Maine clergy form spiritual ‘shield’ outside workplaces to protect immigrants from ICE

Presbyterian clergy join an ecumenical coalition in Maine, forming a daily “spiritual shield” to stand with immigrant workers facing ICE enforcement.

A coalition of 40 faith-based groups representing more than a dozen interfaith denominations gathered to pray and advocate at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation on Thursday, January 29, 2026, urging the U.S. Senate to vote against funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Speakers included U.S. Senators CHRIS COONS (D-Delaware) and ANGELA ALSOBROOKS (D-Maryland) who pledged to vote against the appropriations and demand stricter oversight of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The deadline for a funding vote to avoid a government shutdown is midnight Friday.

Outlook Reporting

Faith leaders gather in Washington, D.C. to urge Senate vote against DHS funding

Faith In Action coalition of 40 faith-based organizations and dozens of denominations join in advocacy and action.

Looking into the lectionary

Transfiguration Sunday — February 15, 2026

Jesus is revealed in glory only after he names the cost of love, writes Anna Owens.

Weekly Liturgy

Order of worship — February 15, 2026

You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.

Book Reviews

Against the Machine: On the Unmaking of Humanity

In "Against the Machine," Paul Kingsnorth offers a prophetic, if alarmist, diagnosis of Western civilization’s collapse, ultimately calling the church to become a sanctuary, writes Blaine Crawford.

Discussion guide

Discussion guide for January 2026 issue

In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.

Voices

Why the PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions is too long — and how to fix it

Charles Aden Wiley, III, offers a provocative proposal: shorten the Book of Confessions to make it more accessible, usable and formational for the whole church.

Book Reviews

Meeting Jesus on the Road: A Lenten Study

With weekly walking prompts, reflection questions and a pastoral tone, "Meeting Jesus on the Road" encourages us to meet Jesus in our neighborhoods, writes Amy Pagliarella.

The Theology of Hip-Hop

Rapsody: The holy work of formation

In this episode, Chris Burton explores how Rapsody pairs uncompromising lyricism with a lived commitment to community, mentoring young artists, and investing in others as an act of faithful formation.

Hundreds of clergy convene at Westminster Presbyterian Church,

Outlook Reporting

A murmuration of clergy: Presbyterians and partners gather in Minneapolis

More than 1,000 clergy — including Presbyterians — gathered in Minneapolis for a multifaith conference, protest and public witness. “We can transform the pain we feel into purpose.”

Prayers for the moment

A prayer after the killing of Alex Pretti

May God teach us how to grieve honestly, protect one another fiercely, and choose life. A prayer by Teri McDowell Ott.

Police stand in front of protesters, including one holding a sign "love your neighbor as your self"

Outlook Reporting

Faith leaders call for action after violence in Minneapolis

More than 8,000 clergy and faith organizers gathered online, urging senators to oppose renewed DHS funding and to “pray with their feet.”

Presbyterian News Service

Unification Commission approves the majority of a proposed Organization for Mission

The remainder will be addressed during an online UC meeting Feb. 12.

Book Reviews

We Can Be Brave

In "We Can Be Brave," Bryan Bliss adapts Mariann Budde’s call to courage for young readers — weaving faith, fear and hope through stories both sacred and familiar. Amy Pagliarella offers a review of the book.

The Rev. Rebecca Voelkel speaks to clergy at Westminster Presbyterian Church,

Religion News Service

Inside the effort to organize clergy nationwide to resist ICE

Hundreds of clergy from around the country gathered in Minneapolis to learn from Minnesota faith leaders how to protest against ICE enforcement. Then they took to the streets and helped block the city's airport.

Weekly Liturgy

Order of worship — February 8, 2026

You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.

Looking into the lectionary

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany — February 8, 2026

For pastors and church leaders navigating fatigue and injustice, this reflection by Owen J. Gray offers challenge, clarity and hope for faithful action.

Jesus with his arms extended out, back facing, and light shining in front of him.

Outlook Horizons Studies

Horizons — Finding Our Joy in Christ, Philippians 4

In this Bible study, Rosalind Banbury explores how the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians teaches that lasting joy and peace in anxious times are cultivated through partnership in the gospel, gratitude, gentleness, and prayerful rejoicing in Christ.