Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Leaders is honored at the National Assembly of Disciples of Christ in Memphis, TN

Rev. Dr. Joseph Varghese, who represented the National Council of Churches, USA along with Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay, the General Secretary of World Council of Churches are being recognized and honored at the General Assembly of the Disciples of Christ which was held at the Memphis Convention Center in Memphis, Tennessee held from July 12-16. This is the largest gathering of the Protestant Christian Church in the United States which also known as “Disciples of Christ” which convenes for its Assembly every three years.

 This year’s theme was “BEYOND” drawing inspirations from Ephesians 3:20-21. The Assembly was focused on changing the world order and the how the Church better equipped in the modern times. The General Assembly includes worship services, workshops, dialogue, discernment and prayer along with the election of the Leadership Team. 

This year’s General Assembly invited the Ecumenical and Inter-Church dialogue partners around the World to recognize and honor for their contribution towards peace and understanding among various religions. At the evening of the second day of the Assembly on July 14, a special Prayer Service was held and recognized and honored the Ecumenical Partners of the Disciples of Christ which includes the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches, USA, Shoulder to Shoulder Services and Church World Services. Rev. Dr Joseph Varghese was honored for his outstanding contribution towards Inter-Religious Dialogue in the United States and across the world. The Service was followed by an Ecumenical and International Reception at the Assembly. On Sunday, July 13, a banquet dinner was hosted in honoring the invitees from the International Ecumenical and Inter Church leadership at the Disciples of Christ Historical Society Dinner. Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay was the Keynote speaker.

This year, the Christian Unity and Interfaith Ministry of the Disciples of Christ launched the “Polar Star Congregation” initiative- a designation for congregations committed to Christian Unity and interfaith engagement. This event was witnessed and accompanied by many ecumenical and inter faith leaders throughout the Assembly.