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.
Congregations, presbytery leaders and college students across the country are reacting positively to recent visits from the International Peacemakers. The group of speakers from across the globe recently wrapped up a month-long visit to U.S. communities, sharing the struggles facing those in war torn or poverty-stricken regions.
The 2016 International Peacemakers are finishing up their visits to U.S. churches, colleges and communities. Seven of the speakers gathered this week at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary to debrief with staff. During its day-long gathering, the group shared their experiences, hopes and recommendations for future meetings.
For five years Westminster Presbyterian Church in Middletown, New Jersey has assembled a memorable display on its Great Lawn each fall. Beginning in 2012, the church’s “Field of Flags” display has contained one American flag for every service member killed in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
International Peacemakers from partner churches around the world are traveling to churches throughout the U.S. as part of the Presbyterian Peacemaking program through October 17.
Advent symbolizes the coming of Christ, and the hope and anticipation that comes with celebrating his birth and presence in our life. Each year the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program publishes Advent Devotion books that congregations can use as a resource for devotion, reflection, and action in the special time of the year leading up to Christmas.
On October 24, 1948, the founding members of the United Nations ratified a document that officially created the organization with 51 member states. Seventy-one years later, the UN boasts a membership of 193.
Although the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina are now quiet following protests in response to the shooting death of Keith Lamont Scott by police, area Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastors say the historic and deep-seated sentiment that fostered unrest after this killing remains.
The Israel/Palestine Mission Network (IPMN) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has endorsed the platform of the Movement for Black Lives (MBL) saying the group is “in full solidarity with the MBL struggle.”