In February, the Rev. Elmarie Parker left her home in Beirut, Lebanon, to attend meetings in the U.S. She was not able to return until August 20. The Lebanon she returned to was very different than the one she left.
After hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets last summer to protest a new extradition law, Hong Kong is now facing the possibility that any further protests could result in serious consequences.
What do you think of when you see the word “Caucasian?” If you are not of Southwest Asian descent (Middle Eastern), it is probably the now-outmoded usage of referring to white people of European descent.
This is an urgent call of distress. At this moment, the Republic of Armenia — a flourishing democracy of 3 million citizens — is fighting to defend the people of Artsakh against the ongoing full-scale military attacks by Azerbaijan with the backing of Turkey (combined population more than 100 million) and Turkish-sponsored mercenary terrorists transported from Syria. Turkey is using F-16 fighter jets and other American taxpayer-funded technology to assist in this assault that began on September 27 targeting peaceful Armenian settlements and civilian infrastructure.
During the final day of the virtual workshop “Dipping Deeper Into the Well of PC(USA) Ministries,” more than 50 Christian educators, pastors and other Presbyterian leaders heard panel discussions and wrestled with questions on how to form lifelong disciples who are grounded in the Reformed tradition and equipped for peacemaking, witnessing and working for justice and equity for all God’s people.
Just off the coast of Turkey, the Moria Refugee Camp on the Greek island of Lesvos has become an important stop for migrants fleeing Syria, Afghanistan and other places around the world. After a massive fire at the Moria camp last month, the Greek government has notified Pikpa camp it must cease operations by Oct. 15.
The desire to gather around common prayers, shared music and the communion table brought several Presbyterian Mission Agency ministries together to create a Worldwide Worship Kit, launched in time for World Communion Sunday, October 4.
At its recent virtual meeting, the Belarus, Ukraine, Russia Mission Network (BURM) invited an internationally recognized Presbyterian to brief partners on the impacts of climate change and the importance of the work faith-based communities are doing to bring about change.
