We Are What We Eat

The 214th General Assembly (2002) approved this report, “We Are What We Eat,” that calls on the whole Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) rural, suburban, and urban--to participate in the current agricultural revolution that is effecting everyone who produces and consumes food. The interdependence between food producer and consumer is significant, although it is a linkage we don’t often acknowledge. Now, we have a unique opportunity to witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ through our daily food production and consumption decisions that will support sustainability, stewardship, compassion and community of all God’s creation.

In approving this report, the 214th General Assembly added the following comment: “In as much as more than half of all PC(USA) congregations are rural, we commend the full text rationale [report], “We Are What We Eat” as a positive step toward revitalization of rural congregations, a priority identified for evangelism and church growth. We find the information offered in the full text rationale [report] to be an essential underpinning for the recommendations. We appreciate the spirit of the rationale [report] that avoids causing alienation in such a complex issue and recognizes the responsibility of all parties in the agricultural revolution. This report provides a means for the entire church to be a living witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

In exercise of its responsibility to witness to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every dimension of life, the 214th General Assembly (2002) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has adopted this report. It is presented for the guidance and edification of the whole Christian church and the society to which it ministers. It will determine procedures and program for the entities and staff of the General Assembly. It is recommended for consideration and study by other governing bodies (sessions, presbyteries, and synods). It is commended to the free Christian conscience of all congregations and the members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for prayerful study, dialogue, and action.

How did the General Assembly become involved in this study? Back in 1998, a group of Presbyterian Women from rural communities in South Dakota discussed the effect that the current economic crisis was having in their lives. They envisioned that change could happen if the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was willing to get involved in the issues that were causing the economic crisis. They took their vision to the Session of Hope Presbyterian Church in Keldron, a small church located in the open ranchland of western South Dakota. From there an overture to the General Assembly began to take shape that was supported by Session of Hope Presbyterian Church, recommended by the Presbytery of South Dakota and, subsequently, approved by the 211th General Assembly (1999). That
General Assembly action led to this study, “We Are What We Eat.”