In addition to ministering to the immediate needs and hurts of people, God also calls us to engage those structures and systems which create or foster brokenness and injustice. Central responds by seeking to speak out boldly, faithfully, prophetically and effectively on issues in our church, and in our society. We are guided by our understanding that “successful” advocacy is faithful advocacy, in which we listen carefully for the voice of God, and earnestly seek to discern God’s will as to where and when we should be advocating in church and civic arenas.
Central’s strategic plan takes seriously the church’s work of reconciliation in our community and world. The work of the Issues and Advocacy Committee falls primarily under this category, with the goal of building coalitions with governing bodies and community organizations, educating and encouraging Central members to work for peace and justice, and bringing to life the biblical command to love and serve the world.
In our denomination, Central
- works to change the PC(USA)’s ordination standards that exclude lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. We work in the presbytery of Atlanta and the wider denomination to change our governing Book of Order to welcome all those called by God to ordained ministry.
- partners with our youth as they seek to change the policies of the denomination that hinder young people from participating as volunteers at the General Assemblies of the PC(USA).
In our society Central
- advocates for issues of equity in the current housing and economic crisis.
- supports a moratorium on the death penalty in Georgia.
- works with and supports the Outreach and Advocacy Center as it ministers to and advocates on behalf of neighbors in need.
