NATIONAL COUNCIL OF THE CHURCHES OF CHRIST IN THE USA

The Commission on Interfaith Relations is composed of persons with theological and/or practical expertise in interfaith relationships. Interfaith Relations Commissioners are drawn from member and non-member communions, ecumenical and interfaith organizations, and related organizations with concern for interfaith work.  

The Commission seeks to be inclusive of a variety of viewpoints and traditions regarding interfaith relations. The work of the Commission is carried out in consultation with other faith communities.   Commission members meet regularly to:

study interfaith issues,

build relationships between the churches and people of other religious traditions,

develop opportunities for the fullest possible sharing of ideas and counsel among the churches on the topic of interfaith relations,

nurture relationships with local and national ecumenical and interfaith bodies,

promote interfaith dialogue and understanding,

assist the NCC-member churches in developing their relationships with other faith communities,

provide resources for the churches for education in interfaith relations, and to promote interfaith study, dialogue, and common action

The Education and Leadership Ministries Commission traces its roots to the formation of the American Sunday School Association in 1824. The Commission's predecessor became a charter member of the International Council of Religious Education in 1922 and was a founding member of the National Council of Churches in 1950.

 

Throughout its history , the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission has incorporated in its work congregational Christian education, higher education, ministry concerns and biblical translation.

Overall direction for the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission is provided by the Program Commission, representing 27 denominations.

 

ELMC has 15 program committees working in diverse areas of  educational ministry. They represent the work that the denominations do together to support local congregations in educational ministry. The board's  committees are working groups that generate materials for church education leaders, plan training events, and provide an ecumenical forum for inter-denominational exchange and planning.

 

Program ministries have five foci:

● Curriculum and leader formation.
● Family and age level ministries.
● Racial/ethnic culture and special ministries.
● Special needs and settings.
● Projects and explorations

At the core of Christian faith is a commitment to work on behalf of and with those marginalized by our society; the hungry, sick, poor, prisoners, strangers and powerless people (Matt. 25:44). Jesus’ life provides the model by which we are to work for justice and peace in our world. Like the Old Testament prophets, we raise our voices with the voiceless and help victims defend themselves from injustice.

The NCC has been a prophetic voice for justice and peace for its entire existence and played a vital role in the civil rights struggles of the 1960s, supported conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War, was a voice for peace throughout the Cold War, and spoke up for religious liberty for all after 9/11, standing with our Muslim brothers and sisters. NCC advocates with those who seek justice focusing on the mass incarceration crisis within communities of color and building bridges of peace across faiths.

ACT NOW To End Racism! Campaign
We challenge ourselves and our communities to join in truth-telling, leading to actions that right the wrongs, and, with God’s grace, bring healing and wholeness to all people, and unity to the nation.
AWAKEN ourselves to the truth that racism is ever-present, deeply rooted in American culture, and profoundly damaging to our communities.
CONFRONT racism, speak truth to ourselves, our communities and institutions, and stand against injustice.
TRANSFORM the hearts, minds, and behaviors of people and structures that shape society.

Uniform Series: International Bible Lessons for Christian Teaching

Bible Translation (Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, and New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)

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