Presbyterian Mission Agency Shelvis Smith-Mather Archives

PC(USA) mission co-workers share their thoughts on a once-in-a-lifetime peace delegation

Posted February 24th, 2023

For the first time in 500 years, an ecumenical peace pilgrimage was undertaken earlier this year to South Sudan by Catholic, Anglican and Protestant church leaders. The delegation included Pope Francis; the Most Rev. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury; and the Rt. Rev. Iain Greenshields, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Planning and hosting virtual mission network meetings

Posted July 17th, 2020

The Rev. Sharon Stewart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the Rev. Dr. Melodie Jones Pointon, senior pastor and head of staff at Eastridge Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, recently served as co-conveners of one of the first virtual mission network meetings.

Finding a new normal during a global pandemic

Posted June 8th, 2020

On the surface, things seemed calm. Professors came and left every two weeks, teaching courses to adult South Sudanese students on various aspects of peacebuilding. The students sang together during morning devotions, laughed while acting out dramas in class, and played boisterous volleyball matches before dinner. The staff enjoyed the liveliness of a campus brimming with activity. Yet underneath, we were all aware of the country’s instability. At any time, a spark might fly, igniting a rapidly spreading flame of violence.

Documenting the Church’s role in peacebuilding

Posted February 12th, 2020

For the Rev. Shelvis Smith-Mather, the road to the majestic halls of Oxford University took a journey of nearly a decade and three continents. But it is, he says, a “crazy, wonderful, beautiful story.”

PC(USA) partners continue working toward peace in South Sudan

Posted August 30th, 2018

When soldiers are seeking to reclaim lost territory they have little regard for the peace agreements signed by their national leaders. That’s why the grassroots work of the Rev. Peter Tibi and PC(USA) partner RECONCILE is a critical component of South Sudan’s fragile peace process.

With only faith for protection Rev. Peter Tibi engages in shuttle diplomacy in South Sudan

Posted June 2nd, 2017

In one of the most dangerous places in the world, the Rev. Peter Tibi stands between the government of South Sudan and rebel factions with only his clerical collar and his faith for protection.