wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Task force nomination deadline is extended

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

Note #8109 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Task force nomination deadline is extended
04068
February 10, 2004

Task force nomination deadline is extended

ACSWP group will study issues related to 'Serious Mental Illness'

by Evan Silverstein

LOUISVILLE -The Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Advisory Committee on Social
Witness Policy (ACSWP) has extended its deadline for nominating candidates to
serve on the committee's proposed task force on "Comprehensive Serious Mental
Illness."

March 1 is the new deadline for submitting nomination forms to ACSWP, which
develops social policies for PC(USA) General Assembly consideration.

The original Jan. 15 deadline was extended to "ensure that individuals
interested in this social witness issue might have an opportunity to be
considered for this work," according to an ACSWP press release.

The extension also will allow more time for Presbyterians to "bring this
project to the attention of others within their local congregations,
presbyteries, synods, theological institutions, etc., who may be strong
candidates for this policy formation group."

The task force will develop a policy and recommendations for helping the
church minister to those who suffer from serious mental illnesses, such as
schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.

"Among the topics this new social witness policy will address include
justice-related issues and full participation (for those with SMI) in the
life of the church and society," said the Rev. Peter Sulyok, ACSWP's
coordinator.

The 211th General Assembly (1999) directed ACSWP to develop a
serious-mental-illness policy for presentation to the 217th Assembly in 2006.
In November, an ACSWP-approved prospectus guiding the work of the soon-to-be
formed task force was sent to every PC(USA) presbytery and synod and to the
libraries of all Presbyterian-related seminaries.

The prospectus and nomination form and information on the nomination process
are available on ACSWP's web site.

They also may be obtained from the Rev. Belinda Curry, ACSWP's associate for
policy development and interpretation, by mail at 100 Witherspoon Street,
room 3611, Louisville, KY 40202-1396; by phone at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5813;
by fax at (502) 569-8041; or by email at bcurry@ctr.pcusa.org.

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