Events in early 2020 around Covid-19 (coronavirus) have prompted some congregations to voluntarily close for worship. As the governmental responses shift from hour-to-hour, it is possible that congregations and mid councils will find themselves within governmentally required containment zones within which the government requires that all businesses, schools, and places of worship close for a particular time. Questions about ongoing congregational mission and ministry arise.
This Advisory Opinion from the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly offers guidance on how to address communion during an Emergency/Pandemic.
Additional Recommended Resource - Advisory Opinion - Church in an Emergency/Pandemic
Standing Rule G.2.e provides that the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly shall "give advisory opinions concerning the meaning of the provisions of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)." Through Advisory Opinions (AOs) the Stated Clerk offers a well-researched opinion and careful analysis on a provision or interpretation of the Constitution that is not clearly defined in the church’s life. It should be noted that Advisory …
Accessing clean, affordable energy is essential to mitigate climate change, aid food production, and increase incomes. Learn how the PC(USA) and partners around the world advocate for clean energy access by improving churches' energy facilities, emphasizing clean resources in worship, and engaging major private corporations on their environmental policies.
This action of the 225th General Assembly (2022) is a report from the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) in the aftermath of the war in Afghanistan, our country's longest war. It includes a call for self-examination, confession and repentance and recommended actions to be taken by the General Assembly, national and local governments, congregations and members.
This action of the 225th General Assembly (2022) is a report from the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) in the aftermath of the war in Afghanistan, our country's longest war. It includes a call for self-examination, confession and repentance and recommended actions to be taken by the General Assembly, national and local governments, congregations and members.
In 2006, the 217th General Assembly created the Form Government Task Force and charged this Task Force to draft a Revised Form of Government. In 2008, this Task Force presented its report to the 218th General Assembly. This Report included: the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity, a revised Form of Government, and the Advisory Handbook for Councils. The 218th General Assembly referred the Task Force’s Report to the Office of General Assembly for a period of church-wide study and response. After taking into account these responses and adding members of the assembly committee that studied the Report to the task force, the expanded Task Force produced a new draft to be considered by the 219th General Assembly. In 2010, the 219th General Assembly voted to approve an amendment to the previous form of government and directed the Stated Clerk to send this amendment to the presbyteries for a vote.In late spring 2011, the majority of Presbyteries approved this amendment. Accordingly, the new Form of Government took effect on July 10, 2011, one year after the 219th General Assembly. As a whole, the new Form of government is the result of the work not only of three General Assemblies and two task forces, but also expresses the input of more than twenty years of expressed need to review and revise PCUSA’s Form of Government.
A Resolution and Confession on the Torture and Abuse of Prisoners. Adopted by the 216th General Assembly (2004).
Prepared by the Task Force for a Joint Candidacy Process to test the features of the inquiry phase of the Preparation for Ministry process.
Get the directory of Asian Presbyterian churches in the United States.