Shepherd poem: Mid (Holy) Week
Was there a Weary Wednesday
More Stories from this Author
Singing, praying
On the bulletin board in the choir room at the Pasadena Church, there was a poster with a line drawing of someone in a choir robe and the caption: “The one who sings prays twice.”
Intentional Community: A new kind of church planting
In corners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) innovative church planters are creating worshipping communities far different from the cultures of typical aging PC(USA) congregations.
As Mainline recedes, Festival of Theology explores new ways of being Christian
How about this as a starting place? More and more Americans are choosing “none” when asked to define their religious identity.
Global conference to promote solidarity with excluded Dalits
(ENI) The leaders of two global church organizations have called for international solidarity with 250 million Dalits, people of South Asia regarded as "untouchable" who face discrimination on the basis of their descent.
Hungarian churches warn of social collapse amid financial crisis
(ENI) Hungarian church leaders have warned their country faces violence and breakdown in the face of unemployment and dislocation brought by the current financial meltdown.
Madagascar Protestant leader reported released from detention
(ENI) — The head of the largest Protestant church in Madagascar is reported to have been freed after being detained on March 17 by unspecified military personnel following the resignation of President Marc Ravalomanana.
Diverse Presbyterians undertake marriage, civil union assignment
LOUISVILLE — A special committee considering what the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) should say about marriage and civil unions has begun its work, with its members sharing some hopes and dreams for the church, and explaining why they agreed to take on this controversial subject.
Scotland in Song featured in PBS airing in March 2009
Wearing green may be necessary beyond St. Patrick’s Day — Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) stations are featuring a program of Scottish music, traditional to modern, during this month — “Highland Heartbeat.”
Cutting through the FOG
So, after three years of talking about the new Form of Government Task Force project, the Outlook has finally succumbed to the temptation to put fog on the cover. Our self-restraint grew faint. Ah, well...
Salim, other immigrant pastors’ realities in America
Just two years ago, Jonah Salim was stuck in Egypt — a man without a country.
Membership named for three GA special committees
LOUISVILLE — (PNS) The membership of three General Assembly special committees has been released, named by Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly (2008) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Why we need FOG revision: Part 2
Editor’s Note: This is the author’s second essay addressing why the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) needs a major revision of the current/1983 PC(USA) Form of Government. The Presbyterian Outlook published the first article in the issue of November 17, 2008.
Where FOG stands now
Last summer, the General Assembly essentially decided that the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) was not ready yet to make a clear decision on the recommendations of the Form of Government Task Force.
Churching the churches
Congregationalism rules in American Christianity.
Lent 5: The hour has come
John 12:20-33
The events described in this passage occur in the Gospel of John subsequent to the triumphal entry.
Getting “granular”
Effective planning requires both high-level strategy and ground-level tactics. Today let’s “get granular” and examine a tactic in Membership Development.
Jesus and gays
Often we hear that Jesus said nothing about homosexuality.
Film in review “Watchmen”
It’s hard to know what to think of this movie. Yes, it’s reportedly a faithful rendition of a famous graphic novel. However, that doesn’t guarantee a good film, though it might help insure a few faithful followers.
The future of American Christianity
Editor’s Note: The OUTLOOK reported recently that the membership losses that have been shrinking mainline denominations now appear to be impacting the Roman Catholics and Southern Baptists.
Pope Benedict, Protestants denounce Northern Ireland killings
(ENI)--Pope Benedict XVI has joined Ireland's Roman Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, and Protestant leaders in strongly condemning attacks in Northern Ireland that left two British soldiers and a policeman dead in a space of two days.
More Americans now say they have no religion, survey finds
(ENI) — The percentage of people in the United States saying they have no religion has nearly doubled since 1990, according to the American Religious Identification Survey (ARIS).
“Right to Life” advocates criticize Obama on stem cell research
NEW YORK — (ENI) "Right to Life" advocates have criticized U.S. President Barack Obama's decision to reverse policies of the administration of George W. Bush that limited federal funding for stem cell research.
Indulgences divided Christians, but now can aid unity says cardinal
ROME — (ENI) Five centuries ago, indulgences were a major source of dissent between the papacy and the followers of Martin Luther, but now they can help Christian unity, says a senior Vatican cardinal.
Benedictory: Breakfast in bed
On a cold January Sunday morning in Austin, my wife and I woke up wanting bagels — warm and fresh from a local bagel shop near the University of Texas.