Wrap-up, Page 1
"Revive Us Again" Psalm 85:6

Photo by Keith Hollenberg Verel Montauban, pastor of the Haitian First Church of the Brethren in Brooklyn, N.Y., delivers the benediction for Monday night's worship. The church's choir also sang in the service.

Breaking down the barriers
Walls must fall for true revival to occur in church

The theme of widening the circle, especially in denominational leadership, came up repeatedly during the 2001 Conference.

One major business item, a query on ethnic representation, looked at ways to better hear minority voices within the denomination, and another, a resolution on relations with the Brethren Church of Ashland, Ohio, looked at strengthening ties with a sister church.

"These gifts by ethnic brothers and sisters are needed to revive us again," delegate Irvin Heishman said during debate on the ethnic representation paper, which was affirmed by the delegate body.

Standing Committee member Jim Hardenbrook called the Brethren Church resolution a "slam dunk" for acceptance, and delegates agreed by adopting it unanimously.

Numerous international guests, from Nigeria, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Sudan, and elsewhere were in attendance, and Spanish translation was provided for all main sessions. Phill Carlos Archbold, the first Hispanic moderator, even assisted with translation at one point, to applause.

Ecumenical voices were also heard, including Baltimore archbishop Cardinal William Keeler.

Several worship services, especially Monday's, featured music and other talents from Brethren from a number of nations and cultures.

Sermon Text

BALTIMORE BUSINESS AT A GLANCE
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

• Review of Process for Calling Denominational Leadership: Adopted with one minor amendment; to be implemented for 2003.
• Litigation: Adopted with several amendments.
• Annual Conference Review and Evaluation Committee Report: Approved as presented with revisions from committee.

NEW BUSINESS:

• Query on Ethnic Representation: Affirmed concern with minor amendment.
• Query Concerning Evangelism and Church Planting: Adopted with one major amendment related to New Life Ministries.
• Resolution on the Brethren Church: Adopted unanimously for study paper in 2001; will be considered at 2002 Conference.

OTHER NOTES:

• Unfinished business on Discipleship and Reconciliation Polity will report in 2002 due to previous action.
• A fire alarm emptied the hall Tuesday morning.

Finney to lead church in Boise

Delegates called Harriet Wenger Finney, co-district minister of the South/Central Indiana District, as moderator-elect. Finney will assist moderator Paul Grout in the coming year, then serve as moderator for the 2003 Annual Conference in Boise, Idaho.

Finney, 60, has been chair of the Council of District Executives and an Annual Conference worship leader.

Full election results, p. 2.