Resources for speaking out

Social issues resources

These studies produced by the Church can be used in group or Bible study groups to help you reflect prayerfully on some of the key issues facing our communities. To order free printed copies of the booklets for your church, contact us.

Family Raising Kin - the latest social issues study guide

Family Raising Kin is the latest Presbyterian Church social issues booklet. It explores the Biblical mandate for family to care for extended family, and examines the situation of grandparents and other family members who have been called on to be full-time carers for related children and teens (kin). It asks why an increasing number are being asked to care for kin, what the impact of “repeat parenting” is, and how we can best support those in our congregations and community raising kin in what are often difficult circumstances emotionally and financially.

Family Raising Kin is the ninth in a series of group study booklets produced by the Presbyterian Church to encourage congregations to reflect about contemporary issues that are impacting our communities.

Social Issues Study Guide Survey Oct/Nov 2009

In October and November 2009 a total of 93 parishes, almost one quarter of all Presbyterian and Uniting parishes, took part in the "Social Issues Study Guides Survey". Parishes were asked if the study guide resource booklets were being used by congregations and if so how are they were being used. More than half of the parishes surveyed said that the study guides are being used by their congregations. View the summary of the survey results.

Previous study guides

House to Home

Caring for our Children

Caring for creation

House to Home

Caring for our children

Connecting with Young People

Coming of Age: Bring on the baby boomers

Connecting with young people

Bring on the baby boomers: coming of age

Giving and Getting

 

 

Funding tips & forms

Parenting today  Crime and Justice  

 

Moderator's Study: Being Christ-Centred and community-facing

Us in the news

Read on for tips on how to write a media release and suggestions for how you can pitch an idea to your local newspaper or radio station to get them to cover your story.

You can also read some of our media releases.

Make yourself heard

  • Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper
  • Make a submission to the local or regional authority on proposed by-laws or developments
  • Make a submission on proposed legislation (check out for a summary of issues the Government is currently consulting on.)
  • Raise the issue at your parish council, church board and mobilise your parish to get involved in some way
  • Visit community leaders
  • Organise a petition
  • Facilitate a workshop or other educational event
  • Lobby your Mayor, MP or other government officials
  • Organise a street march or picket
  • Obtain publicity in your local newspaper/radio station

Other links

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