Our Mission:

The Presbyterian Coalition is a movement - people committed to life and transformation in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) by exalting Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, energizing its congregations and upholding historic biblical leadership standards...

• by coordinating with all individuals and groups who share the convictions expressed in the Coalition's Declaration, "Union in Christ," and who are working for a revitalized church;
• by reaffirming the Coalition's commitment "that this work of renewal be carried on in and through the existing structures of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) whenever possible";
• by encouraging all individuals, groups and governing bodies who share our convictions, to act creatively and passionately to identify and implement strategies consistent with these convictions and purposes.

The Church's one foundation is Jesus Christ her Lord. God has called the church into being in order to carry out God's mission to the world. We believe that the Presbyterian Church (USA) must respond to that commission by reaffirming its Christ-centeredness, reclaiming its biblical faith, and remobilizing its missionary service.

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Why The Presbyterian Coalition?

Born out of concern for the Church which struggled to witness to historic and Biblical leadership standards and out of hope that the Lord of the Church would work His will through the people and polity of this Church, the Presbyterian Coalition has gathered individuals, churches, organizations and their leadership into a loosely defined, open, and active movement sharing the conviction that the words of Scripture, interpreted by the Confessions of the Church, reveal the will of God.

The matters of sexuality and ordination, most commonly presented as the question of ordaining practicing homosexuals to the offices of the church, prompted the early participants to coalesce in order to bear witness together to Biblical and Confessional standards on this issue. Soon this issue was seen to be related to other ones for which we share similar concerns and convictions about our common life in the PC(USA).

National gatherings held in Chicago (1996) and Dallas (1997) brought many people together to work for the passage of high and clear ordination standards regarding sexuality (Amendment B), and to expose the challenge to those standards (Amendment A). Through worship, fellowship, prayer, workshops on theology and polity, a larger network of like-minded Presbyterians developed at these Gatherings who sought and committed to the renewal of the whole Church.

Gathering III (Dallas, 1998) adopted "Union in Christ - A Declaration for the Church", a theological statement which defines the foundations of the Coalition's work. A strategy paper, "Turning Toward the Mission of God: A Strategy for the Transformation of the PC(USA)" was also adopted to outline the most essential concerns and hopes for the Church in six areas: Mission, Worship, Polity, Theological Education, Educational Ministries, and Church Discipline. Task Forces now study and strive in those areas and a Board of Directors supervises and coordinates that work. Gathering IV (September 1999) at the Dallas-Forth Worth Hyatt, brought people together again for further conversations about the state and the renewal of the PC(USA), and the Coalition's role.

At each General Assembly the Presbyterian Coalition continues its work with like-minded Presbyterians by observing the work of the GA committees, offering advice to commissioners, and hosting, with renewal organizations, an evening time of strategy, prayer, and information exchange. This year we continue that work with the Presbyterian Renewal Network and will also host a booth in the Exhibit Hall for meeting new friends, building the Coalition, presenting our Declaration and Strategy papers and assisting those who want to be part of a movement that strengthens the life and participates in the transformation of the PC(USA).

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How You Can Help

You can make a difference for reform in the PC(USA) by working with and supporting the Presbyterian Coalition

• Remember the ministry of the Coalition in prayer: personally, and with your session and congregation

• Stay informed. Order the Coalition newsletter, receive Coalition email alerts, and check the Coalition website regularly for news, information, and resources.

• Inform others. Add the names of Presbyterians to our mailing and email list. Distribute the Coalition newsletter to your session and in your congregation.

• Be an advocate for godly standards for leaders in the PC(USA). Preach, teach, and offer pastoral care ministry, particularly in the area of sexual relationships which are so challenged in our society and in our church. The Coalition can help you with resources.

• Join our network of Presbyterians working for reform in our churches, presbyteries, and General Assembly. Ask us for more information about how you can become involved.

• Be a generous financial supporter of the Coalition. Commit yourself to the good work of reform and renewal in the PC(USA).

© 2006 Presbyterian Coalition