Wendy Hammond

and sometimes there is no committee, just an outreach/missions pastor. It makes it a real challenge to get communications to the right person, that's for sure!

There is an  MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between the organizations that spells out expectations and deliverables. As it is its own 501c3 organization, it does not report to the Synod of the CRCNA. A number of denominations are represented among its members. Its members are available to coach churches in community development. I believe in your area the coach would be Monika Grasley. 

In terms of advocacy for US welfare issues, most of the coaches have a very local focus, so advocacy is at the grassroots level.

Hope that helps clarify things a bit!

In Canada, Diaconal Ministries Canada carries out this function.

Those attending were primarily working with World Renew for their partnerships, although it is common for their partnerships to include both World Renew and CRWM components.

I'm sorry, but that's not the same thing at all. Are you really lumping together women who have been victims of violence  - through no fault of their own - with those who choose to have an abortion?

OK, I see what you're saying now. I still think the primary issue addressed in this post - violence against women - deserves its own consideration. Abortion is a separate issue, albeit an important one.

so your response to someone who was beaten would be what?

what would be a better way to frame the question? I do think that Ellen (the writer of this post) was referring to the need to make sure that we are still proclaiming the gospel, not advocating colonial imperialism.

Rick, I'm not clear how the issue of abortion relates to global missions, but I'd love to hear how your church is addressing the issue. I trust you are aware of the materials available from the Office of Social Justice? http://www2.crcna.org/pages/osj_abortion.cfm