Philippines
Presbyterians initiated mission work in the Philippines in 1899, followed by other mainline denominations from the United States. During the first fifty years, each mission group worked independently, building churches, schools, hospitals, and social service centers. In 1948, the Protestant denominations in the Philippines came together and formed the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP).
Ted Hamilton, a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV), writes about his year of service (2007–2008). “One aspect of the Filipino struggle that impressed me from the first few weeks in Manila was how the church participates and coordinates with progressive secular groups to work for positive change. I have never seen cooperation between the church and other organizations as I have witnessed here in the Philippines. Such an alliance has strengthened opposition to elements of the government that are particularly responsible for oppressing the people. Although around 90 percent of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, the Protestant church is far more progressive in its work as an advocate for the people. The UCCP is currently facing internal divisions over whether it should continue its role as an outspoken institution for social change. However, it is clear that the heart and spirit of the church remain grounded in the mission and love of Jesus Christ, which when translated into the Filipino context demands opposition to the status quo.
“There is no question that I will be permanently changed as a result of my year of service. It is one thing to study books and learn facts from lectures in school; it is something else entirely to live with the people and hear their stories of struggle.”
Learn more about the YAV program.
PC(USA) People in Mission
United Church of Christ in the Philippines: Rebecca Lawson, YAV site coordinator/ecumenical relations, Rev. Dr. Paul Matheny, professor of theology, Rev. Mary Nebelsick, professor of Old Testament, Carlton Palm, spiritual formation and field education
Partners/Ministries
United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP): Bishop Eliezer Pascua, general secretary
National Council of Churches in the Philippines
Union Theological Seminary
Silliman University
Silliman University Divinity School
Southern Christian College
Presbytery Partnership: Sacramento Presbytery with the UCCP
PC(USA) General Assembly Staff
Nancy Hamilton, GAMC
Jill Hammer, FDN
Carl Hammond, GAMC
Holy One, thank you for courageous churches that speak your truth to power. We pray for the UCCP and that those who minister on behalf of this church would continue to respond to your call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly. Amen.
Ps. 97, 145 Ps. 124, 115
Jer. 30:1–9
Col. 1:1–14; Luke 6:1–11
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