LGBT and Christian
One fourth of United Methodist churches in US have left in schism over LGBTQ ban. What happens now?
By Peter Smith — December 15, 2023
The vast majority are conservative-leaning churches responding to what they see as the United Methodists' failure to enforce bans on same-sex marriage and the ordaining of openly LGBTQ persons.
Vatican document highlights need for concrete steps for women, ‘radical inclusion’ of LGBTQ+
By Associated Press — June 22, 2023
VATICAN CITY (AP) — The document used the terminology “LGBTQ+ persons” rather than the Vatican’s traditional “persons with homosexual tendencies,” suggesting a level of acceptance that Francis ushered in a decade ago with his famous “Who am I to judge” comment.
The slow-moving rift in evangelical Christian higher education
By Jacob Lupfer — April 22, 2022
(RNS) — Christian colleges grapple with their theological traditions, but change will be slow.
Gay ‘Bachelor’ Colton Underwood says relationship with God is ‘best it’s ever been’
By Jillian Cheney — December 8, 2021
(RNS) — In the new Netflix show ‘Coming Out Colton,’ the former ‘Bachelor’ star looks to own his real identity and atone for past wrongs.
Pastor who appeared in drag on HBO’s ‘We’re Here’ forced to leave his church
By Emily McFarlan Miller — December 6, 2021
(RNS) — Pastor Craig Duke was relieved from his pastoral duties last week at Newburgh United Methodist Church near Evansville, Indiana, after receiving pushback from congregants over his appearance on the show.
United Methodist meeting to consider split is still on … for now
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 22, 2021
(RNS) — But the denomination is considering the health and safety of delegates, staff, volunteers and guests, as well as the inclusion of the broad diversity of the church, before signing off on the next meeting.
Outgrowing your religion
By Jana Riess — September 29, 2021
(RNS) — 'If God is really God-sized, as we say God is, then God is OK with our vacillation and our doubt and our inconsistencies,' says North Carolina pastor John Pavlovitz. 'So we should be, too.'
UMC edges toward historic split over LGBTQ inclusion. This church showed the way.
By Emily McFarlan Miller — July 22, 2021
(RNS) — Community of Hope was founded in 1993 as an outreach to ‘people on the margin,’ including LGBTQ people and people living with HIV/AIDS, according to its former pastor.
Presbyterian Church in America leaders say those who identify as gay are not qualified for ordination
By Emily McFarlan Miller — July 2, 2021
(RNS) — Scott Barber, chair of the Overtures Committee, told the elders voting on the overture that its intent is not to exclude Christians who are gay but remain celibate. Still, that’s not the way many opponents of the overture received its approval.
Julie Rodgers shares story of surviving ‘ex-gay’ ministries in new book and Netflix documentary
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 25, 2021
CHICAGO (RNS) — Julie Rodgers’ story of ultimately finding love and faith as a gay Christian shows that 'there is hope that you can find community and acceptance outside of this world,' according to filmmaker Kristine Stolakis.
High court ruling cited in Kentucky child services dispute
By Bruce Schreiner — June 18, 2021
(AP) — Republicans in the commonwealth pounced on the Supreme Court ruling in Fulton v. Philadelphia to again press the governor to renew a foster care agency's contract.
‘Serenade’ album celebrates LGBTQ youth ahead of Queer Youth of Faith Day
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 8, 2021
(RNS) — ‘Serenade,’ released last week, is a genre-spanning compilation of original songs by various queer artists and allies celebrating and empowering LGBTQ people of faith.
New app, believr, aims to create a ‘home for LGBTQ+ Christians’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — June 4, 2021
(RNS) — Believr started out as a dating app but transformed into a broader community. 'I believe the LGBTQ+ Christian space is much bigger than people realize or think,' said the founder.
First ELCA transgender bishop, Megan Rohrer, hopes to ‘translate good news’ for the curious
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 11, 2021
(RNS) — That’s been the focus of Rohrer’s ministry, first as the executive director of a nonprofit serving the homeless and hungry in San Francisco and now as bishop-elect of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA.
First drag queen certified as a candidate for United Methodist ministry ‘speaking in a new way to new people’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — April 15, 2021
(RNS) — Isaac Simmons is the first openly gay man to be certified within the Illinois Great Rivers Conference and, as far as anyone can tell, the first drag queen certified in the United Methodist Church.
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