wfn.org | Teleconference on Children and Poverty

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

CONTACT: 	Linda Bloom
(10-71B){171}
		New York (212) 870-3803		      March 24, 1998

May teleconference will focus
on children and poverty

		by United Methodist News Service

	A satellite teleconference exploring the issue of children and
poverty will air at 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) May 5.
	Aimed at stimulating discussion among United Methodists, "It
Takes a Child" will offer factual information on children and poverty,
provide Biblical and theological grounding for work with children and
the poor, and offer new challenges and hope.	
The program is sponsored by the United Methodist Bishops' Initiative
Task Force on Children and Poverty, United Methodist Communications and
denominational agencies, including the Board of Global Ministries, Board
of Higher Education and Ministry, Board of Church and Society and Board
of Discipleship.
The Episcopal Initiative on Children and Poverty is an effort to help
United Methodists respond to God's call to a "new level and dedication
and commitment on behalf of children and the impoverished."
The initiative's goals include re-evaluating the church's ministries in
light of the impact on children and the impoverished; providing
resources for understanding the crisis and enabling the church to
respond; and evangelizing to and with children and those oppressed by
poverty. 
A study from the National Center for Children in Poverty, released on
March 11, found that 5.5 million U.S. children -- about one in four --
were living in poverty in 1996.
"These statistics present a challenge to us, but also give us a time to
celebrate as we look at how our congregations have responded to the
Bishops' Initiative," said Shirley Whipple Struchen, teleconference
producer with United Methodist Communications.
Panelists will include Bishop Marshall Meadors Jr., Mississippi Area,
Bishops' Initiative Task Force chairman; Bishop Kenneth Carder,
Nashville; and Peggy Halsey, executive secretary for women, children and
family ministries, Board of Global Ministries. Garlinda Burton of United
Methodist Communications will moderate.
Discussion points during the 90-minute telecast will include:

*	Educating faith communities about the needs of children and the
poor
		*	Making places of worship safe and welcoming for
children and families;
		*	Reducing the risk of child abuse;
		*	Helping children grow as faithful disciples;
		*	Involving children in the life of the church;
		*	Reaching out to children in the community;
		*	Advocating for legislation and public policies
that improve children's lives and the lives of poor families;
		*	Relating to children around the world; and
		*	Building administrative supports for ministry
with children and the poor.

There will be no charge for the teleconference. For more information or
to register as a downlink site, call (212) 870-3802, or send a fax to
(212) 870-2171.
				# # #

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
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