- Brethren Benefit Trust agrees to dialogue with Caterpillar.
- Brethren Benefit Trust board approves new wellness initiative.
- On Earth Peace thanks supporters of captured peacemakers.
- Historic Peace Churches plan Asia peace consultation.
- Team developing proposal to better market Annual Conference.
- National Council of Churches assembly condemns torture, considers bio-ethics.
- Brethren bits: NYC Speech Contest, Day of Caring, and more.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
NEWS
Brethren Benefit Trust agrees to dialogue with Caterpillar.
Bulldozers are commonly seen as instruments of construction, used to raze old structures or sculpt land for development. But what if these machine are used for destruction, such as destroying houses, farms, ancient olive groves, roads, and water and sewer pipes that are currently in use?
According to Human rights watch, Israel has used Caterpillar's large D-9 bulldozers, which have been purchased through the US military and outfitted with tons of armored plating, to wreak havoc on Palestinian settlements by illegally destroying property and infrastructure.
As a Caterpillar shareholder, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board of Directors in November decided to try to engage in dialogue with Caterpillar, asking the firm based in Peoria, Ill., to cease selling equipment that makes its way to Israel to be used for violent purposes against humanity. BBT manages more than $350 million of investments for its 4,000 Pension Plan members and 200 asset management clients, and uses shares that it owns on behalf of its members to promote Brethren values through shareholder activism initiatives.
The BBT board also endorsed inviting On Earth Peace to participate in the dialogue with Caterpillar. The board's deliberation of the issue came at the request of On Earth Peace. In an Oct. 14 letter to BBT, On Earth Peace asked BBT to divest of its Caterpillar holdings "to seek investment of these funds in companies whose business enriches the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."
After lengthy discussion by the BBT board, which met at the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., the board decided to attempt dialogue with Caterpillar with the understanding that divestiture could come if the dialogue fails. Reasons for the decision included first, that BBT's socially responsible investing policy calls for BBT not to invest in companies that make more than 10 percent of their sales in alcohol, tobacco, defense, and gambling. Companies BBT invests in are checked against these benchmarks annually; in 2005 Caterpillar was not excluded on this basis. Second, BBT works at shareholder advocacy initiatives with companies that do not get screened out of BBT's investment portfolio but have at least one area where changes are advocated, based on Annual Conference statements. Third, BBT has engaged in dialogue with Caterpillar regarding the AIDS pandemic in Africa, and has found the company to be responsive to shareholder dialogue. Finally, Israel's use of the D-9s for destructive purposes goes against Caterpillar's worldwide code of conduct, which calls on its host countries to "honor their agreements, including those relating to rights and properties of citizens of other nations."
Pacific Southwest District has approved a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," to be forwarded to Annual Conference. "This is a human rights issue that needs to be addressed," said Nolen, upon hearing of the district resolution. "BBT Board members and staff look forward to addressing this issue with On Earth Peace and the Annual Conference. Through our shareholder dialogue, we hope that the Church of the Brethren peace witness will help prompt Caterpillar to decide not to sell machines that are used against humanity."
For more about Brethren Benefit Trust see www.brethenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
Bulldozers are commonly seen as instruments of construction, used to raze old structures or sculpt land for development. But what if these machine are used for destruction, such as destroying houses, farms, ancient olive groves, roads, and water and sewer pipes that are currently in use?
According to Human rights watch, Israel has used Caterpillar's large D-9 bulldozers, which have been purchased through the US military and outfitted with tons of armored plating, to wreak havoc on Palestinian settlements by illegally destroying property and infrastructure.
As a Caterpillar shareholder, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board of Directors in November decided to try to engage in dialogue with Caterpillar, asking the firm based in Peoria, Ill., to cease selling equipment that makes its way to Israel to be used for violent purposes against humanity. BBT manages more than $350 million of investments for its 4,000 Pension Plan members and 200 asset management clients, and uses shares that it owns on behalf of its members to promote Brethren values through shareholder activism initiatives.
The BBT board also endorsed inviting On Earth Peace to participate in the dialogue with Caterpillar. The board's deliberation of the issue came at the request of On Earth Peace. In an Oct. 14 letter to BBT, On Earth Peace asked BBT to divest of its Caterpillar holdings "to seek investment of these funds in companies whose business enriches the lives of Palestinians and Israelis."
After lengthy discussion by the BBT board, which met at the Brethren Home Community in New Oxford, Pa., the board decided to attempt dialogue with Caterpillar with the understanding that divestiture could come if the dialogue fails. Reasons for the decision included first, that BBT's socially responsible investing policy calls for BBT not to invest in companies that make more than 10 percent of their sales in alcohol, tobacco, defense, and gambling. Companies BBT invests in are checked against these benchmarks annually; in 2005 Caterpillar was not excluded on this basis. Second, BBT works at shareholder advocacy initiatives with companies that do not get screened out of BBT's investment portfolio but have at least one area where changes are advocated, based on Annual Conference statements. Third, BBT has engaged in dialogue with Caterpillar regarding the AIDS pandemic in Africa, and has found the company to be responsive to shareholder dialogue. Finally, Israel's use of the D-9s for destructive purposes goes against Caterpillar's worldwide code of conduct, which calls on its host countries to "honor their agreements, including those relating to rights and properties of citizens of other nations."
Pacific Southwest District has approved a resolution on "Divestment from Companies Selling Products Used as Weapons in Israel and Palestine," to be forwarded to Annual Conference. "This is a human rights issue that needs to be addressed," said Nolen, upon hearing of the district resolution. "BBT Board members and staff look forward to addressing this issue with On Earth Peace and the Annual Conference. Through our shareholder dialogue, we hope that the Church of the Brethren peace witness will help prompt Caterpillar to decide not to sell machines that are used against humanity."
For more about Brethren Benefit Trust see www.brethenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren Benefit Trust board approves new wellness initiative.
In addition to business relating to investment with Caterpillar, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board ratified its 2006 budget, approved a new wellness initiative, and proposed organizational changes among other business at its November meeting.
The board ratified a proposed 2006 expense budget of $3,041,460, including a new wellness initiative and an increased emphasis on promoting BBT's ministries throughout the denomination.
BBT's new wellness initiative calls for a new focus on improving or sustaining the physical and mental health of Brethren nationwide, including Brethren Medical Plan members. The ministry is expected to be a collaboration among BBT, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and the General Board. It is to be implemented through the hiring of a staff member who will be lodged with ABC.
BBT's increased promotional emphasis includes approval of hiring up to one additional staff member. It calls for increased relationship building between BBT and the Church of the Brethren through activities that range from one-on-one interaction to participation at select denominational events.
Proposed changes to BBT's Articles of Organization were adopted. The BBT Board will select four members of its board rather than the current three, under the proposal. A related change will allow the board to appoint additional people to serve as board advisors in a non-voting capacity, further enabling the board to bring people to the discussion table to complement the skills of current voting members.
If the proposed changes are adopted by Annual Conference, beginning in 2007 the BBT Board will include four members nominated by BBT, four nominated by members of the Pension Plan, and four elected by Annual Conference.
The proposed changes give the BBT Board greater flexibility to seek out members with backgrounds and skills the board requires to give adequate oversight to the programs of the agency. Skill areas currently needed on the board include banking and credit union operations, human resources, information systems, insurance, and financial planning.
In a report on the Brethren Medical Plan, claims experience has been better than expected for the first nine months of 2005. Data through the end of September show claims paid at approximately 85 percent of premiums billed. Jeff Garber, director of Brethren Insurance Plans, cautioned the board that although this experience is positive it can change quickly.
At the time of the board meeting, preliminary enrollment figures for 2006 appeared to be slightly higher than for 2005 including about a dozen congregations new to the plan. However, by early December, about 753 primary insurees (not including dependents) have enrolled for 2006 compared with 819 in January 2005. This decline of 66 members includes 25 active employees and 41 retirees. Given Annual Conference delegates' call for congregations and church agencies to support the plan during a one-year period, Garber said the decline is a disappointment and reason for concern.
The Church Workers Assistance Plan continues to provide financial support to active and retired employees of the church. The board increased the Retired Church Workers Grants' maximum income guidelines for support in 2006 by 4.7 percent to $27,100 for couples and $20,400 for singles. This increase matches the rise in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months through September. Five clergy members have received grants from the Active Church Worker Support ministry in 2005. Another 14 retirees have received grants from the Retiree Church Workers Insurance Premium ministry, with an average monthly grant of $205. A total of 40 retired employees have received support from the Retired Church Workers ministry. The average participant received a monthly grant of $319.
In other actions the board welcomed some 20 retirees, pastors, and church board chairs to a special session on BBT programs and services; adopted a resolution on the housing allowance for retired ministers; and awarded payments totaling $117,683 to participants in the Supplemental Income for Equitable Annuitants program.
For more information about BBT see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
In addition to business relating to investment with Caterpillar, the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board ratified its 2006 budget, approved a new wellness initiative, and proposed organizational changes among other business at its November meeting.
The board ratified a proposed 2006 expense budget of $3,041,460, including a new wellness initiative and an increased emphasis on promoting BBT's ministries throughout the denomination.
BBT's new wellness initiative calls for a new focus on improving or sustaining the physical and mental health of Brethren nationwide, including Brethren Medical Plan members. The ministry is expected to be a collaboration among BBT, the Association of Brethren Caregivers (ABC) and the General Board. It is to be implemented through the hiring of a staff member who will be lodged with ABC.
BBT's increased promotional emphasis includes approval of hiring up to one additional staff member. It calls for increased relationship building between BBT and the Church of the Brethren through activities that range from one-on-one interaction to participation at select denominational events.
Proposed changes to BBT's Articles of Organization were adopted. The BBT Board will select four members of its board rather than the current three, under the proposal. A related change will allow the board to appoint additional people to serve as board advisors in a non-voting capacity, further enabling the board to bring people to the discussion table to complement the skills of current voting members.
If the proposed changes are adopted by Annual Conference, beginning in 2007 the BBT Board will include four members nominated by BBT, four nominated by members of the Pension Plan, and four elected by Annual Conference.
The proposed changes give the BBT Board greater flexibility to seek out members with backgrounds and skills the board requires to give adequate oversight to the programs of the agency. Skill areas currently needed on the board include banking and credit union operations, human resources, information systems, insurance, and financial planning.
In a report on the Brethren Medical Plan, claims experience has been better than expected for the first nine months of 2005. Data through the end of September show claims paid at approximately 85 percent of premiums billed. Jeff Garber, director of Brethren Insurance Plans, cautioned the board that although this experience is positive it can change quickly.
At the time of the board meeting, preliminary enrollment figures for 2006 appeared to be slightly higher than for 2005 including about a dozen congregations new to the plan. However, by early December, about 753 primary insurees (not including dependents) have enrolled for 2006 compared with 819 in January 2005. This decline of 66 members includes 25 active employees and 41 retirees. Given Annual Conference delegates' call for congregations and church agencies to support the plan during a one-year period, Garber said the decline is a disappointment and reason for concern.
The Church Workers Assistance Plan continues to provide financial support to active and retired employees of the church. The board increased the Retired Church Workers Grants' maximum income guidelines for support in 2006 by 4.7 percent to $27,100 for couples and $20,400 for singles. This increase matches the rise in the Consumer Price Index for the 12 months through September. Five clergy members have received grants from the Active Church Worker Support ministry in 2005. Another 14 retirees have received grants from the Retiree Church Workers Insurance Premium ministry, with an average monthly grant of $205. A total of 40 retired employees have received support from the Retired Church Workers ministry. The average participant received a monthly grant of $319.
In other actions the board welcomed some 20 retirees, pastors, and church board chairs to a special session on BBT programs and services; adopted a resolution on the housing allowance for retired ministers; and awarded payments totaling $117,683 to participants in the Supplemental Income for Equitable Annuitants program.
For more information about BBT see www.brethrenbenefittrust.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
On Earth Peace thanks supporters of captured peacemakers.
On Earth Peace thanked its Peace Witness Action List yesterday "for your prayers and constant watchfulness" for the four Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members being held hostage in Iraq--Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden.
No word has been received about the hostages since a deadline set by their captors passed on Dec. 10. A group called "Swords of Righteousness Brigade" kidnaped the men on Nov. 26. The brigade said the hostages would be killed Dec. 10 unless all prisoners of the US and the United Kingdom in Iraq are freed.
Today CPT issued a call for letters to the editor about human rights for Iraqis and the four peacemakers. "The media is eager to keep focusing on the 'human interest' story and are delving into the lives of the four CPTers," CPT said. "Our team in Iraq urges us to keep telling the `human rights' story--lifting up the suffering of Iraqis in detention and living under occupation." For more information go to www.cpt.org.
On Earth Peace also called attention to a report on www.aljazeera.net on Dec. 13 "about the inundation their office has received of appeals on the hostages' behalf." The article, "Calls grow to free Iraq hostages," reported on the peacemakers' many supporters and well-wishers around the globe including Muslim groups such as the Iraq Islamic Party and Palestinian leaders. See http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/80028675-F183-4F83-8C86-4C3F48DAB30C.htm.
For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
On Earth Peace thanked its Peace Witness Action List yesterday "for your prayers and constant watchfulness" for the four Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) members being held hostage in Iraq--Tom Fox, Norman Kember, James Loney, and Harmeet Singh Sooden.
No word has been received about the hostages since a deadline set by their captors passed on Dec. 10. A group called "Swords of Righteousness Brigade" kidnaped the men on Nov. 26. The brigade said the hostages would be killed Dec. 10 unless all prisoners of the US and the United Kingdom in Iraq are freed.
Today CPT issued a call for letters to the editor about human rights for Iraqis and the four peacemakers. "The media is eager to keep focusing on the 'human interest' story and are delving into the lives of the four CPTers," CPT said. "Our team in Iraq urges us to keep telling the `human rights' story--lifting up the suffering of Iraqis in detention and living under occupation." For more information go to www.cpt.org.
On Earth Peace also called attention to a report on www.aljazeera.net on Dec. 13 "about the inundation their office has received of appeals on the hostages' behalf." The article, "Calls grow to free Iraq hostages," reported on the peacemakers' many supporters and well-wishers around the globe including Muslim groups such as the Iraq Islamic Party and Palestinian leaders. See http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/80028675-F183-4F83-8C86-4C3F48DAB30C.htm.
For more about On Earth Peace go to www.brethren.org/oepa.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
Historic Peace Churches plan Asia peace consultation.
Fourteen members of the Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites) met in Indonesia Dec. 5-9 to consider holding an Asian peace consultation in 2007. Participants in the meeting came from Indonesia, India, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
Following the launching of the Decade to Overcome Violence, a program of the World Council of Churches (WCC), an invitation came from the WCC Central Committee in 1999 for the peace churches to share their insights and experience with the wider Christian church as a component of the decade. An Asian conference would be the third such international Historic Peace Church conference responding to this invitation. In 2001, a consultation was held in Switzerland on "Peace in a Globalized World." A second meeting took place in Kenya in 2004 on "Making Peace Theology Relevant to the Conflicts in Africa." The Indonesian planning meeting considered a consultation for Asian churches, with a focus on peacemaking within interreligious communities.
A new ad-hoc committee was appointed to carry forward the idea of an Asian conference. The committee is considering hosting the consultation in December 2007. Information regarding this conference and the previous Historic Peace Church conferences may be found at www.peacetheology.org/.
Representing the Church of the Brethren were: Scott Holland, of Bethany Theological Seminary; Donald E. Miller, Asian consultation convener; Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board; Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Darryl R. Sankey of the Church of the Brethren-India.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
Fourteen members of the Historic Peace Churches (Church of the Brethren, Quakers, and Mennonites) met in Indonesia Dec. 5-9 to consider holding an Asian peace consultation in 2007. Participants in the meeting came from Indonesia, India, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
Following the launching of the Decade to Overcome Violence, a program of the World Council of Churches (WCC), an invitation came from the WCC Central Committee in 1999 for the peace churches to share their insights and experience with the wider Christian church as a component of the decade. An Asian conference would be the third such international Historic Peace Church conference responding to this invitation. In 2001, a consultation was held in Switzerland on "Peace in a Globalized World." A second meeting took place in Kenya in 2004 on "Making Peace Theology Relevant to the Conflicts in Africa." The Indonesian planning meeting considered a consultation for Asian churches, with a focus on peacemaking within interreligious communities.
A new ad-hoc committee was appointed to carry forward the idea of an Asian conference. The committee is considering hosting the consultation in December 2007. Information regarding this conference and the previous Historic Peace Church conferences may be found at www.peacetheology.org/.
Representing the Church of the Brethren were: Scott Holland, of Bethany Theological Seminary; Donald E. Miller, Asian consultation convener; Mervin Keeney, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships for the Church of the Brethren General Board; Stanley Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren General Board; and Darryl R. Sankey of the Church of the Brethren-India.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
Team developing proposal to better market Annual Conference.
An Annual Conference Marketing Ministry Team, accountable and reportable to the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, met Nov. 27-29 at New Windsor, Md. Directly related to the strategic plan for Conference staff and volunteers approved by Annual Conference 2005, the team is developing a proposal to better market and promote participation in the annual meeting that is "vital to our denomination," reported Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
Tracy Wiser of Mid-Atlantic District was selected as chair; Martha Roudebush, executive minister of Southeastern District, is recorder. Other members of the team include John Braun of Oregon and Washington District, Joanna Willoughby of Michigan District, a member of the Program and Arrangements Committee, and Fogle.
The Marketing Ministry Team will research participation of the denomination in Annual Conference including contact with all district executives, selected contact with congregations that were unable to have representation at Annual Conference 2005, contact with Congregational Life Team staff of the General Board, and contact with others in the denomination with marketing and promotion skills. With analysis of research results, a marketing proposal will be drafted, finalized, and presented next June to the Program and Arrangements Committee.
In addition, feedback about participation or non-participation of non-delegates at Annual Conference will be explored on a number of the denominational list serves. Anyone wishing to convey thoughts or suggestions about why members of the Church of the Brethren attend or do not attend Annual Conference may send e-mail to annualconference@brethren.org or write to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120.
For more about Annual Conference see www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
An Annual Conference Marketing Ministry Team, accountable and reportable to the Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee, met Nov. 27-29 at New Windsor, Md. Directly related to the strategic plan for Conference staff and volunteers approved by Annual Conference 2005, the team is developing a proposal to better market and promote participation in the annual meeting that is "vital to our denomination," reported Annual Conference executive director Lerry Fogle.
Tracy Wiser of Mid-Atlantic District was selected as chair; Martha Roudebush, executive minister of Southeastern District, is recorder. Other members of the team include John Braun of Oregon and Washington District, Joanna Willoughby of Michigan District, a member of the Program and Arrangements Committee, and Fogle.
The Marketing Ministry Team will research participation of the denomination in Annual Conference including contact with all district executives, selected contact with congregations that were unable to have representation at Annual Conference 2005, contact with Congregational Life Team staff of the General Board, and contact with others in the denomination with marketing and promotion skills. With analysis of research results, a marketing proposal will be drafted, finalized, and presented next June to the Program and Arrangements Committee.
In addition, feedback about participation or non-participation of non-delegates at Annual Conference will be explored on a number of the denominational list serves. Anyone wishing to convey thoughts or suggestions about why members of the Church of the Brethren attend or do not attend Annual Conference may send e-mail to annualconference@brethren.org or write to the Annual Conference Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL, 60120.
For more about Annual Conference see www.brethren.org/ac.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
National Council of Churches assembly condemns torture, considers bio-ethics.
The National Council of Churches (NCC) General Assembly Nov. 8-10 issued a statement condemning torture, defended civil liberties, and began considering a paper on the ethics of bio-technologies, among other business. The assembly, which also is the representative body for Church World Service, is an annual gathering of 300 representatives of 35 communions and denominations representing 45 million US Christians.
Church of the Brethren representatives wereNelda Rhodes Clarke Nelda Rhoades Clark, Jennie Ramirez, Marianne Miller Speicher, David Whitten, and Stan Noffsinger, general secretary, and Merv Keeney, Global Mission Partnerships executive director, of the General Board. Two Brethren young adults--Christina McPherson and Margo Royer Miller--served as stewards, volunteering with others in behind-the-scenes work to make the assembly possible. Becky Ullom, director of Identity and Relations for the General Board, served as an observer.
"In the gathering of Christians from other communions, I feel a closeness to the spirit of Jesus as we worship together and address the common concerns we face as peoples of the world," said Speicher. "How wonderful it is to sit down with other Christians from very diverse backgrounds and share together," said Clarke.
Among common concerns was the US government's policy on torture of detainees. "Due to the timely nature of the matter, a call from the floor requested the assembly to respond to the use of torture," Whitten said. "This was in direct response to the bill that was to be presented to the House with an amendment relating to the unethical use of torture by the United States."
The assembly unanimously passed a "Statement on the Disavowel of Torture" commending the Senate's "anti-torture provisions" in the 2006 Defense Appropriations bill. "We find any and all use of torture unacceptable and contrary to US and international legal norms," said the NCC statement. "Torture, regardless of circumstance, humiliates and debases torturer and tortured alike. Torture turns its face against the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27)."
Discussion of the statement on torture "was filled, at times, with tension due to the intensity of feelings on the subject," Whitten said. "However, the passing of the statement brought the unity of spirit in the recognition that all of humanity is sacred and created in the 'imago dei.'"
The assembly also pledged to be "ever-vigilant" in defending civil liberties. A resolution committed the NCC "to the monitoring of current and potential civil and religious liberties abuses" and pledged to educate member communions "on the importance of upholding civil and religious liberties, even and most critically in times of national distress."
A policy statement on human bio-technologies, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," received a first reading at the assembly. Delegates will take the policy to their communions for study and comment and will vote on it at the assembly in 2006.
The policy will be composed in three sections: "Our Theological Self-Understanding;" "The Church's Calling" in faith and science; and "Key Challenges for Church Engagement" including stem cell and embryonic stem cell research. It will include recommendations for the NCC, member communions, congregations, priests and pastors, seminaries and medical practitioners, health care professionals, and researchers. One recommendation is to form a federal commission for the regulation and discussion of emerging bio-technologies.
In other business, the assembly endorsed a Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; named as president Michael E. Livingston, executive director of the International Council of Community Churches, and president-elect Vicken Aykazian, bishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in Washington; and called on member communions to make this Christmas season a time of sacrificial giving. Delegates took action at the meeting, pledging more than $32,000 for Church World Service.
Noffsinger and Keeney were among 17 delegates invited to a meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador to the US during the assembly. The meeting was prompted by Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela; the NCC had sent a letter to Venezuela saying the remarks were not representative of US churches. Chavez reportedly requested the ambassador to go to the assembly for dialogue with US churches.
"It was encouraging to be part of a conversation that helped to heal the wounds that words create," said Noffsinger. The ambassador expressed how much it meant "for the people of Venezuela that not all Americans concur with Pat Robertson," Noffsinger said. "It gave them hope for the American people."
For more see www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
The National Council of Churches (NCC) General Assembly Nov. 8-10 issued a statement condemning torture, defended civil liberties, and began considering a paper on the ethics of bio-technologies, among other business. The assembly, which also is the representative body for Church World Service, is an annual gathering of 300 representatives of 35 communions and denominations representing 45 million US Christians.
Church of the Brethren representatives were
"In the gathering of Christians from other communions, I feel a closeness to the spirit of Jesus as we worship together and address the common concerns we face as peoples of the world," said Speicher. "How wonderful it is to sit down with other Christians from very diverse backgrounds and share together," said Clarke.
Among common concerns was the US government's policy on torture of detainees. "Due to the timely nature of the matter, a call from the floor requested the assembly to respond to the use of torture," Whitten said. "This was in direct response to the bill that was to be presented to the House with an amendment relating to the unethical use of torture by the United States."
The assembly unanimously passed a "Statement on the Disavowel of Torture" commending the Senate's "anti-torture provisions" in the 2006 Defense Appropriations bill. "We find any and all use of torture unacceptable and contrary to US and international legal norms," said the NCC statement. "Torture, regardless of circumstance, humiliates and debases torturer and tortured alike. Torture turns its face against the biblical truth that all humans are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26-27)."
Discussion of the statement on torture "was filled, at times, with tension due to the intensity of feelings on the subject," Whitten said. "However, the passing of the statement brought the unity of spirit in the recognition that all of humanity is sacred and created in the 'imago dei.'"
The assembly also pledged to be "ever-vigilant" in defending civil liberties. A resolution committed the NCC "to the monitoring of current and potential civil and religious liberties abuses" and pledged to educate member communions "on the importance of upholding civil and religious liberties, even and most critically in times of national distress."
A policy statement on human bio-technologies, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," received a first reading at the assembly. Delegates will take the policy to their communions for study and comment and will vote on it at the assembly in 2006.
The policy will be composed in three sections: "Our Theological Self-Understanding;" "The Church's Calling" in faith and science; and "Key Challenges for Church Engagement" including stem cell and embryonic stem cell research. It will include recommendations for the NCC, member communions, congregations, priests and pastors, seminaries and medical practitioners, health care professionals, and researchers. One recommendation is to form a federal commission for the regulation and discussion of emerging bio-technologies.
In other business, the assembly endorsed a Special Commission for the Just Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast; named as president Michael E. Livingston, executive director of the International Council of Community Churches, and president-elect Vicken Aykazian, bishop of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) in Washington; and called on member communions to make this Christmas season a time of sacrificial giving. Delegates took action at the meeting, pledging more than $32,000 for Church World Service.
Noffsinger and Keeney were among 17 delegates invited to a meeting with the Venezuelan ambassador to the US during the assembly. The meeting was prompted by Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson's call for the assassination of President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela; the NCC had sent a letter to Venezuela saying the remarks were not representative of US churches. Chavez reportedly requested the ambassador to go to the assembly for dialogue with US churches.
"It was encouraging to be part of a conversation that helped to heal the wounds that words create," said Noffsinger. The ambassador expressed how much it meant "for the people of Venezuela that not all Americans concur with Pat Robertson," Noffsinger said. "It gave them hope for the American people."
For more see www.ncccusa.org.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
top
Brethren bits: NYC Speech Contest, Day of Caring, and more.
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- The deadline for the National Youth Conference (NYC) Speech Contest is quickly approaching. Every youth attending NYC next summer is invited to write a speech on the theme, "Come and See." The speech should be based on John 1:35-39. "In this passage, when John's disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, instead of just telling them, he invited them to `come and see,'" said a statement from the NYC coordinators. "Jesus is inviting these disciples to come and be with him, to truly see who he is. As we come together in Colorado, show us your understanding of faith in today's culture and world." The top two entries will be preached during one of the worship services at NYC. Entries should be 500-700 words and about 10 minutes long. Send both written and audio versions to the NYC Office, 1451 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120. The deadline is Jan. 1, 2006. For more information see www.brethren.org/genbd/yya/NYC2006/index.html.
- The Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., was chosen to be part of T. Rowe Price's "Day of Caring" on Dec. 7. Ten employees were paired with ten Arc clients to volunteer in the SERRV pricing department and in the General Board's Service Ministries, packing material resources. The event was coordinated by Arc's assistant executive director Don Rowe, a member of Westminster (Md.) Church of the Brethren.
- Graydon Snyder, professor emeritus at Bethany Theological Seminary, and Carl D. Bowman, chair of the Department of Sociology at Bridgewater (Va.) College, are among the authors featured in a new book from Cascadia Publishing House and Herald Press, co-published in association with Eastern Mennonite University. "Viewing New Creations with Anabaptist Eyes" is edited by Roman J. Miller, Beryl H. Brubaker, and James C. Peterson. Among the many other authors are Stanley M. Hauerwas. The book investigates the promise and perils of genetic biotechnology, ethical problems that emerge, and ethical reasoning to meet the challenges. Order for $23.95 plus shipping and handling from Brethren Press; call 800-441-3712.
- Jonathan L. Reed, professor of Religion at the University of La Verne (Calif.), appeared on ABC television's "Good Morning America" on Dec. 7 to discuss his involvement in the National Geographic Channel's "Science of the Bible" series. The series, which uses archaeology to illuminate the world of Jesus and the first Christians, appears Wednesdays at 7 and 10 p.m. Pacific time. See http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/programs/science-of-the-bible.html. For more about the university, which is related to the Church of the Brethren, see www.ulv.edu.
- The Greater Gift/SERRV store at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., is holding a holiday overstock sale through Dec. 18. All first-quality gifts, baskets, jewelry, and clothing will be 60 percent off and more. The sale also will offer overstock items from the fall catalogue.
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Brethren join rally protesting School of Americas.
By Todd Flory
Despite brisk fall weather, around 60 Church of the Brethren members and friends joined a record crowd Nov. 19-20 in Fort Benning, Ga., to protest the US Army's School of Americas (SOA) or Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Some 19,000 people rallied along the street in front of the military facility that, since its foundation in Panama in 1946, has produced many human rights violators in Latin American countries.
The SOA, which moved to Fort Benning in 1984, is funded by US taxpayer money and trains soldiers and military personnel from Latin American countries in subjects such as counter-insurgency, military intelligence, and counter-narcotics operations. Documentation has revealed numerous atrocities such as torture, kidnapping, and killings involving known SOA graduates.
Brethren college students attended the rally including 12 from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Many of the students were involved with the college's peace organization, Pax-O ("pax" is the Latin word for peace), and had been studying anti-torture.
Emily Eller, a senior at Juniata, said that by working with anti-torture issues, it made sense to participate in the SOA protest. Students were also able to get numerous people at the protest to write 400 anti-torture bill letters. While marching in front of the facility's fences, Eller witnessed the electronic message display explaining why people were prohibited from climbing the fence onto the military's property while simultaneously hearing the names of victims who have died at the hands of SOA graduates. "It was really surreal," she said. "Today was really, really powerful."
A group of 30 students from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., also attended, led by Ken Brown, peace studies and philosophy professor. Brown believes it is important for students to participate in social justice activities and to experience learning outside the classroom. "Enjoyment is at the heart of education. We don't want to postpone involvement," he said, noting this was the 10th straight year students from Manchester have come to the protest. The record number of people in attendance this year is due in part to other world events, he said. "I think it's due to national dissatisfaction of the war and government moving in the wrong direction."
Saturday, Nov. 19, served as a day of information exchange and product sales. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office joined rows of organizations handing out information and selling t-shirts, bumper stickers, and fair-trade coffee and chocolate. On stage, speakers such as an Argentinian torture survivor and an organizer with United Students Against Sweatshops told their stories. Through the weekend, nonviolence trainings, teach-ins, and workshops were held.
"While speakers and musicians are on stage, those of us behind are busy preparing the next person to go on. But this year I had a chance to hear some of the speakers," said Tracy Stoddart, resident director at McPherson (Kan.) College. In 1999, Stoddart worked at SOA Watch through Brethren Volunteer Service, and has since come back every year to work on the stage and logistics team. "I heard brave young women talk about their personal, horrific experiences being tortured and kidnapped; another young woman from the Colombian Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado spoke when only two days before troops, led by an SOA graduate, attacked her community and killed one of their leaders; and a new grandma with her two surviving daughters remembering her family members that were kidnapped and disappeared."
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted a Brethren gathering including Brethren college students as well as other Brethren who made the trip to Fort Benning. The gathering provided an opportunity to share about issues with which the office is involved, and a setting for dialogue regarding national and world political issues and actions. "That was the best Brethren gathering we've had," Brown said. "It was very inspirational to remind us all what it's like to be Brethren."
A memorial service and funeral procession took place on Sunday, with many of the 19,000 people carrying banners and posters while listening to a reading of the names of victims of SOA graduates. Later, along the fence marking the border of the school, people gathered to fasten pictures and signs and to sing and pray. Forty-one people were arrested for crossing the fence.
Stoddart said, "Amidst all the fear, sadness, and hurt, an amazing spirit of forgiveness, hope, and energy flowed through the throngs of people gathered in Georgia. And that is what keeps me coming back."
--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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By Todd Flory
Despite brisk fall weather, around 60 Church of the Brethren members and friends joined a record crowd Nov. 19-20 in Fort Benning, Ga., to protest the US Army's School of Americas (SOA) or Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation. Some 19,000 people rallied along the street in front of the military facility that, since its foundation in Panama in 1946, has produced many human rights violators in Latin American countries.
The SOA, which moved to Fort Benning in 1984, is funded by US taxpayer money and trains soldiers and military personnel from Latin American countries in subjects such as counter-insurgency, military intelligence, and counter-narcotics operations. Documentation has revealed numerous atrocities such as torture, kidnapping, and killings involving known SOA graduates.
Brethren college students attended the rally including 12 from Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pa. Many of the students were involved with the college's peace organization, Pax-O ("pax" is the Latin word for peace), and had been studying anti-torture.
Emily Eller, a senior at Juniata, said that by working with anti-torture issues, it made sense to participate in the SOA protest. Students were also able to get numerous people at the protest to write 400 anti-torture bill letters. While marching in front of the facility's fences, Eller witnessed the electronic message display explaining why people were prohibited from climbing the fence onto the military's property while simultaneously hearing the names of victims who have died at the hands of SOA graduates. "It was really surreal," she said. "Today was really, really powerful."
A group of 30 students from Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., also attended, led by Ken Brown, peace studies and philosophy professor. Brown believes it is important for students to participate in social justice activities and to experience learning outside the classroom. "Enjoyment is at the heart of education. We don't want to postpone involvement," he said, noting this was the 10th straight year students from Manchester have come to the protest. The record number of people in attendance this year is due in part to other world events, he said. "I think it's due to national dissatisfaction of the war and government moving in the wrong direction."
Saturday, Nov. 19, served as a day of information exchange and product sales. The Brethren Witness/Washington Office joined rows of organizations handing out information and selling t-shirts, bumper stickers, and fair-trade coffee and chocolate. On stage, speakers such as an Argentinian torture survivor and an organizer with United Students Against Sweatshops told their stories. Through the weekend, nonviolence trainings, teach-ins, and workshops were held.
"While speakers and musicians are on stage, those of us behind are busy preparing the next person to go on. But this year I had a chance to hear some of the speakers," said Tracy Stoddart, resident director at McPherson (Kan.) College. In 1999, Stoddart worked at SOA Watch through Brethren Volunteer Service, and has since come back every year to work on the stage and logistics team. "I heard brave young women talk about their personal, horrific experiences being tortured and kidnapped; another young woman from the Colombian Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado spoke when only two days before troops, led by an SOA graduate, attacked her community and killed one of their leaders; and a new grandma with her two surviving daughters remembering her family members that were kidnapped and disappeared."
The Brethren Witness/Washington Office hosted a Brethren gathering including Brethren college students as well as other Brethren who made the trip to Fort Benning. The gathering provided an opportunity to share about issues with which the office is involved, and a setting for dialogue regarding national and world political issues and actions. "That was the best Brethren gathering we've had," Brown said. "It was very inspirational to remind us all what it's like to be Brethren."
A memorial service and funeral procession took place on Sunday, with many of the 19,000 people carrying banners and posters while listening to a reading of the names of victims of SOA graduates. Later, along the fence marking the border of the school, people gathered to fasten pictures and signs and to sing and pray. Forty-one people were arrested for crossing the fence.
Stoddart said, "Amidst all the fear, sadness, and hurt, an amazing spirit of forgiveness, hope, and energy flowed through the throngs of people gathered in Georgia. And that is what keeps me coming back."
--Todd Flory is a legislative associate and Brethren Volunteer Service worker at the Brethren Witness/Washington Office of the Church of the Brethren General Board.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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A Citronelle pilgrimage.
By Susan Mull
Citronelle, Ala., does not sound like the destination of one embarking on a spiritual journey. What would Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world to millions of people?
To show people compassion and to accept the challenges of disaster response was the reason we were heading to Citronelle. Would I need more than my new tool belt and the right work clothes? What about my "Gospel armor"? Would people see Jesus in me? How would I "wear" my Christianity? Would the compassion I could feel inside be acted out? Would I even make a difference?
While rereading "Meeting God In The Ruins," I realized God would let me know what I needed to do in Citronelle. There is a prayer in that booklet that reads, "You have come to me, O God. You are sending me to meet you in a new place. May my words, actions, and thoughts honor you as I approach the Holy Ground. Amen."
There was so much about humanitarianism and justice to ponder as my husband and I prepared for the trip. Rosa Parks had just died in October and we wanted to stop in Montgomery, Ala., because there is a museum and library there honoring her work, as well as the Southern Poverty Law Center and a huge Civil Rights Memorial. We read these words of Martin Luther King Jr. etched in stone on the outside of the Law Center building: "...Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream...." We were on our way to do justice work.
Each day at the Brethren Disaster Response site in Citronelle, it was more and more clear that God was working in each of the people who formed our volunteer team. I began to think back to my earlier question, "Would I make a difference?" By acting out my faith, my experience in Citronelle made me different. There is in me a new heart, a renewed spirit, and a renewed zeal for justice work.
What did Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem? Because I said yes to God's call, God was there to meet me and guide me, and there I was on holy ground.
--Susan Mull and her husband, Earl, travel and do disaster response work together. They served as volunteers with Brethren Disaster Response in Citronelle in early November doing clean up and rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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By Susan Mull
Citronelle, Ala., does not sound like the destination of one embarking on a spiritual journey. What would Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem, the holiest city in the world to millions of people?
To show people compassion and to accept the challenges of disaster response was the reason we were heading to Citronelle. Would I need more than my new tool belt and the right work clothes? What about my "Gospel armor"? Would people see Jesus in me? How would I "wear" my Christianity? Would the compassion I could feel inside be acted out? Would I even make a difference?
While rereading "Meeting God In The Ruins," I realized God would let me know what I needed to do in Citronelle. There is a prayer in that booklet that reads, "You have come to me, O God. You are sending me to meet you in a new place. May my words, actions, and thoughts honor you as I approach the Holy Ground. Amen."
There was so much about humanitarianism and justice to ponder as my husband and I prepared for the trip. Rosa Parks had just died in October and we wanted to stop in Montgomery, Ala., because there is a museum and library there honoring her work, as well as the Southern Poverty Law Center and a huge Civil Rights Memorial. We read these words of Martin Luther King Jr. etched in stone on the outside of the Law Center building: "...Until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream...." We were on our way to do justice work.
Each day at the Brethren Disaster Response site in Citronelle, it was more and more clear that God was working in each of the people who formed our volunteer team. I began to think back to my earlier question, "Would I make a difference?" By acting out my faith, my experience in Citronelle made me different. There is in me a new heart, a renewed spirit, and a renewed zeal for justice work.
What did Citronelle have in common with Jerusalem? Because I said yes to God's call, God was there to meet me and guide me, and there I was on holy ground.
--Susan Mull and her husband, Earl, travel and do disaster response work together. They served as volunteers with Brethren Disaster Response in Citronelle in early November doing clean up and rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina.
Source: 12/14/2005 Newsline
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Credits
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Kathleen Campanella, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Stan Noffsinger, Becky Ullom, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren General Board, on every other Wednesday with other editions as needed. Kathleen Campanella, Nevin Dulabaum, Matt Guynn, Stan Noffsinger, Becky Ullom, and Walt Wiltschek contributed to this report.
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