Washington Reports

Notes from and about
The Presbyterian Washington Office
2009
For notes from 2010
Click here for notes from 2008

New Director sought for Washington Office
[11-23-09]

Director of Public Witness - Washington D.C. Office
(Compassion, Peace and Justice)
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Washington D.C.

Click here for this information on the official PC(USA) website >>

This job reports to the Director, Compassion Peace and Justice
Relocation is negotiable and travel is required frequently.
This is a Full-Time position.

Overview
Min: $72,120

The Presbyterian Church (USA) focuses on national and international mission work. It works with congregations, presbyteries, and synods as the central provider of resources that enable individuals, congregations, and governing bodies to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.

Job Skills/Requirements

Position Purpose

Provide overall direction, management of staff and operations of the Presbyterian Washington Office. Will provide a point of focus as PCUSA gives expression of its faith in the public square. As the primary liaison with the Office of the Stated Clerk, the wider church, ecumenical and interfaith partners and the general public this position provides leadership to holistic vision of public witness in the Reformed tradition. The Director plans and conducts programs of effective advocacy of General Assembly public policy positions within the federal government agencies and international bodies; organizing Presbyterians for public policy advocacy at the federal government level; serving governing bodies; congregations and individuals; developing and providing resources; working cooperatively with the Divisions; strategic planning with ecumenical and interreligious partners; helping Presbyterians become engaged in public issues of social justice at the National and International levels.

Responsibilities

Advocacy & Witness

	Serves as spokesperson for the PCUSA at public hearings and press conferences and interpreting the public policy of the GA for media and the general public
	Develops overall strategy for advocacy and witness, working collaboratively with GAMC staff and other partners to set priorities for public policy engagement for each congressional session
	Responds to issues and concerns of GA public policy issues
	Develops relationship with members of Congress, Congressional staff and administrative staff with particular attention to Presbyterian concerns
	Gives organizational and issue leadership in the ecumenical and interfaith community and coordination of the interreligious agenda
	Works collectively with colleagues and partners, demonstrating accountability to the Washington Office Program Staff
	Provides public policy leadership and issue analysis from a Reformed theological perspective on matters of concern facing the church and society

Constituency Development

	Meet with groups within PC(USA) as requested on the policy issues of the GA.
	Provides leadership in the Second Tuesday Briefing for the Presbyterians.
	Publishes articles in the Washington Office Stewardship of Public Life Networks Program and the other PC(USA) publications
	Provides program services such as public policy leadership on issues analysis at congregational gatherings, meetings of the presbyteries and synods, GA level meetings and other requested groups

Compassion, Peace & Justice Leadership Team

	Assists and participates in the overall vision and mission of Compassion, Peace and Justice by participating with other ministry areas within CP&J
	Attends and participate in the staff retreats and meetings
	Attends Coordinators meeting by conference call

Administration

	Manage and direct the day to day operations of the Washington Office, including supervision and guidance of staff
	Establish mechanisms to train and motivate employee and measure performance
	Facilitate regular staff meetings to ensure efficient management of office
	Provide oversight of everyday budget management

Qualifications

	Advanced degree in theology, ethics, public policy analysis or equivalent
	Ordination as a minister of the Word and Sacrament preferred
	5 or more years of related experience in public policy advocacy or church leadership with an emphasis on ministry in the public arena
	PC (USA) Member or Reformed Church Tradition
	Strong preaching, writing and public speaking skills
	Knowledge of PCUSA GA Policy, denominational structure and procedures
	Knowledge of ecumenical and Interfaith ministry
	Skilled in policy analysis and advocacy
	Ability to relate well to persons of different background, perspectives and roles in both government and the church

Office Location:
Washington DC

Additional Information/Benefits

The PCUSA benefits package includes:

Company Paid Benefits

	Medical
	Vacation Pay
	Sick Pay
	Holidays Pay
	Death and Disability
	Pension Plan
	Short and Long-Term Disability
	Employee Assistance Program

Voluntary Benefits

	Dental insurance
	Flexible Spending accounts
	403(b) Retirement Savings Plan

WITNESS IN WASHINGTON WEEKLY

The Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

October 5, 2009

This week's messages are-

Urge Senators to Support the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

Health Care Reform - The time for action is at hand

Jubilee Sunday/Stand Up Weekend: October 16-18

National Day of Action on Health Care: October 20

Esther 4:14 - A Leader is Challenged to Act for Her People

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Urge Your Senators to Support the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty

Speaking at the U.N. on September 24, President Obama explicitly affirmed the U.S. commitment, under international treaties, to eliminating nuclear weapons.

Now Congress needs to get on board. A first test will be whether the Senate will ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which prohibits all nuclear test explosions.

The most powerful countries in the U.N. have reaffirmed their commitment to "general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control."

In 20 years, no U.S. president has explicitly stated our treaty commitment to eliminating nuclear weapons, nor has the goal of nuclear disarmament had the kind of national and global support that it has today.

To realize the vision of a world free from nuclear weapons, Congress must get on board. Write your Senators today asking them to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. Your voice and your Senators are key in accomplishing this goal.

Click here for background information about the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Sample Email

I was glad to learn that President Obama led the U.N. Security Council to endorse a resolution calling for worldwide nuclear disarmament. Specifically, it called on the global community live up to its nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty commitments to stop the proliferation of nuclear weapons, ban the production of nuclear weapons fissile material, and negotiate a series of treaties leading to a nuclear-free world.

President Obama, many of our most prominent retired civil servants including former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former Sen. Sam Nunn, and hundreds of religious leaders have endorsed this goal. Yet the Senate seems to be a a handful of votes short from the 67 votes necessary to ratify the CTBT.

Please join the call for nuclear disarmament and speak out now in favor of one important first step: Senate ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

General Assembly Guidance

...Acutely aware of the pivotal roles of both the United Nations, as the focal point of responsibility for the world community, and the United States, as the major power in that community, the 212th General Assembly (2000) reaffirms its long-standing call to end the arms race, and urges continued support for the United Nations as it seeks to fulfill its still-valid mandates of the elimination of war, the protection of human rights, the development of the world rule of law, and the promotion of better standards of life for all; ratification of and adherence by the United States to those existing international treaties that it has not yet accepted, such as the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the Treaty on Land Mines;

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Health Care Reform: The time for action is at hand

The full Senate is projected to consider a health care bill the week of October 12^th. This measure will be a merger of the bill that came out of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee in July and the Finance Committee's bill.

Your voice on health care for all is important. An inclusive, accessible, affordable, accountable health care system is within reach, if policymakers decide to act for the people. They need your challenge, support and witness. Let your Senators know that you support health care reform that is:

Inclusive, offering a guarantee of health care for every person regardless of individual circumstances.

Accessible, eliminating all barriers to the care which contributes to our health and wholeness as individuals and as a society.

Affordable, ensuring that we use our abundant health care resources effectively, efficiently, and equitably.

Accountable, calling for shared individual and institutional responsibility in a system of timely, quality and safe care that treats body, mind and spirit.

General Assembly Guidance

In 2002, the General Assembly approved "Advocacy on Behalf of the Uninsured," in which it:

Reaffirm[ed] the church's commitment to advocacy for a national medical plan.

Encourage[d] presbyteries, sessions, and the members of congregations to be advocates for universal health care and to support advocacy efforts in their local communities to bring public and private entities together in this effort.

Encourage[d] members of Congress to recognize the importance of universal health care - that is, equal, accessible, affordable, and high-quality health care for all persons residing in our nation.

In 2008, the 218^th General Assembly:

Endorse[d] in principle the provision of single-payer universal health care reform in which health care services are privately provided and publicly financed.

Direct[ed] the General Assembly Council, through appropriate offices including the National Health Ministries, the Washington Office, and the Presbyterian Health, Education, and Welfare Association (PHEWA), to advocate for, educate about, and otherwise pursue the goal of obtaining legislation that enacts single-payer, universal national health insurance as the program that best responds to the moral imperative of the gospel; monitoring progress toward this goal and reporting back to the next two General Assemblies (2010 and 2012).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jubilee Sunday/Stand Up Weekend: October 16-18

Jubilee Sunday annually provides an opportunity for communities of faith to hold a Sunday service focused on the principles of Jubilee. We hope that your congregation will add your voice to millions across the globe speaking out against global poverty this October by holding a Jubilee Sunday service and participating in the Stand Up!

The concept of "Jubilee" is based on the Old Testament injunction (Deuteronomy 15:1 and Leviticus 25:10) to grant debt remission. Together, we have made a concrete difference in the lives of the world's poorest people over the past decade. The global Jubilee campaign for debt cancellation has secured more than $90 billion in debt relief. More than ten million children have gone to primary school for the first time in Africa thanks to debt relief.

Join Jubilee Congregations around the United States in dedicating part or all of your time together to pray for global economic justice, deepen the communities understanding of the debt issue, take concrete action for debt cancellation for all impoverished countries, and receive a special offering to support the work of the Jubilee USA Network. This year, Jubilee Sunday will be held in conjunction with Stand Up & Take Action, a weekend of people around the world standing up against poverty and in support of the Millennium Development Goals.

Click here to download the Jubilee Sunday/Stand Up Worship Resource.

General Assembly Guidance

The 210th General Assembly (1998) reaffirmed the action of the 208th General Assembly (1996) which called for debt relief as found in the policy paper, "Hope for a Global Future." The foundation for this reaffirmation was support for "Jubilee 2000," a movement to cancel the crushing international debt of impoverished countries by the new millennium. ("Jubilee 2000" is based on the Old Testament injunction to grant debt remission on "Jubilee" from Deuteronomy 15:1 and Leviticus 25:10.) The resolution endorses and supports the "definitive cancellation of international debt in situations where countries with high levels of human need and environmental distress are unable to meet the needs of their people. . . in a way that benefits ordinary people and facilitates their participation in the processes of. . . debt relief." (PC(USA), 1998, p. 676) The complete text of this resolution can be found in PC(USA) Minutes, 1998, p. 676.

The 211th General Assembly (1999) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) then reaffirmed the action of the 210th General Assembly (1998) calling for debt relief, and recommended study materials for congregations include the "Report of the Eighth Assembly of the World Council of Churches."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

National Day of Action on Health Care: October 20

Congressional activity on health care reform will likely be in its endgame when communities around the nation participate in events to coincide with a National Day of Action on Health Care on October 20^th. A wide call has been sent out to many local, regional and national organizations to plan and participate in events that will draw the attention of policymakers and express public support for health care reform. Each event will have its own style, tone and message, depending on the organizations that choose to participate. Find out what's happening in your community and be a witness for comprehensive health care reform.

On and around October 20^th, faith communities will participate in the National Day of Action on Health Care through services of remembrance, candlelight vigils, prayer breakfasts, Jericho marches, and other activities.

Click here to learn more.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Esther 4:14 - A Leader is Challenged to Act for Her People

For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.

WITNESS IN WASHINGTON WEEKLY
The Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
April 30, 2009

[4-30-09]

This week's messages are —

	Update on the Budget
	Urge Congress to Make U.S. Foreign Assistance More Effective!
	Don't Forget to Register: Churches for Middle East Peace Conference
	Psalm 9: 5-12 – The Lord Judges with Equity

Update on the Budget

Yesterday, the House and Senate both approved a compromise Budget Resolution that had been the subject of much negotiation between the Chambers in the last few weeks. The House and Senate had each passed Budget Resolutions, but they differed on a number of points. Negotiators split the difference on many of those differing provisions while keeping military spending at the same level:

• Total domestic discretionary spending – for education, infrastructure, environment, science, health programs, employment programs, and many government benefits – will be $8 billion lower than the president's request. (The Senate agreed to add $3 billion and the House agreed to cut $5 billion from their original resolutions.)

• The international affairs budget will be $2 billion lower than the president's request. (The Senate accepted a $2 billion cut, and the House agreed to add $3.3 billion to its resolution.)

• The joint resolution does not include the increased estate tax exemption that would have cost taxpayers $91 billion over ten years and would have benefited only 0.25 percent of individuals who die in a year.

• Military spending was set at $686 billion by both chambers.

The joint resolution also includes special fast-track, or "reconciliation" instructions for funding universal health care reform and student lending reform. Reconciliation allows a simple majority to pass legislation and avoid the possibility of a Senate filibuster (which requires 60 votes to break). The Democratic leadership has indicated it would prefer not to use reconciliation and that health care and student lending reform should move through regular processes. The House approved the conference report in the morning of Wednesday, April 29, by a vote of 233-193 while the Senate followed suit in the afternoon of the same day with a vote of 53-43.

Now the process moves on to Appropriations. The Budget Resolution that just passed is a non-binding agreement between the Chambers that sets the overall caps for spending in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. Now members of the Appropriations Committees will divide those caps among the various programs and priorities in their jurisdictions. Final spending bills usually come before members of Congress in the fall.

General Assembly Guidance:

The 207th General Assembly (1995) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) called on Congress "to defeat any proposals that base budget or deficit reductions primarily on the services provided to children, families, the needy, and the homeless" and urged strengthening of federal commitments to these groups. The Assembly also called on Congress "to insist on a government that follows ethical values of justice for the poor, welfare for children, hospitality to the stranger, and assistance to the disadvantaged." (Minutes, p. 718)

Earlier, the 197th General Assembly (1985) "reaffirms opposition to further increases in military spending and supports cuts in expensive weapon systems." (Minutes, p. 673)

Urge Congress to Make U.S. Foreign Assistance More Effective!

Imagine – or remember – a world where a first-class stamp costs four cents. John F. Kennedy has just been inaugurated as president, the Berlin Wall has just been built, and a gallon of gas costs 27 cents.

That's the way the world was in 1961.

Today a stamp costs 42 cents and gas costs a little bit more than 27 cents a gallon. The Berlin Wall fell 20 years ago. And we just inaugurated the first African-American president.

The world has changed.

As Christians and Americans we believe it's the right thing to do to help hungry and poor people around our world. But we're operating within a system created nearly 50 years ago.

We need to bring our country's foreign aid system into the 21st century. Bread for the World's 2009 Offering of Letters is asking members of Congress to make foreign assistance more effective in reducing hunger and poverty in today's world. We need a better coordinated, more efficient approach to providing aid. Fixing foreign aid will allow the money we spend to go further and help the people who need it the most.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), together with Bread for the World, is urging Congress to make poverty reduction a primary goal of our foreign assistance, and elevate global development as an instrument of U.S. foreign policy alongside defense and diplomacy.

Development works. But we can make it work even better.

Today, children avoid contracting life-threatening malaria because they have received bed nets that protect them from mosquito bites.

Today, people with HIV and AIDS receive life-saving medication and are able to live productive lives and raise their children.

Today, farmers are learning modern skills to allow them to increase their yields and supplement their incomes to become self-reliant.

As Christians, we know that peace is more than the absence of war. It requires building strong, healthy relationships, supporting people and communities working hard to provide a better life for their children, and removing the barriers to human dignity and fulfillment. That's the work of U.S. foreign assistance and the goal of global development. That's our opportunity and our challenge.

Every year, churches and campus groups across the United States send handwritten letters to their members of Congress. Writing a heartfelt letter is a prayerful, reflective and personal way to seek God's justice for hungry people. When we join with our congregations or campus communities, we raise a strong voice.

Members of Congress receive thousands of emails per week, but handwritten letters are unique. They virtually guarantee that your senators or representative will take note of your opinion. Even a few handwritten letters can influence his or her actions and votes.

Send a Handwritten Letter Today!

Put your name and address at the end of your letter AND on the envelope, so your members of Congress know that you are one of the people they represent.

Ask for specific action, using the sentence below or your own words:

"Please work to bring U.S. foreign assistance up to date and ensure that development is elevated as a national priority, alongside defense and diplomacy, in our foreign policy."

Give reasons why. Examples are:

U.S. foreign assistance is governed by a law signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. With a new president and new Congress, this is an important opportunity to modernize and improve foreign aid.

Many development assistance programs already make a difference. But the large number of federal agencies and offices involved in distributing aid demands a more coordinated system.

As a global leader, the United States must elevate development within our foreign policy to help create a better, safer world.

Send your letter to Congress.

Put each letter in a separate envelope and address it. Send your letter to:

Sen. ___________________
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Rep. _________
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

Sample Letter:

Date

Dear Sen. ________ or Dear Rep.________,

I'm asking that you make something our nation has been doing well even better.

Aid from the United States already helps low-income nations reduce hunger and poverty. But our nation's foreign assistance programs are seriously outdated and need to be better coordinated in order to be more effective. It is time for Congress to look at making poverty reduction a primary goal of foreign assistance.

Please work to bring U.S. foreign assistance up to date and ensure that development is elevated as a national priority, alongside defense and diplomacy, in our foreign policy. This will ensure more economic opportunities in low-income countries and help poor people lift themselves out of hunger and poverty.

Sincerely,

Your Name
Your Address

General Assembly Guidance:

The 2002 General Assembly voted to call upon the United States government to

a. direct 0.7 percent of GNP to international development assistance;

b. adopt a combination of policies to bring relief to poor countries, including changing trade rules and cancelling unpayable debt, in addition to economic development assistance; and

c. target aid funds repairing and building healthcare, education, and social welfare institutions and program, giving priority to small-scale, community-based organizations;

The 1996 General Assembly adopted "Hope for a Global Future: Toward Just and Sustainable Human Development" as policy for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

Just and sustainable human development is the comprehensive enhancement of the quality of life for all, present and future; it necessarily involves the integration of economic, social, political, cultural, ecological, and spiritual dimensions of being.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) seeks just and sustainable human development because the church believes that God wills the fullness of life for all people. Yet the conditions necessary for such fullness are sorely lacking today for a large part of the human family. Just and sustainable human development requires policies and efforts undertaken intentionally to achieve these conditions.

The purpose of development assistance is to equip people and communities through financial and technical means to implement their own plans for just and sustainable development.

For the complete policy Hope for a Global Future: Toward Just and Sustainable Human Development, see PC (USA), 1996, pp. 524-587.

Don't Forget to Register: Churches for Middle East Peace Conference

Israeli-Palestinian Peace: Hope for Things Unseen
June 7-9, 2009

Please join us in Washington, D.C. on June 7-9, 2009 at the Kellogg Conference Center and Hotel at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

You will be informed and inspired by speakers including Danny Seidemann, Michael Kinnamon, Trita Parsi, Daniel Levy, and Amjad Attalah. You'll be empowered by learning how to be an effective advocate for peace in the Holy Land. And, you'll have an opportunity to impact policy directly on Capitol Hill by educating your elected officials about the need for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. You will make a difference.

The recent Gaza crisis demonstrates the urgent need for U.S. engagement to bring about a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The 111th Congress and the Obama Administration provide a new opportunity to help Israelis and Palestinians stop the tragic cycles of spiraling violence and diplomatic stalemate and move forward on a path toward peace. Your elected officials need to hear from American Christians who care about the two peoples of the Holy Land and expect robust U.S. diplomatic action in 2009.

Click http://www.cmep.org/ to register and for more information.

Psalm 9: 5-12 – The Lord Judges with Equity

You have rebuked the nations, you have destroyed the wicked;
   you have blotted out their name forever and ever.
The enemies have vanished in everlasting ruins;
   their cities you have rooted out;
   the very memory of them has perished.

But the Lord sits enthroned forever,
God has established a throne for judgment.
The Lord judges the world with righteousness;
and judges the peoples with equity.

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
And those who know your name put their trust in you,
for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion.
Declare God's deeds among the peoples.
For the one who avenges blood is mindful of them;
God does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

WITNESS IN WASHINGTON WEEKLY
The Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
April 9, 2009

[4-9-09]

For the online PDF version of this report, in PDF format, click here >>

The Washington Office wishes you a blessed Holy Week and a very Happy Easter celebration.

This week marks the first of two weeks of congressional spring break. Members of Congress are scheduled to return to Washington for legislative work Monday, April 20. Remember that congressional recesses are an excellent time to meet with your elected officials while they are home in their districts. Make an appointment to visit with your member or Senators in their home offices, or attend a local town hall meeting where you can raise your concerns. Members return home during these periods in order to build relationships with their constituents, so don't be left out!

This Week's Messages are:

	Don't Forget to Plan Earth Day Celebrations
	ACTION ALERT: Crisis in Madagascar
	Yes We Can Ban Nuclear Weapons
	Announcing the 2009 Churches for Middle East Peace Conference
	Luke 22:14-22 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper

Don't Forget to Plan Earth Day Celebrations

Earth Day will be Wednesday, April 22. This is a great time of year to celebrate God's wonderful work of creation and the blessing of being a part of it. Don't forget to plan an Earth Day worship service or celebration with your congregation! Earth Sunday can be celebrated on April 19, April 26, or any other time you want to celebrate this precious gift.

The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program has prepared many resources to help congregations celebrate various aspects of creation. This year's Earth Day Resource is about Celebrating and Caring For God's Creation. Download this and many other topical worship resources at http://www.nccecojustice.org/ This year's Earth Day resource can be found at the top of the page and all the others can be found in the "Resources" tab.

General Assembly Guidance:

In 1994, "the General Assembly has advocated new understanding of the relationship among human life, institutions, and the total environment (including other species), calling for greater commitment to responsible stewardship and care for the planet, which is the common heritage of all peoples. Christians believe that this is the creation of God that reflects God's glory and benefits all created beings, a gift and trust that needs to be preserved and enhanced for present and future generations." (Minutes, 1994, p. 315)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ACTION ALERT: Crisis in Madagascar

Madagascar remains one of the world's poorest countries, in spite of its unique biodiversity. The island's nine million Christians have played an important role in public life since the nation's independence from France in 1960. In the early 1990s, the Council of Churches convened a national consultation to draw up a new, democratic constitution. In 2001 and 2002, the Church led massive and peaceful demonstrations to uphold the constitution and ensure that presidential election results were respected.

Now, the principles of democracy and rule of law are again under siege. On 17 March, the mayor of the capital city, Antananarivo, staged an effective coup d'etat with the help of a group of mutinous army officers. He has since driven the elected President out of the country, dissolved parliament, packed the courts, and centralized state power in his own hands. Christian leaders who have dared to oppose the coup have been threatened and harassed.

The Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has issued a statement of the denomination's concerns regarding the current crisis situation in Madagascar (http://www.pcusa.org/oga/letters-statements.htm). He calls on U.S. public officials to:

• Condemn the 17 March coup d'etat in Madagascar;

• Withhold diplomatic recognition from individuals appointed by the illegal government to represent Madagascar abroad;

• Impose targeted sanctions on Madagascar;

• Condemn the pardoning or release of perpetrators of gross human rights violations;

• Support the restoration of the rule of law and respect for the Constitution of Madagascar and the will of the people as expressed at the last general election (December 2006);

• Encourage an inclusive national consultation process that is coordinated by the African Union or other appropriate impartial body.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) also has mission personnel based in Madagascar. See http://www.pcusa.org/worldwide/madagascar/advisory.htm for more information on the mission impact of the current situation.

Presbyterians are encouraged to call or write their members of Congress to share these concerns and to invite appropriate action. Please go to our Legislative Action Center to send a message - http://capwiz.com/pcusa/issues/alert/?alertid=13097541&type=CO . In addition to contacting your own members, a letter to Acting Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Mr. Philip Carter is encouraged.

Talking Points Related to Specific Recommended Actions:

The talking points below may help you to share vital information about the current crisis and motivate the relevant actions. For more information on effective advocacy, see the Presbyterian Washington Office publication, "How to Be an Effective Advocate", available at http://www.pcusa.org/washington/howtoadvocate.pdf .

1. Condemn the 17 March coup d'etat

The US State Department has already condemned the unconstitutional takeover, saying on 20 March that "The United States condemns the process through which Marc Ravalomanana was forced to resign as President of the Republic of Madagascar and Andry Rajoelina subsequently was installed as the de facto head of state as undemocratic and contrary to the rule of law. This series of events is tantamount to a coup d'etat and the United States will not maintain our current assistance partnership with Madagascar." It is good however, to remind elected officials that it was a coup d'etat and that further action is necessary.

2. Withhold diplomatic recognition from individuals appointed by the illegal government to represent Madagascar abroad

The "minister" appointed by the coup leaders, Monja Roindefo, said that to get support he will see President Obama and French President Sarkozy. The U.S. government should indicate clearly that it will not give visas for self-styled "president" Andry Rajoelina or members of his government, nor will they recognize emissaries sent by him.

3. Impose targeted sanctions on Madagascar

On 20 March, the U.S. government said that "the United States is moving to suspend all non-humanitarian assistance to Madagascar. " But five days later, the State Department said: "We have not yet determined what programs will be suspended in FY 2009 or how much humanitarian aid the U.S. will provide for Madagascar." It is important that the US define without delay what assistance will be cut and that it not simply classify all assistance to Madagascar as 'humanitarian'.

4. Condemn the pardoning or release of individuals convicted of gross human rights violations

Mr. Rajoelina indicated that he plans to release 39 people that he calls "political prisoners". Most of these people were convicted of crimes committed in the political crisis of 2002. These crimes include murder, kidnapping, and other serious crimes. Twenty-eight of these prisoners have already been released. One of the worst offenders, Lt. Col. Coutiti, has been released from prison but is apparently under "house arrest" at a hotel on the edge of Antananarivo awaiting his freedom. The release of convicted criminals undermines the rule of law in Madagascar. It jeopardizes the many courageous people who testified against the criminals in court, and may dissuade others from giving testimony in the future.

5. Support the restoration of the rule of law and respect for the Constitution of Madagascar and the will of the people as expressed at the last general election (December 2006)

Madagascar has seen numerous instances of criminal action with apparent impunity in the past several months. These include the detention of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ in Madagascar (FJKM), Pastor Lala Rasendrahasina, and the burning of the national television and radio stations.

The Malagasy constitution has been trampled in many ways in the past month or so. The High Constitutional Court gave the powers of the presidency to Andry Rajoelina, who, at 34, is 6 years too young to be president according to the Constitution. Mr. Rajoelina decided to suspend the National Assembly and the Senate in violation of the Constitution, and to raise the number of members of the High Constitutional Court to 11, 10 of whom are to be named by him or his government.

Mr. Rajoelina claims to have the support of "the people", but he turned down the referendum offered by President Ravalomanana. At present, the only reliable gauge of the people's will is the results of the last Presidential election in December 2006.

6. Encourage a national consultation process that is coordinated by the African Union or other appropriate impartial body and includes both President Ravolomanana and Mr. Rajoelina.

A national consultation is meaningless unless it is truly representative and unless the meetings are coordinated by a neutral party. If Mr. Rajoelina coordinates the meeting or if the party of President Ravalomanana is excluded, then it will not be representative.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yes We Can Ban Nuclear Weapons

Contact Your Senators

"Today, I state clearly and with conviction America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons."

- President Barack Obama, Prague, April 5, 2009

President Obama needs our support; he cannot do this alone. Please call your Senators and urge them to speak out in support of President Obama's call for a world free of nuclear weapons. Click http://capwiz.com/pcusa/callalert/index.tt?alertid=13098026&type=CO

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has long envisioned a world without nuclear weapons. From 1946 through 2003, the General Assembly, acting out of faith in Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace, has recognized that working for God's intended order and life abundant involves seeking international disarmament and arms control measures. In this effort, the General Assembly has opposed specific weapons programs and various measures that they believed stood in the way of disarmament and peace. At the same time, the General Assembly has advocated positive steps to control, reduce, and eliminate nuclear weapons. Always the General Assembly has understood that while eliminating nuclear weapons will not achieve the wholeness, well being, and justice of God's shalom, doing so is a crucial, necessary step in bringing God's shalom into being.

Speaking to Europe and the world, Barack Obama became the first U.S. president to declare that the U.S. will seek a world without nuclear weapons. The president, in his Palm Sunday speech, noted that the building blocks of nuclear disarmament will include a new national security strategy free of nuclear weapons, a new agreement with Russia to cut the size of U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, and ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.

Although many prominent analysts of both major political parties have embraced Obama's call for nuclear disarmament, some in Congress are saying that total nuclear disarmament is unrealistic. There is concern that some senators may seek to block ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and other components of the president's nuclear disarmament goal.

Click http://capwiz.com/pcusa/callalert/index.tt?alertid=13098026&type=CO to take action now for a world without nuclear weapons. Call your Senators and urge them to support President Obama's efforts.

General Assembly Guidance:

Since 1946, when the General Assembly of the PCUSA supported measures "...looking toward drastic cuts in national armaments through international agreement,{ Presbyterian Assemblies have pursued an unwavering course of seeking international disarmament and arms control measures (PCUSA, 1946, p. 197). The same Assembly also urged the government "...to exert its influence for international control of atomic energy," called for "...the immediate cessation of the manufacture of atomic bombs..." and urged the cancellation of further nuclear weapons testing. The PCUS went on record in 1957 urging the government "...to continue negotiations for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction... and to continue to make unremitting efforts to find a solution to the present deadlock over methods of disarmament..." (PCUS, 1957, p. 196).

The General Assembly has called for a comprehensive ban (1969) and an end to nuclear testing (1977). The General Assembly has also supported the Non-Proliferation Treaty (1971), the Comprehensive Test Ban (1984). In 1981, the General Assembly endorsed the "Call to Halt the Nuclear Arms Race" that sought a mutual freeze on the testing, production, and deployment of nuclear weapons and of missiles and new aircraft designed primarily to deliver nuclear weapons.

The most recent statement was made by the 215th General Assembly which called "all nations to fulfill their commitments under the Nonproliferation Treaty and move together with the other nuclear powers, step by carefully inspected and verified step, to the abolition of nuclear weapons." As steps toward this goal, the Assembly called on the United States to:

1. Renounce the first use of nuclear weapons.

2. Permanently end the development, testing, and production of nuclear warheads.

3. Seek agreement with Russia on the mutual and verified destruction of nuclear weapons withdrawn under treaties, and increase the resources available here and in the former Soviet Union to secure nuclear warheads and material and implement destruction.

4. Strengthen nonproliferation efforts by ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, finalizing a missile ban in North Korea, supporting UN inspections in Iraq, locating and reducing fissile material worldwide, and negotiating a ban on its production.

5. Steadily decrease the number of nuclear weapons available for immediate deployment in concert with other nuclear powers in order to de-escalate global nuclear tensions.

6. Initiate talks on further nuclear cuts, beginning with U.S. and Russian reductions to 1,000 warheads each.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Announcing the 2009 Churches for Middle East Peace Conference

Israeli-Palestinian Peace: Hope for Things Unseen
June 7-9, 2009

Please join us in Washington, D.C. on June 7-9, 2009 at the Kellogg Conference Center and Hotel at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this year's Advocacy Conference.

For Conference Details Check: www.cmep.org
Online conference registration will be opening soon.
For questions contact CMEP at conference@cmep.org

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luke 22:14-22 - The Institution of the Lord's Supper

When the hour came, he took his place at the table, and the apostles with him. He said to them, 'I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer; for I tell you, I will not eat it until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.' Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, 'Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.' Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, 'This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But see, the one who betrays me is with me, and his hand is on the table. For the Son of Man is going as it has been determined, but woe to that one by whom he is betrayed!'

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Published by the Witness in Washington Weekly advocacy program of the Washington Office, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington D.C. 20002, (202) 543-1126 www.pcusa.org/washington . For more information about the content of this article, please email us at ga_washington_office@pcusa.org . If you would like to receive this information directly, please go to http://capwiz.com/pcusa/mlm/signup/ .

WITNESS IN WASHINGTON WEEKLY
The Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

March 2, 2009

[3-2-09]

This week's messages are---

• Protect Women Around the World – Support the International Violence Against Women Act

• President Releases Fiscal Year 2010 Budget

• Urge the Administration and Congress to Ban Cluster Bombs

• Psalm 119:73-80 -- The Glories of God's Law

~~~~~~~~~~~

Protect Women Around the World – Support the International Violence Against Women Act

Imagine a world where bruises and broken bones no longer keep mothers from caring for their children...

Imagine a world where women can go to work without fearing violence in the workplace...

Imagine a world where girls can get an education without being abused on their walk to school...

Urge the U.S. Congress and the Obama Administration to re-introduce the International Violence Against Women Act by March 8 - International Women's Day. Violence against women takes many forms, including rape, female genital mutilation/cutting, domestic violence and honor killings. It is a global health crisis, human rights violation, and moral outrage that contributes to instability and insecurity throughout our world.

The International Violence Against Women Act supports innovative programs to help women and girls do things we so often take for granted --- go to school, earn an income to take care of their families, gather food or water without fear of rape, be free to protect themselves from HIV/AIDS. It also works to support leaders in their own countries who are working for broader social change that supports women's rights to be free from violence. Simultaneously it integrates the issue far more effectively into our foreign policy and aid.

Click here to send an email to President Obama, Vice-President Biden, and members of congress urging them to support the reintroduction of the International Violence Against Women Act.

General Assembly Guidance

The 211th General Assembly (1999) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

1. Reaffirm[s] the goals of the Ecumenical Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women and declare[s] that fullness of life in Christ and Christ's prayer for unity require women's full participation in church life, and that the image of God in women be fully recognized and valued.

2. Urge[s] the church to renew its commitment to stand in solidarity with women, particularly as it engages in ministries to stop all forms of violence against all women.

~~~~~~~~~~

President Releases Fiscal Year 2010 Budget

Last Thursday, Feb. 26, President Obama released his blueprint for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 budget (October, 2009 -- September, 2010). For many years, presidents have provided to Congress in early February a budget request detailing his intentions for federal revenue and expenditures. In a presidential transition year, however, it is usual for the new President to provide a less detailed budget blueprint in February, followed by the more traditional specificity of a Presidential budget request in April. In any year, the President's budget request provides the starting point from which the congressional budget committees write the Budget Resolution, which will govern the appropriations process for the year.

While President Obama's budget lacked the kind of detail that would show exactly how much he intends to spend on a particular program, it provides an insight into how he plans to live up to his campaign promises to reform health care, address U.S. energy usage, and control spending and reduce the deficit.

While this article will in no way encompass the entirety, or even a fraction of the information laid out in the 146-page document, it will attempt to provide a snapshot, though not to endorse all proposals outlined.

The President's budget proposal essentially divides into three categories of distinct spending: health care reform, climate change, and everything else. Health care and climate change are distinct from the rest because they encompass their own suggestions for funding streams and spending, separate from the regular expenditure of the annual budget.

Health Care Reform

On reforming the health care system, the budget first makes it clear that the President believes that it is not possible to bring the nation's economy back onto firm ground without addressing the growing and cumbersome problem of the health care system, which now consumes one in every six dollars in the U.S. economy. The President proposes a "reserve fund" in the amount of $634 billion in order to make a "down payment" on health care reform this year. A reserve fund means that this spending is not within the typical framework of the budget, but rather is a pot of money that has been set aside for a specific purpose. In order to finance this reserve fund, the President suggests some changes to Medicare and Medicaid that will produce some savings, and a change in the deduction rate for itemized deductions on personal tax returns for households earning more than $250,000 per year.

The budget proposal does not lay out specific policy recommendations for achieving health care reform, but rather leaves the crafting of a reform bill to the legislators. The President does, however, include some principles upon which any health care reform bill should be founded. The principles include:

• Health care reform should protect the financial health of families

• Coverage should be affordable

• The goal should be universal coverage (everyone has access to care)

• Coverage should be portable (so that individuals are not tied to jobs because of health care benefits)

• Guaranteed choice -- your doctor, hospital, etc.

• Investments in prevention and wellness

• Improve patient safety and quality of care

• Maintain the long-term fiscal stability of the system and the economy

Climate Change

Another one of President Obama's goals from the campaign trail is a substantial U.S. response to the crisis of global climate change. This budget assumes the enactment of a U.S. economy-wide "cap and trade" system that will begin to function in FY 2012.

A cap and trade system involves putting a limit on the amount of carbon that can be emitted into the atmosphere by issuing so many carbon "credits" or "permits" per year. Carbon emitters (electricity plants, gas companies, etc.) must have a permit for each ton of carbon they release into the atmosphere. These credits are auctioned on the open market, where carbon emitters may bid for them. Emitters that are able to reduce their carbon emissions in the short term have a financial incentive to convert production and emit less carbon, while companies that are less nimble will buy credits to cover their output. As years go by, the number of credits on the market will reduce, thereby driving the price up, and incentivizing further technological innovations to reduce carbon emissions. In crafting such a system, one big question is whether to auction all the credits in the first year, or to give some (or all) of them away.

The President's budget assumes that one hundred percent of the credits will be auctioned, thereby producing significant revenue for the government. This revenue would then be used to make permanent the "Making Work Pay" tax credit, which provides a $400 tax rebate to individuals and $800 to couples, to fund the development of alternative fuel sources to the tune of $15 billion per year (for ten years), and to return the rest of the revenue "to the people," targeting vulnerable communities. The details of this policy also have yet to be worked out in legislative negotiations, especially the last part. The budget section on climate change, like health care, stands as distinct from the other items in the budget because it is also a discreet pot of money set aside for funding specific priorities.

Everything Else

While this category may seem dismissive, it is by no means meant to be. Everything else includes funding the entire federal government, from workers' salaries, to the most well-known social safety net programs, to the department of defense. In general, the Washington Office focuses on the non-defense discretionary spending amounts in the budget, which seem to provide substantial new funding for vital programs over the next ten years. Another significant expenditure in this section of the budget comes in the form of tax cuts, including fixing eligibility for the Child Tax Credit at $3,000, expanding the reach of the Earned Income Tax Credit to more low-income families, making the savers' tax credit refundable, and several others.

A Note About Deficit Spending

A primary criticism of this budget has been that it results in a tremendous jump in the deficit, a significant problem and danger to current and future generations. There is no doubt that this budget projects large deficits. This budget, however, employs different rules for calculating how much the nation will spend in the coming year (and ten years) by including expenditures that have, for many years, been enacted as "emergency" spending, and so have not been included in the budget or in deficit projections.

In other words, in contrast to previous years' budgets that did not include the projected cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, natural disasters, or "patching" the Alternative Minimum Tax, this year's budget takes into account those expenditures and plans for them. Congressional budget rules are different, so when Congress takes up this budget, it will be interesting to see if they also include these expected expenses, or if they leave them out as in years past.

Caveat on the President's Budget

While all of the above indicates the President's priorities for FY 2010, it does not necessarily follow that Congress will take his suggestions nor that they will enact law that aligns with the policy assumptions underlying certain of President Obama's numbers. Only as the House and Senate Budget Committees move forward with their work to create a Budget Resolution will we see whether the President's ideas will be taken to heart.

General Assembly Guidance:

In 1995, the 207th General Assembly "express[ed] its thanks to the Washington Office of the PC(USA) for its ongoing biblical and theological analysis of social legislation; as well as its witness based on General Assembly social policy statements. Request[ed] the Washington Office to continue to develop ongoing analysis and interpretation of budget and deficit legislation and that consequently will enable the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to move toward a greater ethos of openness and solidarity in advocacy for the poor and disenfranchised through every governing body of the church. Urge[d] all Presbyterians to enter into the public policy discussion that encourages parental self-sufficiency, responsibility, and support for families, among others policy issues. [and] Call[ed] on congressional representatives to insist on a government that follows ethical values of justice for the poor, welfare for children, hospitality to the stranger, and assistance to the disadvantaged. (Minutes, p. 718)

In 2008, the 218th General Assembly:

1. Declare[d] that federal government practices and policies that create ever-increasing debt and unfunded or underfunded obligations for future generations of Americans are a grave moral concern as well as a clear danger to the republic.

2. Call[ed] upon public leaders to have the courage to address this economic and moral crisis while there is still time.

3. Call[ed] upon individual Presbyterians, sessions, presbyteries, and agencies of General Assembly to study, pray, and speak words of justice and morality into the present situation and to defend future generations who have no defense. We do not at this time call upon General Assembly agencies to prepare study documents or study papers, and we do not propose that the church at this time have a monolithic policy recommendation. We do call upon the church and the nation to study the policies and practices that have created this grave moral and economic crisis, to repent of the sins of greed and of stealing from future generations who cannot defend themselves, and to call upon our citizens and national leaders to make the sacrifices necessary to begin to solve this problem before it is too late.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Urge the Administration and Congress to Ban Cluster Bombs

Ninety-five countries, including our closest NATO allies, have just signed a global treaty banning cluster bombs. The U.S. did not sign the treaty, and the Pentagon has announced that it will continue to use the most unreliable cluster bombs for the next decade.

Please urge the administration to launch a thorough review within the next six months of past U.S. policy decisions to stand outside the treaty banning cluster munitions, as well as the treaty banning anti-personnel landmines. We expect that such a review will give appropriate weight to humanitarian and diplomatic concerns, as well as to U.S. military interests.

The closest allies of the United States negotiated the Convention on Cluster Munitions based on their conclusion that these indiscriminate and unreliable weapons pose an unacceptable threat to civilian populations during and long after combat operations have ceased---in much the same way as do landmines.

British Foreign Minister David Miliband, representing the world's third largest user of cluster munitions in the past decade, asked states at the signing conference to "tell those not here in Oslo that the world has changed ... that a new norm has been created." He went on to say: "Our global community must continually keep challenging itself about the way it behaves. Political leaders must show they are prepared to listen and respond to the voices of victims, of civil society, and of ordinary people."

Take Action

Urge the new administration to conduct a thorough review of U.S. policy on cluster munitions during its first year. Ask that the policy review give equal weight to U.S. diplomatic and humanitarian concerns, and not just military interests. Go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and send your email.

Growing national support for this bill will show President Obama that the U.S. public stands with the rest of the world in supporting a ban on cluster bombs.

Click here to urge your senators and representative to cosponsor the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act. If they are already cosponsors, send a thank you!

Help move U.S. policy in the right direction by urging your representative to cosponsor H.R.981 and your senators to cosponsor S. 416, the Cluster Munitions Civilian Protection Act. This bill bans the use of cluster munitions in or near civilian populated areas, as well as the use of weapons that leave behind more than 1 percent of their submunitions unexploded on the ground---effectively like landmines. This bill states that, "Cluster munitions will not be used where civilians are known to be present or in areas normally inhabited by civilians."

Co-sponsors

House:

Rep Baldwin, Tammy [WI-2], Rep Boustany, Charles W., Jr. [LA-7], Rep DeFazio, Peter A. [OR-4], Rep Doggett, Lloyd [TX-25], Rep Ellison, Keith [MN-5,Rep Farr, Sam [CA-17], Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51], Rep Grijalva, Raul M. [AZ-7], Rep Hinchey, Maurice D. [NY-22], Rep Honda, Michael M. [CA-15], Rep Issa, Darrell E. [CA-49], Rep Johnson, Henry C. "Hank," Jr. [GA-4], Rep Lee, Barbara [CA-9], Rep Lewis, John [GA-5], Rep McCollum, Betty [MN-4], Rep Moran, James P. [VA-8], Rep Olver, John W. [MA-1], Rep Rahall, Nick J., II [WV-3], Rep Schakowsky, Janice D. [IL-9], Rep Woolsey, Lynn C. [CA-6]

Senate:

Sen Bingaman, Jeff [NM], Sen Boxer, Barbara [CA], Sen Brown, Sherrod [OH], Sen Cantwell, Maria [WA], Sen Cardin, Benjamin L. [MD], Sen Casey, Robert P., Jr. [PA], Sen Collins, Susan M. [ME], Sen Durbin, Richard [IL], Sen Feingold, Russell D. [WI], Sen Johnson, Tim [SD], Sen Kennedy, Edward M. [MA], Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT], Sen Menendez, Robert [NJ], Sen Merkley, Jeff [OR], Sen Mikulski, Barbara A. [MD], Sen Murray, Patty [WA], Sen Sanders, Bernard [VT], Sen Snowe, Olympia J. [ME], Sen Stabenow, Debbie [MI], Sen Whitehouse, Sheldon [RI]

General Assembly Guidance:

The General Assembly's guidelines for military-related investment, adopted in 1982 and most recently revised in 1998, include particular concern over weapons that do not distinguish between combatants and non-combatants. The policy urges divestment from corporations that produce weapons whose use can lead to mass or indiscriminate injury and/or death to civilians, including nuclear warheads, chemical and biological weapons, anti-personnel weapons such as landmines, and assault-type automatic and semi-automatic weapons.

Cluster munitions are the latest military weapon to draw public attention for their indiscriminate nature, both at the time of the initial attack, as well as for the tendency for a portion of the bomb to remain unexploded, in the ground as a hidden 'landmine.'

~~~~~~~~~~~

Psalm 119:73-80 – The Glories of God's Law

Your hands have made and fashioned me;
   give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
   because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O LORD, that your judgments are right,
   and that in faithfulness you have humbled me.
Let your steadfast love become my comfort
   according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
   for your law is my delight.
Let the arrogant be put to shame,
   because they have subverted me with guile;
   as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
Let those who fear you turn to me,
   so that they may know your decrees.
May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
   so that I may not be put to shame.

WITNESS IN WASHINGTON WEEKLY
The Washington Office of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

January 19, 2009

This week’s messages are —

	Celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
	The 44th President of the United States is Sworn In
	A Prayer for Our Nation

Celebrate the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today we observe the federal holiday set aside to honor the life and legacy of a man who gave his entire life and ministry to the cause of justice. For worship and other resources about this great spiritual and civil rights leader, please visit: http://www.pcusa.org/racialjustice/mlkresources.htm

In 1994 Congress designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day a National Day of Service in remembrance of a man who spent his life serving others. President-elect Obama has issued a national call to service and, together with his wife and Vice President-Elect and Mrs. Biden, will be participating in service events today, Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He invites the nation to join him. Visit the Renew America Together Web site at http://www.usaservice.org/ to find an event near you or to post one you are hosting. And it’s not too late – if you missed out on serving today, plan a project for some other time and invite your friends and church family.

The 44th President of the United States is Sworn In

Tomorrow, the nation will witness the historic inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, and Joseph Biden as his Vice President. Washington, DC is crackling with excitement and energy and millions of people pour into the capital city to bear witness to Tuesday’s ceremonies.

As this country continues to transition to a new Administration, the challenges facing Mr. Obama are daunting. Please keep President-Elect Obama and Vice President-Elect Biden in your prayers.

Congress is also rapidly moving forward with the confirmation hearings of those Mr. Obama has appointed to his Cabinet. The Senate may vote as soon as Thursday on some nominations. Please keep the new Cabinet members in your prayers.

If you are planning to attend the Inauguration yourself, please plan your trip carefully. These websites may help you with your plans:

Presidential Inaugural Committee >>

DC’s Presidential Inauguration web site >>

The Washington Post’s “Inauguration Central” >>

WMATA, which runs the city’s metro and bus systems >>

Due to the office’s close proximity to the Capitol, for security reasons the Presbyterian Washington Office will be closed to visitors on Inauguration Day. The office will also be closed on Monday, January 19, in observance of the Martin Luther King holiday. We apologize for the inconvenience.

A Prayer for Our Nation

Almighty God, ruler of all the peoples of the earth, forgive, we pray, our shortcomings as a nation; purify our hearts to see and love truth; give wisdom to our counselors and steadfastness to our people; and bring us at last to the fair city of peace, whose foundations are mercy, justice, and goodwill, and whose builder and maker you are through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

-- Woodrow Wilson, 28th President of the United States (1856-1924)

Click here for notes from 2008