Witnesses of These Things AAnnualnnual RReporteport 22009009 – 22010010

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA MISSION STATEMENT

“The National Council of Churches is a community of Christian communions, which, in response to as revealed in the Scriptures, confess Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God, as Savior and Lord.

These communions covenant with one another to manifest ever more fully the unity of the Church.

Relying upon the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, the communions come together as the Council in common mission, serving in all creation to the glory of God.”

MEMBER COMMUNIONS

African Methodist Episcopal Church Moravian Church in America Northern Province The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Southern Province Alliance of National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc. American Baptist Churches in the USA National Missionary Baptist Convention of America Apostolic Catholic Church Orthodox Church in America Diocese of the Armenian Church of America National Baptist Convention of America Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Church in the USA Church of the Brethren Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious The Coptic Orthodox Church in North America Society of Friends The Episcopal Church Polish National Catholic Church of America Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Friends United Meeting Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Reformed Church in America Hungarian Reformed Church in America Serbian Orthodox Church in the U.S.A. and Canada International Council of Community Churches The Swedenborgian Church Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America Mar Thoma Church The United Methodist Church

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN THE USA

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 800, New York, NY 10115 • (212) 870-2025 • www.ncccusa.org You are witnesses of these things.

– Luke 24:48, NRSV

One hundred years ago, representatives of Christian churches around the world gathered in Edinburgh, Scotland, for an unprecedented World Missionary Conference. Th e Conference began a process which brought together the missionary, faith and order, life and work, and education eff orts of various churches working together, and is considered by most the birth of the modern ecumenical movement.

Th e anniversary of this milestone is being celebrated worldwide this year. In June 2010, more than 300 delegates and 100 other participants gathered in Edinburgh to celebrate this marker on the road to church unity and to imagine the future. Th e theme of that gathering was, “Witnessing to Christ Today.”

In November 2010, the discussions of what it means to be ecumenical in the 21st century continue at a centennial gathering that is part of the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches and . Th e theme of this gathering is “Witnesses of Th ese Th ings: Ecumenical Engagement in a New Era.” Th e theme is taken from Luke 24:48 which is the scriptural theme for the 2010 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity—a reminder that there is one, multi-faceted, ecumenical movement.

As we celebrate the history of modern ecumenism and recommit ourselves to the ecumenical calling, we have gathered in this Annual Report the myriad ways the 36 member communions of the National Council of Churches are living and working together ecumenically. From policy statements on the “Authority of the Church in the World” to advancing the Biblical mandates for justice in the face of poverty, environmental degradation and Islamophobia, to resourcing congregations, the work of these communions as the National Council of Churches continues to manifest ever more fully the unity of the Church. From the Desk of the President Rev. Peg Chemberlin

Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

I bring you greetings on behalf of the 36 member churches, 100,000 congregations, and 45 million Christians represented by the National Council of Churches. For over 100 years, our member communions have been in covenant relationship to manifest more fully the unity of the church as they work together in common mission, relying on the transforming power of the Holy Spirit, to serve all creation to the glory of God.

I have seen this at work. I have seen relationships grow and needs being met. I have seen the joy that is the visible unity of the church. Gathered in this Annual Report is a summary of the very many ways our communions are work together as the Council. The breadth of this work is astonishing, and I commend it to your reading.

I am delighted at the work done this year toward two major goals in which I have particular interest. First, I am pleased at the efforts the National Council has made toward re-visioning and re-invigorating the Council’s work with local and regional ecumenical and interfaith bodies (page 14). A stronger connectional dynamic will serve to strengthen the whole of the ecumenical movement.

I am also pleased with the work done to lift up our anti-poverty work including new staffi ng and funding (page 9). This work, coordinating and expanding the engagement of church leaders, member communions, and con- gregations on domestic poverty issues, is very important during these diffi cult economic times. This expansion will also connect us with broader interfaith coalitions and provide a stronger voice for all faith communities.

As President in my fi rst year in offi ce, I want to thank our Governing Board for their hard work and support; and also the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon and our staff for maintaining the highest standards of excellence and effi ciency in advancing the mission of the Council. With this leadership and your support we will continue to make manifest that visible unity to which we aspire.

Very sincerely yours,

Rev. Peg Chemberlin President

4 From the Desk of the General Secretary Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon

Dear Friends,

Th e National Council of Churches is what the churches call themselves when, together, they seek to manifest their unity in Christ and to engage in common mission to the glory of God. It is appropriate, therefore, to begin by giving thanks to God for the calling our member communions have heard to enter into covenant with one another, and for the way God has led them to off er common witness to the love—liberating, reconciling love—we have known in Jesus Christ.

Th e work of the NCC staff , much of which is set forth in this report, is to help the churches carry out this ecumenical calling, and, when needed, to hold the churches accountable to the commitments they have made to one another. When this work is “successful,” it is not our achievements we celebrate, but God’s sustaining grace for which we give thanks.

And there is much for which to be thankful! As you read through the pages that follow, please note the emphasis on strengthening relationships with interfaith and ecumenical partners, as well as among the churches; the integration of unity and justice on the Council’s agenda, all of it grounded theologically; the careful stewardship of resources; the importance given to young adult leadership and formation; the eff orts to make public witness on behalf of the most vulnerable in our society and on behalf of any neighbors who are treated as less than infi nitely-valued children of God.

A major challenge faced by the Council’s staff is to secure suffi cient revenue to maintain (or, with God’s help, increase!) the extent and quality of ministry set forth in this report. A major challenge for the churches, discussed at length in the Governing Board, is to stop duplicating programs that can and should be done ecumenically through the community that is the NCC.

Th is report is an opportunity for me to say publicly that it is a privilege to work with such an outstanding group of staff colleagues! I also want to thank the members of our Governing Board and Executive Committee, including our President, the Rev. Peg Chemberlin. Among her many contributions, Peg has raised the Council’s profi le among members of the current Administration, enhancing our ability to infl uence public discussion on major issues of the day. And I would also like to thank all of you who gave of your time, talent, and treasure to support the National Council of Churches this past year. Your contributions enable our member communions to bear witness to God’s gift of unity in a world that desperately needs such witness.

Warm regards,

Th e Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon General Secretary

5 FAITH AND ORDER COMMISSION

Th e Faith and Order Commission works “to call the Mission, Justice and Salvation, and Th e Nature and churches to the goal of visible unity in one faith and in Mission of the Church are progressing toward their one Eucharistic fellowship expressed in worship and quadrennium goals. Th e Commission will facilitate the common life in Christ, and to advance toward that unity on-line publication of these study group outcomes. that the world may believe.” While Christian churches already share some degree of unity by virtue of their com- Publications. Six papers written for the Unity and mon confession of Jesus Christ as the crucifi ed and risen Mission study group (plus an introduction) were pub- Lord and Savior of the world, they are also aware that lished together in the Spring 2010 issue of the Journal of their unity is incomplete. In the center of this reality, and Ecumenical Studies (Vol 45, No 2). It is anticipated that driving the theological exploration of its meaning is the the remaining papers still being written for this study Faith and Order Commission. group will be published together in a subsequent issue of JES. Afterward, all UM papers will be published collec- Th is year the theologians and other tively in a new Faith and Order book. church representatives on the Faith and Order Commission furthered these In addition, papers from the Oberlin II goals through active and creative conference are in the fi nal stages of engagement of the following initiatives: preparation for publication by Paulist Press, in a book entitled Some Ecumeni- Ecumenism from the Margins. Th ese cal Directions in the US Today: Churches ongoing consultations bring the on a Th eological Journey. Th is volume was perspectives of under-represented edited by Dr. Kireopoulos, with the assis- groups into ecumenical dialogue, and tance of Ms. Juliana Mecera (who served as refl ect critically on their role in shap- an intern at Faith & Order and Interfaith ing such discourse. Sessions have Relations). included African-, Latino-Cuban-, Haitian-, and Native American, as well Th e Commission also provides the Faith as Western Rite Antiochian Orthodox Forum, a program for congregations, adult (Afro-Caribbean), and Metropolitan religious education groups, campus minis- Community Church presentations. Th e Dr. Anton Vrame, Chair tries, ecumenical youth groups, and any- spring 2010 session, with the theme of mission, was pre- one interested in having conversations with Christians sented in cooperation with Union Th eological Seminary. of various denominations to promote oneness in Jesus Christ. Th e Faith Forum’s easy-to-use guides encourage Policy Statement. Th e Commission presented to the Christians of various denominations who live near each Governing Board, a policy statement based on the Faith other to meet regularly; fellowship with each other; and and Order text, “Authority of the Church in the World,” deepen their faith by reading and discussing some of the and after revision, will especially serve as a basis for the NCC’s books and booklets. Council’s work in other areas, esp. in social justice matters. General Assembly. Faith and Order commissioners Edinburgh 2010. Th e Council was represented at this have produced the paper on “Christian Understanding landmark conference by both Rev. Dr. Michael of Unity in an Age of Radical Diversity,” which will be Kinnamon and Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, both of whom discussed with four other papers (on mission/interfaith had signifi cant roles in the program. Dr. Kireopoulos relations, economy, environmental stewardship, and delivered a paper, entitled “Ecumenical Charity as peacemaking) at the 2010 General Assembly. Christian Witness,” based on work done within the Unity and Mission study group. He also represented Faith and Th anks. Dr. Anton Vrame (Commission Chair) and Dr. Order, and the Council in general, at the Commission on Kireopoulos wish to thank the Faith and Order commis- World Mission and Evangelism meeting, which followed sioners for their continued dedication to our common the Edinburgh conference. task. Th ey also thank the members of the Governing Board for their continued support. Study Th emes. Th e Commission studies in Unity and 6 INTERFAITH RELATIONS COMMISSSION

Our Work. Christian churches come together in search the (planned and then cancelled) Qur’an burning in of theological unity within a pluralistic society. As we Gainesville, Florida. Th e Commission wrote the Council’s make this journey, our shared commitments lead us to statement on the issue; Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon a common witness for justice and peace. Th is journey has participated in national interfaith and press events is very much enriched by our friendships with people about specifi c incidents; and Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos of other faiths. Th e building up of these friendships wrote an op-ed on the ignorance at the heart of this between Christian and other religious communities is situation. Th e ongoing problem was the main topic for the work of the Interfaith Relations Commission. It is the 2010 meeting of the National Muslim – Christian here that we nurture relationships with interfaith col- Initiative. leagues, and ensure that the issues important to member churches get voiced in conversation Muslim – Christian Dialogue. Th e with our dialogue partners. Of National Muslim – Christian signifi cant importance also is the Initiative continues to provide a place facilitation of collaboration on for discussion and understandings issues of common concern. between the traditions and work on common issues such as a vigorous Th e Commission’s primary task is to public call to end Islamophobia. Th is articulate a Christian theology for unfortunate context may provide an interfaith relations, provide edu- opening to enhance local Muslim- cational materials to churches (to Christian dialogue throughout the enhance dialogue and cooperation), country. train church members in interfaith relational skills, and create ecumeni- Jewish – Christian Dialogue. Th e cal opportunities with other faith fi rst Jewish – Christian dialogue table traditions. Th e initiatives and work met in the spring and seems to be at of the Commission this year includes: a crossroads. Given tensions over the Dr. Diana Eck, Chair ongoing Israeli – Palestinian Christian Zionism Brochure #2. confl ict, members of this table left the Th e Christian Zionism Task Group, taking its direction meeting with the assignment to consider if and how from the Governing Board, has authored a second this dialogue should continue given our inability to resource, entitled “Th e Scriptures and Christian Zion- move beyond our respective positions on Mideast policy. ism.” Th is brochure will be introduced at the 2010 A second Jewish – Christian dialogue table, met in the General Assembly. fall, more specifi cally focused on domestic policy issues. Conceptually both tables would move forward General Assembly Preparation. Members of the together, as each conversation complements the other. Commission helped to write the fi rst draft of the paper, Th e Council and its member churches’ contribution to “Christian Understanding of Mission in a World of these tables will be enhanced by the opportunity Dr. Many Religions.” Th is paper will be discussed with four Kireopoulos has had (and will have again next year) to other papers (on Christian unity, economy, environmen- participate in a program at the Shalom Hartman Insti- tal stewardship, and peacemaking) at the 2010 General tute in Jerusalem. Assembly. After review, these papers will be commended to the churches for study in local congregations. Th anks. Dr. Diana Eck (Commission Chair), Dr. Peter Makari (Vice Chair) and Dr. Kireopoulos thank the Response to Islamophobia in the US. Th e Council Interfaith Relations commissioners for their continued has been actively speaking against the rising tide of dedication to our common task. Th ey also thank the Islamophobia in our country, particularly in taking a members of the Governing Board for their continued stand during the ongoing controversies surrounding the support. mosque and community center near Ground Zero and 7 JUSTICE AND ADVOCACY COMMISSION

Th e Justice and Advocacy eff orts of the National “Fighting Poverty with Faith,” an interfaith campaign Council of Churches have enjoyed a period of robust to heighten commitment to poverty reduction. growth during the present quadrennium. Th ere are • Nuclear Weapons, with a presentation by Rev. Holly now more ecumenical staff engaged in work to advance Beaumont of the New Mexico Conference of Churches Biblical mandates for justice than at any time in NCC’s on activism at the Los Alamos nuclear site. Th e history. Most of these are grant-supported or seconded Commission agreed to support a forthcoming national personnel, focused in specifi c areas of advocacy and edu- conference on nuclear weapons to be held in Santa Fe, cation on issues of concern to the churches. Th e Justice which will press issues including Los Alamos. and Advocacy Commission and related working groups provide an interface with the member communions. In addition, many commissioners participated in an after-session Racial Justice Forum. Th e commissioners In turn, this ecumenical team works in partnership with also engaged in a visioning session to begin considering professional staff employed by 18 NCC member new organizational strategies for the next NCC communions working in or near Capitol Hill. Strong quadrennium, which begins in January 2012. mutual support adds value to all participants’ work. ECUMENICAL ADVOCACY DAYS Beyond this base of advocacy by the NCC family is a multi-faith force Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD), one – including Catholic, Jewish and of the most successful eff orts to equip Muslim organizations – that encom- and mobilize grassroots Christians for passes more than 100 advocacy per- eff ective public witness, is a tangible sonnel who make up the Washington demonstration of the power of ecumeni- Interreligious Staff Community cal cooperation. Th is annual gathering, (WISC). Th ey organize coalitions launched in 2003, is now supported and work groups to coordinate many by 49 Christian communions, mission initiatives of the larger faith commu- agencies and movements, and consis- nity on legislative issues. tently attracts more than 700 clergy and Pat Pattillo of NCC serves as con- lay participants from all over the nation. venor for a monthly dialogue meeting of directors of Washington offi ces of all these WISC faith groups, to Th e 2010 meeting, focused on issues of immigration strengthen these partnerships. reform, was held March 19-22 in Alexandria, Virginia. Preparations for the annual event involve a steering ANNUAL COMMISSION MEETING committee, a conference coordinator, and a large plan- ning team of dozens of Protestant, Orthodox and Th e Justice and Advocacy Commission reviews and Catholic advocacy staff working together across many correlates the work of an array of justice initiatives months. Th is year’s conference featured platform mes- undertaken by the Council staff , member communions, sages by Disciples General Minister Sharon Watkins, and NCC-related advocacy movements. Th e 2010 meet- United Methodist Bishop Minerva Carcaño, and Roman ing of the Commission was held March 18-19 in Catholic Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Alexandria, Virginia. Th ere were special focus sessions on: Walking. A series of workshops and roundtables focused • Gun Violence, featuring Bryan Miller and Th erese on key issues in public policy. On Sunday afternoon, Miller of Heeding God’s Call, a Pennsylvania citizens’ EAD registrants also joined with tens of thousands of movement opposing irresponsible handgun sales. marchers on the National Mall in support of immigra- • Natural Disasters, with Episcopal pastor Rosemari tion reform. On Monday, the fi nal day of the confer- Sullivan, who is helping coordinate NCC commun- ence, participants journeyed to Capitol Hill for visits nions’ responses to the crisis facing Haiti’s churches. with their members of Congress to discuss immigration • Poverty, with a report on NCC’s participation in reform. For more on EAD, see: www.advocacydays.org. 8 ECUMENICAL POVERTY INITIATIVE immigrants, and encourage churches to advocate with government for improved immigration policies. Since Th rough grants from foundations and funds from the the establishment of the task group, pressures for and Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in against state and national legislation on immigration America, and Church of the Brethren, the NCC has have escalated signifi cantly. A nine-member panel, continued its longtime work on poverty issues. In drawn from staff s of member communions, regional September, Rev. Michael Livingston, former executive councils of churches, and NCC and CWS, has been director of the International Council of Community meeting regularly to fulfi ll that mandate, under the Churches and 2006-2007 President of the NCC, was leadership of David Leslie of Ecumenical Ministries of appointed coordinator of the eff ort, responding to a Oregon. Th ey have established a website (www.ncccusa. major multi-year grant commitment from the org/immigration), where they have published links to a Marguerite Casey Foundation. Livingston’s work will: variety of faith-based statements and resources on • identify strategies for broader church institutional immigration. Th ey have joined with the Interfaith participation on poverty issues; Immigration in a holiday card campaign during • coordinate and expand the engagement of church November and December, and fostered a pastoral letter by leaders, member communions, and congregations; and denominational leaders encouraging local church • educate the ecumenical faith community on the leadership to be involved in advocating for immigrants. current challenges of poverty from a faith perspective and outline opportunities to address poverty. ECUMENICAL RESPONSE TO LONG-TERM RECOVERY IN HAITI Th rough the poverty website (www.nccendpoverty.org), the initiative hopes to serve as a central resource on Th e January 12 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, killed various domestic poverty issues. Over the past year, the 200,000, left two million homeless, and destroyed the initiative has conducted advocacy on a range of issues, infrastructure – including churches and homes – serv- partnering with NCC member communions ing hundreds of thousands more. Almost a year after this ecumenically and with broader interfaith coalitions. devastating event, the NCC With the Washington Interfaith Standing and its communions are ac- Committee on Domestic Human Needs tively engaged in planning a (WISC-DHN), we have worked on such long-term eff ort to assist in legislative issues as jobs and employment, the recovery and rebuilding of aff ordable housing, child hunger, budget and the nation. Canon Rosemari appropriations, and the child tax credit. Sullivan is currently serving as part-time seconded staff from Th e Council has now joined as a partner in the Episcopal Church to the the 34-member interfaith coalition “Fighting NCC to coordinate this ecu- Poverty with Faith,” an initiative that encour- menical U.S. Haiti Response. ages faith communities to host events and Key staff from NCC member projects each fall to highlight the importance communions convened in April of addressing poverty. Th e initiative developed to assess current work and rela- various resources to help congregations take tions already established by our action in October on poverty issues. For more member communions and about this coalition, see possibilities of coordinated Dr. Miriam Burnett, Chair www.fi ghtingpovertywithfaith.com. work. A “Haiti Response Committee” was appointed by ECUMENICAL TASK GROUP ON IMMIGRATION the NCC General Secretary. In September, Washington advocacy staff and U.S. congregational and faith-based At the 2008 NCC/CWS General Assembly a Resolu- leadership met to consider priorities, including potential tion on Immigration and A Call For Action created an advocacy work on Capitol Hill along with focal areas for Ecumenical Task Group on Immigration, with a three- NCC communions, such as education needs, support of fold mandate to disseminate theological and educational pastoral and lay leaders, and the need for decentralization materials to congregations, support churches in serving of support for long-term sustainability. 9 ECO-JUSTICE PROGRAMS African-American congregations, Th e program continues to deliver highly acclaimed resources including a Th e Eco-Justice Program supports the ecumenical worship and education resource on the religious response environmental ministries of the Council’s communions to the Gulf oil spill, an African American adult education through education, worship resources, training, outreach, curriculum on climate justice, and a action module on and advocacy. With a strong national network of member protecting the Chesapeake Bay. communions, state ecumenical agencies, religious leaders, and faith activists, the program brings the Th e environmental health initiative collaborated with theological and religious voice on eco-justice issues such the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and our as climate change, energy, lands, environmental justice, state ecumenical and interfaith partners on environmental water, green buildings, and environmental health. health to develop and release an Interfaith Statement for Chemical Policy reform that draws on theology from Th is successful program, directed by Cassandra Carmichael the fi ve largest faith traditions of , Hinduism, and supported by foundation, individual donor, and Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam. With 18 organizations cognate funds, works in coop- and 300 religious lay leaders endorsing the statement, we eration with the Eco-Justice have begun to help activate a broad interfaith initiative. Working Group, comprised In addition to participating in a House of Representatives of representatives from mem- stakeholder process and meeting with policy-makers at ber communions. It focuses the state and national level, which brought to light the on bringing the faith voice to moral message on toxic chemicals, nearly 600 letters have climate change by engaging been sent to Members of Congress regarding congregations, pastors, and environmental health. senior religious leaders on the need for climate justice. We Th e Eco-Justice Program draws upon the full breadth have continued with our and depth of Christian faith so that the program can help African-American Climate Carmichael embody the love and salvation of Christ as we carry out Initiative in the Southeast, the Christian eco-justice ministry. Our concern for justice reaching churches in Virginia, North Carolina, South on behalf of vulnerable populations disproportionately Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Arkansas. Th e Council impacted by environmental problems is woven throughout coordinated a daylong conference in Virginia to explore each program area. For more information on the the impacts of climate change on communities of color Eco-Justice Program initiatives, visit with congregations and pastors. www.nccecojustice.org or www.nccecotenders.org.

In addition, we have continued to engage denominations JUSTICE FOR WOMEN WORKING GROUP at the national level, providing leadership and coordina- tion to develop a public witness around the need for a Chaired by Kim Robey, representative from Th e Episcopal national climate policy. Recently, the program has Church, and staff ed by Rev. Ann Tiemeyer, this working coordinated the delivery of more than 15,000 postcards group oversees the work of a highly active Women’s and conducted more than 100 educational visits with Ministries Program, with focus areas of Domestic Vio- Members of Congress including meeting with the mem- lence, Human Traffi cking, Language and Poverty. Th e bers of the Congressional Black Caucus. In addition, Working Group reports these recent achievements: we have coordinated 3 roundtables around the country exploring the role and importance of renewable energy A Language Matters Gathering, held in Chicago August in our communities. Over the last year, staff of the eco- 9-11 with funding from fi ve NCC communions, was justice program have worked with clergy to submit more phase #1 of the expansive language project and included than 20 op-eds and 10 letters to the editor (focused on a diverse group of 25 participants. An article summariz- the impact of climate change on communities of color) to ing the event can be found online at http://www.ncccusa. various print media. org/womensministry/. Th e project’s vision is to encourage many conversations that take diverse contexts seriously Th e program continues its strong emphasis on education in exploring the power of language and how it can be and outreach, and has conducted more than 50 presenta- used in life-giving ways that extend the hospitality of the tions to a variety of audiences including seminarians and church’s mission within the church and community. 10 Th e working group is actively seeking additional support Senate by unanimous consent, the House went on to pass of both funding and in-kind services from member a bill that reduces down to 18-1 the former 100-1 communions for phase #2 of this project. disparity between how crack cocaine is sentenced, as opposed to powder. Th e President has signed the legisla- A grant from the Religions for Peace – Women of Faith tion into law. Th is represents a major victory for thou- Network was secured to promote and expand the education sands of individuals, particularly in African-American, to advocacy project, the NCC Fistula Stories Resource. Latino, and low-income communities, even as we continue Coordinator Meagan Manas worked with Rabbi Bonnie to work to eliminate the disparity completely. Margulis ( Jewish Consultant) and Tahira Ebrahim (Mus- lim Consultant) to expand Fistula Stories, adding a multi- Ending Gun Violence. We drafted a proposed NCC faith perspective section to the website with free resources resolution and call to action on ending the gun violence at www.fi stulastories.org. Future plans include a congre- crisis, and invited Bryan Miller and Th erese Miller of gational resource exploring the intersection of maternal Heeding God’s Call to the March meeting of the NCC health and race in the USA context. Justice and Advocacy Commission to discuss ways in which NCC communions can be in partnership with Young Women’s Leadership Experience at the United Heeding God’s Call, consistent with the resolution and Nations – NCC and Church Women United (CWU) will call to action. host a joint delegation for six to ten young women at the annual UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) Democracy Restoration Act. We are working in coalition in February 2011. Initial funds have been raised jointly with our partners to have the Democracy Restoration Act with contributions from six NCC communions. (“DRA”) passed into law. Th e DRA would restore voting rights to people who have had felony convictions, once Phase II of Th e Circles of Names campaign – found at they have served their time. We participated in a Senate www.circlesofnames.org –recognizes women’s leadership briefi ng on this issue. in the churches, has organized women’s gatherings across the nation throughout the fall, and has a goal of raising Judicial Nominations. We sit on the panel of faith groups $100,000 by end of 2010. called, “Th e Pew and the Bench,” which reviews the records of Supreme Court nominees, and analyzes their potential Women’s Ministry Director Rev. Ann Tiemeyer partici- impact on issues of signifi cance to our respective commu- pated in Disciples Women’s National Quadrennial gath- nions/churches/religious groups. We engaged in this pro- ering, Union Seminary / UNFPA event on Women of cess for Justice Sonia Sotomayor, and are currently under- Faith and Development, Denominational Women Execu- going the same process for recent nominee Elena Hagan. tive gathering, and several initial planning meetings with Women’s Funding Network and the Sister Fund regarding Transportation Equity. We are working with the Women of Faith Moving Millions. For more information, Transportation for America coalition to analyze the ways see http://www.ncccusa.org/womensministry/ in which current transportation policy fails to adequately and facebook.com/womensministries meet the needs of low-income communities and commu- nities of color, while also dumping a dispropor- RACIAL JUSTICE/HUMAN RIGHTS tionate amount of pollution into these com- munities. With our allies, we are advocating for NaKeisha Sylver Blount, a theologically-trained comprehensive reforms in transportation policy attorney, holds a recently established program that will make it more equitable for all. position in racial justice and human rights, funded by the United Church of Christ, housed Racial Justice Working Group. During its in the NCC offi ce and serving UCC and other March 2010 meeting, the Justice and Advocacy NCC communions to advance policies that will Commission approved a recommendation to help confront systemic racial inequalities, and reconstitute the Racial Justice Working Group as a committee of the JAC. Th e Commission dismantle structural barriers to people of color. Blount She reports recent work on the following issues: has called for nominations from communions that will allow this committee to begin its work Crack-Powder Cocaine Sentencing Disparity. Cocaine before the end of 2010. sentencing reform is now law! Following passage in the 11 Ecumenical Bail Bond Fund. During its March meet- leadership of Jordan Blevins, who previously was part of ing, the Justice and Advocacy Commission endorsed our the Council’s eco-justice team. In its fi rst months, the recommendation to reconstitute the NCC’s Ecumenical program paraticipated in Peace Among the Peoples, an Bail Bond Fund. We are looking forward to reinstating ecumenical peace conference held in Elkhart, Indiana, this highly successful ministry under the supervision of in preparation for the International Ecumenical Peace the new Racial Justice Working Group. Convocation next summer. Jordan Blevins and Deborah DeWinter each brought greetings to the conference on Healing the Interracial Disconnect. We invited Rev. behalf of the Council. Additionally, a message was sent to Brenda Girton-Mitchell of Grace and Race Ministries the Governing Board and all Ecumenical Offi cers, mark- to present a session on confronting racial bias/inequity ing the anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and through the use of popular culture. Drawing on the mo- Nagasaki, and calling for nuclear disarmament, specifi cally tion picture Crash, Rev. Girton-Mitchell led participants the ratifi cation of the new START treaty with Russia. at the March JAC meeting through a thought-provoking examination of potentially latent bias. Th e NCC Justice and Advocacy Commission has affi rmed a partnership with the New Mexico Council of Churches to Faithful Democracy. We are participating on behalf of host a Nuclear Weapons Disarmament event in Santa Fe in NCC in Faithful Democracy, a joint eff ort of Christian, 2011, and Jordan will serve in a liaison role with that project. Jewish, Muslim, and Unitarian Universalist religious Th e Justice and Advocacy Commission also approved for communities, who seek to off er a more respectful and further conversation the Resolution on the War in Afghani- responsible approach to engagement than is often stan, to be presented at this Governing Board meeting. portrayed in the media. Upcoming action will include partnering with the U.S. ECUMENICAL PEACE WITNESS Decade to Overcome Violence Committee to coordinate follow up for the decade, as well as continued involve- Th rough a partnership with the Church of the Brethren ment with issues of nuclear disarmament, and web-based that began on July 1, the NCC is now able to provide resources on a variety of other ways churches can bring a renewed focus on its peace witness, through the staff common witness on issues of peace in the world.

HEALTH TASK FORCE

Th e National Council of Churches Health Task Force background documents, links to relevant websites, etc. serves as the primary point of focus of the Council’s work (www.health-ministries.org ) in network development, education and advocacy related to health ministries and healthcare policy reform. Th e Th e Task Force, along with other partners, gave sustained Health Task Force, with more than one-third of the and coordinated leadership, making certain that the voice member communions as well as specialized ecumenical of the faith community was a part of the discourse as our health related groups has been in place for over three country debated and ultimately passed historic health years. Th e Task Force relates to a NCC Health Network care reform. Church leaders were supported with the comprised primarily of congregations of member educational base and network development necessary to communions that are concerned with some aspect of engaged in faith-based policy dialogue in a balanced and health education, direct service or policy advocacy. To nuanced manner, lending the Council’s and its member address the interests and concerns of the Network the communions’ moral authority in a credible way. Health Task Force has developed three foci including: Network Development and Capacity Building, Health Th e HTF continues its work to insure that those most in Care Policy Reform, and Emergency Preparedness. need of them will have access to the services and resources made available through this reform. Also in this next Th e Task Force website serves as an important education phase of its work, the HTF has identifi ed initiatives in and advocacy resource for individuals, congregations, and the areas of immigration and health care, clergy burnout, organizations, providing health electronic alerts, childhood obesity and HIV/AIDS initiatives.

12 EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES COMMISSION

Th e Education and Leadership Ministries Commission, staff and leadership. Th e project is led by a consultant staff ed by the Rev. Garland F. Pierce, has fourteen program with many years of experience in campus ministries, Th e committees working on faith formation, leader develop- Rev. Dr. Galen Hora of the Evangelical Lutheran Church ment, ecumenical formation, and education and advocacy. in America. (www.higheredmin.org)

Th e New Fire Ecumenical Young Adult ELMC MONTHLY PRAYERS AND Network continues its work and is gaining LEARNING MOMENTS momentum, reinvigorating its fundraiing eff orts through the Ecumenists of All Ages ELMC strives to be a space for forma- Campaign to sustain this important work tion, spiritual discernment, and mutual and continuing to do outreach in support through prayer and resourcing. order to connect with other groups of young To this aim, the commission continues adults and other interchurch and ecumeni- its spiritual practice of the ELMC cal organizations. New Fire has partnered monthly prayer: with Active Voice to sponsor fi ve screenings www.ncccusa.org/elmc/elmcprayer.htm. across the nation of a powerful fi lm, Have Various commission members and other You Heard from Johannesburg, from Cali- colleagues related to the Council off er fornia, to Texas, to DC. It has been planning these monthly prayer off erings, the New Fire Gathering and will be fully Dr. Daryl Ingram, Chair praying for our shared ministries, engaged in the celebration processes and the personal concerns, current events, celebra- assembly. In partnership with Church World Service, tions and observances in the liturgical year and secular NCC will have 12 young adults participate in the 2010 calendar, and the global church. Th e commission also Young Adult Stewards Program, our ecumenical formation seeks to be an intentional learning community as is evi- and leadership development program of the General Assembly. dent by the design of the commission and program min- (www.faithconnectsus.org) istry meetings that include moments of shared learning and its online feature called “ELMC Learning Moment” which allows commissioners and others opportunity to CULTURE-SPECIFIC MINISTRIES off er brief contributions for the purpose of educating the community on trends, subjects, resources, etc. that might Th e Committee on Black Congregational Ministries be of interest and import in the areas of faith formation, (CBCM) continues its work on expanding its signature re- leader development and education and advocacy. To view source for congregations, Resources for Special Occasions in them, please visit: the and is in the initial stages of a Black Con- www.ncccusa.org/elmc/elmclearningmoment.htm gregational Development for the Gulf Coast Region initiative.

Th e Pacifi c Asian American Canadian Christian YOUNG ADULT FAITH FORMATION, LEADERSHIP Education Ministries (PAACCE), in partnership with the DEVELOPMENT AND ECUMENICAL FORMATION Institute for the Study of Asian-American Christianity (ISAAC) produced an Asian-American Christianity Reader. Th e Ecumenical Young Adult Ministries Team It is also nearing completion of an Asian-American/Cana- (EYAMT) partnered with the New Fire Ecumenical dian worship resource, Worship on the Way. Young Adult Network in its pilot seed grant project, providing small grants to young adult groups starting innovative initiatives in ecumenical young adult ministries FORMATION AND ADVOCACY MINISTRIES and/or young adult ecumenical formation. Th e Committee on Public Education and Literacy (CPEL) gave signifi cant leadership to the Governing Th e Ecumenical Campus Ministries Team (ECMT) has Board’s adoption of A Pastoral Letter on Federal Policy in initiated a project to off er technical assistance in fundrais- Public Education: An Ecumenical Call for Justice. ing and board development for local campus ministries 13 Th e statement has been a vehicle for serious dialogue through the engagement of the rich stories of the Bible. within and among communions about strategies for access Th is year’s New Earth curriculum theme was Be a Hero: of all of the nation’s children to quality public education. Living like Jesus, focusing on biblical and contemporary Likewise, because of this statement there has been a series heroes: http://www.ncccusa.org/pdfs/beahero2010.pdf. of conversations with the US Department of Education Th ere is a new editor and project manager for the curricu- Secretary, Arne Duncan, and other federal offi cials as well lum, Jenny Youngman, a United Methodist experienced in as grassroots organizational leaders. Th ese dialogues and curriculum development. this work continue. Aware of the changing landscape in formation, camping, Th e Committee on Disabilities (COD) and the Committee and communion life in general, the Committee on Out- on Families and Children (CFC) met jointly in September door Ministries sponsored an Outdoor Ministries Summit, at Calvin Th eological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI and September 20-23, 2010, at Highlands Presbyterian Camp subsequently are planning a project to help congregations and Retreat Center; Allenspark, CO, to explore and explore and create inclusive worship with children with strategize around issues of sustainability, resourcing, and disabilities. Th e Committee on Disabilities also has leader development ecumenically. partnered with the NCC Eco-Justice Program to explore environmental health issues and persons with disabilities. PROFESSIONAL CHURCH LEADERSHIP COOPERATIVE CURRICULUM AND RESOURCE Professional Church Leadership (PCL) met in Decem- DEVELOPMENT ber at Eckerd College; St. Petersburg, FL. Th is was a joint meeting with Denominational Staff for Th eological Th e work of the Committee on the Uniform Series (CUS) Education and Candidacy (DSTEC) and the Ministry continues to be foundational to the overall work of ELMC, Development Council (MDC). Th e continuing education given the strong symbiotic relationship between the work presenter was Dr. Diana Butler Bass, author of several best of CUS and the work of its other program ministries. Th e sellers on American religious life, who helped the group Annual Study Plan Committee met in early September to discuss how the churches can prepare ministerial leadership begin its work on the 2016-2017 outlines, doing much of in the midst of profound change for the purpose of its interim development work via wiki-technology. CUS congregational transformation. has also been engaged in an intentional process of critical review of its curriculum outlines for children; this evalua- MISSION EDUCATION tive work continues in partnership with members from the Committee on Families and Children. Th is program ministry has a long history predating the NCC. Its work this year has informed the planning of the 2010 Th e Committee on Outdoor Ministries (COM) resourced Ecumenical Centennial Gathering, celebrating the 100th many camps this summer for a fun time of community anniversary of the Edinburgh Mission Conference, marking building, lessons on creation care and faith formation the beginning of the modern ecumenical movement.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL ECUMENISM which some 100 people will gather to envision the future of local and regional ecumenism. NCC will do its part to NCC member communions are also represented in the carry out that vision in the coming years through the membership of more than 200 local and regional ecumenical activities of a newly formed permanent committee created and interfaith communities across the country. Th ese local by the Governing Board. Th e Local and Regional and regional communities are autonomous and diverse, but Ecumenism Committee is charged to facilitate relation- they are all part of the one ecumenical movement. NCC ships among and between local, regional, and national strives to maintain strong relationships with these partner expressions of the ecumenical movement. Th e committee organizations as well as with the National Association will primarily be composed of staff , board leaders, local of Ecumenical and Interreligious Staff (NAEIS) and the church leaders and others involved with local and regional State Ecumenical Executives (SEE) colleague group. ecumenism. Th is stronger connectional dynamic should serve to strengthen the whole of the movement, allowing NAEIS, SEE, and NCC have jointly organized a local and us to do together what we could not do apart from each regional ecumenism consultation for November 12, 2010 in other. For more information, see www.ncccusa.org/lre 14 COMMUNICATION COMMISSION

INTERNATIONAL MEETING IN CHICAGO WGBH-Boston, Pew Trust and PBS underwrote the program and meal costs. In addition to ongoing profes- Th e NCC Communication Commission was one of 80 sional workgroups, the agenda included: denominational, ecumenical and interfaith groups co-spon- • Four hours of briefi ngs -- hosted by the Pew Forum and soring the Religion Communication Congress 2010, April the First Amendment Center -- on American religious 7-10 in Chicago. More than 500 international registrants literacy, religion media coverage, and religion in public participated in professional workshops and heard a blue- schools. PBS anchor Ray Suarez moderated three ribbon array of platform speakers, including historian distinguished panels of experts who discussed these Martin Marty, UCC pastor Otis Moss III, Ingrid Mattson topics at the Newseum on Pennsylvania Avenue. of the Islamic Society of North America, NPR correspon- • Th e annual UCC Everett Parker Lecture in Communica- dent Barbara Bradley Haggerty, and media watcher Jeff rey tion Ethics, at the National Press Club, with an address Cole of the University of Southern California. by Federal Communications Commissioner Mignon Clyburn. • A seminar on current multimedia trends, hosted at their headquarters by the staff of Discovery Communications. INTERFAITH TELEVISION WITNESS • A 60-minute preview segment of the six-hour epic series, “God in America,” which aired on PBS stations in October. Th e Commission carries a leadership role Th e producers and writers for the series, from in the Interfaith Broadcasting Commis- Boston’s WGBH, were present for a dialogue. sion (IBC), a partnership with the ABC, CBS and NBC television networks. Pat Pattillo serves as president of this joint MEDIA ADVOCACY venture of the NCC with the U.S. Con- Th e commission’s ongoing program of advo- ference of Catholic Bishops, Islamic cacy for equity in mass media focused this year Society of North America, Union for Re- on an appeal to the Federal Communications form Judaism and the New York Board of Commission to assure that broadband inter- Rabbis. Shirley Struchen manages mar- net service is regulated to protect equal access keting and production. Begun in 1980 as rights for religious groups and minorities in a result of the deregulation of the broad- both the production and reception of material cast industry, IBC off ers the Abrahamic that requires maximum bandwidth for trans- faith community twelve opportunities to mission –avoiding toll booths and elite-only present documentary programs, plus two Rev. Jerry Van Marter, Chair lanes on the nation’s information superhigh or three Christmas, Easter and High Holy way. A resolution to the FCC on this topic Days specials, on up to 1,000 local affi li- was approved by the Commission. Th e NCC is also a ates of the three networks, with a cumulative audience of member of the new interfaith coalition “So We Might several million viewers each year. Th is year, ministries of See,” which maintains active advocacy eff orts around media the PCUSA, Episcopal Church, ELCA, Greek Orthodox coverage, advertising standards, program content, and equal Archdiocese, UCC and United Methodist Church were access. Th e coalition met for planning during the Commis- among those featured in the NCC productions. Topics sion’s week in Washington. included Asian tsunami victims, the challenges of aging, conscientious objectors, revisiting Hurricane Katrina, and persons with disabilities. For Christmas 2010, NCC-re- ELECTRONIC RE-LAUNCH OF ECULINK lated specials were scheduled to air on all three networks. EcuLink, for many years a print publication of the NCC, was transformed in 2010 into a monthly electronic feature ANNUAL MEETING IN WASHINGTON DC magazine, www.eculink.org, by editor Melissa Dixon. It is envisioned as a companion piece to the NCC website, edited Th e Commission held its 2010 annual meeting in the by Phil Jenks, which continues to serve as the “publication nation’s capital September 27-30, with 70 registrants of record” and the primary news and information source forming its largest meeting in more than a decade. Join- for programs and projects of the Council. Th e e-publica- ing the Commission gathering were interfaith partners tion hopes to generate new audiences for the Council. from Odyssey Networks. Substantial grants from Odyssey, 15 FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2009-2010

Th is past year has brought forth a continued and expanded Our increased focus last year on resource development common witness as member communions work together has yielded a signifi cant increase in individual and con- to more fully manifest God’s gift of unity. A signifi cant gregational giving (up 61% year-over-year). Foundation number of Council programs have restarted or begun, grants were down even with our continued focus there, especially in our Justice and Advocacy ministries thanks to mostly we believe, due to a reduction in foundation giving new and innovative ways our communions work together nationwide. We will continue to work harder in these two as the Council. As you read through this Annual Report areas this year, and would note, since the end of the fi scal you will see the full breadth of what we are doing together. year we have received a signifi cant foundation grant for At the same time we have focused on cost reductions and our anti-poverty work. Other income from royalties, sales, resource development to ensure these ministries fulfi ll our interest and dividends was fl at year-over year. calling as the National Council of Churches. Given the upswing in the fi nancial markets this past year, Th e economic environment continues in turmoil. While when we include realized and unrealized gains on invest- markets fl uctuate, and, as of this writing, our investment ments, the Council had positive net results for the year, portfolios are in positive territory, unemployment and while at the same time reducing the budget defi cit by two- other measures of economic stability are still down. Th is thirds year-over-year. We are continuing to look at new has continued to put pressure on congregational and com- ways to do our work together including shared operating munion giving, which often translates to a reduced ability resources, shared staff , seconded staff and strategic part- of our member communions to increase resources for their nerships. And, at the same time, we continually look for work as the Council. cost savings in the administration of our mission programs. We are grateful for our experienced and We are so very grateful for all of our communions that dedicated staff whom eff ectively and effi ciently lead and see the opportunity God has given them to work together deliver Council programs. as the Council to accomplish not only its shared mis- sion goals but their own mission goals in continuing and Th e Governing Board, offi cers and staff of the Council are expanded ways. Th ey have worked very hard this year to very thankful of the many generous individuals who support maintain their support of the Council. Saying that, mem- our common work—they are listed on the next two pages. ber communion giving was just under budget this year, We look forward to their and your continued fi nancial which is quite remarkable given current conditions. support as we continue to respond to the Gospel message.

Sources of Income 2009-2010 Mission Programs & Administration 2009-2010 $ 5,121,357 $5,405,679 (excluding realized and unrealized capital gains & losses) (excluding actuarial adjustments for retiree benefi ts)

Our Member Our Common Communions Support Individual & Mission Programs $1,280,682 Church Support $3,297,359 $1,368,511

Foundation Royalties, Meetings, Grants Interest & Dividends $781,185 Retiree Benefi ts $1,690,979 $447,928

Management & Operations Resource Development $1,108,850 16 $551,542 CONTRIBUTORS

Ecumenical Sustainers Anne Reardon Pamela Datsko Camilla J. Nilles Presbyterian Fellowship Marilyn Breitling ($500+) Joumana Rizk Lois Dauway John L. McCullough Joe Stalcup Clair & Janis Brewer Rutgers Presbyterian Susan Davies Dean McDonald Paul Stewart Robert Brock Alfred Station Seventh Day Church (New York, NY) Eugene Decker Mennonite Central Brenda Stiers Elizabeth Brockland Baptist Church Ann Tiemeyer Paula Dempsey Committee Bruce & Oeita Theunissen Marguerite Bronkema Anonymous Rhode Island Conference of Waltraud Downey Alva C. Millian Gerald Thomas Joana Brown Vicken Aykazian the United Church of Christ Eastern Ohio Association Mary Nakashima Rhodes & Lois Thompson Charlotte Burgess Inelle Bagwell Seventh Episcopal District - UCC Illana Naylor Virginia Thornburgh David Buttrick Alden Besse of the Christian Methodist Emily A. Eastwood New Goshenhoppen United Rebecca J. Tollefson Capital Area Council of Burlington Christian Episcopal Church Mary Louise Ellenberger Church of Christ Robert Tollefson Churches Reformed Church (Ontario) South Carolina Christian Christopher Epting New Mexico Conference of Jeff Trinklein Marguerite Carter Molly Casteel Action Council, Inc. First Baptist Church of Churches The United Parish in Alice Cary Central Texas Conference Kathy Taylor Redlands Stanley Noffsinger Brookline Lucile & Robert Carman of the Christian Methodist Don Thorsen First Baptist Church of Northwood Christian University Baptist Church Carondelet United Church Episcopal Church Olive Tiller White Plains Church (Columbus, OH) of Christ Clare Chapman Anton Vrame First Christian Church Old Cambridge Baptist Jerry Van Marter William Cate Peg Chemberlin Cheryl & Richard Wade (Baltimore, MD) Church John Van Nuys Thomas & Eloise Cathcart Christian Church of John F. White First Christian Church Harriett Olson Carlton W. Veazey Central Christian Church Mid America (Casper, WY) John Paterakis Angelique Walker-Smith (Huntington, IN) Hope Church Ecumenical Leaders First Christian Church Patricia Patterson Karen Wang Lawrence Camberg Classis of Albany - ($101-$499) (Columbia, MO) Wesley ‘Pat’ Pattillo & Sharon Watkins Marguerite Carter Reformed Church in America First Christian Church Zelma M. Pattillo Alice Webley Marilyn & William Clark Community of Christ Apostolic Faith Mission (Lynchburg, VA) Albert & Martha Robert Welsh Shannon Clarkson Council of Churches of Church of God First Christian Church Pennybacker Anne Wilson Christ Church (Summit, NJ) Greater Washington, DC Karla Addess (Wheeling, WV) Pilgrim United Church of Dede Wilson Christian Church in Kansas, Deborah DeWinter Linda Bales Todd First Congregational Christ (Durham, NC) Robina Winbush Inc. David Douglas Baltimore Yearly Meeting Church (Benzonia, MI) Robert Polk Woodside Church - First Church of Universal Diana Eck David P. Baak Friendship Ministries Presbyterian Church in Baptist Church Fellowship First African Methodist Betty & J. Martin Bailey Brenda Girton-Mitchell Chinatown (San Francisco, CA) Women of the ELCA Barbara & Kenneth Coates Episcopal Church: Bethel William & Ruth Basom Shirley A. Gravely-Currie Presbyterian Women in - Central/Southern John Cobb (New York, NY) Mary Bates-Washington Sylvia Graves the Synod of Southern Illinois Synod Lynn Coons First Christian Church David L. Berkey & Melinda Jessica Crist Graybill California & Hawaii Motoe Yamada The Congregational Church (San Leandro, CA) Trotti Thomas Hampson Kathy Reeves Doris Younger of Middlebury The First Church of Christ, Peggy Billings Herman Harmelink Joanne Reich Barbara Brown Zikmund Carol Cosby Scientist Jennifer Black Ruth Harris Rebekah Richardson Mary Crabbs First Congregational UCC Jordan Blevins Mary Hunt Ridglea Christian Church Ecumenists Otto & Joan Crumroy (Madison, WI) Carol Blythe Dorothea & Converse Rachel Riensche ($50-$100) Carmichael Crutchfi eld First Reformed Church Mitzi & John Budde Hunter Ammon Ripple Louise Davidson (Schenectady, NY) Barbara Campbell Sue D. Hunter Margaret Rose Emerson Abts Inez Davis Anne Hale Johnson Kathleen Cameron Kathryn Jans Barbara Rubin Helen Ackerson Katherine & John Dean Karen & Dieter Hessel Don Carlton Lynda Jones Eric Shafer Mia Adjali Frances DeJong Kurt Kaboth & Katherine John & Linda Carney Carol Johnston Carolyn Smith-Ortega Robert Allen Marcell DeLacy Cunningham José Luis Casal Ron & Diane Kaufman Shirley Struchen Charles Amjad-Ali Rachel Denis Brenda Kneece Joanne Chadwick Diane C. Kessler Catherine Reeve Jane Appleyard Donna Derr Dave Knipel Christ Congregation Agnes Kuentzel Stephen Ross Arrowsmith Christian Neal Deunk Glenn Ketner (Princeton, NJ) Reatha Clark King Sacramento Japanese Church Glory Dharmaraj Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Christian Reformed Church Michael Kinnamon United Methodist Church Sally Askew Nancy Dickinson Church in North America Chung Hyun Kyung Second Baptist Church of Dorothy Ault Disciples Christian Church Marie Libby Judith Coats-Crowson Grace J. Lauver-Simmons Germantown Laurie Bachman (Youngstown, OH) Jan Love Community Church of East Michael Livingston Seventh Street Christian Deborah Bailey Dorothy Donovan Jean Martensen Williston Lutheran Student Church Mona Baird Mimi Dortch Donald McCoid Antonietta Corvasce Movement USA Eric Shafer Isam & Faith Ballenger Cheryl Dudley Midway Christian Church Crosswicks Monthly Anne Mackoul Peggy Shriver Elizabeth Barnhart Elsie Dursi Garland Pierce Meeting of The Religious Mitzi Manning David and Jennifer Slagle John Blessington Joseph Easley Presbytery of Tropical Society of Friends Drema McAllister-Wilson Peck Whitney Bodman Jean & George Edwards Florida Dorothy Dale Richard J. Metzger & Spirit of the Desert Raymond Boose Marian Edwards

17 CONTRIBUTORS (continued)

Ecumenists Edith Gause Janet & Paul Kaboth Robert McNaughton Joan Pope Betsy Sowers ($50-$100) Jeanette Gaylord Gail and Howard Kaepplein Marilyn Mecham Samuel Purushotham Valora Starr Ashley George Arlene & C. Kallaur Ivan Mechtly Thomas Quigley Harold Statler Kenneth Ehrman Thomas George Edward Kelly, Jr. & Janet Esther Megill Sharon Zimmerman Rader Mary Steib-Hales Bjorg Elonai Ghana United Methodist Kelley Marcia Meier Rati Ram Robert Stephanopoulos Eureka Christian Church Church Alexander L. Kern Gail & Stanley Mengel Peggye Rankin Kathleen Stone Farmington Hills Wellspring Denise Giacomozzi Kathleen Killeen John Meno Ruth Raughley Lawrence Stone Church Gerald Gilmore Horace King Sharon Mesle-Morain Religious Society of Friends Laura Strietelmeier Robert & Fran Fehlman Carrie Grady Hisako Kinukawa Kenneth Meyer (Brick, NJ) Bruce Swenson Elisabeth Schüssler Devorah Greenstein Ellen Kirby John Miers David Reppert Julie Taylor Fiorenza Bentley Gregg Clifton Kirkpatrick Kathryn Mitchem Elizabeth Riley Thomas Taylor First Baptist Church of Elizabeth & Charles Goss Luciano Kovacs Wilbur Miller Eli Rivera Asha Thomas Attleboro Robert Grant C. Dana Krutz William Miller Kim Robey Kenneth Thomas First Baptist Church of F. William Gray, III Mary Kuhns Virginia Miller Lucien & Ann Robert Margaret Thomas Palo Alto Alice Hageman Christine Laitner Joe Mines Kathy Robinson Sybel & Harvey Thomas First Baptist Church of Margaret Hale Barbara Lampe Minnesota Council of Jerri Rodewald Betty Thompson Pitman Peggy Halsey Janell Landis Churches Cathryn Rolling Elizabeth Tiemeyer First Chinese Baptist Joyce Hamlin Mary Landstrom Kathryn Mitchem Clare Rosenfi eld Barbara Tilley Church Richard & Melinda Hamm Robert Langston Allen Moore Lisa Rosenthal Jack Tuell First Christian Church Christine Heiser Katharine Larsen Richard & Margriet Morris John Routledge Lonnie & Ibby Turnipseed (Amarillo, TX) Brian Hill Margaret Larom John Moss Rustum & Della Roy United Church of First Christian Church Orenthious Hill Arthur Larrabee Mountair Christian Church Barbara Rubin Crawfordsville (Arlington, TX) Beth Hirst Lea Lawrence Hans S. Mueller Patricia Russell-McCloud & United Church of Spring First Christian Church Esther Ho Paul Leichty Miriam Murdock E. Earl McCloud, Jr. Valley (Bartlesville, OK) Thomas Hoeksema G. R. Lewis P. Murray James Ryan Anton Vrame First Christian Church Courtney Hoekstra Thomas Liggett Barbara Nelson Rosa Sailes Wabash Christian Church (Hampton, VA) Gail Holness Audrey Lightbody Kevin Nelson St. Mark Lutheran Church Margaret Washnitzer First Christian Church John Huber Violet Little Hugh Nevin (Los Angeles, CA) Herman Weinlick (McPherson, KS) Roland & Kit Huff Kathryn Lohre New Hamphire Council of St. Mark Presbyterian Sally Welch First Christian Church Robert Hunsicker Mary Lohre Churches Church (Newport Beach, West Side Christian Church (San Angelo, TX) Clark Hunt George Lower Marianne Niesen CA) Jack Wilson First Christian Church Raymon Hunt Dale Luffman Noank Baptist Church John Sallstrom Charlotte White (Springfi eld, IL) Constance Hunter Mary Lundy North & Southampton J. Sandman James White First Christian Church of George Hunter James Mackellar Reformed Church Deb Sandler David Wickmann Santa Barbara Richard Ice Meagan Manas Betsy Noyce Stella Schrag Jerry Ruth Williams First Congregational Frances Isaac Amy Manierre Margaret Oget Martha Sexton Laura Wilson Church of Stoughton Robert James Janice Marshall Old South Union Church Ora Shelton Mason & Barbara Wilson Flemingsburg Christian Allen Johnson Barbara Martin Susan Otani-Curtis Paul Sherry The Women of Saint Mary’s Church Faith Johnson Massachusetts Council of Owen D. Owens James Shields Church (Newton Lower Friends General Conference Jack & Coleen Johnson Churches Shirley Paulson Hallam Shorrock Falls, MA) Beth Forgosh Megan Joiner Thomas Massmann Raleigh Peterson Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr. Betty Wrigley Eugene & Bonnie Frazier Betty Jones Herman Mathesius Delores Pierce Edmond Smith, Jr. Sue & Darrell Yeaney Arvis & Francis Frellick Barbara Kado Jeanne Matt Pilgrim United Church of Harold Smith Everett Zabriskie Lorelei Fuchs Quentin Knauer Paul Matt Christ Somesville Union Meeting Eugenia & Hector Zavaleta Joan Gardner Danielle Kort Bruce & Janette Mackenzie Eunice Poethig House (United Church of Carl Zimmerman Maxine Garrett Earl Kragnes James McGuire Keith Pohl Christ) Leland Gartrell Ernst Kaboth Susan McMichael Jeanne Audrey Powers Gordon Sommers Thank you for your prayers and support. Won’t you please join these generous contributors to the National Council of Churches? You can make a gift today by using the enclosed pre-paid contribution envelope, or call our Development Offi ce (9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST) to make a credit card gift, or you can give online at www.ncccusa.org/donate. Th ank you.

18 NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST 2009-2010

OFFICERS Church of the Brethren Polish National Catholic Church of American Mr. Stanley J. Noffsinger The Most Rev. Anthony A. Mikovsky The Rev. Peg Chemberlin, President Vice President at Large The Rev. Robert M. Nemkovich, Jr. Moravian Church in America Ms. Kathryn Lohre, President Elect Church World Service Presbyterian Church (USA) Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Rev. John McCullough The Rev. Gradye Parsons The Rev. Dr. Cheryl H. Wade, First Vice President Chair, Constitution and Bylaws Committee American Baptist Churches in the USA Coptic Orthodox Church in North America Ms. Linda Valentine The Right Rev. Johncy Itty, Vice President Subdeacon Bishoy M. Mikhail The Rev. Robina Winbush Episcopal Church The Rev. José Luis Casal Mr. Stanley J. Noffsinger, Vice President at Large Episcopal Church Secretary Church of the Brethren The Rt. Rev. Johncy Itty The Rev. Jerry Van Marter The Rev. Dr. Raymon Hunt, Vice President at Large Vice President (Chair, CWS Board) Chair, Communication Commission African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Ms. Alice R. Webley The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins The Rev. José Luis Casal, Secretary The Rev. Dr. Thomas Ferguson Church World Service Board Presbyterian Church (USA) His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc. Immediate Past President Bishop Mark S. Hanson The Rev. Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore Diocese of the Armenian Orthodox Church of America The Rev. Dr. Donald J. McCoid The Rev. Dr. Walter Parrish, III The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary Mr. Dennis W. Frado Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Church World Service Board Reformed Church in America Ms. Kathryn M. Lohre The Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson GOVERNING BOARD President Elect The Rev. Douglas W. Fromm, Jr. The Rev. David P. Baak African Methodist Episcopal Church Friends United Meeting Chair, Ecumenical Networks Committee The Rt. Rev. John F. White, Sr. Ms. Sylvia L. Graves The Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch Chair, Justice and Advocacy Commission Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America His Eminence Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim The Rev. Nicholas Genevieve-Tweed The Most Rev. Archbishop Demetrios of America Chair, Inclusiveness and Justice Committee The Rev. Fr. Mark Arey The Swedenborgian Church The Rev. Dr. Marcia Allen Owens Dr. Anton C. Vrame The Rev. Dr. David J. Fekete The Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram Chair, Faith and Order Commission The Rev. Ken Turley Chair, ELMC Mr. John Paterakis Church World Service Board United Church of Christ African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church Ms. Nikki Stephanopoulos The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black The Rt. Rev. George W.C. Walker, Sr. The Rev. William Darin Moore International Council of Community Churches The United Methodist Church The Rev. Dr. Raymon E. Hunt The Rev. Herman Harmelink, III The Rev. Dr. Stephen J. Sidorak, Jr. Vice President at Large Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader Korean Presbyterian Church Abroad Dr. Diana Eck Alliance of Baptists in the USA The Rev. Jacob Se Jang Chair, Interfaith Relations Commission The Rev. Paula Clayton Dempsey Mr. Raúl Alegría Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church Chair, Human Resources Committee American Baptist Churches USA His Grace Dr. Zachariah Mar Nicholovos The Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley STAFF The Rev. Dr. Cheryl H. Wade Mar Thoma Church Vice President for Administration and Finance The Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius The Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary Mr. Frank Christine, Jr. Clare J. Chapman, Deputy General Secretary Moravian Church in America Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary, Apostolic Catholic Church The Rev. Dr. Hermann I. Weinlick Faith & Order Commission and Interfaith Relations Commission Bishop Charles “Chuck” Leigh The Rev. Peg Chemberlin The Rev. Garland F. Pierce; Associate General Secretary, President Education & Leadership Ministries Commission Armenian Church of America The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Miller Wesley M. ‘Pat’ Pattillo, Associate General Secretary, His Eminence Archbishop Vicken Aykazian Justice & Advocacy Commission and Communication Commission Immediate Past President National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. Jordan Blevins, Advocacy Offi cer for Peacemaking The Very Rev. Fr. Papken Anoushian The Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith The Rev. NaKeisha Sylver Blount, Advocacy Offi cer Mrs. Arpi Kouzouian Dr. Julius R. Scruggs for Racial Justice and Human Rights Chair, Nominations Committee Cassandra Carmichael, Director, Orthodox Church in America Washington Offi ce and Eco-Justice Programs Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah Julian deVia, Information Technology Director The Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins The Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky The Rev. Deborah DeWinter, Director of Donor Relations The Rev. Dr. Robert K. Welsh Philip E. Jenks, Media Relations Specialist Patriarchal Parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church Kurt R. Kaboth, Esq., Director, Resource Development and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church The Very Rev. Igor Vyzhamov Human Relations Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham The Rev. Michael E. Livingston, Director, Poverty Initiative Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious The Rev. Ann Tiemeyer, Director, Program for Women’s Ministry Past President Society of Friends Karen Wang, Senior Director, Administration and Finance The Rev. Dr. Carmichael L. Crutchfi eld Arthur Larrabee 2nd ELMC Representative Thomas Swain 19 Learn more about our work together-

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What does it mean to be ecumenical in the 21st century?

Witnesses of These Things: Ecumenical Engagement in a New Era The Centennial Ecumenical Gathering and General Assembly of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and Church World Service met in November 2010 in New Orleans. Learn more about the oucomes at www.ncccusa.org/witnesses2010.

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 800, New York, NY 10115 • (212) 870-2025 • www.ncccusa.org