A study committee on “The Church of the Brethren and Ecumenism in the 21st Century” has been named. The group is to prepare a statement for Annual Conference giving vision and direction to the Church of the Brethren’s participation in the worldwide community of Christian communions.
General Secretary
Christian Churches Together Urges Fundamental Immigration Reform
Christian leaders representing the breadth of Christian churches and denominations in the United States issued a strong and urgent call for fundamental immigration reform at an annual meeting of Christian Churches Together (CCT). The Church of the Brethren was represented by general secretary Stan Noffsinger, Annual Conference moderator Bob Krouse and moderator-elect Nancy Heishman, and Brethren Press publisher Wendy McFadden.
Church of the Brethren Joins in Religious Coalition Working to End Gun Violence
The Church of the Brethren has been collaborating with a coalition of over 40 religious groups as a part of Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, alliance of religious groups that bases its work in the belief that, “Gun violence is taking an unacceptable toll on our society, in mass killings and in the constant day-to-day of senseless death. While we continue to pray for the families and friends of those who have perished, we must also support our prayers with action” (www.faithsagainstgunviolence.org ).
Delegation Learns About Sensitivities in the Holy Land, Calls for Continued Work for Two-State Solution
Church of the Brethren leaders have returned from an ecumenical delegation to Israel and Palestine with a renewed commitment to a place sacred to the Brethren faith tradition, and a call for the expression of love to all the people involved in the violent struggles ongoing in the Middle East. In an interview made after their return to the US, general secretary Stan Noffsinger and associate general secretary Mary Jo Flory-Steury commented on their experience.
Brethren Leaders Send Letter of Support to the People of Newtown
In a call made from Jerusalem Dec. 14, Church of the Brethren general secretary Stanley Noffsinger expressed his deep sorrow upon hearing the news of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The news reached him while he and other Brethren leaders were on a delegation to the Middle East. Noffsinger and the delegation has sent a letter to the people of Newtown.
NCC Press Conference Will Call for Meaningful Action on Guns
The National Council of Churches (NCC) has been active since the school shooting in Newtown, by making available resources to congregations and encouraging religious leaders to address the issue of gun violence. Tomorrow the NCC holds a press conference in Washington, D.C., where religious leaders will speak out on gun violence.
General Secretary Responds to School Shooting in Connecticut
General Secretary Stanley Noffsinger expressed his deep sorrow today upon hearing the news of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Brethren Make Efforts to Support Nigerians in the Face of Violence
Several efforts to support and encourage Nigerian Brethren affected by violence are being made by American Brethren, responding to concern for Nigeria expressed during the Annual Conference in July and to news of continuing incidents of terrorist violence. A season of prayer for Nigeria has been announced by Annual Conference moderator Bob Krouse.
General Secretary Joins NRCAT Delegation to White House
The National Religious Campaign Against Torture (NRCAT) organized and led a delegation of 22 religious leaders and NRCAT staff in a meeting Nov. 27 with White House staff, at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building to discuss the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture. Church of the Brethren general secretary Stan Noffsinger took part in the delegation.
Brethren Press Publishes New Bible Study, DVD Resources
Brethren Press has published a number of new resources including the DVD “What Holds Brethren Together,” the 2012 Yearbook for the Church of the Brethren on CD, and the winter quarter of “A Guide for Biblical Studies” on the theme “Jesus Is Lord.” Also new and free to each congregation is a DVD of the Annual Report of Church of the Brethren ministries, videotaped at the 2012 Annual Conference. A shipping and handling fee will be added to the listed price. Order by calling 800-441-3712 or go to www.brethrenpress.com .