Presbyterian Mission Agency Advocacy & Social Justice Archives

Presbyterian leaders say policy change on separating immigrant families is not enough

Posted June 21st, 2018

More than 100 Presbyterians gathered this week in St. Louis to make their voices heard regarding the U.S. policy on immigration. Since the White House began its crackdown on immigrants in this country, the church has been vocal in its opposition

Presbyterian leader urges U.S. to reconsider leaving UN Human Rights Council

Posted June 20th, 2018

The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations is hoping the U.S. will reconsider its decision to withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made the decision on Tuesday after the U.N. human rights chief leveled criticism at President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Presbyterian Hunger Program, Coalition of Immokalee Workers encouraged by surprise move by Wendy’s

Posted June 12th, 2018

Halfway there, but not far enough. That’s the reaction from the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP), the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and other supporters following last week’s announcement by Wendy’s corporate executives to purchase a majority of its tomatoes in the U.S. instead of Mexico. The announcement came during the restaurant chain’s annual shareholders meeting in Dublin, Ohio.

Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, other faith leaders arrested in Poor People’s Campaign demonstration

Posted June 12th, 2018

Police in Washington, D.C., took the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins and other faith leaders into custody on Monday afternoon during a demonstration outside the U.S. Supreme Court building. Hawkins, director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Public Witness, was taking part in the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival.

Connecting to the halls of power

Posted June 12th, 2018

Working with decision makers looks different depending on where you are. Convincing your toddler to brush her teeth looks different from convincing your teenager to write a college admissions essay, which is different still from convincing the school board to keep funding the arts program you care so deeply about.

What the General Assembly may say about St. Louis

Posted June 12th, 2018

The city of St. Louis is the historic centerpiece of a highly accomplished cultural and economic region. At the same time, like most of the United States, it is divided along lines of race and class. How do Presbyterian congregations minister and do mission faithfully in light of these realities? What can our larger church learn from our sisters and brothers in St. Louis?

Walk for a Fossil Free World reaches halfway point to St. Louis

Posted June 11th, 2018

Despite some heat, a few blisters and at least one case of poison ivy, participants in the PC(USA) Walk for a Fossil Free World are encouraged as they enter the final days of their trek to St. Louis. The walk, a joint project of the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and Fossil Free PCUSA, began June 1 at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville. It ends June 16 at the start of the 223rd General Assembly.

Presbyterians begin 260-mile walk to the 223rd General Assembly in St. Louis

Posted June 1st, 2018

With gray and overcast skies above them, a group of 25 to 30 people gathered at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville on Friday morning to begin a two-week trek to St. Louis on foot. The PC(USA) Walk for a Fossil Free World is a joint project of both the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and Fossil Free PCUSA to stand against investment in the fossil fuel industry.

Compassion, Peace & Justice leaders to honor late colleague at General Assembly

Posted May 30th, 2018

On any given day, one could walk past Susan Stack’s office to find her poring over paperwork, writing reports or taking phone calls. It wasn’t just a job; it was her life. Stack served as an associate with the Presbyterian Health, Education & Welfare Association (PHEWA) for 34 years, helping people who dealt with everything from domestic violence to AIDS.

Office of Public Witness engages Presbyterians with national leaders

Posted May 29th, 2018

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Public Witness has been on the front lines of advocacy in Washington, D.C., since 1946. Since that time, the office and its partners have worked to ensure the church’s positions on important national and international issues are communicated to those who are elected to lead the nation.