LGBT story report
Faith leaders respond to reversal of transgender guidelines
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 23, 2017
(RNS) Religious leaders have voiced mixed reactions to President Trump's reversal of protections that allowed transgender students to use the bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity.
Trump retains LGBT State Department official, frustrating Christian conservatives
By Lauren Markoe — February 15, 2017
(RNS) Once again, Trump and religious conservatives don't see eye to eye on LGBT rights. A sign of things to come?
‘Glitter Ash Wednesday’ sparkles for LGBT Christians and others
By Kimberly Winston — February 14, 2017
(RNS) Usually the stuff of princesses and unicorns, purple "glitter ashes" will be available in some churches.
United Methodist pastor, placed on leave after coming out, moves to UCC church
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 8, 2017
(RNS) The Rev. Cynthia Meyer began serving as interim pastor on the first Sunday of Advent in late November at Central United Church of Christ in Topeka, Kan.
Trump’s move to protect LGBT workers unsettles religious conservatives
By David Gibson — February 1, 2017
(RNS) The president’s decision to continue Obama’s policy was lost amid anger over the travel ban and the ecstasy over his Supreme Court pick. But Trump’s move began to draw delayed responses from social conservatives.
Brian McLaren, others apologize to Native Americans in video series
By Emily McFarlan Miller — January 31, 2017
(RNS) The last of the three 'Confessions of a Christian Nation' videos apologizes for the church's role in oppressing Native Americans.
A large Colorado congregation just became LGBT-inclusive. Here’s why it matters (COMMENTARY)
By Jonathan Merritt — January 26, 2017
(RNS) One reason Denver Community Church's announcement will be a big deal in the world of American Christianity is precisely because it won't feel like a big deal to so many.
Big business and the wealthy will make gains under Trump, says study — but poor people, minorities, and LGBTs will lose influence
By Jana Riess — January 18, 2017
Corporations, wealthy people, conservative Christians, and white men are expected to make gains during Trump's administration, says a Pew study released today. Left behind: Everybody else.
‘We Shall Not Be Moved’ marchers honor King, fight fear of Trump
By Adelle M. Banks — January 14, 2017
(RNS) The mostly African-American throng, smaller than expected due to the rain, heard civic and religious leaders address health care, voting rights, economic equality and police reform.
Religious freedom advocates are divided over how to address LGBT rights
By Kelsey Dallas — January 13, 2017
(RNS) - Faith leaders and LGBT activists are searching for consensus that would balance religious conscience rights and LGBT protections and have national appeal.
A gay priest reflects: ‘Why I can’t go back’
By Warren Hall — January 12, 2017
(RNS) I was suspended from ministry by the outgoing archbishop of Newark and I don't think a new archbishop can change anything. So I’m moving on, but staying Catholic.
My reply to Kim Burrell: ‘We all have a seat at God’s table’
By F. Romall Smalls — January 11, 2017
(RNS) No misguided biblical literalist can distort or destroy the sanctity of our lives and testimonies as children of God, created out of divine, unconditional love and with a purpose.
Gay couple will pastor historic church in Washington
By Lauren Markoe — January 9, 2017
(RNS) Sally Sarratt and Maria Swearingen were presented to the congregation during worship services Sunday in what may be a first for a Baptist congregation.
Gay and lesbian Nigerians seeking deliverance find mental health anguish instead
By Wana Udobang — December 31, 2016
Distrust of Nigeria’s mental health system prevents many sexual and gender minorities from seeking professional help when coming to terms with their faith and sexuality.
For gays and lesbians in Mombasa, coming out cuts both ways
By Mkamburi Mwawasi — December 30, 2016
Members of Mombasa’s LGBTI community discuss the pain and pleasure of coming out to friends, family and society at large.