Weekly Outlook - The Book of Confessions, under debate

Dear readers, The PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions has been a lively point of conversation for Presbyterian Outlook readers and writers lately — from Charles Wiley’s “Why the PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions is too long — and how to fix it,” to Keanu Heydari’s response, “What we lose when confessions are treated as optional,” and now our upcoming Facebook Live conversation with members of the Special Committee to Write a New Confession. That timing isn’t accidental. Whether — and how — to add a new confession to the Book of Confessions is shaping up to be a significant conversation at this summer’s General Assembly. Beneath the debates about length, structure, and authority is a deeper set of questions about formation, witness, and what it means to confess our faith in this moment of the church’s life. What do you think? Is the Book of Confessions too long to be practical — or is it simply not taught effectively? What is lost when confessions become unfamiliar? What kind of confession might speak faithfully to the church’s current realities? We hope you’ll join us on Friday, February 20, at 1 p.m. (ET) on Facebook for a live conversation with members of the committee drafting the new confession. It’s a chance to listen in, ask questions, and engage in a process that will shape the church’s theological voice for years to come. You can RSVP to receive reminders — and access the recording if you’re not able to join live. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  Bonus reading: "A turning point in the church’s search for a new confession," by Harriet Riley, Outlook reporting

Join Presbyterian Outlook live! In a weary world, “Heated Rivalry” insists love still matters by Brittany Porch What we lose when confessions are treated as optional by Keanu Heydari Why you should listen to Bad Bunny by Alex Evangelista  As DEI offices close, PC(USA) campus ministries step in by Kathryn Post Charges dropped against some clergy arrested for protesting DHS in Chicago by Jack Jenkins Kendrick Lamar: A theology of thirst, doubt and redemption by Chris Burton In case you missed it... Task force will propose amendments to the PC(USA)’s 1984 Divestment Strategy This summer, commissioners to the 227th General Assembly will consider updated divestment criteria. — Mike Ferguson Conservative influencers don’t actually believe empathy is toxic Allie Beth Stuckey and Joe Rigney just want to make sure you're empathizing with those they deem worthy of empathy. — Elena Trueba  Union Presbyterian Seminary expands hybrid learning to increase student access Union Presbyterian Seminary will shift its Richmond campus graduate and certificate programs to a fully hybrid model starting September 2026. — Union Seminary Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation Board names Ian Hall as A Corp president Hall has served as interim president and in two other roles for the past 13 months.— Mike Ferguson Even now: an Ash Wednesday lament An Ash Wednesday lament by Jennifer L. Aycock that names death, grief, and the ashes we carry into Lent. Ash Wednesday: What do Presbyterians do? Presbyterians have begun to reclaim the tradition of Ash Wednesday, using it as a way to focus on our mortality and prepare us for Easter. — Presbyterian Outlook

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