wfn.org | Disciples form network to address domestic and global issues

[DISCNEWS.parti@ecunet.org]

Date: February 17, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

97b-6

   INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Old-fashioned teamwork is helping the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) respond to pressing domestic
and international issues.

   The denomination's new "Rapid Response Team, " coordinated by
the Divisions of Homeland and Overseas Ministries, will help church
members act on their faith. The project, which began Jan. 1, helps
Disciples share concerns about social issues, influence legislation and
deepen their own understanding of issues in the U.S. and abroad.

   How does the process work? Team "members," supported with
information on health care, the environment and other domestic
matters, or global activities in Africa, Europe and other regions, are
urged to simply contact their legislators and news media, and express
their opinions. 

   The project offers an opportunity for any person interested in doing
advocacy to participate in this ministry, said the Rev. Pat Tucker Spier,
DOM president. 

   By signing on with the Rapid Response Team they covenant to do
something, said the Rev. Jane Lawrence, Homeland Ministries vice
president of the Center for Education and Mission. Her hope is to
broaden the opportunity for church persons and congregations in the
Midwest and Western U.S. -- as well as the Eastern seaboard -- to
influence legislative policy.

   "As specific legislative bulletins come out, we'll e-mail, phone or
fax team members," said Lawrence. They are then urged to call or
write state and/or national legislators and local news media.

   Coordinators of the project aren't asking Rapid Response members
to take specific positions on any issues, according to Lawrence. Church
members are encouraged to arrive at their own decisions on social and
world concerns. "We just want to encourage Disciples to act on their
faith," said the HM executive. 

   The response team evolved from discussions begun in a new
Public Issues Coordinating Council to address the divisions' common
needs for  advocacy and mobilizing volunteers to respond. 

   Education is a key component of the project, according to
Lawrence. In addition to the legislative bulletin, team members also
receive a one-page bibliography of materials for further study. 

   The contact persons for the "Rapid Response Team" are Lawrence
and the Rev. Gerald Cunningham, a Homeland Ministries senior
associate, and Marianne Collar, DOM director of communication and
interpretation.

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