wfn.org | NCCCUSA General Assembly Nov. 12-14, 1997

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the 
U.S.A.
Contact: Carol Fouke, NCC News, 212-870-2252
E-Mail: carolf@ncccusa.org

NCC10/20/97    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 NCC ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY MEETS NOV. 12-14, 
WASHINGTON, D.C.

WHO:  The 270-member General Assembly is the 
primary legislative body of the National 
Council of Churches, whose 33 Protestant and 
Orthodox member denominations have, in turn, 
52 million congregants.  

Founded in 1950, the NCC is the nation's 
leading ecumenical organization and the locus 
for a wide array of ministries, including 
humanitarian assistance (through Church World 
Service), justice ministries, interfaith 
dialogue, education and the pursuit of 
greater Christian unity.

WHEN & Nov. 12-14, 1997, Hotel Washington, 15th & 
Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.
WHERE: The NCC's 50-member Executive Board, a high-
level "subset" of the General Assembly, will 
meet Nov. 11.  News media, please check in at 
the "Media Desk" in the lobby adjoining the 
plenary hall. 

STORIES DURING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY WILL INCLUDE:
  Global issues in religious freedom and persecution 
(a Nov. 11 forum).
  The churches' response to the changing religious 
landscape of the U.S. (with Dr. Diana Eck of the 
Harvard University Pluralism Project).
  Christian response to the Nazi Holocaust, then and 
now (Holocaust Museum tour).
  The 70th anniversary of the Faith and Order Movement, 
and a look at today's church-uniting and church-
dividing issues (with Mary Tanner, Chair of the 
World Council of Churches' Faith and Order 
Commission).
  What shape might future U.S. ecumenical cooperation 
take? (report of the NCC's Ecclesiology Task Force)
  A profile of the NCC's President for 1998-9, 
Episcopal Bishop Craig Anderson (including his 
installation service at the Washington Cathedral).
  Election of an NCC President Elect (who will serve 
as President in 2000-1).
  A profile of the NCC's newest member communion, the 
Mar Thoma Church.
  Gains, inequities and problems of clergy women over 
the past decade (with Dr. Barbara Brown Zikmund, 
President, Hartford Seminary).
  Reception of the Moderator of the WCC's Central 
Committee -- His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos, The 
Great House of Cilicia, Armenian Apostolic Church.
  Ecumenical and interfaith relations and witness in 
the Middle East (with Riad Jarjour, General 
Secretary, Middle East Council of Churches).
  State and local ecumenical and interfaith bodies: 
centers of vitality ("Recognition of Service 
Awards).
  Churches and.deaf people.public schools.people with 
disabilities (proposed NCC policy statements).
  A theological, ecclesiological and ethical 
reflection on the church burnings (new book "Out of 
the Ashes").
  The use of mascots in advertising and sports (with 
Dennis Banks, American Indian Movement).
  An appeal for clemency for Leonard Peltier (in a 
resolution for Assembly approval).
  And much more!  Details will follow!
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