What We Do
- Policy Statements: A “policy statement” establishes the fundamental principles that guide the denomination’s social witness. From this policy base a strategy is developed, a program is defined, and personal social witness is empowered. The most current policy document produced in conformance to the requirements of 2.a-g. of this document and adopted by a General Assembly shall be the policy in force. Any previous policies and statements, having been examined and considered by the group producing the new policy, shall be superseded by the adoption of the most current policy. When requests for policy statements are made, the most recent policy statement shall be given; however, past statements shall be included in full response to requests for information.
- Resolution: A “resolution” applies existing policy statements to new circumstances.
- Study Documents: A “study paper” is designed to stimulate churchwide study of a social concern, social witness policy, or social witness. It does not need to be an elaboration of existing policy statements.
- Social Involvement Reports: (also called Monitoring Reports): A “social involvement report” evaluates Presbyterian social witness in light of particular social concerns and existing policy statements.
- Advice and Counsel Memorandums: An “Advice and Counsel Memorandum” (also known as an “A&C”) provides relevant background, context, and possible consequences of General Assembly action on overtures, reports, and actions that recommend policy direction or action on social witness. An A&C may also be addressed to the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board members as the Board deliberates, prepares recommendations for, or implements policies of the General Assembly.
The ACSWP meets three times a year. The meeting cycle begins following a General Assembly. Generally speaking, at this summer meeting, the ACSWP receives new referrals from the General Assembly, reflects on emerging issues, and hears updates on work in progress. The fall meeting offers the ACSWP an opportunity to receive reports on work in progress, evaluate projects in process, write and edit drafts, and deepen its knowledge of specific work and the church. At its winter meeting, the ACSWP approves for submission to the assembly policy statements, resolutions, and recommendations to the next General Assembly.