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In This Issue:
The Tucson Covenant
The General Executive Council
(GEC) of our denomination is composed of each region executive
minister, the general secretary & associate general secretaries
and the executive directors and key executive staff of each
national board. This group meets annually (and occasionally
more frequently) to deliberate about the mission and ministry
of American Baptist churches.
The group has been caught in
the swirl of controversy in recent years over the issues related
to how homosexuality would be addressed within the denomination.
For many there seemed no way through or around a continuing
spirit of contention and division.
Let me be clear that no new
statement on the issue has been made nor is any new statement
on the issue contemplated. The basic policies were adopted in
1992 and 1993 and a much earlier statement regarding a traditional
stand on family was adopted in the 1970's. (All ABCUSA policies
and resolutions appear on the ABCUSA website www.abc-usa.org)
Yet a lack of trust prevailed
within GEC and permeated much of our denominational life. That
is until we experienced nothing short of a fresh wind from God
as we met in Tucson in April 2007.
As we discussed informally
and then in small groups and finally in the total group a way
forward was brought to us by God. The idea of a covenant between
GEC members was developed. A covenant to which we would hold
one another accountable. A covenant that would seek to bind
our ABC family together and a covenant that would move us forward
not in controversy but in spirit of unity.
The covenant is a simple statement.
"We as members of the GEC will give due consideration to
all American Baptist policies and resolutions when persons are
considered for service at the denominational (national) level."
In other words, when folks serve at the "national table"
they need to be aware of the policy and resolution base of the
denomination. This includes statements on autonomy of the local
church, authority of the Bible, etc.
This covenant was affirmed
by every member of GEC with a great sense that we are on the
cusp of a new day of God-given unity within ABC. The potential
now exists in our centennial year to link arms and get on with
the work of the Kingdom. To God be the glory.
Arlo R. Reichter
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ABC/WI GATHERING
AT THE BIENNIAL
4 - 5 PM
SAT. JUNE 30TH
during the 100th Birthday Party
gather near the Waukesha
Praise Band
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JUNE
PRAYER FOCUS:
Church:
Kenosha-First
Kenosha
Pastor:
Phineas Marr
Spouse: Loralei
Began 3/92
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SALUTING RETIRED
ABC PASTORS IN WISCONSIN
Arthur R. Anderson
Arthur E. Basile
John W. Bauserman
Charlene M. Bennett
Ernest D. Bliss, Jr.
Merlin W. Bradley
Barton A. Brown
Eleanor W. Cardenas
Everett B. Chambers
Earl M. Clark
Francis W. Cook
Ardis T. Corey
Jaime E. Davila
Andrew C. Davison
Wayne E. Dungam
Keith C. Epps
Frank P. Fagerburg
Clarence E. Fretz
Jack E. Frohn
Richard O. Goins
Charles E. Graves
Floyd J. Harbold
Charles Y. Ho
William L. Horsman
Bruce P. Huffer
William J. Kermott
Grisana Lae-Sleeper
William E. Lansford
John M. Leggett
Robert H. Martens
Eli M. Mendez
Norman G. Miller
Walter F. Monfort
Thomas G. Petree
Phillip C. Philbrook
Joseph I. Sanders
Con W. Slaverio
Kenneth L. Smith
Shirley I. Tupper
George W. Waddell
Llewellyn S. Walker
Clara M. White
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