wfn.org | Resource for discernment process now available

["Communication Ministries" <wshuffit@cm.disciples.org>]

Date: March 8, 2002
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Curt Miller
E-mail: cmiller@cm.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

02a-18

	ST. LOUIS (DNS) -- Christian Board of Publication, the
Office of General Minister and President and the
Discernment Committee on the Participation of Gay and
Lesbian Persons in the Life of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) have announced the publication of a
new group study curriculum, Listening to the Spirit: A
Handbook (and video) for Discernment. The study addresses
the question, "What is the gospel message to our church as
we relate to gay and lesbian Christians?"

	The book and video lead a group or individual through a
process of discernment designed to approach the issues
thoughtfully, theologically, and prayerfully with no
prescribed answers or preconceived outcomes. The
discernment process incorporates worship, personal sharing,
Bible study and communion to help Christians listen to the
Holy Spirit and to address these difficult issues in the
church.  Listening to the Spirit was written by the
Discernment Committee on the Participation of Gay and
Lesbian Persons in the Life of the Church. 

	The 60-minute video, produced by Communication Ministries
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is designed
for use with the book as small group curriculum. The study
has been developed in seven stages and coordinates with the
four segments of the video. 

	The book and video are available from Christian Board of
Publication.  To order by phone, call 1-800-366-3383.  The
resources also can be ordered from the CBP world wide web
site: www.cbp21.com, or by e-mail at:
customerservice@cbp21.com. 

	The retail price for the book, Listening to the Spirit: A
Handbook for Discernment, 0-8272-2131-2, is $9.99.  The
retail price for the video Listening to the Spirit: A Video
for Use with the Handbook for Discernment, 0-8272-2134-7 is
$24.99. 

	Composed of members of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ), the Discernment Committee represented a broad
range of theological beliefs concerning the issues of
sexual orientation and the teachings of the church.  They
created this process of discernment so congregations, small
study groups and other groups of Christians may address
these issues by engaging scripture and with the help of
God. 

	For more information, contact Pam Brown at Christian Board
of Publication, 314-231-8500, or Lori Adams, Office of
General Minister and President, 317-713-2410. 

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