Posts By: Mark Koenig

Developing interfaith relations

Observing World Interfaith Harmony Week by Robert Arrington On February 2, 2016 at the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, we had the wonderful opportunity of hosting a group from the Westchester Youth Alliance for an interfaith seminar. We celebrated World Interfaith Harmony Week, which was originally proposed by H.M. King Abdullah II of Jordan…. Read more »

Congo travel-study seminar – Reflection 4

From our partners in World Mission who are sponsoring a travel study seminar to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo to look at issues related to conflict and sexual violence, the group has divided into three smaller groups: The days leading up to our dispatched travels as three small groups this weekend,… Read more »

Congo travel-study seminar – Reflection 3

From our partners in World Mission who are sponsoring a travel study seminar to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo to look at issues related to conflict and sexual violence: A Biblical theme of our study visit is the Isaiah 65 passage lifting up God’s promises. God’s vision of a life of… Read more »

Congo travel-study seminar – Reflection 2

North Kivu Province and Kyeshero Hospital From our partners in World Mission who are sponsoring a travel study seminar to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo to look at issues related to conflict and sexual violence: On Thursday our group, accompanied by Rev. Berthe Nzeba, got a snapshot of the extensive work… Read more »

Congo travel-study seminar — Reflection 1

From our partners in World Mission who are sponsoring a travel study seminar to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo to look at issues related to conflict and sexual violence:   The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) East Congo travel seminar team arrived safely in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, late… Read more »

Learn about conflict and sexual violence in east Congo

Our partners in World Mission are sponsoring a travel study seminar to the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo to look at issues related to conflict and sexual violence: A diverse team of 12 Presbyterians will journey to Goma, on the eastern border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on January 27, to… Read more »

The Holocaust and Human Dignity

The theme for the Holocaust remembrance and education activities in 2016, including the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony, is “The Holocaust and Human Dignity”. The theme links Holocaust remembrance with the founding principles of the United Nations and reaffirms faith in the dignity and worth of every person that is highlighted in the United Nations Charter, as… Read more »

March 8 – International Women’s Day

The 2016 theme for International Women’s Day is “Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step It Up for Gender Equality”. The United Nations observance on 8 March will reflect on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda, building momentum for the effective implementation of the new Sustainable Development Goals. It will equally focus on new commitments under UN Women’s Step It Up… Read more »

Thanks be to God for Bob Smylie’s life

We give thanks for the life and witness, faith and service of the Rev. Robert F. Smylie, director emeritus of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. Bob, who served God and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the United Nations for almost 30 years, died on December 19, 2015. We pray for comfort and peace… Read more »

16 Days of Activism – Day 16: Human Rights Day

by Paul Olson The drafters of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights specified thirty articles: rights and freedoms essential for the achievement of dignified living for all people. These rights include civil, political, social and economic liberties. The declaration represents the belief that persons can only flourish if there rights and freedoms are respected. The… Read more »