wfn.org | Dudley Calls for Urban Redevelopment

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

21-Jun-1997 
GA97125       Dudley Calls for Urban Redevelopment  
 
SYRACUSE--Speaking at a luncheon meeting for the redevelopment 
network of the PCUSA, sociologist and author Carl Dudley, reminded 
those gathered that the Presbyterian Church has come to the place 
where it must face the need to redevelop many of the churches.  
Despite the  many issues which must be faced and cultural barriers 
which must be crossed,  it crucial for the growth of the 
denomination, especially in urban settings.  The times are ripe for 
redevelopment  and the urban setting provides both mission 
opportunities and existing facilities in which to minister.    
     Citing many factors for the flight of the church to the suburbs 
during the past decades,  Dudley challenged the PCUSA to "quit 
feeling sorry for ourselves,  feel the power moving in our land and 
figure out our part in it."  Our experience with the historic 
reformed Calvinist work ethic, he said, affords us a new opportunity 
to provide job training, literacy and counsel to those  who  cope 
with the problems of living in the inner city.   
     Dudley urged the churches to claim an honest assessment of where 
they've been - the weaknesses as well as the strengths -  change the 
attitudes about the climate of the inner city which is blamed for 
many of the ills of society and  renew commitment to ecumenical 
partnership in order  to redevelop in those areas.   
     The Redevelopment Network provides training, conferences and 
leadership for churches who wish to explore redevelopment.  The 
second annual conference will be held in Atlanta, Ga. from January 
22-25, l998.  The theme is "God Says, 'Behold, I'm Doing A New 
Thing...Now If Only We Could Figure Out What It Is!'!" 
 
Joanne Hines 

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