Weekly Outlook - A prayer for parents who are afraid

Dear readers, Across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), faithful people are serving their congregations and communities with courage, creativity, compassion and persistence — often without receiving much recognition. We want to help tell their stories. For our December 2026 issue, the Presbyterian Outlook is seeking nominations for “Faith Leaders You Should Know.” We’re looking for the unsung heroes of the church: clergy, faith formation leaders, ruling elders and others whose ministries are making a meaningful difference. Who comes to mind for you? Using this form, tell us who they are, what makes their ministry distinctive and why more people should know their story. Nominations are due September 7, 2026. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. The Outlook is hiring! Learn more about joining our team as a part-time director of development.

A case for the title 'commissioned pastor' by Janet Benson The patron saint of wholesome by Brittany Harrold Porch Can attending a school board meeting be an act of ministry? by Owen Gray A prayer for parents who are afraid by Naomi McQuiller   Reclaiming Sabbath in a culture of striving by Katy Shevel Nominate a faith leader we should know by Presbyterian Outlook

In case you missed it... When the church chooses to wait Following the General Assembly's referral of a proposed monogamy requirement, Jacob Douylliez reflects on why patient discernment has long been central to the church's search for truth. Three PC(USA) pastors discuss the joy of working toward their certificate in older adult ministry Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network and Columbia Seminary’s Center for Lifelong Learning have partnered to train more than 175 people to date. — Mike Ferguson Kate Bowler on unexpected joy, even in the midst of pain In the midst of a devastating cancer diagnosis, Kate Bowler also found experiences of joy. Now she's written a book about it. — Yonat Shimron You’re Not the Only One Amy Pagliarella reviews Megan LeCluyse's "You're Not the Only One," a compassionate guide helping isolated college students feel less alone. — Amy Pagliarella Religious leaders travel to the Arctic to advocate for protection of sacred public lands Presbyterian leaders joined an interfaith delegation to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to support Indigenous communities and advocate for protecting sacred lands. — EarthKeepers 360 Presbytery of San José raises more than $30,000 for immigrant legal aid Gifts are being made to partner organizations that work with immigrants and asylum seekers. — Presbytery of San José The garden of a PC(USA) church in Georgia feeds the community and earns an Earth Care Congregation certification Kevin’s Garden began in 2011 as a way to remember a young church member who passed away. —  Nancy Crowe Blessed are the peacemakers in a militarized world Mihee Kim-Kort shares what remembering the Korean War, American militarism and the church’s witness can teach us.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

WCC news: Ecumenical Institute brings emerging theologians together across North America–Turtle Island

The North America–Turtle Island Regional Ecumenical Theological Institute (NATI-RETI) is currently bringing together 20 emerging theologians and ecumenical leaders from Canada and the United States for two weeks of intensive learning, prayer, encounter, and community life. Photo: Amanda Dowd/NCCCUSA 14 August 2026 Taking place from 3-16 August under the theme “Where Now for Visible Justice?” the institute began with a residential week in Detroit, United States of America; followed by a second week at the University of Toronto, Canada. NATI-RETI is jointly organized by the Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) and the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA (NCCCUSA), with accompaniment from the World Council of Churches (WCC). It draws inspiration from the WCC Global Ecumenical Theological Institute (GETI) and adapts its immersive model to the realities of North America–Turtle Island. "This collaborative effort has reignited my hope in ecumenism and in significant ways re-energized my own commitment to this important work," said Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland, Senior Associate General Secretary & Advocacy Director at NCCCUSA.  "Working together has strengthened the partnership between NCCUSA and CCC and helped us to understand each other's cultures and history better, deepened the visible unity of churches across North America-Turtle Island, and resulted in lasting and meaningful relationships that will encourage future connections. It has been such an incredible learning and growth experience - one that I will always treasure," she added.  For Pastor Peter Noteboom, CCC Acting General Secretary, “Where Now for Visible Justice?” is a perennial question in the ecumenical movement. "This regional ecumenical theological institute offers us a special opportunity to respond to that question together in the United States and Canada. We are grateful for the World Council of Churches’ accompaniment on the journey," he said. From left: Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland, Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, and Pastor Peter Noteboom. Photo: Personal archive Prof. Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, WCC programme executive for Ecumenical Theological Education and coordinator of GETI 2025, said it is deeply inspiring to see how the GETI 2025 vision continues to take root and inspire initiatives in different regions. “NATI-RETI offers a strong example of how the GETI model can be adapted to a specific regional context through the collaboration and shared ownership of churches and ecumenical partners. It shows that ecumenical formation becomes truly meaningful when it responds to local realities while remaining connected to the worldwide ecumenical movement.” The curriculum is structured around six interconnected pillars: solidarity with Indigenous communities, racism and anti-racism, secularism and laicity, wealth disparity and poverty, climate justice, and interfaith dialogue. Participants engage these themes through an integrated methodology combining intellectual study, spiritual formation, and contextual immersion. The cross-border character of the institute creates space for participants to compare different national, ecclesial, cultural, and social realities while reflecting together on the churches’ common witness.  Photo gallery NATI-RETI 2026 NATI-RETI curriculum and methodology North America theological institute ready for opening day (WCC news release, 24 July 2026) "Where now for visible justice?” Behind the scenes designing NATI-RETI (WCC interview, 11 May 2026) 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 356 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 - Paxton v. Talarico: a fight over faith in Texas

Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters   In Texas, Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico are asking voters to choose between two dramatically different views of Christianity.   Paxton’s version insists conservative Christian values — such as protecting the unborn and preserving the nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage — must prevail.   Talarico’s Christianity celebrates pluralism, affirms LGBTQ+ individuals and believes God transcends all partisan divisions.   Both candidates for U.S. Senate say their politics are informed by their faith, and both have questioned the other’s understanding of Christianity. Both candidates have also been criticized for falling short of being an authentic or true Christian — Talarico for his progressive Christian message, and Paxton for two alleged extramarital affairs.   Their clash reflects a long-running debate over who, if anyone, gets to claim the Bible, define Christian values and invoke God in political life. RNS reporter Ellie Ashby brings you the highlights from Paxton and Talarico’s campaigns, speeches and social media.         Top Stories Paxton, Talarico tap contrary versions of God and Christianity in appeal to Texas voters AUSTIN, Texas (RNS) — In a state where two-thirds of the adult population identifies as Christian and 45% say religion is 'very important' in their life, the candidates are asking voters to choose between two dramatically different views of Christianity. ICE detained Adventist pastor at Houston airport, church says he has legal work authorization (RNS) — Pastor Luis Morales Pérez is at least the third Texas pastor detained by ICE at an airport in the last month amid a mass deportation campaign spreading to airports. With three prisoners scheduled for execution, southern churches toll their bells (RNS) — Faith-based anti-death penalty activists have used the bell-tolling tactic throughout the country in various waves. Opinion The Episcopal Church is a story of renewal, not decline (RNS) — Ours is a story of renewal and change, not decline and death. The invitation is simply to say so, plainly, and to live it across our communities and neighborhoods. ICYMI Pope Leo hat giveaway turns White Sox game into the church of baseball CHICAGO (RNS) — After three terrible years, the White Sox are in the midst of a revival — with good young players and perhaps a little divine intervention. The team's best-known fan is Pope Leo XIV. ‘A gift rather than a curse’: Married couples in ministry navigate sacred, secret spaces (RNS) — 'We too can have rough patches in our marriage,' said the Rev. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of an Atlanta-area megachurch where is wife is an executive pastor. Support Our Work As a nonprofit newsroom that covers all faiths, RNS sits uniquely at the intersection of freedom of the press and freedom of religion. 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

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