News and Prophecy Staff

For a century the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) has molded boys into men with character and a vow to remain “morally straight.” Over 50 percent of American men have participated in the Scouts, and they are more likely to be successful in life than those who did not (Values of Scouting, May 2005). In 2000, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a ruling supporting the BSA’s prohibition of homosexual volunteers and scouts.

The Vatican has long desired to gain control of Jerusalem and is patiently working towards this end.  Now, “Israel has granted the pope an official seat in the room where the Last Supper is believed to have taken place, on Mount Zion in Jerusalem” (Israel Hayom, January 30, 2013). Israeli officials see this as an opportunity to bring more tourism to Jerusalem (ibid.).

Pope Benedict XVI surprised the world by announcing his resignation, effective later this month. The first papal resignation since 1415 leaves many questioning, “What’s next?”

In late November 2012, an outbreak of “red tide” closed beaches along Australia’s Southeast coast.  Photos show the bright, blood-red color of the algae bloom (The Australian, November 28, 2012).  The “perfect storm” of conditions occurred off the Sydney coast and fostered the explosive growth of red tide algae. This algae thrives in high water temperatures and an abundant food supply.

Since France and Germany signed the Elysee Treaty in 1963, the former enemies have developed a “common defense and security council, a financial and economic council and councils devoted to culture and environment” (Deutsche Welle, January 22, 2013).  They also have joint military efforts.