Irish Summer Institute Set For August, 2004

Rev. Dr. Jim Macdonell of PCUSA again will lead 25 people on a trip to Northern Ireland from August 16 through August 28, 2004. The trip is sponsored in conjunction with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Presbyterian Committee for Northern Ireland, of which Rev. Dr. Macdonell is chairman.

This effort is part of the Inter Church Committee on Northern Ireland, a non-profit group established by the USCCB and the Presbyterian Church, USA in 1989. The Committee has engaged in numerous initiatives to promote a peaceful resolution to the justice issues is Northern Ireland. One such significant program is the Business Education Initiative to promote peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. College students from Northern Ireland and surrounding counties are hosted by Catholic and Protestant schools in the United States for a year of study at no cost to the students. The Northern Ireland government pays for student travel and a monthly stipend. Over 1200 students in business and the sciences, who may have never had a friend of the other denomination (Protestant or Catholic), learn to study and live together, to enhance industry in Northern Ireland upon their return.

The Irish Summer Institute is another program to promote mutual understanding across denominations. Attendees meet with religious and political leaders, as well as cross-community groups, to enhance their understanding of how local Church communities in the United States can be a positive force for mutual understanding.

For more information contact: Dr. Marie Hilliard (860-524- 7882)

Montreat Schedules “Reclaiming The Text” Conference

On May 31–June 4, a major conference is scheduled at Montreat. “Reclaiming the Text” The Cost of Discipleship: Faith, Money and Possessions” features an unparalleled community of scholars and practitioners of the Word. Keynote presenters and preachers are: Walter Brueggemann, Robert Wuthnow, Jane Childers, James Forbes, Douglas John Hall and M. Douglas Meeks. To register or to request a brochure, contact Montreat Conference Center, PO Box 969, Montreat, NC. Call 800-572-2275 or online: www.montreat.org.