Our longing to be understood
Teri McDowell Ott reflects on Leslie Jamison's “The Empathy Exams” to show that real empathy isn’t about fixing pain, but choosing to truly see and understand it.
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Even now: an Ash Wednesday lament
An Ash Wednesday lament by Jennifer L. Aycock that names death, grief, and the ashes we carry into Lent.
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.
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.
Transfiguration Sunday — February 15, 2026
Jesus is revealed in glory only after he names the cost of love, writes Anna Owens.
Order of worship — February 15, 2026
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
Unification Commission approves the majority of a proposed Organization for Mission
The remainder will be addressed during an online UC meeting Feb. 12.
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.
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.
Order of worship — February 8, 2026
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.
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.
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.
Holy Disruption: A Manifesto for the Future of Faith Communities
In "Holy Disruption," pastors Amy Butler and Dawn Darwin Weaks tell bold, hopeful stories of congregations that looked outward, listened to their neighbors, and invested their resources for justice. — Amy Pagliarella
If Jesus is with us, then where is he?
What do we do when Jesus feels absent — and the work feels impossible? Kate Murphy offers a reflection and some hope.
2026: A year for the rural church
Rural churches are not just “small.” They are profoundly local, relational and vital to the PC(USA)’s witness, writes Phillip Blackburn.
Sustenance
On a winter morning, seeds are scattered, tea is poured, and patience becomes prayer. Barbara Chaapel offers a poem about the quiet truth that giving sustenance sustains us.
Why do some people stay in their religion and others leave? A new Pew report has some clues.
Americans who had a good experience as children were likely to keep their faith. Those with bad experiences left, according to a new study from Pew Research Center.
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