April 26, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Faith and Order Commission of the National Council of Churches USA has approved an exciting program for its 50th anniversary celebration, which will be held in Oberlin, Ohio, July 19-23, 2007. Dr. Martin Marty, a distinguished theologian, church scholar and Lutheran pastor; and, Rev. Dr. James Forbes, renowned preacher, theologian and Senior Minister of The Riverside Church in New York; have both been confirmed to speak at the celebratory event.

Focused on the theme, "On Being Christian Together: The Faith and Order Experience in the United States," the Commission will mark a half century of Christian communities working to strengthen the unity of the Church by engaging one another through dialogue and research on the theological differences that divide our churches. Since its first meeting in Oberlin in 1957, the Commission has worked tirelessly to advance ecumenism and to discover new ways to state the core truths of Christian faith together.

One session entitled, "Voices of Christian Communities Not Now at the Faith and Order Table," has been planned to address how to continue broadening participation from Evangelical, Pentecostal and Holiness churches as well as other Christian communities who do not regularly participate in the Commission's work.

Other sessions during the four-day conference will include: "Faith and Order in a Post-modern World," "Issues Facing Ecumenism," and "Faith and Order in the Context of Religious Plurality."

As many as 500 participants, observers and members of the press are expected to attend this significant milestone in the ecumenical movement. As speakers, workshops and other plans for the 50th anniversary conference on Faith and Order are being finalized, organizers are soliciting the prayers of the entire Christian community for this important celebration.

For more information on the 50th anniversary celebration, see http://www.ncccusa.org/news/060106faocelebration.html.

National Council of Churches USA