Learn about our work
Current issues
- Theology of Compensation
- Gun Violence Action by 218th General Assembly (2008)
- Globalization and world trade issues
- Nature and value of human life
- Middle East
Work was assigned to ACSWP by the 218th General Assembly (2008) on issues of gun violence, public education, HIV/AIDS and theology of compensation. Information will be provided on these issues as it is available.
ACSWP work approved by the 218th General Assembly (2008)
- ACSWP Agency Summary
- Comfort My People: A Policy Statement on Serious Mental Illness
Affirming the gifts of those living with mental illness. - A New Social Creed
A practical, ecumenical vision for renewing our country and its role in the world. Learn more about the Social Creed. - Costly Lessons of the Iraq War
What can we learn from the invasion and occupation, and what responsibilities do we have? - From Homelessness to Hope: Constructing Just, Sustainable Communities for All God's People.
Proposes next steps for society and offers tested programs
to the church. - God's Work in Women's Hands: Pay Equity and Just Compensation
Ethical analysis, strategies and tools. - Lift Every Voice: Democracy, Voting Rights and Electoral Reform.
Appendix: Election Logistics 101.
This resolution presents new and tested measures to protect voting rights and strengthen our democracy. - Struck Down But Not Destroyed: From Hurricane Katrina To a More Equitable Future.
While thousands of wonderful volunteers continue to help rebuild the Gulf Coast, reconstruction lags and diaspora continues. Recommended: ways to build on hope and end abandonment. - The Power to Change: U.S. Energy Policy and Global Warming.
This resolution lays out a clear and well documented path toward sustainability and equity to protect future generations. - Report on Human Rights in Colombia.
How do we stand with our partners in a country beset by long patterns of human rights violations?
On Building Peace in Iraq and To Repent and To Restore, To Rebuild, and To Reconcile
These versions of the Iraq-related actions include all changes made by the General Assembly and are laid out for downloading. Along with the primary action with recommendations, item 11-10, "On Building Peace in Iraq," there is the substantial background paper in 11-24, "To Repent, To Restore, To Rebuild, and To Reconcile," which was “commended for study” and directed to be posted on the Office of the General Assembly site. These statements, plus an appendix to the study paper, "Costly Lessons of the Iraq War," are also posted.
Three other Iraq-related actions are still available on PC-Biz:
- Item 11-09, a resolution advocating “the United States government to act more quickly to provide haven in the United States for threatened Iraqi refugees and displaced persons,” with help from congregations and legislative initiatives to expand such refugee resettlement.
- Item 11-11, a resolution addressing “the violence and suffering of Iraqi women” and communicating PC(USA) concern for equal rights and justice for women to the Iraqi and U.S. governments, to our particular churches, and to appropriate Muslim bodies.
- Item 11-17, a resolution that “opposes the use of armed private military contractors paid to perform security, intelligence, training, and military operational services traditionally rendered by U.S. military and other U.S. government personnel … because it is immoral to wage war or kill essentially for private gain …” In addition to recommendations to end these practices, the General Assembly action also advocates that “Congress and the Attorney General of the United States investigate war profiteering in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Download
- On Building Peace in Iraq
- To Repent, to Restore, to Rebuild, and to Reconcile
- Appendix A: Costly Lessons of the Iraq War