Weekly Outlook - Two GA talks: relationships and global mission

Dear readers, As the 227th General Assembly of the PC(USA) approaches, a proposed overture on monogamy, polygamy and clergy relationships is prompting important conversation. In a new op-ed, Episcopal priest and researcher April Stace offers one perspective, reflecting on how the church defines relationships, names harm and cultivates ethical, accountable community. At the same time, a new reported piece takes readers inside a recent gathering at Union Presbyterian Seminary, where Presbyterians began drafting a theology of mission in the wake of the denomination's major restructuring around mission. The story captures a room marked by grief, tension and hope, as dismissed mission co-workers, denominational leaders and theologians wrestle with what comes next. Together, these pieces offer distinct but timely entry points into the conversations shaping GA227 — from sexuality and ethics to the future of global mission — and the questions the church will carry forward. 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.

Polyamory, church policy and the limits of regulation by April Stace    Welcoming neurodiversity in worship by Jen Bluestein =The church cannot be silent — but what should it say? by Harriet Riley, Outlook reporting Dismissed mission co-workers, denominational officials draft new theology of mission by Eric Ledermann,Outlook reporting

In case you missed it... Ovid Benjamin “Ben” Sparks III, longtime pastor and advocate for those on the margins, dies at 87 A pastor, preacher and former Outlook board member, Sparks helped shape church and civic life in Richmond through a lifelong commitment to justice and unity. A strategic plan for the work of the Administrative Services Group A Corporation Board gets an initial look at the top areas for concentrated efforts throughout 2026. — Mike Ferguson Princeton Theological Seminary to honor three retiring faculty members through ‘The Work That Endures’ event April 24 The public is invited to farewell lectures from Theology Department Professors Dirk Smit, George Hunsinger and Mark Lewis Taylor. How grief led me back to church After losing three close family members, one man finds his faith and a calling to pastoral ministry. Alan Olson reflects on how loss can open the door to renewal. PC(USA) survey explores why some donors have paused or halted their giving to the national church The most common response was givers are focusing on their local church. — Mike Ferguson A cosmic case for empathy In "Project Hail Mary," an unlikely friendship reveals that interdependence is woven into creation, writes Brendan McLean. Faith has always gone to space. Artemis II shows how much it has changed. Both Apollo 8 and Artemis II missions included public references to religion, but astronauts aboard the Artemis’ Orion spacecraft struck a broader, more global tone. — Jack Jenkins 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.

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