Dear Presbyterian Outlook reader,
On behalf of the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation Board of Directors I am pleased to share the news that Roger J. Gench and Jay S.F. Blossom have accepted the call to serve as our interim editors. In this period of transition, we are committed to providing our readers and supporters with denominational coverage, excellent commentary and theologically sound church resources at the level of excellence to which you have been accustomed. Roger and Jay are well positioned to provide strong leadership during this interim time and are both committed to maintaining the rich legacy of the Outlook. They each bring complimentary gifts, which will serve us well in the interim and lay the groundwork for a smooth transition once a permanent editor is selected.
Roger received his Th.M. and Ph.D. in theological ethics from Union Theological (now Union Presbyterian) Seminary in Virginia. He is honorably retired from the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C., where he served as senior pastor for 17 years. Most recently, he serves as theologian in residence at Second Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia, and as adjunct faculty at Union Presbyterian Seminary. His publications include “Theology from the Trenches: Reflections on Urban Ministry,” essays and book reviews in “Interpretation,”the Presbyterian Outlook, Lectionary Homiletics, and “Feasting on the Word,” and his just released book “The Cross Examen: A Theology for Activist.” Roger’s active involvement in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and commitment to religious life and witness in the public square well position him to lead and be the editorial voice of the Outlookduring this transition.
Jay received his M.A. in history from the College of William and Mary and his M.A. in religious history from Duke University. Jay comes to us from In Trust magazine where he has served for 15 years, first as editor, then publisher and most recently as vice president for communication. He is a member of the board and past president of the Associated Church Press and has been recognized with numerous awards from that organization for in-depth coverage, design and overall excellence among “special-interest magazines” and electronic newsletters. In addition to editing, publishing and writing for In Trust, Jay has published book chapters, blog posts and encyclopedia articles, primarily focused on leadership and governance in theological education and religious history. Jay’s extensive publishing experience and editing skill will be invaluable to us as we move through this transition season and prepare to expand our digital footprint in the coming months.
We are excited to work with Roger and Jay and are grateful for the skills and gifts they bring to the leadership roles at the Outlook. We are thrilled to have them on board and anticipate that this interim period will not just be one of waiting, but of growth and preparation for the new thing God has in store for us.
Longer term, the search committee for our permanent editor is in place and we welcome your ideas and suggestions for a new editor. You may send candidate names to our search committee chair, Jim Allison. In the meantime, we covet your prayers during this liminal time and invite your continued support of our ministry through either personal or congregational gifts.
May God bless you richly this day. Thank you for your support of the Presbyterian Outlook.
Grace and peace,
Sharon P. Blount
President, Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation, Inc.
