COUNCIL OF CHURCHES USA TO MEET IN DENVER

Thousand Oaks Acorn
August 14, 2008
USA

Plans are underway for the annual General Assembly of the National
Council of Churches USA and Church World Service in Denver from
Nov. 11 to 13.

The theme of the 2008 General Assembly is, "Jesus Said . . . Whoever
is Not Against You is For You," from Luke 9:50.

The theme focuses on the words of Jesus, a response to his disciple’s
complaints about a man they didn’t know who was casting out demons
in Jesus’ name.

The words invoke the brokenness of a world in which suspicion and
distrust govern relationships and create obstacles to church unity.

Topics planned for discussion at the General Assembly raise questions
about the Christian obligation to be good neighbors: immigration
reform, the meaning of Christian unity in a pluralistic era and the
"phobias" that stand in the way of ecumenical unity, racial justice
and interfaith dialogue.

Registration and hotel information forms may be downloaded from

The registration fee is $250 until Sept. 29, when the price increases
to $275.

The assembly will be presided over by the president of the National
Council of Churches, H.E. Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, who represents
the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern). The assembly
is composed of delegates and visitors from the 35 member communions
of the NCC and CWS.

Young adults from member communions will gather in Denver prior to
the General Assembly for an agenda that is in the planning process. As
in past years, young adults will form a group of stewards to support
the logistics and business of the General Assembly. An application
form for stewards can be downloaded at the website listed above.

In addition, a women’s caucus and luncheon will be held early in the
assembly schedule.