Advocacy & Social Justice

PC(USA) faith leaders join Standing Rock solidarity gathering

More than 20 representatives from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joined a 500-person-strong gathering of clergy and lay leaders at the Oceti Sakowin prayer camp yesterday, adding voices of solidarity to self-described “water protectors” at the site and taking part in a ceremony repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery.

Clergy gather to add solidarity to Standing Rock water protectors

The Cannon Ball (North Dakota) Gym was filled to capacity tonight with nearly 500 clergy representing 20 faith traditions in anticipation of their show of solidarity for self-described “water protectors” opposing the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) north of Standing Rock Sioux reservation lands.

Asylum seekers receive warm welcome in McAllen, Texas

They may have been traveling for days or even weeks, but immigrants hoping to start new lives in the U.S. are finding a bright spot in their long and difficult journey. A Catholic church in McAllen, Texas provides a rest stop for the weary travelers, giving them a place to rest, eat and fellowship with volunteers who have come to help.

Standing in solidarity with Standing Rock

From across the United States and the world, indigenous peoples and their allies have gathered at the Camp of the Sacred Stones, north of Cannon Ball, North Dakota, near the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe reservation’s northern border. Members of the tribe took the initiative in this witness to protect their sacred sites and waters from environmental harm and to affirm tribal sovereignty and Treaty rights.

Presbytery of Yukon offers apology to Native Alaskans

Healing has begun between Native Alaskan groups and the Presbyterian church following an apology issued by the Presbytery of Yukon at the meeting of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) last Saturday.

Mission Responsibility Through Investment gets new name and new lead staff

The office of Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) has a new name and lead staff person. Rob Fohr, who has been serving in an interim capacity, has accepted the call to take the permanent position, replacing Bill Somplatsky-Jarman, who retired earlier this year.

Unglued Church: At the end of the rope

As an adviser for the Unglued Church, a program in Pittsburgh Presbytery for help with church change, I encounter a lot of churches at the end of their rope. It’s a time in a church’s life when it’s important to emphasize the importance of thinking beyond survival, and how the congregation might imagine leaving a legacy for God’s ministry and mission.

Presbyterian ministries call for end to violence and sexual abuse

Every nine seconds, a woman is assaulted or beaten in the U.S. One in three women and one in four men are physically abused by an intimate partner, totaling more than 10 million abuse victims annually, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

Award-winning PC(USA) documentaries are resources for congregations

Tackling complex societal issues is never an easy task, but thanks to the creative talents in Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), congregations have access to original films that can serve as “conversation starters” for their ministry and community.