Churches Uniting in Christ Enters New Phase in its Life and Leadership

Atlanta - At its meeting on October 5-7, 2005, the Coordinating Council of Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) took several major decisions that give shape to a new phase in its life and leadership as its nine member communions actively pursue the goal of establishing "full communion" by 2010.

A major session during the meeting was devoted to receiving reports on the work being done to promote wide study and response in each of the member communions to the newly released "Proposal on the Mutual Recognition and Mutual Reconciliation of Ministries." That document, still in draft form, had been prepared by the Ministry Task Force of CUIC over the past three years. This proposal is now being submitted to the member churches, and CUIC's partners in mission and dialogue, for review and reaction by May 31, 2006; based upon the responses received, the Ministry Task Force will consider how to proceed in fulfilling its mandate of bringing a final document to the member communions in 2007 for official action.

The Rev. Rollin Russell, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and former conference minister and seminary professor, helped in developing an extensive packet of study materials related to understanding the vision and goals of CUIC and the draft text of the Mutual Recognition and Reconciliation of Ministries proposal. He will oversee the response process which includes seeking out reaction and response from ecumenical groups and seminary settings.

A second major decision taken during the meeting was to end the relationship with the current Director of CUIC, Dr. Bertrice Wood, who will be pursuing other interests. The Rev. Dana Krutz, president of the Coordinating Council of CUIC, stated, "As we enter a new phase in our organizational life, the CUIC acknowledges the fruitful work of Dr. Wood over the past three years and expresses our gratitude for her contribution in moving CUIC through this first stage in our life together in furthering the aims of seeking full visible unity in mission, witness, service and ministry."

In receiving a report by the Racial Justice Task Force, the Coordinating Council endorsed a new program developed by members of the Task Force called "Talk about Race Sunday" that includes three components: worship, education, and community and church engagement; it is hoped that this resource might be widely used on Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Sunday. A second action related to the work of seeking racial justice was to approve, in principle, a proposed resolution on the Voting Rights Act for consideration and follow-through by the member communions.

The Rev. Jayne Oasin, chair of the Task Force on Racial Justice and Social Justice Officer for the Episcopal Church, in presenting her report on the work of the Task Force, noted, "The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina has refocused our attention on the continued impact of racism and classism in this country. We can no longer deny that racism and poverty are deeply inter-woven in the fabric of American institutions." She added, "After Katrina, CUIC no longer needs to convince members of our churches that racism is a hard reality in our life as a nation."

Closing actions of the Coordinating Council included the establishment of a process for the quick naming of an interim director for CUIC to give leadership in the coming months. A search process for a full-time Director was set in place, hopefully leading to an appointment sometime in the next six months. The current CUIC office will continue in Cleveland, Ohio, during the interim, with President Dana Krutz serving as the primary contact for questions. He may be reached by phone at (225) 344-0134, 527 North Boulevard, Fourth Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, Lainterchurch@aol.com.