Humanity Comes of Age examines the concept of "old age" and presents a detailed and informed analysis of the situation which the church must address in its ministry with senior citizens. It urges the churches radically to rethink their programmes and reorder them in ways that will enable the old "to affirm life through out its lengthening course".

Susanne S. Paul is chair of the Non-Governmental Organizations Aging Committee at the United Nations. She participated on behalf of the United Methodist Church in the WCC's 1991 Pakenham conference on ageing. James A. Paul is executive director of Global Policy Forum.