In October, PYM announced a new partnership with Church World Service (CWS) as a covenant member. During the recent Joint Council meeting, Clerk Nikki Mosgrove led a discussion on PYM’s new relationship with CWS, a national faith-based organization focused on just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. This partnership allows PYM to nominate board members and collaborate closely on CWS’s work, although it holds no voting rights. CWS extended this invitation to deepen the connection, reflecting their commitment to building impactful relationships. The council plans to review this partnership at a future session to assess its impact.
The minute is as follows:
“Clerk Nikki Mosgrove led the discussion about our long-standing relationship with Church World Service, [CWS]. CWS, a national “faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster,” has invited Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to increase our involvement and become a covenant member. CWS has changed the way they bring in members in and invited PYM. Being a covenant member, we would not be a voting member, but we could nominate to the board. We would be in relationship with the work done by CWS. CWS spun off National Council of Churches to carry their worldwide witness. The Council was reminded about the impressive work that the CWS accomplishes. The Council has approved that PYM become a covenant member of CWS. A review of this decision, its impact and our continued relationship will be on the agenda at a future sessions.”
Church World Service was originally established in the aftermath of World War II by 17 Christian denominations. Together, they created CWS to bring people together in support of communities in need. In its early years, CWS mobilized millions of pounds of food, clothing, and medical supplies for war-torn regions of Europe and Asia. In the United States, CWS extended this spirit of welcome by resettling thousands of refugees, giving them a chance to start fresh in safety.
Since those early days, CWS has expanded and adapted its work to address the needs of diverse communities around the globe. While the specific programs have evolved, CWS’s mission remains the same—providing a trusted source of support for people facing crisis. From aiding Cuban communities devastated by floods in the 1950s to rebuilding in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, CWS has responded to emergencies with resilience-building initiatives that help individuals and families recover and prepare for the future.
Today, CWS continues to uphold values of welcome, justice, and dignity. Their dedication to resettling refugees has brought over 865,000 individuals to the United States since their founding. CWS also actively champions justice, from helping rebuild Black churches affected by racial violence in the 1990s to launching a platform for racial justice in 2020. Every action taken by CWS brings the world closer to one where all are welcomed, supported, and empowered.
