Church gains memo of understanding with Selective Service System.

A Memo of Understanding between the federal government’s Selective Service System and the Church of the Brethren has been signed by Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the denomination, and Lawrence G. Romo, director of Selective Service.

The memo represents an agreement that goes into effect in the event a military draft is reinstated in the United States. In that event, the Church of the Brethren working through Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) will be able to place conscientious objectors assigned to alternative service work.

"It’s good to be prepared," said BVS director Dan McFadden. "Do I think there will be a draft? No." Global Mission Partnerships executive director Jay Wittmeyer commented, "We need to be prepared and maintain our historical position just in case."

A similar agreement recently was made between Selective Service and Mennonite Voluntary Service (MVS) and the Mennonite Mission Network. MVS is a program of the Mennonite Mission Network, which is the mission agency of Mennonite Church USA.

McFadden noted that both agreements are the fruit of a number of years of effort by the Church of the Brethren and the Mennonites to maintain a relationship with the Selective Service System and with each other’s provisions for conscientious objectors.

He said a key part of the agreement is that "in the event of a draft, the Church of the Brethren and BVS would be in a position to negotiate the details of being a site for conscientious objectors."

Among other stipulations in the memo, the church and BVS will meet a legal obligation to place alternative service workers "in work that benefits the nation’s health, safety, and interests"; a Selective Service officer will be assigned as a liaison to the church; Selective Service will provide transportation to and from their residences for alternative service workers placed with BVS; and the church and BVS will supervise the alternative service workers assigned to them. The agreement is considered provisional and will be reviewed every 36 months.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Conference considers ‘Peace Among the Peoples.’

Jamal, a Muslim refugee from Zanzibar, and Matthew, a Jew, got acquainted as their children played in a neighborhood parkette in Canada’s largest city, Toronto. Learning of Jamal’s computer skills, Matthew found him a job.

Later, as the events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfolded, Jamal came to Matthew’s house, shaken. "I’m so sorry, but I don’t know who to say sorry to." Matthew invited Jamal’s family to share dinner with them.

The relationship of these neighbors represents "a testimony to the possibility of peace among peoples," said Mary Jo Leddy, addressing the opening worship of an ecumenical peace conference, "Peace Among the Peoples," held July 28-31 in Elkhart, Ind.

At the same time, the US government’s response to 9/11 illustrates "the near impossibility of such peace in an age of empire violence," Leddy said. For almost 20 years this Catholic writer, speaker, theologian, and social activist has lived with and directed the Romero House Community for Refugees, people living in four small houses in Toronto.

"Our daily summons is to build peace among the people in our home, city, country, and universe," Leddy said. Christians are summoned "to preach with our lives the good news that we can, should, must love our enemies. If we simply hate our enemies, we become like them."

The Church of the Brethren was one sponsor of Peace Among the Peoples, along with a number of churches, national and state ecumenical groups, peace and justice organizations, and educational institutions. Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary hosted the event. Other sponsors were Bridgefolk, Catholic Peacebuilding Network, First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart, Historic Peace Churches-Fellowship of Reconciliation Consultative Committee, Indiana Partners for Christian Unity and Mission, Institute of Mennonite Studies, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Church Canada, Mennonite Church USA and its Peace and Justice Support Network, Mennonite Mission Network, National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, Orthodox Peace Fellowship, United Church of Christ, and the University of Notre Dame’s Institute of Church Life and Department of Africana Studies.

Just over 200 people attended, including 18 Brethren members and special guest of the Church of the Brethren, Jarrod McKenna from Australia, who a week before had been a speaker at National Youth Conference. Most registrants were from the US, but others came from Canada, Europe, South America, Africa and Australia, representing Peace Church, Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Free Church traditions. Stan Noffsinger, general secretary of the Church of the Brethren, served on the Advisory Committee and Scott Holland, Bethany Seminary’s director of peace studies, served on the Steering Committee.

Peace Among the Peoples is part of the Decade to Overcome Violence, an initiative of the World Council of Churches (WCC) culminating on May 17–25, 2011, in an International Ecumenical Peace Convocation to be held in Jamaica.

In addition to Leddy, other keynote speakers included Rita Nakashima Brock, founding co-director of the Faith Voices for the Common Good. who addressed the opening plenary on "Alternative Approaches to Christians and War"; Linda Gehman Peachey, who directs the Mennonite Central Committee US Women’s Advocacy Program, addressed sexual violation, intimate partner abuse, and abuse of children; theologian and author Brian McLaren, who used the metaphor of story to show what peacemaking may look like in the future; and Stanley Hauerwas of Duke University and Gerard Powers of the University of Notre Dame, who dealt with "Just War and Pacifism in Dialogue"; among others.

One session reviewed the Decade to Overcome Violence and reported on plans for the peace convocation in Jamaica next year, which will revolve around four themes: Peace in the community, peace with the earth, peace in the marketplace, and peace among the peoples. In addition, the WCC is working toward an Ecumenical Declaration on Just Peace, said a staff member who explained the concept: a multifaceted, collective, and dynamic process of ensuring that human beings are free from fear and from want; are overcoming enmity, exclusion, and oppression; and are establishing conditions for right relationships that include the most vulnerable and respect the integrity of creation.

Conferees affirmed plans for a continuation committee of 12 people who will consider findings, recommendations, and next steps; work at ways to support the 2011 peace convocation; consider creation of a peace center; and review potential for a global peace network. For more about the conference see www.peace2010.net. Photos are at www.ambs.edu/programs-institutes/IMS/consultations/peace/photos.

-- John Bender of Elkhart, Ind., contributed the bulk of this report.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Church of the Brethren joins complaint on CIA treatment of detainees.

The Church of the Brethren has joined as a complainant in support of a complaint to the Office of Human Research Protections regarding evidence of CIA violations of prisoners. The complaint is being led by the National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT).

The complaint has been sparked by a report released by Physicians for Human Rights that CIA doctors and other health professionals may have engaged in illegal and unethical medical experiments involving torture and detainees in US custody.

In his statement of support for the complaint, which was filed prior to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in early July, general secretary Stan Noffsinger cited the Oct. 2009 "Resolution Against Torture" adopted by the Mission and Ministry Board of the church. In the resolution, the board said that its members "find both the occurrences of torture and the attempt to legitimize the acts of torture unconscionable," and stated, "we will be silent no more." The resolution since has been adopted by the full delegate body of the denomination.

As of late July, the Church of the Brethren was one of 20 national religious groups and 7 state and local religious groups had joined NRCAT and other human rights organizations and more than 3,000 individuals in filing the formal complaint with the Office of Human Research Protections.

The Office of Human Research Protections is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. The complaint asks the office to investigate the alleged illegal medical experiments as the federal agency tasked with investigating allegations of unethical medical experimentation involving human subjects.

However, NRCAT director Richard L. Killmer has reported that DHHS responded to the complaint in a letter to Physicians for Human Rights. "We are disappointed in the agency’s decision not to assert jurisdiction in this complaint and simply to forward the complaint to the CIA ‘for review,’" Killmer wrote in late July in an e-mail report to organizations taking part in the complaint. "Since the CIA has already publicly denied the allegations, this decision will effectively bury the complaint, even if that is not the explicit intent," he said.

Since the DHHS response, NRCAT and the complainants have called on President Obama to ensure an independent, thorough, and open investigation, and are calling on the House and Senate Intelligence Committees to do the same. NRCAT has announced plans to continue the effort by requesting a meeting with White House staff to present the list of complainants, discuss the DHHS response and ask how the Administration will ensure that the allegations are appropriately investigated.

"The evidence is absolutely shocking and repulsive," said Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, in a release from the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good, which also signed on to the complaint along with the NCC and a number of Christian denominations. "Torture is an affront to God and the denial of the bedrock convictions of all people of faith."

In related news, the Church of the Brethren through its Global Mission Partnerships program recently gave a $2,000 grant to the work of NRCAT. For more information about the complaint go to www.tortureisamoralissue.org.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

BBT urges US President to help protect indigenous peoples.

In a letter dated Aug. 6, Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) has urged President Barack Obama to lead the US government in supporting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The letter, signed by BBT president Nevin Dulabaum and Steve Mason, BBT’s director of socially responsible investing activities, suggests that companies may be more encouraged to protect the rights of these small, native groups in their corporate policies if the US government shows more support for the measure. Additionally, the letter says, "We believe that the merits of endorsing the Declaration...would strengthen the United States’ position as an advocate for human rights worldwide."

The declaration, adopted by the UN General Assembly in Sept. 2007, affirms that "indigenous peoples are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the right of all peoples to be different, to consider themselves different, and to be represented as such." The US voted against the resolution.

BBT has identified the declaration as a guideline that echoes Brethren values, and has advocated for companies in which it owns shares to adopt corporate policies that reflect the declaration. In May, Mason represented shareholders of ConocoPhillips in talks with the oil company regarding its commitment to indigenous peoples’ rights around the world. BBT has been engaged with ConocoPhillips for more than five years on this issue and continues to meet with representatives of the company.

To read the full letter, go to www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/2010ObamaLetter.pdf. Find the UN declaration at www.brethrenbenefittrust.org/2007UNIndigenousPeoples.pdf.

-- Brian Solem is publications coordinator for Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Brethren contribute $40,000 to flood relief in Pakistan.

The Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund has given $40,000 to the work of Church World Service (CWS) in Pakistan following monsoon-related floods. The grant is assisting CWS and the ACT Alliance in supplying flood survivors with emergency food, water, shelter, medical care, and some personal supplies.

Today’s situation report from CWS said that "the torrential rains and flooding that have affected Pakistan in recent weeks continue, with at an estimated 1,600 dead and 14 million affected. Some 1.5 million people are now homeless." According to CWS, the floods that began in the northern parts of Pakistan have now spread to four provinces covering about 82,000 square miles, out of the country’s total area of 340,132 square miles.

"As the rains continue, the waters are moving downstream like a rolling earthquake affecting Punjab and Sindh provinces further south," the report said. "The continued rains and flooding are creating difficulties in rescue and relief operations; bridges throughout the country have been washed away from flooding and landslides; poor weather has also grounded relief helicopters. Delays in relief supplies reaching distribution points means that the affected communities must wait longer for the shelter, food, and other items which are immediately required for their survival."

CWS is coordinating a response in a wide geographic area, working in Swat, Kohistan, D.I. Khan, Shangla and Mansehra districts of Khyber Pakhtoonkwa Province; Sibbi district of Balochistan Province; and Khairpur district of Sindh Province. As well as directly implementing aid, CWS is partnering with Participatory Village Development Program, Help in Need, VEER Development Foundation, and Nation’s Capacity Building Program. A total of 99,000 individuals or approximately 13,500 households are being served through the CWS response.

As of Aug. 6, CWS has distributed food items to thousands of households, and plans to dispatch 2,500 tents in the coming week. It is providing emergency health assistance through a mobile health unit, with two additional units to be mobilized. CWS health units under the Afghan Refugee Program have conducted educational activities and preventive measures against water-borne diseases, which have increased significantly in the aftermath of the flood. In the next few days CWS plans to distribute several hundred more tons of food with the assistance of the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Canadian Food Grains Bank.

Contributions to the flood relief work in Pakistan may be made through a donation to the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund, go to www.brethren.org/site/PageServer?pagename=give_emergency_disaster_fund.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Northern Ohio District meets on theme of freedom.

The 2010 Northern Ohio District Conference took place July 30-Aug. 1 at Ashland (Ohio) University. Moderator Kris Hawk, pastor of visitation at Akron, Springfield Church of the Brethren, chose the theme "Free from Fear, Free to Love," from 1 John 4:16b-21.

Delegates heard the theme described in music and drama presented by Junior and Senior Performing Art Camps; in worship and preaching by Annual Conference moderator Robert Alley, interim pastor Tom Michaels of Hartville Church of the Brethren, and Hawk; and in business sessions led by Hawk and the conference officers. Conference guests included Alley, Brethren Benefit Trust representative Loyce Swartz Borgmann, and Bethany Theological Seminary representative Fred Bernhard.

Delegates passed a modestly-increased district budget for 2011, approved trustees for Manchester College, received and approved reports from district and denominational representatives, and elected new board members and district officers.

During her Sunday morning closing message, Hawk talked about the struggle to understand the depth of God’s love: "The problem is that we are not secure ourselves in the love of God. We should never base our love on something we can lose. When we love other people, we become more secure of who we are in Christ. Through us, God can powerfully love other people."

Following the closing service, Sherry Reese Vaught, ordained minister at the Maple Grove congregation, and Tom Zuercher, pastor of the Ashland Dickey congregation, were consecrated as moderator and moderator-elect of the 2011 district conference.

-- John Ballinger is district executive minister for Northern Ohio District.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Harold Smith is remembered for leadership of On Earth Peace.

Harold Smith (89), who served as executive director of On Earth Peace in the late 1980s, died on July 21 at Huffman Nursing Center in Bridgewater, Va. He was an ordained minister in the Church of the Brethren and a committed church leader, who in other volunteer service to the church was a member of local church and district boards and was a member of the Standing Committee of Annual Conference.

Smith began his work to bring about peace in the world by serving as a conscientious objector in Civilian Public Service. He earned degrees from Bridgewater (Va.) College, the University of Maryland, American University in Washington, D.C., and attended Bethany Theological Seminary. On an international level, he served as an agricultural economist through the US Department of Agriculture in Thailand, El Salvador, and the Phillipines; as a consultant in Puerto Rico with Robert Nathan Associates; and as a member of the National Institutes of Health Nutrition Team in Panama.

In 1971 when M.R. Zigler began developing the On Earth Peace Assembly (OEPA) at the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md., he consulted closely with Smith who was then a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Maryland and associate director of the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service.

In 1983, at age 91, Zigler was no longer able to lead the work of On Earth Peace and Smith was asked to serve as executive director. He responded by retiring from his positions at the University of Maryland and the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service and accepting OEPA's call. During the next six years, he provided outstanding leadership to establish the position of OEPA within the structure of the Church of the Brethren--specifically, the relationship of OEPA to the former General Board, and to raise needed funds to support OEPA programs.

He established the M.R. Zigler Endowment which grew to over $220,000 during Smith's years of service. In addition, the work of the Brethren World Peace Academy, an OEPA program for young people started by Zigler, expanded during his years of leadership.

Smith was born March 12, 1921, in Churchville, Va., the son of Enoch David and Minnie Huffman Smith. He married Mary Hoover Smith, who preceded him in death on March 27, 1979. He then married Miriam Rohrer Odom Smith, who survives. Also surviving are daughters and stepsons Darlene Carol Smith Meyers and husband, Gary; Linda Beth Smith Lumsden and husband, Chris; James Odom; Clifford Odom and wife, Barbara; Curtis Odom; and a number of grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.

-- Dale Ulrich contributed to this remembrance.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

On Earth Peace offers ‘You Can’t Stop the River’ training.

On Earth Peace and First Church of the Brethren in Harrisburg, Pa., invite teams from congregations and community groups to attend "You Can’t Stop the River: Nonviolent Community Change," Oct. 28-31. The four-day workshop focuses on developing skills and spiritual strength for nonviolent community mobilizing based on the approaches developed by Martin Luther King, Jr. to address the triplet of poverty, racism, and militarism/violence.

"The genius of King’s approach is that it catalyzes the community in a hopeful direction and brings together many sectors to solve a problem," shared On Earth Peace program director Matt Guynn, one of the leaders for the training. "This workshop is for anyone wanting to provide community leadership that is strategic, hope-filled, and addressed to change the root causes."

Participants can expect to share and reflect on their own experiences, and to go away inspired, equipped, and ready to take specific next steps in their communities. Teams from the same group or geographic area are encouraged to attend together, to enable them to apply principles and skills to their situations at home. Organizers hope the energy and information generated will have an ongoing ripple effect, yielding action for reducing violence and building peace.

The workshop runs from Thursday 6 p.m. to Sunday 6 p.m. and costs $150 per participant, which includes materials, tuition, and meals. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. For more information call Matt Guynn at 503-775-1636 or visit www.river.onearthpeace.org.

-- Gimbiya Kettering is communications coordinator for On Earth Peace.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Mundey to lead webinar on ‘Leadership that Transforms.’

An upcoming webinar on "Leadership that Transforms!" will be led by Paul E. Mundey, senior pastor of Frederick (Md.) Church of the Brethren. "The heart of the webinar examines leadership that empowers a congregation to move forward," said a flier for the event.

The webinar will explore practical applications of transformational pastoral leadership with a focus on the pastor or leader as visionary and change agent; as facilitator of boards, committees, or ministry teams; and as advocate of stewardship and enlarged giving.

Mundey is senior pastor of the largest congregation in the Church of the Brethren, and is a community leader, sponsoring numerous outreach efforts including an innovative medical ministry to the working poor. He also has served as staff of the Parish Ministries Commission of the former Church of the Brethren General Board, during his tenure helping establish the Andrew Center as a multi-denominational resource center for congregational development and renewal, and also developing "Passing On the Promise," a church renewal process.

The webinar will be offered on Aug. 24 from 1-2 p.m. Pacific time (4-5 p.m. eastern time); and on Aug. 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Pacific (8:30-9:30 p.m. eastern). Go to www.bethanyseminary.edu/webcasts. Participants in the live session earn 0.1 continuing education credit.

The webinar is a collaborative resource offered by the Church of the Brethren’s Congregational Life Ministries, Bethany Theological Seminary, and the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership. Contact Stan Dueck, the Church of the Brethren’s director of transforming practices, at 717-335-3226 or sdueck@brethren.org.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Interim ministry team is announced by Southeastern District.

The Church of the Brethren’s Southeastern District has announced an interim ministry team that began work Aug. 1, while a search process for a district executive continues. The three-member team includes Wallace Cole, Loretta Sheets, and John Markwood.

Wallace Cole will take responsibility for pastoral support and consultation/conversation, and pastoral placement, and will be the district contact person for the denomination. Loretta Sheets will carry out administrative duties such as forms and mailings, Weekly News and Visions, prayer requests, and other tasks as needed. John Markwood is the district designee to assist treasurer Beverly Graeber with any financial matters.

Interim contact information for the district: southeastern@charter.net for general e-mail; Wallace Cole, 3037 Middlebrook Dr., Clemmons, NC 27012, wmcole@bellsouth.net or 336-766-5743.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Barkley to direct the Brethren Historical Library and Archives.

Terrell (Terry) Barkley will begin Nov. 1 as director of the Brethren Historical Library and Archives (BHLA), located at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. Current director Ken Shaffer Jr. has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31 after serving for more than 20 years in the position. He and Barkley will work together until Shaffer’s retirement.

Barkley is currently archivist at Marion (Ala.) Military Institute. He formerly served as archivist/museum curator at Bridgewater (Va.) College from 1993-2005. He has chaired the Shenandoah District Historical Committee, contributed to the Brethren Encyclopedia, served on several Brethren- and Mennonite-related committees including the Elder John Kline Bicentennial Celebration and the Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center in Harrisonburg, Va., and published "One Who Served: Brethren Elder Charles Nesselrodt of Shenandoah County."

He holds a degree in history/political science from the University of North Alabama, a master of arts degree in theology from the Citadel, a master of library science degree from the University of Alabama specializing in archives and special collections, and has done doctoral study in history and historical preservation.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Brethren bits: Remembrance, personnel, NYC update, China delegation, more.

• Shenandoah District invites prayer for the family of Carlton W. Ruff (89), who passed away July 30 at the Bridgewater (Va.) Retirement Community. Ruff, along with his wife, Hilda, was one of the founding leaders of the district’s annual Disaster Ministries Auction. He was a member of Summit Church of the Brethren in Bridgewater. Born in Augusta County, Va., on April 21, 1921, he was a son of the late Samuel and Hazel Cook (Kagey) Ruff. He retired from James Madison University, where he was a superintendent for buildings and grounds. He also had worked at Celanese Textile, where he helped organize the union and then presided as president for 19 consecutive years. After retirement he served with Brethren Disaster Ministries as a project coordinator at locations from Virginia to Texas, and in St. Croix and the Virgin Islands. He is survived by his wife, Hilda, and sons Jerry W. Ruff and wife, Bernice; and James E. Ruff and wife, Deborah; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held at Summit Church on Aug. 3. Memorial contributions are received to the Shenandoah District Disaster Program. An online guest book is available at www.johnsonfs.com.
  
  
• Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is grieving the death of a worker killed in Afghanistan. Glen D. Lapp (40) of Lancaster, Pa., was killed in a shooting in Afghanistan’s northeastern Badakhshan province on Aug. 6, an MCC release said. The incident has received wide international attention. Lapp was traveling with a medical team of four Afghans, six Americans, one Briton, and one German, all of whom worked with MCC partner organization International Assistance Mission, a charity providing eye care and medical help. IAM has worked in the country since 1966 and regularly dispatched "eye camp" medical teams. Lapp had been part of previous teams. Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, he was the son of Marvin and Mary Lapp of Lancaster, and a member of Community Mennonite Church in Lancaster. In previous service with MCC he helped with response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He also worked as a nurse in Lancaster, New York City, and Supai, Ariz. He was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Eastern Mennonite University. He was to complete his MCC term in October, and recently wrote about it in a report, "Where I was [Afghanistan], the main thing that expats can do is to be a presence in the country. Treating people with respect and with love and trying to be a little bit of Christ in this part of the world." In an bulletin announcement for Mennonite churches to use this Sunday, MCC called the church to prayer "for Glen’s loved ones, family and friends of the others who perished, staff of our partner organization in Afghanistan, the people of Afghanistan, and the people who carried out this tragic act." A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 15, at 2:30 p.m. at Bright Side Baptist Church in Lancaster.
  
  
• Mark Flory Steury will fill a temporary, part-time position as consultant in the Office of the General Secretary of the Church of the Brethren. He will assist as the Mission and Ministry Board of the denomination carries out strategic planning, and with a review and evaluation of the Stewardship and Donor Development department. He will be involved in ecumenical initiatives, assist in making arrangements for the 2011 InterAgency Forum, and work with the Council of District Executives. Steury most recently served as district executive for Southern Ohio District.
  
  
• Lina Dagnew began as editorial assistant for Gather ’Round on Aug. 2. Gather ’Round is a Christian education curriculum jointly published by Brethren Press and Mennonite Publishing Network. Dagnew, originally from Ethiopia, graduated in January from Manchester College in Indiana, majoring in political science and economics. During her years at Manchester, she worked in the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Office of the President, and was a writing consultant and peer tutor. She also has served advocacy internships in Chicago and Montana.
  
  
• A "Reach Deep" challenge from the Church of the Brethren’s Stewardship and Donor Development asks for help to raise $100,000 in support of the denomination’s Core Ministries Fund. "A concerned Brethren family has given $50,000 to cut in half the shortfall in our Core Ministries budget," said an online invitation. "They hope to motivate other individuals to 'reach deep' to help eliminate the remainder of the shortfall by Sept. 15," To contribute, go to www.brethren.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=give_welcome.
  
  
• In an update on National Youth Conference 2010, youth donated $6,250 to the NYC Scholarship Fund out of their key deposits returned on the last day of the conference. For more about NYC 2010 go to www.brethren.org/cob_news_NYC2010.
  
  
• A Church of the Brethren delegation to China will help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ping Ting mission hospital on Aug. 26. The group will include Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships; Mary Jo Flory-Steury, executive director of Ministry, whose father was born in Ping Ting 90 years ago this past April; and Ruoxia Li, who grew up in a former Brethren mission area in Shouyang, China. Li wrote a "Messenger" article on her research into the Brethren influence in her hometown, published in the Jan./Feb. 2010 issue.
  
  
• Global Mission Partnership staff request prayer for Michael Wagner, who left for Sudan last week as a peace worker seconded by the Church of the Brethren to the Africa Inland Church-Sudan. He begins work in southern Sudan as the country prepares for a national referendum on the possible secession of the south, to be held on Jan. 9, 2011. The referendum was mandated by a Comprehensive Peace Agreement made in 2005 between the north and south of the country.
  
  
• Congregational Life Ministries executive director Jonathan Shively has contributed an article to an issue of "The Clergy Journal" that is focused on evangelism and outreach. The July/Aug. 2010 issue includes Shively's article, "Evangelism: Moving About in the World." The Clergy Journal is published by Logos Productions Inc. as a resource for personal and professional development for pastors and ministerial leaders. For more go to www.logosproductions.com.
  
  
• Brethren Disaster Ministries’ flood rebuilding project in Indiana was featured last week by WLFI Channel 18 in Lafayette, Ind. "Kids and adults from across the country are spending the summer rebuilding homes along the Tippecanoe River," the report began. Find it at www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/local/Rebuilding-continues-along-river.
  
  
• An upcoming presentation, "Afghanistan and Beyond: Andrew Bacevich on America's Path to Permanent War," is recommended to Brethren in the Chicago area by Sam Smith, who is serving as a peace witness consultant to the Church of the Brethren. Bacevich, a professor of history and international relations at Boston University, will speak at the Chicago Temple on Aug. 19, 7-8 p.m. He is the author of "The Limits of Power and the New American Militarism," and his writing has appeared in "The Atlantic Monthly," "The Nation," "The New York Times," "The Washington Post," and "The Wall Street Journal." Contact ssmith@brethren.org.
  
  
• A rare Brethren book has been donated to Bridgewater (Va.) College, one of only a few known copies of the first Brethren hymnbook published in 1720 in Berleberg, Germany, according to a release from the college. The book was donated to the Alexander Mack Memorial Library at Bridgewater by Joyce DeBolt Miller, who graduated from the college in 1954, and her husband, Richard. The couple acquired the 464-page, leather-bound volume at an Ephrata, Pa., auction 10 years ago. They noted that the hymnbook was not known to exist until it was first discovered in Germany in 1958 by Brethren historians Donald and Hedda Durnbaugh. Of the handful of copies known worldwide, two are now owned by Bridgewater College. Contact Andrew Pearson, director of the library, at 540-828-5410 or apearson@bridgewater.edu.
  
  
• The August edition of "Brethren Voices" community television show is titled "Remembering Hiroshima and Nagasaki--Lest We Forget" on the 65th anniversary of the first atomic bombings. For over 20 of those years Brethren Volunteer Service has provided directors for the World Friendship Center in Hiroshima. Michiko Yamane, a center board member, provides a tour of the Hiroshima Peace Park. The program is hosted by Brent Carlson, who also interviewed Mito Kosei, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing. In addition, Jacob Crouse is featured with his National Youth Conference winning song, "There's More than Meets the Eye." The September edition will feature the band Mutual Kumquat. Copies of Brethren Voices are available from Portland Peace Church of the Brethren for a donation of $8. Contact Groffprod1@msn.com.

Source: 8/12/2010 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. Jordan Blevins, Alan Bolds, Joan Daggett, Mary Jo Flory-Steury, Ed Groff, Mary K. Heatwole, Jeri S. Kornegay, Karin L. Krog, Emily LaPrade, Stan Noffsinger, Jonathan Shively, Sam Smith, Jane Yount contributed to this report.

NEWS

• National Youth Conference brings some 3,000 Brethren to the mountaintop with the theme, ‘More than Meets the Eye.’
  
• Becky Ullom leads her first NYC as denomination’s youth director.
  
• NYC facts and figures.
  
• Romary elected chair of the Brethren Benefit Trust Board at July meeting.
  
• CDS helps train Catholic Charities volunteers to address oil spill needs.

BRETHREN BITS

• Corrections, personnel, job opening, district conferences, more.

National Youth Conference brings some 3,000 Brethren to the mountaintop with the theme, ‘More than Meets the Eye.’

National Youth Conference (NYC) held July 17-22 in Fort Collins, Colo., brought together 2,884 Church of the Brethren youth and adults on the campus of Colorado State University. The conference is held every four years by the Church of the Brethren for high school-age youth and those who have completed the first year of college.

The highlight of the daily NYC schedule were two worship services--one held each morning, one each evening--featuring a wide array of preachers addressing the theme, "More than Meets the Eye" from 2 Corinthians 4.

Daily themes guided the experience, moving from "A Yearning to Belong," on the opening day to "Searching for Identity," "Facing Brokenness," "Accepting Grace," and "Extending Agape Love," ending with the last day’s theme, "Manifesting Joy."

Two guest speakers from outside the Church of the Brethren--Shane Claiborne, a founding partner of the Simple Way faith community in inner city Philadelphia; and Jarrod McKenna, a "neo-Anabaptist" peace, justice, and environmental activist from Australia--called the youth to a radical revolution based on the grace and love of Jesus Christ.

"The God I know is a God that loves the broken," Claiborne said in his sermon. "We have a God who’s all about loving people back to life." He ended his presentation with a call to confession--which he characterized as a kind of spiritual revolution. It is liberating "to beat our chests and confess our sins to each other," he said, adding that in the culture of the United States it is radically counter-cultural to say that we are wrong, and that we are sorry. "That’s the kind of revolution Jesus has." Closing with prayer, he prayed for the church to respond to the needs of a broken world: "Oh God of all grace, have mercy on us.... Forgive us, forgive us...."

Preaching on the theme, "Extending Agape Love," McKenna encouraged NYC to understand love in its proper biblical context, warning against preachers who hold up the Bible on Sunday mornings to preach a prosperity gospel that is untrue to its context. Rather than looking for that kind of certainty at the center of the gospel message, McKenna said, the Jewish tradition out of which the first Christians came places mystery at the center of the gospel--a mystery McKenna connected with the agape love shown by Jesus Christ.

Allow the mystery to happen, he urged the youth. "We often whittle the gospel into one little point of love," he said. But the gospel displayed in the New Testament invites us into the story, not into one point of certainty. "Instead of us understanding it (love)," he said, "we are to stand under and undergo love."

The NYC week also included an opportunity to receive anointing--which has been a regular event at National Youth Conferences over the decades--as well as other "mountaintop" experiences like afternoon hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park. More than half of the NYC participants spent one afternoon working at a variety of service projects in and around the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland.

Numerous afternoon workshops were offered Monday through Wednesday of the NYC week, ranging in topics and activities from discussions of the church’s peace witness, to examination of the call to ministry, to reflections on current issues in the world, to crafts including the making of wooden spoons.

Recreation included an early morning 5K run, an ultimate frisbee championship, an informal table tennis competition, and more.

In a special recognition during the conference, Chris Douglas was honored for her years of service to the youth of the Church of the Brethren during the time she spent as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry. She is now serving as Conference director for the church. Current youth director Becky Ullom called Douglas to the podium on the NYC stage, where she received a standing ovation.

Leadership for NYC was provided by co-coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade, who served through Brethren Volunteer Service. Becky Ullom, director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, was the key denominational staff person for the conference, working along with National Youth Cabinet members Kelsey Murray, Tyler Goss, Jamie Frye, Sam Cupp, Kay Guyer, Ryan Roebuck, and adult advisors to the cabinet Christy Waltersdorff and Walt Wiltschek.

The worship coordinators for the event were Jim Chinworth, Rhonda Pittman Gingrich, David Steele, and Tracy Stoddart. Music, a key part of the NYC worship experience, was led by coordinators David Meadows and Virginia Meadows, who also were vocalists for the NYC Band: guitarist Laban Wenger, bass player Jacob Crouse, drummer Andy Duffey, and keyboardist Jonathan Shively.

The NYC theme song, "More than Meets the Eye," was composed by Shawn Kirchner of La Verne (Calif.) Church of the Brethren. In an introduction explaining the song’s focus on Jesus, Kirchner wrote to the youth at NYC: "Who was the essential Jesus, the Jesus the first Christians knew, that the early Brethren hoped to rediscover? The guy who got all this going, so that 2,000 years later we're all here at the mountain asking this question? Let's spend our lives finding out...."

Go to www.brethren.org/news for complete coverage of NYC 2010 including reviews of several of the sermons, reports from the week’s main events, daily photo albums, issues of the "NYC Tribune," and links to the NYC Facebook page and Twitter stream. Worship resources for the NYC services will be coming soon as an added online feature.

Source: 7/23/2010 Newsline

Becky Ullom leads her first NYC as denomination’s youth director.

Her first National Youth Conference as director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry was winding down on Tuesday when she was interviewed in Fort Collins, Colo.--and Becky Ullom felt things were going well.

"It’s so wonderful to see the faces of people who’ve been just a picture in the book, and to have a strong connection with so many," she said. "We’ve all come to help youth to build community with each other and the church."

As she learns the ropes, Ullom feels that many of the skills essential in her former position in the office of Brethren Identity has helped. "The importance of community, of fellowship, how we become the hands and feet of Christ in the world, these are what we share in NYC."

There is tremendous energy for the youth conference, but as people transition from youth to young adults, Ullom said, there are obvious distractions. Young adults, like youth, need a sense of belonging. That’s why she plans to work hard to help them stay connected to the church.

"We need the kind of feedback that comes from being together to help relationships grow deeper. Our programs keep us together to share pain and joy, things we can’t do on cyberspace."

-- Frank Ramirez, pastor of Everett (Pa.) Church of the Brethren, served as a volunteer writer on the NYC News Team.

Source: 7/23/2010 Newsline

NYC facts and figures:

• NYC was made possible by: Co-coordinators Audrey Hollenberg and Emily LaPrade, youth and young adult director Becky Ullom, the National Youth Cabinet, a host of volunteer youth workers, guest speakers, adult advisors, district staff and volunteers, staff of denominational agencies--and the congregations and families who supported youth in attending NYC!
  
  
• Total registration, including youth, adult advisors, volunteers, and staff: 2,884 people.
  
  
• Food offering for the Larimer County Food Bank, based in Fort Collins, Colo.: 1,854 items of food, making up 40 boxes of canned and dry goods.
  
  
• Offering to support Haitian schoolchildren and Brethren-related schools in Haiti: $16,502.00.
  
  
• Cash offering for the NYC Scholarship Fund: $6,124.87.
  
  
• Offering of School Kits for disaster relief: 737 kits collected.
  
  
• Service projects: More than half of the participants at NYC spend an afternoon doing a service projects in and around the cities of Fort Collins and Loveland.
  
  
• NYC 5K: Approximately 180 runners participated. Kelsi Beam of McPherson, Kan., finished first in the women’s category (21:32), followed by Brittany Fourman (23:04) and Megan Krok (23:17). Jordan Smeltzer of New Paris, Ind., finished first for the men (17:54) followed shortly by Tyler Riegel (18:27) and Adam Rudy (18:53).
  
  
• "There s More than Meets the Eye," the NYC song contest winner by Jacob Crouse, can more than meet your ear if you go to www.reverbnation.com/jacobcrouseband. Just click "See All Songs" and you can play, queue, favor-ite, download, or share it. You can also learn more about his six song EP "Moments" as well as upcoming per-formance dates and other interesting information.
  
• A professionally produced DVD Wrap-Up full of memories of NYC 2010 is available from Brethren videographer David Sollenberger at LSVideo@comcast.net. Include your name and address information in your order. The DVD will cost $20, which includes shipping and handling.

Source: 7/23/2010 Newsline

Romary elected chair of the Brethren Benefit Trust Board at July meeting.

Deborah Romary was elected as chair of the Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board of Directors at the group’s July 7 meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa., following Annual Conference 2010.

This election comes three years after Romary joined the BBT Board, during which time she has served as the chair of the Investment Committee. She brings to the position insight she has gained while serving as chief executive officer of Romary Financial Services Inc., a financial planning firm in Fort Wayne, Ind. She attends Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne.

"The BBT Board and staff have appreciated Deb’s strong leadership and unique perspective that comes from being a financial planner, an economist, and a graduate of Bethany Theological Seminary," said BBT president Nevin Dulabaum. "I look forward to working with her in this new role."

Before the board meeting began, a luncheon was held to honor the service of departing chair Harry Rhodes, who completed his allotted eight-year term on the BBT Board this year. His tenure as chair began in July 2006.

The nine members present at the meeting also elected Karen Orpurt Crim as vice chair of the board, who has filled this role since July 2009. Dulabaum will continue to serve as the board’s secretary.

The board also voted on the officers of BBT’s corporation: Dulabaum will serve as president, Brethren Pension Plan director Scott Douglas will serve as vice president, director of office operations Donna March will serve as secretary, and financial officer Jerry Rodeffer will continue to serve as treasurer.

In other news from the meeting, the Annuity Benefit Reduction Assistance Program has been extended through Dec. 2011. The board voted to extend the program, a grant issued to qualifying Brethren Pension Plan annuitants to help offset the hardship some members have experienced due to last year’s annuity assumption rate reduction to 5 percent. The grant program will now continue through 2011 and then will be reassessed. New applications will be processed and payments will begin approximately 30 days following approval. Current recipients of the grant must reapply for assistance by Sept. 1 to avoid an interruption in payments.

"The members who have been most impacted by the reduction in benefits have appreciated receiving this grant," said Scott Douglas, director of Brethren Pension Plan. "We’re glad the board voted to continue to assist those members."

The board also approved creationg of a Treasury-Free Bond Fund for Pension Plan members, in order to provide members the option of restricting US Treasuries from their Brethren Pension Plan portfolios. This option is managed like the Bond Fund, but cannot invest in Treasuries.

Iridian has been retained as a large cap value investment manager for BBT. The Investment Committee commended investment management firm Iridian for its performance on BBT’s behalf in the large cap value sector. The firm’s three-year rate of return for Brethren Pension Plan exceeds its benchmark by almost 7 percent. More impressively, Iridian earned a 36.5 percent rate of return in 2009 compared with the S&P 500, which earned 26.5 percent. Iridian, based in Westport, Conn., has been serving BBT since 1993. At each board meeting, the Investment Committee performs a three-year review of one of its eight investment managers.

-- Brian Solem serves on the communications staff of Brethren Benefit Trust.

Source: 7/23/2010 Newsline

CDS helps train Catholic Charities volunteers to address oil spill needs.

Children’s Disaster Services, a Church of the Brethren program, is helping to train volunteers of Catholic Charities in the Gulf region to address oil spill needs related to children. A grant of $5,000 has been requested from the Church of the Brethren’s Emergency Disaster Fund to support the effort.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico is impacting the fishing, seafood, and tourism industries, and the businesses that provide them support, noted the grant request. "As the oil spill continues into its third month more families find themselves caught in an economic and mental health crisis. There is no end in sight for the economic impact of this environmental disaster."

The Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans has opened five Oil Spill Relief Centers where those affected can access free counseling and apply for emergency assistance, CDS staff reported. As of mid-July the organization has assisted over 17,000 people and has distributed more than $593,000 worth of food vouchers, food and baby supplies, and direct assistance, with the anticipation that there will be an ongoing need for these centers.

Because school is out for the summer, children often accompany their parents to the Oil Spill Relief Centers, presenting the need for care for children as parents apply for aid or receive counseling. Catholic Charities is working with volunteers, deacons, and others who have started planning activities for children. Children’s Disaster Services is providing training for the National Community Civilian Corps (AmeriCorps) workers who will care for the children in three of the centers.

"It is anticipated that another group of NCCC volunteers will replace the first group in six weeks," said the CDS report. "They will need training as well."

Source: 7/23/2010 Newsline

Brethren bits: Corrections, personnel, job opening, district conferences, more.

• Corrections to the Newsline of July 7: Elaine Gibbel’s name was misspelled. She was among those confirmed to agency boards by Annual Conference, as a trustee for Bethany Theological Seminary. Also, in news from the New Community Project, Sarah Parcell’s church membership was given incorrectly. She is from Indian Creek Church of the Brethren in Harleysville, Pa.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren Youth and Young Adult Ministry has announced assistant coordinators for workcamps in 2011: Carol Fike, a graduate of Manchester College from Illinois and Wisconsin District; and Clara Nelson, a graduate of Virginia Tech from Virlina District. Assistant coordinators serve through Brethren Volunteer Service at the Church of the Brethren General Offices in Elgin, Ill. They work from September-May to plan for summer workcamps, and during the summer are on the road leading workcamps for junior highs through young adults.
  
  
• Brethren Disaster Ministries volunteers Leonard and Helen Stoner of First Church of the Brethren in York, Pa., will be traveling to American Samoa on July 25. Leonard Stoner will be serving as the Brethren building project manager, leading others from Brethren Disaster Ministries, United Church of Christ, and Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. The group will be continue to build a home for an elderly couple on the Pacific island of American Samoa following an earthquake and tsunami in 2009.
  
  
• SERRV International is seeking an administrative coordinator for a New Haiti Design Center at the Fondation pour le Développement de l’Artisanat Haïtien (FDAH)/ Comite Artisanal Haitien in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Following the devastating earthquake in January, FDAH is launching a new design center to help grow sales of handmade products to increase artisan incomes. The coordinator will be responsible for all logistics of the center, including establishing and managing center space and equipment, finance and management systems, a database of artisans and skills, as well as coordinating local Haitian designers, international designers, and international funders in their work with the center. The position requires an 18-month commitment to working in Haiti, with the possibility of longer employment. Salaried at $1,200 US dollars a month plus housing. Air travel to Haiti and return airfare at the end of 18 months, along with a modest stipend to ship additional luggage to Haiti will be provided. Qualifications include sme university or college education, with a bachelor’s or master’s degree preferred, basic computer skills, strong communication skills, strong organizational skills with some management or supervisory experience, basic financial and accounting skills or the ability to learn such skills quickly, a sensitivity to appropriate product design and handmade product retailing strategies for the US and European markets, fluency in spoken and written French or Haitian Creole, experience living or traveling in a developing country. Comite Artisanal Haïtien (CAH) represents more than 170 individual Haitian artisans and groups, including the artisans from Cite Soleil and other poor areas in and around Port-au-Prince, who create beautiful works of art from recycled metal drums, baskets, painted wood products, stone carving and more which have become hallmarks of Haitian craftsmanship. Comite Artisanal Haitien and SERRV International have been partners for more than 20 years. Apply by sending or faxing a resume and letter of application to SERRVHR@yahoo.com or 712-338-4379. Include in a cover letter reasons for interest in working in Haiti as well as personal perspective on living in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere in the wake of a devastating earthquake, and French and/or Haitian Creole language abilities. Position is open until filled. Start date is not firm, but preference is for someone to begin as soon as possible. Questions (but not applications) can be addressed to Cheryl Musch, Director of International Development, SERRV International, Cherylmserrv@aol.com.
  
  
• The Church of the Brethren is one of the faith groups and organizations signing an advertisement calling for reauthorization of a strong child nutrition bill in the US Congress. The church is one of 128 groups signing on to the advertisement, which is sponsored by Feeding America and includes other Christian denominations such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as well as Church Women United, Catholic Charities, and others. The ad ran on Wednesday this week. A coordinated national call-in day also was to be held to further amplify the message to Congress to care for American children. "With 1 in 4 kids at risk of hunger and 1 in 3 obese or overweight, the time for strong action is now," the advertisement was to proclaim. "Congress must pass a robust, well-funded child nutrition bill this summer to help reach the national goals to end child hunger by 2015 and solve child obesity in a generation. The health and future of America’s children depend on it." View the advertisement at web17.streamhoster.com/ddc/AHA/2010/089-1857_Roll_Call_Ad_HR.PDF.
  
  
• Before Aug. 2, On Earth Peace is seeking 25 faith and community groups to sign up to organize public prayer vigils with other local churches and groups in their communities during the week of Sept. 21 for the International Day of Prayer for Peace. New registrants will receive additional training for themselves and other participating groups from their communities. For more information or to sign up to participate visit the On Earth Peace campaign website for the International Day of Prayer for Peace at www.prayforpeaceday.org.
  
  
• Zach Wolgemuth of Brethren Disaster Ministries has been in Nashville, Tenn., meeting with local leaders involved in flood recovery efforts. He also is a member of a subcommittee of the National VOAD (an organization of voluntary groups working on disaster recovery) that has been charged with rewriting a manual to help guide communities recovering from disasters. "This has been a long and process but is very important and necessary due to changes in disaster response and the way communities recover following disasters," Wolgemuth reported. The manual "is considered one of the most important and necessary resources for local long-term recovery group formation and overall recovery in communities impacted by disaster."
  
  
• The Church World Service inventory of clean-up buckets and school kits for disaster relief work is extremely low, according to an alert from CWS. "The need is great as we are in the midst of tropical storm and hurricane season where clean-up buckets often are requested, and for the school kits we are getting in numerous requests as overseas partners prepare for the fall school year," said the alert. The buckets and kits are processed through the Brethren Service Center in New Windsor, Md. For more information about the contents of buckets and kits, and how to assemble and ship them, go to www.churchworldservice.org/site/PageServer?pagename=kits_main.
  
  
• Children’s Disaster Services is offering a volunteer workshop in Los Altos (Calif.) United Methodist Church on Oct. 29-30. Local contacts are Janice Maggiora or Patricia Parfett, call 650-383-9322. Cost is $45 for early registration, or $55 after Oct. 8. Children’s Disaster Services volunteers provide a calm, safe and reassuring presence in the midst of the chaos that follows disaster by setting up and operating special child care centers in disaster locations. Parents are then able to apply for assistance and begin to put their lives back together, knowing their children are safe. This workshop is designed to train potential volunteers to understand and respond to children who have experienced a disaster, but the information learned at the workshop can be beneficial to anyone working with children. Once the training is completed, participants have the opportunity to become a certified Children’s Disaster Services volunteer by providing two personal references and a criminal and sexual offender background check. Children’s Disaster Services has been meeting the needs of children since 1980, and is a Church of the Brethren Disaster Ministry. For more about Children’s Disaster Services go to www.childrensdisasterservices.org.
  
  
• Beaver Run Church of the Brethren near Burlington, W.Va., now has a web site. Go to www.beaverruncob.org.
  
  
• National Youth Conference keynote preacher Jarrod McKenna will speak at Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren in Elgin, Ill., on Sunday, July 25, at 6 p.m. The event is co-sponsored by Fox Valley Citizens For Peace and Justice. McKenna is an Australian peace and environmental activist who is active in The Peace Tree Community, Together for Humanity, and the award-winning initiative Empowering Peacemakers in Your Community in western Australia. A time for discussion will follow the presentation. Call 847-742-6602 for more information.
  
  
• South Central Indiana District is holding its District Conference on July 30-31 in Anderson, Ind.
  
  
• Northern Plains District holds its District Conference on July 31-Aug. 2 at Camp Pine Lake in Eldora, Iowa. The conference will be led by moderator Marge Smalley on the theme, "LET GOD: Lighten up, Energize, Tell, Go Out Disciples."
  
  
• Western Plains District Conference will meet in McPherson, Kan., from July 30-Aug. 1. Several of the district conference sessions will be webcast, with district member Andy Ullom as host. Connect to the webcasts at wpdconnectpro.weebly.com/webcast-information.html.
  
  
• Manchester Church of the Brethren in North Manchester, Ind., is one of the congregations helping support Camp Mack following a fire that destroyed Becker Lodge. Last Sunday church members had an opportunity to write messages and sign a banner for the Camp Mack staff. During Sunday School, the children decorated the banner and wrote their own messages on it. The church distributed a letter from Barry Bucher of the camp board of directors on July 15, reporting that "Camp Mack is still moving forward with two groups in residence this week and more scheduled for the remainder of the summer." A portable kitchen under a tent is providing an outdoor eating space for campers, the camp office has been moved next door to the staff house, and copier and computers have been replaced. "A computer and the server were rescued by firemen from the fire so most of the camp records were saved. Most of the paper files were lost," Bucher wrote. Donations of clothing and gift cards have been received for staff who lost belongings in the fire. "Now begins the process of salvaging what is still useful and planning for the future," Bucher reported. The camp is calling for volunteers to help salvage and clean equipment, help with the demolition of the burned building, and perform other work in coming weeks. Contact the camp office at 574-658-4831.
  
  
• Middle Pennsylvania District and Camp Blue Diamond hold their annual Brethren Open Golf Tournament on Aug. 10 at Iron Masters in Roaring Spring, Pa. Cost is $60 per golfer and includes dinner at Albright Church of the Brethren following the tournament. Contact 814-653-0601.
  
  
• A Tubing Adventure Day on the Shenandoah River on Aug. 21 is sponsored by Brethren Woods, a Church of the Brethren outdoor ministry center. Participants in the afternoon of tubing will gather at 1 p.m. at Mountain View-McGaheysville Church of the Brethren. Brethren Woods staff, including a certified lifeguard, will provide a brief orientation to tubing and safety. The group will float down a stretch of river from Power Dam Road to Island Ford and return to the church at about 4 p.m. Cost is $15 per person and includes transportation, certified staff leadership, inner-tube, lifejacket, and some additional gear. Registrations are due Aug. 13. Contact 540-269-2741 or camp@brethrenwoods.org.
  
  
• Fundraising to purchase the historic John Kline Homestead in Broadway, Va., continues as a deadline nears to raise the total by the end of this year. One of the organizers of the effort, Paul Roth, reports that the total of contributions and pledges now comes to nearly $241,000, "leaving just under $85,000 to be raised by the end of 2010." Contributions may be sent to John Kline Homestead, P.O. Box 274, Broadway, VA 22815. Contact Linville Creek Church of the Brethren at 540-896-5001 to schedule a tour of the homestead for your church or family group. The Board of Directors are planning several events at the homestead beginning in 2011 as part of the four-year Sesquecentennial Commemoration of the Civil War. Included in the plans are a lecture series and interpretive dinners.

Source: 7/23/2010 Newsline

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260. The NYC News Team included photographers Glenn Riegel and Keith Hollenberg, writers Frank Ramirez and Frances Townsend, "NYC Tribune" guru Eddie Edmonds, Facebooker and Twitterer Wendy McFadden, website staff Amy Heckert. Judy Bezon, Jordan Blevins, Michael Colvin, Jeanne Davies, LethaJoy Martin, Jim Miner, Dennis Moyer, Paul Roth, Mary Shesgreen, Zach Wolgemuth, Jane Yount also contributed to this report.

Newsline Special

• Fire at Camp Mack destroys Becker Lodge.
  
• Prayer requested for Haiti on six month anniversary.

Fire at Camp Mack destroys Becker Lodge.

A fire yesterday at Camp Alexander Mack near Milford, Ind., has destroyed Becker Lodge, the camp's main building that also housed a number of summer staff. The camp is a ministry of the Church of the Brethren's districts of Northern Indiana and South Central Indiana.

The fire occurred early on Sunday morning, July 11. No one was injured, although one staff member had to be rescued from an upper story room by firefighters.

"I am saddened to report the early morning fire in Becker Lodge at Camp Mack," wrote Michael Dilling, chair of the Indiana Camp Board, in a message from the board and the staff of Camp Mack. "The building is considered a total loss. I am however pleased to report that there were no casualties or injuries as a result of this fire."

Despite the loss of its main building Camp Mack is continuing its summer camping program as scheduled, Dilling said. "It will be a challenge, but with hard work, understanding and God's Grace the tasks will be accomplished," he wrote in a report that credited camp executive director Rex Miller and the positive attitude and commitment of the summer staff.

Ten different fire departments responded, Dilling reported, adding that over one million gallons of water were used to extinguish the fire that started in a laundry area. Becker Lodge also housed the camp office, kitchen and dining halls, and program rooms, among other facilities.

Dilling said the camp board and staff are overwhelmed by the "outpouring of offers of assistance and support" from the community and local businesses. The Amish community has offered to bring in a complete mobile kitchen so that the camp can continue its summer season. "They are also providing a portable cooler to hold our refrigerated food," Dilling wrote. "Troyer Foods of Goshen is providing a 'reefer' trailer to store our frozen foods. Lances, a local supermarket, provided food for 75 people to feed lunch to the staff and incoming camp leadership." A local congregation has given a $500 gift card to the summer staff to allow them to replace clothing and personal items lost in the fire.

"The camp office is being moved to a nearby building on site and should be up and running on Monday morning," Dilling reported. "Telephone and Internet communications will need to be reconstructed so it may be a few days before normal communications are established."

The camp requests that people do not come to view the remains of the building, and that they wait to offer further assistance until the camp knows what kinds of help will be needed. "When we know, we will issue a call for volunteers," Dilling said. "The task of dealing with what is left of Becker Lodge is best left to professionals.

"Currently, those wishing to be of immediate assistance are asked to pray for the ministry of the camp, pray for strength for the staff, and pray that the campers attending...will get to know God in a new and rewarding way. Those wishing to make monetary gifts are encouraged to follow their hearts."

Go to www.wndu.com/home/headlines/98194969.html for a report of the fire and a link to a video from WNDU Channel 16 in South Bend titled, "Campers, staff devastated to see fire destroy main camp building."

Go to www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-churchcamp-fire,0,1145287.story for a report about the fire from the "Chicago Tribune" and Associated Press titled "Fire guts main building at N. Ind. church camp."

Go to www.indianasnewscenter.com/news/local/1-Million-In-Damages-To-Christian-Camp-In-Milford-98201099.html for a report from IndianaNewsCenter.com titled "$1 Million In Fire Damage To Christian Camp In Milford."

Following is the full message from Michael Dilling, representing the Indiana Camp Board and the staff of Camp Mack:

"I am saddened to report the early morning fire in Becker Lodge at Camp Mack. The building is considered a total loss. I am however pleased to report that there were no casualties or injuries as a result of this fire. As part of the training of the summer staff, we require instruction on how to react in the event of a fire. Some of that presentation shows how flames and smoke form and spread so quickly. Unfortunately, they now have first hand knowledge of just how true the presentation is.

"Ten different fire departments responded to the fire. It was amazing to see how closely they all worked in harmony to bring the fire under control. Despite their best efforts, the building construction made this extremely difficult. The fire re-kindled many different times as "hot spots" would flare up and require additional attention. Over 1 million gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire.

"It is believed the fire started in a laundry area at the rear of the building, quickly engulfing that room, burning through adjoining walls and ceilings into the upper levels of the building. Once the flames reached the attic of the upper dining room the flames quickly engulfed the rest of the building. The offices are a total loss, however the computer servers and a couple desktop computers were removed before the fire reached the offices. Therefore the records of the Camp are safe. Additionally, all the archived "Waubee Waves" were in a separate building and are intact.

"The Camp office is being moved to a nearby building on site and should be up and running on Monday morning. Telephone and Internet communications will need to be reconstructed so it may be a few days before "normal communications are established. Those systems were housed in Becker Lodge and lost in the fire.

"An unusual occurrence is that most of what was in the lowest levels may be salvageable. The kitchen equipment while currently unusable may be salvaged. The tables and chairs in the lower dining hall and program rooms seem to be salvageable. However this will not be confirmed until the building is secured structurally and can be safely entered. Several of the major beams that support the second and third floors may have been severely weakened. Currently the remaining structure is deemed unsafe and no one is allowed inside.

"The outpouring of offers of assistance and support from the local businesses and community is overwhelming. The Amish Community has offered to bring in a complete mobile kitchen and set it up so we can serve meals to the campers attending camp programs this week and through the remainder of the summer camping season. They are also providing a portable "cooler" to hold our refrigerated food. Troyer Foods of Goshen is providing a "reefer" trailer to store our frozen foods. Lances, a local Supermarket provided food for 75 people to feed lunch to the staff and incoming camp leadership today.

"The Indiana Camp Board and the Staff are committed to continuing the Summer Camping program as scheduled. It will be a challenge, but with hard work, understanding and God's Grace the tasks will be accomplished. Rex Miller, Executive Director, is very impressed with the attitude and commitment of the Summer Staff. They are the ones whose lives were in peril and who lost everything, yet as the fire was brought under control and the fire fighters were recovering many personal items, a couple guitars and drums appeared. While covered with soot and smoke, the Staff rejoiced and lifted up a song of praise. It was emotional to hear this beautiful song among feelings of loss and despair. A local congregation provided a $500 gift card to the summer staff to allow them to replace some of the clothing and personal items lost in the fire.

"It is yet too early to discuss any plans for rebuilding. The Executive Director will meet with the insurance company and begin that process. Becker Lodge as we know it was an old structure. Replacing it will mean building to current codes which will require some changes. The Indiana Camp Board will be addressing this issue in the months ahead. The parts of the structure still standing will need to be removed for safety.

"There have been many people asking how they can help. While these offers are deeply appreciated, the current situation around Becker Lodge is dangerous. Also, the rest of the Camp Grounds are busy with summer programming activities. Until we know what kinds of help we need, we ask that people refrain from coming to the Camp to view the burned building but respond when we know what help we need. With the change in food service, we may need more hands to prepare the meals for our campers in the coming weeks. When we know, we will issue a call for volunteers.

"The task of dealing with what is left of Becker Lodge is best left to professionals. Currently, those wishing to be of immediate assistance are asked to pray for the ministry of the Camp, pray for strength for the Staff and pray that the campers attending that they will get to know God in a new and rewarding way. Those wishing to make monetary gifts are encouraged to follow their hearts.

"On behalf of the entire Indiana Camp Board, I gratefully acknowledge and appreciate your prayers, your encouragement and support of our entire staff and ministry."

-- Michael Dilling, chair, Indiana Camp Board

Source: 7/12/2010 Newsline Special

Prayer requested for Haiti on six month anniversary.

Today prayers also are requested for the people of Haiti on the six month anniversary of the Jan. 12 earthquake.

The Brethren response--and Brethren support of ecumenical work by groups like Church World Service--has been swift and effective in comparison with the wider international response, but is community based and works with several specific churches and schools and only certain populations.

On the broader scale in Haiti, the "New York Times" reports that "Six months after an earthquake, only 28,000 of 1.5 million displaced Haitians have new homes, and Port-au-Prince remains a tableau of life in the ruins."

The Brethren work in Haiti is carried out cooperatively by Brethren Disaster Ministries, Eglise des Freres Haitiens, and the church's Global Mission Partnerships. "The Church of the Brethren would appreciate prayer as we begin to plan with the Haitian Brethren for a long-term rebuilding effort," said Jay Wittmeyer, executive director of Global Mission Partnerships.

Prayer is requested for decisions being made about locations and types of permanent housing to be built, and the purchase of land. The Haitian Brethren are working hard toward registration as an official church in Haiti, and Wittmeyer added that the Haitian church also is preparing for its annual theological conference in August "and ask for prayer for that time."

Source: 7/12/2010 Newsline Special

Credits

Newsline is produced by Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, director of news services for the Church of the Brethren, cobnews@brethren.org or 800-323-8039 ext. 260.

A REVIEW OF ANNUAL CONFERENCE

• Resolution Against Torture is adopted by Annual Conference.
  
• Delegates approve church bylaws, act on two queries and a recommendation on appeals.
  
• Hearing gives first look at Special Response process in districts.
  
• Harvey is chosen as moderator-elect, and more elections and appointments.
  
• Resolution on gun violence, 2011 budget adopted by denominational board.

OTHER NEWS

• Deacon training to be offered in Spanish.

BRETHREN BITS

• Webcasts, Conference statistics, 5K winners, anniversaries, and more.

Resolution Against Torture is adopted by Annual Conference.

A Church of the Brethren Resolution Against Torture has been adopted by the Annual Conference, meeting in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 3-7, on the theme, "Taking Jesus Seriously." The Conference was led by moderator Shawn Flory Replogle.

In adopting the resolution, the Conference stated, "Torture is a blatant violation of the tenets of our faith."

Brought by the denomination’s Mission and Ministry Board and presented to the delegates by Standing Committee member Leah Hileman of Atlantic Southeast District, the paper offers a biblical and historical basis for Brethren opposition to torture, and concludes with a strong and emotional call to confession and action.

The section of confession reads:

"We...find both the occurrences of torture and the attempt to legitimize the acts of torture unconscionable.

"We confess allowing the rhetoric and images of torture to pass us by.
"We confess ignoring the cry for justice.
"We confess becoming desensitized and complacent.
"We confess feeling insignificant to make a difference.
"We confess not speaking in a timely manner.
"We confess our inaction.
"We confess our silence.

"We deeply mourn the harm that has been done to all who have been tortured and have tortured. Lord have mercy. We will be silent no more."

Presenting the resolution to the body, Hileman told the story of preaching on this issue recently in her congregation, and then experiencing a 20-minute debate in the open response time following the sermon. Earlier in the week she had told the Standing Committee of district delegates that the response of her congregation, which included "all sorts of arguments to justify it (torture)," is all the more reason to put such a statement into place for the church. "The question still is, ‘What would Jesus do?’" she told the delegates. "The answer is that Jesus wouldn’t be in a room pushing a prisoner to his limit."

She challenged Brethren to be aware of the ways torture is present in daily life, such as in our television viewing where she offered the example of the series "24" in which torture has been graphically depicted for viewers’ entertainment. "That’s not who we are," she said. "The Church of the Brethren can choose today to be in the forefront modeling an alternative to the action of torture."

Speeches from the floor uniformly applauded the intent of the resolution. "I stand in righteous affirmation," said Doris Abdullah, the Church of the Brethren’s representative to the United Nations. "It’s a very important statement for us to make as the body of Christ," said Eric Anspaugh, pastor of Florin Church of the Brethren in Mount Joy, Pa.

"This is an important step to take," said Duane Ediger of First Church of the Brethren in Chicago, Ill., and a participant in Christian Peacemaker Teams, referring to the abuses of Abu Ghraib in Iraq and the practice of extraordinary rendition of prisoners by the CIA and other government agencies.

There were some calls to include a definition of torture in the resolution, and concerns that it refer more specifically to mental and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Two amendments were defeated, including one that would have added a short statement reaffirming the Brethren opposition to all violence, after several responses from the microphones indicated delegates regarded the amendment as diluting the resolution’s focus.

Source: 7/7/2010 Newsline

Delegates approve church bylaws, act on two queries and a recommendation on appeals.

The Annual Conference adopted revised bylaws for the Church of the Brethren and acted on a query on the structure of Annual Conference, a query on guidelines for implementation of the Congregational Ethics Paper, and a recommendation from the denomination’s Leadership Team on appeals of Program and Arrangements Committee decisions.

Query: The Structure of Annual Conference:

Delegates gave overwhelming support to the Standing Committee recommendation to adopt the query on the structure of Annual Conference, and to refer its concerns to the Annual Conference Revitalization Task Force--a body recently put in place by the Conference officers.

The query asks, "What ways are there to structure Annual Conference that might more effectively fulfill the mission of Annual Conference to unite, strengthen, and equip the Church of the Brethren to follow Jesus?"

Standing Committee delegate Vicky Ullery, from Southern Ohio District, told how a group of pastors from Southern Ohio initiated this query. She said it was not designed to do away with the business function of Annual Conference but seeks to uncover ways of enhancing the Conference function of strengthening unity and equipping the church to be the church. Words such as passion, energy, joy, and enthusiasm describe the hope for what Annual Conference may become.

Many people spoke from the floor in favor of the motion, some making suggestions for the task force to consider. Several hoped for more of the flavor of National Youth Conference. Moderator Shawn Flory Replogle noted that two members of the task force have been NYC staffers.

Query: Guidelines for Implementation of the Congregational Ethics Paper:

The delegates also overwhelmingly approved adoption of this query and the Standing Committee recommendation "that it be referred to a committee consisting of the appropriate Congregational Life staff and three persons appointed by the Annual Conference officers and confirmed by Standing Committee."

Named to the committee were Joshua Brockway, Church of the Brethren’s director of Spiritual Life and Discipleship and a member of the staff of Congregational Life Ministries; Joan L. Daggett, associate district executive in Shenandoah District; Lisa L. Hazen, pastor of First Church of the Brethren in Wichita, Kan.; and Clyde C. Fry, a retired pastor from Mansfield, Ohio.

The query asks, "Would it not be helpful and contribute toward the unity of the Body if Annual Conference developed a uniform denominational process by which districts might deal with a congregation that engages in questionable ethical activity?"

Standing Committee’s recommendation was presented by delegate Roger Forry from Western Pennsylvania District, which brought the query. During discussion district executive minister Ron Beachley noted that since the Ministerial Ethics paper contains a specific process to follow in the event of allegations of ministerial conduct, there was a desire also to have a similar process applicable to congregations.

Some who spoke from the floor were concerned about the scope of the committee’s mandate. Moderator Shawn Flory Replogle conferred with the officers and said if the committee decides a process is needed, they will move forward to develop it, and bring it back to a future Annual Conference.

Another concern was that a single process applied across all districts may not be appropriate because of differences between districts. One person wondered if a congregation accused of ethical violations might simply decide to leave the denomination, rather than submit to such a process. The presenters pointed out that the intent of the congregational ethics paper is to keep both parties in relationship and to bring healing and transformation, not punishment.

Appeals of Program and Arrangements Committee Decisions:

The delegates adopted by more than the two-thirds majority required a recommendation on appeals of decisions made by the Conference’s Program and Arrangements Committee. The recommendation brought by the denomination’s Leadership Team--made up of the three Annual Conference officers and the general secretary--was that Standing Committee be the body to receive such appeals.

Added recommendations from Standing Committee also were approved, that this "be adopted as new polity with the understanding that Standing Committee will subsequently develop a policy of how to address appeals of Program and Arrangements decisions that is different from the process Standing Committee follows in making judicatory decisions."

The presenters explained why the Leadership Team thought a change was desirable. Before the recent reorganization, the Annual Conference Council held responsibility to receive such appeals, but several members of the Council also sat on the Program and Arrangements Committee. Since reorganization, the successor to the Council is the Leadership Team, but three of its four members also are on Program and Arrangements.

Several questions from the floor centered on how this new plan would work and how quickly appeals could be handled. The moderator noted that Standing Committee will need to work on developing a process to be used.

Church of the Brethren Bylaws Revision:

The delegate body adopted the revision to the bylaws of the Church of the Brethren by well over the two-thirds margin required. The bylaws under revision were initially adopted in 2008, when the former General Board and Association of Brethren Caregivers joined together in one organization creating the new structure under which the church is now operating.

In 2009, a shorter, clearer revision of the bylaws was brought for a first reading. Delegates were invited to send in suggestions and concerns. The process resulted in minor changes to the document, made for additional clarity or better wording.

In discussion before the vote, a few delegates raised concerns or offered comments. One expressed concern about the legal language, suggesting that the document not refer to the organization as a corporation, but as a church. General secretary Stan Noffsinger replied that the bylaws is a legal document, and that such language is necessary in accordance with the laws of Illinois where the church corporation legally resides.

Composition of the Mission and Ministry Board was another concern. Following these bylaws, the denomination is divided into five areas with two board members coming from each, with Brethren populations varying widely from area to area. Noffsinger replied that members of the denominational board have been either elected or ratified by Annual Conference and always have represented the entire denomination, not just their home districts. He also noted that the Mission and Ministry Board will continue to receive concerns.

The provision that one at-large member of the board can be a person with particular expertise who is not a member of the Church of the Brethren also prompted a question. Noffsinger replied that he could not envision a scenario in which this would be necessary, but that the committee who developed the document wanted to provide for the opportunity if needed.

Source: 7/7/2010 Newsline

Hearing gives first look at Special Response process in districts.

A hearing on the final evening of the 2010 Annual Conference offered a first look at hearings that will take place in each of the 23 districts in the Church of the Brethren this fall and winter.

The district hearings are part of a Special Response process set in motion at last year’s Conference, when delegates acted on two business items related to issues of human sexuality: "A Statement of Confession and Commitment" from the Standing Committee of district delegates, and "Query: Language on Same-Sex Covenantal Relationships" brought by Beacon Heights Church of the Brethren in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Northern Indiana District.

The 2009 Conference voted to accept the two documents as "special response" items to be dealt with using a process for strongly controversial issues. The decision commits the denomination to an intentional church-wide conversation focused on human sexuality.

At the evening hearing, Standing Committee members modeled and explained a format that will be used for all of the district hearings, the "Framework for Conversation" from the Annual Conference paper "Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues."

Larry Dentler, a member of Standing Committee from Southern Pennsylvania District, introduced the hearing format as "the Acts 15 model" for how to make decisions. "I would be delighted if every member of the Church of the Brethren found his way into a hearing," he said. "It’s a wonderful process." He characterized church members who may choose not to participate in hearings--those who "fold your arms and grump away"--as losing an opportunity to have their voices heard.

The Framework for Conversation format is intended to be "transparent in its process and broad in its invitation, fostering a spirit of openness, promoting community rather than uniformity, and understanding rather than debate," as it is described in the Annual Conference paper.

Dentler explained that the format is designed as a two-hour meeting for a group of about 10 to 12 people. The meeting is led by a facilitator from Standing Committee, or another person invited to lead such hearings in a district, who helps guide the discussion but not as a participant.

In addition to the facilitator, a notetaker is to be part of each hearing. A standard response form will be provided for each hearing to send feedback to help Standing Committee formulate recommendations on the two items of business when they come back to Annual Conference next year.

Each hearing is to follow a scripted outline that opens with a welcome, an opportunity for people to introduce themselves, the reading of 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, and a prayer. The hearing then continues with a review of the Special Response process, ground rules for the discussion (such as listening and speaking with respect, and making sure every person has an opportunity to participate), the reading of each business item, and a short series of questions about each business item.

One of the questions will specifically ask what participants want Standing Committee to know as they make their recommendation to the 2011 Annual Conference, and what participants want Standing Committee to do about the two business items.

"By the end (of a hearing) every one of you has the opportunity to answer the question, what do you want to say to Standing Committee?" Dentler emphasized.

A follow up question will ask how participants think members of the church can hold each other together in light of differences among the body.

While the facilitator’s words were scripted on Tuesday evening, the responses of Standing Committee members in the "model" hearing were not. Dentler pointed out the remarkable level of honesty and trust that was exhibited, in front of an audience numbering something over 300 people--plus possibly a much wider audience via webcast. "These brothers and sisters were being vulnerable before you tonight," he said.

The "model" group--all Standing Committee members--displayed widely different points of view when asked what they want Standing Committee to know in this Special Response process. Several made statements in support of the denomination’s 1983 paper on human sexuality, while at least one said forthrightly that she cannot support it. One expressed the need to "stand upon the authority of God’s word," while another spoke of a daughter who is gay, saying "She is not a sinner, she is born the way God wanted her to be." Others talked about their concerns for unity and the church, that "through the midst we hold one another in Christ’s love."

The model hearing closed with a short question and answer time. One question asked if the district hearings will be for church members only, and if people should attend only one. Dentler answered that the hearings should be open to any active participant in the life of a Church of the Brethren congregation, and that yes, people should only attend one. "We don’t want to stuff the ballot box," he said.

Other questions focused on the process, for example in some larger districts how enough hearings can be offered if groups are limited to 10 to 12 people, and what the timing for hearings should be, specifically if one should participate in a Special Response Bible study before attending a hearing.

A more substantive question asked if Standing Committee members will be able to put aside their own feelings, as they take into consideration the responses received from across the denomination.

"We cannot do it on our own," responded one Standing Committee member. "We cannot do it without the Holy Spirit."

After the hearing ended, the room quickly broke up into small groups of people engaged in earnest conversation. Each Standing Committee member was quickly surrounded by those wanting to ask more questions or to express concerns.

It was the second Special Response hearing offered at the Conference. A hearing on the first evening modeled a session of the Bible study that congregations are encouraged to use to prepare members to take part in the district hearings. The Special Response Resource committee also offered an insight session.

For resources for the Special Response process go to www.cobannualconference.org/special_response_resource.html, where there are links to the Bible study prepared by the Special Response Resource Committee, a detailed timeline of the Special Response process, and the Annual Conference paper that is guiding the process--the "Structural Framework for Dealing with Strongly Controversial Issues."

Source: 7/7/2010 Newsline