//NEWS ITEMS//

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International Document Declares the Family Essential to Society
December 22, 2004. A declaration arising from a United Nations International Conference for the Family held in Doha, Qatar, November 29-30, 2004 outlines the indispensable role that the family and marriage play in ensuring a stable society.

Anglican Diocese's Approval of Same-Sex Blessings Causes Rift
December 11, 2004. As a result of the Anglican diocese of Niagara's approval of same-sex blessings during its November synod, the Roman Catholic diocese of Hamilton has decided not to take part in the renewal of baptismal vows with local Anglicans and Lutherans during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January 2005.

St. John's, Waterloo Adopts "Statement of Belief"
November 30, 2004. In the aftermath of the motions related to homosexuality passed at the Eastern Synod Convention in June 2004, St. John's developed a "Statement of Belief" which, in essence, speaks in opposition to the Synod Convention motions.

Plans for National Convention Renewal Dropped
October 23, 2004. In light of the negative feedback received, the ELCIC’s National Church Council has decided not to proceed with the planned recommendations to the 2005 National Convention to modify the convention participation model.

Lutherans Concerned Admits to Unilaterally Declaring Eastern Synod of ELCIC as RIC
October 17, 2004. Confirmation has been received that Lutherans Concerned/North America acted unilaterally in declaring the Eastern Synod of the ELCIC to be an RIC synod, that is, without the Eastern Synod specifically requesting Lutherans Concerned to take such action.

Lutheran Eastern Synod Takes Steps Towards Endorsing Same-Sex Blessings
July 6, 2004. Report on motions passed at the June 2004 Eastern Synod Convention which open the door for the ELCIC to endorse same-sex blessings and the ordination of non-celibate homosexuals.

Lutherans Concerned Designates Eastern Synod as an RIC Synod
July 7, 2004. As a result of the passage of Synod Council’s “welcome” motion at the 2004 Eastern Synod convention, Lutherans Concerned/North America has added the Eastern Synod to its Reconciling in Christ (RIC) roster – the first Canadian synod to be so designated.