Recent Work
Over the past two years (2024-2026), ACSWP has worked on the following projects that are now before the 227th General Assembly (2026) for consideration:
The Algorithm and the Almighty: Navigating Artificial Intelligence through a Reformed Lens
a policy document and recommendations addressing artificial intelligence and its biblical, theological, and ethical implications.
Standing Against White Christian Nationalism
a policy document and recommendations repudiating the ideology of white Christian nationalism. Included are liturgical and study resources for congregations and individuals.
Intent, Effect, Haste: Ethical Guidance on Fossil Fuels
a policy document and recommendations offering guidance for the denomination in making decisions about fossil fuels and their use.
Agency Pay Equity
recommendations and rationale around pay equity for executives across the agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Beyond Changing Families: Flourishing Relationships and Belonging
recommendations and rationale to address contemporary questions of relationships, family life, and human sexuality.
Internal Displacement
recommendations and rationale to address internal displacement within the United States.
ACSWP is indebted to the faithful work of Presbyterian member volunteers with expertise and experience in the subject areas of these reports, and to community members, mission co-workers, and other staff who also share their experiences with and knowledge of particular programs and parts of the church.
In addition to these reports, the Advisory Committee members and staff work on “Advice & Counsel” memoranda for other items of business. The A&Cs by the ACSWP and other GA committees are posted right after the items themselves on pc-biz.org. These items might take the form of overtures from presbyteries and reports from special committees that have social justice applications or that affect our capacity for social witness. The purpose of A&Cs is described in the 1993 policy on social witness itself (Why and How the Church Makes a Social Policy Witness). Familiarity with these different processes and mechanisms not only enhances the assembly’s deliberation, but also highlights the connectional nature of the church.
How You Can Participate in the Work of Social Witness Between Assemblies
“The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) serves the prophetic calling of the whole Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by providing the General Assembly with careful studies of pressing moral challenges, media for discussion and discernment of Christian responsibilities, and recommendations for faithful action.” (ACSWP Manual, Revised, 2014)
Faithful action is never static, and neither is the mission of ACSWP. We continue to ask: why and how does the church make social witness policy? Who sits at the table in shaping the denomination’s social witness—and who sets that table? What could the future of our social witness look like?
We want to hear from you about how the church educates about, takes stands for, and acts toward ethical justice. Please feel free to contact us with your ideas and thoughts at [email protected].