wfn.org | Fourth Racial Ethnic Convocation Will Focus on Discipleship

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20-January-1999 
99016 
 
    Fourth Racial Ethnic Convocation 
    Will Focus on Discipleship 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--After three convocations that focused on racial and social 
justice - in 1990, 1993 and 1996 - the fourth Racial Ethnic Convocation of 
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will concentrate on the proclamation of 
the gospel. 
 
    The theme of the convocation, scheduled for July 21-25 in Orlando, 
Fla., is "From Membership to Discipleship." 
 
    "The growing diversity of the American population is a challenge for 
the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)," explained former General Assembly 
Council and National Cross Caucus chair Youngil Cho of Raleigh, N.C., in 
the "Racial Ethnic Torch" newspaper.  "In this time of growing tension, 
conflict and division, deepening discouragement and growing extremism ... 
real answers will come only through those who have genuine concern for 
people as Jesus Christ teaches us to do." 
 
    Through plenary speeches and 44 workshops, convocation participants 
will try to accomplish the gathering's three objectives: 
   *   to celebrate 2000 years of Christian witness 
   *   to have "an earthshaking new spiritual awakening so that racial 
       ethnic people will passionately proclaim the love of God" 
   *   to equip racial ethnic Presbyterians to "proclaim the liberating 
       gospel of Jesus Christ for justice and reconciliation in their 
       communities." 
 
    A host of denominational leaders are scheduled to address the 
convocation, including General Assembly Council (GAC) executive director 
John Detterick; stated clerk Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, the moderator of the 
1999 General Assembly; and the directors of the three GAC ministry 
divisions. 
 
    Also expected to attend are the executives of the host governing bodies 
- Rev. John Bartholomew of the Synod of South Atlantic and Rev. Roger 
Richardson of Central Florida Presbytery. 
 
    Keynote speakers are renowned African-American theologian Rev. Katie 
Cannon; youth leader Rev. Jerry Cannon; Rev. Kenneth Bailey, author and 
lecturer on the Middle East; and Rev. Judith Wellington, a leader in the 
field of Native American spirituality. 
 
    For more information about the 1999 Racial Ethnic Convocation, call 
Laverne Rhodes Powell at (502) 569-5695. 

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