Fractious religious groups in this East African nation are uniting to tackle alcohol and drug abuse, amid concerns the substances could wipe out a cross section of the younger generation.
The Senate passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013 (SB 744) last week. It passed with 68 votes after the Corker-Hoeven Amendment (or border surge) was put forth as the substitute bill. This “surge” altered the legislation by substantially changing the legalization program and added a massive buildup at our borders. The bill’s passage in the Senate has resulted in mixed emotions for immigrants, border communities, and advocates, including many Presbyterians.
The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Rev. Gradye Parsons, stated that, “We are are deeply concerned about what this further militarization of our borders will mean for border communities and migrants. While we are pleased that a pathway to citizenship, though narrow and conditional, was included in the final bill, we are concerned about the impact the buildup will have on the number of deaths at our southern border. Presbyterians have a lot of work to do to ensure the final legislation comports with our values as people of faith and the guidelines set forth by the General Assembly.”
Body & Soul: Reclaiming the Heidelberg Catechism is a new study that uncovers the true identity of the Heidelberg Catechism as a deeply personal statement of faith for contemporary Christians. With it, readers will find comfort in belonging, body and soul, to the triune God.
The General Secretary of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) has traveled to the United States with a call for the country’s member churches to support church unity and social and economic justice.
After a much costlier plan was withdrawn earlier this year following an outcry by Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) employing organizations and Medical Plan members, the denomination’s Board of Pensions (BOP) has approved a medical dues overhaul that still might result in pastors and other church employees contributing to the cost of their families’ health care coverage.
The suicide of Matthew Warren, who fought a long battle with depression, is shining a light on the issue of religion and mental health.
Lutherans and Catholics have pledged to celebrate together the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017, with both sides agreeing to set aside centuries of hostility and prejudice.
Perchance to dream.
It’s what Emily Hope Morgan and Mark Smith do.
Morgan and Smith are the founders and facilitators of Dream PC(USA), a Twitter-based prayer movement born out of the 220th General Assembly (2012). Both attended the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) Worship and Music Conference — held at Montreat Conference Center June 23-28 — for the first time, seeking not only a break from the rigors of their seminary studies but inspiration for their current ministries.
When more than 5,000 young people gather at Purdue University July 16-20 for the 2013 Presbyterian Youth Triennium, one of their activities will be maybe Presbyterianism’s largest scavenger hunt ever.
For the first time, the federal government has issued written guidelines for houses of worship that are confronted with a homicidal gunman.