Lift Every Voice: Democracy, Voting Rights, and Electoral Reform

This report recommends ways to strengthen democratic — small d — promise and practice in the political life of the United States based on principles of Reformed Christianity. Presbyterian political scientists, ethicists and others studied why so many Americans do not vote, despite the 2007 renewal of Voting Rights Act protections against racial discrimination. Remedies include voting machine paper trails, non-partisan election commissions, re-enfranchising former felons, D.C. voting rights, weekend and instant-run-off voting and innovative structural improvements.

Download a single copy of Lift Every Voice

Order the printed report
$3.00
#02-052-08-003

Also read Christian Iosso's October 2008 article in The Presbyterian Outlook, "The General Assembly and the general election."

Serious Mental Illness: Seeking A Comprehensive Christian Response

The study guide provides four sessions for personal and class discussion and reflection. The goal is to encourage and challenge the church to study ways people living with mental illness are included and/or excluded from participating in the work of the church and society in general. Theological, ethical, therapeutic and social service dynamics are presented for response.

$4.00
PDS #6860006001

In English

En Español

Resolution Against Torture

The 217th General Assembly (2006) approved the "Resolution on Human Rights in a Time of Terrorism and Torture" and the overture from the Presbytery of San Francisco on "Petitions Against Torture."

$3.00

Resolution on Africa: A Guide for Study and Reflection

In response to a General Assembly action this guide was produced by the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy and the Worldwide Ministries Division to call attention to the continent of Africa. It offers six sessions with a wealth of material appropriate for adult, older youth, session, and other study groups.

$8.95
PDS #7428004004

Report and Recommendations on Limited Water Resources and Takings with Study Guide

The purpose of this study is to help the church understand and struggle with the issues surrounding limited water resources and takings, to think about the impact humans and groups have on the natural world and environment, and explore why care for God's creation is part of our Christian call.

$4.00
PDS #6860005004

Resolution Calling for a Comprehensive Legalization Program for Immigrants Living and Working in the U.S. with Study Guide

The study is intended to help the church explore the complex issues regarding immigration and ministry to immigrants.

$4.00
PDS #6860005001

Iraq: Our Responsibility and the Future

This study stimulates reflection and discussion on just war and other principles of conscience concerning the military action in Iraq.

$4.00
PDS #6860005002

Resolution on Allegations of Child Sexual Abuse Against Educators

The study examines the balance between allegations of child sexual abuse and due process for the accused.

$4.00
PDS #6860005003

Transforming Families

The purpose of this study is to assist congregations in exploring ways to implement the recommendations of Transforming Families in their ministries with today's families within their churches, in their surrounding communities and in our nation.

$4.00
PDS #OGA04093

Faithful Living in a Time of Violence and Terrorism

This six-session study (1 MB) explores the issues addressed in the Resolution on Violence, Religion, and Terrorism approved by the 216th General Assembly (2004). It includes options for use in a variety of settings.

$4.00
PDS #7027004025

Resolution on the Middle East

This report, adopted by the 209th General Assembly, provides a remarkable understanding of peacemaking and justice issues in the Middle East.

$3.00
PDS#6860098011

The Globalization of Economic Life: Challenge to the Church
by Gordon Douglass

This is the first of four papers developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy ACSWP and made available to the church for study, reflection, and feedback on issues related to globalization and international trade and the church's advocacy on trade issues in the public arena. In this paper, Gordon Douglass examines the impact of economic growth and the challenges brought by the new political dynamic experienced in globalization. This paper serves to define economic globalization and introduces the theological and ethical considerations for the proceeding three papers in this series.

$3.00
PDS #6860001002

The Employment Effects of Free Trade and Globalization
by the International Labor Rights Fund

This is the second of four papers developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy ACSWP and made available to the church for study, reflection, and feedback on issues relate to globalization and international trade and the church's advocacy on trade issues in the public arena. In this paper, The International Labor Rights Fund, examines the connection between resources and labor and the need for the church to address the intentional exploitation of people for profit.

$3.00
PDS #6860001003

Globalization and Culture
by Ruy O. Costa

This is the fourth of four papers developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy ACSWP and made available to the church for study, reflection, and feedback on issues related to globalization and international trade and the church's advocacy on trade issues in the public arena. In this paper, Ruy Costa examines the impact of globalization upon various cultures.

$3.00
PDS #6860003003

Globalization and the Environment
by Robert L. Stivers

This is the third of four papers developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) and made available to the church for study, reflection and feedback on issues related to globalization and international trade and the church's advocacy on trade issues in the public arena. In this paper, Robert Stivers examines the impact of globalization on the environment.

$3.00
PDS #6860003004

Turn Mourning Into Dancing! A Policy Statement on Healing Domestic Violence and Study Guide

Turn Mourning Into Dancing, approved by the 213th General Assembly (2001), explores the root causes of domestic violence and the church’s complicity and response to the problem. The term “domestic violence” in this policy statement and its rationale is used as an inclusive term to broadly encompass the abuse found in child/child, parent/child, spouse/spouse, partner/partner, adult child/aging parent relationships, as well as violence that occurs in sibling and dating relationships. Three clear goals are advocated: first, to protect the victims from further abuse; second, stop the abuser’s violence and hold the abuser accountable; and third, restore the family relationship if possible or mourn the loss of relationship. A churchwide community-based response strategy is presented and a study and action guide is included.

$4.00
PDS #OGA01018

This Resolution approved by the 213th General Assembly (2001) explores what the ministry of caregiving means as the population rapidly ages, especially for those with debilitating and/or fatal illnesses. Recognizing those in our congregations and in the surrounding communities our congregations serve will increasingly need caregiving, the Resolution makes an urgent call to begin now to develop ways to meet those needs. The church can play a vital role in developing models that provide caregiving to all who are in need.

FREE

The policy statement, approved by the 211th General Assembly (1999), presents a theological understanding for the challenges presented by building community in a country increasingly filled with strangers. Facing the challenges that diversity and pluralism offer for both the nation and the church, it acknowledges that we are all indeed strangers who have something to offer each other and that we are challenged to affirm each other even when we do not understand each other.

$4.00
PDS #OGA99028

A theological exposition concerning the vocation and work of every Christian, this policy statement was approved by the 207th General Assembly (1995). Affirming that all work, both paid and unpaid, is an integral part of the believer’s response to God’s call to vocation in God’s world. Good work should reflect the principles of justice on which the church’s witness is based and is described as full, fair, participatory, and sustaining. Twelve principles on vocation and work are presented with an action and implementation plan to challenge the whole church.

Why and How the Church Makes a Social Policy Witness with Study Guide

Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy. Booklet. This document sets forth a clear vision for social policy and social witness, with a sound basis for churchwide social witness policy development and implementation.

$1.50
PDS #OGA93019

Connecting Diversity in Community: Race, Class, Gender, Religion

American society has never been more culturally diverse and rich, yet our communities are sadly fragmented. People with unique heritages and perspectives live side by side, but seldom interact with each other in any meaningful way. In many communities, our churches physically occupy the center of a town or neighborhood, but they are not necessarily central to the lives of the people who reside there. As Christians, many of us are painfully aware of these divisions but have reluctantly accepted them as inevitable. But are they? [Read more]

View the trailer for "Connecting Diversity"

Other Resources

God Alone Is Lord of the Conscience

Committee on Religious Liberty and Church/State Relations. 200th General Assembly 1988 Policy Statement and recommendation regarding religious liberty.

$2.00
#OGA88107

Resolution on Restorative Justice

This resolution affirms the continued use of restorative justice as the guiding metaphor for the work, program, and ministry of the church engaged with the criminal "justice" system.  If offers a simple definition of restorative justice as "addressing the hurts and the needs of the victim, the offender, and the community in such a way that all--victim, offender, and community--might be healed."

$2.00
#OGA02050

Resolution Calling for the Abolition of For-Profit Private Prisons

This resolution was developed by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy ACSWP and includes an analysis of the arguments for and against for-profit private prisons. The report as a whole was approved by the 215th General Assembly 2003 for churchwide study and implementation. It makes clear that private prisons are not an economic but a deep religious and ethical issue, a cornerstone of our collective work to put justice back into the so-called criminal justice system.

$4.00
#6860003006

We Are What We Eat

This resolution calls for the whole church -- urban, suburban, and rural -- to participate in the current agricultural revolution affecting everyone that produces and consumes food.  A study/action guide is included.  The resolution was approved by the 214th General Assembly 2002.

$4.00
#6860002003

Hope for a Global Future: Toward Just and Sustainable Human Development

This report, adopted by the 208th GA, provides a remarkable understanding of peacemaking and justice issues.  Contains the report plus study guide.

$2.50
 #OGA96013

Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice

This General Assembly policy adopted in 1990 provides a profile of the crisis, with Biblical affirmations and ethical norms for response. Recommends a new churchwide initiative in environmental stewardship, and includes a study guide to help groups move into community-based reflection and action.

$1.50
#OGA90002

Life Abundant: Values, Choices and Health Care

The 200th General Assembly 1988 adopted the revolutionary and far-reaching policy statement reprinted in volume, Life Abundant: Values, Choices and Health Care --The Responsibility and Role of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Almost fifteen years have passed between the adoption of this wonderfully comprehensive policy and the current reprinting. Yet, this statement remains a relevant and enduring expression of the basic values of compassion, caring love, community wholeness, well-being, and justice that we hold to be fundamental in understanding and addressing health issues. It continues as a valid policy and timely guide to understanding and responding for the agencies, governing bodies, and people of the church.

$4.25
#7266003001

Resolution on Advocacy for the Uninsured

This resolution addresses the need for advocacy for immediate action on behalf of uninsured persons, especially those with low income or fixed income.  It includes a guide for personal and congregational advocacy.  The resolution was approved by the 214th General Assembly 2002.

$5.00
#6860002004

"Transformation of Churches and Society Through Encounters with New Neighbors"

(Also available in Spanish and Korean, please call 888-728-7228, ext. 5823 for more information)

$4.00
#OGA99029

Resolution on the United States and its Asia-Pacific Relations

Booklet. This resolution focuses on issues related to the Asia-Pacific Region and the United States' involvement in the areas, human rights, environmental justice, democratic struggles, military activities, and political crises.

$1.50
#OGA94014

Christian Obedience in a Nuclear Age

$2.00
#OGA88102

Peacemaking: The Believers' Calling

The 1980 foundational document that called for the establishment of a churchwide peacemaking emphasis.

$1.50
#OGA88047

- Files marked with this icon can be downloaded in printable Adobe Acrobat format. This file requires the free Acrobat Reader. For best results, right-click the link (or click and hold for Macintosh), select " save target as" and save the document to your desktop for viewing and printing.