Minutes of DCIA Board Meeting

February 17, 2004

First Chronicles Community Church

1. Rev. Nancy Ferree-Clark welcomed the assembly and introduced Rev. Pebbles Lindsay-Lucas. Rev. Lindsay-Lucas and her husband William are glad to host the meeting in their facility, formerly the home of Covenant Presbyterian Church. First Chronicles Community Church is only a few years old, and on a typical Sunday morning has about 100 people at worship services.

2. The DCIA Affirmation was read in unison.

3. The minutes of the December 9 Board Meeting were approved.

4. In the absence of Maryann Crea, Treasurer, David Winer reviewed financial reports for end-of-year 2003 and January 2004. Both reports indicate DCIA is in good financial condition.

5. Welcomed as guests: Joyce Houk introduced Cleopatra Bradley of Church Women United; Rev. Margot Pickett introduced Bill Gural, new DCIA representative from Pilgrim UCC; Sara Pottenger introduced Carol Cunningham, new DCIA representative from Westminster Presbyterian Church; and Joe Moran introduced Kay-Robert Volkwajn, Presbytery who has recently returned to Durham from South Africa.

6. Jared Hanson is the Coordinator for a Faith Team from Epworth UMC participating in the Reconciliation & Re-entry Ministry. Jared discussed the mutual benefits to the 6 participants on this Faith Team and their Partner, Leon, who was recently released from prison. The Faith Team helped Leon get his driver’s license and overcome obstacles in housing. Leon is presently living in space graciously offered by First Chronicles Community Church. The Faith Team and Leon are very pleased with their covenantal relationship.

Another Faith Team has been formed by individuals from several congregations, including Catholic, Episcopalian, Jewish, Lutheran and Methodist members. Interest was expressed by some present in forming a Faith Team from UCC Churches, and in forming another inter-Faith Team.

7. David Winer reviewed a handout comparing Restorative Justice with Retributive Justice. Restorative Justice integrates the perpetrator with the community and victims, and enables all to participate in healing the imbalance and harm caused by the crime. Retributive Justice reflects the current, less desirable “justice” system of arrest, trial, imprisonment and release.

8. Announcements: Joe Moran advised that this year Durham is celebrating its 30^th CROPWALK – the oldest in the Carolinas. About $2 million has been raised in Durham during this period. Durham has been 3^rd in the nation out of 2000 walks for several years; last year Durham was 6^th. This year Durham hopes to regain its prior rank. A successful pastors’ breakfast was held February 12. Information sessions are scheduled February 19 at 7 p.m. and February 21 at 10 a.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Carrissa Dixon of the Durham Public Education Network urged congregations to add information to the Triangle United Way’s asset mapping initiative to close the achievement gap. Web sites: www.dpen.com (after-school survey) or call 683-6503 x221; and www.unitedwaytriangle.org or call 463-5043.

Lori Khamala urged people to join the Pilgrimage for Justice and Peace, a 100-mile walk from Morganton to Raleigh from April 4-9. Call (919) 856-9468 for more information. This Pilgrimage seeks fair trade and changes to immigration policy.

12. Rev. Boyd Daniels offered a closing prayer.

PLEASE NOTE: THE NEXT DCIA BOARD LUNCH MEETING IS

TUESDAY, MARCH 16 AT 11:45 A.M. AT COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Minutes by David Winer

DCIA AFFIRMATION

In a spirit of reconciliation and with gratitude for the gift of diversity,

DCIA seeks to engage and empower people of faith

to create a community of justice and peace

through our common prayers and acts of compassion;

and with prophetic courage to act as advocates

for the dignity and well-being of all persons,

recognizing that behind every human face is the face of God.