Current Challenges Facing the AWS
On
the eve of its centennial anniversary in 2006, the American Waldensian
Society faces a number of challenges. Seeking to promote ministry
in, and facilitate communication between contexts as different as
Argentina, Italy, the United States, and Uruguay, the AWS must constantly
reassess its goals and refine its priorities. In my opinion, three
broad areas of initiative typify the challenges with which the AWS
must come to terms in the next three to five years.
1) To help La Tavola Valdese maintain vibrant relationships with
the Waldensian Church's ecumenical partners in the United States--Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Reformed
Church in America, United Church of Christ, and United Methodist
Church.
2) To help La Mesa Valdense pursue its strategy of interaction with
mainline churches in the United States, especially the development
and production of materials that tell the unfolding story of Waldensian
ministry in El Rio de La Plata.
3) To encourage dialogue and support the exchange of persons and
ideas between people of Waldensian heritage in Valdese, North Carolina,
and Il Centro Culturale Valdese in Torre Pellice.
These areas are but one possible expression of the mission and vision
of the Society. In time, the priorities of the AWS no doubt will
shift and change. For now, however, each of these areas poses challenge
sufficient to occupy the time and talents of the AWS Board members
for the foreseeable future. Let us get to work.
Rev. Francis
J. Rivers Meza
(336) 716-4745
frivers@wfubmc.edu
|
|
 |
| Rev. Francis J. Rivers Meza |
|
