The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations (GACEIR) gathered with heavy hearts in Louisville as war continued in Israel/Palestine this week. In a Zoom conference call requested by the committee, Douglas Dicks, Regional Liaison to Israel, Palestine and Jordan, gave an update and some history to the group.
The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations invites you to join us in studying the document, “Denouncing Antisemitism and Islamophobia,” a newly finalized paper approved by the 225th General Assembly. At the same time, we encourage Presbyterians and Presbyterian entities to reach out proactively to their Jewish and Muslim neighbors to strengthen ties toward community building.
Presbyterians have long advocated for ecumenical and interreligious collaboration around the world. They have also led efforts in the United States to bring denominations and faiths together in common cause.
In the months leading up to General Assembly 225, the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligous Relations (GACEIR) is sharing individual reflections about ecumenical and interreligious ministry happening throughout the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Through these stories we hope to inspire you to work ecumenically and with other religious traditions in your community to find ways to share God’s love with the world.
As the pandemic has reminded us, …
The Ecumenical and Interreligious Service Recognitions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are a public acknowledgement of the significant service to the causes of Christian unity and interreligious relations rendered by presbyteries, congregations, and individuals as affirmed by ecumenical and interreligious stances of the denomination.
In Indianapolis, Presbyterians have joined with Jews, Muslims, and other Christians to build houses for homeless people and to combat hunger.
In New York City, Jews and Presbyterians have hosted book studies reflecting on different sides of the Israel/Palestine conflict.
In Lithonia, Georgia, African American Presbyterians are listening to and learning from leaders of the Nation of Islam and African traditional religions.