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Played by John Malkovich, Gustav Briegleb was crusader against immorality, corruption

John Malkovich plays Presbyterian minister the Rev. Dr. Gustav Briegleb in Clint Eastwood’s new film “Changeling”.

The film tells the story of how in 1928 the minister came to the aid of Christine Collins, a mother who was wrongly imprisoned in a psychiatric ward because she insisted that the boy whom the police had returned to her was not her kidnapped nine-year-old son, Walter. (Ron Salfen’s OUTLOOK review of this film is also available on this Web site, under “Reviews.”)

Let the PUP Report work

Editor’s Note: Jack Haberer, current Outlook editor, was a member of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church. He accepted that assignment before coming to The Presbyterian Outlook.

Why not replace (or retain) G-6.0106b?

Ever since G-6.0106b was added to the Book of Order, I have been working with other Presbyterians to remove or replace it because — I am convinced — it is Biblically, theologically, and legally unsound. In June, the General Assembly placed before the church as Amendment 08-B a beautifully-crafted alternative. Grateful as I am to the framers from Boston Presbytery and the commissioners who recognized the value of their work, I do not think that it will benefit the church to act on this constitutional amendment this year.

On God and politics

John Adams warned against the forming of political parties. He feared the divisiveness would tear the nation apart — with good reason.

Presbyterian Coalition: Cultural aliens in a modern Caesarea Philippi

Christians sensing they are almost aliens in their own cultures have a lot in common with the first century believers, according to Jim Edwards of Whitworth University, who taught a Bible study at the closing session of this year’s Presbyterian Coalition 11th Annual Gathering in Newport Beach, Calif., October 15.

Laura Mendenhall leaving Columbia Seminary presidency in summer 2009

DECATUR, GEORGIA — Laura Mendenhall announced Oct. 8 that she will conclude her tenure as president of Columbia Theological Seminary at the end of the 2008-2009 academic year.

GAC reflections: A way forward without resolving “up-or-down”

In the waning moments of the General Assembly Council meeting, Bruce Reyes-Chow, moderator of the 218th General Assembly, floated an idea.

PC(USA) stated clerk denounces effigies depicting political candidates

Gradye Parsons, stated clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has issued a statement condemning the hanging of effigies of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama and Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin.

Louis H. Evans Jr. dies

Word has reached the OUTLOOK that Louis H. Evans, Jr., once pastor of Bel Air Church in Los Angeles, Calif., and National Church in Washington, D.C., died at home Oct. 28 in his sleep. His wife of more than 50 years, Colleen Townsend Evans, was with him. 

PC(USA) releases voting rights and election reform report

LOUISVILLE — Adding its voice to the widespread public concern for possible voter disenfranchisement, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy [www.pcusa.org/acswp] (ACSWP) Oct. 27 released a report entitled, “Lift Every Voice: Democracy, Voting Rights, and Electoral Reform”.

Zimbabwe bishop says many churches have done nothing for people

(ENI) -- The leader of Zimbabwe's largest functioning alliance of Christians says the country's main grouping of traditional Protestant churches and the African and global umbrella church organizations with which it is affiliated have been notable for their silence on what is happening in his country.

Indian church leaders hail nun for speaking out about rape ordeal

(ENI)--Church leaders and activists have hailed as "courageous" the decision by a young Roman Catholic nun to publicly recount how she was raped by Hindu extremists in India's eastern Orissa state, and who has reiterated her demand for federal police to investigate the case.

Financial uncertainties affect budget, publishing planning

SNOWBIRD, UTAH — The news is full of the nation’s economic crisis and for many congregations and Presbyterian families, there is a lot about which to be concerned. What will happen to endowments, investments, retirement funds? What about job stability and the price of gasoline, food and heating fuel, with the approaching winter?

Presbyterian News Service’s fate, denominational role under study

SNOWBIRD, UTAH — What role should the Presbyterian News Service play in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)?

Guder challenges church leaders to help define, fulfill “missional”

SNOWBIRD, UTAH –—Among Presbyterians, the word “missional” is as popular these days as “awesome” is for teenagers.

Higher education and the Church: Reality in the Light of God

Frequently the notion that the church has an important role to play in higher education seems freighted with nostalgia. We are likely to remember the crucial role the church played historically in founding some of the nation’s most influential colleges, some of which have become even more influential universities.

Community college partnerships lead to civic engagement

“My college will never give academic credit to a student for doing community service!” Words spoken by a college president in defense of academic integrity, but missing the integrity of community service by students and their mentors as a context within which learning takes place.   

Facebook into the future: Connecting with college students

Long before I arrived, First Church in Lincoln was sending Christmas care packages to its college students. Sometime in late November the deacons gather and cram cookies, candy, games, pencils, and all sorts of trinkets into small boxes and mail them off to students across the country. It is an important ritual for our deacons. As they see the names on the boxes, they remember fondly the kids who have grown up here and moved on to pastures green.

Bloggers get 10 Commandments

LONDON — Christian Internet bloggers have received 10 commandments to help them avoid the danger of writing in haste what they might later regret at leisure.

Essay: How a PC(USA)-related college equipped me to serve

Editor’s Note: This essay won the 2008 Outlook Church-College Partnership Award open to graduating seniors invited to write on the topic, “How my education at a PC(USA)-related college has equipped me for significant service and leadership.” The winner received a $1,000 prize. Information on the 2009 contest is available on page 14.

Essay: Runner up shares her reflections

Editor’s note: This essay was first runner-up in the 2008 Outlook Church-College Partnership Award open to graduating seniors invited to write on the topic, “How my education at a PC(USA)-related college has equipped me for significant service and leadership.” The writer received a $200 award. Information on the 2009 contest is available on page 14.