wfn.org | ABC/USA COMMISSION PRESENTS REPORT

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.org]

To: wfn-editors@wfn.org

AMERICAN BAPTIST NEWS SERVICE 
Office of Communication  
American Baptist Churches USA 
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851 
Phone: (610)768-2077 / Fax: (610)768-2320 
Web: www.abc-usa.org
Richard W. Schramm, Director 
 E-mail: richard.schramm@abc-usa.org

REVIEW COMMISSION ON DENOMINATIONAL STRUCTURE AND PROCESS 
PRESENTS REPORT TO AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA 
GENERAL BOARD
 GREEN LAKE, WIS.-The Review Commission on 
Denominational Structure and Process, appointed in 1997 by 
the American Baptist Churches USA General Board, presented 
its report June 24 to the board for informational 
purposes.
 First and second readings of the document, and any 
actions pertaining to it, will take place at subsequent 
meetings of the General Board. 
 The Standing Rules of the American Baptist Churches in 
the U.S.A. provide for periodic examination of structure and 
process; Standing Rule (SR) 11.2.6 (d) states that the 
General Board Executive Committee "shall determine the time 
and procedure for regular General Board assessment of the 
structure and process of the ABC/USA."  In accordance with 
SR 11.2.6 (d), the General Board, at its June 1997 meeting, 
voted "to establish a Review Commission on Denominational 
Structure and Process to study, assess, and make 
recommendations with respect to the present and future 
structure and process of the denomination."  In the 
recommendation to the General Board from the Executive 
Committee, the Commission was directed "to seek input from 
staff and encouraged to seek assistance in its task from all 
sources that it deems appropriate both within and outside of 
the ABC family."
 Dr. Randy J. Gauger, of Savoy, Ill., and American 
Baptist Churches USA vice president 1996-1997, is serving as 
chair of the commission.
 Members include: Cassie Acevedo, West Covina, Calif.; 
Martha Beyer, Temple City, Calif.; Dr. Sara Day Cheesman, 
Palmer, Mass.; Frank Christine, Jr., Northridge, Calif.; Dr. 
George C. Cummings, Oakland, Calif.; Dr. Harold Davis, 
Oakland, Calif.; M. Ingrid Dvirnak, Pueblo West, Colo.; 
David Gnirk, Burke, S.D.; Ruth K. Housam, Lady Lake, Fla.; 
Dr. John F. Mandt, Huntington, W.V.; Dr. L. Eugene Ton, 
Indianapolis, Ind.; and Dr. Timothy Tseng, Rochester, N.Y. 
 Ex officio members include: Mr. Kenneth Hines, 
Rochester, N.Y.; Dr. James B. Johnson, Alderson, W.V.; Dr. 
Trinette V. McCray, Milwaukee, Wis.; and Dr. G. Elaine 
Smith, Washington, D.C.
 Members who found it necessary to resign during 
process included Michael A. Buckles, Phoenix, Ariz.; and 
Calvin L. Hackney, Philadelphia, Pa.
 The complete text of the report of the Review 
Commission on Denominational Structure and Process is 
available on the American Baptist Churches USA Website-
www.abc-usa.org-under the June 24 "Updates" of the American 
Baptist News Service.
6/28/00
WFN628D 
 

 -0-