Reports and study guides
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Presbyterian Panel Survey Fall 2008: Religious and Demographic Profile of Presbyterians - Full Report
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Research Services
The Presbyterian Panel consists of three nationally representative samples of groups affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): members, elders (lay leaders), and ordained ministers. For most analyses, ministers are split into two groups based on current call: pastors, serving congregations, and specialized clergy, serving elsewhere. New samples are drawn every three years. The profile reveals results of a demographic survey of 3,500 participants in the 2009-2011 Presbyterian Panel, sampled in Fall of 2008.
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Resolution on Africa: A Guide for Study and Reflection
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
In response to a General Assembly action this guide (2005) was produced by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy and the Worldwide Ministries Division to call attention to the continent of Africa. It offers six sessions with a wealth of material appropriate for adult, older youth, session and other study groups.
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Iraq: Our Responsibility and the Future
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
This study stimulates reflection and discussion on just war and other principles of conscience concerning the military action in Iraq.
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Resolution Calling for the Abolition of For-Profit Private Prisons
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advocacy Committee for Racial Ethnic Concerns
This resolution was developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) and includes an analysis of the arguments for and against for-profit private prisons. The report as a whole was approved by the 215th General Assembly 2003 for churchwide study and implementation. It makes clear that private prisons are not an economic but a deep religious and ethical issue, a cornerstone of our collective work to put justice back into the so-called criminal justice system.
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Human Rights Update 2003-2004
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
ACSWP's yearly report affirms the Presbyterian church’s longstanding commitment to human rights at home and worldwide. This year’s report includes five categories of concern brought to the attention of the General Assembly Council (GAC), for the most part, by the partner churches around the world. They are civil, political, economic, social and cultural, and religious.
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From Homelessness to Hope: Constructing Just, Sustainable Communities for All God’s People
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
This report reaffirms the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s historical witness that universal access to safe, descent, accessible, affordable, and permanent housing is a measure and a sign of the coming Reign of God. Through its approval of this report, the 218th General Assembly (2008) also acknowledged that the church must not be expected to address this social justice concern in isolation from governmental and private sector partnerships. Therefore, Presbyterians are urged to work in partnership with governmental and private sectors to change or reform housing practices that contribute to persons being homeless or at risk of homelessness.
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Guide to Ending Sweatshops
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Enough for Everyone
This in-depth consumer guide helps individuals use their economic power to address sweatshops. Includes Retailer Scorecard, 10 Ways to End Sweatshops, and Resources for Buying Sweatshop-Free.
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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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Transforming Families
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
The purpose of this study is to assist congregations in exploring ways to implement the recommendations of Transforming Families in their ministries with today's families within their churches, in their surrounding communities and in our nation.
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Resolution on Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Against Educators
From Presbyterian Mission Agency—Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
The study examines the balance between allegations of child sexual abuse and due process for the accused.