S.R. News Update # 3

SEMPER REFORMANDA NEWS UPDATE

# 3 -- May 2001

[posted here on 5-15-01]

Click here for information on Semper Reformanda events at General Assembly.

In this issue:

	Semper Reformanda to merge with Witherspoon Society
	GA consultation planned to look at study document and resolutions on Africa, still in preparation
	Notes on resources dealing with social justice issues

Semper Reformanda to merge with Witherspoon Society

[5-15-01]

After nearly one year of conversations, the work of a joint Semper-Witherspoon negotiating task group, and review of a merger proposal by the executive committees of each group, the two organizations are moving toward merger.

The proposal for merger is being voted on by the Board of Directors of the Witherspoon Society and the Leadership Team of Semper Reformanda during the month of May, just after this issue of the Network News goes to press.

If the proposal is approved by the two governing bodies it will then be brought to the regular membership meeting of each group in Louisville where the two organizations will hold their separate annual meetings during the General Assembly.

The context of the merger is summarized in the introduction to A Memorandum of Understanding as follows: "The Witherspoon Society and the Semper Reformanda organizations have a significant number of mutual interests, including a common commitment to promote social justice in the church and society, generate effective input into the denominational structures, create meaningful theological understanding for a post-modern era, and engage the next generation of leadership in the church. The two organizations have collaborated in a number of informal ways in recent years, have overlapping memberships and similar interests."

The purpose of the merger is to create a stronger, larger, more effective witness for justice, peace, and a prophetic voice within the church and society. As far as possible, the identity-giving events of each organization are to remain in place for several years to nurture and equip faithful Presbyterians for responsible participation at all levels of the church. The intent of seeking a new unity is to be open to the new things which God is doing in the new century ahead.

Nile Harper

Progress Report on

A Study Document and Resolutions on Africa

[5-15-01]

During the General Assembly on June 13, Wednesday, at 10:30 a.m., the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy will conduct a consultation at the Hyatt-Regency Hotel on a draft of A STUDY DOCUMENT AND RESOLUTIONS ON AFRICA. The document, now in its fourth draft, is the result of work done over the past three years as directed by the 211th General Assembly in 1999. The June 13 consultation is an opportunity for further feedback, critique, suggestions and improvement of the document and the proposed recommendations. The final document will be presented to the 214th General Assembly in 2002.

After the preliminary work and early consultations, Paul Frelick, an educator with substantial experience in Africa, was asked to become the primary writer for the study document. The draft copy has been studied by PCUSA Africa Partner Churches, middle governing bodies, ecumenical partners, and the Africa staff of Worldwide Ministries Division. ACSWP will take final action on the study document and resolutions during the Winter of 2002.

Major sections of the current draft document include: Faith Journey With Africans In The 21st Century; Overview of The African Continent; An Understanding of the Modern African State; Africa's Regional Constellations; Reversing Some Images of Africa; Civil Society and the Role Of NGO's; Proposed Action Agenda for Churches in Partnership. In addition there are scholarly notes, bibliography, a list of African Church Partnerships by nation, tables of population, education, life expectancy, GDP, and per capita income by nations.

The are thirteen proposed resolutions in the current draft that touch upon the following areas: supporting historical research, promoting a deeper understanding of Christian mission in Africa, developing study curriculum for congregations, promoting preparation for occupational change, lifting up ways to seek better healthcare, addressing the massive HIV/AIDS crisis, addressing endemic African diseases, upgrading and supporting Christian schools, advocacy for improved status of women, advocacy for children, advocacy for human rights, seeking peaceful solutions to conflicts between African nations, focus on the eco-system and fair trade policies, and creation of a major study guide on Africa.

Nile Harper

Notes on resources dealing with social justice concerns

"Ethics of Life and Death," Church & Society Magazine, March/April 2001. Fifteen significant articles plus helpful bibliography and study resources. Available from Presbyterian Distribution Service, 1-800-524-2612. $2.50

Study Guide on Changing Families, available to middle governing bodies and others upon request to ACSWP by phone, 1-888-728-7228, ext 5813. For study and revision. Final copy ready for 214th General Assembly in 2002.

Charitable Choice Booklet and Resource Packet, available by June 2001 from Presbyterian Distribution Service. A resource for congregations. 1-800-524-2612.

"Turning Mourning in Dancing," A Policy Statement on Domestic Violence. To be reported to the 213th General Assembly in June 2001. From ACSWP.

"The Human Rights Update," an Annual Report from ACSWP in consultation with Congregational Ministries, National Ministries, and Worldwide Ministries, with coverage of a wide range of nations. To be reported at the 213th General Assembly, 2001.

"Ministry of Caregiving in Relation to Older Adults," a resolution to come before the 213th General Assembly to explore what caregiving means in a rapidly aging population, with recommendations for action.

from Nile Harper