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Together Making A Difference

By Rev. Dr. Joan B. Campbell

(NUI) - Together, we are making a difference! The 52 million people who belong to the National Council of Churches' 35 Protestant and Orthodox member church bodies join in life-changing ministries that include:

Bible translation and biblical literacy programs. The New Revised Standard Version Bible (1990), widely hailed as the most accurate, readable Bible in English, and its predecessor Revised Standard Version (1952), were both translated under NCC auspices.
Ministries that address poverty, racism and other injustices. Work and witness alike address such needs as quality -and equality - in public education and health care, global debt forgiveness, more just U.S. domestic and foreign policy, and environmental protection. The NCC's "Energy Star" program helps congregations slash energy consumption and emissions - and save money for ministry.
Relief, development and refugee assistance. Hundreds of thousands of Americans support Church World Service blankets, kits and "Tools of Hope" programs and participate in hunger-fighting CROP WALKS. Since 1948, CWS has helped resettle 400,000 refugees - most recently from Kosovo. The NCC's Ecumenical Program for Urban Service each year places 5,000 AmeriCorps members in congregationally based community service.
Educational and worship resources for congregations, individuals and persons with special needs. It takes several catalogs to list them all! Resources support Christian education, spiritual nurture, effective faith-filled parenting and contemporary mission, including confronting violence and influencing government confidently and critically. The NCC's Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches offers data, analysis and ministry links invaluable for service and stewardship.
Projects that promote unity among churches and better relationships among Christians and others locally, nationally and globally. Efforts like our mission to Belgrade with Jesse Jackson succeed because of the NCC's vast network of relationships.
Work to secure religious liberty at home and abroad. The NCC drafted groundbreaking U.S. government guidelines that protect appropriate religious expression in public schools, contributed to similar workplace guidelines - and helped shape U.S. policy against religious persecution.

We'll celebrate these ministries and more when we mark the NCC's 50th anniversary in November. For more information, visit our Web site (www.ncccusa.org) or phone 212-870-2227.