wfn.org | ABCUSA: STRUCTURE/PROCESS REPORT TO STUDY GROUP

[RICH.SCHRAMM@ecunet.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

GENERAL BOARD REFERS REPORT OF, AND FEEDBACK ON, REVIEW 
COMMISSION ON DENOMINATIONAL STRUCTURE AND PROCESS 
TO STUDY GROUP
 CHERRY HILL, N.J.-The General Board of American 
Baptist Churches USA, in semiannual sessions here Nov. 18, 
adopted an amended proposal from its Executive Committee to 
refer to a study group the report of, and board feedback on, 
the Review Commission on Denominational Structure and 
Process.  The study group will be appointed by  President 
Trinette McCray in consultation with Interim General 
Secretary Robert H. Roberts. 
 The board also voted to dismiss the commission "with 
our deep appreciation and gratitude."
 The board action followed a period of questions for 
clarification and comments on the commission's work and 
objectives from commission members Dr. John Mandt, Dr. G. 
Elaine Smith, Dr. Harold Davis and Dr. Eugene Ton.  
Commission Chair Dr. Randy J. Gauger, while unable to 
attend, addressed board members via videotaped comments.
 The complete action approved by the board follows:
 "To receive the report of and thank the Review 
Commission on Denominational Structure and Process for its 
service and the fulfillment of its charge by the General 
Board and to dismiss the Commission with our deep 
appreciation and gratitude.
 "To allow sixty (60) days (January 17, 2001) for 
amendments, comments and suggestions to the Report and 
Recommendation of the Review Commission on Denominational 
Structure and Process to be submitted and shared with the 
membership of the General Board.
 "To refer the RCDSP Report and Recommendation and 
General Board feedback to a Study Group appointed by the 
President in consultation with the Interim General Secretary 
to further develop and recommend to the General Board next 
steps for addressing the issues and direction proposed in 
the RCDSP Report.
 "The Study Group will report to the Executive 
Committee of the General Board in March and June and will 
present a work product to the Executive Committee at  its 
September 2001 meeting.  The work product will be forwarded 
to the General Board for consideration at its November 2001 
meeting.
 "The Study Group will include the following: 3 
Commission members, 8 General Board members, ABC President 
and Vice President, Executive Director of Educational 
Ministries, Executive Director of International Ministries, 
Executive Director of National Ministries, Executive 
Director of the Ministers and Missionaries Benefit Board, 
Interim General Secretary, 1 Associate General Secretary, 2 
Regional Executive Ministers."
 The Review Commission on Denominational Structure and 
Process, appointed in 1997 by the American Baptist Churches 
USA General Board, had presented its report to the board for 
informational purposes at its November 1999 meeting.

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