wfn.org | Black Methodists' Caucus Looks Ahead

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CONTACT: Linda Green					(10-31-71){138}
	    Nashville, Tenn. (615) 742-5470	  March 9, 1998

Black caucus looks back to 
move forward another 30 years

by United Methodist News Service
	
	OAKLAND, Calif. -- The black caucus that has been a voice for
justice and change in the United Methodist Church for 30 years met here
March 3-7 to celebrate its accomplishments and devise strategies to
carry it into the next millenium.
	Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) was organized in 1968
as a forum for black Methodists to define issues and develop strategies
for change within the United Methodist Church. It aims to empower black
Methodists for effective witness and service; involve them in the
struggle for economic justice; and expose racism at all levels of the
church, its agencies and related institutions.
	During the 31st annual meeting, more than 570 youth and adults
from across the country gathered to remember the prophetic voices of the
organization's founders, affirm the presence of African-Americans in
places of authority in the United Methodist Church, discern future
implications for ministry and celebrate the work of the laity.  
Under the theme, "Telling the Story: Exploring the Cultural Dynamics of
Prayer, Praise and Preaching," participants attended workshops designed
to explore the African-American worship environment. Styles of prayer,
praise and preaching were presented during the meeting. 
The meeting incorporated the annual Pastors' Institute and the annual
youth Harambe meeting. The Pastors' Institute is a continuing education
event that involves pastors in leadership workshops. The Harambe program
trains youth to become active in all levels of the church.
	In his keynote address, Jon Gray, 16th Judicial Circuit Judge of
Missouri, told participants that it's time to step out of the old way of
doing things and claim a new role. 
	Gray acknowledged that Jesus' actions were based on the
conviction that He was called by God to act in a certain way and that He
did not seek community approval while performing His ministry. 
	Gray encouraged BMCR participants to be like Jesus and, by
drawing on their conviction and understanding of God's call, take their
rightful place in the church.
	"We have God's authority to act in the world to proclaim freedom
to prisoners, preach the Good News and preach recovery to the blind."
	It is a job that never ends.
"Our mission will never be completed because we are a chosen people of
God," said Jackye Waiters-Lee, outgoing BMCR chairperson. "BMCR has
existed these past 30 years because of the men and women who dedicated
their time and talents to telling the importance of BMCR's presence in
the United Methodist Church."
She implored participants to recall why BMCR was founded and rededicate
themselves to "telling the story."
The caucus inaugurated two awards to recognize outstanding achievements
and involvement of lay members in the United Methodist Church.
	The biennial David L. White Laity Award Fund will assist in
developing programs and training for lay empowerment and development of
leadership. It honors David L. White, an Indiana native, who has been a
leader in training laity for 20 years. He is a former staff member of
the United Methodist Board of Discipleship, with an emphasis on lay
ministry and ethnic local church concerns.
	The Commemorative Medallion Award will be given annually to
outstanding clergy and laity who are committed to lay empowerment. White
received the first medallion.
	In other action, BMCR participants elected new officers to
three-year terms: the Rev. Tyrone Gordon, Wichita, Kan., chairperson;
Anne Williams, Philadelphia, vice chairperson; the Rev. Cecelia
Johnson-Britten, Seattle, secretary; and the Rev. Ralph Blanks,
Philadelphia, treasurer.
	Participants also:
*	passed in principle a resolution from both the Black Clergy
Women of the United Methodist Church and the Black Clergywomen Task
Force of BMCR, requesting that the organization look into the appearance
of inequities in the appointment of black clergywomen in the West Ohio
Annual Conference;
		*	learned that a national search for an executive
director is under way;
		*	affirmed the youth in attendance who distributed
hygiene kits to the homeless in a downtown park;
		*	set the next meeting for March 17-20, 1999, in
Baltimore; and
		*	learned that a BMCR laity training event is
scheduled for the year 2000.
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