Living History Films

Members of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians share their thoughts on the future of their group's work and the future of the PC(USA). 

Brian D. Ellison and Tricia Dykers Koenig talk about their lives in the church and work as leaders of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.

Jerry Van Marter discusses his life as a pastor and his experience with the Presbyterian News Service.

J. Oscar McCloud talks about his life and his experiences overseas in the Presbyterian Church.

Joan S. Gray, former general assembly moderator, speaks about biblical interpretation and equal rights.

Bettie J. Durrah, church elder, shares her experiences as a leader of Presbyterian and women's groups, including her work as a choreopoems author.

Melva Costen, wife of former general assembly moderator James Costen, discusses her musical life inside and outside the Presbyterian church, and her family's involvement in the Civil Rights movement.

Richard Poethig grew up in Depression-era New York City. After becoming a minister, he dedicated his life to economic justice.

Vernon Broyles wrestled with leadership choices in a congregation fractured over racial tension in the mid-20th century.

Rick Ufford-Chase and Bruce Reyes-Chow, two of the youngest General Assembly moderators in history, discuss what drives them and what new generations will mean to the church.

As a pastor and, later, Moderator of the 215th General Assembly, Susan Andrews grappled with traditional gender expectations in church leadership.

Sue Althouse taught English as a Presbyterian missionary in Japan for 38 years, witnessing great change in both the country and in herself.

Don Black spent his career overseeing Presbyterian missions programs around the world as they grew more independent in changing cultural climates.

Connie Thurber taught youth and college-aged students in Japan immediately after World War II and was surprised by the reception she received.

As church and seminary leaders in Taiwan during a turbulent political moment, David Gelzer and his wife were evicted from the country. Here, he discusses the inevitable link between faith and politics.