Authors /
Jean Caffey Lyles
Jean Caffey Lyles, a Century editor at large, is a freelance writer and editor in Oak Park, Illinois.
Ripple effect: Gay issues surround Lutheran assembly
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s top legislative body had a full plate as it convened in Milwaukee in mid-August—major statements or initiatives on evangelism, mission, worship, health ...
Unity journey energized
For years premature rumors circulated about the demise of the Consultation on Church Union—the 40-year-old theological dialogue in which nine U.S....
ELCA tinkers with ecumenism: Jeopardizing a pact
Acting unilaterally, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has placed in jeopardy its relationship of “full communion” with the Episcopal Church....
Dealing with rebels: Episcopal resistance to women’s ordination
In the waning days of the Episcopal Church’s July 5-15 General Convention in Denver, a weary sense of déjà vu descended on the bishops and the lay and clergy deputies who make up the church’s highe...
Decorum in Denver: At the Episcopal convention
By some gracious irony, the death of Robert Runcie came while the U.S. Episcopal Church’s General Convention was in session....
Dollars and signs: NCC revisits the vision thing
One figure concentrates the attention of Robert Edgar, chief executive of the National Council of Churches: $650,000....
Watershed in Cleveland: At the UMC General Conference
Seizing the blessings of a rising stock market and unexpectedly plentiful reserve funds, the United Methodist General Conference approved millions of dollars for innovative programs serving oversea...
Elephant at the quadrennial: United Methodists confront gay issues
When United Methodist delegates take their seats at the church’s May 2-12 General Conference in Cleveland, they’ll be facing decisions on 2,500 or more pieces of legislation, including a far-reachi...
Dealing with homosexuality
At least two other denominations are dealing with issues related to homosexuality at meetings this summer....
Endings and beginnings: The NCC celebrates—and regroups
The National Council of Churches, its existence threatened by persistent deficits, inept financial management and denominational apathy, approved plans at a November 9-12 meeting to eliminate 34 st...
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Edgar: Outsider and ‘salvager’
Robert Edgar, whose four-year term as general secretary of the National Council of Churches begins January 1, will commute between New York and Southern California for two months while he wraps up ...
Ecumenical negotiator
At the end of the year Joan Brown Campbell will conclude her nine-year tenure at the helm of the National Council of Churches....
The National Council of Churches: Is there life after 50? Dark shadows on an anniversary week
This month the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A....