The CBF Coordinating Council has identified Building Community as one of our strategic initiatives. Within the Building Community initiative, several priorities were established including the priorities of Ecumenical and Interfaith Dialog and Reconciliation and Justice.
In response to these priorities an Ecumenical Task Force was launched at the 2003 General Assembly meeting in Charlotte, NC. The task force is comprised of CBF clergy and laity that have expressed an interest in this work. In October 2004, the Ecumenical Task Force elected to change its name to the Task Force on Ecumenism and Justice which reflects both of the Building Community priorities mentioned above.
At the annual General Assembly 2004 meeting in Birmingham, Ala., the Ecumenical Task Force brought a recommendation that CBF become a full member of the Christian Churches Together in the U.S.A. (CCT). For more information on Christian Churches Together in the U.S.A. log on to http://www.ncccusa.org/about/cctusa.html. The recommendation was accepted by the Assembly.
The Task Force on Ecumenism and Justice is currently working on several projects for 2005, including the development of a resource kit for congregations on Ecumenical Relationships, Ecumenical/Interfaith activities centered around the General Assembly 2005 in Grapevine, Texas, and much more!
We want to hear from you. If you are interested in assisting in the work of the Task Force or if you have further needs concerning ecumenism, interfaith relationships, or issues related to justice, please contact us.
The following are a few resources that you might find useful in promoting an ecumenical and interfaith ministry in your church and community:
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What's a Jewish Rabbi Doing in a Baptist Sunday School Class?, an article by Kathy Dobbins, Minister of Education and Outreach, Smokerise Baptist Church, Stone Mountain, GA
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