NNPCW work group holds first meeting By Clay Stevens Layman Correspondent Monday, November 9, 1998 LOUISVILLE – A work group considering the future of the National Network of Presbyterian College Women (NNPCW) met Oct. 27-28 in Louisville. The work group was created after the 1998 General Assembly voted twice to cut off NNPCW’s funding, only to reverse its decision after an emotional demonstration the night before the Assembly adjourned. Of 13 observers present, three introduced themselves as representing Voices of Sophia. Others represented NNPCW staff, Women’s Ministries staff and Justice for Women committee members. One visitor representing Voices of Sophia pointedly remarked that she was representing her More Light congregation as well. After opening worship, work group moderator Lynda Arden invited committee members and visitors to share personal stories. One observer with NNPCW staff gave thanks that the Marshall University chapter is now fully endowed financially ensuring a strong ministry witness on that campus for the future. Another, representing Voices of Sophia, described herself as “a patchwork pastor doing piecemeal work at the Presbyterian Center” and gave particular thanks for the experience of attending the controversial ReImagining Conference. She declared it “an incredible joy to worship God through the diversity of expressions” and said she was hurt that the press “disparaged and misrepresented” such a meaningful event. With so many present, the story sharing time lasted an hour longer than the agenda had planned. NNPCW ‘constantly evolving’ Vernon Broyles, associate for corporate witness in the National Ministries Division and staff to the work group, was asked to give an overview of the history and work of the NNPCW, but deferred, to a written history provided by NNPCW staffer Gusti Newquist. Broyles said he had no idea of any existing documentation about the original intent of the NNPCW, adding, “The nature of the network is that it has been constantly evolving through the years.” The next morning the 1991 Bicentennial Fund Proposal for NNPCW was retrieved. The network began that year under the leadership of Mary Ann Lundy. One of the apparent problems in continuity of the network’s mission has been the fact that none of the principal designers of the network is employed by the denomination any longer. The work group agreed to review NNPCW’s controversial resource “Young Women Speak” in detail Dec. 15. They will meet again Jan. 11-12 in Louisville. Representatives of the Presbyterian Lay Committee and Voices of Orthodox Women will be invited to testify at this meeting, as will NNPCW supporters. A 90-minute open hearing, in which individuals will have five minutes each to express their opinions on whether the NNPCW should continue to receive denominational sponsorship and funding has also been scheduled. Those wishing to testify must notify the committee by mail. |
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| PresbyWorld offers a brief analysis of the NNPCW statement | |
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