Reports and study guides
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Talking with Children & Youth about Sweat-Free Ts
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Enough for Everyone
A helpful document to introduce Sweat-Free Ts to upper elementary and middle school-age students.
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Task Force on Election Report & Recommendations
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Racial Justice
The disenfranchisement of people of color remains pressing today. Electoral reform is critical to ensure equal participation of all people in the governing of the US. Find out more about the PC(USA) recommendations on how to empower the disenfranchised in this report.
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Tax Reform Study Group
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
The 220th General Assembly (2012) asked the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) to study the issue of tax reform policy, perhaps the most stalemated area in U.S. politics, and also one where the values that presently guide our country are implicitly expressed.
How these values compare to the communion principles set forth in the World of Hurt, Word of Life report is the question that will orient the analysis.
The study will be undertaken by seven volunteers who have relevant skills and experience to contribute, and presented to the 221st General Assembly in 2014.
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The 217th General Assembly (2006) Policy on Immigration
From Office of the General Assembly—Office of Immigration Issues
The 206th PC(USA) General Assembly (1994) adopted the “Call to Presbyterians to Recommit to Work and Pray for a Just and Compassionate U.S. Immigration Policy”. Again, in 1999 and 2004 Presbyterians, through General Assembly actions, guided by theological and ethical principals, continued to call for a commitment from both Presbyterians and the government to work toward welcoming immigrants into our communities and providing just laws that effect those who live and work in the United States. The need for immigration reform continues today. In 2006, the PC(USA) General Assembly again echoed what has been expressed for the ...
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The 218th General Assembly (2008) Policy on Immigration
From Office of the General Assembly—Office of Immigration Issues
Immigration is not an issue only in cities and towns near the United States’ northern and southern borders. Presbyteries across the country are frequently contacted by churches for advice and referrals to resources to help address immigration problems at the local level.
At the 218th General Assembly (2008), held in San Jose, California, several resolutions were approved. Through these actions the General Assembly has tried to create a way for local churches to become educated and take action on this important issue. The information in these resolutions and the actions they suggest will go a long way in helping us ...
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The Church and Mental Illness
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—PHEWA
Many media reports in the aftermath of the January 2011 shootings have addressed the issue of the possibility that the perpetrator of the Tucson shootings was suffering from mental illness. Some sound bites, blog accounts and website chatter has perpetrated stereotypical or stigmatizing language about people living with mental illness.
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The Congregation: A Community of Care and Healing; Mental Illness Awareness Resources
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—PHEWA
While this 26 page basic resource manual was last updated in 2000 and is now out of print, this partnership between PSMIN, the then PC(USA) Office of Human Services, and Pathways to Promise contains much timeless information for getting started in this ministry on a congregational level. Worship aids and education models for the congregation are included.
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The Crucified One Is Lord – Church Issues Series #4
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Theology and Worship
How shall Christians confess their faith in the midst of people whose beliefs are different? What is the shape of the faith that Christians confess? What should be the church's stance toward other faith traditions? The Office of Theology and Worship wishes to contribute to the church's consideration of the issue by making available to Presbyterians a superb theological paper from the Commission on Theology of the Reformed Church in America.
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The Employment Effects of Free Trade and Globalization
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Enough for Everyone
by the International Labor Rights Fund
This is the second of four papers developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) and made available to the church for study, reflection and feedback on issues relate to globalization and international trade and the church's advocacy on trade issues in the public arena. In this paper, the International Labor Rights Fund, examines the connection between resources and labor and the need for the church to address the intentional exploitation of people for profit.
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The Freedom of a Christian Man: Epistle to the Galatians
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Men of the Church
By William M. Ramsay
Men of the Church in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) provides 11 New Testament Bible studies to aid congregations. Each study is inspired by a book of the Bible and includes seven sessions for open discussion.