Vision

Proposed 2011-2013 Strategic Priorities of the
Caribbean and North American Area Council (CANAAC)
of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC)

“From Grand Rapids to our Churches in North America and the Caribbean: Living Communion for God’s Justice”

As the regional expression of the WCRC in the Caribbean and North America, CANACC adopts the policy organization of the 25th General Council (Grand Rapids) along the lines of the Sections of General Council, integrating related programmatic priorities as follows:

  • Justice
  • Mission and Theology
  • Youth and Education
  • Worship and Reformed Identity

Some of the core priorities with related programs can be implemented immediately or in short order. Other core priorities will require further discussion and approval of the CANAAC Assembly when it next gathers in the Dominican Republic on September 24-30, 2011.

 

1.  PRIORITIES FOR JUSTICE:

a.  Caribbean Bible Study

  • CANAAC support Caribbean churches to develop bible study materials
  • CANAAC support and engage with the Caribbean Women Theologians for Transformation for engaging the Bible through justice lenses.

b.  Forums on gender justice for women with disabilities

  • CANAAC works with member churches to establish one forum a year on gender justice for women with disabilities

c. Gathering of “Covenanting for Justice” working groups and Feasibility Task Force

  • CANAAC convene a gathering in Spring 2011 of reps. from the Steering Committee, the North America Covenanting for Justice Working Group, the Caribbean Covenanting for Justice Working Group, the Globalization Project Feasibility Task Force, and any other invited stakeholders to discern the pathways for the next stages of Covenanting for Justice in this region in the years ahead.

d.  Solidarity with Haiti

  • CANAAC Assembly in the Dominican Republic (Sept. 2011) find tangible ways for CANAAC delegates and observes to be in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Haiti

 

2.PRIORITIES FOR MISSION AND THEOLOGY:

a.  Inter-religious / interfaith organizations / councils

  • CANAAC work with interfaith organizations, and, where none is present, work with member churches to establish interfaith councils to inform and shape discussions around what it means to have a Reformed ecumenical witness in pluralist contexts

 

3. PRIORITIES FOR YOUTH AND EDUCATION:

a. Converse / collaborate with CANACOM

  • CANAAC continue work with CANACOM for the launch of a Caribbean and North America Reformed Youth Network to be launched in 2012

b. Link the Networks of Theologians with the seminaries in the regions

  • CANAAC facilitate the linkage of the networks of theologians with the theological colleges and institutions for common witness, collaboration, and dialogue over issues affecting the region and the wider Communion

c. Caribbean and North America Theological Institute

  • CANAAC will continue and enhance the presence of a theological institute at CANAAC assemblies that bring together seminarians and young pastors for theological reflection, Bible study, discussion, mission site visits, actions for solidarity, and networking.

 

4. PRIORITIES FOR WORSHIP AND REFORMED IDENTITY

a. Regarding the resource “Worshiping the Triune God”

  1. The introduction be re-written as a cover letter and an introduction that will be attached to the body of “Worshiping the Triune God.” Care should be taken to contextualize the communication for the Caribbean and North America region.
  2. That the introduction and body of “Worshiping the Triune God” be put into a PDF format that can be attractively reprinted.
  3. That the document, with a cover letter, be sent electronically to all the denominations in CANAAC, asking that they send the document to all the congregations and that they consider using this document in the ways explained in the current introduction. Further, we ask that the Churches provide feedback to the Steering Committee, including suggestion revisions.
  4. That the Steering Committee share the insights gained through this process with the Executive Committee of WCRC.

b.  Send the UGC Message to all the churches, and request distribution to congregations.

 

5. PRIORITIES FOR THEOLOGICAL ENGAGEMENT

Establish a Network of Theologians, including a Network of Younger Theologians, to support and offer sustained theological reflection and recommendations for engagement, advocacy, and action