homosexuality
Christian author Jen Hatmaker takes stand for LGBT inclusion
By Jonathan Merritt — April 25, 2016
The bestselling author, HGTV star, and wife of an evangelical pastor gets bold about accepting LGBT persons on Facebook.
Christian therapists push back against Tennessee counseling bill
By Jonathan Merritt — April 14, 2016
A Tennessee bill would allow mental health providers to refuse to treat patients based on their religious convictions. But Christian counselors say the bill is discriminatory and unnecessary.
From polygamy to incest, confronting the Old Testament’s strange sexual standards
By Jonathan Merritt — April 8, 2016
Some of the Bible's passages are deeply troubling, and despite the wishful thinking of some Christians, are difficult to reason away.
Georgia’s religious freedom bill a mixed bag, missed opportunity
By Jonathan Merritt — February 25, 2016
Opponents of the bill argues that these sorts of measures use protection language as a cover for legalizing discrimination of LGBT persons.
Lawsuit by ex-Atlanta fire chief critical of homosexuality to proceed
By Reuters — December 17, 2015
ATLANTA (Reuters) A federal judge will hear a high-profile discrimination lawsuit brought by Kelvin Cochran, a Baptist who claims he was fired for his religious beliefs after publishing a book critical of homosexuality.
Italian priest loses parish post after blaming children for sexual abuse
By Rosie Scammell — October 7, 2015
(ROME) The Archdiocese of Trento issued a statement saying it “completely disassociates” itself from the Rev. Gino Flaim’s remarks.
How evangelicals’ flip-flop on ex-gay therapy can actually improve their credibility (COMMENTARY)
By Jonathan Merritt — October 7, 2015
(RNS) We should celebrate the humility and courage it takes for Mohler and others to say “I got that wrong.” And yet, Christian leaders must ask how this situation might help them become more prudent in expressing their opinions going forward.
Evangelical transgender conference rejects notion that gender identity can change
By Emily McFarlan Miller — September 21, 2015
(RNS) But transgender voices weren't invited to the sold out event, to be headlined by Southern Baptist conservative Rev. Albert Mohler.
Pope Francis is a ray of hope for struggling Catholics (COMMENTARY)
By Susan Miller — September 15, 2015
At times, I have been a struggling Catholic, a joyful Catholic, a conflicted Catholic. But a few months ago, I cut ties with my longtime parish.
Conservative Christians’ new scare word (COMMENTARY)
By Jonathan Merritt — September 2, 2015
(RNS) To resist the normalization of LGBT couples means working to push them to the margins, outside of circles of respectability.
Carl Lentz on how Hillsong Church is becoming ‘gay welcoming’ without compromising their convictions
By Jonathan Merritt — August 10, 2015
Hillsong Church says they are a "gay welcoming" congregation, even though they are not gay affirming. Hillsong pastor Carl Lents explains how they are attempting to think through and navigate this difficult issue.
India’s debate: Can Hinduism and homosexuality coexist?
By Nathan McDermott — July 8, 2015
(RNS) As India grapples with gay rights, theologians and historians often disagree on whether homosexuality is compatible with Hinduism.
Boy Scouts chief says ban on gay Scout leaders should be lifted nationwide
By John Bacon — May 21, 2015
Robert Gates indicated that churches and other religious groups -- which currently sponsor 70 percent of all Scout troops -- would be able to "establish leadership standards consistent with their faith."
In Boston, engaging both sides of the church’s debate on gays (ANALYSIS)
By Jonathan Merritt — April 24, 2015
BOSTON (RNS) The shift in this year's Q conference reflects the reality that conversations about human sexality do not occur in echo chambers of monologue, isolated from those who disagree.
Pope met with French Vatican ambassador nominee who is considered gay
By Reuters — April 23, 2015
PARIS (Reuters) Paris nominated the government's head of protocol, Laurent Stefanini, for the post on Jan. 5 but has still not heard back from the Vatican -- a delay that French and Italian media have said is due to his homosexuality.
