State Department report focuses on global slavery

In a few days, the U.S. State Department will be issuing a report about the global human trafficking trade insofar as selling forced labor and prostitutes. As many as 27 million people, mostly women and children, have had their freedom taken from them. The issue is increasingly drawing the concern of religious leaders and organizations.

During 2010 alone, the State Department says 12.3 million people were subjected to some form of bondage. Meanwhile, the cable network CNN has been sponsoring the Freedom Project to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking.

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.

Woman returned from Qatar to Libya faces sure peril

In Qatar, a Libyan woman who claims she was gang raped by soldiers of Libyan dictator Moammar Gadhafi was deported back to Benghazi, Libya, according to United Nations officials on Thursday.

Her deportation again cast light on the human rights issues surrounding Gadhafi's regime as NATO continues its nightly aerial bombardment of Libyan military installations. The U.S. Government has expressed its concern for the safety of the woman.

The NY 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.

Crystal Cathedral filed for bankruptcy protection from court

In Garden Grove, California, the Crystal Cathedral, founded by televangelist the Rev. Robert H. Schuller, filed for bankruptcy on Friday. The megachurch is looking to get out from under its debts by selling the church and grounds for a proposed $47 million from a local real-estate group.

Reportedly, the plan would allow the church to lease back most of its core buildings for the next 15 years, so congregants would not overtly notice a change in either worship or outreach services provided by the church.

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.

Death toll mounts in wake of Joplin tornado

The death toll from a gigantic tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, has risen to 132, as of today. According to local government officials, the death toll rose by more than 60 between today and yesterday. Still, officials are working around-the-clock to account for those missing.

Fortunately, about 90 people who were originally listed as missing were found alive, heartening rescuers about the ability of finding even more people alive in the wake of the storm. Authorities say they believe many of those who are still missing are believed to be alive and safe, though out of contact with their family and loved ones.

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.

PCUSA vote opens up door to the ordination of gay clergy

In a dramatic 205-56 vote, openly gay people can now be ordained in the Presbyterian Church USA, after a regional decision on May 10. With the support of the Twin Cities region of the denomination, Amendment 10A won the approval of 87 of PCUSA's 173 presbyteries, which amounts to a simple majority.

Previously, in 1997, PCUSA adopted a statute that mandated all Presbyterian clergy "to live either in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman" or to "observe chastity in singleness."

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.