justice Archives

Season of Peace begins with the call to ‘Come to the Table’

Posted September 7th, 2016

The 2016 Season of Peace is underway and Presbyterian churches began the month-long emphasis on Sunday with the theme “Come to the Table of Peace.” The emphasis is designed to encourage congregations to seek or enhance their focus on becoming peacemakers.

Tireless Presbyterian advocate dies in Pittsburgh

Posted August 30th, 2016

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

Posted August 25th, 2016

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.

Peacemaker hopes Presbyterians will open their hearts to refugees

Posted August 22nd, 2016

In September of 2015, thousands of Syrian refugees found themselves stranded at a Budapest train station, making their way across Hungary toward the Austrian border. For most, the travel had been difficult as they were turned away from other countries or settled in communities that were not very welcoming.

Presbyterian Youth Triennium worships under Friday night lights

Posted July 23rd, 2016

Nearly 5,000 students, volunteers and staff gathered under the lights of the Slayter Center outdoor amphitheater on the Purdue University campus Friday evening for worship as one of the final events of the 2016 Presbyterian Youth Triennium.

J. Herbert Nelson looks back at six years in the Office of Public Witness

Posted July 20th, 2016

For six years, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson was a strong voice in the ecumenical/interfaith community on Capitol Hill. He could often be seen participating in peaceful demonstrations, meeting with government leaders or praying with federal workers seeking better wages. Nelson recently reflected on his years in D.C. and looked ahead to what the Church’s role should be in years to come.

A pastor by any other name…

Posted June 2nd, 2016

About a month ago, I began telling people that when my current parish ministry position ends in August, I’m planning to pursue work in faith-based advocacy and policy change in Washington, D.C. I’m always quick to follow this with a reassurance that “it’s still ministry, just not in a church.”

Presbyterian Mission Agency staff adds support for Wendy’s boycott

Posted May 27th, 2016

Tony De La Rosa, interim executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, joined more than 60 demonstrators gathered at the headquarters of Wendy’s Corporation in Dublin, Ohio to protest and urge the company to adopt Fair Food Program practices for its purchasing of tomatoes and other produce. The protest, organized by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW), was held May 26, 2016 to coincide with a shareholder’s meeting.

Race and Reconciliation study is timely resource for 2016 General Assembly

Posted April 25th, 2016

A timely, new Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding study honors the 50th anniversary of the Confession of 1967 and the anticipated adoption of the Confession of Belhar as a confessional standard of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at the 222nd General Assembly (2016) in Portland this summer.

Founder/President of Children’s Defense Fund urges churches to be there for children in need

Posted April 21st, 2016

The best way to disrupt the cradle to prison pipeline is to be an advocate for children in need. That was the message from Marian Wright Edelman to attendees at last weekend’s Ecumenical Advocacy Days gathering in Washington, D.C. The founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund says this country’s priorities about wealth and where those dollars should go are not in line with helping those living in poverty.