Young people from developing countries are losing the means to be citizens in their own countries due to commercialised education, which stresses producing graduates for the global market, church and youth leaders gathering in Brazil have said. "Young people are losing meaning in their lives, and losing what it means to be citizens in their own country. This is because ...

Organizers of church-backed initiatives say that with the right approach, the control of violence stemming from small arms and light weapons, particularly among children and teenagers, is possible. "Preventing small arms-related violence and effecting peace among the youth is not only possible, but practical," asserts Salpy Eskidjian, initiator of the World Council of Churches-supported Peace to the City Network or ...

Mark CornfordIf I had been asked this question ten years ago I would have answered with something like “the Uniting Church is no better or worse than any other church”. I had a general agreement with most of the theology of the Uniting Church, historically it was where I had grown up, and I had a vague sense that this ...

Queensland Reds centre Steve Kefu is preaching the Rugby Union gospel outside of Ballymore, coaching a group of youths from the Park Road Tongan Uniting Church in the game they play in heaven. Kefu jumped at the chance to give back to the various island communities in Brisbane. “When I was asked by the kids from the youth at church ...

The University of Ulster today unveiled its list of honorary graduates for the summer 2006 ceremonies which included Director of the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture Reverend Professor James Haire. A native of Belfast he served as Chairperson of the Youth Committee of the Irish Council of Churches in 1966. After moving to Australia, Professor Haire became President of ...

There are almost 80 ordained deacons serving in the Uniting Church across Australia but most congregation members have never met a deacon and have no idea what they do. St Stephen was the first recorded deacon in AD 34 but his daring preaching of Christ led him to become the first Christian martyr. Another early deacon was St Laurence, known ...

The Legend of the Sky Kingdom DVD animated movie [Rated G] Roadshow Entertainment RRP $29.95 The Legend of the Sky Kingdom is a children’s story about three children who make a daring escape from slavery in an underground city and embark on a dangerous journey in search of the Sky Kingdom. Along the way they are caught in a battle ...

National Christian Youth Convention (NCYC) 2007, following the lead of organizations including Sojourners, the Centre for Action & Contemplation, and World Vision, has begun an Internship Program. “The NCYC 2007 internship program provides an opportunity for young people to receive training and gain experience from the organisation of a large scale event.” says Jeremy Burtenshaw, Convention Manager Open to young ...

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the 23rd president of Liberia, pledged to work for economic stability, create a brighter future for youth and children and empower women in her inauguration speech 16 January. "We will work to change," she said. The first woman elected head of state in Africa, Johnson-Sirleaf acknowledged many challenges lie ahead for her country. "I understand what you ordinary citizens ...

Australia’s number one whistle blower Tim Mander is set to make the transition from a career with the NRL to blowing the whistle on youth issues. Just months after being named the world’s number one referee and with a bible college degree under his belt Tim Mander will take on the role of CEO for one of Australia’s leading Christian ...