wfn.org | Peace With Justice Week, Other NCCCUSA Resources

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227
Email: news@ncccusa.org  Web: www.ncccusa.org

NCC ANNOUNCES PEACE WITH JUSTICE WEEK, OTHER NEW RESOURCES 

63NCC5/25/99 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 May 25, 1999, NEW YORK - The role of local communities in 
building global peace rooted in justice is emphasized in the 1999 
theme for "Peace with Justice Week."  Resources for the 1999 "Week" 
build on "Pillars of Peace for the 21st Century," the National 
Council of Churches' proposed new policy statement on the United 
Nations.  

The 1999 materials facilitate the involvement of local 
congregations in a nationwide process of reflection and witness 
based on the proposed policy.  The "Pillars of Peace" address 
current challenges to peace and point to the international 
structures that are needed to undergird a just and peaceful world 
community.

Since 1982, member communions of the NCC, regional and local 
ecumenical groups, congregations and individual Christians 
throughout the country have been observing an annual "Peace with 
Justice Week" at a time of their own choosing. 

The 48-page study guide on "Pillars of Peace for the 21st 
Century" includes the text of the proposed policy, which addresses: 
an international political framework for collaboration, 
international economic accountability, a comprehensive international 
legal system, liberation and empowerment, conflict resolution and 
building a culture of peace, human dignity and rights, and 
protection and preservation of the environment.

 The study guide gives background on each "Pillar," examines 
the role of the churches, and suggests group exercises and actions 
to build "Pillars of Peace."  It provides a list of organizations, 
publications and videos, and a poster.  It includes a form to 
encourage feedback on the proposed policy as it is readied for vote 
at the NCC's November 1999 General Assembly.

The 47-minute video introduces the "Pillars of Peace" process 
for engaging local congregations in an examination of the 
requirements for global peace.  It is divided into segments to 
facilitate group discussion on each "Pillar" and can be used in 
parts or as a whole.

 Cost is $8 for the study-video package (if ordered separately, 
cost is $4 per study guide and $6 per video).  Order from: Peace 
with Justice Week, International Justice and Human Rights Office, 
NCC/CWSW, 475 Riverside Drive, Room 670, New York, NY 10115.  Phone 
212-870-2424; fax 212-870-2055; e-mail pwjw@ncccusa.org.

Other New Resources from the NCC -

"New Initiatives for Sustainable Communities," a 15-minute 
video and study guide by Agricultural Missions for use in 
mission education.  

Exceptionally clear and practical, this new resource examines 
the impacts of economic globalization on rural communities and 
highlights some sustainable alternatives to respond to the negative 
consequences of global free trade.  

Through stories of ordinary people affected by globalization, 
it introduces some of the major concepts related to economic 
globalization, presents biblical texts and raises ethical questions 
that can help Christians apply their faith to concerns of small 
farmers, rural people, sustainable development and food security for 
all.

Questions explored include: Why are farm families without 
food?  Why do rural communities suffer the lack of basic 
infrastructure and social services?  Why do rural residents migrate 
to the cities in search of jobs that do not exist?  What can 
communities do to develop alternatives that improve the quality of 
life for rural people?

Cost is $10 including shipping and handling.  Order from 
Agricultural Missions, Inc., 475 Riverside Drive Room 624, New York, 
NY 10115; Phone 212-870-2553; Fax 212-870-3220; e-mail 
dorisr@ncccusa.org. 

 "Reaching Out to You: An Orientation Guide for Visitors to 
the United States."  This newly revised ecumenical resource is 
ideal for international persons who come to visit the United States 
for church-related conferences, sharing in mutual mission 
partnerships, engaging in mission or for study and research.  
Sections include: "Going to Another Culture - Exciting and 
Challenging," "Some Basic Facts About the U.S.," "Life and Culture 
in the U.S.: Impressions, Symbols and Underlying Themes," "Issues 
Facing the Church and Society," "Practical Concerns: What You Need 
to Know," and "Practical Concerns: What You Need to Bring."

 Cost is $3 each ($2.50 each for quantities of 25 or more).  
Order by calling 1-800-524-2612 and ask for PDS #74-400-98-066.

"People, Places and Partnerships: A Workbook for Your 
Mission Trip Abroad."  This 42-page booklet - complementary to 
"Reaching Out to You" -- is an illustrated guide for those who are 
traveling on short-term mission assignments or church-sponsored 
travel study seminars.  It includes sections on: reflecting on the 
implications of the trip; preparing yourself - what you should know 
before you go; giving and receiving; remembering and telling the 
story, and continuing to learn through additional resources.

 Cost is $2 per copy ($1.50 each for quantities of 50 or more).  
Order by calling 1-800-524-2612 and ask for PDS #74-400-96-049.

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