In a letter to the Church, the Rev. Jihyun Oh says the PC(USA) will continue to stand with and for the most vulnerable among us

Dear Siblings in Christ Jesus and Fellow Disciples of our Crucified and Risen Lord,

Scripture reminds us that as Christ Jesus journeyed to the cross, he was also entrusting his earthly ministry to his disciples. Failing to understand, the disciples found themselves arguing about who would be greatest. To this, Jesus says, “The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11–12).

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The Rev. Jihyun Oh

This is the heart of leadership, especially for any who would claim to be “Christian” — to serve others instead of insisting on one’s own greatness, to lift up others instead of pushing them down, to show honor to the least instead of denigrating their humanity, to use one’s power and authority to work toward the wholeness of God’s beloved world instead of harming those who are most vulnerable in society.

We find ourselves in a nation in which leaders who purport to be Christian are attacking those who preach the mercy and love of Christ Jesus, arresting those who pray for justice, and using their position of leadership to harm the most vulnerable and to enrich themselves and their friends and allies by impoverishing those who have much less. Instead of emulating Christ’s earthly ministry of justice and love that brought God’s reign of wholeness and peace, these leaders seek to create a society that is marked by fracture and violence, a society in which power matters more than truth, winning more than communion and the good of the whole. Instead of working for a world in which strangers and foreigners can become neighbors, the weak and sick are protected, and the young and lonely are embraced, they build up dividing walls of hostility, threaten the vulnerable, and ridicule the marginalized. This is not Christian. This is not Christian leadership.

As the Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly and I wrote in December, as a Christian, Reformed, Presbyterian denomination, we as the PC(USA) will be a church for this time and place as God calls us to be. And we will act in accordance with our biblical and theological values that have also guided the actions of our General Assemblies, both PC(USA) and our predecessor denominations, in the discernment of our policies.

We will continue to stand with and for the most vulnerable in our society, whether that is because of status, identity, ability, resources, or any other factor; all bear the image of God. In our common life as a denomination, we will continue to pursue representation and full participation of all in the life of our denomination as we continue living into unity in our diversity. We will continue to stand with and for LGBTQIA+ siblings and communities and act to resist efforts to denigrate or harm them, or exclude them from the promise of the fullness of life.

We will work toward the day of God’s wholeness when all tears are wiped away, weapons are hammered into plowshares, hunger and violence are no more, Earth and all that inhabit it are restored, and God’s love and justice reign.

As Reformed Christians, our Sovereign God calls us to involvement in the world instead of being apart from it. And our involvement should be more than words. The Church’s call is to follow Christ, “entrusting itself to God alone, even at the risk of losing its life” [PC(USA) Book of Order, F-1.0301].

As Presbyterians, the Lord of our conscience calls us to stand up against the abuse of power and authority, especially when it is done in the name of Christ but not in the image and likeness of Christ and his earthly ministry.

Our God calls us and our cloud of witnesses calls out to us and strengthens us by their witness to the love and justice of Christ Jesus in the world.

Taking a stand against the rise of the Nazi party, the Confessing Church movement in Germany drafted the 1934 Theological Declaration of Barmen, asserting that Christ alone is Lord of the church and Sovereign of the world: “Jesus Christ, as he is attested for us in Holy Scripture, is the one Word of God which we have to hear and which we have to trust and obey in life and in death” [PC(USA) Book of Confessions, 8.11].

Our God calls us and also sends us.

God sends the Church to work for justice in the world: exercising its power for the common good; dealing honestly in personal and public spheres; seeking dignity and freedom for all people; welcoming strangers in the land; promoting justice and fairness in the law; overcoming disparities between rich and poor; bearing witness against systems of violence and oppression; and redressing wrongs against individuals, groups, and peoples [PC(USA) Book of Order, W-5.0303].

So many in the church, in faithful discipleship to Jesus Christ, have been working for and toward God’s justice and love in the world. In the coming weeks and months, more will be shared about what Presbyterians are doing and can join to do.

Romans 12:9-16, 21 reminds us:

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let us not despair even as we grieve the brokenness and the pain we witness. Let us not lose heart. Let our discipleship be a faithful witness to what it means to be “Christian” in this time. May it be so for all of us.

Learn more:

General Assembly Committee on Representation

Advocacy Committee for Women and Gender Justice

Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity (ACQ+E)

The Rev. Jihyun Oh is Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency.

MLP July 2025 Newsletter!

In This Issue *Staff Update: A note from Claudia and Jesy *Upcoming Events *A word from our partners *MLP Merch! *Donate Today

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

The theme for this year’s MLP Pride Service was Queer Joy as Resistance. We are living through times that require much resistance: protesting, calling your representatives to make sure a budget that cuts lifeline support to our most vulnerable siblings doesn’t pass, registering people to vote, organizing in your communities. This is all necessary work. But grinding day in and day out is not sustainable without two elements that go hand in hand: community and joy. There is a reason why authoritarian regimes immediately criminalize public gatherings and eliminate budgets for the arts. Without dancing, laughing, singing, and painting, we can’t do the work of liberating each other long term.  I wonder if that’s why Qohelet, the author of my favorite book of the Bible, Ecclesiastes, said: “So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat, and drink, and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life that God gives them under the sun.”  So, friends, go and eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves. The work will still be there when you return. -Claudia

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

Happy July :)  I hope that you all had a queerfully joyous June. I have heard stories and have seen pictures from across the country of congregations who participated in various Pride activities. It brings my heart hope to know that more light is radiating throughout the world because of your witness.    I also am still riding the waves of emotions that came from participating in the More Light Presbyterians virtual Pride worship service. The call to go into the world, to be a prophetic voice and witness, to flip tables, and preach Jesus, is real and true. Rev. Shanea Leonard said in their sermon "we are living in a time where religion is being used to gatekeep instead of liberate; to profit instead of provide haven to pray; to wound instead of welcome." As they said: We are called to more! We are called to journey together for the liberation of all people and the flourishing of all creation. It will be hard, it will come at a cost; but it is right. We are called to this!   I hope that you and your ministry will continue to journey alongside us as we seek to bring more of Christ's love and justice to this world.    Make sure to watch our Worship Service HERE Make a donation to support the work we are called to do together HERE   -Jesy

There is so much happening this summer! Make sure to stop by and see us!   Upcoming Events! July 28-31: Triennium. Join director of engagement, Rev. Claudia Aguilar at our workshop. Also, we have the best, cutest swag for all the kiddos, so visit our table.  August 28-31: Wild Goose Festival. Join board member Bethany Peerbolte and our director of engagement for conversation and swag

A Word from Our Partners!

The Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity is gathering stories and ideas from LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians so we can bring bold, people-powered recommendations to the 2026 General Assembly. This survey is designed to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians, staff, and mid-council leaders.  You can access the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/7XzZQeUS5Z  Please share with other LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians so they can make their voices heard!

kin·dom camp is an opportunity for LBGTQIA+ youth ages 12-17 to feel safe and free to show up as their full selves. Campers have the chance to experience all the fun that camp has to offer in a week filled with affirmation, community, and celebration. This camp is affirming – full stop. It affirms all genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, and varieties of belief. The only thing we expect is a commitment to welcoming and celebrating everyone where they are, as they are. Our 2025 camp dates are July 20-25 in Nevada and Texas. Keep up with @kindomcommunity on Facebook and Instagram for camp registration information and other news!

Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways: *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work. *Donate! We educate individuals and congregations, offer pastoral care to queer people and the ones who love them, we guide congregations as they seek to discern best steps, we advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and in the public arena. We can’t do it without your help. *In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.  *Do you have pictures of various LGBTQIA+ related events that you or your congregation have participated in? Let us highlight them! Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org  *We are trying to collect a list of all of our former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board or do you know someone who has served on our board? Send us an email or fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon.

GET YOUR MLP MERCH!

Visit the MLP shop today!

Your gift helps to advance More Light Presbyterians center and celebrate the lives, gifts and leadership of LGBTQIA+ people in the PC(USA) and beyond! Click the link to donate today! Donate Today!

Our Contact Information More Light Presbyterians P.O. Box 735764 Chicago, IL 60673 (720) 288-0838 http://www.mlp.org

WCC NEWS: WCC signs new childcare operator opening January 2026

The World Council of Churches (WCC) signed a new operating agreement with the childcare service provider Bubbles, marking a milestone in the long-awaited opening of a daycare center located on the ground floor of the Montreal building in the Green Village complex. The center is scheduled to open its doors in January 2026. Faucet in the childcare of the Montreal building. Photo: Grégoire de Fombelle/WCC 01 July 2025 Following the termination of a prior agreement with a former operator—initially contracted in April 2023—the WCC has entered into a new, more robust operating agreement with Bubbles. Under this new partnership, Bubbles will serve as the operator of the daycare facility, ensuring that the daycare will offer high-quality, reliable, and professional care for local families and employees in the nearby buildings.  “This project has been a longstanding priority for us, and although we encountered unforeseen challenges with a previous provider, we are pleased to move forward with a highly capable and trusted partner,” said Stylianos Pappas, WCC finance director. “Our collaboration with Bubbles gives us full confidence that our vision will be realized, and that the center will deliver the quality childcare solution our community has been anticipating.”  “The upcoming opening of our fifth daycare center in Geneva, located in the Green Village neighborhood, reflects our continued commitment to providing high-quality early childhood care,” said Noémie Benhamou, Founder & CEO, Bubbles Group. “Staying true to our approach, we offer an educational program shared across our other centers in the Canton, based on the Bubbles Kids Club’s multi-activity model, autonomous learning, and a strong respect for nature and the environment — all within a bilingual French/English setting. We are delighted about this partnership with the WCC, which enables us to meet the needs of local families.”  The center will feature a modern, child-centered design, dedicated learning environments for various age groups, and a curriculum tailored to support early development and wellbeing. For enrollment queries, details, and additional information please contact Bubbles at +41.22.743.24.23 or contact@bubbles-creches.ch.  For media inquiries, please contact: WCC: media@wcc-coe.org  Bubbles : chloe@bubblesclub.ch  See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland