homosexuality
Preachers arrested during New Orleans gay pride party plan to sue for right to protest
NEW ORLEANS (RNS) Nine preachers who were arrested after they allegedly yelled slurs during a gay pride festival plan to sue the city over an ordinance that bans "aggressive solicitation" in the city's storied French Quarter. By Katherine Fretland.
Democrats add support for gay marriage to convention platform
CHARLOTTE (RNS) On the night the Democrats became the first major U.S. political party to endorse gay marriage, some convention delegates remembered how it used to be — back in high school, back in the closet, back in the days when, as one said, "you're scared because it's not OK to be who you are." By Rick Hampson.
Tyler Clementi’s parents leave evangelical church over views on homosexuality
RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (RNS) The parents of Tyler Clementi have left their longtime evangelical church due to its views on homosexuality. By Dan Ivers.
Professor says he was fired from Atlanta seminary over evangelical beliefs
(RNS) A professor who was fired in July by the Interdenominational Theological Center says the Atlanta consortium of black seminaries discriminated against his conservative Christian views. By Adelle M. Banks.
New poll examines minorities’ views on social issues
(RNS) Compared to Hispanic Americans, black Americans are far more likely to believe abortion should be legal in most circumstances, even when they personally reject the procedure as immoral. By Lauren Markoe.
Archbishop of Canterbury slams Christians who feel `disgusted’ about homosexuality
LONDON (RNS) Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams criticized some Christians for feeling so "embarrassed and ashamed and disgusted" over homosexuality that they send out a message signaling a lack of understanding and patience. By Al Webb.
Should gay Mormons marry women? Some say it’s an option
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) Gay Mormon men who are married to women don't claim that their path is the right one for all Mormon gays, and the LDS Church has stopped officially recommending it as a "cure" for homosexuality. Still, as support group numbers indicate, many devoutly religious members still see it as the way to go. By Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Southern Baptists approve alternate name, but barely
NEW ORLEANS (RNS) In a close vote, members of the Southern Baptist Convention have voted to accept the alternate unofficial name of “Great Commission Baptists.” Their two-day meeting ends Wednesday (June 20). By Adelle M. Banks.
Guest commentary: Christians can change their minds on homosexuality. I know, because I did.
(RNS) The night my daughter told me she is gay, I felt as though the air had been sucked out of the room. I had been an evangelical Christian for over 30 years and thought that this was the worst thing that could happen. By Shari Johnson.
Photographer to appeal same-sex wedding decision
WASHINGTON (RNS) Attorneys for a Christian wedding photographer say they will appeal a New Mexico court decision that ruled she violated anti-discrimination laws by refusing to photograph a lesbian commitment ceremony. By Chris Lisee.
Baptist leader critiques anti-gay comments
(RNS) A Southern Baptist leader who works on gay outreach has criticized recent anti-gay comments by North Carolina pastors, saying they “show a complete lack of understanding of how to minister to those struggling with this particular temptation.” By Adelle M. Banks.
‘Old Catholics’ embrace new movements
(RNS) In the North American Old Catholic Church, priests practice a brand of Catholicism that most Catholics wouldn’t recognize. There are married gay priests, open Communion and no allegiance to Rome. By Peggy Fletcher Stack.
Faculty leave Baptist school, Shorter University, over “lifestyle” statement
(RNS) More than two dozen faculty members have resigned from Shorter University, a Baptist school in Georgia, after it required them to sign a “personal lifestyle statement” that condemns homosexuality, premarital sex and public drinking. By Adelle M. Banks.
‘Angry Queers’ damage Mark Driscoll’s church in Portland
PORTLAND, Ore. (RNS) A satellite church affiliated with controversial Seattle pastor Mark Driscoll was vandalized Tuesday, and a group calling itself the "Angry Queers" has reportedly taken responsibility. By Stephen Beaven.
United Methodists to debate allowing gay clergy and same-sex marriage
(RNS) As nearly 1,000 delegates from across the world gather in Tampa, Fla., for the United Methodist Church's General Conference, gay and lesbian activists have printed pamphlets promoting their cause in five languages, including Portuguese and Swahili. By Daniel Burke.