Adventist leader and his son sentenced for role in Rwandan genocide

Nairobi (ENI). A Seventh-day Adventist Church leader from Rwanda and his son have been sentenced to prison terms for their roles in the genocide that engulfed the East African country in 1994 and the church has apologised for their actions. The United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda sentenced Elizaphan Ntakirutimana, 78, former president of the church's South Rwanda Field (district), to 10 years of imprisonment for aiding and abetting in genocide. [426 words, ENI-03-0080]

Norwegian Lutheran theologian converts to Roman Catholicism

Stockholm (ENI). A prominent Norwegian Lutheran theologian and ecumenist has astonished his church by converting to Roman Catholicism, but he says his decision is not a protest against Lutheranism. Ola Tjorhom, a professor at the Norwegian School of Mission and Theology in Stavangar, became a member of the Roman Catholic Church with effect from 25 January, but he can continue as an academic, although with a revised teaching programme. [389 words, ENI-03-0078]

Bush censured for using religious language to 'stifle debate'

New York (ENI). President George W. Bush, a self-proclaimed "born-again" Christian, has been rebuked by a number of prominent US religious liberals for using religious rhetoric they consider to be divisive and reckless. Use of religious language is nothing new in US politics. Abraham Lincoln, the nation's most famous 19th-century president, often spoke of providence. But some of the president's critics warn of his use of evangelical Christian language is polarising political debate about a possible war in Iraq. [594 words, ENI-03-0079]

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