Author: Administrator

  • Living Through Economic Crisis

    Living Through Economic Crisis

    This social involvement report, approved by the 219th General Assembly (2010), summarizes the wealth of moral resources we have available to draw upon in confronting the current economic crisis. It then proposes basic ways we may support the re-balancing of the economy for fairness. This resolution lifts up five key values: human rights, a covenantal…

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  • The Power to Change

    The Power to Change

    This policy, approved by the 218th General Assembly (2008), is the first major update of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s energy policy in more than 27 years. This General Assembly policy offers moral guidance and provides practical steps individual Presbyterians, groups and communities may take to change unhealthy energy practices to ensure that there is an…

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  • Resolution Calling for the Abolition of For-Private Prisons

    Resolution Calling for the Abolition of For-Private Prisons

    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 church-wide study and implementation. It makes clear that private prisons are not an economic but…

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  • Resolution Calling for a Comprehensive Legalization Program for Immigrants Living and Working in the United States

    Resolution Calling for a Comprehensive Legalization Program for Immigrants Living and Working in the United States

    The study is intended to help the church explore the complex issues regarding immigration and ministry to immigrants.

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  • Iraq: Our Responsibility and the Future

    Iraq: Our Responsibility and the Future

    This report will determine procedures and program for the ministry divisions and staff of the General Assembly and its Council. It is recommended for consideration and study by other governing bodies (sessions, presbyteries, and synods). This report is commended to the free Christian conscience of all congregations and the members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)…

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  • The Open Table

    The Open Table

    This essay explores the debate over “open table” practice — inviting persons who are not baptized to participate in the Lord’s Supper. The author examines the understandings of the gospel and the church behind each position, offering a new way of thinking about these questions.

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  • Report on Clergy Recruitment and Retention

    Report on Clergy Recruitment and Retention

    In the spring of 2003, the Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions commissioned a Task Force of its Clergy-Directors to review literature, statistical studies, and other materials with respect to the recruitment and retention of clergy for the pastoral ministry, specifically ministry in and with the local congregation… We, along with other General Assembly agencies, are dedicated to helping build…

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  • A Social Creed for the 21st Century

    A Social Creed for the 21st Century

    This booklet provides Biblical, theological and historical background as well as current application ideas for each of the Social Creed affirmations. It also has questions for discussion.

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  • Fair Trade: A Bible Study

    Fair Trade: A Bible Study

    “Everyone asks, ‘What can I do about a billion people living on $1 per day?’ The statistics of world poverty are staggering and emotionally numbing. This remarkable Bible study will change the way you think, warm your heart and, best of all, show the way to be an agent of change. With thoughtful grace, it…

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  • Rural Ministry: Church and Community

    Rural Ministry: Church and Community

    From the Introduction: Living the Vision is a series of resources, produced by Evangelism and Church Development. Rural ministry is a significant part of evangelism and church development. Today, rural communities are experiencing tremendous change and congregations are called to explore new ways to minister to the people in their community and region. This booklet…

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  • A Reformed Understanding of Usury

    A Reformed Understanding of Usury

    This report and its recommendations are in response to the referral of the 216th General Assembly (2004) to the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy to investigate the question of usury in the United States and to prepare a resolution for the 217th General Assembly (2006).

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  • Aging Well

    Aging Well

    From the Introduction: There are countless books and a number of manuals dealing with the major issues of aging and retirement. Many of them are very good and can be helpful. This monograph is not intended to replace them. Rather, it is intended to be an addendum to the universal issues that are wither particularly…

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