May 19, 2010

The World Alliance of Reformed Churches (WARC) and the Reformed Ecumenical Council (REC) are coming together in a new union representing more than 80 million Reformed Christians worldwide – the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC).

"This is an opportunity to celebrate unity and understanding among Reformed churches worldwide," says REC president Peter Borgdorff.

WARC president Clifton Kirkpatrick agrees,"We are blessed to be gathering at this time and place to reflect and learn together."

The Uniting General Council (UGC) that launches this new Reformed organization will be held from 18 to 26 June in Grand Rapids, Michigan – a community in the United States where WARC and REC churches have a tradition of preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ and reaching out in healing mission together.

The UGC theme is "Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace" (Ephesians 4.3). Under this theme delegates will consider God's call to both Communion (church unity) and justice as they gather and study around nine sub-themes:

• Reformed identity, theology and communion

• Christian unity and ecumenical engagement

• Justice in the economy and the earth

• Worship and spiritual renewal

• Leadership development and nurture

• Gender justice

• Youth empowerment

• Mission initiatives

• Peace and reconciliation

More than 1,000 delegates, guests, visitors, volunteers and staff will gather at Calvin College in Grand Rapids. Women and youth will hold separate events just prior to the Council.

The agenda of the Uniting General Council will focus on a wide range of theological, mission and social justice concerns. Among them will be discussion of the faith and social issues affecting the lives of American Indians and Canadian First Nations peoples.

"It is important we hear the voices of the people who first inhabited this land long before Europeans arrived," says event organizer, Lori Ransom, a Canadian First Nations woman. "The arrival of the Christian faith had a big impact on Aboriginal beliefs and culture."

More information about the UGC agenda and plans for the WCRC is available at http://www.reformedchurhces.org/.

World Alliance of Reformed Churches