Hearing Voices Long Silenced: A Statement from the Covenant Network of Presbyterians Board
Covenant Network News, Uncategorized Brian Ellison Covenant Network News, Uncategorized Brian Ellison

Hearing Voices Long Silenced: A Statement from the Covenant Network of Presbyterians Board

This June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. While we commemorate the Stonewall Riots that took place more than 50 years ago, let us remember the lives of Tony McDade and other LGBTQIA+ persons of color who have lost their lives due to acts of violence. May we hear the voices of the long silenced and help the church to live out its call to work for justice and peace.

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'A Change in What Is Seen'
Uncategorized Brian Ellison Uncategorized Brian Ellison

'A Change in What Is Seen'

Both the hope and the challenge of the transfiguration is that we no longer can settle for the status quo and the exhausting oppression of low expectations. Transfiguration is the moment that compels disciples to expect transformative, overpowering God-presence in the community we inhabit, in the lives of those around us. To believe that we will be present for it. Indeed, that God will make it happen through us.

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Trans and Gender Non-Binary People #WontBeErased — A Statement From the Board of Directors
Uncategorized Brian Ellison Uncategorized Brian Ellison

Trans and Gender Non-Binary People #WontBeErased — A Statement From the Board of Directors

We, the Board of Directors of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, say to all our trans and gender non-binary friends in the church today: We see you. Indeed, you are us. We all stand together as God’s people, sharing in love and faith. You will not be erased—not from our church and not from our lives.Read the complete statement by the Board of Directors of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.

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Covenant Conversation: Boise -- Coming November 2-3
Uncategorized Brian Ellison Uncategorized Brian Ellison

Covenant Conversation: Boise -- Coming November 2-3

The Covenant Network of Presbyterians is undertaking a new effort in partnership with congregations and councils around the country to speak a hopeful and helpful word into anxious times for church and society. Covenant Conversations will help Presbyterians live into a new day in the church's life, bringing communities together to talk about being church for ALL God's people.Our first Covenant Conversation is next month in Boise, Idaho, in partnership with the Presbytery of Boise. Register here.

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A New Day for LGBTQIA People in the Church: General Assembly Unanimously Approves Overtures

A New Day for LGBTQIA People in the Church: General Assembly Unanimously Approves Overtures

It is a new day in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Today, commissioners to the 223rd General Assembly (2018) approved two historic overtures. One affirms and celebrates the gifts of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the church. Another affirms the rights and dignity of people of transgender, non-binary and people of varying gender identities.

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GA 223 Preview: Committee 14 - Taking Our Confession to the Next Level … the Here and Now
223rd GA (2018), Theology, Uncategorized Brian Ellison 223rd GA (2018), Theology, Uncategorized Brian Ellison

GA 223 Preview: Committee 14 - Taking Our Confession to the Next Level … the Here and Now

The assembly's theological issues committee (#14) has responsibility for the Book of Confessions. In 2014-15, as the PCUSA considered adding the Confession of Belhar to our Constitution, the Covenant Network was proud to help organize in presbyteries to support an affirmative vote. We believe Belhar speaks a word today as relevant as ever, and one particular action will help its timeless content speak to our current reality.

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GA 223 Preview: Committee 6 – Supporting Marriage For All, Preserving the Church’s Unity
223rd GA (2018), Uncategorized Brian Ellison 223rd GA (2018), Uncategorized Brian Ellison

GA 223 Preview: Committee 6 – Supporting Marriage For All, Preserving the Church’s Unity

With friends across the church, the Covenant Network rejoiced when the church opened the door to same-sex marriages in Presbyterian churches in 2015. Since then, congregations across the PCUSA have celebrated God’s gift of covenant love and witnessed the uniting of couples whose relationship the church would once have rejected. But a painful reality is that the church is still living into what that means, and the Assembly Committee on Church Polity and Ordered Ministries (Committee #6) is addressing one challenging aspect of that reality.

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Two Top Preachers Will Lead Conference Worship, November 9-10
Uncategorized Brian Ellison Uncategorized Brian Ellison

Two Top Preachers Will Lead Conference Worship, November 9-10

Worship is a vibrant and dynamic part of the Covenant Network conference each year, and this year’s conference worship will be led by two accomplished preachers who are leaders in the national church.Register NOW to hear Nancy Benson-Nicol, Daniel Vigilante, Pulitzer Prize-winner Taylor Branch, and more. Registration has been extended to November 1.

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