Managing editor hired for Christian social justice journal, Unbound

Henry K. Stone to begin new duties in June

by Rick Jones | Presbyterian News Service

Henry K. Stone, the new editor of Unbound. (Photo by Ilana Urman)

LOUISVILLE – Unbound, the online social justice journal of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is getting a new editor. Henry Koenig Stone has been selected to helm the award-winning journal, sponsored by the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP).

Stone has a master’s degree in public policy and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Chicago. His undergraduate work focused on economics and his public policy work has included healthcare analysis as an intern with the Cleveland Clinic. He also provided legislative assistance to a delegate in the Virginia State Legislature as a Public Policy Fellow.

“The language of faith is not limited in its vocabulary, its denomination or subject matter. It translates into every aspect of personal and interpersonal life,” said Stone. “Unbound offers a framework to address this broad scope of a holistic Gospel with particular attention to persons shaped by social media, blogging and newer digital platforms.”

Stone has preached and led youth events in the United Church of Christ and is involved in lay ministry. His family includes Presbyterian and UCC theologians and ministers.

“We had a strong set of theologically trained finalists, yet found Henry also able to speak the language of Christian faith and ethics quite fluently,” said the Rev. Chris Iosso, ACSWP coordinator. “Henry brings an incisive and energetic eye for policy analysis, a musician’s ear for editing, and a pastor’s kid’s impatience with church clichés.”

ACSWP, including Unbound, is part of the church’s Compassion, Peace and Justice ministries, however Iosso says Stone will interact with a range of social ministries within the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Unbound recently won seven awards from the Associated Church Press including awards of excellence for written editorial/opinion and first person experience.

The two previous managing editors, the Rev. Patrick D. Heery (2011-13), and the Rev. Ginna Bairby (2013-16), were graduates of Princeton and Union Presbyterian Seminaries, respectively, and were ordained to the Managing Editor position. Both currently serve as pastors of PC(USA) congregations.

Stone begins his new duties on June 12.