Pope Frankly Embraces UOJ. Pope Francis: Being an atheist is alright as long as you do good - Europe - World - The Independent

Pope Francis: Being an atheist is alright as long as you do good - Europe - World - The Independent:

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Pope Francis has said that atheists should be seen as good people as long as they do good, in a move to urge people of all religions - or no religion at all - to get along.

The Catholic leader, who heads the 1.2 billion-strong Church, made his comments in the homily of his morning Mass in his residence, a daily event where he speaks without prepared comments.

He told the story of a Catholic who asked a priest if even atheists could be redeemed by Jesus.

"Even them, everyone," the pope answered, according to Vatican Radio. "We all have the duty to do good," he said.

"Just do good and we'll find a meeting point," the pope said in a hypothetical conversation in which someone told a priest: "But I don't believe. I'm an atheist."

Pope Francis's comments are in marked contrast to his predecessor Benedict, who is reported to have left some non-Catholics feeling that he saw them as second-class believers.

'via Blog this'

ELCA Takes Emergent Churches to the Next Logical Step

ELCA young adults land on their feet
13-54-CHB

“Nadia Bolz-Weber has probably done more than any other pastor in recent times to poke therapeutic fun at the misdemeanors and flaws of overly-churched Christianity and Christians. The passion behind her words, however, is as deeply pastoral as it is God-drenched and liberating….thus the affection as well as the respect that attend her and her work wherever she goes.” -Phylis Tickle author of “The Great Emergenc

http://www.elca.org/Who-We-Are/Our-Three-Expressions/Churchwide-Organization/Communication-Services/News/Releases.aspx?a=5326

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Every year young adults from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) volunteer to take a huge leap of faith and offer themselves in service in distant places. They pack their bags, say goodbye to family and friends and embark on a life-changing journey.

     The ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission program is a one-year international mission opportunity for young people between the ages of 19 to 29 to learn about themselves, their relationship with God and their place in God’s world.

     When the program started in 1999, eight young adults volunteered in the United Kingdom. Since then, more than 450 volunteers have participated in the program, working with Lutheran companion churches and organizations around the world. Young adults from other U.S. Christian denominations also participate in the ELCA’s program.

     In August 2013, 64 young adult volunteers will travel overseas to serve with ELCA mission personnel in locations that include Africa, Asia, Mexico, the Middle East and South America. The volunteers work 35 to 40 hours a week at a variety of placement sites including churches, schools and hospitals.

An Former WELS Member Observed This about the Convention

All I can say about the WELS convention that just ended is: 

I am glad I resigned from that synod.  Had I been a delegate, I would have been excommunicated before the closing worship service.

 

 

How Far Are Rock Churches from Raves and Pagan Worship?

Where did I see rave-like settings for "worship"?

This was formerly the chancel of a WELS church.
The CORE did not stay but moved on to a bar,
which WELS bought for them.

The CORE

This is one of Andy Stanley's Babtist "sets."
They change the set for each sermon series.