Hello! Hope this is considered a plug for lay participation in the SYNOD that might otherwise just be focussed on clergy and administrative professionals in the religious realm - - the entire press release is at the Connecticut UCC dot-org web section for news =
HARTFORD (06/05/2007) -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D, IL), an active UCC member since 1988, has accepted an invitation to speak at UCC General Synod 26, June 22-26, in Hartford. The invitation was issued more than a year ago.
Obama, a member of Trinity UCC in Chicago, will speak to delegates and visitors during the special daylong “Synod in the City” event on Saturday, June 23, at the Hartford Civic Center.
Obama joins an impressive line-up of presenters during the five-day General Synod that includes journalist Bill Moyers, activist Marian Wright Edelman, preacher Peter Gomes, actress Lynn Redgrave, author Marilynne Robinson, columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr. and many more. Additional information is available at www.ucc.org/synod.
Obama, a Democratic candidate for President, has spoken often about his profession of faith, his membership in the UCC and the need for the nation to take seriously the concerns of religious Americans.
The Rev. John H. Thomas, the UCC’s general minister and president, said Obama will further strengthen the draw to the UCC’s 50th anniversary gathering.
“Sen. Obama is one of the most exciting figures on the political landscape today,” Thomas said. “More than that, he is a public figure who takes seriously the relationship between faith and public life. We look forward to being challenged by one of our how to make adifference in the world.”
http://www.ctucc.org/news/20070605_ct0706_obama.html |