sara lisherness Archives

In civil war and economic collapse, Syrian ministers find hope in the Gospel, partnerships

Posted December 14th, 2020

At the Presbyterian Church of Latakia, Syria, the Rev. Salam Hanna ministers to people who have endured nine years of civil war and, recently, sanctions that have led to the worst economic crisis the nation has faced in a century.

United Church of Christ in the Philippines asks for solidarity from international partners

Posted November 18th, 2020

In a virtual international solidarity forum on Tuesday, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) asked its ecumenical partners around the world to enjoin, pray and call for an independent international commission to investigate human rights violations in the Philippines.

International Virtual Solidarity Forum scheduled for Tuesday

Posted November 15th, 2020

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) will host an International Virtual Solidarity Forum from 8 a.m. through 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, Nov. 17.

A roundup of action by committees of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board

Posted October 7th, 2020

Some committees of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) made more news than others during their Wednesday meetings. Here’s a roundup of some of the actions taken and input received from among the Board’s half-dozen committees.

Global partners express solidarity with US siblings

Posted June 16th, 2020

Presbyterians do mission in partnership and the mutual support has been strong as the U.S. fights pandemics on two fronts, COVID-19 and systemic racism. Below are excerpts of letters, messages, sermons and poems that have been sent to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) They contain messages of love, solidarity and prayer from partners around the world.

Latin America church alliance joins PC(USA) to oppose racism, white supremacy

Posted June 12th, 2020

“Racism … is an essential part of economic injustice and hierarchical visions that deny that all human beings were created in the image and likeness of God.”

Iosso to leave ACSWP post to serve Church in a new ministry

Posted June 3rd, 2020

After more than 14 years as coordinator of the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Dr. Christian Iosso this week announced his decision to serve the Church in a new capacity.

An online service of lament

Posted May 13th, 2020

With mission co-workers and other Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) national staff tuned in from all over the country — and some from abroad — Compassion, Peace & Justice on Wednesday offered up “By the Waters of Babylon,” an online worship service of lament attended by more than 80 people.

The coronavirus and its implications for PC(USA) ministry

Posted April 16th, 2020

An April survey by Research Services of nearly 1,100 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations and mid councils revealed some surprising responses on how they’re dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic:

Discernment and prayers guide World Mission Crisis Management Team

Posted April 1st, 2020

When it comes to keeping mission co-workers safe in the face of a global pandemic, there is no one-size-fits-all decision. Each situation is different, and each decision is individual.