GAMC0927
August 3, 2009

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announces new associate at Presbyterian United Nations Office

Contact:
Mindy Marchal, (502) 569-5212

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Presbyterian United Nations Office announces the appointment of Jessica Hawkinson as associate for International Relations and Education. This is a one-year term position. 

In her new position, Hawkinson will help cultivate educational and advocacy programs for the Presbyterian United Nations Office. She will help facilitate the office’s long-standing seminar program that encourages Presbyterians to contribute to the work of the faith community at the United Nations. Additionally, she will help manage the January term course in conjunction with Columbia Theological Seminary, and will strengthen Presbyterian participation at official United Nations advocacy sessions.

Hawkinson sees her role and the office as, “… a fundamental avenue through which partnerships with the global faith community can be strengthened. The office is an integral component of ministry as the PC(USA) works across boundaries, pursuing a more just and peaceful world.”

The Presbyterian UN Office is one part of the Compassion, Peace and Justice Ministries of the PC(USA). Sara Lisherness, director of Compassion, Peace and Justice, commented, “Jessica has a real sense of what it means to be Christ’s ambassador, living out a ministry of reconciliation amidst some of the world’s most urgent challenges. We are delighted she has accepted this position.”

Hawkinson graduated with degrees in political science and international studies from Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn. While at Macalester, Hawkinson was strongly involved in the College’s Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and highly engaged with the newly created Institute for Global Citizenship.

“Both experiences were formative as I began to discover the profound links between promises of faith and the challenges of global citizenship,” said Hawkinson.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) comprises 2.2 million members in more than 10,000 congregations, answering Christ’s call to mission and ministry throughout the U.S. and the world.