Weekly Outlook - The new confession, explained

Dear readers, This week, two major stories offer a window into the questions shaping the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ahead of the 227th General Assembly. First, former mission co-workers are beginning to speak publicly after the denomination’s sweeping 2025 cuts to global mission. Their accounts raise difficult questions about trust, transparency and the future of international partnerships — and what accountability might look like as overtures related to those decisions come before GA. Meanwhile, a proposed new confession — years in the making — is moving toward consideration this summer. Designed to articulate “the truths the church must speak” today, the document names contemporary sins and calls the church toward renewed witness in a changing world. If adopted, it could shape Presbyterian theology for generations. Together, these stories point to the deeper work before the church: how we name what has been, and how we discern what comes next. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. We've got a lot of GA content heading your way. If you're worried about hitting our paywall — or have people in your life who you think would benefit from the latest PC(USA) news — we're running a special for first-time subscribers: a year-long digital subscription for $9.95.

Special committee proposes confession specific to the times we live in by Harriet Riley A surprising intersection: Queer theology and disability theology by Tony Stiff  Polyamory, church policy and the limits of regulation by April Stace Church support and care for transgender congregants by Patrice Gaines  Former mission co-workers go public as PC(USA) severance conditions expire by Eric Ledermann The church cannot be silent — but what should it say? by Harriet Riley

In case you missed it... Beyond inclusion White supremacist institutions cannot be reformed to realize Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. New structures are needed, writes David F. Evans. Climate Justice, Climate Hope: Building a Moral Economy In "Climate Justice, Climate Hope," Michael Malcom and abby mohaupt connect Scripture to today’s climate crisis — casting a vision for a moral economy rooted in care, community and faithful stewardship, writes Amy Pagliarella. Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center awarded nearly $2 million in grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. The camp with PC(USA) connections will use the grant to support critical capital improvements, including facility restoration, expanded capacity, and enhanced accessibility. — Pyoca Camp and Retreat Center A pastor’s clarity is a congregation’s gift Responding to Gary Noonan, Josh Robinson encourages candidates to bring clarity, conviction and self-knowledge into the pastoral search process. Unification Commission, A Corp Board unanimously recommend balanced unified budgets for 2027 and 2028 The budget proposals, which await approval by the 227th General Assembly, are for $90.5 million in 2027 and $97.9 million in 2028. — Mike Ferguson Rebecca Sue: A Sister’s Reflections on Disability, Faith, and Love  In "Rebecca Sue," Kathleen Norris honors her sister’s childlike faith and enduring humanity, offering a moving meditation on disability, family and God’s steadfast care. Review by Amy Pagliarella. Gracious exclusion: Courage to name the no in our yes Can saying “no” be an act of Christian love? Becca Messman explores how boundaries help churches practice deeper, more meaningful inclusion.

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.