Church

Amanda Borschel-Dan is the Jewish World and Archaeology editor of The Times of Israel.

QASR Al-YAHUD (QASR Al-YAHUD)-completed a multi-year intensive international mission to clear thousands of deadly landmines. Some Catholic priests held it in the Franciscan Baptistery of St. John the Baptistery on January 10 Lord baptism feast. This is the first time in 54 years

Due to COVID restrictions, only 50 priests, guests, soldiers and journalists were allowed to attend the Sunday Mass led by the father of the Holy Land Custos father Francesco Patton and held at the bank by the Vatican’s ambassador to Israel, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. Located east of Jericho 10 kilometers (six miles) of the Jordan River.

"For us today, this is the feast of Jesus' baptism. We commemorate the time when John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River," Parton told the Times of Israel before the ceremony. "But today is a special feast, because after 54 years and three days, we have the opportunity to celebrate our liturgy and sacrament in our venue for the first time. This is a very important day for us. "

Adjacent to the church

Place of baptism. The area is close to the ancient road connecting Jordan, Jericho and Jerusalem, and became a pilgrimage site in the 19th century with the influx of holy land tourism. Eventually, eight monasteries and more churches and chapels were built from all major denominations of Christianity.

The violent attacks of the "Six-Day War" in 1967 and the "Yompi War" in 1973 ended the war. The multi-denominational churches and church compound serve as battlefields. The chapel is surrounded by about 6,500 mines, which have been carefully removed since 2018.

Patton told The Times of Israel that Franciscan monks have been stationed in the Levant since 1217 and have been guardians of the Holy Land since 1333, serving as the Catholic Holy Land in Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. guardian. Patton said that this was an order from the custodian of the Holy Land in 1342.

The work of guarding the Church of St. John of the Franciscans was interrupted during the "Six-Day War" in 1967, when their daily log was entered for the penultimate time. The order only regained the site's key in October 2020. Today's event ended with a signing ceremony for the same log.

To celebrate the celebration, under the escort of IDF officers and young soldiers, the men in commoners sang towards the Church of St. John the Baptist and walked towards them. The soldiers and their commanders are regarded as partners in realizing their long-term dreams among the ensuing open-air masses.

The chapel is located in the West Bank region of the Jordan Valley. It is guarded by the Israel Defense Forces and the Israeli police under the auspices of the Coordination Unit for Government Activities on the Territory (COGAT) of the Israel Defense Forces. (The reporter was checked before being allowed to enter the site and then rechecked at two roadblocks.)

Accompanied by their armed companions, the monks reached the gate of the compound. Patton grandly opened the door after being draped as a monk by another monk. Although today is dusty and desolate, it is conceivable that a dense garden will soon spring up like mushrooms in the cast iron gate.

The two-story chapel that is still bullet-headed is made of Jerusalem stone and is reminiscent of a ship from the Bauhaus. The open "deck" above it is the main stage for the priest, and believers sit below, two meters (six feet) apart, in two pods. A tireless 1970s pipe organist led a "boy band" of singing monks, playing crowd favorites, including "O Come All Ye Faithful".

In his speech to The Times of Israel, Patton later praised President Leuven Rivlin as a visionary in his general speech. He urged the Israeli authorities to complete the clearance of landmines and restore the worship of Christians. place. IDF cooperates with the British HALO Trust (a mine clearance organization based in the United Kingdom), which operates in 27 countries and regions around the world.

Parton said: "We are especially grateful to [Leuven] President Rivlin-he is the one who pushed for the return of these holy sites to the church and the development of areas for pilgrims."

"Of course, this year, due to the coronavirus, it is impossible to celebrate with local Christians and pilgrims, but you know this is a place with millions of tourists every year, so for us, this is a new season. Start. So we thank the President and everyone who helped us to start the new season. Today, due to the pandemic, we will celebrate the sacrament in a small amount, but for us, the important thing is the beginning." Patton said.

The history of this church can be traced back many centuries, but the present incarnation is less than 100 years old.

Franciscan priest Franciscan priest Ibrahim Fatas said

"The Franciscan monks began to organize a pilgrimage to the Jordan River for pilgrims in 1641, the Jordan River is the holy place where Jesus was baptized.

"From the beginning of 1920, they began to buy land and plan to build a church. In 1933, they built a church, which is now almost on the river, and this church was built in 1935. It was originally their church. The monks were in 1956. The church was renovated, and the restoration of the church started after the area of ​​the cathedral was destroyed after the earthquake hit the area on December 18, 1956." Fatas said. Patton's speech is written in Arabic.

After holding a mass parade and another ceremony from the church to the Waterside National Park, Patton dipped his toes into the river. Although the water level is high, it is muddy and unwelcome, especially for a group of clergy in white clothes.

After another group photo, standing side by side with an IDF officer, a priest shouted in Italian:

! "("Let's eat!")-Enthusiastic support makes this possible.

After the celebration, Colonel Shai Karmona, deputy director of the Civil Affairs Bureau, told the Times of Israel that Sunday's celebration was the result of many years of planning and cooperation. He emphasized that in addition to Israel’s removal of landmines, the churches are also encouraged to renovate and reopen. He said that the Franciscans were the first to pick up gloves.

Carmona said: "For our generation, this awards ceremony makes us very excited." "It is indeed becoming a part of it."

Carmona said that he hopes that by 2021, Israel will complete road improvements. He said: "We can upgrade the entire base, the island of peace, as the president said. Maybe we can connect Israel and Jordan, as well as every pilgrim, every person in the world who wants to come to this river. Christians on both sides of the strait can do this."

Although warning signs for landmines are still hung on barbed wire, Carmona said they will avoid tourists in certain areas and walk on clearly marked roads. "We cleared all the mines," Carmona emphasized.

HALO Trust issued an official letter stating that the entire area is clean.

Carmona said that these mines have spread to more than 25 dunams, and the unpredictable weather has caused them to move from one place to another due to the unpredictable weather, the river banks and the deserts of the Jordan Valley, including flash floods.

But Sunday’s weather, clear skies and high standards of 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 degrees Celsius) are incomparable for the "winter" feast day in January.

Carmona smiled and said, "I think God will be here, including today, for 24 hours."

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After the violent riots in the U.S. Capitol, several local church leaders called for unity and urged people to choose the advantages of religious beliefs rather than our political and cultural differences.

The Kinghamsburg Church in Tip City prays for those injured or killed in the Capitol, that government leaders will be led by God’s wisdom, and that all of us will be guided by light and truth, instead of blaming and hating those who are regarded by us. People who are "other people". "

Rachel Billups, the pastor of Kinghamsburg, said: "We humans tend to create categories for us and themselves." "But these are not our identities. Red and blue are not where we find peace. Political parties and candidates are not where we find unity."

Billups, like many other ministers, asked the members of her church to turn to faith.

Pastor Peter Matthews of Grace United Methodist Church in Dayton played a tape of philosopher and political activist Cornell West, asking people about the lack of "psychic", courage, integrity and decency How to maintain the hope for democracy.

West talked about love, the spark of truth and justice has never been extinguished, but the "sleepwalker" needs to wake up, improve his ego, and then pursue something bigger than himself.

Matthews said: "The world believes that the United States is at an inflection point." "Are you ready to answer the call of God that has always been there in your life? No more evasive, saying, okay, I'm just human. Get rid of the excuse of justice."

Some congregations issued public statements earlier this week. Temple Beth or Twp in Washington. Condemned the violence and called for "unity in the huge divide that threatens our country."

The monastery official wrote: “Like the beautiful words in prayer, we may remember,'The left and right wings are attached to the same bird, and both wings need to take off.”

At St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Riverside, Pastor Jim Fitz said that although Jesus Christ is seen as “the light,” Americans have experienced a lot of darkness in recent months-from the COVID-19 pandemic, racism To the current political environment of "our darkness". "He called on everyone to do their part to break the darkness.

Fitz said: "May we know that we (everyone) are God's beloved sons." "Let us get rid of this belief. This will have an impact on the way we look at others, the way we treat others, and our lifestyle. Incredible changes. In this dark age, this will bring incredible changes."

Pastor Joshua Ward told his Omega Baptist Church that he was shocked twice by political activities that week. First, when Raphael Warnock's 82-year-old mother voted for her own black son to run for the U.S. Senate because she was unable to pick cotton, Ward said: "I don't know this Georgia. "

But a few hours later, Ward saw that President Donald Trump angered the mob and attacked the U.S. Capitol, while members of Congress were hiding under benches. Ward said: "I don't know this America."

On Sunday, when many Christian churches were paying attention to the story of Jesus' baptism, Ward talked about "going out into the wild" like John the Baptist. He said that people should not only seek forgiveness, but not follow John's "life-changing message."

Billups said in Ginghamsburg that the bad news is that our country is divided. "Humanity wants to give another hell." She said the good news is that long ago, when all hope seemed Nothing exists. People are sinners. When in each other’s throats, "Jesus Christ came to bring healing."

She said that even in difficult times, Americans can take action today to build a bridge to each other instead of becoming an obstacle. She cited an example, calling on people to ask anything, listen well, and freely disagree and love.

"You say I am a dreamer?" Billups asked. "You bet I am."

She said: "I have a vision for this faith community, that is, we can create honest and fragile spaces and have tough conversations without using our words to destroy each other." "Imagine... we can experience this. This kind of recovery and integrity. We can agree or disagree... Let everyone be a bridge."

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Announced the first phase of a major project that will upgrade the landscaping and improve the sightlines around the Salt Lake Temple

The fountain in front of the church building at Temple Square in the center of Salt Lake City has been leaking for years and will be demolished and replaced by dozens of national flags from all over the world.

These changes are the first phase of a large-scale project, which will upgrade the landscape and improve sightlines around the Salt Lake Temple, while continuing the four-year renovation project.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a rendering showing the planned changes and a floor plan showing the work on Monday.

related

The first phase will last for 18 months and will improve the landscape of the church office building square.

The square extends from West to East from Main Street to State Street, with the Relief Society Building and Church Office Building on the north side, and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and Church Administration Building on the south side.

It also heralded the end of the fountain, which was planned as part of a major project at least as early as 1960, including

It opened in 1972 and built a 28-story church office building.

Fountain already

, But the water circulation system used for fountains and landscaping has been leaking. Leaks in the water system and concrete deck threatened the underground church staff parking garage below the square.

The new square will include a new waterproof system. It will also have some changes that will open up the space and increase the view of the temple from the east.

After the landscaping work between the church office building and the church administration building is completed, workers will begin new landscaping work on the Main Street Plaza. The goal is to simplify the two blocks that now make up Temple Square.

The Temple Square originally consisted of a single block of 10 acres, and the Salt Lake Temple and Tabernacle stood between the main street and the West Temple. church

In 1999, it extended from the city to the main street between South and North Temple Street and turned it into a square. Now, the church believes that Temple Square is spread over two large plots from West Temple to State Street (including Main Street Square).

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"Our landscape design around the square and the temple will broaden the passage and vision of the temple and make people more susceptible to the welcome of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Andy Kirby, the church’s historic temple renovation director ( Andy Kirby) issued a statement.

He said that after the decoration is completed, the landscape of the entire temple square will be seamless.

Church leader first

When passing through Temple Square during renovation

April 2019. Decoration project

It is planned to be completed in 2024.

President Nelson said: "We promise you will like the results."

Kirby said that the redesigned church office building plaza will recognize the church’s 16.5 million members in 196 countries and regions.

He said: "We will dismantle this fountain. In many countries around the world, we will fly a large flag to celebrate the internationality of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Workers have opened the walls around the Temple Square to increase the visibility of the Temple. New visitors and visitor pavilions will be constructed.

The formal entrance of the temple, called the "recommendation counter", will be in the underground hall. As previously announced, a new visitor passage will be constructed under Beimiao Street to allow access to the lobby from the parking lot of the conference center. Pedestrians will walk down the stairs to reach the lobby and the recommendation desk. The recommendation desk is located under a large skylight, providing natural light and sight to the towering temple.

Learn about the latest situation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members.

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Pope Francis revised the canon law on Monday to formally allow women to serve as readers in liturgical and altar services. This amendment clearly states that these roles are separate from all-male clergy.

Canon law officially recognizes what has happened in many churches around the world where women play these layman roles. However, by introducing

It is impossible for conservative pastors to prevent women from assuming these roles.

The decree states: "The choice to choose women to hold these positions involves stability, public recognition and the power of the bishop, which enables everyone to participate in evangelism more effectively in the church," the decree states.

Francis changed the church law on his own, which is the official request of the church leader

.

Phyllis Zagano, a professor of religion at Hofstra University in New York, said: "I think this is important because it is arguing about the equality of women."

"This shows that the church is legitimizing the content of its preaching, which means that women are created in the image of God."

In the decree called the "Holy Spirit," the pope stated that he made the decision after theological reflection.

He said that many bishops from all over the world have said that this change is necessary to respond to "the needs of the times."

To send a signal to women in the world who still formally consider chattels, endangered and considered unclean, that they are also human and that they can approach the sacred.

Rachel Elbaum is an editor, producer and writer based in London. 

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.- The Supreme Court has given the governor of Nevada eight days to respond to a church that argued that the state’s COVID-19 protocol is discriminatory to churches.

In an order issued on January 11, the Supreme Court directed Governor Steve Sisolak (D) to respond to Calvary Church Dayton Valley by noon on January 19. v Calvary Church Dayton must submit a summary of responses before noon on January 21.

In November, Calvary Church Dayton Valley again asked the Supreme Court to consider their case. They believe that the state's COVID-19 agreement is discriminatory, which limits the capacity of religious services to 50 people, regardless of the capacity of the building. Other companies, including casinos, can also operate at 25% capacity.

The Court of Appeal supported Calvary Church on December 15.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled: "By effectively prohibiting many people from participating in religious activities, the restrictions that exist here touch the core of the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom."

.

In July, the Supreme Court ruled against the church 5 to 4 and refused to issue an order prohibiting the ceiling of 50 people for religious gatherings. Since July, the composition of the Supreme Court has changed.

The Supreme Court may decide to review the case based on the response and briefing.

Also on Monday, the Supreme Court refused to hear the case.

This poses a challenge to the “buffer” decree surrounding abortion clinics. Thanks to the "buffer", those who oppose abortion cannot talk to patients within a certain distance of abortion facilities.

,

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