Sunday, February 27, 2011

Queens couple sees new hope after marriage act abandoned

In Washington, DC, President Obama recently abandoned the Defense of Marriage Act, giving hope to gay and lesbian couples around the country where it involves same-sex couples' issues relevant to immigration.

A Queens couple, Christina Ojede and Monica Alcota, believes this offers hope for them. Ojede, an American-born social worker, has petitioned the government for a green card for her Argentine wife, Alcota.

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.

Friday, February 25, 2011

Holocaust survivors share stories of Nazi horror, postwar lives

In Hanover, New Jersey, Holocaust survivors Gina Lanceter, Jean Gluck, Toby Fluek and Malvina Lefkowitz shared their stories of the Holocaust and life after at the Alex Aidekema Jewish Community Center. Most of the women were only barely in their teens when they had to endure Nazi oppression.

However, after the war ended, in 1945, each woman had her unique story about how she picked up the pieces to begin life anew in the wake of the horrors they endured. While each endured nightmarish cruelty, there is a story of strength of hope and action to bring that about.

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.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Controversial Soho billboard sparks a strong response

In Soho, New York City, a reported "anti-abortion" billboard went up earlier this week and it has drawn sharp criticism for its alleged targeting of minority women. The billboard reportedly reads, "The most dangerous place for an African-American is in the womb."

The three-story billboard at the center of the controversy is located at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Watts Street. Life Always leader Pastor Stephen Broden has been reported to have said his group purposefully released a billboard that would solicit a strong reaction.

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.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Gap between rich and poor wider than in anytime during 30 years

According to recent studies, today the poorest 90 percent of Americans earn an average of $31,244 per year, while the top 1 percent of American earners bring home more than $1 million per year. Reportedly, this distance between rich and poor marks a 30-year benchmark. The Great Recession has reportedly triggered a landmark job crisis in the U.S. that has begun to redraw the lines between the lower, middle and upper classes.

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.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Some scientists offer dire predictions for 2020

According to some scientists at the American Association for the Advancement of Science, by 2020 the UN has projected there will be 50 million environmental refugees. Among the scientists researchers this theory is Cristina Tirado, a professor at the University of California, in Los Angeles.

Tirado noted that when people are in unsustainable situations they tend to migrate. She asserts that climate change is already impacting the quality of life for populations in Africa, the Middle East and the Near East. Consequently, political instability and immigration are among the symptoms of this ongoing problem.

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 for careers in ministry.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Scientists: Earth will be unrecognizable by 2050

According to a report out of Washington, DC, earth will need to produce as much food in the next 40 years as it has in the past 8,000. The director of the Initiative in Population Research at Ohio State University, John Casterline, said the planet's swelling population will stretch resources well beyond existing abilities.

Specifically, the United Nations predicts that this year the earth's population will rise to 7 billion. And, by 2050, the population is likely to be about 9 billion, with much of the new population arising in Africa and Southern Asia. Consequently, population experts are calling for more finding for family planning to help control population growth, especially in developing nations.

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.

Mohler: Most people do not know enough about Christianity

In Jacksonville, Florida, Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, asked about 1,300 protesters attending an annual Bible conference if it is a pastor's responsibility to "…save his people from ignorance (about the Bible)."

Mohler said that one of the crucial issues in the church today is that many people just do not know enough to be faithful Christians. Consequently, Mohler said this problem can be traced to "nominalism in terms of [the average Christian's] knowledge."

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.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Congress votes to defund Planned Parenthood


In Washington, DC, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on Feb. 18 to eliminate governmental funding from Planned Parenthood, the nation's top abortion provider, for the rest of the fiscal year.

This marks the first time that Congress has voted to defund the organization, which allegedly conducted more than 324,000 abortions at clinics during 2008.

The New York Theological Seminary is 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.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Prayer vigil to be held in front of the White House

In Washington, DC, a prayer vigil will be held on Monday, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m. in front of the White House. The purpose of the vigil is to support persecuted Christians and religious freedom in Iraq.

The prayer event begins with the observance of "The Rogation of the Ninevites," which is among the oldest of Christian traditions. The Rogation has its ancient roots in the Prophet Jonah and is observed by Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac Christians in Iraq and around the globe.

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.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Private group brings town to court over public prayer

In Madison, Wisconsin, the Freedom From Religion Foundation has filed a complaint with the city of Marshfield over its tradition of beginning meetings of the governing body with prayer.

The complaint from the group states that Marshfield is violating the Supreme Court guidelines for non-denominational public prayers.

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.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Black History Month: An opportunity to explore the past, present


Black History Month is a great opportunity to explore some great videos about the topic.

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.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Black History Month is celebrated during February


Black History Month is celebrated throughout the United States and Canada during February. 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.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Cancer cases spike globally in developing nations consequent to lifestyles


In order to mark World Cancer Day on Friday, Feb. 4th, the American Cancer Society presented a new report that warned changing lifestyles associated with economic growth in emerging countries are increasing worldwide incidence of cancer.

The majority of new global cancer cases (7.1 million) and deaths (4.8 million) are happening in economically developing countries, according to the report. Reportedly, this new benchmark in cancer occurrence can be linked to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy behaviors, in general.

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.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Widespread anti-Mubarak protests break out in Canada

In Montreal, Canada, about 500 people protested today against embattled Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. About a week ago a protest was held in Toronto. Mubarak continues to receive pressure to step down as protests around the globe take place.

Joining Egyptian nationals in the Montreal protest were additional groups of Tunisians and Algerians, as well as leaders from the Quebec and Amnesty International. Throughout Canada, similar events were also planned for Quebec, Ottawa, Halifax and Vancouver.

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.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Obama prays for Egypt, shares Christian inspiration

In Washington, DC, President of the United States Barack Obama prayed for the people of Egypt after offering insights into his Christian faith at the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday. The president disclosed that his mother, whose parents were Baptist and Methodist, was wary of organized religion. Consequently, he was not frequently seen in church.

The president said his earliest role models were leaders of faith involved in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Father Theodore Heshburgh; and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, among others. With that said, the president said his Christian faith has sustained him through his life's journey.

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.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Poll: Union members are in favor of Walmart opening in the city

According to the New York Post, three-quarters of the city's labor union members are all for Walmart opening stores in the Big Apple. This poll reportedly demonstrates "overwhelming union-member support" for the big-box retailer.

This poll was allegedly commissioned by Walmart, and it has been speculated it is a pre-emptive measure to present to the New York City Council, which is historically very labor friendly.

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.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Interfaith symposium tackles the issue of peace in this world

In Albany, New York, an interfaith gathering that includes Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, Hindus and Jews took place to discuss peace. The event was coordinated by Muslims for Peace, a pro-American advocacy group that condemns terrorism.

The event took place at the Hindu Temple Society of the Capital District on Albany Shaker Road. Rabbi Yaakov Kellman observed that it would be through relationships, instead of politics, that peace becomes more possible.

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.