Renée K. Gadoua

Renée K. Gadoua is an author at Religion News Service.

All Stories by Renée K. Gadoua

Mass. pastor Scott Lively faces possible fine for harsh anti-gay efforts in Uganda

By Renée K. Gadoua — October 1, 2015

(RNS) A federal lawsuit lodged by a Ugandan LGBT advocacy group alleges Scott Lively conspired with Ugandan religious and political leaders to incite anti-gay sentiment resulting in discrimination, arrest, torture and murder in that country.

Brazil, Peru end partnerships with Presbyterian Church (USA) over gay marriage

By Renée K. Gadoua — September 23, 2015

(RNS) The loss of the South American partnerships comes on top of the 50 U.S. congregations that formally split from the 1.8 million-member denomination since it allowed ministers to celebrate same-sex marriages.

Sister Monica’s secret ministry to transgender people

By Renée K. Gadoua — August 11, 2015

(RNS) Now in her early 70s and semiretired because of health problems, Sister Monica remains committed to her singular calling for the past 16 years: helping transgender people come out of the shadows.

Gay civil rights activist, MLK mentor Bayard Rustin to be honored

By Renée K. Gadoua — June 30, 2015

(RNS) Years before the gay rights movement gained momentum, the openly gay black activist, a Quaker, advised Martin Luther King Jr. on nonviolent protest tactics and organized the 1963 March on Washington.

United Methodist conferences petition denomination on behalf of LGBT rights

By Renée K. Gadoua — June 17, 2015

(RNS) United Methodist regional bodies meeting across the country this month are increasingly writing petitions and passing resolutions asking the denomination to change church law on behalf of LGBT people.

Ugandan priest: LGBT people are fleeing for Kenya to avoid rampant discrimination

By Renée K. Gadoua — June 5, 2015

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (RNS) In Uganda, LGBT people are beaten, raped, evicted and dismissed from their jobs because of their sexual identity or orientation, said the Rev. Anthony Musaala during a speaking engagement. Even associating with or advocating for LGBT people may invite discrimination, he said.

In Thomas Merton, conference panelists see a model for racial justice and healing

By Renée K. Gadoua — May 19, 2015

(RNS) While he’s widely admired for his autobiographical writing about contemplative prayer and meditation, Merton’s work on racial justice is less well-known.

Nuns to pope: Revoke 15th-century doctrine that allows Christians to seize native land

By Renée K. Gadoua — September 9, 2014

(RNS) By revoking these papal bulls, the signers said, “all will know that today’s world is different from that of the 15th century as we move away from patterns of domination and dehumanization,” the resolution says.

United Methodist pastor Frank Schaefer reinstated on appeal

By Renée K. Gadoua — June 24, 2014

(RNS) The appeals committee ruled that the penalty was beyond those outlined in church law.

Rabbi Charles Sherman pens memoir about living with son’s brokenness

By Renée K. Gadoua — May 2, 2014

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (RNS) Rabbi Charles S. Sherman writes about his journey dealing with a severely disabled son and the faith that sustained him in “The Broken and the Whole: Discovering Joy after Heartbreak.”

Jesuit school in Syracuse to appoint laywoman as president, a first

By Renée K. Gadoua — April 1, 2014

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (RNS) Le Moyne College appears poised to make history by appointing the first female president to a U.S. Jesuit college or university.

United Methodist bishop may face trial for presiding at gay wedding

By Renée K. Gadoua — March 13, 2014

(RNS) Retired Bishop Melvin G. Talbert is the highest clergyperson to have broken the church’s official laws and the only bishop known to have officiated at a same-sex wedding ceremony.

Spared a church trial in one region, Methodists may find censure in another

By Renée K. Gadoua — March 10, 2014

(RNS) The resolution of the Rev. Thomas Ogletree’s case highlights an emerging dynamic that allows some pastors to skirt rules banning clergy from performing same-sex wedding, while others risk costly church trials and the loss of clergy credentials.

Inspired by St. Francis, young adults look to emulate his bond with nature

By Renée K. Gadoua — February 24, 2014

(RNS) The national ecumenical program encourages young adults, aged 18 to 35, to connect social and environmental justice activities with Franciscan teachings that stress the interconnectedness of creation.