PW’s unique role recognized at 222nd General Assembly

During the 222nd PC(USA) General Assembly in Portland, Oregon, commissioners unanimously agreed that, true to its Purpose, Presbyterian Women strengthens the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Through the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and the Committee on the General Assembly, PW brought two pieces of business to the 222nd GA (2016). The first was a recommendation to add PW to the PC(USA) Organization for Mission as a related corporation. This action formally acknowledges PW’s unique role within the church: “The Organization for Mission is incomplete without referencing this important point of mission coordination for Presbyterians.” The second recommendation asked that the national moderator of Presbyterian Women, Inc., become a corresponding member to the General Assembly. This gives the moderator a seat on the floor with voice, not vote. When speaking to committee about this recommendation, Rhashell Hunter, director of Racial Ethnic and Women’s Ministries, said, “PW has supported the church for over 200 years—it’s beyond time for this voice to be at the table.”