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.
'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.
Covenant Network Board Statement on UMC General Conference: Prayer, Encouragement, Partnership
We at the Covenant Network of Presbyterians are joining with millions of others in prayer for faithful discernment, gracious conversation and a deep and abiding passion to demonstrate the love and justice of Jesus Christ.
Six Church Leaders Join CNP Board's Ministry of Equipping, Advocacy in 2019
Six church leaders reflecting a range of gifts and experiences -- from seminary faculty and staff to pastors of churches large and small -- will join the Covenant Network of Presbyterians board in 2019. Each brings wisdom, knowledge and prophetic hope for transformation in the PCUSA.
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.
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.
Celebrating (Religious) Freedom
Last month’s General Assembly approved a recommendation that didn’t draw a lot of attention before or during the Assembly. But in light of current events, Item 11-04 was one of the Assembly’s most relevant and critical actions—a statement we are called to help our church, and our nation, live into.
Twenty Years and Counting: Looking Back and Looking Forward
Brian Ellison, executive director, spoke at the CNP luncheon at the 2018 General Assembly: "I tell you about all these voices and faces from the past not because those were the glory days. I tell you because the work they did was really all about these days of glory. This new day in our life together. Together these siblings in Christ have, truly, taken the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) — in Pam’s immortal words — “toward a church as generous and just as God’s grace.” But they are not the Covenant Network, not in its fullness. And neither are we...."
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.
Committee Recommends Historic Affirmations of LGBTQIA People in Church and Society
Three overtures that strengthen the church’s witness to the rights, dignity and gifts of people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in unprecedented ways were approved by a committee on Monday at the 223rd General Assembly (2018) in St. Louis.
GA223 Preview: Committees 4 & 10 - Making More Space at the Table
The Assembly Committees on the Way Forward (#4) and Mission Coordination (#10) have a lot on their plate this year. Each committee is considering some proposals that haven’t received much attention, but which we think could make a significant difference in ensuring that voices of "peoples long silenced" are heard. Supporting these measures can help all of God’s children have a place at our tables.
GA223 Preview: Committee 3 - Ensuring Voices Are Heard and Truth Is Sought
Every year, the Assembly Committee on General Assembly Procedures (#3) considers slight changes to help the Assembly's rules evolve and improve. This year, the Covenant Network of Presbyterians has real concerns about the potential impact – and perhaps unintended consequences – of two of those proposed changes. We hope the committee and the full Assembly will think very carefully before enshrining them in the G.A. rules.
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.