News briefs on religion

* Peruvian president Alan Garcia warned the Vatican of not interfering in Peruvian affairs. "I do not like it when the Venezuelan or Argentine governments interfere in (Peruvian) politics, and it is also not right for the Vatican to interfere," said. The president as he also criticized Catholic priests who publicly give their political perspectives.

* Leaders of the U.S. Episcopal Church risks alienating traditional members of its congregation should it decide to open more privileges for homosexuality, according to Reuters. The 2003 consecration of the Church’s first gay bishop “riled defenders of traditional Christianity in African, Asian and Latin American congregations that now account for half of the world's Anglican followers” according to the article.

* In response to increasing immigration from Latin America to the U.S., churches have adapted by actively seeking clergy from south of the border. And it’s more than just having a priest speaking in Spanish:

“I was an immigrant myself,” said Pastor Hector Llanes, a native of El Salvador who leads a Baptist church in Phoenix. “I have a great deal of sympathy for immigrants, and even though there are cultural differences between Mexicans, Central Americans and South Americans, there is a way in which we feel part of the same community.

“We talk about the same things — the customs, the food, soccer,” he added. “It’s just a natural bond.”

* Paraguayan ex-Catholic bishop Fernando Lugo fell to second place in the latest poll for the country’s presidency. Lino Oviedo holds a slim 4% lead over Lugo whose candidacy has been criticized by the Vatican.

Sources- catholic.org, Reuters, Angus Reid Consultants, Canadian Press

Image- MSNBC