Theologians from the Reformed church tradition worldwide are gathering in northeast Switzerland this week to reflect on priority issues for theological study in the coming year, a time of change in the global ecumenical movement.

Sarkiss Rshdouni escaped the fighting in the besieged Syrian city of Aleppo months ago but cannot shake memories of what he witnessed.

Two non-profit agencies serving at-risk children and families ― Austin-based Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) and St. Louis-based Children’s Foundation of Mid-America (CFMA) ― have announced an alliance they say will improve and expand their services in Texas, Louisiana and Missouri.  

A World Council of Churches (WCC) consultation has urged protection for the rights of over 12 million stateless people around the world, encouraging governments to ensure their basic human right to citizenship, adequate access to health care, education and employment.

The animated figure on the computer screen moves carefully among the wounded, darting from one fallen figure to another. Trailing the combat medics, the uniformed military chaplain kneels and performs “spiritual triage,” assessing who is dead, who is soon to die, and who is likely to survive.

In approving a new structure and leadership design for the Office of the General Assembly (OGA) on February 27, the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) simultaneously approved the accompanying staffing rationale, which includes reductions in force.

“While the new structure will enable OGA to better serve the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by being more focused, flexible, and intentional,” said COGA Moderator Vincent Thomas immediately after the vote, “we are very aware of our decision’s impact on the OGA staff, both those who will depart OGA and those who will continue, all of whom love the PC(USA) and view their work as a ministry.”

Dr. Frederick J. Heuser, longtime Executive Director of the Presbyterian Historical Society, has announced his retirement effective January 1, 2014.

Heuser was appointed by Stated Clerk James Andrews in 1990 to succeed William B. Miller as the Society’s director.  In his role, Heuser also serves as an Associate Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and as part of the Office of the General Assembly’s Staff Coordinating Cabinet.  Along with Dr. James Moorhead of Princeton Theological Seminary, he serves as the Senior Editor of The Journal of Presbyterian History and acts as the Chief Historical Officer of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Christine J. Hong has been named Presbyterian Mission Agency’s new interfaith associate in the office of Theology and Worship. In her new role, Hong will work with Presbyterian congregations toward building deeper relationships with their multifaith neighbors.

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) World Mission (WM) has hired three “catalysts” to help the church engage with the three critical global issues ― poverty, reconciliation and evangelism ― around which World Mission has chosen to focus its work. .

Delegates to the upcoming Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) General Assembly will collect an offering for the victims of Superstorm Sandy in the U.S., and upon their arrival in Havana will be given small wooden crosses made from the remains of destroyed houses.