Report of the Ecumenical And Interfaith Relations Committee

It was suggested that a Scriptural text be quoted, to give a context for the work of the Committee. For us, this really can be only the Gospel of John, 17: 21 & 22 . You will recognize that this is where our United Church of Christ Motto arises: “… That they may all be one. ” This provides the context for all our thought and work.

In the past year, the work of the Committee has been handled by the co-chairs, in consultation with our Regional Conference Minister. We are trying to stay the course, set out over two years ago: to try to find ways to give life and substance to the new ecumenical configuration---the CUIC (“Churches Uniting in Christ”)--here in the New York City area. As has been described previously, the CUIC, inaugurated in January 2002, in Memphis , is the successor to “COCU,” the former “Consultation on Church Union”. Nine mainstream denominations have nationally endorsed and committed to this new instrumentality. Of course, the UCC has been centrally involved from the outset, initially through the significant efforts of our National President, Rev. Dr. John Thomas, then serving as special assistant for ecumenical affairs, to our past President, Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry.

We have also previously reported on the initiative and close cooperation locally of the representative of the Episcopal Diocese, Dr. Ronald Walden. In addition, we have continued to work with our Disciples of Christ ecumenical partner, Rev. Dr. Richard Sturm, professor at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary. What is most unfortunate is that despite some early seemingly successful efforts to organize and focus some common energy on problems of crucial interest of all the denominations, in the past year, except for these leading denominations (one could add the United Methodist Church ), there has not been much really significant coalescing and action for the whole group.

Bringing the diverse Christian fellowships together in a new relationship turns out to be a major undertaking and we have only limited, volunteer resources to pledge to this. Nevertheless and undeterred, this committed cadre has found ways to work together and we believe we may have found a common cause of great concern around which joint work can begin. Simply stated, there is ample evidence that our young service persons, men and women, are returning from the fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq with serious physical, emotional and social adjustment problems. Equally serious is the inadequacy of the services and support being now provided by agencies who have the main responsibility for serving our veterans. Moreover we believe that, as in other cities, our local churches and other houses of worship may be uniquely positioned to provide service and support to fill some of the woeful gaps that continue to be reported, even in our daily newspapers. It is our position that no matter what one feels about these wars, we must never forget our young people who have had to bear the worst effects. In short, we need to support our troops even if we oppose this violence and fighting.

There have been continuing local discussions around this felt need, not only with some of the denominational judicatories, but also with local seminaries and schools of theology. All this and more now needs to be carried back to the Committee and a meeting of the Committee (newly formed with additional members to replace some who have moved on) is now being planned for this Spring, before the Summer is upon us.

Finally, we should report that national efforts on behalf of the CUIC have also been ongoing. Last fall, a Draft Document was circulated for local comment which deals with policies and procedures for the exchange and sharing of ordained ministries among these nine denominations. The objective is to have a policy statement to bring before the national governance of each member denomination, for ratification and adoption by 2009. This rather detailed and difficult document has been referred to our Committee on Ordination and Ministerial Standing.