2007 World Conference Legislation

H-5 Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations Report

To the First Presidency and the World Conference:
During the special 2005 World Conference, President Stephen M. Veazey established a full-time position for ecumenical and interfaith ministries. He appointed the church’s first ecumenical and interfaith officer, Gail E. Mengel. This was a recommendation in the Ecumenical and Interfaith Report for the 2004 World Conference and is a positive change for the church to increase communication and dialogue with other faith groups. This position is consistent with similar positions in other Christian denominations.

This appointment allowed for a time of evaluation and preparation of recommendations for changing and expanding ecumenical and interfaith ministries in the church. Traditionally, when there is a full-time position for a specific job or ministry in the Community of Christ, there is not a working World Church committee for the same purpose; however, a committee had been appointed at the 2004 World Conference. They were asked to continue to the 2007 Conference to support a time of transition and experimentation.

The ecumenical and interfaith officer facilitated the transition and continued to advance the priorities of past committee and Conference recommendations and reports relating to ecumenical and interfaith ministries. The ecumenical and interfaith officer presented the following recommendations to members of the World Church Leadership Council.

1. The ecumenical and interfaith officer will represent the Community of Christ at ecumenical and interfaith gatherings and will work to advance our participation in interdenominational, interfaith, and other carefully selected mission-oriented groups that align with our mission and priorities. In addition:

a. Two representatives of the Community of Christ are now serving respectively on the National Council of Christian Churches USA Faith and Order Commission, Justice and Advocacy Commission, and the Justice for Women Working Group. This is increasing our visibility nationally. We are grateful to members who have served on committees and been elected to regional positions through the years.
b. We wish to continue the discussions concerning Community of Christ membership in the World Council of Churches. The WCC went through a time of restructuring in which no new members were accepted, but that has ended. We are working in hope of obtaining regional membership in several parts of the world and are pleased that members in states and regions have been elected to serve in leadership positions within the WCC.

c. President Veazey and Gail Mengel represented the church at organizing meetings of Christian Churches Together in the USA. This is a new group dedicated to having the most inclusive table of Christian heads of communion and ecumenical officers. The large representation comes with a vast variety of perspectives from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Evangelical, Pentecostal, and historic black and ethnic denominations. We are presently participating as observers and seeking membership.

d. The Community of Christ has been a supporting denomination of Church Women United in the United States for more than thirty years. Women in our denomination have served in leadership roles in local units, state offices, and in regional positions and on the national board. Gail Mengel is presently serving as the national president. It is hoped that more Community of Christ women will consider helping to create local units and join CWU and other organizations to advance ecumenical and interfaith work and ministry across the USA. (Special Note: Church Women United will hold an ecumenical women’s conference June 19–22, 2008, at Community of Christ International Headquarters. We encourage women in our denomination to support this event.)

e. We hope to assist Community of Christ members to join local ecumenical and interfaith organizations. There are many opportunities for service throughout the world.

2. The ecumenical and interfaith officer will establish an Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee including members who are serving and representing the Community of Christ nationally and internationally. This group will establish guidelines and suggestions for involving members in ecumenical and interfaith work and ministries.

3. It is hoped that each mission center will appoint an ecumenical and interfaith minister/representative. This is not projected as a paid position, but will be an interested member who is willing to coordinate ecumenical/interfaith ministries and opportunities in their mission center and share information with members.

Some examples of how the Ecumenical and Interfaith Committee will support these individuals:
• Provide guidelines and expectations
• Offer updates and information to members
• Offer workshops and classes at the Congregational Leaders Workshop, mission center conferences, and special events
• Post ideas on the church Web site

The Community of Christ has a place in ecumenical and interfaith ministries. Doctrine and Covenants Section 151:9–10 is as relevant today as it was in 1974. It is relevant for us and for those we serve beside in ecumenical and interfaith opportunities:

You who are my disciples must be found continuing in the forefront of those organizations and movements which are recognizing the worth of persons and are committed to bringing the ministry of my Son to bear on their lives. Working together to this end will promote unity, resolve conflicts, relieve tensions between individuals, and heal the wounds which have been sapping the strength of the church, spiritually and materially. This you must do in the spirit of love and compassion as revealed in my Son during his journey in your midst.