wfn.org | World Alliance of Reformed Churches' Officers begin priority setting

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

World Alliance of Reformed Churches
News Release
150 Route de Ferney, P.O. Box 2100, 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
 Tel. +41.22 791 6243; Fax: +41.22 791 6505; Email: jas@warc.ch

World Alliance of Reformed Churches' Officers begin priority setting

The Officers of the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) have just 
ended a four-day meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, February 23-26.  This was 
their first meeting after they were elected in the 24th General Council 
held in Accra, Ghana, August 2004.

The Officers began the process of formulating priorities based on the many 
mandated actions set by WARC's 24th General Council.

Among the priorities discussed by the Officers were the following:
- To covenant for justice in the economy and the earth.
- To search for spiritual renewal and renewal of Reformed worship.
- To foster communion within the Reformed family and unity within the 
church ecumenical.
- To interpret and re-interpret the Reformed tradition and theology for 
contemporary witness.
- To foster mission in unity, mission renewal and mission empowerment.
- To build churches that are truly inclusive of all the people of God.
- To enable Reformed churches to witness for justice and peace.

The Officers, who include the president, six regional vice-presidents and 
the general treasurer, also took serious note of WARC's financial situation 
by pointing in the direction of a modest restructuring plan and embarking 
on a fundraising effort that will involve the whole WARC family.

"I believe we have laid the groundwork for a vital and secure future for 
the Alliance in this meeting," said Rev. Dr. Clifton Kirkpatrick, WARC's 
president. "It is our prayer that the Alliance will remain a key prophetic 
voice for justice for a long time to come and a strong force for communion 
among Reformed churches all over the world."

Added WARC general secretary Rev. Dr. Setri Nyomi, "The Alliance Officers 
have remained faithful to the Accra General Council and acted responsibly 
in the face of very limited financial and staff resources. This meeting 
will pave the way for a continuing faithful presence of the Reformed family 
on important questions of justice in the world and on the issue of unity 
among Reformed and other Christians around the world."

WARC is a fellowship of more than 75 million Christians in 218 churches in 
107 countries.

John P. Asling
Executive Secretary, Communications
World Alliance of Reformed Churches; web: www.warc.ch