Title: Common Global Ministries Board looks at future
Date: April 29, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
97b-23
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- New directions for world ministries in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ highlighted the April 17-20 agenda of the Common Global Ministries Board.
In the third meeting of the Common Board, directors discussed several recommendations which emerged as part of the strategic planning process. Among them were suggestions to close the New York office and move office staff to Cleveland or Indianapolis, and to establish a common treasury operation for the Disciples and UCC world ministry units.
Several key executives of the CGMB work out of offices in the New York Interchurch Center. Economic issues, along with more effective staff management were among the reasons cited for closing the office. Board members opposing the move said the Common Board's access to the National Council of Churches and other ecumenical partners would be diminished. It would also limit relations with visiting international church leaders, for whom the Interchurch Center is a frequent stop.
Some kind of presence is needed in New York, board members said. Offered as an alternative was a branch office to act as a liaison with the United Nations and NCC, and to welcome visiting church leaders.
Board members also discussed consolidation of executive leadership positions in the CGMB and the elimination of a senior level post of general secretary for mission program. It is too soon to eliminate the general secretary's position, board members said. Current staff configurations and administrative responsibilities make that post essential.
In other action, the CGMB appointed 19 persons to overseas assignments.
Three persons were sent to Latin America and the Caribbean. The Rev. Jorge Bardeguez is returning for another three-year term with Christian Mission of Nicaragua. Longtime missionaries Violet and Victor Vaca return to Quito, Ecuador, for service with the Ecumenical Foundation for Integral Development, Training and Education.
Headed to Africa for three years are the Revs. Larry and Tim Colvin, Indianapolis, and veteran missionaries Sandra and Daniel Gourdet, Birmingham, Ala. The Colvins will work at Kgologano College of Gaborone, Botswana. The Gourdets are returning to posts with the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe.
Also receiving Africa appointments are the Revs. John and Tamara Rodenberg, Bowling Green, Ky.; Carmen Samuels, San Diego, Calif.; and the Rev. James and Jayanthi Wilson, Cairo, Mo.
The Rodenbergs received two-year terms with the Kukhay-Okusha Zion of Swaziland. Samuels will volunteer for one year with the Christian Health Association of Lesotho. The Wilsons received three-year terms with the Lesotho Evangelical Church.
Headed to India are the Rev. Nathan and Martha Knoll, Sidney, B.C., and Elizabeth and L.L. (Jim) Lehman. The Knolls received three-year appointments to Kodaikanal International School. The Lehmans received two-year appointments to Woodstock School, Mussoorie.
In the remaining appointments, Lori E. Hayes, South Hamilton, Mass., will serve for one year as a global mission intern at Rawdat Al Zuhur Elementary School in Jerusalem. Salvador Martinez will serve for two years as an international associate with the Church of Christ in Thailand.
Other CGMB directorate changes include the appointment of the Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel, Fleetwood, Pa., as interim vice chair. Peggy Liggett, College Park, Md., was named chairperson of the board of directors for the Disciples Division of Overseas Ministries, beginning January 1998.
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