FOLLOWING IN HIS STEPS
(Editorial)
"Among educated people, one does not talk about Jesus. Along with sex, money, and death, Jesus is one of the subjects that make people uncomfortable in a civil conversation." These words begin one of the most sold books about Jesus in the last few years: "Ipostesi su Gesu"
("Hypothesis about Jesus") by the Catholic journalist Vittorio Messori.

This was a great editorial success during the 1970's that continues to be read, translated and spread in millions of copies. In fact when you try to talk of Jesus with friends, or at school, or with colleagues at work, immediately an air of embarrassment is spread, the eyes turn to another part, and someone is always ready to change the topic. Still the great question asked by Jesus to His disciples continues to hammer at the consciences of many people: "But who do you say that I am?"

Also among Christians, from our viewpoint, we speak too little about Jesus. We talk about "full" fellowship, collaboration, evangelistic programs, congregations that grow and those in crisis, full-time evangelists and part-time Christians, scandals and those scandalized, brethren "who sin" and those who never sin ... but we talk very little about Jesus. It's almost as if we are afraid to confront the topic "Jesus". He can not be put at the end of our reasonings, of our efforts, of our lives; but rather, on the contrary, He must be the starting point for each of our conversations.

The 18th lectureship of S. Severa, a fraternal gathering which concluded not long ago, had as its precise theme Jesus and His message. "FOLLOWING IN HIS FOOTSTEPS" was the title of this beautiful meeting where we saw for three days more than 200 brethren discuss, compare ideas, and reflect on Jesus and His message. The task of all was that of "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith" (Hebrews 12:2).

For us, who want to be JUST CHRISTIANS, Jesus must become the first object of reflection, a reflection both active and operative. Meeting with other brethren, we talk in general about many things. Often we discuss those things which are not going so well, which divide, or which impede our walking together. Let's try, still another time, to restart with Jesus, His message, and His example of living. He, about whom it was written, "... suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps" (1 Peter 2:21).

The life of Christians is summarized in those words: TO FOLLOW IN HIS STEPS. This passage is not talking about, after becoming Christians, that we follow a philosophy or the message of a learned teacher, but its is talking about pursuing and following His steps. This means putting our feet there where HE had put His, walking as HE walked, treating others as HE had treated them, loving the Father as HE has done, looking out for the needy, the suffering, and the poor as HE did. At the threshold of the 21st century, Christians must, if they desire to be credible, restart to do things seriously with Jesus. In fact, we know that our task is to spread His message, not only by word, but also by the example of our lives.

To restart from Jesus. What a magnificent beginning! In the course of the centuries, in His name, stakes have been set on fire, on which were burned "heretics" of every sort. In His name, in the course of the centuries, there have been formed hundreds of churches which, in one way or another, have reworked His word. In the course of the centuries, millions of "Christians" (the quotation marks are obligatory) have given battle, have even excommunicated each other, with the only result being that of always driving people further away from Jesus and His message. When, Lord, will all this finish?

We have, in conclusion, a hope, which is also an invitation. The hope-invitation is that all of us, His disciples, leaving aside the polemics and the discussions, will lift up our eyes, everyone together, towards the "fields" that are still waiting to be reaped. Because few are the workers in His vineyard (Matthew 9:37). Let us still continue then to walk in love and in truth, following those steps that lead us to the house of the Father.
(Vittorio Vitalone)

CAMPO KOINONIA 98 (FELLOWSHIP CAMP 98)

Also this year there has been organized for the young people of the congregation at Petilia Policastro a meeting-vacation in the Sila Mountains. FELLOWSHIP CAMP is a program that was born in order that young people from various congregations could be together. Unfortunately the means at our disposal are few and for this reason it is not possible to extend an invitation to many churches. The theme of this year is: YOUNG CHRISTIANS AND SOCIETY, FROM DISCOMFORT TO DIALOGUE AND TO COMPANIONSHIP.

The theme of this year allows us to talk about the most deeply felt problems that our young people have found they must confront in our societies without ethical and moral principles, because such societies are without God.
(Pino, Paolo e Luigi)

SPIRITUAL RETREAT 1998 FOR THE ITALIAN CHURCHES OF CHRIST

Dearest ones, we wish to announce to you there will be SPIRITUAL RETREAT 98. It will take place in the beautiful mountains of Austria, as always, at the comfortable Alpine hut called "Schwarzwaldeckhaus" (house in the black forest) from the 5th to the 15th of August 1998. The locality, Kleinzell, is found at about 1000 m. above sea level, in a very beautiful and tranquil zone where flora and fauna is protected about 110 km. west of Vienna. The place is really enchanting, ideal for a spiritual REST. Take advantage of this opportunity!

We hope to have the blessing of having among us a brother who is a doctor and psychiatrist who will present his thoughts on the following theme: "MENTAL HEALTH, THE WORD OF GOD, AND THE CHRISTIAN." The cost is 30,000 lire a day per person ($17.25), which covers both food and lodging. Drinks and a visit to Vienna are not included in this price. The cooking will be, as always, exquisitely Italian.

To make reservations, you must send a postal money order of 100,000 lire ($58) made out to: JAMES YOUNG - CASELLA POSTALE 99 - 51100 PISTOIA - ITALY.
(from a circular letter by Bro. James Young)

A SOCIOLOGICAL MAGAZINE INTERVIEWS BRO. ITALO MINESTRONI

A magazine about sociology, "Futuristic, a magazine about studies of the future and about social forecasts", edited by the ISIG (Institute of International Sociology at Gorizia) will dedicate its next issue to the theme of relationships between religion and modernity. The director of the magazine has asked Bro. Italo Minestroni to be interviewed on the topic: "Relationship between the birth and the development of the church of Christ and the process of secularization." Here is the outline of the carefully prepared proposal by the magazine to Bro. Minestroni:

1) The birth of the movement, specific contents of the message, future prospects for the movement

2) Information about the structure of the movement:
   a) place of expansion and/or particular conditions favorable for expansion
   b) internal organization and modality for making decisions
   c) characteristics of the leadership
   d) formation of the leadership
   e) characteristics of the congregation and of its members
   f) characteristics of the relationship between leadership and congregation

3) What are the relevant steps (or phases) which identify the walk of the new members towards being fully identified with the internal workings of the movement. Please point out the inner workings at each phase of advancement of the identification process:
   a) the activities of obligation, both personal and collective
   b) the types of experiences lived (changes of habits or customs, etc.)
   c) the agents of transformation (that is those who produce or instill the identification of the followers)
   d) the interiorization of values and/or norms of behavior.

For more information, telephone to: Ornella Urpis, University of Triest, Dipartimento di Scienza dell'Uomo (Department of the Science of Man), tel. 040-6763298.

NEWS OF THE CONGREGATIONS

VICENZA
"THERE IS ONE BODY ..." (Ephesians 4:4)
It is with great joy that we announce that the two congregations of Vicenza have become one church. The first Sunday of May 98, thanks to God, the church of Vicenza found itself once again all together for a worship service to God at the building on Leva degli Angeli Street. Glory be to God! Each Sunday now we have 80 to 100 people present. May our Heavenly Father be thanked for the blessing of being about to assist in the numerical and spiritual growth of the church in this city.
(Dan Reed)

BONDENO
- With joy we announce the new birth of Mauro Poletti which took place Sunday, 24 May. Mauro, who had studied God's Word for some time with several brethren, has decided not to renounce the living hope of his part in the inheritance "which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4).
- The Church in Bondeno also communicates the baptism of Paola Lia Romanelli which occurred Saturday, 6 June in the waters of the Adriatic Sea. The Church presses itself with joy around this new born one, giving her a warm welcome into the His Kingdom.
- Friday, 12 June and Saturday, 13 June, two preaching services were held at the hall of the Picture-Gallery in Bodeno with the titles: "Are All Religions Equal?" and "Walk Where Jesus Walked: Slides, Places, and Archeology in Palestine". The preacher was Bro. Shawn Daggett who, together with the students of Harding University, is collaborating in this period with several congregations, including that of Bondeno, in the work of evangelism.
(Francesco Fergnani)

FLORENCE
THE LORD WAS ADDING TO THEIR NUMBER DAY BY DAY THOSE WHO WERE BEING SAVED (Acts 2:47)
After the sad news of the past few months, we are very happy that we can communicate to you the new birth in Christ of Michela Collini. Michela and her fiance' Simone, also a Christian, are dear brethren and we are very happy to be united with them in Christ before their marriage. Glory to God!
(Jay Walls)

PRAYER REQUESTS

- For Bro. Otello Pandolfini (congregation of Forli) for the delicate surgical operation on his throat that he has had to undergo.

- For Bro. Harold Paden (New Mexico) who had to undergo heart surgery.

- For Sis. Bruna Cattelan (congregation of Milan) for her health condition.

- For Bro. Roberto Innocenti (congregation of Rome at V.le Jonio) who had to move to England for a few months for reasons dealing with his work.

- For Sis. Ivana Grimozzi (congregation of Rome at V.le Jonio) who had to undergo thyroid surgery.

- For Bro. Mario Capitanio (congregation of Conegliano) for his health condition.

- For the groups of American students who in these months are helping several Italian and Albanian congregations in evangelistic efforts.

MOMENTS ON THE MOUNTAIN 1998

>From June 28 to July 4 young people from various congregations can be together for an unforgettable week at the "Youth Camp" at Badia Prataglia, in the green National Park "Falterana di Campigna" of the Casentinesi Forest. For more information, contact Francesco Fergnani (0532-887054) or Paul Robison (0438-60286).

FACTS AND FAITH

The church of Christ in Catena di Magli (Cosenza) was interviewed by journalist Enzo Gabrieli for the newspaper "Il Quotidiano" ("The Daily"). Under the column "Viaggio nelle Religioni" ("Journey among the Religions"), there was reported the entire interview, which we report here in its full text.

 TO RESTORE ORIGINAL CHRISTIANITY

At Catena di Magli there is a small congregation of Christians, which does not want to be defined in any other way other than the "Church of Christ", one of those congregations founded after Pentecost by the disciples of the Master of Nazareth. They meet in homes, but also in a small church building at Spezzano which once belonged to an ancient family of Spanish origins. This group of Christians has only one purpose: to restore original Christianity "without finery or additions which have come to exist in the successive centuries" says Franco Raffaele Perna, who accompanied us to the congregation in Magli. This evening the formative moment is dedicated to a meeting with a journalist. They are about ten in all; each has their Bible and a song book.

A small congregation in which "each one - they say - strives to apply his own talent, according to that which the Bible says." In this congregation, there are not hierarchical structures "for whoever exercises a role does it in the spirit of service - specifies Eduardo Zumpano - respecting the tasks that the Lord has given us." A great attention is given to God's Word, which is the object of study and reflection, a centrality which enters into one's life and becomes an integrated part of it; "our motto is - says proudly Mario De Rose - we speak where the Bible speaks and we are silent where the Bible is silent."

- What does it mean for you all to be Christians?

"For us it is an adherence of faith to a living person, Jesus Christ, the risen One. In our daily life, His Word guides our steps."

- In what you do all believe?

"We believe in the one God who is three. We believe that the church of Christ was founded after Pentecost and all our behavior is prescribed in the Bible. We respect all of it and put it into practice. Every effort of ours is to make the church always closer to the original church."

- For what reason do you all not accept denominations?

"The most beautiful name is exactly that of the Church of Christ. All that which is added or taken away is not according to God's will. God will not leave unpunished human presumption and the attitude to have towards Him is that of 'true worshipers.'"

- Do you all have moments of celebration?

"For us baptism, which is done for the remission of sins, is very important. In addition we have a worship service on Sunday in which there is a sermon and we remember the Lord's supper during which we eat bread and drink, but we do not believe in the real presence of Christ nor in the transformation of the bread into flesh, called by the Catholics transubstantiation."

- Do you all believe in ecumenicalism?

"For us ecumenicalism can be a moment of confrontation with one who has in common with us the Bible. Only based on God's Word can we talk and dialogue."

The Christians in the congregation at Magli do not accept images, according to the mosaic commandment, nor the veneration of Saints or of the Madonna, who is nothing but the holy mother of the man Jesus.

They believe very much in the obligation of preaching and teaching "reserved only for the men" and they commit themselves to the collection of an offering to help the needy and brethren in difficulty.

They have only an internal organization, not dependent on others, and each has the right to speak, in full liberty, to all within the group.

The meeting concluded with a prayer addressed to the Father God, naturally without the sign of the cross, because the Christians of Magli "can not in any way worship the instrument with which Jesus was crucified."