Ecumenical

Christians from around the world have been flocking to Germany's oldest city to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Pilgrimage of the Holy Robe, the seamless garment believed to be worn by Jesus shortly before his crucifixion.

The garment went on display for the first time in 16 years on April 13 in Trier, Germany as a part of the "Holy Robe Pilgrimage 2012," hosted by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier.

According to the Trier city website, 700,000 people made the Holy Robe pilgrimage in 1996, the last time the robe was shown. This year, 500,000 people are expected. more >>

Maundy Thursday is the day during Holy Week when Christians partake in the Lord's Supper to commemorate Jesus' last supper with the disciples. It sets off a chain of religious services including Good Friday and, of course, Easter Sunday.

Many churches commemorate Maundy Thursday with a communion service and which is referenced in the biblical text of Luke 22.

"I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer," Jesus said. "For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God." more >>

A new poll from the Gallup Organization reveals that although "state culture" influences one's religiosity, America is still, overall, a religious nation. In addition, the survey found that among all states, Mississippi is the most religious, while Vermont and New Hampshire rank as the least religious.

As the Gallup Organization reports, 40 percent of Americans nationwide classify themselves as "very religious," meaning they consider religion to be a very important aspect of their lives, and attend a religious service every week, or almost every week.

Results from the poll, published March 27, found that in Mississippi and seven other states, at least half of the residents classify themselves as "very religious." more >>

The Roman Catholic Church and Oriental Orthodox Churches in the U.K. have welcomed an "unprecedented" move towards unity this week.

The Churches have launched a new book entitled "Joint Statements" outlining areas of theological agreement between the two denominations.

The book was developed by the Catholic-Oriental Orthodox Regional Forum (COORF) and presented by the body's co-chairs Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the U.K., and the Catholic Archbishop of Southwark Kevin McDonald. more >>

An ecumenical mass has taken place Friday to mark one year since a mine collapsed in Chile, trapping 33 men more than 700m below ground.

The men spent 69 tense days in the San Jose mine following an explosion last August, with their plight and eventual rescue capturing the world’s attention.

Following the mass, the Phoenix II capsule that was used to bring the men to back above ground more than two months later will go on display in a museum dedicated to the rescue. more >>

Alabama Christian leaders have filed a lawsuit this week to stop the state from enacting the “nation’s most merciless” anti-immigration law, claiming it would prohibit Christians from living out their faith and the mandates of Scripture.

Plaintiffs in the suit filed Monday include leaders of the Episcopalian, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches in Alabama, who represent 338,000 of the state’s faithful.

The ecumenical group insists the new immigration law, effective September 1, could ensnare Christian leaders who unknowingly administer religious sacraments, such as Holy Communion, to illegal immigrants. more >>