MINUTES General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations Executive Committee October 17, 2016 Louisville, KY

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1 Executive Committee October 17, 2016 Monday, October 17, 2016 Executive Committee Meeting The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations (GACEIR) Executive Committee gathered for lunch and meeting on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 12:15 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn s Belmont Suite in Louisville, Kentucky. GACEIR Chairperson, Dianna Wright, led the opening prayer. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING Attendees: Y. Dianna Wright Chairperson Robert Reynolds Vice Chairperson Anne Weirich Jeremiah Rosario Randall Bailey Staff Robina Winbush Melissa G. Davis Angela Stevens Rick Ufford-Chase Sara Lisherness Chip Hardwick Dianna Wright reviewed the GACEIR new member orientation draft agenda for discussion. It is important for the orientation to clearly inform new members of the new model that the committee has used in approaching their work for the past two years. In the past, the GACEIR primarily functioned in three subcommittees. The term functioned in a different way; by convening in full committee with subcommittee work based on GACEIR s focus of work. GACEIR NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION AGENDA REVIEW Determination of work for GACEIR during the two-year term is derived from three resources: recommendations from GACEIR task groups, GACEIR self-study recommendations, and the GACEIR mandate. With information coming from so many, there is concern about the possibility of the committee getting overwhelmed by the required work coming their way. However, it is not necessary for the GACEIR to complete all of the work directed to the committee during a two-year term. The expectation is for the committee to look at the work through a broad lens to create a long-term plan for fulfilling the work they are called to do. The GACEIR EC reviewed the proposed full committee agenda to discuss the most effective ways for some of the conversations to be introduced. GACEIR FULL COMMITTEE AGENDA REVIEW 1

2 The 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation discussion on October 18 th will contribute to the GACEIR s response to the World Communion of Reformed Church s (WCRC) response to the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification (JDDJ). Rick Ufford-Chase will introduce the presentations and provide the GACEIR with the context to better inform the work that is being brought before the committee. Members of the Executive Committee will actively listen during the presentations and small groups to make sure key information will be considered when the GACEIR works to complete their work pertaining to the WCRC s response to the JDDJ and the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation. Jeremiah Rosario and Dianna Wright will focus on the WCRC; Robert Reynolds and Anne Weirich will make observations on the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation. Rick Ufford-Chase will ask Amantha Barbee, Cynthia Holder Rich, and Anne Bond to moderate the small group discussions. With no further business to discuss, the GACIER Executive Committee adjourned at 2:45 p.m. MEETING ADJOURNMENT 2

3 GACEIR Committee Meeting The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations (GACEIR) meeting commenced on Monday, October 17, 2016 with dinner at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn s Belmont Suite in Louisville, Kentucky. CONVENING OF THE GACEIR The following attendees were present for all or portions of the meeting: GACEIR Members Amantha Barbee Kathleen Matsushima Sophie Mathonnet-VenderWell Christopher Olkiewicz Robert Reynolds Jeremiah Rosario Anne Weirich Randall Bailey Anne Bond Laura Brekke John Felch, Jr. Cynthia Holder Rich Stephen Pointon Dianna Wright J. Herbert Nelson, II (Ex-Officio) Tony De La Rosa (Ex-Officio) Staff Robina Winbush Melissa G. Davis Sherri Hunter Angela Stevens Chip Hardwick Sara Lisherness Rick Ufford-Chase Excused Members Gun Ho Lee John Vertigan Heidi Hadsell do Nascimento 3

4 The GACEIR participated in opening worship, led by Bob Reynolds. The GACEIR reviewed the proposed agenda. The GACEIR Executive Committee made some adjustments to the schedule, which were presented to the full committee. With no further questions, the GACEIR- OPENING WORSHIP CALL TO ORDER - APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA VOTED to approve the agenda with changes. The minutes from the January 2016 GACEIR meeting were reviewed. The GACEIR VOTED to approve the January 2016 meeting minutes, as presented. GACEIR chairperson, Dianna Wright, invited the committee to introduce themselves and share why they are called to serve on GACEIR. The GACIER recessed at 9:00 p.m., joining together in song for closing prayer. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 2016 MEETING MINUTES EXPANDED INTRODUCTIONS WHAT CALLS YOU TO THIS WORK? EVENING RECESS Thursday, January 21, 2016 The GACEIR reconvened on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 9:07 a.m. at the Presbyterian Center in. Anne Weirich led the morning worship. GACEIR Chairperson, Dianna Wright, presented the proposed GACEIR work plan (Attachment 1) for this term. The plan was created based on the GACEIR Self-Study. The items in bold are recommended priorities, which will be discussed later in the meeting. Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, J. Herbert Nelson, II, expressed his gratitude to the GACEIR for their work. He shared his thoughts on the future of the Church, expressing the we are a church reforming and sees a great deal of hope. CONVENE AND MORNING WORSHIP DISCUSSION OF GACEIR PRIORITIES AND WORK PLAN FOR REPORT FROM THE STATED CLERK OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY The Stated Clerk traveled to Alexandria, Virginia in September, 2016, to participate in a discussion on the occupation of Israel/Palestine, hosted by the National Council of Churches (NCC). The Presbyterian Church (USA) was invited to Colombia to be present for the peace talks in September The Stated Clerk and a small delegation traveled to join our partners in the Presbyterian Church of 4

5 Colombia to celebrate President Juan Manuel Santos relentless efforts to create a peace agreement to end over 50 years of civil war. President Santos offered a powerful message, to address the pursuit of peace not for the sake of peace, but for the sake of collaboration. He expressed that, even if the current pursuit of peace fails, the journey to that goal of collaboration will continue. Robina Winbush, director of Ecumenical Relations in the Office of the General Assembly (OGA) provided the GACEIR with an overview of the work completed by her office since the committee last met (Attachment 2). REPORTS FROM OGA S ECUMENICAL RELATIONS She attended a unity gathering, held by the National Council of Churches (NCC) in May, 2016 (Attachment 3). The Presbyterian Church (USA) continues to be one of the highest financial supporters of the NCC, whose financial status is stabilizing, but remains fragile at this time. The World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) Executive Committee met in Havana, Cuba in May, Robina had the opportunity to witness how the reformed churches, as a whole, have accompanied the local churches through the embargo. The WCRC held a meeting in Cleveland, Ohio, which was hosted by the United Church of Christ (UCC). Amantha Barbee and Cynthia Holder Rich attended the meeting, which included a conversation on race. It is important to see how the current situation in the United States has an impact on the world. People of color are still being oppressed worldwide. Even though it was an emotive conversation, the WCRC chose to table further action for a year. If GACEIR would like to send a statement to WCRC regarding this decision, it is within the purview of their work. Robina provided the GACEIR with an overview on the current dialogues in the Presbyterian Church (USA) s bi-lateral and multi-lateral Ecumenical Relationships (Attachment 4). The Roman Catholic dialog with reformed churches continues, with the last meeting taking place October, A report of the dialog will need to be sent to the 223 rd General Assembly (2018). The Episcopal Presbyterian Dialogue continues, as approved by the 221 st General Assembly (2014). In September, 2016, the dialogue team discussed issues related to liturgy, confirmation/commissioning, and developing resources to facilitate the Agreement. A report will be submitted to the 223 rd General Assembly (2016). 5

6 The Presbyterian Church (USA) celebrated it Covenant/Full Communion with the Moravian Church in America. In March 2017, the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Church of Christ will celebrate 20 years of a Full Communion relationship in March, Robina traveled to South Africa to join the Uniting Reformed Church of Southern Africa (URCSA) as they celebrated the 30 th anniversary of the Belhar Confession. She was struck by the intersections of how our churches mirror one another. The URCSA in developing an order to reconcile union presbyteries with the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) with a condition that the DRC accept the Belhar Confession. However, this may not easily pass in the near future. With unity as their primary call, the URCSA is moving forward with this work. The event included conversations around sexuality. Participants expressed the importance of being fully inclusive of all God s people in the church. The study will continue with the intent of creating an action that is most likely to be accepted by presbyteries. Melissa Davis provided the GACEIR with an update of her office s work. Applications are currently being accepted for Presbyterians to participate in the WCRC General Council. Last year, four applications were received for the Eugene Carson Blake Scholarship. One of the applicants withdrew, and the remaining three were offered scholarships. Melissa invited GACEIR members to spread the word to encourage people to apply for a scholarship in the upcoming term. Melissa has been working with OGA technology staff to create a database and the webpage for Ecumenical Ministries is currently being revised. Sara Lisherness, Director of Compassion, Peace and Justice, provided the GACEIR with an overview of the Ecumenical work involving her office. REPORT FROM COMPASSION, PEACE & JUSTICE She attended the World Council of Church (WCC) Round Table, which accommodates specialized ministries. Though the organization has experienced financial challenges due to the devaluation of Suisse Bank, there are signs of hope for the future. Sarah will be on the planning team for next year s gathering. CPJ is experiencing some transition with a search for a new director of Social and Public Witness in Washington, DC. The Presbyterian Church (USA) s Ecumenical presence at the United Nations has been reduced to one staff member in New York. Mark Koenig has returned to Louisville to focus on other work. 6

7 In support of the ongoing migrant crisis, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) leadership traveled with form Moderator, Heath Rada, to Hungary. Europe is beginning to shut its doors. But the United States will be able to support 85,000 incoming refugees. PDA offers financial assistance for this work. In the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, many challenges have faced the small number of mission co-workers serving in Haiti. They are working collectively with Ecumenical partners, to improve their abilities to offer aid to the community during this time of recovery. Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) Mission Associate, Rick Ufford- Chase reported on the continuing work of the Interfaith Relations office. Rick recognizes the past disconnect between PMA staff for Interfaith Relations and GACEIR. But he is energized by where GACEIR is going, and the continuing collaboration with OGA s Ecumenical Ministries. REPORT FROM PMA S INTERFAITH RELATIONS The past four years for GACEIR has been dedicated to building a foundation for the Interreligious Stance. The next step is to determine how the Interreligious Stance will impact the wider Church. He recommended that GACEIR remind Presbyterians know where they come from as reformed people. We have something to put on the table in celebration and atonement. Rick is working closely with OGA staff to make sure to not get stopped by boundaries. Rick is looking for treetop thinking, partnering with staff to determine how to get there. Chip Hardwick, director of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism has been involved in conversations regarding interfaith relations when it comes to someone from another faith tradition leading worship. The GACEIR took a short break at 11:05 a.m. Bob Reynolds reviewed the proposed GACEIR Assignment Chart (Attachment 5). The committee divided into three groups to discuss the chart with the intention of determine the five priorities for the work of this committee during this two-year term. Dr. Fulate Mbano-Moyo led a presentation titled, Thursdays in Black: Towards World Without Rape and Violence, addressing the WCC s continued efforts to end sexual gender-based violence. The GACEIR took a brief break at 1:15 p.m. REPORT FROM THEOLOGY, FORMATION & EVANGELISM BREAK DISCUSSION OF GACEIR PRIORITIES AND WORK PLAN FOR (CONTINUED) SMALL GROUPS LUNCH BROWNBAG PRESENTATION WITH DR. FULATA MBANO- MOYO BREAK 7

8 Rick Ufford-Chase provided the GACEIR with an overview of the presentation to the GACEIR regarding the WCRC s response to the JDDJ (Attachment 6) and the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. The presenters have been invited to discuss their experience and perspectives in order to assist the GACEIR in completing this work. The presenters are as follows: PRESENTATIONS ON THE WCRC RESPONSE TO THE JDDJ & WITTENBERG STATEMENT AND THE 500 TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION. - Dr. Anna Case-Winters (via Skype) Charles Wiley (in Person)- WCRC Response to the Joint Declaration on Justification and Wittenberg Statement. - Jin S. Kim (via Skype) Critique of the Reformation and the Implications Need for Atonement Related to Anti- Semitism, Colonization of this Hemisphere, Doctrine of Discover, and Slavery. The meeting of the GACEIR took a brief break at 4:45 p.m. The GACEIR convened in small groups to discuss and reflect on this afternoon s presentations. The committee was directed to focus their conversations on the following questions: BREAK SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION How do these presentations help us to think about how to lift up the Reformation during the 500 th anniversary? - What opportunities might the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation provide to strengthen the Presbyterian Church (USA) in its Ecumenical and Interfaith witness? - Does this help to inform our response to the WCRC response to the JDDJ(What do you want to include in our response?) The GACEIR meeting reconvened with the full committee to hear reports from the small groups. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SMALL GROUPS Group 1 Anne Weirich - The working group offered a prayer from Paul in Ephesians 3:18, which represents the need for a time to listen and comprehend the call that GACEIR has to contribute to this work. - At the congregational level, they are not there. We need to help one another understand what it means to be reformed. - Penitence and Woundedness. - We often talk about what we re not. Ask others to reflect on who they think we are. 8

9 - We understand a season of penitential examination open to asking about reparations. - Is this a God of the empire or a God of the village create materials to study this further. Generate this conversation in Bible study. - The work of Reformation is not done for us yet..it goes on. Group 2 Anne Bond presented proposed verbiage created by the working group: We reaffirm the WCRC document and are convicted to address hard questions challenging ourselves: - In celebration of 500 years, we will respond by engaging in new ways of reforming. - In this celebration of 500 years, we will reconsider the issue of reparations. - Encourage personal acknowledgement of bias and recognition of privilege - Begin a process to write a new confession focused on racism. Include this confession new understandings of the Doctrine of Discovery and implications for anti-semitism, colonialism, slavery, homophobia, Islamophobia, oppression and other biases. - We are a Church Reforming use Lutheran Themes o Salvation is not for sale o Creation is not for sale o Human beings are not for sale Group 3 Jeremiah Rosario reported. WCRC Response to JDDJ - Part of the response should be a statement including justification for all regardless of gender, sexuality, or race. - The role of oppression as sin - human making of oppression to be holy thing normalization of oppression. 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation - What it means to be Presbyterian. Bullet points with historic information. - Highlighting where ecumenical collaboration and covenant relationships are in place over the past 500 years. - Video/social media response with people reflecting on where they see the future - Aspirational points of people s vision of where the church could move. 9

10 It is an excellent time to offer these suggestions to the WCRC in the letter supporting their response as they think through their future work at the General Council meeting in It has been suggested that Robina draft a letter on behalf of GACEIR affirming the WCRC s response, beginning with a statement of penitence. It will affirm what has been done, and what work that is still left to do, highlighting Group 3 s areas of focus. The letter will be distributed to the GACEIR for feedback in time for the final draft to be sent no later than November 1, The GACEIR - VOTED to approve the motion for Robina Winbush to draft a letter for the GACEIR s review. The GACEIR discussed the possibility of creating simple resources, including a pamphlet, video and other online resources. Some of the work of GACEIR could focus on Group 2 s suggested commitment perhaps a statement to be presented to the General Assembly. Each of the groups will provide clarifying language around their suggestions for how to address the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. The GACEIR adjourned for the evening at 6:15 p.m. Randall Bailey led the evening prayer. The GACEIR gathered for dinner and fellowship at 6:30 p.m. EVENING PRAYER DINNER AND EVENING RECESS Wednesday, October 19, 2016 The GACEIR reconvened on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. Chip Hardwick led the morning prayer. Rick Ufford-Chase opened the discussion reviewing the proposed assignment chart for the GACEIR (Attachment 8). He invited the GACEIR to break into small groups to record their thoughts on what needs to be considered when drafting a rationale for interreligious work and clarification of the terms, Interfaith and Interreligious. This feedback will guide the development of deeper conversations at the spring 2017 meeting. - Interfaith vs. Interreligious o Interreligious tends to focus on faith traditions while interfaith has a much broader lens. - Resources for GACEIR to consider o Acts of Faith by Eboo Patel MORNING PRAYERS INITIAL DISCUSSION ON THEOLOGICAL RATIONALE FOR INTERRELIGIOUS WORK AND CLARIFICATION OF INTERRELIGIOUS AND INTERFAITH TERMINOLOGY 10

11 o The Impossibility of Interreligious Dialogue Catherine Cornille o God is Not One Stephen Prothero - Shifting trends with some denominational partners; and ask why they have shifted. - How do we relate to the idea of religious dialogue? Emphasize the urgency of doing this work. - We live in a globalized world. Because we are called to love our neighbors, we must reach out in mutual relationship with them. It is not in spite of our religious convictions, but because of them that we engage in Interfaith work to know and love our diverse neighbors more fully. - religion and faith and how you define differences is it organized or not? how do we define religion? and how do we define who to be in dialogue with within that religion? - Is this a relevant question for the church? Is this an academic question? - Could we define these words for some useful purpose or should we define them to mean the same thing? Could inter religious refer to the doctrinal work among religions like the RC/Protestant dialogues? And interfaith refer more to diaconal work - like interfaith worship that informs them - Being careful about the vocabulary we use across dialogues - how would others hear the words when they are used? - # 5 in the Interreligious Stance can be easily misunderstood - a need to be careful in its interpretation. Can we complete a rationale that considers the people who are skeptical of this work? - Commitment to work for the common good of society is only a piece of why we do this. - Some terminology between different faith traditions are not interpreted in the same way. - Some of us are so steeped into this thinking that we may not be doing what we can to help other learn about other faiths. - Need for resources for GACEIR and others, like COGA, to help prepare for these conversations. - How & why do Presbyterans balance openness and justice? - How can we find resources we need before one-on-one interfaith dialogs? - Is there any value in talking to or cross-checking with those in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who are working on evangelism? - Challenges: Vocabulary, Iconography, sovereignty in the role of Jesus, and the question of purpose. - Are we open to other faith traditions influencing our church? - Are the terms (Ecumenical, Interfaith, or Interreligious) exhaustive or mutually exclusive? 11

12 - Who judges? (example the struggle with allowing a UU church into a local council of churches. Do they decide, or do we decide?) - Religious exceptionalism - Difference between interfaith and multifaith terminology. - Possible resources: o Paul Kirbas was at Wheaton, but may now be in Oklahoma. o Community of Living Traditions at Stony Point Center o Mining historical documents provided by Peggy Thomas. - Exploration of the ways in which we privilege ourselves in relationship to other people. How does that privilege get in the way of entering into dialogue? - Keeping up a dialog with Abrahamic faiths we need to honor and respect other people s ways that go beyond those traditions. - Can we get the humility to overcome the barrier to allow that to happen? The GACEIR heard from Tony De La Rosa, who offered an overview of the work in the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) that relates to Ecumenical and Interfaith relations. He recently traveled to the Philippines with a delegation to witness the continuing recovery efforts after a typhoon devastated the land in Our relationship with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines is strong, thanks to mission co-workers and PDA. REPORT FROM INTERIM PMA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR In January 2017, Tony will be attending a meeting of the Church World Service in Havana, Cuba. Tony has received several calls regarding the Boycott, Divestment and Sanction movement pertaining to Israel/Palestine. The Presidential election in November 2016 may have a significant impact on mission and Ecumenical/Interfaith engagement, regardless of who is elected. Tony has requested that the PMA leadership cabinet discern the possible impact the election may have on the mission work conducted by the PMA. The work of GACEIR is extremely important and it will continue to be of the utmost importance in the future. The GACEIR discussed future meeting dates for term and determined to convene on the following dates: FUTURE MEETING DATES - March 6-8, September 6-8, January 23-25, 2018 The GACEIR took a brief break at 10:30 a.m. BREAK 12

13 GACEIR chairperson, Dianna Wright, requested reports from the groups who met on October 18, 2016, regarding their suggested priorities for the GACEIR during this term (Attachment 9): GACEIR WORK PLAN FOR THE TERM Group 1 As to number 5 - creating materials to be used for the grass roots organizing Rick thinks could be used on the occasion of the Reformation. Reformation themes - what does it mean to be liberated by God s grace Salvation, human beings and creation not for sale. Noticing the 3 areas that the Lutherans have chosen for the 500th, all three of them can be accessed for children and 2 (human beings and creation) can be engaged by secular, atheist, spiritual but not religious, etc. as well. Can we tie the preparation of materials and grass roots organizing to being, from the ground up - inclusive of children, youth and the rest of the non-religious folks. Would the 20th anniversary to re-invigorate the idea of collaboration? As to number 10 - and creating resources. Look to our partners to see what they are already doing (realizing that there are fewer resources.) As to number 17 - Race. concern for ground up convincing folks of privilege? Group 2 - #15 & 17 could be done together - #6 may be more beneficial for the GACEIR to address as opposed to staff. Group 3 - #7 - #5 - #15 - Ways to engage those who are spiritual, but not religious. - Struggled with what approach are we to have on this would this be through a broad lens or more detailed. Dianna Wright asked the GACEIR which areas of work they would be most interested in participating #5 Collaboration with Councils 13

14 Cynthia Holder Rich Sophie Mathonnet-VenderWell Amantha Barbee Bob Reynolds #7 Mid Council engagement in ecumenical work. Chris Olkiewicz Jack Felch, Jr. Jeremiah Rosario #14-17 Theological Statement Anne Bond Laura Brekke Randall Bailey Not assigned Steve Pointon Anne Weirich Gun Ho Lee John Vertigan Heidi Hadsell do Nascimento The 500 th anniversary of the Reformation could be considered in all three groups. It was proposed that the leaders of GACEIR meet with leaders of other PCUSA committees to find out where their work intersects. It may also be helpful to review the work of the Ecumenical and Interfaith councils and examine what they are doing on these issues. The WCC has done a lot of work on climate change. The GACEIR Executive Committee and PC(USA) staff will work to add clarity to the Reformation and JDDJ reflections presented by the three groups on Tuesday, October 18, With no further business to discuss, the General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations adjourned the meeting at noon on Wednesday, October 19, Dianna Wright led the closing prayer. NEXT STEPS, ASSIGNMENTS BETWEEN MEETINGS, MEETING OF THE GACEIR ADJOURNED Respectfully Submitted, Angela Stevens Recorder 14