Weekly Outlook - Austin Sem student wins Senate primary

Dear readers, “Is basketball salvific? Of course not. But communal joy might be.” I love this line from Brittany Porch’s recent March Madness article. In addition to the satisfying mouth movement of the word salvific (try saying it out loud), the sentiment captures something I treasure about pop culture. It draws us in. For a moment, it can supersede the identities that often divide us — gender, class, age, political affiliation — in the name of something shared. Film has this power, too. And this week offers plenty of chances to experience it. March Madness tips off with Selection Sunday, and the Oscars will air Sunday night, where viewers will tune in to see what honors films like "Sinners," "Marty Supreme" and "Train Dreams" take home. There’s plenty of news in the world demanding our attention. But this next week might also offer something simple and good: cheering for a rubber ball arcing toward a net, laughing at a clever line of dialogue, or slumping on our couch when our favorite doesn't win. Sometimes communal joy (and grief) is enough to remind us — even briefly — that we belong to one another. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

Austin Seminary student James Talarico wins Democratic U.S. Senate primary by Harriet Riley What do we do with the Bible’s most troubling texts? by Brandon R. Grafius March Madness reminds us what belonging feels like by Brittany Porch   Why we grieve losses that haven’t happened yet by Vern Farnum

In case you missed it... Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America Beth Macy’s return to Urbana, Ohio, reveals a community shaped by fear, resilience, deep roots and limited opportunity. Amy Pagliarella's review explores how Macy's reporting helps readers see neighbors more clearly. McCormick Theological Seminary announces $1 million gift establishing an endowed chair The Mitzi Gebhard Henderson Endowed Chair is ‘a living tribute to Presbyterian lay leader.’ — McCormick Theological Seminary Tending to ever-present needs: A conversation about teaching and learning grief Mindy McGarrah Sharp and Leanna Fuller discuss why grief is more visible today — and how congregations can learn to listen, lament and support one another without rushing past the pain. Board of Pensions announces additional support for pastors and families A new grant can help families with their childcare costs. — Board of Pensions The 227th General Assembly will feature 10 committees Committees will meet online June 22-24 before commissioners and advisory delegates head to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. —  Mike Ferguson Still born Aaron Pratt Shephard asks, what do the promises of eternal life mean for the one born still? A four-session Fresh Outlook Bible Studies resource that invites churches to explore empathy as a faithful Christian practice through Scripture, storytelling and guided conversation.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

WCC news: WCC meets with ambassador of Lebanon to the United Nations in Geneva

The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay, met with H.E. Ambassador Caroline Ziadeh, permanent representative of Lebanon to the United Nations Office in Geneva, to discuss the escalating humanitarian situation in Lebanon. H.E. Ambassador Caroline Ziadeh and Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay. Photo: Rhoda Mphande/WCC 13 March 2026 The meeting was also attended by Rana El Khoury, first secretary at the Permanent Mission of Lebanon; Peter Prove, director of the WCC Commission of Churches on International Affairs; Carla Khijoyan, WCC programme executive for peacebuilding in the Middle East; and Marianne Ejdersten, WCC director of communication. Ziadeh detailed the efforts of the Lebanese government since its establishment to extend its authority over its territory, and highlighted the latest decisions, including one taken on 2 March, considering all security and military activities of Hezbollah illegal and tasked the armed forces to disarm Hezbollah. She conveyed the plan of four points, which includes an urgent appeal from the president of Lebanon calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, particularly in light of Israeli attacks affecting civilian populations and civilian infrastructure across the country. According to information shared by Lebanese authorities, repeated Israeli strikes have impacted residential areas and civilian infrastructure in several regions of Lebanon, including the south, the southern suburbs of Beirut, and the Baalbek region, resulting in civilian casualties, destruction of homes, and large-scale displacement. Data from Lebanon’s Disaster Risk Management Unit indicates that the escalation has resulted so far in 1,623 hostilities; 687 fatalities; 1,774 injuries; and more than 822,000 internally displaced persons, with 128,200 people currently in collective shelters.  Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay expressed deep concern for the suffering of civilians and reaffirmed the WCC’s commitment to advocating for peace and the protection of human life. “The protection of civilians must remain paramount in all circumstances. We join the call for an immediate cessation of hostilities and full respect for international humanitarian law. The World Council of Churches also supports the government of Lebanon in its efforts to uphold its authority and ensure the protection and security of its people,” said Pillay. While highlighting the four-point plan of the president of the Lebanese Republic to resolve the conflict, Ziadeh emphasized the urgent need to act collectively to maintain Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the protection of its population, as well as its unique model of a mosaic of coexistence among different religious groups. The WCC reaffirmed its readiness to remain in dialogue with churches and partners in Lebanon and to continue supporting efforts that promote peace, humanitarian protection, and respect for international law. Joint statement on widening conflict in the Middle East raises deep concerns for humanitarian and social impact (WCC news release, 9 March 2026) Photo gallery 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 - Leftover ramen, too few Qurans: A 'humiliating' Ramadan inside ICE detention centers

Ramadan in detention The holy month of Ramadan, traditionally a time of abundance and communal gathering, looks different for many Muslim detainees inside Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities: Leftover ramen, bedsheets as prayer mats and Qurans unavailable in their languages. ICE is legally required to accommodate religious practices, but as RNS National Reporter Ulaa Kuziez and Nargis Rahman, a reporter for Detroit’s NPR station found, that often isn't happening. They interviewed detainees, chaplains and advocates in Georgia, Michigan and Texas to document what it is like to observe Islam's holiest month in ICE detention. Read the full story below. Top Stories Leftover ramen, too few Qurans: A ‘humiliating’ Ramadan inside ICE detention centers (RNS) — ICE is required to accommodate religious practice. Muslim detainees say that this Ramadan, it comes down to whoever is on shift. 'You are basically at the mercy of staff.' Oscar-nominated ‘Forevergreen’ reimagines story of Christian grace (RNS) — The 12-minute short film was created by Disney veterans and brought to life by over 200 volunteers. Fitness meets faith as religious coaches and influencers reshape wellness culture (RNS) — Around the world, Muslim, Jewish, Sikh, Hindu and Buddhist coaches and influencers are creating their own faith-based platforms for fitness. Suspect in Michigan synagogue attack is dead, AP source says WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. (AP) — FBI Director Kash Patel said agents are on scene of an “apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation” at the synagogue. Iran war has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil choke point. Reopening it is a big challenge PARIS (AP) — Former naval officers who have served in the Hormuz passage say vessels would be sitting ducks, with little room for maneuver in the strait's narrow shipping lanes, if foreign naval forces attempted to reopen the waterway before a cessation of hostilities. Opinion In Trump’s Iran conflict, it’s prosperity gospel vs. the Quran (RNS) — Opposing philosophies, distilled from two ancient sacred texts, are colliding in horrific ways. Notions of ‘Christendom’ often miss the mark – medieval Europe’s ideas about faith and power were not so simple (The Conversation) — There has never been a singular Christian perspective on how religion, power and politics ought to relate to each other – not even in medieval ‘Christendom.’ ICYMI Epstein, MAHA and the War for Women Roxy and Katelyn are back, and 2026 is already a lot. Over 100 Latino Christian leaders say Trump adviser Samuel Rodriguez’s reach is misrepresented (RNS) — The letter’s signers say they were prompted to speak out because of the damage the Trump administration’s immigration policies have done to Latino communities. 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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