wfn.org | New Reformed church organization to be launched at global assembly in the United States

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

> World Alliance of Reformed Churches
> News Release
> 19 May 2010

New Reformed church organization to be launched at global assembly in the 
United States

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical 
Council (REC) are coming together in a new union representing more than 80 
million Reformed Christians worldwide ? the World Communion of Reformed 
Churches (WCRC).

"This is an opportunity to celebrate unity and understanding among Reformed churches 
worldwide," says REC president Peter Borgdorff.

WARC president Clifton Kirkpatrick agrees,"We are blessed to be gathering at this 
time and place to reflect and learn  together."

The Uniting General Council (UGC) that launches this new Reformed organization 
will be held from 18 to 26 June in Grand Rapids, Michigan ? a community in the 
United States where WARC and REC churches have a tradition of preaching the 
gospel of Jesus Christ and reaching out in healing mission together.

The UGC theme is â??Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peaceâ?? (Ephesians 4.3). 
Under this theme delegates will consider Godâ??s call to both Communion (church unity) 
and justice as they gather and study around nine sub-themes:

? ;       Reformed identity, theology and communion

? ;       Christian unity and ecumenical engagement

? ;       Justice in the economy and the earth

> ? ;       Worship and spiritual renewal

? ;       Leadership development and nurture

> ? ;       Gender justice

> ? ;       Youth empowerment

> ? ;       Mission initiatives

> ? ;       Peace and reconciliation

More than 1,000 delegates, guests, visitors, volunteers and staff will gather 
at Calvin College in Grand Rapids. Women and youth will hold separate events 
just prior to the Council.

The agenda of the  Uniting General Council will focus on a wide range of 
theological, mission and social justice concerns. Among them will be discussion 
of the faith and social issues affecting the lives of American Indians and 
Canadian First Nations peoples.

â??It is important we hear the voices of the people who first inhabited this land long before 
Europeans arrived,â?? says event organizer, Lori Ransom, a Canadian First Nations woman. 
â??The arrival of the Christian faith had a big impact on Aboriginal beliefs and 
culture.â??

More information about the UGC agenda and plans for the WCRC is available at 
www.reformedchurhces.org

Journalists wishing to be accredited to cover the event or to be added to an 
electronic distribution list to receive daily stories from the UGC should 
contact:

> Kristine Greenaway
> Executive Secretary, Communications
> World Alliance of Reformed Churches
> 150 Route de Ferney
> P.O. Box 2100
> 1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
> tel.  +41.22 791 6243
> fax: +41.22 791 6505

> email: kgr@warc.ch

> web: www.warc.ch