Manuals and policies
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Resolution on Violence, Religion and Terrorism
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
Our church comes together every two years to discern together how best to live as faithful Christians in the world. We consider resolutions and mandate studies of various issues, which are then passed along to our churches for study and implementation. One such issue was terrorism, which resulted in this resolution, approved by the 216th General Assembly (2004) This resource includes both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) resolution on terrorism and six lesson plans for its study.
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Resolution on the International Criminal Court
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
This resolution adopted by the 211th General Assembly (1999) affirms the need for international judicial mechanisms for the administration of justice capable of addressing major categories of crime with consistent application for all countries. It calls upon all governments to be diligent in the conduct of affairs, preventing those acts that might constitute offenses of international character as defined by law, holding their own citizens accountable.
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Resolution on the Middle East
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
This report, adopted by the 209th General Assembly, provides a remarkable understanding of peacemaking and justice issues in the Middle East.
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Resolution on the Ministry of Caregiving in Relation to Older Adults
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
This resolution approved by the 213th General Assembly (2001) explores what the ministry of care giving means as the population rapidly ages, especially for those with debilitating and/or fatal illnesses. Recognizing those in our congregations and in the surrounding communities our congregations serve will increasingly need care giving, the resolution makes an urgent call to begin now to develop ways to meet those needs. The church can play a vital role in developing models that provide care giving to all who are in need.
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Revisions and updates to the Together in Service Guidebook
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Presbyterian Women
Though hands-on service is a great way to show God's love, it's nearly impossible to find one project that fits everyone. Together in Service uses the gifts and talents of everyone, no matter what type of service each person can offer.
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Safety Manual for Workcamp Leaders and Volunteers
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
This manual written by Harold B. Confer provides important tips to ensure a safe work team experience; includes information about hazards, power tools, vehicle and equipment safety, and emergency procedures; also includes reproducible signs for encouraging safety practices on the work site.
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Sample Sabbatical Leave Policy for Parish Ministers and Educators
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Ministers/Teaching Elders
Sabbatical leave for pastors and church educators is a planned time of intensive enhancement for ministry and mission. Sabbatical leave follows precedents in the academic community and among a growing number of private sector groups. This “extended time” is qualitatively different from “vacation” or “days off.” It is an opportunity for the individual to strategically disengage from regular and normal tasks so that ministry and mission may be viewed from a new perspective because of a planned time of focus.
Sabbatical leave is an extension of the biblical concept of a Sabbath day and a Sabbath year for renewal. It ...
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Sample bylaws for congregations
From Office of the General Assembly
Sample bylaws for congregations. Edits of Appendixes S and T (1997 version with new FOG references).
You may also download the Word document for adapting it for use by congregations.
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Seeking to be Faithful Together
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
Seeking to be Faithful Together: Guidelines for Presbyterians During Times of Disagreement
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Selected Social Witness Policies on Work as Vocation, Unions and Collective Bargaining
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
From the Presbyterian Social Policy Compilation
Employment, unemployment, labor relations, and the meaning of work are all subjects which have merited the attention of Presbyterian General Assemblies. Use this document to learn about the PC(USA)'s social witness policies on work as vocation, unions and collective bargaining.