general assembly

Six Agency Review Committee concludes its first meeting

The Six Agency Review Committee commissioned by the 222nd General Assembly (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) met here this week to begin the process of discerning their goals and hear from representatives of the six agencies that comprise the denomination.

2020 Vision Team holds its first meeting in Texas

The 2020 Vision Team of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) met here last weekend to begin the work requested of them by the Way Forward Committee of the 222nd General Assembly (2016) in creating a vision statement for the denominatio

New GA-mandated LGBT resource now available

The publication of this resource fulfills a commissioner resolution adopted by the 221st General Assembly (2014) directing that it be delivered to mid councils for study and action. It responds to the situation in “eighty-one countries where homosexuality is illegal, [and where] God’s global family includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people who face persecution for simply being who they are, for whom they love, and with whom they create a family.” This resource is intended to raise awareness and prompt compassionate action on behalf of the PC(USA).

When incivility becomes the norm

A statement by J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the PC(USA) General Assembly, a response to the violence on America’s streets after the election of Mr. Donald Trump as President–Elect of the United States of America.

Tireless Presbyterian advocate dies in Pittsburgh

The Rev. Eugene Blackwell died yesterday following complications from bone cancer. He was 43. A graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, he served as founding pastor of House of Manna in Pittsburgh beginning in 2009, and as assistant minister to North Way Christian Community.

Presbyterians affirm Department of Justice decision to end use of private prisons

The Justice Department’s recent decision to end the use of private prisons is welcome news to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which has argued against the use of these facilities for more than a dozen years. The department made the announcement after concluding private prisons were not as safe or effective as those run by the government.

Pedal for Protein prepares for its third fundraiser to battle hunger

For the third year in a row, a group of avid cyclists between 30 and 70 years of age will take to the California roads this September to combat hunger. The Pedal for Protein ride is scheduled for September 18-22. The Presbytery of the Redwoods launched the ride two years ago to help community food pantries provide protein-rich foods to families in need.

Presbyterian Hispanic Caucus members volunteer at Portland’s Union Gospel Mission

It wasn’t your typical General Assembly celebration, but it did have great impact. Members of the National Hispanic/Latino-a Presbyterian Caucus celebrated their time together at General Assembly 222 (2016) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by participating in a June 21 service project at the Union Gospel Mission in Portland, Oregon.