Resources for speaking out
- Social issues resources
- Giving and Getting social issues study guide
- Us in the news
- Make yourself heard
- Other links
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.
Interchurch Unity:Churches Working Together - the latest social issues study guide
The latest Presbyterian Church social issues booklet titled, Interchurch Unity: Churches Working Together explores how churches of different denominations can find ways to work together in a joint sense of mission. The booklet looks at what ecumenism and interchurch cooperation means, its history, evolution and its future. It explores the Biblical mandate for the unity of the church and examines the similarities and differences between denominations. It suggests how churches can engage effectively with other denominations, and challenges us to give a greater priority to working with other Christians in our communities. The booklet also discusses how our Korean and Pacific congregations are contributing to what it means to be Presbyterian. The study emphasises the importance of cooperation, especially for declining congregations, and in times of natural disaster.
This is the tenth 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
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| Parenting today | Crime and Justice | Family Raising Kin |
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
- Anglican Social Justice
- New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services (NZCCSS)
- Interchurch Bioethics Council
- Salvation Army Policy and Parliamentary Unit