ACSWP examines referrals from the General Assembly

Problem pregnancies, trade and China among issues on the committee’s plate

by Evan Silverstein

SAN FRANCISCO — The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy(ACSWP) gathered here recently for a meeting to organize work mandated by last summer’s 216^th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

       The committee also discussed referrals from other Assemblies during the Jan. 19-22 meeting. Issues before the group ranged from problem pregnancies and pay equity to trade and serious mental illness. (Full story).

       ACSWP, which develops social witness policy for GA consideration, was holding its first regular meeting since the Assembly in Richmond, VA. The committee took no official action, however, on any item.

       “The first meeting immediately after every General Assembly is a time when we have a major focus on receiving the new assignments that have come in, clarifying where we are, works in progress, and then prioritizing them,” said the Rev. Nile Harper, ACSWP’s chair, who is from the Minneapolis, MN, area. “We’re looking at the human resources available, looking at the financial resources available, looking at the timelines that have been given to us by the General Assembly.”

       Committee members also met jointly with two other Presbyterian groups — the Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns (ACREC) and the Advocacy Committee for Women’s Concerns (ACWC) — to explore how the trio could work together more closely. 

During the meeting ACSWP members:

China/Taiwan 
       Reviewed a GA referral directing ACSWP, in consultation with the PC(USA)’s Worldwide Ministries Division, ACREC, the National Ministries Division and the Presbyterian United Nations Office, to continue monitoring issues surrounding Taiwan and China and to report to the 217^th General Assembly in 2006 with any findings and possible recommendations for future action. The response is also to include information or recommendations concerning relations between the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan and the China Christian Council, the Republic of China (Taiwan), and the People’s Republic of China.

Social Insurance 
       Discussed a referral from the 216^th General Assembly on “Economic Security for Older Persons.” ACSWP, in consultation with the PC(USA)’s Office of Health Ministries, was asked to review this position paper in order to update changes in laws affecting mandatory retirement, Social Security and pension policies;  re-examine the interpretations of some of these policies; and report to the 217^th General Assembly in 2006. ACSWP’s work would also be linked to the Office of Theology and Worship and the Presbyterian Washington Office. The policy was originally approved by the PC(USA)’s 195^th General Assembly in 1983.

Social Creed
       Discussed a GA referral directing ACSWP and the Office of the General Assembly to initiate ecumenical conversations and studies in preparation for the centennial of the 1908 Social Creed of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.

       The 1908 “social creed” is a statement of social principles created by a number of Protestant denominations in a cooperative effort led by Presbyterians. Over the years churches acting on the creed’s 14 principles have promoted improved wages, regulation of sweatshops, Sabbath rest from work, abatement of poverty, and the beginning of provisions for old-age pensions.

       The GA asked ACSWP to initiative a survey of key Christian principles to guide 21^st-century Presbyterians and others in addressing major and potential future social-justice concerns, such as a lack of health care coverage, outsourcing of jobs to countries without human rights or environmental safeguards, and the impact of growing economic inequity on this country’s democracy.

       ACSWP is also to consult with appropriate PC(USA) agencies to develop recommendations for the 217^th General Assembly in 2006 concerning the possible goals, basic commitments and effectiveness of an updated social creed for the 21^st century.

Trade and Monitoring 
       Discussed a referral from the PC(USA)’s 208^th General Assembly in 1996 for ACSWP to monitor the implementation and consequences of the recent international agreements and mechanisms for expanding world trade, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), with special concern for the effects of trade on the poor, natural environment, local communities, and the distribution of power among those involved with economic development. ACSWP  is to report periodically to the GA and its relevant agencies on its findings and their implications for the further development of policy on international trade and the church’s advocacy on trade issues in the public arena. 

The Nature and Value of Human Life 
       Discussed a referral from the 212^th General Assembly in 2000 that called for updating the “Nature and Value of Human Life” study paper adopted by the 121^st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States in 1981. The study paper asserts that human life is a value of the first order and human beings are God’s representatives in the care and protection of the entire created order.

Problem Pregnancies 
       Discussed a referral from the 212^th General Assembly in 2000 directing ACSWP to monitor the implementation of the problem pregnancies and abortion policies of the PC(USA)’s General Assembly Council entities.