wfn.org | ABCUSA: Biennial Meeting Update: June 30, 2003

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Richard.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

DELEGATES CELEBRATE CLERGY/CONGREGATIONAL RELATIONSHIP
	(Richmond, Va. 6/30/03)--In a statement adopted June 30 by delegates
to the American Baptist Churches USA Biennial Meeting here (by a vote of 513
yes, 5 no), American Baptist congregations and clergy were encouraged "to
find ways of celebrating and nurturing their ministry together" and "seek
the help of the Ministers Council...and other resources in developing a
covenant of their commitments to one another."
	The text of the "Statement of Concern: Celebrating the
Clergy/Congregational Relationship," in part reads:
	"...Clergy and congregation share life in a dimension matched by few
human relationships.  They support, encourage, challenge, and inspire one
another. They minister with and to one another, accompanying one another
through both the most jubilant and the most sorrowful experiences of life.
The opportunity to pastor a church and the privilege of a church to receive
pastoral care are profound reciprocal blessings....
	"As in all meaningful relationships, there are ways in which the
clergy/congregation relationship can be damaged.  Sometimes clergy commit
transgressions against the congregations they serve.  Tragically, clergy
sometimes abuse the sacred relationships they have with individuals in a
congregation or with a congregation as a whole.  In other situations, the
congregation or individuals within it exploit their role in the church to
the severe detriment of the pastor.  Many times the relationship between
congregation and clergy is damaged simply because the expectations of one
were not met by the other.  In such instances, no grievous sin or lapse in
ethics has been committed. Still, disappointment can lead to estrangement
and sometimes to the severing of the relationship. Both clergy and laity
need to...seek forgiveness and restoration with the spirit of Christ as
instructed in Eph.4:25-32.	
	"In most cases, when the relationship between clergy and
congregation is damaged, both parties bear some of the blame. With Paul we
need to acknowledge we are not yet perfect Philippians 3:12.  Regardless of
who is at fault, when the relationship between clergy and congregation is
significantly harmed, great pain is inflicted upon all involved, especially
the witness of the body of Christ to the world.  This pain can express
itself through severe division within the congregation, loss of membership,
systemic pain, or involuntary termination of the pastor.  In some cases the
anguish becomes so great that members turn away from participation in any
church, and pastors pursue a change in career.
	"The Ministers Council of American Baptist Churches U.S.A. and other
clergy groups have found that clergy/congregation relationships can be
greatly enhanced by the formation of a stated covenant between the clergy
and the congregation, examples of which can be obtained from the Ministers
Council.  This covenant is to be developed and signed at the beginning of
the clergy's ministry with the congregation.  The covenant is more than a
job description.  It outlines the congregation's expectations of and
commitment to the clergy as well as the clergy's expectations of and
commitment to the congregation.  
	"The congregation should include in the covenant a clear explanation
of compensation and benefits, expectations of work hours and time off for
family and self, a commitment to provide continuing education opportunities
for the clergy, and a description of the responsibilities the clergy is
expected to fulfill.  In addition, the covenant should describe how the
clergy is to be evaluated and what process shall be followed if the clergy
is to be commended or if disappointment or grievances arise with the
clergy's fulfillment of responsibilities.  A clear statement of the help and
resources that would be employed in the event of conflict is essential.
Furthermore, the covenant should commit the congregation to a stated code of
ethics in dealing with the pastor.  The ethical code should include a
commitment to honesty, compassion, clarity, open dialogue, gender
sensitivity, confidentiality, forgiveness, support, affirmation, spiritual
growth, justice, and civility.
	"The clergy should include in the covenant an acceptance of  the
compensation, benefits, work expectations, time off, continuing education
provisions, and responsibilities as agreed upon.  In addition, the clergy
should state a commitment to follow the process established for addressing
disappointments and grievances with the congregation, including the
willingness to work with the help and resources requested by the
congregation.  Lastly, the clergy should commit to follow a stated code of
ethics in ministering to the congregation.  The ethical code should include
a commitment to honesty, compassion, clarity, open dialogue, gender
sensitivity, confidentiality, forgiveness, support, affirmation, spiritual
growth, justice, sexual morality, and civility. 
	"Because of both the wondrous potential for blessing and the tragic
potential for pain that exists in clergy/congregation relationships, it is
of utmost importance for all involved to dedicate themselves to building
healthy relationships.	
	"We therefore call upon: 
	"American Baptist congregations and clergy to find ways of
celebrating and nurturing their ministry together.
	"American Baptist congregations and clergy to seek the help of the
Ministers Council of the ABC USA and other resources in developing a
covenant of their commitments to one another.
	"American Baptist congregations to provide clergy with compensation,
benefits, continuing education, and other kinds of support in keeping with
their ministry assignments and with the standards recommended by their
Region.
	"American Baptist clergy to follow the highest ethical codes of
their calling and profession.
	"American Baptist congregations and clergy to make use of the
resources of their Region in responding to disappointments and grievances
within their relationship.
	"American Baptist congregations to seek every avenue of conflict
resolution before involuntary termination of clergy occurs.   And if it
occurs, to administer termination with grace and compassionate compensation.

	"American Baptist congregations and clergy throughout their mutual
ministry to relate to each other with the full character of Christian love
as set forth by our Lord Jesus Christ." 

'GLOBAL IMPACT OF AIDS' STATEMENT ADOPTED BY BIENNIAL MEETING DELEGATES
	(Richmond, Va. 6/30/03)--In adopting a "Statement of Concern: The
Global Impact of AIDS" (by a vote of 289 yes, 106 no), delegates to the
American Baptist Churches USA Biennial Meeting here today committed to
"support mission outreach that provides comfort and assistance to families
affected by HIV disease, including nutritional needs, emotional support,
economic structures, and community support structures." 
	"The  Global Impact of AIDS" states in part:  
	"...The economic and social impact of AIDS in the developing world
is profound....  When a working family member becomes seriously ill from
AIDS, immediately household income drops; children, especially teenagers,
leave school to support the family.  Community support for the family drops
because of the stigma associated with AIDS, either because the family is
shunned or because the family rejects available support in order to maintain
secrecy.   Family property is sold, and borrowing increases in an attempt to
meet the sick individual's medical needs.  Women are particularly hard hit
by AIDS; they carry the majority of the caregiving responsibilities, while
also being the most stigmatized if they become HIV-positive.  As parents and
children die of AIDS, family networks are shrinking and generations are
lost.  The costs in terms of human creativity, economic productivity, love,
and caring are tremendous....
	"The lifesaving drugs that have decreased the death rate in the West
have been too expensive for the developing world to use until recently,
when, under pressure, pharmaceutical companies made agreements with several
countries to provide these medications at a much lower cost.  We commend
their philanthropy. We rejoice in this movement toward justice, and we
encourage more such advances.  Furthermore, we thank God that Botswana is
the first African nation to offer free, life-long HIV treatment to anyone
who needs it.... 
	"American Baptists uphold the value of all people, created in the
image of God (Genesis 1:26) and intended to live together in harmony (Acts
17:26).  God cares about and protects the weak sheep in the flock (Ezekiel
34:17-20, 31).	We are responsible to care for the vulnerable among us
because Jesus said, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are
members of my family, you did it unto me" (see Matthew 25:31-46 NRSV).
Jesus was concerned with healing the sick in body and soul (Mark 1:32-34,
5:21-42, 6:53-56; Matt 8:16-17, 9:18-26, 14:34-36; Luke 5:12-26,13:10-17),
and as a people of God, and with Christ as our model, we too are charged
with comforting the sick and ministering to their families' needs.  AIDS is
a disease that stigmatizes its victims, and efforts to help are hampered by
prejudice and fear.  We as Christians know that God is love, and perfect
love casts out fear (I John 4:18). Because God loved us, we must love and
serve one another (John 13:34-35; I John 4:7).
	"Therefore, American Baptists are called to:
	"Pray to God for help, wisdom, mercy, and power as we respond to the
crisis.
	"Support mission outreach that provides accurate preventative
education as well as comfort and assistance to families affected by HIV
disease, including nutritional needs, emotional support, economic
structures, and community support structures.
	"Sponsor a family or a village in the developing world, that they
might have health care and safe living conditions. 
	"Advocate to our congressional representatives and to multinational
companies in support of legislation and practices that help people living
with HIV both here and abroad.
 "Fight the myth that HIV affects only certain segments of the population."

COMPASSIONARE CAREGIVING ADDRESSED
	(Richmond, Va. 6/30/03)-Biennial Meeting delegates affirmed (365
yes, 9 no) an "Adopted Statement of Concern: Compassionate Caregiving" on
June 30.
In noting the numerous challenges faced by caregivers in today's society,
the statement calls on American Baptists to:
	"Recruit and train teams of people in our churches and communities
that can provide respite and encouragement for caregivers, those receiving
care, and their families.
	"Identify and make use of existing resources available for
caregiving.
	"Address the grief issues of caregivers such as loss of vocation and
freedom.
	"Urge our government representatives to pass legislation that will
bring better services to those requiring chronic care and to their
caregivers, including medical benefits and insurance coverage.
	"Be an advocate for new areas of research to find cures for these
diseases.
	"Follow the example of Jesus as a compassionate caregiver."

	Statements of Concern on "How Shall American Baptists Respond to
Terrorism?" (614 yes, 90 no) and "Relationships With Youth" (638 yes, 4 no)
were affirmed by delegates on June 28.

DELEGATES VOTE TO AFFIRM BYLAW AMENDMENTS
	(Richmond, Va. 6/30/03)-In a business session June 30 Biennial
Meeting delegates vote to affirm two amendments to the American Baptist
Churches USA bylaws recommended by the ABCUSA General Board last week.
	Those amendments were to Article II ("Membership"), clarifying that
no national or regional staff person can serve as a General Board
representative, and to Article XV ("Officers"), adding a new category,
"clergywomen," to the rotation of those nominated to serve as ABCUSA
president.

OFFERING TOTALS ANNOUNCED
	(Richmond, Va. 6/30/03)-Four offerings totaling $18,148.87 were
received during this week's Biennial Meeting.  They included: Local
Arrangements--$6,555.03; Regional Youth Representatives--$3,543.26; CARITAS
(Local Mission)--$5,081.05; Volunteer Services--$2,973.53.

EVENING WORSHIP FEATURES NEW LIFE 2010 AND FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH	
	(Richmond, Va. 6/30/03)-The worship gathering here Sunday evening
featured a presentation about, and affirmation of, the NEW LIFE 2010
denominational emphasis that focuses on church planting, evangelism and the
vitalization of existing ministries.  
	As part of the program the inaugural NEW LIFE 2010 Award recipient,
the Rev. Gracie M. Jackson, was honored. Jackson, pastor of Eagle River
Baptist Church, Eagle River, Alaska, has been a leading force in
establishing vital church and community ministries.
	Also part of the worship program was the Rev. Dr. James Carrington
and the Friendship Baptist Church Choir from Friendship Baptist Church in
Yorba Linda, Calif.  The church has been among the leading mission-giving
congregations within the ABCUSA.

AMERICAN BAPTISTS RECEIVE DENOMINATIONAL AWARDS
	(Richmond, Va. 6/30/03)--Nineteen American Baptists have been
honored here this week with awards recognizing their contributions in a
variety of ministries.	The award presentations were made during the
Biennial Meeting of American Baptist Churches USA.
	National Ministries honored several distinguished American Baptists:
U.S. Congressman John Lewis of Georgia, received the Edwin T. Dahlberg Peace
Award for more than 40 years of work for peace and justice that began with
the Nonviolent Civil Rights Movement and continues in the U.S. national
political arena.
	Frank Walton, Martin Luther King Baptist Church, Renton, Wash., was
the recipient of the Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award for his lay leadership
in  holistic evangelism, including a gospel radio ministry and youth
outreach program.
	The Rev. Dr. Roberto S. Miranda, Csngregacion Lesn de Juda, was
presented with the Edward H. Rhoades Urban Ministry Award for his
outstanding leadership that has resulted in church growth and renovation of
the Latino community in the Greater Boston area.
	The Rev. James E. Sheets, Madison Baptist Church, Madison, W.V.,
received the Rosa O. Hall Town and Country Award for more than 50 years of
effective, faithful pastoral leadership in rural church and community
ministry.
	The Rev. Gracie M. Jackson, Eagle River Missionary Baptist Church,
Eagle River, Alaska, was the recipient of the inaugural New Life Award for
outstanding leadership in establishing community ministries and new outreach
programs.
	American Baptist Committee on Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors
Merit Awards were presented to: Chaplain (Colonel) Hugh L. Dukes Jr., United
States Army, and Captain Alan N. Kieran, Chaplain Corps, United States
Navy--Military Chaplain Merit Award; Chaplain Janet R. McCormack, Denver
Seminary, Denver, Colo.--Institutional Chaplain Merit Award; the Rev. Dr.
Archie Smith Jr., Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley, Calif.--Pastoral
Counselor Merit Award. 
	American Baptist Homes and Hospitals Association Special Merit
Citation Awards were presented to: the Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Flores, pastor,
Primera Iglesia Bautista de Carolina, and the Rev. Dr. Samuel Berry
McKinney, pastor, Mount Zion Baptist Church, Seattle, Wash--Local American
Baptist Churches Involved in Creating ABHHA-related Ministries; Dr. Wilbur
Wheaton, chair (1997-2001), Rainbow Acres Ranch Board, Camp Verde,
Ariz.--ABHHA Specialized Service Organization; and James W. McDaniel, vice
president and chief financial officer, Baptist Homes of Indiana, Inc.,
Zionsville, Ind.--ABHHA Retirement Home and Long Term Care Facility. 
	Educational Ministries awards recipients were: the Rev. Charles
Armstrong, Orville, Ohio--the Kenneth L. Cober Award for Christian
education/regional level; Ruth Spencer, Penn Yan, N.Y.--the Newton C. Fetter
Award for campus ministry; the Rev. Eugene L. Neville, Mt. Moriah Baptist
Church, Brockton, Mass.--the Richard Hoiland Award for educational
programs/local church or the wider community; and Dr. Osvaldo Mottesi,
Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Lombard, Ill.--the Luther Wesley
Smith Award for educational programs/college or seminary level.
	Also honored were Dr. Loris B. Coletta, a psychotherapist and
American Baptist lay leader of Aptos, Calif., long active in many areas of
religious and community service, with the Cora and John Sparrowk President's
Award; and the Rev. Lawrence Hargrave, pastor, Church on the Hill and staff,
Colgate Rochester Divinity School, and active in cooperative Christian
ministries, with the Luke Mowbray Ecumenical Award.

Up-630-1

Richard W. Schramm
Deputy General Secretary for Communication
American Baptist Churches USA
P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
1-800-ABC-3USA/x2077