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
Alliance Launches New Study Series For Reformation Sunday
A new series of congregational resources for Reformation Sunday has been launched by the World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC).
The 2006 version, Renewing the Church: Resources for Celebrating Reformatio n Sunday, focuses on the Accra Confession and covenanting for justice in the economy and the earth and will invite churches to renew their mission as they reflect on what it means to be Reformed within their contexts today.
The Accra Confession and covenanting for justice in the economy and the earth were major emphases of the Alliance's 24th General Council held in Accra, Ghana, in 2004. They state that working to create a more just economy is essential to the integrity of Christian faith.
WARC's Office for Church Renewal, Justice and Partnership has developed the 2006 Reformation Sunday resources. "Reformation Sunday is an important event in the calendar of Reformed churches worldwide," says Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, executive secretary for the office.
Adds Reformed theologian Lukas Vischer, one of the contributors to the resource book, "Every year Reformation Sunday provides the opportunity to ask together with Reformers of the 16th century: 'What does it mean to be the church of Jesus Christ today?'"
In many countries the Sunday closest to 31 October is celebrated as Reformation Sunday and is seen as an opportunity to celebrate, explore and reinterpret Reformed heritage for contemporary witness.
However, as WARC general secretary Setri Nyomi says in his introduction to the book, the congregational resources are intended for use beyond Reformation Sunday as well. "We encourage all to use the resources in this publication during Reformation week as well as at other times of the year. Themes covered here are not time-bound."
Renewing the Church: Resources for Celebrating Reformation Sunday has been published in English, French, German and Spanish. A small number of copies will be sent to all WARC member churches and a web version is on the WARC website as well (www.warc.ch).
Additional copies can be purchased through the WARC website or by contacting warc@warc.ch or crjp@warc.ch. The cost is EUR4 for a single copy (or EUR16 for five copies); U.S. dollars 5 for a single copy (or U.S. dollars 20 for five copies).
The publication will include a variety of resources written by Reformed contributors from around the world.
It offers a worship service by Gerardo Oberman, a litany inspired by the Accra Confession created by Peter Cruchley-Jones and prayers by four young women: Lei Garcia, Sonja Rauchfuss, Tara Tyme and Rotaiti Kabatiiaa.
Dorcas Gordon and Dale Bisnauth have developed sermon notes and share two stories about women's survival and resistance. A children's story written by Akpene Nyomi and John Asling will help children learn about the Reformation and its meaning for their lives. Bible Study notes have been prepared by Bokyoung Kim and Alexander Horsburgh.
Susan Davies and Fulata Moyo look at the impact of neoliberal economic globalization on their communities. They offer stories of resistance and hope. Gerardo Oberman shares a popularized version of the Accra Confession in the form of a liturgy.
"We hope that you will share this congregational resource with all churches, including Sunday Schools, youth, women's and men's groups and other organizations," Sheerattan-Bisnauth said. "As we reflect on the history of the Reformation led by John Calvin and others, we are reminded that we are called to be a church that is always reforming and renewing."
The Alliance is a fellowship of 75 million Reformed Christians in 218 churches in 107 countries.
John P. Asling Executive Secretary, Communications World Alliance of Reformed Churches web: www.warc.ch