Number of Countries Banning Bible Reported Growing by Distributor
LONDON—A report issued here by the United Bible Societies (UBS) indicates that Scripture distribution is being forbidden in an increasing number of countries. John Dean, world service officer for the UBS, said, "There seem to be more places closed to the Word of God at present for one reason or another than at any other time since World War II."
He reported that the societies, which embrace more than 50 national Bible distribution groups, are developing special strategies to meet spiritual needs in the so-called "closed" areas without breaking the law.
Journals Warn Local Churches Against "Pirating" Hymnals
NEW YORK—A publisher's suit brought against the Chicago Roman Catholic Archdiocese for copyright infringement has prompted an outpouring of concern throughout the country and is apparently leading many church people to take a new look at the law and their moral obligations.
Ecumenical Charismatic Renewal Conference Planned in 1977
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—A mam moth meeting of Christian charismatics, perhaps one of the largest ecumenical gatherings in history with some 60,000 participants, will be held July 20-24, 1977, at the various sites here.
Called the "1977 Conference on Charismatic Renewal in the Christian Churches," the gathering will include Baptists, Catholics, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Mennonites, Methodists, Pentecostals, Presbyterians, and other Christians. It will use Arrowhead Stadium (the home of the Kansas City Chiefs), a new downtown convention complex, Kemper Arena, and many other sites.
The outdoor stadium will be the scene of ecumenical gatherings each evening, while the other facilities will be used for denominational meetings, workshops, and worship.
Italian Waldensians and Methodists Call for Denominational Merger by 1979
ROME—Italian Waldensians and Methodists drew closer to eventual unity as representatives of the Methodist Church took part in the first two days of the annual Waldensian Synod here.
A service of consecration of three new pastors opened the Waldensian assembly. One of the three, 29-year-old Mirella Abate, was recently married to a German Lutheran pastor. She has a degree in theology and is the third woman pastor in the Italian Waldensian Church.
Italian Methodists at the synod noted that the union plan calls for full integration of the two denominations by 1979.
In addition to the Methodists, the synod also featured representatives of Waldensian communities in Uruguay and Argentina, which have been subjected to persecution in recent years.
Astrology: "Pretentious Claims" of "Charlatans" Are Condemned
BUFFALO—A statement ex pressing concern about the in creased acceptance of astrology and challenging the "pretentious claims of astrological charlatans" has been issued by 186 scientists.
"We are especially disturbed by the continued uncritical dissemination of astrological charts, orecasts, and horoscopes by the media and by otherwise reputable newspapers, magazines, and book publishers," the statement said.
Dr. Bart Bok, former president of the American Astronomical Society and professor emeritus at the University of Arizona, drafted the statement and wrote the lead article, "A critical look at astrology."
"We the undersigned—astronomers, astrophysicists, and scientists of other fields wish to caution the public against the unquestioning acceptance of the predictions and advice given privately and publicly by astrologers," said the group of scientists, which included 18 Nobel prize winners.
"Those who wish to believe in astrology should realize that there is no scientific foundation for its tenets . . . and indeed that there is strong evidence to the contrary," the statement said.
