Several trends affecting the uninsured are then explored followed by an examination of the challenges ahead as Presbyterians seek to be responsible in both their public and private lives in the quest of furthering God's intention of health (shalom) for the earth and its people. The final section presents the recommendations approved by the 214th General Assembly as it met June 15-22, 2002, in Columbus, Ohio. In addition, Appendix I, "The Challenge to Presbyterians from the 214th General Assembly: Adequate Health Care for Everyone" offers concrete ways for individuals and their congregations to respond in advocacy for the uninsured. It …
Report on the Resolution on Africa from the 215th General Assembly.
In response to a General Assembly action this guide (2005) was produced by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy and the Worldwide Ministries Division to call attention to the continent of Africa. It offers six sessions with a wealth of material appropriate for adult, older youth, session and other study groups.
Nineteenth-century images of Africa continue to replay in our minds, even in this twenty- first century. We tend to be ignorant of the history of Africa and of its great diversity of life. We hold stereotypes of a backward continent. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has invited its members and friends to embark on a journey with Africans. If we no longer wish to look at Africa through a dim glass, but rather through high-intensity lenses, then we will have to be intentional in seeking new perspectives on a contemporary continent. This guide for study and reflection is intended for adults …
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is already present in public education through students, educators, and staff. Historically, the church has been a pioneer in the development and support of public education. In recent decades the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been especially concerned about child sexual abuse. "Turn Mourning into Dancing! A Policy Statement on Healing Domestic Violence," approved by the 213th General Assembly (2001), defines child sexual abuse and determines that it "violates God's commandments to love God and love our neighbor." This policy calls for ministering first to victims of abuse and then to the violators.
The record of health care in the waning years of the twentieth century is the story of entrapment and abandonment. Too many of us have no access to health care. Many more of us are facing reduced benefits and the threat of economic hardship and even bankruptcy. Our children and parents are at risk. The pattern is distinguished by diminished access and dwindling benefits. In such a grave situation, Presbyterians at all levels are called upon to act in whatever way they are best suited to bring about a comprehensive National Medical Plan."
Policy Recommendations The Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) recommends that the 211th General Assembly (1999) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) do the following: 1. Commend the United Nations and the International Conference in Rome for the drafting and adoption of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). 2. Affirm the need for international judicial mechanisms for the administration of justice capable of addressing major categories of crime with consistent application for all countries. 3. Call upon all governments to be diligent in the conduct of affairs, preventing those acts that might constitute offenses of international character …
Globalization and international trade are realities of today's world. In this report, globalization is defined as the process by which people, nations, and economies throughout the world become ever more connected and integrated. Although often driven by economics, globalization includes spiritual, cultural, political, and human welfare dimensions. This report and the recommendations are to provide ethical insight for individual Christians and a set of responses for churches and the larger church through its agencies. As Christians, we understand that what happens to people in the process of being "integrated" is a key criterion by which globalization must be measured. We …
Drawing upon biblical sources, insights from the Reformed Tradition, and past policies of the General Assembly, this resolution affirms the continued use of restorative justice as the guiding metaphor for the work, program, and ministry of the church engaged with the criminal “justice” system. The resolution offers a simple definition of restorative justice as “addressing the hurts and the needs of the victim, the offender, and the community in such a way that all—victim, offender, and community—might be healed.”
Painfully aware that the conflicts in the Middle East have exacted a terrible toll in human suffering and exacerbated international and interreligious tensions for more than half a century, and taking account of both the accomplishments so far and the challenges ahead, the 209th General Assembly (1997) believes that the peace process started in Madrid and cosponsored by the United States still holds the promise of achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace, and that the United States needs to continue to play an active role of mediating peace and, in some instances, to take initiatives for reconciliation and restoration of …