Gender & Sexuality
Orthodox Jewish women scholars’ growing authority is recognized in push to publish
In the Mennonite Church USA, congregations realign on sexuality
How Catholic women fought Vatican’s prohibition on contraceptives
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ re-spins Genesis. And that’s scary
Women in secularism: Got a problem with that?
Parents sue to overturn New Jersey ban on ex-gay therapy
Gay rights vs. religious rights: 7 issues to watch
‘Are you my mother?’ Sometimes, there’s no easy answer
(RNS) In a classic 1960 children's book, a baby bird toddles up to one critter after another asking, "Are you my mother?'' For some babies today, there's no simple answer -- biologically or legally. By Cathy Lynn Grossman / USA Today.
Parliament bars Church of England from hosting gay weddings
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) The British government unveiled a proposal on Tuesday (Dec. 11) that excludes the Church of England and the Church in Wales from planned legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry in churches. By Trevor Grundy.
New Mormon website features softer, gentler tone on gays
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) The Mormon church is not changing its tune about homosexuality, but it has launched a new website to alter the tone. The site includes video clips of gay members and their families promoting compassion and understanding toward homosexuals, and encouraging everyone to be "disciples of Christ.'' By Peggy Fletcher Stack.
The 10 worst things I was ever told about ‘Christian sex’
I've heard the most appalling -- and the most beautiful -- messages about sex in the church. Too often, the church is silent and bashful about sex, and when the church has spoken out about sex, many messages I heard have either been shaming or repressive.
‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ moves evangelicals beyond black and white sexuality
(RNS) Evangelical women may not want their peers to read the steamy novel "Fifty Shades of Grey." But they do want them to talk about the best-seller -- and the detrimental effects they believe it could have on their marriages. By Adelle M. Banks.
Customer sues Muslim barber for refusing to cut her hair
TORONTO (RNS) A Toronto woman has lodged a complaint against a barber who refused to cut her hair because he's Muslim. By Ron Csillag.
Jews push back against Scouts over policy banning gays
NEW ORLEANS (RNS) For nearly a decade, hundreds of Boy Scouts have learned the virtues of the Ten Commandments on an annual hike to local churches, synagogues and mosques. But this year, Touro Synagogue says it's no longer willing to take part because the Scouts deny membership to gay troop leaders and gay adolescent Scouts. By Bruce Nolan.
Activists say religion is key in combating female genital mutilation
(RNS) Because of its severity and prevalence, female genital mutilation is arguably one of the most important human rights issues in the world. But the practice remains poorly understood, both by supporters who assert it is mandated by Islam, and opponents who, according to some activists, do more to sustain the practice than end it. By Omar Sacirbey.
