East Africa Gripped by Drought and Famine

Thousands of Somalis are feared dead as famine grips the eastern Horn of Africa in the worst drought since 1950. A poor rainy season again this year means that the October harvest will not yield enough food. Crop failures will put 11 million people, mostly in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya, at risk of malnutrition. “This is an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that deserves the attention and support of the world,” said Zach Wolgemuth, associate director for Brethren Disaster Ministries.

Newsline for June 30, 2011

News stories: 1) Conference business addresses issues related to sexuality, church ethics, climate change, decorum. 2) Ministries of reconciliation and listening will offer assistance at Annual Conference. 3) Church leader signs on to letters about Afghanistan, Medicaid budget. 4) Group is encouraging local CPS anniversary celebrations. 5) Disaster fund gives $30,000 to start Pulaski Country rebuilding project. 6) Hiroshima monument is dedicated to founder of friendship center. 7) Joan Daggett resigns from Shenandoah District leadership. 8) Jorge Rivera ends service as associate executive for Puerto Rico. 9) Pérez-Borges to serve as associate executive in Atlantic Southeast District. 10) BBT calls John McGough to serve as CFO. 11) Brethren bits: Personnel, job openings, college news, more.

Newsline for July 29, 2011

Stories include: 1. East Africa gripped by drought and famine. 2. Religious leaders requesting a Circle of Protection. 3. Church World Service celebrates 65th Anniversary. 4. Heeding God’s Call rally and peace march. 5. Peace Corps partners with the University of La Verne College of Law. 6. Georgia Markey to serve as acting district executive. 7. Elizabeth Keller to resign from Bethany Seminary. 8. Idaho and Western Montana District. 9. Bethany Seminary. 10. Brethren Benefit Trust. 11. Brethren Bits: Reflections, Milestones and More.

BBT Board Calls New Leadership Following Resignation of Its Chair

Brethren Benefit Trust (BBT) Board chairwoman Deb Romary unexpectedly resigned from the BBT Board of Directors on July 5, immediately following the action by the Annual Conference delegate body on two business items related to issues of human sexuality. She had served as chairwoman of the BBT Board since July 2010. She was elected by the BBT Board in Nov. 2010 to serve a second four-year term; that election was affirmed on July 4 by the Annual Conference delegate body.

Newsline for July 14, 2011

Stories include 1. Open Roof Award is presented to Oakton Church of the Brethren. 2. Interfaith coalition says houses of worship cannot cover cuts to poverty programs. 3. McPherson College group returns from Haiti with new perspective. 4. Church of the Brethren pastor arrested, relinquishes credentials. 5. International Day of Prayer for Peace organizers seek 200 churches. 6. Next church webinar is on ‘Befriending a New Vision.’ 7. BBT Board calls new leadership following resignation of its chair. 8. Karn to direct buildings and grounds at New Windsor Service Center. 9. Williams named to new position at Bethany Seminary. 10. From the Moderator: Charge to the 2011 Annual Conference. 11. Brethren bits: Correction, remembrance, CDS to Minot, and more.

From the Moderator: Charge to the 2011 Annual Conference

A reflection from Annual Conference moderator Tim Harvey: “During this past year (and especially during the week at Grand Rapids) I’ve learned how deeply you love the church…. I’ve also learned that although we love the church, we have a lot of work to do–more than we expected–to learn what it means to love one another…. I pledge to you that as I travel around the denomination over the coming months, I am willing to have any conversation with any person about any aspect of life and ministry. I will do what is in my power and ability to make those conversations safe. Already, some of you have reached out to me to continue these conversations.”

Open Roof Award Is Presented to Oakton Church of the Brethren

Mark 2:3-4 (the story of people breaking through a roof to bring a paralyzed man to Jesus) was the inspiration for the creation of the Open Roof Award in 2004, established to recognize a congregation or district in the Church of the Brethren that has made great strides in its attempt to serve, as well as be served by, people with disabilities.

Annual Conference Attendee Receives Death Threat

A credible death threat was received by an attendee of the 2011 Annual Conference. The recipient of the threat is a gay person, and the threat made reference to the person’s sexuality. A statement about the threat was shared with the Conference at the start of the extra evening business session on July 5, which was made necessary by the length of time taken for Special Response discussions related to human sexuality.

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