Murders of Church Workers Belies Concordat Excitement
On June 19, 2006, international church leaders witnessed Episcopal Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold signing a partnership agreement with the Philippine Independent Church. Few knew that mere hours earlier two Filipino church activists had been brutally murdered -- part of a long list of unknown human rights workers slain in recent months.  [posted 6/28/06]

The Life of the World to Come
Timothy Nakayama, reflecting on the readings for the First Sunday of Lent (B) (March 5, 2006), recalls a memorable trip to Japan, and the heritage of those who "heard and heeded the message of Jesus."  [posted 2/27/06]

I Was a 10 Year-Old Child in Prison Camp During World War II
During World War II, Timothy Nakayama was held captive in a Canadian "internment" camp. He later became an Anglican priest and served in both North America and Japan. On the 60th anniversary of the battle of Okinawa and the nuclear bombings of Japan, he reflects on his many experiences.  [posted 7/18/05]

Learning to Love God and Oneself
During World War II, Timothy Nakayama's family was forced into degrading "camps" by the Canadian government. Despite being active in church ministry, he developed a sense of low self-esteem, and could have been embittered for life -- but one person helped him find love.  [posted 4/26/05]

Faith and Martyrdom in the Forest
Last month, a Roman Catholic nun was assassinated in Brazil's Amazon region. The grisly killing of Sr. Dorothy Stang evoked the 1991 murder of Nerelito Satur, a Filipino priest, according to Joseph Franke. He says the most dangerous work is connecting social inequality and environmental destruction.  [posted 3/9/05]

Post-Tsunami Solidarity Offers Way to Peace
Sri Lanka has suffered for years with devastating internal warfare. In the wake of the December tsunami, warring religious and political parties have come together. Sri Lankan bishop Duleep de Chickera says this offers the hope of a lasting peace.  [posted 2/4/05]

Prayer for the Tsunami Victims
At this time of intense mourning for the tens of thousands of lives lost in Asia, South African liturgist Wilma Jakobsen offers a prayer for God's people to help relieve the suffering.  [posted 1/11/05]

Disaster and Discipleship
The tsunamis that rocked South Asia may cause us to question our faith. How could a loving God permit such devastation and death? Rowan Smith in Cape Town reflects on the readings for Epiphany 2 (Jan. 16) and seeks a message of transformation.  [posted 1/7/05]

A Bud That Could Not Bloom
In northern India, a family is blessed with the birth of a daughter, after years of waiting. A few years later, to her horror, the girl discovers she is HIV-positive. Karuna Roy, writing from New Delhi, tells this heartrending, true story. (Originally posted September 30, 2004.)  [posted 1/7/05]

Opposing a Dichotomous Worldview
It is election season in Japan, and nationalist rhetoric is all the rage. Shintaro Ichihara is concerned by language focused on "national interests," but he finds hope in new relationships being built between the victims of war. (Originally posted July 9, 2004.)  [posted 7/9/04]

Asian Americans: Where Do We Belong?
Did you know that only 50 years ago Asians finally became eligible to be naturalized as U.S. citizens? James Kodera traces two centuries of discrimination against the "model minority" community which "represents" 3 billion people, and poses hard questions to U.S. Christians. (Originally posted May 26, 2004.)  [posted 1/10/05]

A Simple Focus on Respecting Life
The perspective of a Japanese Christian may not seem very important in a country where less than one percent of the population shares that religion. But Shintaro Ichihara believes that every action for justice and peace, as simple and humble as the person's status may be, is meaningful. (Originally posted May 21, 2004.)  [posted 1/10/05]

Reflecting on a Life Dedicated to Inclusion
Born in China of Japanese and Russian parents, married to an African American, and a member of a predominately white U.S. church, the tense intersections of race, class, gender and religion have dictated Hisako Beasley's life. Through it all, "inclusion" remains her primary commitment. (Originally posted May 20, 2004.)  [posted 1/10/05]

Ethnic Churches and the Intercultural Vision
The Episcopal Church's new Asian-American missioner, Winfred Vergara, has a bold vision. The traditional "ethnic groupings," often pitted against one another, he calls the "four aces," prepared to transform together a tired, colonial church. (Originally posted May 20, 2004.)  [posted 1/10/05]

The Neglected Masses in Japan
Recently, a young boy was killed in Tokyo by a revolving door in a new office building. Sam Koshiishi reports that this incident was no accident, but the predictable outcome of the government's avoidance of the needs of its people. (Originally posted May 20, 2004.)  [posted 1/10/05]