News & Share Backend — Denver Presbytery

World Mission leader addresses questions regarding shift in global ministry approach  

World Mission leader addresses questions regarding shift in global ministry approach  
Reconfiguring the church’s international presence among top priorities 

 

Rick Jones
Presbyterian News Service 
March 17, 2025 
LOUISVILLE 

Last month, leaders in the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced a reimagining of how it approaches global ministry. The plan includes transitioning World Mission with a new vision that leaders believe will continue to build connections with PC(USA) partners domestically and around the world.  

The Presbyterian News Service recently talked with the Rev. Mienda Uriarte, interim deputy executive director in the IUA, to address some of the questions around the decisions to change this approach to global ministry.  

 The PC(USA)’s approach to World Mission goes back decades. Why make this change now? 

The deep relationships formed through World Mission have been a source of joy, transformation and faithful service. This change in approach is not a reflection of a diminished commitment but an intentional effort to create a sustainable and authentic model for global ministry today and for tomorrow. This means creating a new form of ministry that will strengthen both the ecclesial and programmatic mission functions of the church.  

 The goal is to: 

  • Create a more missionally equitable and sustainable approach that honors the agency of global partners. 

  • Elevate the leadership of global partners in shaping ministry. 

  • Strengthen long-term partnerships through shared ministry models that reflect the evolving needs of the global church. 

 This is also taking place as part of the unification of the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency, agencies that have previously held different roles in global and ecumenical work.  

Another is financial. The reality is, the current model was not financially sustainable. A significant portion of funding for mission co-workers has come from gifts restricted for sending and supporting individuals called to this work. Gifts for those accounts are on average $1 million less than has been budgeted for several years now. Making this change now will allow us to be engaged globally for years to come.  

There are some who argue that this goes against General Assembly actions. Is that accurate? 

The General Assembly’s CR-10 resolution (2024) has been carefully considered during this entire process. The new model retains funding for critical placement of PC(USA) leaders on the ground through the appointment and placement of global ecumenical liaisons, domestically and internationally. The shift also builds upon theological and missiological foundations outlined in Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership (2003) and the Ecumenical Stance of the PC(USA) (2008).   

 How does this change impact World Mission staff? 

These changes will have an impact on all 79 world mission staff members, including some mission co-workers and those who have faithfully supported them. Staff have been informed that their service in its current form will conclude toward the end of March. Some have been offered salary and benefits packages appropriate for their years of service, consistent with our policies. Others have been invited to serve in new roles under this new model of global engagement.  

IUA leadership acknowledges and honors the deep commitment of our mission co-workers as well as the strong relationships that have been forged over the years. We recognize the grief, frustration, and uncertainty that many experience. We are learning from the past while making space for the work of the Holy Spirit to shape our future.  

Who are the individuals who will be impacted by this decision? 

World Mission staff are in a discernment period that will last through the end of March. Out of respect for that process and in compliance with employment laws, we are not disclosing specific names at this time. We recognize that this uncertainty is difficult. Once the discernment period is complete, we will share more information but only with the consent of the individuals involved. In the coming months, we will be holding an event to recognize, celebrate and give thanks for the ministry of colleagues who are ending service.  

Will the PC(USA) continue to have an international presence? 

YES!! The PC(USA) remains committed to a global presence in a new way for a new day, which is why the current approach, roles and responsibilities are being reshaped to align with present realities. The goal is to empower global and ecumenical partners while also continuing to equip Presbyterians for meaningful engagement in global ministry. We encourage you to read this “Shifting Patterns of Global Engagement” article for more on how global mission and ecclesial partnership are changing.  

Define what it means to be a Global Ecumenical Liaison. 

Global Ecumenical Liaisons will assist global partners, diaspora communities in the United States, mid councils, congregations, mission networks, national or regional PC(USA) programs, and local organizations. They will facilitate and encourage connections, relationships, and shared work in ministry and mission. 

For those who have financially supported the work of World Mission, where should that support be directed now? 

The PC(USA) remains committed to a global presence, so financial support remains critical moving forward. For years, the current funding model for mission co-workers has been unsustainable due to declining PC(USA) membership and its impact on mission giving, coupled with rising costs. Contributions to Account E132192 will sustain the work of the new global ecumenical liaisons. Mid councils and congregations are encouraged to reach out to their Ministry Engagement Advisor (MEA) for guidance in discerning their continued support for global mission. 

We also encourage supporters to stay engaged in mission partnerships and explore new ways to connect with global ministries.  

What happens to previous gifts given to Extra Commitment Opportunities (ECOs) designated in support of specific global partners, which have not yet been disbursed? 

The Interim Unified Agency’s commitment to global ecumenical partnerships, as well as the sharing of financial resources, remains the same. Within the new global engagement model, an ECO gift designated in support of a global partner or project will continue to be used in accordance with the ECOs’ designated purpose, our gift acceptance policy, our grant policy and operating procedures.  

 How will the PC(USA) remain grounded in its Reformed and Presbyterian values while engaging globally? 

Our mission remains rooted in our witness to Jesus Christ’s unconditional love and call to justice and our commitment to global partnerships. We continue to uphold our values of peace, racial and gender equity, theological diversity, and care for marginalized communities. The IUA is guided by the statements and policies of the PC(USA) General Assembly and in particular, the theological and missiological foundations outlined in Presbyterians Do Mission in Partnership (2003) and the Ecumenical Stance of the PC(USA) (2008).       

 This is a big change. We invite you to join us as we begin to live into this new opportunity this spring and summer. 

Presbyterian Outlook’s Instagram was suspended by Meta without explanation.

Presbyterian Outlook’s Instagram was suspended by Meta without explanation. Learn what happened and where to find us now.

by Teri McDowell Ott
Published: March 5, 2025 |Updated: March 6, 2025

Dear readers,

The Presbyterian Outlook’s Instagram account was recently and permanently suspended by Meta for allegedly violating community standards. We were not informed which standard we violated — even after requesting clarification. Our appeal was reviewed and denied within 10 minutes, leaving us with no recourse. Our account, along with all the unique content we created for it, is gone.

This happened on February 19, as our social media producer was uploading content from our recent issue on civil rights. While Meta has not explained, this timing is the only connection we can draw between our content and the suspension. We are left to assume that our account was reported by one or several individuals and that Meta’s institutional shift away from fact-checking laid the groundwork for our ban.

We want our followers to know why you can no longer find us on Instagram. We considered starting over with a new account, but there’s no guarantee this won’t happen again. More importantly, our mission remains unchanged: we are committed to publishing content that values the diversity of God’s creation, the equity of God’s justice, and the inclusion of Christ’s welcome.

This suspension is more than frustrating — it has tangible consequences. Social media is a key way we share our digital content. We’ve invested staff time and financial resources into boosting our content through Meta’s platforms to expand our reach and make Presbyterianism more digitally discoverable. While we will continue using Facebook, we are also shifting our focus to platforms like Bluesky and its new Instagram alternative, Flashes.

If you haven’t yet, we invite you to follow us on Bluesky: @presoutlook.bsky.social. Bluesky’s decentralized model puts users and communities first, with a dedicated human moderation team that reviews flagged content and responds to appeals. Meta’s centralized model prioritizes business interests through ad-driven algorithms, leaving users with little say over the content they see and little recourse to appeal flagged content. Also, Bluesky empowers creators to take their content with them if they choose to leave.

As the only independent, multimedia publisher serving the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we have recently enjoyed remarkable growth by embracing digital strategy and media expertise. This growth has allowed us to sustain our print magazine despite the rising costs of publication. We are grateful for your support — whether as readers, subscribers, or donors — which enables us to navigate challenges like this and continue our mission in service to Christ’s church.

Thank you for standing with us.

Gratefully,

Teri McDowell Ott

Where to find the latest Presbyterian Outlook content:

Update: We received news early on March 6 that our Instagram account was restored. We believe our editorial — and, more importantly, the support of our readers and friends — precipitated an internal review that resulted in our account being reinstated.

Now the question becomes: Do we return to Instagram? Read our full thoughts here. 

The Stated Clerk and Executive Director wants Presbyterians to know about recent efforts to make civil society less disruptive

Dear Siblings in Christ of the PC(USA), 

The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk and Executive Director PCUSA

In recent days, we have seen the disruption of so many norms in our life together as a civil society within the U.S. Among those disruptions are the negation of those places we have thought of as protected spaces, those “sensitive locations,” where children can learn and play and people have their needs met, including needs for food and shelter, and where all can worship God and practice their faith and find community. Many of you have been wondering whether the denomination is doing anything.

 The denomination is doing something. Each time you, your committees, your faith communities and congregation, and mid councils do something, the denomination is showing up with and for those who are at risk of harm. And also, the Interim Unified Agency, as an agency of the General Assembly, is working in a variety of ways both domestically and globally. 

The Office of Public Witness (OPW) has sent out several Action Alerts asking Presbyterians to engage with the administration and members of Congress in accordance with our policy. Sign-on letters with coalition partners are being sent out, quite literally, on a daily basis as well as strategic planning meetings. OPW’s advocacy guide, Holy Discontentment, is being updated and will soon be available in a digital format. A monthly advocacy conversation will begin in February for an opportunity to gather, share, and learn ways we can promote the justice of Jesus as a part of the body of Christ.

The Office of Immigration Issues (OII) is responding to this situation in a way that considers the sensitive information we are receiving and the fear of those reaching out. We are conferring with individuals, worshiping communities, and mid councils as they imagine ministry through this new lens. OII continues to direct people to the Family Care Plan page of our website so that communities can come together in support of one another and create plans for the worst-case scenarios. Invitations to Know Your Rights training events for individuals at risk and religious communities are being shared through Facebook. The office is engaging in conversations with community partners about what a sanctuary response looks like in these times. We continue to engage in efforts and events with our ecumenical and interfaith partners. 

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is in contact with communities that have been hit with recent ICE raids and continues to be involved in multiple initiatives that contribute to offering a safe and stable environment for refugees and asylum seekers, including funding the development of temporary housing and providing direct assistance for food, rent support, and legal services. In Chicago, PDA supported a coalition of faith communities that housed, on church property, migrants who have disabilities, are LGBTQIA+, or have other reasons why a shelter setting would be difficult for them. PDA is also investing in sustainable infrastructure projects that directly impact migrant communities both domestically and globally, and is collaborating with local Presbyterian churches to mobilize congregations, raise awareness, and provide direct assistance and trauma-informed pastoral care for migrants, who face more legal and logistical barriers than ever before due in part to government support of anti-immigrant legislation and executive actions. The work of PDA is done in partnership with mid councils and congregations and Presbyterians around the country are helping to fund this work.

In addition to these efforts, we are prayerfully and carefully exploring a variety of options that will help us live into the many policies and statements of the General Assembly. These policies and statements that are relevant to what is happening in our country at this time are guiding the ministry of staff as we work with partners and other collaborators in seeking avenues of action that range from statements all the way to legal strategies, up to and including initiating legal action. These efforts continue as new information is received and considered. While we do so, we are working to ensure the protection of all partners involved, but most importantly those who are most vulnerable to harm in this time.

For all those whose ministries, including worship and communal life, are being impacted by these policies and procedures that no longer recognize sensitive and sacred locations, I pray that you will know God’s deep and abiding presence with you and the presence of your denomination, your faith community with you. May God bless you and keep you. 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.... (Hebrews 12:1-2a)

In faith and perseverance, 

Rev. Jihyun Oh
Stated Clerk and Executive Director
Interim Unified Agency
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

January 28, 2025 Presbytery Gathering Highlights

Courageously Conspiring Together
Moderator Pat Queen welcomed folx* to this Assembly, in the Sanctuary of First Plymouth Congregational Church, where Calvary Presbyterian Church nests.

Thank you Worship Leaders for a wonderful Assembly Worship! 

Ruth McCollum Huff, Pat Queen, Dee Cooper, Chris Wineman, Michelle Fincher, gretchen Sausville,  Emily Lewis, David Short, Heidi Thomas, Judy Viccellio, Diana Ngon, Dale Vodehnal, Ann Butcher.

Worship 
Our incoming Denver Presbytery Moderator Ruth McCollum Huff and Vice-Moderator Chris Wineman were installed.

Dee Cooper wrote and led our Land Acknowledgement which was underscored by Heidi Thomas on the flute. 

Ruth preached a sermon entitled With Heart, With Breath,Together, and introduced this year's theme Courageously Conspiring Together. Chris Wineman and Michelle Fincher celebrated communion.

Thank You Pat Queen
The Presbytery Assembly thanked outgoing Moderator Pat Queen, for her steadfastness and service. Pat, we thank you again for your leadership and service among us and with us over the last two years.

Lead Presbyter Report | Dee Cooper
Dee highlighted the new theme for this year and the importance of embodying and living into our faith. Dee highlighted the need for connection and community, and the importance of standing together against threats to dignity and safety. An invitation to all was given, to join various opportunities in the community to conspire together and be the people of God known by our love. Dee also named that it is important to read the Presbytery E-News.

Associate Presbyter for Mission Report | Fernando Rodríguez
Fernando took the opportunity to address the Assembly about our New Worshipping Communities and immigrant congregations who are directly affected by the changes happening within our political sphere. He shared out resources and connections and the ways congregations can support and be in solidarity with those who are vulnerable.

Offering
The Assembly took an offering for the Special Needs Fund of the Presbytery which provides pastoral care for our ministers, candidates, and their families when facing medical or financial concerns. If you would like to support our special needs fund, scan the QR Code to give via our website.

Welcome New Minister Members!
Rich McDermott is Honorably Retired and the Parish Associate at St. James Presbyterian Church. 

Brittany Tamminga is a Member at Large transferring from San Francisco Presbytery. 

Jinsol Tark is  a Presbyterian Federal Chaplain in the Air Force Reserves (Validated Ministry). 

Generative Time
New Worshiping Community Leader of A Stoked Life, Mindy Heimer, guided participants through breathing exercises and movement to foster a sense of connection and collective breath. The session concluded with small group discussions on how to carry this sense of connection into the Presbytery's work, with participants sharing ideas about giving permission, embracing differences, and focusing on willingness rather than awkwardness.

Examination for Ordination
Jordan Shive was successfully examined for ordination by the assembly. He has been called as a Chaplain Supervisor in the UC Health System and will be ordained at First Presbyterian Church in Fort Collins on Saturday February 15, 2025. Congratulations Jordan!

Transfer of Membership 
Joy Engelsman, a minister ordained in the Christian Reformed Church (North America) was welcomed into the PC(USA) and Denver Presbytery by a vote of the Assembly to exempt her from ordination exams. The Ministry Relations Committee (MRC) had previously validated Joy’s ministry as a Missionary for Youth For Christ, pending the vote of the Assembly. Thank you to the MRC sub team of Anne Bond, Beth Hewlett, Bill Sanders, and gretchen Sausville who have walked with Joy and the Presbytery in this process. Congratulations Joy and welcome home!

Ministry Relations Committee
Sheri Fry shared that 2024 and 2025 Terms of Call are necessary for MRC and must be submitted in order from Presbytery Grant Funding to be distributed. The Praesidium Boundary Training for 2024 is in a 90 day grace period and there are still 30 clergy who need to take it by March 31, 2025. The 2025 Boundary Training course will soon be announced. It is necessary to be taken by clergy exercising their ordered ministry and non-ordained members serving in Presbytery leadership. There are still two Pastoral Assistance Subsidy Grants available, the deadline to apply is February 17, 2025. 

Partnership of Zimbabwe and Denver Presbyteries (PZDP) Delegate Commissioning
The Presbytery Commissioned the delegates headed to Zimbabwe February 19 - March 3, 2025. Dee Cooper, Doug Friesema, Julia Henderson and Russ Kane will travel as the delegation from Denver Presbytery to the Presbytery of Zimbabwe as we celebrate our 20th year of partnership together. Our prayers go with them as they travel to our friends in Zimbabwe. 

Celebrations
Congratulations and thank you for your leadership, Jill VanderWal as the newest member of the Servant Leadership Development Committee

Thank you to all who have served and are rotating off Presbytery Leadership. Thank you to Chris Spotts for creating this celebration video.

Acknowledgements
Thank you to Rev. Michelle Fincher and the staff and many volunteers at Calvary Presbyterian Church for your space, hospitality, and making room for all of us.

Immigration Resources

Welcoming the Stranger: Immigration Resources for PC(USA) Churches

As followers of Christ, we are called to welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and seek justice. Throughout Scripture, God commands us to love the foreigner among us (Leviticus 19:34) and reminds us that Jesus Himself was a refugee (Matthew 2:13-15).

In response to this biblical call, we offer these immigration resources to help Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations support, advocate for, and walk alongside immigrants in their communities. Whether through hospitality, legal aid, advocacy, or pastoral care, we invite you to explore ways your church can be a place of welcome, refuge, and hope for those seeking a new home.

May these resources equip and inspire us to live out God’s call to love and serve our neighbors, embracing the stranger as Christ among us.

RESOURCES

Documento para Planificación Familiar (español/inglés)/ Family Planning Document (English/Spanish)
Our Family Plan/Nuestro Plan Familiar

Immigrant Support Toolkit (City of Denver)
Denver remains a welcoming city and together, we are working to ensure that families and individuals who want to make Denver their home can find the resources and the assistance they need to successfully do so. Built to address your needs, here, you can easily find and connect with information and resources provided by the City and County of Denver and community partners.

Centro de los Trabajadores Colorado
Since 2002, El Centro’s model offers programs that link day laborers, domestic workers, and other low-wage and immigrant workers to employment opportunities, education, and engaging campaigns to affect policy that strengthen their rights and address health and safety concerns. Its core programs are designed to enhance job and life skills while building leadership and strengthening relationships with the community.

PC(USA) Office of Immigration
Resources and links to information, Presbyterian policy, and worship resources

Discernment and Planning Tools for Those Facing Deportation
Guidance from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), December 2, 2024

Prepare for Detention (PCUSA)

You can empower yourself now with important information so that you are prepared should a member become detained. The Navigating Immigration Detention worksheet (PDF) can assist in planning for before detention and how to navigate the detention system once someone is detained.

The Community Initiatives for Visiting Immigrants in Confinement (CIVIC) is a trusted organization that hosts a national immigration detention visitation network and monitors abuses in immigration detention. They have many resources that can help communities support members at risk of detention and deportation.

To find a family member in immigration detention, use the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee locator. Once you have the name and location of the facility, you can use this search engine to get other important information, like visitation schedules. Typically, attorneys can visit at any time and clergy can visit if they have called in advance. Others must abide by the posted schedule.

The Red Cards Project
As an additional resource, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center has created “Red Cards” listing the rights that people of varying immigration statuses have while physically present in the United States. These cards available in multiple languages. You may order pre-printed cards for free or print your own to give to others. To find out more, click HERE.

Downloadable Guides

Factsheet: Trump’s Rescission of Protected Areas Policies Undermines Safety for All 
From the National Immigration Law Center, January 21, 2025

Guidance to Nonprofits Regarding Immigration Enforcement
Published by Lawyers Alliance for New York, December 23, 2024

Isaiah 10:1-2 warns: “Woe to those who make iniquitous decrees, who rob the poor of their rights...” This is exactly what Project 2025 seeks to do—dismantle federal protections, target immigrant communities, and eliminate essential services.

ACTION ALERT

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Washington Office has issued an Action Alert regarding Project 2025. The implementation of Project 2025 presents dangerous measures that harm the nation’s well-being. Its proposals align with several executive orders on numerous issues.

Presbyterians, and all people of faith, must respond with an onslaught of pushback to ensure our voices are heard in Congress, the administration, and among the members of the President’s cabinet and staff.

The Trump administration is already implementing its dangerous proposals. We must speak out and take action.

What You Can Do:

1. Contact your members of Congress to oppose these policies.

2. Host prayer and listening sessions in your community.

3. Support immigrant families and share their stories.

Let’s unite in prayer and action to protect those harmed by these policies. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q035jWFf0