NCC, CWS look to the future with hope
The annual General Assembly of the National Council of Churches USA and Church World Service adjourned with a celebration of the past 100 years in ecumenism and a renewed hope that the future of this communion of communions is bright. Read more.

Devoted ecumenists awarded at General Assembly
Ten humanitarian and ecumenical leaders with deep roots in the Christian unity movement were feted during the 2008 General Assembly of the National Council of Churches and Church World Service in Denver's Renaissance Hotel. The General Assembly awards banquet is an annual event to mark the contributions of devoted workers on the front lines and behind the scenes. Read more.

Newly elected Metropolitan Jonah greeted by G.A.
The NCC-CWS General Assembly sent greetings and prayers to the newly elected Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church in America, which was holding its 15th All American Council in Pittsburgh as the General Assembly met in Denver. Assembly officers told Metropolitan Jonah that "the 34 other member communions have lifted up prayers for the Orthodox Church in America and for your leadership." More.

NCC - CWS General Assembly convenes in Denver
The annual NCC-CWS General Assembly opened its three-day annual meeting in  in Denver. "For one hundred years, we have gathered -- or have been gathered -- by God's grace, not to celebrate our achievements but to give thanks for what God has done, is doing, and will do to tear down the dividing walls of hostility that separate even the followers of Christ," said NCC General Secretary Kinnamon. Read More.

► Read the full text of Michael Kinnamon's report

Dorrien: ecumenism must adjust to dramatic change
In opening sessions of a General Assembly observing the first 100 years of the ecumenical movement in the U.S., Dr. Gary Dorrien, Professor at Union Theological Seminary and Columbia, told delegates that the movement has "an historic opportunity to change. He traced the history of the social gospel movement and said the recent election of President-Elect Barack Obama opens the door to new possibilities. More.

Some great candidates who were never president
At the close of the election season, it's intriguing to think back on ecumenical leaders who were often mentioned as potential presidential candidates but never made it. Some -- including J. Irwin Miller and Harold E. Stassen -- might have done a better job in the oval office than some of its recent occupants. Would the country and the world be different if they had made it? Read more.

Interfaith Commission warns of extreme DVD on Islam
The NCC's Interfaith Relations Commission has raised alarm over the mass distribution of 28 million copies of what it termed a “distorted and misleading” DVD entitled: “Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West." The Commission charged that the DVD has the effect of “fanning the sparks of mistrust, bigotry and hatred that undermine the very foundations of a multi-religious democracy.” More.

Ecumenical conference on trafficking: final report
The Ecumenical Conference on Human Trafficking began at 12:30 pm on Monday, September 29, 2008 at the Church Center for the United Nations, 777 United nations Plaza, New York, NY, 10017 and finished at 12:30 pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.  There were 72 participants representing 15 different denominations or faith communities, 3 interfaith organizations and 7 secular organizations.  The final report is here.

Kinnamon and Kobia: protect the Christians of Iraq
NCC General Secretary Michael Kinnamon has welcomed a call by World Council of Churches General Secretary Samuel Kobia "to quell the violence" against the Christian minority in Iraq. Kobia issued the plea to officials of the United Nations and the Iraqi government, seeking "swift action to quell the violence in Iraq and to thwart activities aimed at the expulsion of Christians and other minority populations." More.

NCC calls for support of beleaguered India Christians
Christians make up two percent of the population of India, and for the past 10 months they have been subject to violent attacks at the hands of Hindus. "This persecution of Christians in India must stop!" declared NCC General Secretary Michael Kinnamon at  rally of Indian Christians near United Nations headquarters in New York. "We in the United States stand with you in this time of anxiety and suffering.  You are not alone!" More.

Ecumenical response issued to 'A Common Word'
The NCC Governing Board has approved an ecumenical response to "A Common Word Between Us and You," declaring Christianity and Islam "are compelled to find common ground." The Muslim message is a letter from Muslim scholars worldwide that seeks dialogue with Christians based on love of God and love of neighbor, two commandments central to both Islam and Christianity, as well as to Judaism. More

NCC Women's Ministries offer electioneering guides
Your congregation can make your voice heard during this election year with the assistance of  In Times of Great Decision: How Congregations Can Take Part in Legal, Non-Partisan Election Activities, and Faith Seeking Peace, new resources developed by WAND Educational Fund for people of faith and available through NCC Women's Ministries and the Justice for Women Working Group. More.

New NRSV formats teach discipleship and eco-justice
The NCC's NRSV is a staple in homes, churches and seminaries, and new formats are aimed at adding new dimensions to the reading of scripture. HarperOne's "The Green Bible" offers what conservationist Cal DeWitt calls a "green lens" for for celebrating creation. And "The Discipleship Study Bible" published by WJK Press is introduced as "the first completely new NRSV study Bible in five years." More.

Church councils minister creatively to immigrants
Compelled by faith to welcome all people as neighbors, church people have developed creative and effective immigrations ministries. Across the country, city and state councils of churches are welcoming additional ideas to enhance their support of neighbors who are sometimes dismissed as 'aliens.'  For an overview of their work – and ideas for ministries in your own neighborhood – look here.

NCC centennial history vignettes have some surprises
The NCC is posting a series of monthly "Ecumenical Moments" on its Web page as one of several ways of celebrating it's 100th anniversary this year. Most of the "Ecumenical Moments" retrace familiar NCC activities in Bible publishing, religious education, and peace and justice work. But there have been surprises. What, for example, was John Foster Dulles doing in our peace-making history? More.

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