Ecumenical gathering scheduled

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 our 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 www.ncccusa.org/ga2008. 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 web site listed above.

This story is provided by Worldwide Faith News.