An international Christian delegation to the Mexico-United States border led by the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) is calling for radical reforms to address not only the causes of migration but the way in which migrants are treated on their journey.
The annual United Nations Commission on the Status of Women is an all-hands-on-deck and then some event for the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations.
The Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations welcomed the church’s 2019 delegation to the UN Commission on the Status of Women by celebrating the Presbyterian Women’s new status as a non-governmental organization accredited by the UN.
Now that they’re both about three years into their work leading, respectively, the Office of Public Witness in Washington, D.C., and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations in New York City, the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins and Ryan Smith say they’ve found ways to work around a White House that often doesn’t welcome their input.
Faith is not just personal; it’s political. Our leaders pass laws about how we treat one another, laws about money and finances, laws about how our resources are allocated and more. The Bible addresses these issues as well in Scriptures like the Ten Commandments, the parable of the sheep and the goats, Sabbath rules and Jesus’ advice to the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give to the poor. To say the Bible and Jesus are not political is to deny their influence and relevance to our lives in the 21st century.
The 61st session of the Commission on the Status of Women will soon begin at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Commission will meet from March 13 – 24 and the Presbyterian Ministry to the United Nations will once again host a group of Presbyterians interested in following the work.
From an early age, Ryan Smith had an interest in the international arena. A graduate of Seton Hall University, he received his Masters in Diplomacy and International Relations, focusing on international economics & development and international organizations.
