Title: Georgia moderator responds following controversial board decision
Date: March 16, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
98b-15
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- In a communique addressed to members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia, Moderator Eddie K. Parker shared the board's deep concern "about healing and understanding within the region."
Parker's message, published in the March issue of The Christian Messenger, was a follow-up to criticism over the previous board's decision not to forward the name of an African American candidate for regional minister to the assembly for vote.
The board voted eight to seven to accept the candidate recommended by the search committee. The Georgia constitution requires a two-thirds majority vote to forward a name to the regional assembly.
"The regional board of 1998 confesses with that board that the decision was impacted by many factors, attitudes and beliefs," said Parker. "The current board wishes to acknowledge and apologize for the hurt, anger, astonishment, and misunderstanding that has resulted."
In a January meeting with General Minister and President Richard L. Hamm "it was acknowledged that racism and regionalism were strong issues that divided the board members and, by extension, the members of the Christian Church in Georgia.
"On a more positive note, the 1998 board is examining the meaning and implications of this decision, and the process by which it was made." The new board members voted "to quickly implement a program of study and training regarding racism.
"This is an opportunity to learn from the mistakes of the past, and move forward more deliberately in attempting to care and respect for one another," said Parker and the board.
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