Shaping a unified agency of the PC(USA) that’s fit for the 21st century
The Rev. Dr. Dave Davis of the Unification Commission writes to commissioners of the 227th General Assembly
Dear Commissioners of the 227th General Assembly,
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! I give thanks to you for your service to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The opportunities I have had to serve at the national level of the denomination have brought me much joy and friendships that I have cherished. But it has also been a lot of work! So, thank you in advance for your committee work and your arrival in Milwaukee very soon.
I have served as a member of the Unification Commission for the past four years. The commission’s work will be coming to an end with the election of the new Presbyterian Life & Witness Board at this Assembly. However, the complex work of unifying the Presbyterian Mission Agency and the Office of the General Assembly did not begin and does not end with the Unification Commission. Through the voice of various review committees and established commissions, the General Assembly has been calling for unification for more than 15 years. The 225th General Assembly gave the Unification Commission the direction and authority to move the process forward.
In sum, the mandate was to shape a unified agency fit for the 21st-century PC(USA). Yes, cost savings and financial stability are core to the effort, as per capita reductions in revenue are a continuing reality. But the structural challenges of two siloed agencies serving mid councils and congregations were enduring and profound. A key desired outcome of unification is clarity of function, communication and accountability. Financial sustainability is a clear benefit, but the rationale is deeper.
Unifying actions began with the 226th General Assembly’s approval of the 2025-26 unifying budget. The establishment of the Unified Agency, now known as Presbyterian Life & Witness, under the leadership of Stated Clerk/Executive Director the Rev. Jihyun Oh, was the next step. The new organizational structure was launched in November 2025.
As commissioners, you will be asked to support and continue unification through two significant actions. One is approving the 2027–28 budget for Presbyterian Life & Witness. The other is approving the new Organization for Mission. This document codifies unification and establishes the Presbyterian Life & Witness Board to govern the organization. The Organization for Mission, together with the Standing Rules of the General Assembly and various appendices, form the Manual for the General Assembly of the PC(USA).
Working with my colleagues on the commission and the staff of Presbyterian Life & Witness has been both challenging and rewarding. But it is also the most important work I have done fulfilling my ordination vow to be active in government and discipline, serving in the councils of the church, and trying to show the love and justice of Jesus Christ in my ministry.
Please know that the members of the Unification Commission have been praying for each of you long before you were elected. As we seek your support and your ratification of our efforts, we remain grateful for your service to the larger church. May the 227th General Assembly be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ through the work of the highest council of a church we all love.
With grace and peace,
Dave Davis
Unification Commission
Pastor, Nassau Presbyterian Church
Princeton, New Jersey
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