Executives of the UCC Insurance Board told Disciples regional ministers at an April 16 meeting that its board is actively exploring a more direct "recognized organization" relationship with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) similar to what it now has with the UCC.

The two denominations have a full-communion partnership and work together cooperatively in many areas, including a joint Global Ministries board.

"The [UCC] Conference Ministers and IB board members have asked executive staff and officers to engage in active conversation with regional ministers and denominational leaders on how we might be more directly connected in a shared ministry to our churches," said Rick Reisinger, treasurer of the Insurance Board. Reisinger, an active member of Southport Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Ind., is vice president and treasurer of Church Extension of Disciples of Christ.

"This impetus is not driven for financial reasons but for the IB to be much more involved with our denomination and congregations in providing risk management support and counsel that helps in its ministry with people," he added.

Cathy Green, president of the Insurance Board, spoke to regional ministers of the continuity and stability of the Insurance Board in providing liability and other insurance coverages to UCC and Disciples churches and other entities. "We are giving renewed emphasis to helping churches with risk management so that they can minimize or prevent losses that disrupt their ministries," Green said.

Green said one service currently in pilot stage is an electrical systems audit in which the IB will provide a partial grant to churches to help them bring their systems into a safer, code-level condition.

The Rev. John Richardson, the Disciples' Regional Minister for North Carolina and IB board member, moderated the session with the IB guests.