Weekly Outlook - Could the PC(USA) broaden its vision of family?

Dear readers, Next Wednesday, the Outlook will host an important conversation with all eight people (four teams) running for co-moderator at GA227. We'll ask them questions about the church's theology of mission, fossil fuel divestment, how best to support small churches, and more.  We'd love for you to join us! We've made the webinar a "pay-what-you-can" format. All donations support the Outlook's ministry of independent journalism, but you can also choose to sign up for free — however, you do need to register to get the Zoom information and recording. If you’re a commissioner preparing to vote, this webinar offers a chance to hear directly from the candidates about their hopes for the church and their vision for the years ahead. If you’re simply trying to follow the assembly and understand the conversations shaping the PC(USA), it’s a great opportunity to gain context before commissioners arrive in Milwaukee. Learn more about next week's webinar. >> Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Did you miss our conversation with the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins last week? Catch the recording on YouTube!

GA overture recommends studies on sexuality and gender, relationships, and family by Gregg Brekke   Discussion of Liberia and reparations coming to GA by Patrice Gaines Louisville Seminary’s Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative Summit affirms rural congregations by Dartinia Hull Committee addresses sexual misconduct within the church by Harriet Riley

In case you missed it... As GA227 debates mission theology, what’s at stake? Historian and missiologist Stanley H. Skreslet reflects on Christian witness as the PC(USA) considers creating a new missiological statement. Vigil Critics called "Vigil" comforting. Andrew Taylor-Troutman found something far more unsettling: a novel that probes guilt, grace and the limits of repentance. Presbyterian Outlook honors the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins with the E.T. Thompson Award Hawkins is Director of Advocacy and Witness for Presbyterian Life & Witness. — Layton Williams Berkes Father-daughter book project is helpful for all ages Roger and Mary Clare Owens share how writing a book on prayer together taught them there are no experts — just curious souls learning to connect with God in their own way. ‘I think everybody lost.' Global partners respond to the end of the mission co-worker program. — Gregg Brekke How the Synod of Lincoln Trails is rethinking boundary training Pastors often leave boundary training knowing the rules but still struggling with conflict, anxiety, and burnout. A new model in the Synod of Lincoln Trails aims to change that, writes Rebecca Blair. 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

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

RNS Morning Report - Mosques face increasing challenges to provide security amid growing anti-Muslim fervor

Mosques face increasing challenges to provide security amid growing anti-Muslim fervor   Next week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is expected to announce awards of $274.5 million in nonprofit security grants to houses of worship and other religious institutions. Known as the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the DHS.   After the deadly attack at a San Diego mosque in May, RNS National Reporter Ulaa Kuziez attended a webinar on mosque security. She heard from Muslim leaders who are frustrated with the grant program, which they warn may be excluding Muslims at a time when anti-Muslim hate is rising and the need to secure mosques is urgent.   Kuziez and RNS Senior Editor Yonat Shimron also learned that some mosques without resources to apply to grants are getting application support from Jewish groups who have won the grants.         Top Stories Mosques face increasing challenges to provide security amid growing anti-Muslim fervor (RNS) — Muslim organizations suspect they are not afforded fair access to the Nonprofit Security Grant Program administered through the Department of Homeland Security. Five faith facts about the 2026 NBA Finals (RNS) — Sport competitions often prompt the most pious fans to see divine favor and religious meaning in the performance of their chosen teams and athletes. This year’s NBA Finals, opposing the New York Knicks to the San Antonio Spurs, are no exception. Catholic bishops approve revised abuse guidelines despite calls for broader reform (RNS) — It was also announced at the USCCB meeting Thursday that the bishops would keep fighting abortion as their ‘preeminent priority’ in their guidelines to voters ahead of the midterm elections. Pope Leo XIV makes heartfelt appeal for migrants: ‘Human dignity has no passport’ LAS PALMAS, Spain (RNS) — At a Canary Islands port marked by migrant suffering, Pope Leo XIV told survivors of trafficking that their dignity cannot be taken from them and warned Europe that every boat arriving on its shores poses a question about what remains of its humanity. Southern Baptists oppose amnesty, political violence, women pastors at annual meeting (RNS) — In a departure from resolutions dating to 2006, the SBC’s new statement does not mention a path to legal status for immigrants. Opinion My friend’s disability from long COVID changed her view of faith and friendship (RNS) — The isolation of being homebound has taught my friend hard lessons. As a result, she believes that her connection with God has increased. ICYMI The country’s largest Protestant adoption agency is dropping LGBTQ couples — again (RNS) — The reversal comes five years after the foster care and adoption agency first agreed to partner with LGBTQ couples. Southern Baptists pass a ban on women pastors again. This time, they hope it sticks. (RNS) — The proposed ban on churches with women pastors or those that allow women to preach was approved by three-quarters of church messengers gathered in Orlando. 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.

WCC NEWS: WCC leaders visit Global Fund, focus on shaping an enabling environment

The moderator of the World Council of Churches (WCC) central committee, Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Strohm, met with Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund; as well as part of the Global Fund leadership team including: Dianne Stewart, deputy director and head of the Donor Relations, External Relations, and Communications Department; and Francesca Davoli, associate specialist for the Donor Relations, External Relations, and Communications Division. Peter Sands, executive director of the Global Fund, and Bishop Dr Heinrich Bedford-Stohm, moderator of the WCC central committee.  Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC 11 June 2026 The WCC moderator was accompanied by Rev. Dr Kenneth Mtata, WCC programme director; Gracia Violeta Ross, WCC programme executive; Marianne Ejdersten, WCC communication director; Dr Christoph Benn, founding director of the JLI Center for Global Health Diplomacy, and a team from JLI.  The Global Fund’s support for the WCC reflects a strategic investment in faith-based advocacy to sustain global HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria treatment and prevention financing amid increasing fiscal pressure. The WCC has mobilised religious leaders, youth, and communities in advocacy briefings, strong media engagement, youth-led campaigns, and impact stories that humanise Global Fund investments and frame health financing as a moral and justice issue.  The WCC is currently deepening this role by championing sustainable health financing through coordinated global, regional, and country-level advocacy—mobilising faith leaders in key policy spaces, producing theological and narrative tools, strengthening regional coordination in Africa, documenting impact, and equipping religious actors with budget advocacy skills. The WCC’s partnership with the Global Fund underscores the WCC’s unique ability to leverage moral authority and public influence to shape the enabling environment, ensuring Global Fund investments remain visible and prioritised. Photo gallery The Global Fund Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC 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