School time in India. Photo: PWS&D.
In response to the growing gap between the rich and poor, and in recognition of the interrelation between our affluence and the suffering of others, The Presbyterian Church in Canada first formed a special committee to collect funds from congregations and individuals over and above the General Assembly budget in 1947, in the wake of World War II.
In the 1970s, the scope of the committee was expanded from focusing on relief work to include development projects aimed at long-term solutions to poverty. PWS&D has grown from an ad hoc committee with staff seconded from other departments into a standing committee with eight full-time staff members.
For more than 60 years, Presbyterian congregations across Canada, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, have demonstrated strong support for the development and relief work of PWS&D. The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and the Atlantic Mission Society (AMS), long active in Presbyterian mission work, support overseas projects through PWS&D. Many congregations undertake ambitious fundraising campaigns to support programs around the world and individuals provide prayerful and financial support to help vulnerable people through one-time or monthly contributions.
Together, we are working to break cycles of poverty and create new futures of hope and opportunity.
Evolution of a Name
In order to capture the important nature of the work, PWS&D has undergone several name changes over the years.
1947-1949: The Presbyterian Section, Canadian Church Relief Abroad, or more commonly, Presbyterian Relief Abroad
1949-1955: Overseas Relief Committee or Church Relief Abroad
1955-1957: Committee on Inter-Church Aid and Refugee Relief
1957-1962: Sub-Committee on Overseas Relief and Inter-Church Aid of the Board of Evangelism and Social Action
1962-1980: Committee on Inter-Church Aid, Refugee and World Service
1980-present: Committee on Presbyterian World Service & Development, or more commonly, PWS&D
