PC(USA) Weekly News

Week of March 3 - 7

The Rev. Jihyun Oh announces an interim leadership team for the Interim Unified Agency The team includes people already in senior leadership as well as those serving public-facing ministries in the IUA

PC(USA) delegation hears the stories of survivors of the Southern California wildfires The visitors also view the devastation brought on by the Eaton fire in Altadena

Philadelphia area congregation offers ashes to commuters Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season

Communication is key for the Unification Commission Co-Moderators reflect on what they have learned from Interim Unified Agency staff

Chicago church finds a home in the homes it supported Friendship Presbyterian Church is a vocal advocate for affordable housing and the anchor tenant of an affordable housing complex it supported

Interim Unified Agency, 100 Witherspoon Street, Lousiville, KY 40202

WCC NEWS: Media accreditation opens for the WCC central committee meeting

Media accreditation is now open for the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, which will convene in Johannesburg, South Africa, 18 – 24 June. Media accreditation is mandatory for access to open sessions, press conferences, briefings, and seminars – onsite, as well as online. WCC central committee meeting, June 2023. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 10 March 2025 This central committee meeting will continue to focus on strategies and concrete measures for achieving goals developed by the WCC 11th Assembly in Karlsruhe in 2022 and further developed into plans at the WCC central committee in Geneva in 2023. Turning priorities into actions in all programmatic areas and further strengthening the WCC’s influence on world affairs in a spirit of pilgrimage, reconciliation, and unity, remain key objectives.      The central committee meets normally every two years and serves as the chief governing body of the WCC between assemblies. The central committee is responsible for implementing the policies adopted by the assembly, as well as reviewing and supervising WCC programmes and the budget of the council. The current central committee’s mandate terminates at the WCC 12th Assembly, scheduled to take place in 2030. More information about the WCC central committee and other governing bodies of WCC, as well as news releases and other information, can be found at the WCC Press Centre. Application form, media accreditation for WCC central committee 2025 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

RNS Morning Report - As White House considers abandoning foreign aid, faith groups say they can’t do it alone

Top Stories As White House considers abandoning foreign aid, faith groups say they can’t do it alone WASHINGTON (RNS) — A discussion centered on whether the federal government should be dispensing foreign aid, which government officials referred to as ‘philanthropy.’   Turned down by state, Oklahoma schools chief is out to raise funds for Trump-endorsed Bibles (RNS) — The state superintendent acknowledged there has been resistance to his goal of getting Bibles into classrooms.     African theologians look to Nicene Creed’s anniversary year to reshape spiritual future (RNS) — One theologian said Africa’s celebrations of the Christian framework would exhibit the continent’s rich theological heritage and highlight new ways of thinking about faith unbound by colonial legacies.   Scripture doesn’t make rules for pastors’ wives. Beth Allison Barr explains why it matters. (RNS) — In ‘Becoming the Pastor’s Wife,’ Barr argues that the white, evangelical model for pastors’ wives is a product of culture, not Scripture.   RNS Opinion Fighting antisemitism online is an endless, tiring battle (RNS) — The hatred was sitting right there on my screen. Why was I so shocked?   Why Muslim American nonprofits are taking steps to build trust with donors during Ramadan (The Conversation) — Zakat is an obligatory charitable practice for which donations are traditionally made through institutions.   ICYMI This Lent, US Lutherans are learning a new Palestinian practice: Sumud (RNS) — An Arab word meaning 'steadfastness,' the Sumud devotional offers churches a six-week study to raise awareness of Israel’s military rule over Palestinians.   Southern Baptist leaders remain undaunted as legal bills from abuse investigation mount NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS)— Leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee said they face rising legal bills but defended the nation’s largest Protestant denomination as a force for good. In Other News Mormon church rocked by child sexual abuse allegations in California Christians are pressing Trump to clear a path for Israel to annex the West Bank   Depend on our reporting? Help us out! As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. You can support this work! News tips or feedback? Email comments@religionnews.com Like the Morning Report? Share it with a friend Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe here We rely on reader donations to power our reporting. Donate here. Or send a check to: Religion News Foundation PO Box 1808 Columbia, MO 65205

United Methodist Now - A meaningful Lent awaits

We are recipients and givers of God’s grace Guided by Mary Magdalene: A devotional for Lent    Consider using Mary Magdalene’s discipleship journey as a guide this Lenten season. Just like her, we are called to follow Jesus and share the good news of his resurrection. READ & REFLECT Advertisements What is Lent? Watch this one-minute video to learn how Lent can be an opportunity to disconnect from the world and connect more fully with God. WATCH & SHARE Advertisements More stories from across The UMC:  See the ways our connection supports those in crisis In communities around the world, United Methodists have been stepping up to help people in need. WATCH Learn how UMCOR is making a difference in Gaza UMCOR is providing food, water, medical supplies, hygiene kits and other relief to those who are suffering. READ MORE Celebrate Women’s History Month Women have long shaped the history of Methodism. Discover how their leadership and faith continue to impact us today. BE INSPIRED