<한국의> Following the lead of this historic confession of faith, and in concert with numerous actions of our General Assemblies calling for peace throughout the world and reduction in hostile relations between the U.S. and Iran, we applaud the signing of the accord reached between the United States and the government of Iran regarding use and control of nuclear energy, especially as that relates to the production of nuclear weapons.
Spring storms have caused serious problems for communities around the country. Even as the storms have subsided in many areas, the damage remains and clean up continues. Two churches recently teamed up to help West Virginia families affected by the heavy rains. The First Presbyterian and Community United Methodist Churches of Irwin, Penn., have been working with West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD) and the Mingo County Long Term Recovery Group.
When Cameron Newell joined the Ghost Ranch college staff for his second summer, he was eager to work with the children of the guests and staff of the busy national education and retreat center.
Bree Newsome, the Ignite NC activist who scaled the South Carolina State House flagpole to remove the Confederate flag, spoke to Presbyterian News Service July 11 prior to a surprise guest appearance at the Wild Goose Festival in Hot Springs, N.C.
At first glance, it seems odd that in this country where 80 percent of the population acknowledges being an agnostic or an atheist, people take July 6 off work to honor one of their national heroes, Jan Hus. The since-exonerated Catholic priest turned Protestant reformer was convicted of heresy by the Papal Council of Constance in Germany and burned at the stake as punishment.
The Wild Goose Festival, described as a celebration of spirit, justice, music and arts, is underway in Hot Springs, North Carolina, near Asheville. Taking its name from the Celtic symbol for the Holy Spirit, the theme for this year’s festival is “Blessed are the Peacemakers.”
As Linda Valentine gently placed a small, wooden cross around her neck — a memento from Ghost Ranch Education & Retreat Center — she smiled as she reflected upon her nine-year tenure as executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
The Presbyterian Mission Agency Board Executive Committee has appointed two current members of leadership to co-manage the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) until an interim executive director is identified.
At the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC) biennial convention in Charlotte today, Presbyterian World Mission and NBPC signed a historic covenant aimed at strengthening World Mission’s recruitment among African-American Presbyterians for service as mission co-workers and Young Adult Volunteers around the world.
<한국의> July 9 marks the fourth anniversary of the independence of South Sudan. We recall the sense of unity and optimism that attended the new nation’s birth. Weary of warfare and brutality, South Sudan’s people longed for peace, prosperity, and a better future, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) shared their hopes and their joy.
Four years later, those aspirations have become a dream deferred. At the end of 2013, conflict between South Sudan’s political leaders fueled ethnic tensions and sparked renewed fighting. Since then, more than 1.5 million people have been displaced, including more than 800,000 children. The United Nations and international organizations have documented widespread human rights abuses, including gang-rape and torture.