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With a new year comes new opportunities to devote our time and energy to issues that matter. From working to eliminate hunger to achieving equality for our siblings who have been marginalized because of their race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender or who they love, there is a need to keep pushing against the status quo. As the Rev. Denise Anderson, CPJ director, noted in a recent piece for Unbound’s Divine Nebula, “the forces of evil, greed, and hubris are not simply going to roll over and accept a new order in which their privilege will be displaced. … Never underestimate the lengths to which power will go or that it will even endanger itself simply to retain power.”
In 2023, Compassion, Peace & Justice will continue to advocate for justice in the public arena and in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and we hope you will join us. In this issue of the monthly CPJ newsletter, we highlight efforts to combat hunger, raise awareness about new LGBTQIA+ publications, delve into challenges facing asylum seekers and more. (Photo by Sus4n via Pixabay) |
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Canceled celebration leads to new opportunity to embody mission |
When the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People’s 50th anniversary celebration was canceled because of the pandemic, a plan came together that resulted in meals being distributed to people in need. The positive outcome took more than two years of determined negotiating. |
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Presbyterian Mission Agency releases new LGBTQIA+ resources |
The Presbyterian Mission Agency has released new resources to help promote LGBTQIA+ inclusion and understanding within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as well as anywhere that individuals or families may be seeking answers about matters related to inclusion and diversity. |
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The work of caring for immigrants is spreading north of the border, webinar notes |
Organizations in the interior portions of the country are increasingly called upon to help endangered and harassed people who are fleeing for their lives, according to a webinar by the Interfaith Immigration Coalition. Event sponsors included a part of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance that is now called Migration Accompaniment Ministries. |
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days to focus on peacemaking |
The theme for Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2023 has been announced. It is “Swords into Plowshares: Achieving Enough for All & Pursuing Peace.” Keep an eye out for more details about the virtual conference, which will be April 25–27 and include worship, workshops and plenary speakers. (Photo by engin akyurt via Unsplash) |
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Broad Street Presbyterian Church’s 50-plus-year-old food pantry puts justice on the menu in Columbus, Ohio |
From offering fresh, local produce to raising awareness about voting, the Broad Street Food Pantry in Columbus, Ohio, strives to be a beacon in the community without being paternalistic. It supports “neighbors by putting healthy meals on their table with respect and dignity for all.” |
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‘Just Talk Live’ returns after hiatus |
The award-winning talk show “Just Talk Live” has returned for a third season. If you missed the first episode, you can view the recorded version to catch up. Read about why the program was brought back after a hiatus and follow it on social media. |
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Determined to rebuild, First Presbyterian Church reflects on a year of lessons from a devastating tornado |
A year after a tornado destroyed First Presbyterian Church of Mayfield, Kentucky, and much of the community, the disaster has left the church grounds virtually bare. But a sign gives a hint of a promising future. |
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Webinar to highlight concerns about depleted uranium left in Iraq |
A webinar called “Depleted Uranium in Iraq: The Ongoing Poisoning of the People and Land” will be noon (Eastern) on Jan. 18. It will focus on the “scourge of depleted uranium left in Iraq as a result of U.S. weapons,” the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness notes on its Facebook page. |
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Mosaic of Peace conference concludes |
The Mosaic of Peace conference was held last November in Israel and Palestine. Read firsthand accounts of the conference in the Swords into Plowshares blog of the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations. (Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe via Unsplash) |
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Spreading the Vision of Matthew 25 across the Church |
Accept the invitation to be a church of action, where God’s love, justice and mercy are contagious and at the center of everything we do. |
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