The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Facing new themes, moderator explains l was privileged to be part of the Canadian Conference Choir which took part in the interfaith service at the conference. Moderator for the service was Mr. Aziz Khaki, president of the Inter- faith Citizenship Association of British Columbia. Messages from eight different faiths had underlying statements that we are one people, dependent upon one God. We are custodians of the earth, by which we are nurtured and sustained. The surâ€" vival of the human race depends upon peace and harmony with our fellow world citizens, and our dependence upon the earth coupled with a faith that one great spirit encompasses all. This theme was elaborated upon by Dr. Lois Wilson, former moderator of the United Church of Canada in her address. She stressed our interdependence upon the earth and our role as caretakers of it. Ecology and technology are new themes for our time in history. It is our task to use these themes in telling our story. _ l have taken the followmg from her address: "Ecological Matters: One that needs a new reality is the story of land and all things ecological â€" to remind us of interdependence of the earth and we as caretakers of the earth. The old story is 7 might is right â€" in regard to land ecology. A new story will emphasize humanity’s role as gardeners of the earth and partners to each other. The new story needs not to be widened but to be bridged. Technology - The old story is technology is good . . . or appropri- ate. We know that technology has some negative effects also, that far almost every affirmative in tech. nology there is also a negative side effect. A new story needs to be told It) emphasize technology’s use [my human beings. Men and Women â€" the old stmv tells of men being the creators of t 7: world. Women, it is said have if nuturing function only. A new St \' needs to include recognition of b. n male and female gifts to the wh community". The choir sang “With a Void: Singing” and “Let there be PeaCr Earth". A m0ving experience wa- i hear the whole gathering j , together in the “Hymn of 1 Nations" at the close of the servt Charlotte Johnson Global concerns discussed by delegates Africa: East. Wesl and Central Presidential Area The delegates from these countries were very earnest in their presenta- tions and had real problems to bring before the other delegates. The African women told of the lack of water, of walking miles every day for supplies, while in the South American and Caribbean countries, there is plenty of water, but it is highly polluted and full of parasites. The women described many money-generating projects, such as making shoes and bags, tree- planting, and community projects such as working in health clinics and trying to help the handicapped. Many of the delegates sang in their own languages and the women from the Cameroons and Ghana presented a skit called When Shall a Woman Rest? Other topics discussed were beekeeping, better use of fuel, gardens, planned parenthood and one hot meal given each day in schools. “Gladly we learn, then gladly we teach", was the phrase used to sum- marize this session. Rose Blasing South Africa and Europe The different societies of South Africa were dressed in different pastel colored caftans with an agricultural specialty from their area painted on the garments. They told 10 of their various aspects of work and presented a craft or performed their national dance and song. The European delegates used friendship as their theme and expressâ€" ed it through songs, dances and ac- tivities. Helen Emmott South Pacific, United States Representatives of each country in the south Pacific Area (Australia, New Zealand and many small islands), addressed the delegates and used slides to illustrate activities and points of interest common to their native land. Wool, timber, coffee, rubber, sugar and fish were the ex- ports highlighted by those countries. An effort is being made at the mo- ment to build communal kitchens in the South Pacific where women cook, protected from the rain. annual rainfall in some areas 01 South Pacific is 200 inches. Five l dred kitchens are already built ‘ many more underway, it ‘ reported. The United States presentai took on a similar format. Details financial assistance awarded to tie. areas in other parts of the world it given. At home, one project is make people aware of looking for- it signs in public buildings. United States groups presented delegates from other countries witl large, informative book called 0 Way of Life, personally purchae and signed by an individual membt Ruby M. Robertson Task Force to study needs, funds Since in some countries the word “rural” could relate to slum areas, it was necessary to reach agreement on this. A very worthwhile and lively two-day discussion then took place with delegates giving and obtaining information on the work being done by ACWW in conjunction with the United Nations. Many expressions of thanks were given from the develop- ing countries for projects already in exrstence but there is a very great lack of publicity on the number in opera- tion, their success or failure, and the needs for future projects such as leadership training, technologit programs, export of incor generating activities, etc. It u recommended that a Task Force 1 set up, composed of Area ViL Presidents and resource people, i identify such needs in the developir countries, the availability of fund government assistance, etc., and i make such information available I organizations willing to assist. MOI discussion groups of this nature W€tv suggested for future conferences. lris Coyne