In Spirit and Truth
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About this blog
In Spirit and Truth seeks to encourage discussion and deeper consideration of representation issues in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It is hoped entries will prompt reflection and dialogue on aspects of expanding representation and supporting full participation in the PCUSA, especially at the assembly and mid council levels.
This blog will occasionally feature content written by one of the fourteen members of the General Assembly Committee on Representation, who are church members, ministers (teaching elders) and ruling elders from across the country, as well as links and articles of particular interest. The ministries of advising, consulting, advocating, promoting inclusion, reviewing and recommending actions are vital to the life of the whole Body of Christ. Committees on Representation and/or their functions exists at all councils above session so from time to time we may highlight activities and insights from sister committees on representation at lower councils throughout the church.
Any views or opinions presented in this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. or the General Assembly Committee on Representation.
Author/Facilitator Molly Casteel is an Assistant Stated Clerk and the Manager for Equity and Representation in the Office of the General Assembly. She is a teaching elder (a.k.a. Minister of Word and Sacrament) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary.
Recent posts
- Future of this Blog - Seeking Feedback
- The ADA at 25
- Opportunity Knocks When Justice Advocates Come to Louisville
- What is the Church to do with #Ferguson, #MichaelBrown and #HandsUpDon’tShoot?
- Moving Past an Impulse/Intention for Racial Justice
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Archives
Future of this Blog - Seeking Feedback
After a time of rest, this blog will be refreshed with content in this new year and new time in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United States in its various contexts. We'd love to hear from you about the topics of most concern around issues of representation and inclusion in our councils.
Please share your ideas in this survey and we will be advised by your inquiries and interests.
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For the time being - watch this space.
July 26, 2015
The ADA at 25
The Presbyterian Church USA marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. On July 26th, 1990, President George H. W. Bush, signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. Presbyterians have long been advocates for full inclusion of persons with disabilities and active in the national conversations regarding laws and protections. To mark this major milestone, there is a pledge we commend to you and your congregations and councils. This pledge is to continue supporting the ADA going forward. To learn more and sign on go here for the individual pledge (or follow other links for faith …- Posted at 12:00 p.m.
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January 5, 2015
Opportunity Knocks When Justice Advocates Come to Louisville
Save the Date! In addition to the warmer weather we are all hoping March brings with it, Louisville will find justice advocates from around the US and Canada converging here for the 16th White Privilege Conference. This year's theme is, Resistance Action Courage Equity: The South Leading the Way. Keynote speakers are Mab Segrest, Loretta Ross, Chris Crass and Gyassi Ross. Last year, in Madison, Wisconsin, the conference drew 2400 participants from over 40 states. The conference has met in the South only once before, in Memphis in 2009. Local organizers are excited for an opportunity to host such …- Posted at 12:00 p.m.
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August 23, 2014
What is the Church to do with #Ferguson, #MichaelBrown and #HandsUpDon’tShoot?
Friday afternoon staff gathered in the Chapel at the Presbyterian Center for a conversation. One of the outcomes was a request to write up the process we used and to share it. The invite said this: What is the Church to do with #Ferguson, #MichaelBrown and #HandsUpDon’tShoot? Come to the Chapel on Friday, August 22 at 2pm for an all-staff conversation “You aren’t going to fix 400 years with a prayer” said this week by a man working at Greater St. Mark’s Church, a gathering place for the community. As people of faith we believe prayer matters – but words …- Posted at 12:00 p.m.
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August 14, 2014
Moving Past an Impulse/Intention for Racial Justice
So many words, so many nights of protests, days of planning, so many photos and videos... It has been over 100 days since Michael Brown was shot dead by police officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri. Out of more than 100 days of protest, there have been 2 with violence. And yet, anticipating the grand jury verdict regarding whether the officer will be indicted and a court case will be pursued, insurers are requiring shopkeepers to board up their windows and doors, the governor has called in the National Guard, local police are moving in military equipment and media are …- Posted at 3:03 p.m.
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