Advocacy Training Needed

Presbyterians Know Mission but Little About AdvocacyBut the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. (John 14:26)"Justice-centered advocacy work calls nations, powers, and principalities to account on behalf of God’s people for the sake of God in the world."I am grateful for the privilege to have served the PC(USA) as the Director of the OPW for the...

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Stand With Presbyterian Women: Take Action for Peace and Justice

The Office of Public Witness continues to provide immediate advocacy opportunities in the interactive PW Live exhibit at the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women in Orlando, FL.As the members of Presbyterian Women learn about and take action on important issues of peace and justice, we invite you to add your voice to theirs by taking action now on these important issues:Take Action to Prevent Violence Against Women: On April...

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An Update and Reflection on Solitary Confinement in U.S. Prisons

In the past month, we have taken many steps forward toward ending prolonged solitary confinement in US prisons. Senate held the first ever hearing on solitary confinement, the General Assembly passed a resolution which recognized that solitary confinement can be a form of torture, and Illinois Governor Quinn proposed to close the Tamms Correctional Center, one of the first “supermax” prisons well-known for its use of solitary confinement. I'm Debbie...

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Save the Date: Advocacy Training Weekend

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Is THIS the Fast I Seek? Ecumenical Advocacy Days 2012

    In this era of economic and political urgency, as critical decisions are being made about U.S. federal budget priorities and as national elections are fast approaching, Ecumenical Advocacy Days (EAD) asked, "Is This the Fast I Seek?" At the 10th annual EAD, March 23-26, 2012, in Washington, DC, we explored economy, livelihood and our national priorities through the lens of Isaiah 58. Nearly 200 Presbyterians joined close to one...

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Presbyterians and Economic Justice: Compassion, Peace, and Justice Training Day 2012

On Friday, March 23, 2012, more than 200 people gathered at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church to get energized and educated about the ministries of Compassion, Peace and Justice (CPJ). Director Sara Lisherness brought greetings, and the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson brought the word. Organizers from across the denomination and its ministries shared best practices, new ideas, and useful information about organizing in the life of the church for justice....

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Join Presbyterian Women in Taking Action for Peace and Justice

The triennial Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women convened yesterday in Orlando, Florida. Office of Public Witness Director J. Herbert Nelson and Fellow Blair Moorhead are among the nearly 2,000 participants at the Gathering, which is exploring the theme "River of Hope." As participants in the Gathering learn about a range of peace and justice issues - from providing access to clean water to ending violence against women - the Office...

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Priorities for a Faithful Budget

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Farm Bill Passes in House Agricultural Committee

Earlier this month, the 220th General Assembly of the PC(USA) declared that "protection of the environment is a vital part of the Christian faith." In this statement of stewardship, the Assembly asked that our advocacy efforts in the areas of agriculture and food supply be guided by the principles of:"renewability, sustainability, resilience, minimized carbon emissions, participatory research and decision-making, revitalized rural communities, strong...

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Ending For-Profit Prisons

OPW Joins Networks and Local Congregations in Opposing Prison PrivatizationThe men of Elmwood United Presbyterian Church in East Orange, New Jersey, used the Father’s Day weekend to launch efforts for ending privatized prisons. Elder Bill Brown attended the revamping of the PC(USA) Criminal Justice Network at Stony Point Conference Center in New York, and presented the challenge to the men of the Elmwood congregation. Advocates for Criminal Justice...

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