Support Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Presbyterian Washington Office encourages us to contact our Senators and Representatives urging them to support peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and throughout Africa's Great Lakes region. A rebel offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has deepened the crisis in that country. The fighting has driven civilians from their homes and raises the possibility of drawing neighboring countries into the fray.
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is among many who are expressing grave concern about the new fighting and its possible consequences. The United Nations has a peacekeeping mission, MONUC, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Presbyterians have been at work in the Democratic Republic of Congo for almost 100 years.
2008 Advent Devotion Book
Proclaiming the Good News of God's Peace
Advent is a time of waiting and preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. As you wait and prepare, use the Peacemaking Program’s 2008 Advent Devotion Book. Each day includes a devotion reflecting on God’s gift of peace and our response as peacemakers.
$0.35 each • PDS #24-358-08-006
Sixty Years of Hope • Human Rights Day
December 19, 2008, marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Rev. Robert F. Smylie, former PC(USA) staff person at the Presbyterian United Nations Office, notes “The phrase “human rights” is not biblical. The biblical message uses the language of justice, freedom, peace and security. These concepts are woven into the biblical fabric: the historical narratives, the books of the law, the prophetic teachings, wisdom in proverbs and the psalms, Jesus knew them as vital requirements for human fulfillment. They resonate throughout Jesus’ teachings, the writings of the disciples and in Revelation.”
Find resources to observe Human Rights Day.
Celebrate Jubilee Sunday • December 14, 2008
Jubilee Sunday provides an annual opportunity for communities of faith to hold a Sunday service focused on the principles of Jubilee.
The second national Jubilee Sunday of 2008 will be on December 14. This day provides an opportunity to hold a Sunday service focused on the biblical principles of Jubilee. On the same weekend, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank will hold their spring meetings in Washington, D.C., making this an appropriate time to lift up the Jubilee.
Annual vigil and direct action
Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation
November 21-23 • Fort Benning, Ga.
The U.S. Army’s Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC), often known by its former name — the School of the Americas (SOA), is located in Ft. Benning, Ga. WHINSEC is a combat training school for Latin American soldiers. Many graduates have been responsible for severe human rights violations in their home countries. The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) issued a call for the closing of the SOA in 1994. The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship is organizing a Presbyterian presence at the event. Contact Marilyn White for more information. Learn more about General Assembly policy on WHINSEC, a link to the official WHINSEC Web page and links to information from Presbyterians supporting and opposing WHINSEC.
Travel study opportunities
Presbyterian Peace Fellowship
January 2-17, 2009 |
