wfn.org | Georgia moderator responds following

["Wilma Shuffitt" <WILMAS@oc.disciples.org>]

controversial board decision
Date: March 16, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the web: http//www.disciples.org

98b-15

     INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- In a communique
addressed to members of the Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ) in Georgia, Moderator Eddie
K. Parker shared the board's deep concern "about
healing and understanding within the region." 

     Parker's message, published in the March
issue of The Christian Messenger, was a follow-up
to criticism over the previous board's decision
not to forward the name of an African American
candidate for regional minister to the assembly
for vote. 

     The board voted eight to seven to accept the
candidate recommended by the search committee. The
Georgia constitution requires a two-thirds
majority vote to forward a name to the regional
assembly.

     "The regional board of 1998 confesses with
that board that the decision was impacted by many
factors, attitudes and beliefs," said Parker. "The
current board wishes to acknowledge and apologize
for the hurt, anger, astonishment, and
misunderstanding that has resulted." 

     In a January meeting with General Minister
and President Richard L. Hamm "it was acknowledged
that racism and regionalism were strong issues
that divided the board members and, by extension,
the members of the Christian Church in Georgia.

     "On a more positive note, the 1998 board is
examining the meaning and implications of this
decision, and the process by which it was made."
The new board members voted "to quickly implement
a program of study and training regarding racism.

     "This is an opportunity to learn from the
mistakes of the past, and move forward more
deliberately in attempting to care and respect for
one another," said Parker and the board.

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