wfn.org | Ecumenical gathering slated for November in Denver

["Philip Jenks" <pjenks@ncccusa.org>]

National Council of Churches and Church World Service
Plan General Assembly in Denver November 11-13

New York, June 23, 2008 - Plans are underway for the annual General  Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA (NCC) and Church World  Service (CWS) in Denver November 11-13.

The theme of the 2008 General Assembly is, "Jesus Said ... Whoever is  Not Against You is For You," from Luke 9:50.

The theme focuses on the words of Jesus, a response to his disciple's  complaints about a man they didn't know who was casting our demons in  Jesus' name.

The words invoke the brokenness of a world in which suspicion and  distrust govern our relationships and create obstacles to church unity.

Topics planned for discussion at the General Assembly raise questions  about our obligation to be good neighbors:  immigration reform, the  meaning of Christian unity in a pluralistic era and the "phobias" that  stand in the way of ecumenical unity, racial justice, and interfaith  dialogue.

Registration and hotel information forms may be downloaded from the  General Assembly Web site, www.ncccusa.org/ga2008. The registration fee  is $250 until September 29, when the price goes up to $275.

Press credentials can be obtained from the NCC Media Relations Office.

The Assembly will be presided over by the president of the National  Council of Churches, H.E. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, who represents the  Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). The Assembly is  composed of delegates and visitors from the 35 member communions of the  NCC and CWS.

The agenda, worship, speakers, exhibits, awards, banquets and other  events are taking shape under the direction of a General Assembly  program planning committee chaired by Bishop Demetrios (Kantzavelos) of Mokissos,  auxiliary bishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and  chancellor of the Chicago Metropolis. Other members of the committee  include board and staff of the NCC and CWS, and the Rev. Dr. Jim Ryan,  council executive of the Colorado Council of Churches in Denver, which  is hosting the General Assembly.

Young adults from member communions will gather in Denver prior to the  General Assembly for an agenda that is in the planning process. As in  past years, young adults will form a group of Stewards to support the  logistics and business of the General Assembly. An application form for  stewards can be downloaded at the General Assembly Web site.

In addition, a Women's Caucus and luncheon will be held early in the  Assembly schedule.

Speakers to address the General Assembly have not been announced, but  they will include Archbishop Aykazian, the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon,  NCC general secretary, and the Rev. John McCullough, CWS executive  director.

>For more information see www.ncccusa.org

NCC News contact: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2228, NCCNews@ncccusa.org

>