Advocacy & Social Justice

Washington nonprofit shows strength in empowering low-income housing residents

Low income residents and immigrant communities in the Washington, D.C. area are getting help from a local non-profit, supported in part by the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People. ONE DC is working to improve social and economic equity by organizing, training and educating housing residents in Shaw and the District.

Helping people help themselves keeps one volunteer inspired and motivated

Wesley Woo spent years on the staff of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) During this time, he developed a keen interest in the work of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP), but because he was on staff, he could not serve on the committee.

Hurricane-ravaged Haiti still reeling eight months after Matthew

Anyone doubting whether climate change exists should pay a visit to Haiti. That’s the assessment from Valery Nodem, the Presbyterian Hunger Program’s international associate, who recently visited the country, nearly eight months after Hurricane Matthew

Presbyterian churches to be celebrated for hunger work

For nearly 50 years, the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP) has worked with Presbyterians and global partners towards the common goal of ending hunger and poverty. Now PHP is expanding that to recognize congregations involved in hunger work through a covenant called Hunger Action Congregations.

Candidate for ministry shares lessons learned from her guide dogs

When Deb Trevino stood in the pulpit at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church last Sunday she wasn’t alone. Her guide dog Suzy was with her — making small sounds before finally settling in with a contented sigh to listen as Trevino spoke on what she has learned about trusting God over the years from her guide dogs.

Managing editor hired for Christian social justice journal, Unbound

Unbound, the online social justice journal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is getting a new editor. Henry Koenig Stone has been selected to helm the award-winning journal, sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP).

Ukrainian peacemaker devotes life to helping at-risk youth

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

‘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.

Disability Inclusion Sunday is May 28

May 28 is designated Disability Inclusion Sunday by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), an opportunity for churches to help congregations understand what “disability inclusion” means and how they can help people with disabilities feel included in the life of the church.