Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
8-15-2022
Inclusive Dates--Span
1996-2005
Inclusive Dates--Bulk
1996-1997
Scope and Content Note
These records document the Week of Compassion committee meetings from 1996-2005.
Biographical Note
[Biographical note from Week of Compassion website]:
“In the beginning… The Week of Compassion emerged in the early 1940s, as World War II created a series of humanitarian crises around the globe. The International Convention (General Assembly) of the Christian Church made two recommendations regarding multiple aid and relief projects around the world. These recommendations outlined partnerships with multiple ecumenical ministries and counterparts. The Church designated a “Day of Compassion,” on which congregations would hold a special offering to raise funds to support these mission projects.
In 1943, the “Wartime Service Fund” was approved by the International Convention. At this point, the Disciples of Christ designated a “Week of Compassion” to raise $250,000 for ongoing support of these relief efforts.
In the meantime… Over the next several decades, the work of Week of Compassion and its partners expanded to include not just humanitarian aid, but also disaster response and refugee resettlement. The ministry’s leadership evolved as well, from a voluntary office to a full-time executive director; additional staff helped expand the reach of the ministry; and the annual fund grew over time from thousands of dollars to millions.
Into the Future When our ministry began, the idea of different denominations partnering together--in spite of differences in doctrine or practice-- was a radical notion. In many ways, it is still countercultural to work together across many kinds of boundaries. And yet, we remain committed to the partnerships that make our mission stronger, and that allow us to reach those in need with the love of Christ.
As of 2019, Week of Compassion has been in operation for 75 years. We are proud of our history, but also recognize that there is so much work yet to be done. The need to collaborate and address the world’s increasingly complex humanitarian issues--while maintaining unity as a guiding principle--is more critical than ever. Your support enables us to faithfully respond to human need around the world; empower communities to build and rebuild; and partner with other church organizations as the Body of Christ. Around the year and around the world, Week of Compassion remains committed to sustaining this faithful presence far into the future.”
From the “History” page on Week of Compassion website, https://www.weekofcompassion.org/history.html
Arrangement
Materials were housed in 3-ring binders and are foldered in the same order.
Content List
Box 1
[first folder] finding aid
Week of Compassion Committee Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, June 21-22, 1996
Week of Compassion Committee Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, June 13-14, 1997
Week of Compassion Fall Meeting, Indianapolis, IN, November 10-11, 2000
Week of Compassion Spring Meeting, Fort Worth, TX, June 8-10, 2003
Week of Compassion Spring Meeting, Fort Worth, TX, May 31-June 2, 2005
Language
ENGLISH
Extent of Collection
0.45 linear feet (1 box)
Manuscript Number
Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #524
Physical Location
Center for Restoration Studies
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], Week of Compassion Records, 1996-2005. Center for Restoration Studies MS #524. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
Use Restrictions
Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.
Processing Status
Processed
Finding Aid created by
Amanda Dietz ands Mac Ice
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
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