Extra Commitment Opportunities

There is a channel through which gifts can be designated for specific items that support the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s work around the world. These are called Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs). You can give directly to an ECO account online or by mailing your check designating the name and account number of the particular item you have chosen to:

PC(USA) Individual Remittance Processing
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

Your gift will go directly into the ECO Account designated, and you will receive a letter indicating that your gift has been received and will be used for the purpose intended.

Human Rights, Justice and Peacemaking

Corrymeela Community

Corrymeela is an ecumenical group committed to the ministry of reconciliation, both individually wherever members live and work and together through various projects aimed at increasing meaningful engagement between those from differing religious/political backgrounds and supporting those with particular needs, especially as a result of conflict and division.  Many of the corporate programs take place at a large residential center on the north coast of Ireland, which has become known as a place of peace and encounter.  Limited opportunities exist for short-term and yearlong volunteering, study visits by groups from the United States, etc.  This ECO account exists for PC(USA) individuals and congregations wishing to support the work of Corrymeela. Further information about Corrymeela can be found on their Web site.

Face to Face/Faith to Faith

Face to Face/Faith to Faith is an international multi-faith youth leadership program that brings together Christian, Jewish and Muslim teenagers from Northern Ireland, the Middle East, South Africa and the United States to develop a new generation of leaders trained to negotiate conflict in a global community. The yearlong program includes a summer intensive in the United States and ongoing educational and service projects in the home countries.

Mission Personnel

Rev. Doug Baker and Elaine Baker — Regional Liaison for the United Kingdom and YAV Site Coordinator

Doug, an ordained PC(USA) minister, and Elaine Baker have been PC(USA) mission workers for more than two decades. Although their roles have changed over the years of their ministry in Northern Ireland, their ministry has always served the cause of peacemaking and reconciliation. Doug is now the PC(USA)’s regional liaison for Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Other Support

Northern Ireland Young Adult Volunteer Program

Northern Ireland is known for its tragic history of violence and inter-community conflict. These “Troubles” as they are commonly known, have left behind serous economic, emotional and spiritual needs, particularly in urban–working class districts.  Although the level of violence has reduced significantly in recent years, deep sectarian division remains a feature of Northern Irish society.  Each year the PC(USA) places a number of Young Adult Volunteers in Northern Ireland to work alongside others in addressing this legacy. Within congregations they serve as leaders for youth fellowships and open youth clubs, Sunday morning youth programs, and, in some instances, assist in worship, with visitation, and other pastoral duties. In community ministries they assist with after-school tutoring for children and youth, organizing social / recreational / discussion activities for youth, supervising drop-in activities and befriending young people, working with senior citizens, parent and pre-school children groups, women’s groups, literacy, numeracy and computer training, Web site-development and various kinds of administration. YAVs may also have opportunity to support / participate in cross-community reconciliation initiatives and learn from various responses from churches and other organizations involved in community development and peace-building. Learn more.

Program Development, Northern Ireland

As a part of the reconciliation work in Northern Ireland, funds are needed for projects and programs like Nexus (working with children from north and south Ireland), the Northern Ireland Innovation Programme (small business creation) and the Irish Summer Institute (an educational program for non-Irish Protestants and Catholics).

Regional Liaison for Ireland and the United Kingdom           

Contributions to this ECO will be used for operating expenses, travel and administrative expenses for the work of the regional liaison in helping implement agreed-upon programs with partner churches and institutions; supporting PC(USA) congregations and presbyteries in direct mission involvement with partners; and giving practical, pastoral and culture/language transition support to other PC(USA) mission personnel serving in the region, and developing initiatives with the Irish churches that will contribute to long-term peace-building.