PHILADELPHIA — Lilly Endowment Inc. has furthered its commitment to supporting congregations and preserving significant portions of America’s religious and cultural landscape by awarding nearly $15 million in grants to Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to extend the National Fund for Sacred Places (The National Fund). The National Fund launched in 2016 with nearly $14 million in grants from the Indiana-based Lilly Endowment. Since then, the National Fund has awarded millions of dollars in capital grants and other support to community-serving congregations representing some 17 faith traditions in 29 states and the District of Columbia. A grantmaking and support program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Fund administers monies through planning grants, training and technical assistance, coaching, and capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Robert … [Read more...]

(OGA) As the political drama continues to unfold in Puerto Rico, the Reverend J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has voiced support for its citizens and Presbyterians who are calling for change in the government. “We cannot ignore the political and social violence that has continued to plague our sisters and brothers in Puerto Rico,” said Nelson. “As they face continuing transitions in political leadership, we stand with them, especially our Presbyterian partners in the Sínodo Presbiteriano Boriquén.” Last week, Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosselló,resigned following massive anti-government protests stemming from a series of communications among Rosselló, members of his cabinet, and other individuals. The communications were described as racist, homophobic, and misogynistic. In addition, two former cabinet members and three government contractors face corruption charges related to theft, money laundering, and … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA (Board of Pensions)— The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced Wednesday that it is now an investor signatory of Climate Action 100+. The Board joins the church committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) as one of more than 320 investor signatories from dozens of countries that manage assets totaling more than $33 trillion. “The Board looks for positive ways to engage as we live out our commitment to environmental stewardship,” said the Rev. Frank Clark Spencer, President of the Board. “Shareholder activism is one way to do that, and Climate Action 100+ has the investor influence needed to propel the clean energy movement.” Launched in December 2017, Climate Action 100+ is an investor initiative to drive the largest corporate emitters of greenhouse gases to change their practices and processes. These include 100 companies that account for two-thirds of annual global industrial emissions and more than 60 that are well … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) – The Presbyterian Mission Agency announced today that it has named the Rev. Dr. Ray Jones III as the new director of Theology, Formation & Evangelism (TFE). “Ray has a heart for evangelism and all that encompasses. The foundation of his faith is built on the person and work of Jesus Christ,” said the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, the executive director and president of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. “I believe he will continue to lead this vital ministry area with the same dedication and energy that has blessed him and the Mission Agency thus far.” Jones has been serving as the interim director since fall 2017, and associate director for evangelism at the Mission Agency for eight years prior. With a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary, he has also served the church as a pastor in congregations in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. “I love the church and I am humbled by this call to serve God,” Jones said. My desire is … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (Board of Pensions) — Right on the heels of being named one of the Healthiest Employers in Greater Philadelphia, the Board of Pensions has earned a spot on the Philadelphia Business Journal’s list of Best Places to Work for the second year in a row. “We do a lot of talking to churches and affiliated organizations about being the best employer they can be,” said the Rev. Frank Clark Spencer, President of the Board. “But this isn’t just talk for us. We know it starts with us, and that we need to be the best employer we can be.” A team from the Board received the honor at the 2019 Best Places to Work celebratory breakfast, held July 30. The Board of Pensions appears on the 2019 Best Places to Work list in the large employer category (100 to 499). Headquartered in Philadelphia, the agency competed against other employers in the city and in its nearby Pennsylvania and New Jersey suburbs. “Big name, successful businesses of all sizes compete to get onto this … [Read more...]

BALTIMORE (PNS) Leaders from 11 African countries now serving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 22 states and 20 presbyteries across the United States gathered for the African Leaders Pre-Conference, sponsored by the Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries at Big Tent 2019. Conference participants were welcomed Tuesday by Princeton Abaraoha, field staff for African Intercultural Ministries, followed by greetings from the Rev. Lemuel Garcia, associate director of RE&WIM. The Rev. Raymond Bonwell, corporate secretary for the Board of Pensions, shared with the attendees the board’s need to gather data from the caucuses and councils of color. That helps the Board of Pensions learn how it can better serve congregations of color and the church at large.  “This information would complement the data that is available through ‘Living by the Gospel,’ a guide to structuring ministers’ terms of call as authorized by the 223rd (2018) General Assembly,” he said. “The … [Read more...]