stated clerk Archives

Stated Clerk’s statement: ‘Are we complicit in the racism of the alt-right?’

Posted August 14th, 2017

White supremacy raised its head and occupied a weekend of the news. We are reeling as a nation from President Trump’s cursory statement that failed to aggressively condemn the existence of the alt-right and their promotion of vitriolic racial rhetoric and white supremacy. No longer can we make statements of denial that racial hatred and bigotry are isolated occurrences in our society.

Call to prayer for public accountability and good governance in South Africa

Posted August 4th, 2017

The South African Council of Churches (SACC) has joined with other civil society organizations across the country to call for the resignation of South African President Jacob Zuma. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) recognizes the bold and prophetic witness of South African church leaders and encourages Presbyterians to pray fervantly for peace, public accountability, and good governance in South Africa and around the world.

National Black Presbyterian Caucus gathers in Detroit for 43rd biennial convention

Posted July 24th, 2017

Members of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC) gathered in Detroit on July 13–15 for the 43rd biennial convention. The event offered something for everyone but made sure to offer topics of interest to youth and young adults. The convention provided an opportunity for NBPC members to meet with the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson II, Stated Clerk for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and Co-Moderator T. Denise Anderson.

Retooling the church for the 21st century

Posted July 11th, 2017

General Assembly Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson II told a Big Tent workshop here Saturday morning (June 8) that his recent trip to Wittenberg, Germany reminded him once again that ‘the Protestant Reformation occurred over a long period of time … that it wasn’t like two weeks and – bam – we’re done.’

Interfaith leaders speak out on White House decision to withdraw from Paris climate accord

Posted June 2nd, 2017

President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord is being met with harsh criticism from church leaders who have been strong advocates for the agreement and environmental causes. The president announced the decision yesterday saying the agreement favored foreign countries while hurting American workers.

Way Forward Commission concludes Chicago meeting

Posted May 17th, 2017

The Way Forward Commission of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) concluded its two-day meeting on the campus of McCormick Theological Seminary today. The focus of the meeting was brainstorming possible structural solutions for the denomination in anticipation of producing its midterm report.

Stated Clerk supports justice and advocacy work at historic N.C. church

Posted November 17th, 2016

Stated Clerk supports justice and advocacy work at historic N.C. church, from Office of the General Assembly on Vimeo . Front-line justice and advocacy work like that being done at First United Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, is at the heart of many Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations. Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson, II, and Nora Leccese with the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness spent time on the ground in Charlotte, supporting and encouraging the ministry and mission of First United, a 150 -year-old church founded by former slaves.

El Secretario Permanente de la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Estados Unidos envía carta de apoyo a la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia a raíz del acuerdo de paz.

Posted September 16th, 2016

El Secretario Permanente de la IP (EE.UU.) envía carta de apoyo a la Iglesia Presbiteriana de Colombia con respecto al acuerdo de paz

Presbyterian Center welcomes J. Herbert Nelson as Stated Clerk

Posted August 24th, 2016

The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson was welcomed to Louisville by staff at the Presbyterian Center today with a flourish of bow ties – a signature wardrobe item of Nelson’s – provided to attendees by the Presbyterian Foundation.

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.