Liz Theoharis speaks at Big Tent 2017 as Co-Moderator Denise Anderson looks on. (Photo by Gregg Brekke) LOUISVILLE — After months of planning, the “Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival” officially begins on Mother’s Day. The campaign, a continuation of the initiative launched by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 50 years ago, is calling for direct action at statehouses across the country as well as the U.S. Capitol. The Rev. Dr. William Barber II and the Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, a Presbyterian pastor and co-director of the Kairos Center, are co-chairing the national effort. “This Sunday and for the next 40 days, we will launch a non-violent moral direct action, taking place in 30 state capitals across the country and Washington, D.C.,” said Theoharis. “Hundreds of thousands of people are coming together to say that our society and country are headed in the wrong direction and we have to work to overcome systemic racism and poverty, ecological … [Read more...]

The Equal Exchange Coffee station at New Life Presbyterian Church in Roseville, MN. (Photo by Carol Rust) LOUISVILLE (PNS) — Small businesses around the world will be observing World Fair Trade Day this Saturday, a commemoration by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) to recognize fair trade successes, responsible production practices and the economic impact of small businesses on communities. “Fair trade is important to Presbyterians and it is in line with our scripture, tradition and church policy — that the way we consume in this world reflect our values and not harm other people or God’s creation,” said Rebecca Barnes, coordinator of the Presbyterian Hunger Program where much of the church’s fair trade work is lodged. Participation in fair trade is nothing new for Presbyterians. It is as much a part of the church’s mission as human rights, immigration and poverty alleviation. One of the ways the church participates in fair trade is through Equal Exchange, a … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) — It’s another major crack in the ceiling. That’s how Rob Fohr, director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Faith-Based Investing, describes progress with Noble Energy Corporation of Houston, Texas. Last week, Fohr presented a shareholder resolution calling for a climate change scenario analysis. This continues the momentum from the 2017 proxy season which saw record high votes on climate change resolutions including one at ExxonMobil that received 62 percent of the shareholder vote. For the fourth straight year, the church has sought shareholder approval for the resolution and although it didn’t pass, Fohr says they’re making significant headway. “The company filed a vote count with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the vote for our proposal basically doubled from last year to nearly 46 percent,” he said. “That is close to most shareholders and is significant because Noble is tightly held, with one investor owning more than 20 percent of the … [Read more...]

Ryan Smith, the Director of PMUN and Representative to the United Nations and James Makuei Choul met with Ambassador Akuei Bona Malwal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Permanent Representative Republic of South Sudan at the UN in New York. (Photo by PMUN) (PNS)  Ten humanitarian workers, held by an armed opposition group in South Sudan, have been freed after five days in captivity. The United Nations today announced the release of the staff, all South Sudan nationals. Alain Noudehou, humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan confirmed that the workers were returned safely and in good health. In a news release, he commended the efforts to get the ten released especially the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Noudehou went on to criticize the deteriorating environment for humanitarian work in South Sudan. “I am deeply concerned by the insecurity faced by aid workers who risk their lives to save others,” he said. “I strongly urge the parties to the conflict to … [Read more...]