November 10, 1999

CLEVELAND—The National Council of Churches opened its 50th anniversary celebration here Nov. 9, recalling the history and mission of the organization and celebrating its worldwide partnerships in ecumenical ministry and dialogue.

The day began with worship focused on the NCC’s Bible-related work and continued with a host of forums and special events during which participants explored topics as wide-ranging as environmental justice and the impact of rock and roll on gospel and culture, breaking for the Anniversary Welcome Luncheon. The Council’s Executive Board wrestled with issues of NCC finance and administration, discussions it is to continue today (Nov. 10).

In the evening, anniversary participants were treated to a private "Inspiration in Music" concert by the Cleveland Orchestra, followed by a panel discussion.

Cleveland Mayor Michael White hosted about 1,000 participants at a "Welcome Luncheon." He called Cleveland "a mirror image of America" since despite economic development and a decrease in crime the city is home to people "who feel alienated, set apart, forgotten." He told the group, "Your work answers the call to address that alienation."

Outgoing NCC President Craig Anderson, a bishop of The Episcopal Church, challenged the organization and its member churches to view the anniversary celebration as "a time to pray, reflect, remember and anticipate the future."

South African Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu sent a greeting by letter, read by the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, NCC General Secretary. Archbishop Tutu was scheduled to deliver the day’s keynote address but could not be present because he was undergoing surgical treatment for prostate cancer.

The archbishop said he was "heartbroken not to be present in the flesh," but took the opportunity to commend the NCC for "the fervor of your love and caring—most notably during apartheid." Archbishop Tutu called the NCC "steadfast—incredibly generous." He said, "You were there for us. God is proud of you."

Ecumenical leaders spoke to the theme, "The Role of the Churches in the Issues of Peace and Justice." World Council of Churches General Secretary Konrad Raiser praised the NCC for "significantly shaping the understanding of the churches in issues of justice and peace—offering a clear sense of prophetic witness precisely when the superpowers shaped and conditioned world affairs."

Dr. Raiser, a Lutheran, expressed "respect, appreciation and indebtedness" to the NCC, and cited examples of its worldwide "ecumenical solidarity" with the people of Eastern Europe, Latin America and Korea. He called on ecumenical bodies "to continue to work together in addressing strategies of globalization and in overcoming violence."

Canon Clement Janda, General Secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches, thanked the NCC for being involved in "issues of peacemaking and justice at home and abroad." In advocacy and peacemaking, "the NCC has stood with African churches during the long and difficult march against apartheid, against all pressures and odds to discredit you," he said. "Thank God for you—for your sustaining the hope of our people," he added.

The Rev. Dr. Riad Jarjour, General Secretary of the Middle East Conference of Churches, praised the NCC for "advocating justice and truth—for inspiring a sense of hope [and] a firm foundation of justice and durable peace" in the Middle East. He identified Palestine, Iraq and globalization as ongoing areas of challenge for ecumenical work.

Two leaders who took part in the NCC’s founding meeting in Cleveland in 1950 recalled that event and offered perspectives of the NCC’s work over a half century. Bishop J. Clinton Hoggard of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church called for "renewed unity in personal lives, in communities—in the churches of which we are a part." He asked, "How close to an inclusive society are we?"

United Methodist Bishop James K. Mathews termed it "a tremendous gift" to know ecumenical colleagues as well as he knows leaders of his own church body. He said the NCC’s detractors had "mostly unjustly criticized" the NCC’s work, and that the NCC had always been "faithful to the gospel and its demands."

Among honored guests were past NCC general secretaries William Thompson, James Armstrong, Philip R. Cousin, Syngman Rhee and Melvin Talbert and past NCC presidents Claire Randall, James Hamilton and Gordon Sommers. Executive Director Rebecca Tollefson brought greetings from the Ohio Council of Churches.

The R. Nathaniel Dett Concert Choir of the Cleveland School of the Arts, the Cleveland School of the Arts Jazz Trio, and the Battu Ensemble of the Greater Cleveland Young Audiences provided music.

Archbishop Tutu sends warm greetings
Reconciliation about ‘wrestling with privilege’
Forums explore faith diversity, education and rock and roll