NYSCC Public Policy Consultant Dan Hahn did a powerpoint presentation on the Stages of Social Movements as outlined by Bill Moyer in Doing Democracy. Albany Presbytery Executive Cass Shaw then led small group exercises identifying the stages at which the group found our priority issues – health care, education, immigration, poverty, the environment, civil liberties, and war – at this time.

On Friday evening Jon Regier, former Executive Director of the NYS Council of Churches and  National Council of Churches staff member during the civil rights era, inspired the group with his many years of involvement in the struggle for racial justice which included work with the NAACP, Urban League, Howell House, and the NCC Social Action Committee. He shared the importance and impact of "the unplanned experience" as well as the periodic need for "something extraordinary" to help bring about desired change. Small groups shared their own involvement in race relations work.

As the Saturday morning session began, Commission Chair Mike Kendall asked the group to think about ways in which we as the church become distracted from the fundamental message of the gospel. Then he introduced the topic of Roles That Move Our Long Term Goals. beginning with a discussion about what is meant by "powerholder" – those who benefit from the status quo and do not want to let go, even to the point of violence. In small groups the group discussed the roles they currently play with respect to the Council’s public policy issues.

As a closing exercise the group was asked to share thoughts regarding an issue of importance, along with hopes and commitments. As Collegium member and participant Linda Chidsey summarized the gathering:

"This Public Policy Committee gathering was marked by a deep desire and need to share the ongoing advocacy work of participants and their member organizations and faith communities. In addition, there was a groundedness and willingness to listen deeply – to one another and to what God is asking of us in these times." 

A few months ago, the Federal Bureau of Prisons issued regulations that instructed chaplains serving in federal prisons to remove almost all books in the prison libraries, keeping only a small number of approved publications. The rationale for this disturbing edict was issued in the name of national security – the feds seem to believe that prison libraries are hot beds of terrorist indoctrination. Not one work of Reinholt Niebuhr was included on the approved list; only six of C.S. Lewis’ vast canon was approved for inclusion.

Collegium Plans Retreat and Annual Meeting

In recent years there has been a disturbing trend in some of these state agencies to diminish the role and function of chaplains. In one agency, chaplains are being reduced to offering one or two religious services per week. Offering a church service is certainly important, but so are a wide range of pastoral duties that include being: an integral part of a treatment team, available for pastoral counseling to both clients and staff, a liaison between clients, staff and community religious resources, available for crisis and grief counseling work with families and able to offer a variety of religious programs and work with volunteers. The chaplain should be expected to consult regularly with the administrator of the facility and respect their opinion.

The chaplain's congregation is the clients and staff of a facility. Chaplaincy is an important responsibility, which New York State, through its agencies needs to strengthen. The Council is committed to advocating for the policy and administrative changes that will ensure a strong and vibrant chaplaincy for the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

The Rev. Kristine Jane Jensen, died August 15 at the Presbyterian Home of Central New York. The Chairperson of the Council Personnel Committee, she brought boundless energy to whatever task was undertaken by the Committee. Jane was ordained by the Presbytery of New York City and served parishes in Iowa and, most recently, in upstate New York. She also served on Utica Presbytery committees for Congregational Development and Church and Society.

Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Jane received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Performance from the University of Indiana, a Master's Degree in Journalism from Columbia University, a Master of Fine Arts from George Washington University, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA. She is survived by two sons, Peter and Christian.

The Rev. John Burton Nussey

The Rev. John Burton Nussey, New York State Prison Chaplain from 1960-1983, died on September 16. He served at the Elmira Correctional Facility and the Auburn Correctional Facility. He was predeceased by his wife Ruth, and his daughter Beth. He is survived by his son John, and several grandchildren.

Mark Michael Kochanowski

Mark Michael Kochanowski, husband of Council consultant for Education Susan Kochanowski, died on October 13. Mark was born in Indiana and received both his undergraduate degree in philosophy and his Masters in Business Administration from the University of Dayton. His lifelong career was in Human Resources, primarily in the healthcare industry. He worked at hospitals in Indiana, Massachusetts, Alabama, and at HealthNow in Buffalo, NY, and, most recently, HealthQuest in Poughkeepsie, NY. Mark is also survived by his son Gregory, daughters Wendy and Sara, brothers Paul (Brenda), Andrew and John, and sister Miriam.