Synod of the Northeast: The New Social Creed Confronts the Challenges of the Economic Crisis

In a timely response to current events, the synod’s Public Policy Advocacy Network has invited the Rev. E. Richard Knox, who holds a Ph. D in Social Christian Ethics, specializing in economics, to speak about the new Social Creed for the 21st Century adopted by the Presbyterian Church (USA), and how its principles confront the challenges of our economic crisis. Knox’s presentation will highlight the movement in the social creed as it addresses the social witness of Christian communities in an increasingly complex world. Focusing on emerging circumstances that put our society and world to the test, Knox will challenge participants to consider evolving relationships between technology and economics in a world of shifting values, helping participants discover how the church might respond faithfully.

Participation by people from around the synod is free, the program covered through the synod’s Public Policy Advocacy Network budget. If participants care to spend Thursday night at Stony Point, or to take dinner Thursday or breakfast on Friday at the center, they will need to register in advance through Nancy Lomberk at the synod office by email.

Persons who are formally affiliated with the synod Public Policy Advocacy Network, as well as persons who are not, are encouraged to attend the network meeting that will precede the program, beginning at 3:00 PM. Meeting costs for participants are also covered by the synod in order encourage participation in our common commitment to social witness. Any member of a PCUSA church within the bounds of the Synod of the Northeast or a minister member from one of the synod’s twenty-two presbyteries is eligible to attend the meeting, speak and vote. It is very democratic, and incentive to bring friends. It’s always more fun to share the experience with others. If a prospective participant has a suggested agenda item to be discussed, it is recommended that such suggestions be sent to convener, the Rev. Janet Adair Hansen by email in advance so that papers, proposals and the like may be shared in advance with network members, or the item itself listed on the network agenda.

Synod commissioners who desire to come a day ahead of the Synod Assembly in order to benefit from the PPAN gathering and Knox program on economics and the new Social Creed need to contact Nancy Lomberk by phone at 1-800-585-5881 or email to secure overnight accommodations and added meals during time on site.

E. Richard Knox earned his BA at Gettysburg College, PA, M.Div. from Duke Divinity School, and both Ph.D. and M.Phil. from Union Theological Seminary in NYC (Christian Social Ethics, with an emphasis in Economics). Knox is currently adjunct faculty for both Union and New York Theological Seminaries in addition to his duties as Pastor of Chatham United Methodist Church in New Jersey and service on the NJ UMC Board of Church & Society. Between 2001-2004 he served as Interim Pastor of a Presbyterian congregation in Roseland, NJ while he was also serving the Roseland UMC congregation.

Knox’s presentation and break-out discussion will highlight the movement in the Social Creed as it addresses the social witness of Christian communities in an ever growing complex world. Focusing on emerging challenges, we will consider evolving relationships between technology and economics in a world of shifting values.

How may the church respond faithfully?

The New Social Creed Confronts the Challenges of the Economic Crisis

Monday, October 06 2008, 01:44 PM EDT