Disciples News Service April 23, 2025 ~ DR. VITUS BLOG

April 23, 2025

The Reverend Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, at the tender age of 93, passed peacefully on March 29, 2025. It was the final chapter of an extraordinary life. Throughout her life Joan devoted her energies to the ecumenical movement. The National Baptist Church was first to ordain Joan to Christian ministry. Soon after, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) recognized her ordination. She was the first woman to serve as the executive director of the US office of the World Council of Churches, the first ordained woman to serve as the General Secretary of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA, and the first woman to serve as the director of religion at the Chautauqua Institution.

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Rev. Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President, extends heartfelt condolences in a letter to Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, mourning the passing of beloved Pope Francis and honoring his enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and global leadership. Rev. Hord Owens writes, "Pope Francis’ deep commitment to Christian unity has encouraged and strengthened our ongoing dialogue. His openness and pastoral spirit have been a gift to our ecumenical journey. His care for the earth and its climate was matched by his care for the poor, the marginalized, and indeed, for all humanity." Click below to read the letter.

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General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens, issued a statement regarding Refugee Resettlements. In her statement she states, “We continue to stand in opposition to the dismantling of the US refugee resettlement program which has enjoyed bipartisan support for decades, and we celebrate the ways in which Disciples congregations continue to welcome the stranger in their midst in spite of these unprecedented attacks.” Read the statement for ways to get involved and offer support to affected communities.

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The 2025 General Assembly will offer two dynamic programming tracks for youth (middle school and high school), centered around the inspiring theme, “BEYOND,” drawn from Ephesians 3:20-21. This transformative experience will engage and challenge youth and young leaders to think beyond limitations, embrace new possibilities, and deepen their faith.

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General & Regional Ministry Opportunities

Disciples Church Extension Fund is accepting applications for a full-time, hybrid Controller position in Indianapolis, IN. Learn more.
Lexington Theological Seminary is accepting applications for the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean. Learn more here.
Global Ministries is seeking a Global Relations Minister, Latin America and the Caribbean. Learn more here.

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EXTENDED DEADLINE! The Global Theological Fellows program will welcome 10 students each year and is designed to introduce candidates for ministry to the global church. This experience will include the theology of global ministry, learning from global partners, and exploring the impact of global voices on the church today. Applications are due May 31.

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HELP BUILD HOPE - The day before General Assembly (Friday, July 11 – 10am-5pm) be part of framing a house for a disaster-impacted family, part of Week of Compassion’s long-term tornado recovery in Kentucky. Build host site: The BLVD

(Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, Memphis). Build Event registration is available as a pre-event on the GA registration page.

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Looking for a sermon series for visioning and identity? Check out the Imagine a World with More customizable videos and preaching resources.
Get help with building and capital services with Disciples Church Extension Fund
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