wfn.org | GAC Approves NCC Bailout, but Tightens Controls

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

19-February-2000 
00082 
 
    GAC Approves NCC Bailout, but Tightens Controls 
 
    $500,000 contribution includes "comprehensive" review every three years 
 
    by Jerry L. Van Marter 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.-The General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church 
(U.S.A.) has approved a $500,000 contribution to the National Council of 
Churches (NCC) to help eliminate the venerable ecumenical organization's 
1999 deficit. 
 
    But the GAC, clearly upset with what was repeatedly called the NCC's 
"mismanagement" and determined not to be surprised again, attached several 
conditions to the contribution and set in place plans to review the 
PC(USA)'s involvement in the NCC every three years. 
 
    The NCC's 1999 shortfall only came to the denomination's attention last 
October and response to the bailout proposal has been vociferous and 
contentious.  GAC executive director John Detterick said more than 1,100 
communications regarding the bailout have been received in Louisville, with 
opponents outnumbering supporters about 9-1. 
 
    The PC(USA) bailout is contingent upon other NCC member churches 
meeting the rest of the $2 million needed to eliminate the deficit, upon 
the NCC approving a balanced budget for 2000, and upon the NCC allocating. 
enough money to rebuild its reserves. 
 
    And in a move that garnered enough support from NCC critics on the GAC 
to ensure the bailout, the Council approved a process whereby the GAC will 
work in partnership with the General Assembly Council on Ecumenical 
Relations to conduct a comprehensive review every three years of the 
PC(USA)'s involvement in the NCC, the World Council of Churches, the World 
Alliance of Reformed Churches and the Consultation on Church Union.  The 
design for the triennial review will be presented to next February's GAC 
meeting. 
 
    The review proposal was suggested by the Rev. Jeff Bridgeman of 
Solvang, Calif. (Santa Barbara Presbytery).  "This kind of action (a 
periodic review) is absolutely essential if I am to even consider the 
funding request," Bridgeman said. 
 
    The bailout and review process passed 52-6.   

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