wfn.org | United Methodist Seminars expands with pilgrimage to Holy Land

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

Oct. 26, 1998	Contact: Joretta Purdue*(202)546-8722*Washington
{619}

WASHINGTON (UMNS)  - United Methodist Seminars, a longtime program with
sites in Washington and New York, is branching out and will hold its
first event in the Middle East in February.

The pilgrimage to the Holy Land, Feb. 2-15, will focus on advocacy and
policy. It will include conversations with Christians, Muslims and Jews
in Israel, Palestine and Jordan as an opportunity to learn about the
role of the church in biblically based peace-building, conflict
resolution and justice. A three-day work experience in a United
Methodist-related school, hospital or mission site is an option for
participants.

The seminars program, now known as United Methodist Seminars on National
and International Affairs, is a four-decades-old part of the
denomination's Board of Church and Society. It is exploring
possibilities for future international seminars in Africa, Asia and
Europe.

As co-sponsors, the Society for Biblical Studies and United Methodist
Seminars expect to acquaint participants with the biblical foundations
for mission and social action and the history of Christian mission in
the 19th and 20th centuries. The sponsors also plan to identify key
tools for community development, conflict resolution, interreligious
dialogue and peace-making.

"This program is for people who want to learn how biblical faith can
make a transforming difference in the world," said Neal Christie,
program director for the seminars. Some of the pilgrimage activity will
be geared to helping participants make connections in their home
communities, he said.

The cost of the pilgrimage is $1,985 from New York. A reduction in price
is available to those who recruit other participants. For more
information and applications, Christie may be reached at (202) 488-5611;
by fax at (202) 544-0390; or by e-mail at Nchristie@umc-gbcs.org .
United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/