wfn.org | Curriculum editor to head Higher Education interpretation office

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

July 7, 1998	Contact: Linda Green*(615)742-5470*Nashville, Tenn.
10-71B{400}
  
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) - The Rev. Duane Ewers, curriculum editor for
the United Methodist Publishing House, has been elected to head the
office of interpretation for the church's Board of Higher Education and
Ministry, effective July 15.

Ewers, who has been executive editor of teaching and study resources
with the Publishing House and the United Methodist Board of Discipleship
since 1989, succeeds the Rev. Judith Smith, who resigned her position
May 29. 

In his new duties, Ewers, 63, will oversee media relations and internal
communications of the board, as well as publication of brochures,
occasional papers and periodicals. The Office of Interpretation
publicizes the work of the agency through print and video resources,
public relations and promotion of funds and programs.

Ewers chaired the steering committee for the denomination-wide emphasis,
"Vital Congregations-Faithful Disciples" and served as a consultant and
writer to the Council of Bishops' Teaching Concerns Committee on the
Teaching Office and the United Methodist Ethos. He worked closely with a
committee which developed a study resource on homosexuality.

The Rev. Roger Ireson, staff executive  of the Board of Higher Education
and Ministry, said Ewer's knowledge and experience in the publishing
field  and the local church will be of "inestimable value" to the
agency.

"We look forward for this new dimension of ministry which he will bring
to the executive leadership of the board," he said.

Praising Ewer's work during nine years at the Publishing House,
President and Publisher Neil Alexander said he was "steadfast in helping
us remember and attend to the opportunity for our resources to be
prepared in ways that invite, encourage, shape and lead people so that
they may know, love and serve God and have an abundant life. We will
miss his daily participation in our labors, and our prayers go with him
as he begins this new chapter in his ministry."

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