RNS Morning Report - Special Juneteenth Edition: In Richmond, churches retrace the path of the enslaved to confront their own history

In Richmond, churches retrace the path of the enslaved to confront their own history   Last Saturday (June 13), RNS National Reporter Fiona André tagged along on a spiritual pilgrimage through Richmond’s sites of racial history with a group of nearly 20 people. They started the day walking along a muddy trail by Manchester Docks, where hundreds of thousands of enslaved people walked years before toward the city’s auction house.   “Every time I looked out at the water, all I could do was see people coming in on ships and disembarking, just in a frenzy. So my heart bled for that,” Renee Monford, a participant, told André.   As we observe Juneteenth, when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas received news of their liberation two years after the abolition of slavery,  André wanted to report on this project initiated by two Episcopal churches coming together to confront their history and the denomination’s racist past.             Top Stories In Richmond, churches retrace the path of the enslaved to confront their own history RICHMOND, Va. (RNS) — Just as the country prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — and Juneteenth — Virginia Episcopalians are trying to reckon with the role of their city and their denomination in slavery as a founding reality of the United States. For preservers of lynching history in the US, Juneteenth is a religious reckoning (RNS) — The Equal Justice Initiative’s Bryan Stevenson says confronting America’s lynching history is a matter of faith that demands truth-telling and repentance — especially on America’s most recently recognized national holiday. ‘Not a day off’: For Juneteenth, some faith leaders promote political causes (RNS) — ‘As we acknowledge the contributions of the African American community to America, it’s appropriate for us to lead the way in unifying and making a call for unity,’ said evangelist Alveda King, niece of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Opinion 161 years after Juneteenth, there is unfinished work of freedom (RNS) — The forces that threaten freedom continually take new forms. Is this the civil rights moment of our day?  (RNS) — The hard-won gains of the civil rights era are steadily being eroded by political pandering to white anxiety in the midst of growing diversity. 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

Copyright © 2026 Religion News Service, All rights reserved.

Uniting Church in Australia - 49th Anniversary video message from President Rev Suli

View this email in your browser

"Remain grounded in prayer, worship and service" Rev Suli releases video marking the Uniting Church's 49th anniversary

As the Uniting Church in Australia prepares to celebrate its 49th anniversary next Monday, 22 June, President Rev Charissa Suli has released a special video message reflecting on the Church’s journey and looking ahead to its Jubilee year in 2027. Drawing on the image of a fala (Tongan woven mat), Rev Suli describes the Uniting Church as a community still being woven together through Christ’s love. She gives thanks for the faith and vision of those who formed the Church in 1977, honours the Covenant relationship with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress, and encourages members to remain grounded in prayer, worship and service. Looking toward the Church’s 50th anniversary, Rev Suli invites the Church to embrace the spirit of Jubilee as a time of renewal, reconciliation and justice. The anniversary message is available to download and share in worship services, together with a PDF transcript. 49th anniversary of the Uniting Church View and download video

Copyright © 2026 Uniting Church in Australia, All rights reserved.

Weekly Outlook - Overture authors defend global mission

Dear readers, The 227th General Assembly begins Monday, and the Presbyterian Outlook will be there every step of the way. In the days ahead, our reporters will provide daily news coverage, analysis, interviews and commentary to help you follow the decisions shaping the future of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Whether you're serving as a commissioner, following a particular issue, or simply trying to stay informed, we'll bring you timely reporting from Milwaukee throughout the assembly. One of the easiest ways to stay connected is through our free text-message updates. Subscribers receive breaking news, top stories and key assembly developments delivered directly to their phones. If you haven't signed up yet, now is the perfect time. Last night, we hosted a conversation with the co-moderator candidates seeking election at General Assembly. If you missed the live event, you can still register to receive the recording later today and hear directly from the candidates about their vision for the church and the challenges facing the denomination. Thank you for trusting the Outlook as your source for GA coverage. We're looking forward to helping you navigate the weeks ahead. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook P.S. Want unlimited access to the Outlook? We're running a General Assembly special for first-time subscribers. A year of the Outlook for $9.95. Learn more.

At Cleveland Pride, Presbyterians offered a different witness by Matthew Skolnik  Columbia Theological Seminary announces organizational restructuring by CTS Why the PC(USA) is debating a new confession by John Bolt What if ministry didn't have to be this exhausting? by Lyndsey McCall-Gilliam   Overture authors defend global mission by multiple authors   What GA227 can do for survivors by JoAnne Sharp

In case you missed it... The Christian Past That Wasn’t Paul B. Dornan finds Warren Throckmorton’s meticulous history a compelling challenge to Christian nationalist myths and a timely defense of church-state separation. Committee addresses sexual misconduct within the church Two proposals headed to GA227 would gather better data on sexual misconduct and develop a survivor-centered support program within the PC(USA). — Harriet Riley General Assembly overture recommends comprehensive studies on sexuality and gender, relationships, and family GEN-09 would fund new studies on sexuality, relationships and family life, updating PC(USA) guidance to reflect recent General Assembly actions. — Gregg Brekke Arizona presbyteries commission Mark Adams and Miriam Maldonado as mission co-workers After World Mission's closure, two Arizona presbyteries found a way to keep a longtime border ministry alive. — Eric Ledermann Clarity and oversight sought after passage of ‘Olympia Overture’ The PC(USA) continues to navigate questions first raised at the 2024 General Assembly as a new overture asks how recently approved amendments shape ordination and freedom of conscience across the church. — Blake Brinegar

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Experiencing Connection - Calling all Youth Workers and Volunteers!

A Gathering for Youth Workers Seeking Connection, Growth, and Renewal Youth ministry is deeply rewarding work, but it also comes with unique challenges. Whether you serve as a volunteer leader, a church staff member, or an ordained minister, creating space for your own growth and renewal is essential for building a healthy and sustainable ministry. That’s why youth workers from across the country are invited to gather at Montreat Conference Center for the second annual Come to the Mountains event, taking place October 5–8, 2026… READ THE FULL ARTICLE NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS See How We Are All “Crafted by God” Discover how you are uniquely made during Montreat's 2026 Middle School Conference! Through worship, small groups, and recreation, middle school students will explore identity, purpose, and faith in a welcoming, fun-filled environment designed to deepen their connections with God, others, and themselves. Registration is open! Get Your Montreat Youth Conference Swag! Looking for a special souvenier from your time at Montreat Youth Conference? This year, conference t-shirts and other themed merchandise are available exclusively in The Montreat Store! Stop by between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday–Saturday to browse the selection, pick up your favorite items, and celebrate your Montreat experience. No pre-order necessary! View available merchandise and pricing here. Attend Montreat Youth Conference as an Individual Know someone who would love to experience Montreat Youth Conference this summer but doesn’t have a group to attend with? Individuals can register for week six and still get the full conference experience! The comprehensive registration fee includes access to all conference events, lodging, and meals. Additionally, dedicated adult advisors will be present throughout the week to offer support and guidance for these participants. Click here for additional information or to sign up! Building Community Through Shared Play We think you’ll agree, games and activities are a vital part of any youth gathering. Not only are they fun to participate in, they allow youth to grow in community and equip them to engage in deeper conversations about faith with their peers. One of Montreat Conference Center’s core values, “experiencing connection” refers to our belief that we are called to experience life in the community of others. We encourage connection through learning, playing, listening deeply, and being fully present in ways that strengthen lasting relationships with God, each other, and the world around us. You can learn more about Montreat’s mission and values by clicking here.

View email in browser Montreat Conference Center · PO Box 969 · Montreat, NC 28757-0017 · USA