wfn.org | European Drug Addiction Conference

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"UNITED METHODIST DAILY NEWS 97" by SUSAN PEEK on April 15, 1997 at 14:24
Eastern, about DAILY NEWS RELEASES FROM UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE (376
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Note 375 by UMNS on Oct. 9, 1997 at 12:25 Eastern (5087 characters).

CONTACT:	Ralph E. Baker						 563(10-71B){375}
		Nashville, Tenn.  (615) 742-5470			Oct. 9, 1997

European conference looks at how church
fits into solving drug and alcohol problem

by Shanta M. Bryant*

	BRAUNFELS, Germany (UMNS)  In light of proposed initiatives to liberalize
drug policies in several European countries, which potentially may increase
drug use among youth and young adults, United Methodists from European nations
convened in late September for the first international conference on substance
abuse and drug dependence, emphasizing prevention and therapy for drug and
alcohol abusers, and the development of faith-based response.
	Germany, Southern Europe and Russia annual conferences participated in the
conference that took place here Sept. 25-29.  The four-day event, conducted in
German and English, was sponsored by the German Annual Conference Board of
Church and Society.
	Participants at the European conference on the theme "Addicted to Life,"
recognized that substance abuse and drug dependence was a "spiritual problem"
that requires active involvement of churches.  Congregations can assist drug
dependent people by filling in the void in their lives with a faith-based
approach to treatment, several participants suggested.
	Bishop Felton E. May of the Baltimore-Washington Area, in the opening address
on the denominations work against drug addiction said, "Chemical dependency
and alcoholism and violence is the result of humankind unable to connect with
God . . . For me, its a spiritual problem."  Therefore drugs and alcohol are
being used as a temporary stimulant to fill that void, said May.  He
spearheaded the Council of Bishops Initiative Drugs and Drug Violence between
1989 and 1992.
	"The drug isnt the problem; its the people who cannot handle drugs.  We
must have a response from churches," said the Rev. Kurt Wegenast, director of
the adaptation and post-addiction center in Ebhausen, Germany.  "We, as a
church, have to offer children and young people other things. Its a deficit
within the people because they do not know how to manage their lives."
	Drug dependency is a sign of hopelessness, said Annegret Klaiber, who works
at a counseling center for substance abusers in Frankfurt, Germany, adding
that it is important to understand the root of the addiction in order to treat
a person who is dependent on drugs.
	The Fachklink Klosterwald, a clinic established by the German annual
conference, which treats people dependent on alcohol and legal drugs,
emphasizes spirituality as an effective method in overcoming addictions. 
Therapeutic methods including music therapy, painting and sauna therapy are
other methods used at the clinic.
	"I speak about personal faith in Jesus and give them hope that there is a
higher power that doesnt destroy life but gives life," Thomas Gunter said,
the pastor at the clinic located in the eastern part of Germany.  He indicated
that his congregation has a strong connection with the clinic and its members
are actively involved in the clinics work.
	In response to proposals in several European countries to legalize hashish
and other soft drugs, the Honorable Udo Heissler, the presiding judge at the
provincial court in Stuttgart, Germany, urged Christians to reject all
measures to liberalize drugs. He said, it would only reduce the cost of the
drug thereby, increasing the possibility of young people consuming them. 
Heissler added that legalizing "soft drugs" sends the wrong signal to children
and young adults.
	He pointed out that the goal of Germanys criminal law is to achieve peace
and security, and noted that, depending on the severity of the criminal
activity, instead of a long-term punishment, sentencing may involve providing
treatment for the criminals addiction and finding ways to help a person live
a productive life away from drugs.
	"We dont have to despair, we must show direction and agree that we need
laws, but the Gospel has to reach people.  We have to ask how we can help.
Once we realize this, we will be able to go ahead," said Bishop Walter
Klaiber, Germany Area.
	"The church has the answer, but it has been asleep," said Jerald Scott,
program director for the United Methodist Board of Church and Society. "We
must get out of the sanctuary and into the streets."  Scott also serves as the
international director of the Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related
Violence.
	Forums at the conference included discussions on human addictive behavior,
the churchs work against drug addiction, social pressures and the
possibilities of the congregation, substance abuse counseling, Christian
involvement within legal bounds, and European drug policies.
	Christian Social Action, magazine of the United Methodist Board of Church and
Society in Washington, will publish an in-depth article on the European drug
crisis in the December issue.
#  #  #

	* Bryant is the program director of communications for the Board of Church
and Society and associate editor of Christian Social Action.

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