wfn.org | Detterick, Kirkpatrick Issue Statement on NCC Funding

[PCUSA NEWS <pcusa.news@ecunet.org>]

7-January-2000 
00011 
 
    Detterick, Kirkpatrick Issue Statement on NCC Funding 
 
    Council will be asked to approve one-time $400,000 bailout in February 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-Two top officials of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have 
issued a statement supporting the National Council of Churches of Christ in 
the U.S.A. (NCC) and announcing their intention to support emergency grants 
totaling $500,000 to help erase the ecumenical organization's $4 million 
deficit. 
 
    John Detterick, executive director of the General Assembly Council, and 
the Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, the General Assembly stated clerk, issued the 
statement on Jan. 6, saying that they believe the NCC has put its financial 
house sufficiently in order to avoid future shortfalls of this magnitude. 
 
    Their statement echoes that of the United Methodist Church, which 
recently lifted a suspension of its contributions to the NCC after better 
financial controls were put in place. The Methodists have agreed to 
contribute nearly $700,000 to the bailout package. 
 
    The complete text of the Detterick/Kirkpatrick statement: 
 
    "The General Assembly Council, at its February (16-19) meeting, will be 
asked to approve a special, one-time appropriation of $400,000 to help the 
National Council of Churches pay off its current operating deficit. The 
Office of the General Assembly has already approved $100,000 for this 
purpose. Other denominations that are members of the NCC are expected to 
make similar one-time contributions. 
 
    "The National Council of Churches is one of several ecumenical 
organizations that over the past 50 years have looked to the Presbyterian 
Church (U.S.A.) for leadership and financial support. Our support is 
consistent with our church's historic belief that denominations should work 
together as separate parts of the body of Christ. 
 
    "Much of the work of the NCC, including Bible translation, Crop Walks, 
and humanitarian relief through Church World Service, are well-run 
activities which are essential to Presbyterian mission work. Resolving the 
NCC's current financial situation is important for our own mission 
outreach. 
 
    "The Presbyterian Church and others have demanded that appropriate 
steps be taken to ensure that the NCC will not face more financial problems 
in the near future. These steps have been taken through a variety of 
cost-cutting measures including staff reductions. We expect a new level of 
commitment to responsible management by new management. 
 
    "The National Council of Churches has helped to advance the cause of 
Jesus Christ for more than half a century. The issue before the General 
Assembly Council will be whether or not the remedial actions taken to date 
justify support in return for continued facilitation of our vital mission 
outreach." 

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