Peace & Justice Archives

Ukrainian peacemaker devotes life to helping at-risk youth

Posted May 26th, 2017

Although she never planned it as her life’s vocation, Alla Soroka has been actively working with at-risk children since 2005. She found her passion, and her trust in God, working with teenage prisoners, children and orphans living in the streets of her native Odessa, Ukraine. She will be sharing some of her experiences this fall as a 2017 International Peacemaker.

Big Tent 2017 reflects new approach to big gatherings

Posted May 23rd, 2017

‘How should the church respond when sin disrupts the church’s unity, creates division among the children of God, and constructs unjust systems that steal life from God’s creation?’ This question begins the introduction of the Belhar Confession in the PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions.

Peacemaker from Northern Ireland to speak in the U.S. this fall

Posted May 10th, 2017

Anyone who has dealt with conflict that lasts for years knows how difficult it can be to re-establish a bond with “the other side.” Even if that conflict ended a long time ago. Those are some of the challenges faced by the Rev. Doug Baker, one of the 2017 International Peacemakers visiting the U.S. this fall.

Presbyterian Peacemaking Program to host travel study seminar to Madagascar

Posted May 9th, 2017

More than 80 percent of its flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else on earth. But despite the richness of its biodiversity, Madagascar is one of the poorest nations in the world with 92 percent of its population living on less than $2 a day.

Record turnout for CPJ Training Day in Washington, D.C.

Posted April 21st, 2017

An estimated crowd of more than 260 Presbyterians have gathered today at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. for CPJ Training Day, the annual kickoff to Ecumenical Advocacy Weekend. Planners say the record turnout, a 38 percent increase over last year, can be attributed to this year’s topic, “Confronting Chaos, Forging Community — and Battling Racism, Materialism and Militarism.”

Registration for Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Day reaches record number

Posted April 10th, 2017

Every year, an average of 200 Presbyterians gather in Washington, D.C. for Advocacy Training Weekend as an opportunity to worship, attend workshops and fellowship with other Presbyterians and Christian denominations. But this year’s attendance for Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Day is hitting record levels and people are still signing up with less than two weeks to go.

Presbyterian Peacemaking Program announces 2017 International Peacemakers

Posted April 4th, 2017

The invitations have been extended and this fall, 16 individuals will visit Presbyterian churches, mid-councils and other institutions as part of the International Peacemakers initiative.

Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus requests prayers for victims of violence

Posted March 29th, 2017

The Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus (EECMY), a long-time Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) partner, is requesting prayers for victims of violence after several attacks by bandits from neighboring South Sudan in the past two weeks.

Travel study seminar to focus on climate justice and faith in Central America

Posted March 6th, 2017

Presbyterians interested in learning more about climate justice in Central America will have the opportunity to see it up close this summer. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and Environmental Ministries are co-sponsoring a travel study seminar to Guatemala and Costa Rica August 7–18, 2017.

Presbyterian Ministry at the UN prepares for Commission on the Status of Women

Posted February 28th, 2017

The 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women will soon begin at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Commission will meet from March 13 – 24 and the Presbyterian Ministry to the United Nations will once again host a group of Presbyterians interested in following the work.