“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” That’s how the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights begins. The declaration was drafted in response to the calamities and barbarous acts experiences by people all over the world during World War II. This year marks the 72nd anniversary of this historic document in moral consciousness that has been a beacon of hope and purpose throughout the world. The United States was instrumental in this effort, and Eleanor Roosevelt was the driving force in the drafting the document that would become the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
There were tears in her eyes, as I’d expected there might be, and also an expression that seemed to say, “Thank you,” as her gaze met mine. Thank you for giving voice to the pain and injustice, for naming the complicity. Thank you for seeing me.
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson has a unique position in observing and advocating for women’s rights or, as she would quickly clarify, “the fair treatment of human beings” of any gender.
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson has a unique position in observing and advocating for women’s rights or, as she would quickly clarify, “the fair treatment of human beings” no matter what their gender.
In an open letter to the church dated Dec. 6, General Assembly Co-Moderators Denise Anderson and Jan Edmiston said a “deeper cultural shift” is needed to overcome sexual harassment and other forms of sexual discrimination, and they urged Presbyterians to use “specific resources to help achieve that goal.
A standing-room-only crowd heard a stunning testimony, and more, from domestic abuse survivors as worshippers gathered in the Presbyterian Center’s chapel Wednesday for a service marking Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The service was sponsored by PC(USA)’s Racial Ethnic & Women’s Ministries (RE&WM) and Presbyterian Women.
It took many years for the Rev. Kris Schondelmeyer to acknowledge and seek treatment for the sexual assault he suffered as a teenager at the hands of a trusted pastor. He did not imagine that it would also take many years for leaders in his denomination to accept responsibility for what happened to him and take decisive steps to protect children in the church.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation, has teamed with the Insurance Board and Praesidium to help PC(USA) church councils and members of churches prevent child sexual abuse. The partnership has launched a toll-free Abuse Prevention Helpline (866-607-SAFE) to provide assistance to church councils and church families in their efforts to keep predators away from children
Women’s Advocacy Day observed at the Presbyterian Center by Gail Strange | Presbyterian News Service Last Wednesday started, as most do at the Presbyterian Center, with a 9:00 a.m. worship… Read more »
