(text and image below from Annual Conference web coverage - Tuesday, Page 3)

The Logo: The hands in the shape of a heart over the broken earth signify the need as well as the hope of overcoming violence. They yellow earth stands for hope amidst the turmoil, while the sharp edges of the green shape emphasize the danger that the earth is in. The movement around the earth signifies the dynamism of this global initiative.

The Church of the Brethren welcomed guests from the ecumenical community to a variety of Annual Conference events Tuesday, including the annual Ecumenical Luncheon, the Committee on Interchurch Relations (CIR) dinner, and insight and business sessions.

Fernando Enns, a member of the World Council of Churches Central Committee and a representative of the German Mennonite Church, addressed Conference attendees several times, bringing updates on the Decade to Overcome Violence and other issues facing Christians worldwide.

The CIR paid tribute posthumously to E. Paul Weaver, who argued the validity of conscientious objection to members of Congress and others throughout much of the 20th century, at the luncheon. Weaver was fondly remembered for the peace buttons he passed out wherever he went. The button tradition continues, as his memorial contributions are being used to create and distribute peace buttons in Nigeria.

Weaver visited Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Sudan during his lifetime, and also attended at least four World Council of Churches meetings at his own volition and expense.

Unable to select just one recipient this year, CIR named Indiana residents Lois Clark and Cliff Kindy both winners of the 2002 Church of the Brethren Ecumenical Award.

Clark's commitment to reducing violence, hostility, and prejudice, and her firm conviction that all people are created by and loved by God and are to be loved by us, recommended her to the committee.

Kindy, a member of Christian Peacemaker Teams, has put his life on the line in the face of hostility and displayed a commitment to simple living and actively loving. An organic farmer, husband, and father to two children, he was recognized for his strong faith, keen vision, and determined leadership.

German Mennonite Fernando Enns shares some reflections at this year's Ecumenical Luncheon.

At the CIR dinner, Enns spoke to members of the General Board and On Earth Peace Assembly, as well as other invited guests, about a smattering of the issues coming to the attention of the World Council of Churches. A search committee will soon be formed to identify the next general secretary of the council, and a location needs to be selected for the next General Assembly planned for 2006.

A committee previously appointed to resolve issues between members from Protestant and Orthodox traditions will also make recommendations to the Central Committee in August.

Staffing and financial concerns came up, as well, and Enns spoke of hoping to keep at least one volunteer sponsored by one of the historic peace churches working on the Decade to Overcome Violence at all times.

Many in attendance questioned the world's opinion of the United States and Christians in the country in light of the tragedies of Sept. 11 and the following military campaign in Afghanistan.

Enns also addressed an evening insight session about the DOV and spoke briefly during the business session in which the World Council of Churches' report was accepted by the delegates.

Ecumenical guests were introduced at Tuesday afternoon's business session, and Cliff Kirkpatrick of the Presbyterian Church (USA)—headquartered in Louisville—offered prayer.