Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 19, 1990 TAG: 9007200470
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: FRANCES STEBBINS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Delegates, including many from Western Virginia, voted at the recent Annual Conference in Milwaukee to "plant" congregations in Korea and the Dominican Republic.
According to the Rev. Dr. Owen Stultz, executive director of Virlina District ministries, debate occurred at the meeting over whether to start new denominational work or to support an existing church started by Korean nationals.
Delegates voted to start new Brethren work, but because many did not want to further fragment Christianity, approval also was given for possible support later of the existing church.
The Dominican Republic mission will strengthen work already begun there.
Delegates also approved a committee to bring more deaf people, blacks and young adults into church activity. The statement on the deaf treats the non-hearing as an ethnic minority with its own language and culture.
The Brethren, who are historically pacifist, asked that United States military forces be withdrawn from the Philippines next year. Bases in the islands, a statement said, tend to encourage social ills and dependency.
Delegates also elected a woman moderator, the Rev. Phyllis N. Carter of Goshen City, Ind., and heard that its seminary near Chicago will be offered for sale with future relocation.
by CNB