wfn.org | American-Asian groups call for removal of U.S. bases

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

from Okinawa
August 9, 1996
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
(317) 635-3100
Cliff_Willis.parti@ecunet.org
    
United Church of Christ
Contact: W. Evan Golder
(216) 736-2200
     
96b-69

     ORANGE, Calif. (DNS) -- The American-Asian
organizations of two major U.S. denominations,  the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church
of Christ, are calling for the "phased removal of all U.S.
military bases and personnel from Okinawa."

     The resolution was passed as the two groups, American
Asian Disciples (AAD) and the UCC's Pacific Islander and
Asian-American Ministries, met for the first time in a joint
convocation, forging one more link in the partnership
initiated in 1985 between the two denominations. 

     Meeting on the campus of Disciples-related Chapman
University here from July 25-28, the convocation attracted
about 150 people, including 40 Disciples, 75 from the UCC
and 35 youth from both churches. 

     The resolution on Okinawa, passed first in separate
sessions and then in a joint session, also requested that
the issue be considered in 1997 by the Disciples' General
Assembly and the UCC's General Synod.  

     In a separate session, the Disciples group adopted a
new name: North American Pacific Asian Disciples.  The
proposal for a more inclusive name was first proposed  in a
1994 AAD convocation. Backers contended the new name would
more effectively welcome Canadian Asians and Pacific
Islanders to the group.  

     The Rev. Robert Steffer, executive minister of the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Canada , urged
adoption of the name change at the Chapman convocation. 
While voting for the change, the Rev. John Lau, a member of
Park Avenue Christian Church in New York City, said he hoped
it would encourage participation by Canadians in the group's
programs but was "not optimistic."

     Speaking to the theme of the convocation, "In Step with
the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25), the Rev. Richard L. Hamm, Disciples
general minister and president, told the group, "It is time
for us   as individuals and as the church   to tell the
truth in the presence of God... then we will be in step with
the Spirit."

     "The trouble with the spirit is it never gives
certainty," said Rita Nakashima Brock, a Disciples layperson
who teaches at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn., while
leading a Bible study.  "It gives confidence, but it never
gives certainty.  That lack of certainty is the edge of
growth."

     Led by quadriplegic Robbie Vierra-Lambert and his
mother, CyCy Lambert of RVL S.C.O.R.E (Spinal Cord
Organization for Regaining Excellence), the youth group
workshops dealt with how focusing on the Holy Spirit can
make a difference for the whole individual in all aspects of
life.  The workshops included time spent blindfolded and in
wheelchairs. 

     Newly elected NAPAD officers are: moderator, the Rev.
Nobuyoshi Kaneko, Tucson, Ariz.; treasurer, the Rev. Dong
Gook Roh, Marietta, Ga.; recording secretary, Rita Nakashima
Brock, St. Paul, Minn.; newsletter editor, Jeri Sias,
Lawrence, Kan.; theologian-in-residence, Dr. Timothy Lee,
Torrance, Calif.; and at-large delegate, Orlando Marcelino,
Winnipeg, Manitoba. 

     Newly elected PAAM officers are: moderator, Ms. Bennie
Malayang, Cleveland, Ohio; vice moderator, the Rev. Ron
Fujiyoshi, Honolulu; secretary, Chris Low, San Diego; and
treasurer, Stephanie Yee, Long Beach, Calif.

     The 1.5 million-member United Church of Christ and the
nearly one million-member Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) declared themselves "ecumenical partners" in 1985.
American-Asian and Pacific Islander congregations are among
the fastest growing in both denominations: the UCC with
5,000-6,000 members in more than 100 churches of 6,145; the
Disciples with 3,000-4,000 members and 47 congregations out
of 4,007.  

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