Gender & Sexuality
Arizona Christian University sues school district for religious discrimination
By Kathryn Post — March 10, 2023
(RNS) — At issue, the school board claims, is the university's 'strong' anti-LGBTQ stance.
Former Bishop Megan Rohrer, forced to resign over Latino pastor’s removal, sues ELCA
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 9, 2023
(RNS) — Rohrer is suing the denomination, claiming he was ‘scapegoated’ and cast as racist for following orders when he removed the pastor of a Latino congregation on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
White supremacist propaganda scaled new heights in 2022, ADL report finds
By Yonat Shimron — March 9, 2023
(RNS) — The Patriot Front, based in Texas, was responsible for 80% of propaganda distributions in 2022, the ADL report concluded.
‘Holy Queer’ author seeks Black church inclusion beyond singing with choir
By Adelle M. Banks — February 27, 2023
(RNS) — ‘I focus on the Black church in my criticism because I love it,’ said the Rev. Karmen Michael Smith, author of ‘Holy Queer.’
Two cheers for David French
By Mark Silk — February 24, 2023
(RNS) — The new New York Times columnist upholds principles his conservative tribe has abandoned.
Trailblazing Episcopal priest Pauli Murray to be featured on US quarters
By Yonat Shimron — February 14, 2023
(RNS) — The civil rights lawyer, activist, writer and priest was also gender nonconforming.
Lutheran World Federation head Anne Burghardt on historic firsts and helping Ukraine
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 6, 2023
CHICAGO (RNS) — The secretary general spoke to Religion News Service while in Chicago last week visiting the headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the largest Lutheran denomination in the country and a member of the Lutheran World Federation.
Clergy protest legislation targeting transgender children in Missouri
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 2, 2023
(RNS) — Jewish and Christian clergy have taken an active role in protesting what one advocacy group has called the ‘most dangerous’ session of the Missouri Legislature for the LGBTQ community it has seen in years.
Colorado baker loses appeal over transgender birthday cake
By Colleen Slevin — January 27, 2023
DENVER (AP) — Jack Phillips maintains the cakes he creates are a form of speech and plans to appeal.
The AP Interview: Pope says homosexuality not a crime
By Nicole Winfield — January 25, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Declaring such laws 'unjust,' Francis said the Catholic Church can and should work to put an end to them.
Queer bars offer sacred space for LGBTQ community
By Kathryn Post — January 23, 2023
(RNS) — 'I experienced that genuine, authentic love in gay bars more than I’d ever experienced it growing up in the four walls of the church,' said musician Trey Pearson.
God’s bar: Nashville’s lesbian-owned Lipstick Lounge storied for its radical hospitality
By Kathryn Post — January 23, 2023
(RNS) — 'I really didn’t have money to open a bar,' said Lipstick Lounge-owner Jonda Valentine. 'But I really believed that’s what God wanted me to do.'
Church of England refuses to back same-sex marriage
By Sylvia Hui — January 19, 2023
LONDON (AP) — However, same-sex couples would be able to have a church service with prayers of dedication, thanksgiving or for God's blessing.
At the signing of the marriage act, these two gay Christian men took the next step
By Yonat Shimron — December 30, 2022
(RNS) — Rod Snyder and Alex Orton are among thousands of LGBTQ Christians fighting for the acceptance they were denied by their families, churches and schools.
Top 10 Mormon news stories of 2022
By Jana Riess — December 30, 2022
(RNS) — From a Joseph Smith photograph to David Archuleta's decision to 'step away' from the church, it's been an eventful year.
