It is often said that the golden age of ecumenism is long past. The enthusiasm and fervour for inter-church dialogue and cooperation, which was active in the sixties and seventies after Vatican II apparently has cooled. Those of us that work in this ministry are constantly greeted by "Oh I used to be involved, but I don't seem to have the spark any more, or younger people say, "There just seems to be more important things I need to do".  As the Executive Director of the Texas Conference of Churches (TCC), I am asked constantly, "What exactly is it you do?"

Then with the arrival of two very serious storms, all of us saw ecumenism in action. The outpouring of volunteerism and help for victims came from all communities of faith. No one asked are you Methodist, Catholic, Presbyterian or Jew. We all reached out to help.  Side by side Baptists, Lutherans, Orthodox Christians, Muslim and many more rolled up their sleeves to aid those in distress.  What a beautiful tableau of the human heart feeling another's pain and responding. Isn't this the spirit of ecumenism?  Isn't this the success of ecumenical action? My answer would be a resounding, yes! The churches, their agencies and their social ministries are still working to relieve the heartache. As the news media has moved on from Katrina and Rita to Wilma, relief work continues.

We, at TCC, are working on two fronts. We are still using our resources to connect and network for the present victims; but we are also looking to the future.  On November 9 - 10, 2005, here in Austin at the Omni Southpark we will sponsor our Fortieth Annual Faith and Order Conference, which open to all.  The subjects to be explored are the Ecumenical Future; this program will be led by Professor R. Reno of Creighton University, who participated in the Princeton Study on Church Unity.  Discussion will be led by Bishop Emeritus Mark Herbener of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.  The second aspect of our topical seminars will be a presentation by a team from the National Conference of Churches of Christ.  This program, which will be given in only four cities in the country, will deal with Poverty in the Third World and Debt Relief. This talk is design to educate and engage us to help countries in Latin America and Africa. The United Nations has placed this as a goal in its Millennial Campaign.  Austin is indeed fortunate to be selected as the sight in our region. Please attend. Contact (512) 451 – 0991 or http// www.txconfchurches.org for further information. Student  discounts are also being offered.