(OGA) FAIRFIELD, California — When Jose Guzman got out of the army in 1992, he seriously considered taking his own life. He was suffering from Post-Traumatic Distress Syndrome (PTSD). The pain and trauma of being in war drove him to drugs and alcohol and nearly cost him his marriage and ultimately his life. It would take eighteen years before he got the help he needed from the Veterans Administration. As many as twenty veterans take their own lives each day according to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and the problem is getting worse. A group of faith leaders and chaplains gathered at the Rockville Presbyterian Fellowship in Fairfield, California, on Thursday to address the growing problem. They represented Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United Church of Christ, and other denominations. The Air Force, Army, Navy, and Civil Air Patrol were among the branches of service represented. The Reverend Cindy Kohlmann, Co-Moderator of the 223rd General Assembly … [Read more...]

(OGA) The year was 1983 and the setting was a presbytery meeting called to consider the plan for reuniting the two branches of the Presbyterian church. I was a young minister in my first call, my wife was pregnant with our first child, and I was uncertain how I would vote. Philosophically I understood the desire for reunion, but also understood the pain and loss reunion would bring. I knew well, and was comfortable in, the denomination that ordained me. I knew the faces of the men and women who led it, their stories, and the tales of those who went before. I knew the shape of its churches and the cadence of their voices. My great, great grandfather had voted in favor of the split that had led to this current discussion. As I looked forward in ministry, I was certain that this corporate merger would bring an era of institutional fights and organizational chart-building that would last the whole of my ministry. Would this really be service to the Gospel? But I came to this … [Read more...]

(PNS) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of Public Witness has issued an Action Alert, calling on Presbyterians to urge their representatives and senators to help reduce tension and avoid conflict in Iran. “After withdrawing from the Iran deal last spring,” the Action Alert states, “the Trump Administration has taken several steps that have increased tension in the region.” The administration has imposed numerous sanctions since withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action a year ago, sanctions that have had serious economic impact on Iran. The situation has continued to escalate, with Iran threatening to resume high level uranium enrichment in response to the sanctions, and the Trump Administration dispatching an aircraft carrier strike group to send a “clear and unmistakable” message. By clicking here, Presbyterians can send a message to their elected officials containing their thoughts on easing the growing crisis. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has … [Read more...]