Friday, May 22, 2026

Weekly Outlook - An announcement years in the making

Dear readers,

We’re honored to share that the Presbyterian Outlook has named the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins as the 2026 recipient of the E.T. Thompson Award.

Presented every two years, the award recognizes leaders whose ministry reflects the convictions of Ernest Trice Thompson — the Outlook’s founding editor, church historian and advocate for the church’s witness in the world. Over the years, the award has honored individuals whose leadership, scholarship, pastoral care and public witness have shaped the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in meaningful ways.

In other words: it’s a pretty big deal.

Hawkins has spent decades calling the church toward justice, compassion and courageous public discipleship. Through his leadership in racial equity and social witness ministries, he has helped Presbyterians engage difficult conversations while keeping faith, community and human dignity at the center.

We’ll celebrate Hawkins and talk more about his ministry during a special Facebook Live conversation on June 4 at 12 p.m. ET. We’d love for you to join us.

Peace,

Rose Schrott Taylor
Digital Content Editor
Presbyterian Outlook 

P.S. Want unlimited access to the Outlook? We're running a General Assembly special for first-time subscribers. A year of the Outlook for $9.95. Learn more. 

P.S.S. Need help catching up on the issues coming to this year's GA? Download our free GA227 guide. 

I stood outside an ICE detention center — and saw two kingdoms collide by Quincy Worthington
Presbyterian Outlook honors Jimmie R. Hawkins by Teri McDowell Ott
Prayer and the problem of evil by Tara W. Bulger 

 
Overture requiring PC(USA) ministers to be monogamous generates debate, confusion by Gregg Brekke

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The PC(USA) continues to navigate questions first raised at the 2024 General Assembly as a new overture asks how recently approved amendments shape ordination and freedom of conscience across the church. — Blake Brinegar

What counts as a disruption in worship?
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