Many young adults in the United States have opportunities for higher education. In Afghanistan, however, warfare has left thousands of young women widowed, many who are illiterate and have children to support. William Seo, army medic and member of Terre Haute Central Presbyterian Church here was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009. Seeing that Afghan widows were “abandoned on the streets,” Seo collaborated with an Afghan doctor to found a women’s school in Jalalabad teaching reading, math, and hygiene — but also sewing and embroidery skills, so that the women could support themselves after graduation. 

“I feel that this tragedy must not deter us from our calling as Christians, whose commitment to serve is inspired by the giver of life himself, Jesus Christ,” Bishop Reuel Norman O. Marigza, the General Secretary of the UCCP, wrote to those within the church. “These are trying days and challenging times as well. Let us not falter nor shirk from that calling to serve, for this means also serving God, the greatest giver of all.”

Politicization of religion, rights of religious minorities and stateless people, peace and reunification of the Korean Peninsula and just peace served as subjects of the public statements adopted at the World Council of Churches (WCC) 10th Assembly in Busan, Republic of Korea.

The Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of the Defense of Marriage Act in June opened the door to an explosion of activity by gay marriage proponents. Today, they are waging their campaign on several fronts: filing lawsuits, encouraging public officials to defy state bans on gay marriage, and stepping up a push for state legislation.

“Join the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace” is the title of the Message of the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC). 

President Obama’s outreach to two Cuban dissidents in Miami Friday (Nov. 8) was “a welcome and appropriate gesture,” the National Council of Churches (NCC) said Sunday (Nov. 10).

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has established an account to receive contributions to relief efforts following the devastating typhoon that struck the Philippines Nov. 8. Contributions may be made through regular church channels, designated for account #DR000012 – Philippines Typhoon. Donors may also text PDA to 20222 on their smartphones to give $10 (standard SMS rates may apply).

The Presbyterian Church of Ruston, Louisiana, felt like it needed a boost. The small, aging congregation was in good shape; they didn’t have any major problems, having healed from a rift years ago.

Of course, they wanted young children and families, but they weren’t dying, and they weren’t panicking.

“But we felt like we need a shot in the arm,” says Commissioned Ruling Elder Edith Hill, who has provided pastoral leadership to the congregation for eight years.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) and it’s ecumenical partners ― including the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, the Asia Disaster Response and Recovery Network, Church World Service (CWS) and the ACT Alliance ― are readying appropriate relief responses to victims of Typhoon Haiyan, which struck the Philippines Nov. 8.

In one of their first decisions as the Central Committee for the World Council of Churches, the newly installed 150-member committee made history Friday (Nov. 8) by electing Agnes Abuom of Nairobi, from the Anglican Church of Kenya, as the moderator of the highest WCC governing body. Abuom, who was elected unanimously to the position, is the first woman and the first African in the position in the 65-year history of the WCC.