Manuals and policies
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These Living Waters: Common Agreement on Mutual Recognition of Baptism
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
A Report of the Catholic Reformed Dialogue in United States 2003 - 2007
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Presbyterian Principals For Interfaith Dialogue
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
Christians live among people groundcd in other religions and ideologies, or in none. If our immediate circle of neighbors or friends does nor reveal the religious plurality of the world, we need look no further than our cities, our nation, and our globally-connected world to see the diverse religious traditions which increasingly intermingle there. In this environment, persons and communities affect one another even when they are unaware of doin g so.
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Presbyterian Church (USA) Response to Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
Our common baptism, which unites us to Christ in faith, is thus a basic bond of unity.... Therefore, our one baptism into Christ constitutes a call to the churches to overcome their divisions and visibly manifest their fellowship,
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Summary of Guidelines for the Employment of Ministers of Other Denominations
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
There is a great deal of confusion about PC (USA) policies and procedures related to ministers of other denominations. Congregations seeking pastors may want to consider nonPresbyterians. Presbyteries are contacted by ministers of other denominations seeking pastoral work, and Churchwide Personnel Services receives PIFs from such persons every week.
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Presbyterian/Episcopal Bi-Lateral Dialogue Report and Agreement
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
It has been nearly fifty years since the Rev. Eugene Carson Blake, Stated Clerk of the United Presbyterian Church in the USA, proposed in a sermon at Grace Episcopal Cathedral, San Francisco, the establishment of a dialogue between the Protestant Episcopal Church and the United Presbyterian Church in the USA, in the hope that this would result in a united church that would be “truly catholic, truly reformed, and truly
evangelical”. This would later be expanded to include the United Methodist Church and, subsequently, seven other denominations, including three historically black Methodist denominations. This would give rise to the Consultation ... -
Formula of Agreement
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
Between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ on Entering into Full Communion on the Basis of A Common Calling
In 1997 four churches of Reformation heritage will act on an ecumenical proposal of historic importance. The timing reflects a doctrinal consensus which has been developing over the past thirty-two years coupled with an increasing urgency for the church to proclaim a gospel of unity in contemporary society. In light of identified doctrinal consensus, desiring to bear visible witness to the unity of the Church, and hearing the call to engage together in God's mission, it is recommended:
That the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, and the United Church of Christ declare on the basis of A Common Calling and their adoption of this A Formula of Agreement that they are in full communion with one another. Thus, each church is entering into or affirming full communion with three other churches.
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The Ecumenical Stance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
From Office of the General Assembly—Ecumenical Relations
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its antecedent churches have been at the forefront of local, regional, national, and global ecumenism for more than a century. Presbyterians have been ready to reflect on, pray for, and organize ecumenical initiatives in the life of the worldwide body of Christ and respond to the initiatives of others. From discussions of organic union to the formation of councils of churches, from common efforts in evangelism and mission to upholding concerns for justice and social service, Presbyterians have been deeply involved in the ecumenical work and witness of the church. The Presbyterian church has put considerable material, spiritual, and personnel resources into the ecumenical movement, working to “listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches” and respond in creative ways to our ecumenical calling.
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Planning a Function at GA220
From Office of the General Assembly—220th General Assembly (2012)
Instructions for planning a function at the 220th General Assembly (2012) for meetings, meal events, receptions, and other functions sponsored by synods, presbyteries, seminaries, affinity groups, PCUSA agencies and committees, etc.
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On Calling a Pastor (Word)
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Church Leadership Connection
A constitutionally updated, Word version, of On Calling a Pastor, a manual to help participants in the pastoral call process understand their responsibilities and tasks from the time a pastor has announced his or her departure until a new pastor is called and installed.
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Stewardship Manual
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Stewardship
A Guide for Year-Round Financial Stewardship Planning
The focus of this manual is on financial stewardship. The decisions that we make about money are crucial. Please remember, however, that decisions about the use of money are only one part of the discipleship. This manual, with special emphasis on the annual financial stewardship program, will help pastors, sessions and stewardship committees as they plan for the financial health of the congregation.