Who we are

Our vision

At the Tacoma, Washington, Joining Hands Against Hunger Consultation in 2004, the following Vision Statement was adopted.

We envision a growing and spiritually-grounded movement that maintains an ethical focus on:

• addressing the root causes of injustice, inequity and the lack of human dignity
• promoting the self-sufficiency of poor and marginalized groups
• confronting and influencing the structures of exploitation and injustice

We see a movement that:

• grows strong through knowledge, communication, education and skill-building
• values ethnic, religious, cultural and economic diversity
• draws upon common threads of spirituality and unites peoples of diverse faith in worldwide action
• involves congregations in global partnership
• models democratic and participatory decision-making at all levels

We envision a transforming partnership that is:

• characterized by equitable relationships based on mutual respect and not dominated by money
• built upon frequent exchange visits between and among networks including people of all ages
• strengthened by open, frequent and effective communication

We look forward to:

• effectiveness in advocacy for change
• opportunities for coordinated action

Our mission

Joining Hands is a program that builds bridges of solidarity between coalitions of churches in the United States and networks of overseas churches, grassroots groups and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The focus of this program is to address the inequities and suffering resulting from the spread of globalization, through community education, advocacy, alternative economic activities, lifestyle changes and spiritual grounding. It aims at restoring the wholeness of God's creation and the healing of the human family across faiths, races and cultures through prayer, mutual visits, humble accompaniment, repentance and mutual transformation. Joining Hands is an initiative of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Read more about our programs.

Joining Hands staff

To reach Joining Hands staff by phone, call (888) 728-7228 or (502) 569-5000, then dial the listed extension.

Lionel Derenoncourt
Associate for International Hunger Concerns and Coordinator of the Joining Hands Program
Phone: x5834
Send Lionel an email.

Alfonso Lopez
Administrative Assistant
Phone: x5057
Send Alfonso an email.

Eileen Schuhmann
Administrative Assistant
Phone: x5828
Send Eileen an email.