Our task is to assist the Church in its mission to proclaim the gospel and live faithfully for Christ, especially as it seeks to present Christ and his gospel to the wider society and culture. The church and its message can seem a complete mystery to the surrounding world, and wider society can seem confusing and even threatening to the church. We provide resources which help churches think Christ
ianly about what is happening in society; and we help them see how they can make their message clearer to the people around them. The committee consists of people who have some expertise and interest in connecting the gospel of Jesus with the wider society especially in the area of apologetics, ethics and public policy. The Presbyterian Church of NSW is our main focus, but anyone who finds our resources helpful is more than welcome to use them and to connect with us. Our main effort is put into supporting and resourcing local congregations, though we also get involved in making submissions to government and media statements. We are appointed by the Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales. The official description of our role is:
The Committee shall:
(a) identify and develop material which assists the Church, especially congregations and ministers, to promote and defend the gospel in public discussion;
(b) assist the Church to understand and engage with the society and culture and to respond to issues in public life;
(c) research matters of public interest and debate which relate to the mission and life of the Church and provide the result of research to the Church;
(d) represent the Church in communications on matters of public interest and debate;
(e) advise and assist the Moderator in composing and issuing pastoral letters and public statements on matters of public interest and debate;
(f) make submissions on social and public policy issues to appropriate authorities;
(g) make appointments to interdenominational bodies as authorised by the Assembly;
(h) consider all matters referred to it by the Assembly and take appropriate action.
