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 CMACC
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:
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Encourage one another in
mission.
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Build relationships among
Christians.
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Create a forum for Christian
witness in the community.
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Work with others in common
mission.
The Church Council pursues this mission
by encouraging cooperation through:
The Church Council enables churches to
do together what they cannot do separately.
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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.
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
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