News Briefs
Diocesan Press Service. August 3, 1966 [45-12]
LARGE AMOUNTS OF FOOD NEEDED IN INDIA
Plans to secure an unprecedented 98, 287, 000 pounds of food for distribution to famine victims in India during the next 12 months are being made by Church World Service in response to requests from its representative in India, according to the Rev. Frank L. Hutchison, CWS director for South and Southeast Asia. Church World Service is the overseas relief and rehabilitation program of the National Council of Churches. Contributions to the Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief assist Church World Service.
"Preschool children and expectant and nursing mothers --those most vulnerable to famine --are in the category which shows the greatest increase over our previous program," said Mr. Hutchison. "We expect to aid 67,567 of these women and children."
NATIONAL FAITH, ORDER GROUP FORMS
The first annual meeting of the newly formed National Faith and Order Colloquium, held in Chicago in June, took a close look at the experience of conversion --how it happens, when and where, and what it means.
Questions rather than answers emerged as issues were clarified. Scientists -- particularly sociologists and psychologists -- have much more basic work to do before theologians can enlarge their understanding of conversion from a broader and more accurate basis of knowledge, Colloqium members agreed.
But it was the unprecedented nature of this meeting, rather than its findings or conclusions, which turned a new page in U.S. church history. For the first time, a body of theologians representing virtually every branch of Christianity in America has a permanent structure and organization for dialogue.
Theologians and seminary professors from major communions outside the National and World Councils of Churches -- Roman Catholics, Southern Baptists and Missouri Synod Lutherans among them --took their seats this week alongside Protestant, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox colleagues whose churches already participate formally in the conciliar movement.