop launches 'Not Ashamed' initiative with help from friends

According to the former archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, Christianity is under attack in Great Britain. The former archbishop said that, despite its contributions to our civilization, the Christian faith is "stealthily and subtly" being brushed aside.

Consequently, Rev. Carey is leading a new initiative, called "Not Ashamed," by the group Christian Concern. He launched this initiative with appearances at the House of Lords, Buckingham Palace and the Office of the Prime Minister.

Christian Concern encourages people to wear crosses and "Not Ashamed" buttons to promote the campaign. In addition, the group fights what it sees as discrimination against Christians.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.

NY Theological Seminary, ALEPH sign new partnership agreement

On Oct. 28, 2010, the New York Theological Seminary and the Alliance for Jewish Renewal signed a formal memorandum of understanding that engaged the two institutions in a unique partnership within the NYTS Doctor of Ministry program. The agreement initiated a shared and coordinated program of studies leading to the award of the NYTS Doctor of Ministry degree for Jewish clergy.

Candidates will take part in the NYTS-Auburn multi-faith Doctor of Ministry track, while NYTS and ALEPH faculty serve as advisors for the projects and theses. The NYTS Doctor of Ministry degree is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.

The New York Theological Seminary is an institution dedicated to multiculturalism, diversity, social justice and religious tolerance. The mission of the seminary is to prepare men and women, from every background, for careers in ministry.