ELCJHL News May - June 2010

Finnish archbishop consecrated, Younan attends

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland installed Kari Mäkinen (front row, second from left) as its archbishop on June 6, 2010, in Turku, Finland. ELCJHL Bishop Munib Younan (front row, first from left) was one of many Lutheran bishops from around the world on hand to take part in the installation.

Bishop Younan earned his master of theology degree at the University of Helsinki, Finland, in 1976.

Faith leaders in Jerusalem say religion must have 'prophetic' role

"Religion must be part of the solution," said ELCJHL Bishop Munib Younan at a June 2 meeting sponsored by the Israel/Palestine Center for Research and Information. to discuss the role religion can play in seeking peace.

For the full Ecumenical News International story, click here.

For Bishop Younan's message at the event, click here.

Faith leaders react to the Free Gaza flotilla incident

The efforts of peace activitists to break the Gaza siege from the sea were thwarted on May 31, 2010, when Israeli soldiers boarded at least one ship in the flotilla and killed at least nine people on board. Here are two responses to the incident from a faith perspective.

Click here for a statement from Sabeel, the Palestinian liberation theology center in Jerusalem.

Click here for a statement from Rev. Mark Hanson, presiding bishop of the ELCA, the U.S. partner of the ELCJHL.

ELCJHL schools celebrate tawjihi graduations in May

Large crowds and local dignitaries were on hand to celebrate graduation at the Lutheran high schools. In addition to the usual speeches by school and church officials, English and German speeches by students, and the distribution of diplomas, two Dar al Kalima graduates – Mohammed Teilakh and Yousef Al-Ramahi – performed a rap song to the delight of the audience. Dabka troupes also performed at several of the ceremonies.