Columbus Metropolitan Area Church Council
 The tree with branches of many faiths.  Voice of the Ecumenical Community

 

 

CMACC LogoCMACC Celebrates

  50 Years of Service

Reflections on the         Metropolitan Area Church Council

   I've been asked to reflect on my tenure at what was known as Metropolitan Area Church Board (MACB) when I began as director in 1985. Serving in that position until 1993, I initially joined with the governing body in re-creating this ecumenical organization into the Columbus Metropolitan Area Church Council (CMACC). Rather than conveying the impression of being largely a hierarchal board of judicatory leaders, through this renaming accentuated the inclusive nature of becoming a gathering of congregations and denominations. We wanted to emphasize that we were made up of laypersons and clergy from churches throughout central Ohio committed to our common mission. MACC enabled us to do together more and better than we could do separately.

   One early illustration of that premise was to establish a process of clergy identification for visiting local hospitals.

   Another reached outside of our Christian affiliations.   Traditionally accepting nominal “liaison” representatives from other faiths--such as the Jewish and Islamic associations--we became active in generating dialogue and developing broader and more diverse ties with other religions. These became coupled with parallel efforts to pull together local religious groups in support of international peace   negotiations between the United States and Russia in the mid-1980's. This sensitivity to joining forces was further crystallized when we sponsored a broadly inclusive memorial gathering immediately following the Challenger space program disaster in 1987. Then, building upon a series of City-sponsored gatherings dedicated to discovering common personal and moral values within the community, we contributed to the development of the Interfaith Association of Central Ohio.

   During the same time, seeking greater cooperation among often racially diverse churches and organizations in central Ohio, MACC brought together a broad coalition of clergy and lay persons from various congregations to create “Racial Unity” worship together. Comparably, we also recruited an eclectic mix of faith leaders to meet regularly with the superintendent of the Columbus Public Schools to confront tensions within that educational system.             In the early 1990's, confronted by shifting of emphasis away from ecumenical affinity and funding, we brought together specialist to assist us in building greater camaraderie and support among churches and within the larger community. From these conversations, the Living Faith recognitions were birthed. The first annual event was held in 1991 to recognize persons who exhibit outstanding qualities in personifying their religious values and serving their communities.  

   Along with the durability of Clergy ID badges, Interfaith Association of Central Ohio, Racial Unity services, the continuation of Living Faith gatherings, we celebrate the ongoing bonds of friendship and cooperation generated through this quest for cooperation. 


   Looking back over my “moment” within the “Church Council” (as I prefer to abbreviated it), I remain grateful for the “cloud of witnesses,” dedicated and inspirational persons with whom I shared this embracive ministry. Reflecting upon the past, I thank those who go beyond the ordinary, refuse to accept “the way things are,” inaugurate essential change, radiate exemplary faith, show their love in action, and thereby offer hope for us all.

 

 Bob Erickson

Our Mission

The Columbus Metropolitan Area Church Council is an organization of Christian churches and groups with a mission to:

  • Encourage one another in mission.

  • Build relationships among Christians.

  • Create a forum for Christian witness in the community.

  • Work with others in common mission.

The Church Council pursues this mission by encouraging cooperation through:

  • Exchanging information.

  • Addressing common concerns

  • Sharing resources.

  • Experiencing and celebrating diversities of traditions.

The Church Council enables churches to do together what they cannot do separately.

 

 

 

 

 

Voice of the Ecumenical Community

 

 

      Click on  Calendar 

Many New Events Posted

Do you have an event you would like to put on the CMACC Calendar? Please send to Barbara Backus at bjbackus@att.net

 

It's that time...time for the 21st Annual     Living Faith Awards! Mark May 17, 2012       on your Calendar.

Go to the Living Faith Awards page for more information and the reservation/advertising form.

 

 



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Metropolitan Area Church Board

P.O. Box 1175

Columbus, Ohio 43216

Phone: 614-668-6036

Fax: 866-434-9936 

Email: church_council@yahoo.com  www.churchcouncilofcolumbus.org