wfn.org | Russian Orthodox at United Methodist Meeting

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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 (411
notes).

Note 411 by UMNS on Oct. 27, 1997 at 15:52 Eastern (1926 characters).

CONTACT:	Linda Bloom					598(10-21-71B){410}
		(212) 870-3803						 Oct. 27, 1997

EDITORS NOTE:  This is a sidebar to UMNS #596 {408}

Ties with Russian Orthodox
still successful, priest says

	STAMFORD, Conn. (UMNS) -- A new law on religion in Russia should not disturb
the "good relationship" between the Russian Orthodox and United Methodist
churches, according to the Rev. Ioann Ekonomtsev.
	Speaking at the Oct. 20-23 meeting of the United Methodist Board of Global
Ministries here, he told directors that the relationship started seven years
ago in Moscow between the two denominations "continues now in a very
successful way."
	Ekonomtsev, currently director of religious education and catechism for the
Moscow Patriarch, has been a link to the board during that time period.
	According to Ekonomtsev, the restrictive new law signed this fall by Russian
President Boris Yeltsin actually was directed at cults and sects, not other
legitimate denominations. "Unfortunately, this law may have negative
consequences for the activities of other denominations," he admitted.
	Because of a growing attitude of both Russian nationalism and Orthodox
fundamentalism, the law could be wrongly interpreted by some local authorities
"who do not understand the real meaning of it," he explained.
	Ekonomtsev encouraged directors to develop joint projects with the Russian
Orthodox that make it clear the United Methodists are not only interested in
narrow denominational goals. "I think we're in a period when we need to pursue
general Christian goals," he said.
	United Methodist Bishop Dan Solomon, board president, pledged a continuing
partnership in ministries of "health and relief, compassion and caring." 
	Ekonomtsev was presented with a $15,000 check for health and education work
with the Russian Orthodox. The funding had been approved at a meeting last
year.
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