ELCA declares self a ‘sanctuary church body,’ marches to ICE building in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (RNS) — More than 500 years ago, a monk named Martin Luther nailed 95 theses outlining his grievances with the Roman..
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Preaching about Racism: A Guide for Faith Leaders
Carolyn B. Helsel Chalice Press, 128 pages Reviewed by Rachel Cheney As a predominantly white denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has the..
Moving ahead without knowing what’s next
I graduated from seminary a few weekends ago. It was an amazing day: a fitting culmination of countless written words, late nights,..
Clergy protest outside Mitch McConnell’s office, demand action on gun violence
WASHINGTON (RNS) — A group of clergy protested outside Sen. Mitch McConnell’s office on Tuesday (Aug. 6), calling on the Republican Senate..
Periodically dark
“Sunday school books were made for black people, but the black church doesn’t like books.” A decade has passed, but I remember..
Board of Pensions is now an investor signatory of Climate Action 100+
PHILADELPHIA (Board of Pensions)— The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced Wednesday that it is now an investor signatory..
5 things to watch at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly
(RNS) — With the bang of a gavel and a moment to honor the Native Americans who first called Milwaukee home, Presiding..
“Late we come” — The Presbyterian Outlook and Southern Presbyterians on race
Speaking at the March on Washington in August 1963, Eugene Carson Blake, stated clerk of the United Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A...
Friends go gently between the words
I sat in the publisher’s brightly-lit office, fidgeting with my hands. First, I drummed my fingertips on the armrests of my chair...
Religious leaders react to mass shootings, call for action from Trump, Congress
(RNS) — As the nation reacts to the weekend’s mass shootings and President Trump decries hatred that “devours the soul,” religious leaders..
Senators oppose Trump refugee cuts on religious freedom grounds
(RNS) — A bipartisan group of lawmakers has sent a letter to Trump administration officials calling on them not to reduce the..
Latest gun violence in US poses challenges for churches
(WCC) Gun violence in the United States, which over the last weekend alone took three dozen lives, continues to pose stark challenges..
Slavery and the genealogy of The Presbyterian Outlook
“I am owned by the blood of all of them Who ever were owned by my blood. We cannot be free of..
“Our budget reflects who we are”: Conversations on funding priorities
BALTIMORE – Here’s an idea. What if the Presbyterian Mission Agency picked one clear mission focus for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) –..
Payback time
“What do we do now?” That’s the refrain I hear after I speak or preach or teach about the long history and..
Considering PC(USA) priorities: Presbyterian Mission Agency Board holds consultation shaped by Bible study and church leadership
BALTIMORE – What priorities should shape the budget of the Presbyterian Mission Agency for 2021 and 2022? What are presbytery and synod..
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance leader on the shootings in El Paso and Dayton
This was written August 3 by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance director Laurie Kraus, and shared with her permission. Kraus added this note: Since this..
Prayer for El Paso
Enough, Lord God, enough. Rend our hearts and restore your goodness and mercy in our land. Through you, all things are possible,..
Co-moderators to Big Tent: Go forth with your sacred questions
BALTIMORE – Now that Big Tent 2019 is over, what will Presbyterians take with them as they go home? What will they..
Prayers of public witness for the lives lost in Baltimore
BALTIMORE - Day after day, the news reports flow in: another shooting on a street corner, in an alley, in some kind..
What does it mean to be the church? Closing worship at Big Tent considers the call of the Christian community
BALTIMORE – Closing worship – but not the final event – of the Big Tent conference held in Baltimore 1-3, focused on..
Photo essay: Will you pray?
Folks attending Big Tent 2019 were asked to sign prayer boards for leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) – for stated clerk..
Presbyterians broaden mental health awareness
BALTIMORE – The new mental health initiative of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) – prompted by an overture from Mission Presbytery in Texas..
Big Tent considers transitions, truth and transformation
BALTIMORE – Day two of Big Tent culminated with a rousing call to action delivered with conviction and clarity by Amantha Barbee,..
Christian leaders condemn Christian nationalism in new letter
(RNS) — A group of Christian leaders has condemned Christian nationalism in a new letter, calling it a “persistent threat to both..
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