News and Prophecy Staff

Saturday, November 5, Oklahoma was hit by the largest earthquake on record in the state—a quake of 5.6 magnitude.  While the quake did little damage, it scared many people who are used to tornados, but not earthquakes.  The quake was felt as far away as Washington, DC, and South Carolina—1,000 miles away (Reuters, November 6, 2011).

A recent report by the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace proposes the “establishment of a supranational authority to oversee the global economy” (New York Times, October 24, 2011).

When 27 EU leaders met in Brussels last week to discuss how to save their common currency, the ten non-members of the eurozone (including Britain, Denmark and Poland) were asked to leave the eight-hour meeting that followed a reception!

Throughout its history, the United States government has strictly avoided getting involved in matters dealing with churches and religion.  However, in a current Supreme Court case, a woman is suing the Lutheran Church with a disability claim—something previously prohibited due to interpretation of federal law.  A U.S. attorney is arguing that the case has “nothing to do with religion and church practice.”  However, several Supreme Court justices expressed “shock” at the reasoning of the U.S. attorney.  One justice, appointed by the President, stated she was “amazed” by the argument.

In a recent Russian Izvestia article, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin shared his vision for a Eurasian union.  Mr. Putin noted this future union would include several former “Eastern Block” nations, and also nations from Asia and the Pacific Rim.  His vision calls for “a close integration based on new values and economic and political foundation [that] is a demand of the present time.”  Mr.