Weekly Outlook - A global, Reformed appeal to defend democracy

Dear readers, Publishing as a form of ministry is a unique career field. You have to contend with many of the same pressures larger media companies now face — decreasing resources, de-prioritization of material on social networks, changing reading habits. Yet, you try to do it on a shoestring budget and with a strong sense of ethics. It takes an incredible commitment of time and energy for our small staff to publish material for you each week.  We navigate this in-between space of sacred and secular, public and private, because we get to do what we love. Words matter to us. Even more, we believe that God is at work in the world and that we are, somehow, called to point to that action through not only our own words and editorial choices, but through how we treat the words of others.  This is holy -- and taxing -- work. So, when we encounter moments of recognition, support, and celebration, we like to claim them! We had one of those moments last week at the Associated Church Press's Best of the Church Press awards. Out of 760 entries among nearly 90 categories, the Presbyterian Outlook won five awards. One award I'm particularly proud of is the Award of Excellence (the top honor) for our General Assembly 2024 coverage. If you would like to see more news coverage, design, and courageous editorials like we were recognized for at ACP, now is an exceptional time to donate to the Outlook. This spring, two generous donors have offered to match every donation up to $30,000. This means your gift will go twice as far. Whether you give $25 or $2,500, you're helping us tell the stories that shape the future of the church, that point to God at work in the world. Donate now > With gratitude, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor

Presbyterian Outlook recognized at Best of the Christian Press Awards by Rose Schrott Taylor  Praying compline with my dying dog by Katy Shevel Built on resilience, closed by circumstance: A Black Presbyterian church’s final service by Kim Smith Revelation as a resource for active nonviolent resistance by Timothy Reardon The principles of Kingian Nonviolence by Teri McDowell Ott An appeal to defend democratic culture by Reformed Christians from around the world Join us for a webinar on May 13 at 7 pm ET. In case you missed it... Americans may be going to church less, but most are still open to religion, spirituality Just because religious behavior and affiliation have taken a nosedive in the last 30 years does not mean America is suddenly a secular country. —  Ryan Burge and Tony Jones Trump signs executive order creating Religious Liberty Commission President Donald Trump has appointed evangelical allies and a pair of high-profile Catholic clergy to join other faith leaders on a National Commission on Religious Liberty. — Bob Smietana “I thank God every time I remember you” Phillip Blackburn offers a reflection on joy, memory, and the enduring gift of spiritual relationships within the church, even amid burnout, conflict, and change. Three PC(USA) volunteer host sites now open in western North Carolina for Hurricane Helene recovery Project is giving new life to old buildings and spaces on church campuses. — Darla Carter Nonviolence, fear and hard questions What if God actually meant, “thou shalt not kill?” — Laurie Lyter Bright Meet the ‘papabile’: The likely contenders to become the next pope A slate of conservative, transitional and progressive candidates to replace Francis. — Claire Giangravé

Join us for a webinar on May 21 at 7 pm ET.