You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS listserv of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
============================================================
This story available online at: http://www.pcusa.org/ga217/newsandphotos/ga06121.htm
GA06121
Ecumenical Greetings
International church leaders offer thanks to PC(USA)
By Mike Ferguson
BIRMINGHAM * U.S. Presbyterians established Latin America’s first non-Catholic church in Colombia 150 years ago, the same year they made an initial foray into Egypt.
It took 30 more years to get things going in Korea. In 1966, they forged a partnership with the Presbyterian Church in Cuba.
On Tuesday night, church leaders in each of those countries and many others offered thanks during Ecumenical Greetings.
"Throughout Colombian history, the Presbyterian church has been a defender of human rights," said the Rev. David Illidge Quiroz, executive secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Colombia. "You're committed to work with displaced persons, especially children who are the victims of violence."
"In August, we're celebrating 150 years of education, service and proclamation of the Good News," he added. "You're invited to come down and join the celebration."
The Rev. Dr. Safwai El-Baidy of the Evangelical Church of Egypt urged commissioners to be careful about their decisions, "because they affect your sisters and brothers in the Middle East." He also noted that his synod approved ordaining women elders this year.
The church in Cuba is growing 40 years after it began its partnership agreement with the PC(USA) despite difficulties that include few resources, few pastors "and a society hostile to the church," said the Rev. Hector Mendez, moderator of the Presbyterian and Reformed Church in Cuba. "After all these years, what can we in the Cuban church say? Thank you for the help, cooperation and respect that has always existed on behalf of your church."
The Cuban church leader drew applause when he asserted, "Neither capitalism nor communism is capable of dividing the great church of Jesus Christ."
The Rev. Young Ro Ahn, moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Korea, said the church there has deployed 1,400 missionaries. "It's our hope that our two churches can be partners in mission as we work throughout the world," he said. "Despite ideological differences, a goal of the church in South Korea is to take the gospel north."
Attendees got a taste of how some of the $50 million distributed by the Presbyterian Committee for the Self-Development of People over the past 35 years has been spent when the Creative Impressions choir sang and danced while clothed in colorful vests. Members of the choir, based in Augusta, GA, have gone on to receive about $300,000 in music scholarships and the chance to study music in college, in part because of their participation in the choir, members said.
============================================================
You are currently subscribed to the PCUSANEWS listserv of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
To unsubscribe, send a blank message to
mailto:PCUSANEWS-unsubscribe-request@halak.pcusa.org.
To update your email address, send your old email address and your new one to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
For questions or comments, send an email to mailto:PCUSANEWS-owner@halak.pcusa.org.
To learn more, visit http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 100 Witherspoon Street Louisville, KY 40202 (888) 728-7228