The Presbyterian Church and Social Justice Issues

1. Winter A • 2010-2011
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
and Social Justice Issues
Christians have long used Jesus’ sermons on living in 1. Adopting an overture to update peacemaking as a
the reign of God as recorded in Matthew 5 and Luke 6 priority for the church using experts from colleges,
to inform them of their responsibilities for the under- universities and seminaries.
privileged. The Christians who gathered for the 219th
General Assembly of the PCUSA held in July of 2010 in 2. Considering whether and how the Presbyterian
Minneapolis, Minnesota were no exception. According to Church USA might become a “peace” church.
the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, social 3. Utilizing the practitioner model to promote
justice issues were at the center of much of the decision peacemaking efforts in the local church. Funding is
making. to be provided from the per-capita income.
Peacemaking These new overture must be ratified by the Presbyteries
In Matthew 5:9, Jesus blesses peacemakers and exclaims before they can be implemented.
they will be called “children of God.” 2010 marks the
Additionally, the General Assembly stood by its
30th anniversary of the “Peacemaking the Believer’s
traditional concern about wars throughout the world.
Calling” initiative in the life of the church. Presbyterians
It approved a proposal that the US government shift to
have supported peace initiatives since 1946. Through
non-combat operations in Afghanistan and that interna-
the 50’s and 60’s we supported peace seeking activities
tionally-guided reconstruction be accelerated to increase
of international organizations while calling upon the
the chances of social progress after US withdrawal.
U.S. government to work for peace, justice, and mutual
Overtures were also approved concerning illegitimate
understanding throughout the world.
government takeovers in Madagascar and Honduras,
The emphasis on peacemaking begun in 1980 is a renewed civil wars in Sudan, and the use of seven bases
reflection of a deepened concern of the gravity of in Columbia which deepen US drug investment in a
the world’s situation. In response to a letter from the country known for its violation of human rights.
National Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled “The
Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response,” The Persecuted
the PCUSA reaffirmed “Peacemaking: The Believer’s In light of Jesus statements blessing those who are
Calling” and set peacemaking as a high priority recom- persecuted for righteousness sake and those who hunger
mending that the leadership of each congregation adopt and thirst for righteousness (Matt. 5:10-11), the Presby-
a “Commitment to Peacemaking.” Thousands of con- terian Church USA presented a study at this GA entitled,
gregations have studied and ratified the “Commitment “On Living a Human Life Before God.” This study
to Peacemaking.” This means they promise to pray for commends an ethic of responsibility and looks at human
peace, seek peace in the local church and communities, life from the biblical understanding of “blessing.” The
and practice peacemaking in personal relationships. paper is a response to an earlier overture to update the
1981 study “The Nature and Value of Human Life.” This
Since the 1980’s several other papers emphasizing peace paper is to be used as a study tool in congregations as
and justice have be issued and in 1999, the 211th they deal with issues such as abortion, biomedical ethics,
General Assembly directed the Worldwide Ministries human rights, and violence within society.
Division to develop recommendations to enable the
PCUSA to implement programs of nonviolent, direct
action in situations of conflict, and to include Christian
The Pure in Heart
Peacemaking Teams within each Presbytery. Jesus also blessed those who were pure in heart. We
believe children to be part of that group. Our de-
The 219th General Assembly (2010) furthered the nomination has developed a child advocacy program.
peacemaking effort by: It is called Presbyterians in Covenant with Children
and covenants with children in intentional ministries
of justice and compassion with and for children in
SR-00-WA-10-P-The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
and Social Justice Issues
©2010 by Morehouse Education Resources • All rights reserved • www.livingthegoodnews.com • 1-800-242-1918

2. Winter A • 2010-2011
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
and Social Justice Issues
congregations, communities, our nation, and the world In 2010, the General Assembly reported that 87 percent
through worship, education, service, and advocacy. of U.S. children attend public schools. The report
Individual congregations can become part of that advocates a reversal of the current trends of underfund-
network through a three-session discernment study, ing and re-segregation which “seem likely to weaken
creating a covenant, and sending the completed covenant education further.”
to the Office of Child Advocacy of the denomination.
“Peacemaking is a central declaration of the gospel.
Though Jesus Christ, God grants us the gift of grace.
We experience God’s grace as peace.
God’s peace restores, sustains and heals.
In response to this good news,
Christians go into the world
to proclaim and become part of
God’s peace giving as peacemakers.”
––Swords into Plowshares:
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program
2
©2010 by Morehouse Education Resources • All rights reserved • www.livingthegoodnews.com • 1-800-242-1918