Ecumenical committee strengthens American Baptist connections.

The Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR)--the ecumenical committee of Annual Conference and the General Board--met Sept. 17-19 in Elgin, Ill. Jerry Cain, president of Judson College, attended the meeting for the American Baptist Churches USA.

It was the first meeting of the CIR with an American Baptist observer consultant, according to Stan Noffsinger, general secretary and ex-officio member of the committee. Earlier this year, committee member Belita Mitchell attended the equivalent American Baptist group, the Committee on Christian Unity. "Both of these committees can benefit from the fraternal relationship," said Noffsinger.

An effort to strengthen relationship with the American Baptists has been in process for several months, and continues a 30-year "associated relationship" between the two denominations. Brethren and Baptist staff leaders held a day-long meeting in February this year and plan to meet again in February 2005.

CIR is working with American Baptist leaders to identify an American Baptist member to serve on the Multi-Ethnic/Cross Cultural Study Committee, as mandated by Annual Conference this summer. "That contact has been made and we're awaiting their response," Noffsinger said.

The committee also received reports from representatives to other Brethren bodies; held conference calls with representatives to the National Council of Churches and World Council of Churches; reviewed ecumenical events at Annual Conference 2004 and planned for 2005; and determined that its ecumenical citation for 2005 will award a youth or young adult active in ecumenical peace work.

Michael Hostetter of Roanoke, Va., serves as chair. Also on the committee are Steve Brady, Lebanon, Ohio; Jim Eikenberry, Calif.; Brandy Fix, Wabash, Ind.; Robert Johansen, Granger, Ind.; and Belita Mitchell, Harrisburg, Pa.

Source: Newsline 10/01/2004
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