November 6, 1999

CLEVELAND—"We must have explored dozens of suggestions for the theme of this 50th Anniversary Celebration of the National Council of Churches," says the Rev. Dr. Gordon L. Sommers, a past NCC president who took on the special assignment to coordinate anniversary activities. "We finally settled on Unity in Christ: Gift and Calling," he says, "and now, after many months of planning, it just rolls off the tongue. To me, it feels as if the planners have picked the theme that is most natural, most appropriate, for our time together in Cleveland."

Dr. Sommers points out that among the array of anniversary activities which carry out the theme are many that address fresh challenges facing churches on the eve of a new millennium. These include The Great Conversation about our future and a forum on Practicing Ecumenism in the New Millennium, both of which take place Nov. 10, as well as many aspects of the worship service on Thursday, Nov. 11, that will install Ambassador Andrew Young as NCC President for the years 2000-2001.

While the theme is oriented to the future, Dr. Sommers says, it also poses the enduring conundrum of ecumenical life. "Our communions firmly believe that God has already given Christians the great gift of unity, that the church has one foundation in Jesus Christ," he explains. "At the same time, Christians fall short of expressing their unity in human terms. Our calling remains to make our unity visible.

"This calling is a magnet drawing us into the future. Even as we celebrate this council of churches as one expression of unity over the past 50 years, we will focus on mission in the new millennium and point to a community wider than our 35 member communions."

Noting that members of NCC program committees, as well as many visitors from Cleveland and around the nation, are joining General Assembly members for the celebration, Dr. Sommers rejoices that "being together in one place gives a strong witness to the unity we have already come to know."