wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] Assembly supports immigrant fellowships

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8393 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

Assembly supports immigrant fellowships
GA04099
July 1, 2004

Assembly supports immigrant fellowships

Measures give new faith groups voice and vote, recognize leaders

by Nancy D. Borst

RICHMOND, July 1 - The General Assembly on Thursday approved two overtures
intended to support immigrant fellowships worshipping within Presbyterian
Church (USA) presbyteries.

The Assembly Committee on Evangelism and Higher Education had recommended
passage of the overtures, which give privileges of voice and vote to
designated leaders of such fellowships and recognize elders already ordained
in the Reformed tradition in their native countries.

Two commissioners voiced concern that the overtures are not in accord with
the church's historic view of ordained leadership. Maqsood Kamil, an
ecumenical advisory delegate who served on the evangelism committee, said the
measures would ease an "identity crisis" often felt by those new to this
country.

The Assembly also concurred with the committee's recommendations on its other
13 overtures, including one calling the church to play a more intentional
role in education. It approved a 10-year education emphasis that includes
tutoring and mentoring at least 10,000 students per year. The Assembly
amended references to "at-risk" children so that they read "economically
disadvantaged and children of color."

The commissioners also endorsed the Alpha evangelism program and referred a
proposal for a new youth mission publication to the National Ministries
Division for study.

This story and many others may have photos, media, video clips that can be
found at http://www.pcusa.org/ga216/.

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