LGBT
Gays & lesbians in American religion — Three charts on the surprising data
By Tobin Grant — March 24, 2015
How many people in your church are gay? Way more than you think
Black lesbian bishop Yvette Flunder is ‘using my energy to find peace’
By Adelle M. Banks — March 20, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RNS) While strangers paint her as a one-issue woman, Bishop Yvette Flunder has been hailed by those who know her as a leader with a “radically inclusive” agenda of compassion, aimed at getting everyone -- gay, straight, black, white, immigrant and native -- at the table.
Oklahoma plan to restrict same-sex marriage may backfire
By Reuters — March 20, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) Oklahoma's conservative lawmakers came up with a religious tactic to block same-sex weddings. In a twist, their efforts to restrict who can perform marriages could make it easier for gay couples to wed.
Predictions of evangelical concessions on LGBT rights are premature (COMMENTARY)
By Jonathan Merritt — March 19, 2015
(RNS) If you follow the headlines, it feels like an invisible finger has flicked the first domino in a long row of tiles. But don’t be fooled.
Utah’s new law a ‘toolkit’ for fighting LGBT discrimination, say activists, legal experts
By Cathy Lynn Grossman — March 17, 2015
WASHINGTON (RNS) Activists and legal experts agreed there was one tool missing in the new law: public accommodations provisions that might ban discrimination in the sale of goods and services.
Prominent San Francisco evangelical church drops celibacy requirement for LGBT members
By Kimberly Winston — March 16, 2015
(RNS) City Church’s action places it in the ranks of at least two other large, urban evangelical congregations that have reversed their policies requiring celibacy for gay members.
Elton John slams Dolce & Gabbana over ‘synthetic baby’ comments
By Reuters — March 16, 2015
ROME (Reuters) "How dare you refer to my beautiful children as 'synthetic.' And shame on you for wagging your judgmental little fingers at IVF ... I shall never wear Dolce and Gabbana ever again."
Utah lawmakers pass anti-discrimination bill with LGBT, Mormon support
By Jennifer Dobner — March 12, 2015
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) The bill grew out of weeks of negotiations between lawmakers, the LGBT community and Mormon leaders, who stated their rare — some have said historic — support for the legislation.
I’m queer, and I’m (still) an evangelical (COMMENTARY)
By Brandan Robertson — February 24, 2015
(RNS) At the heart of this controversy, there's a deeper problem: a fundamentally flawed belief that one cannot be a true Christian if one identifies as LGBTQ (or an ally of LGBTQ people).
Oklahoma bill would punish officials for marrying gay couples
By Reuters — February 19, 2015
OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) The "Preservation of Sovereignty and Marriage Act" prohibits taxpayer funds, including government salaries, to be used for any activity that supports same-sex marriage.
Evangelicals pull support for Portland church over LGBT stance
By Kevin Eckstrom — February 17, 2015
(RNS) The Evangelical Covenant Church bills itself as "evangelical, but not exclusive; biblical, but not doctrinaire; traditional, but not rigid."
Gay Catholics find a new tone under Pope Francis, and from their own bishops
By David Gibson — February 16, 2015
ROME (RNS) New Ways Ministry and a similar Catholic LGBT organization in Britain are finding support from the Catholic hierarchy in their efforts to meet the pontiff.
David Gushee: “There’s an awful lot of suffering going on”
By Eliel Cruz — February 9, 2015
The evangelical ethicist says Christianity must abandon “toxic traditions” that harm the LGBT community.
In major move, Mormon apostles call for statewide LGBT protections
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — January 27, 2015
SALT LAKE CITY (RNS) The move, one LGBT advocates have been pushing for years, provides a major boost for the prospects of of a state nondiscrimination statute.
Parents don’t have to choose between their faith and their LGBT kids (COMMENTARY)
By Caitlin Ryan — January 7, 2015
(RNS) Families can learn to support their LGBT children when guidance and services are provided in ways that resonate for them, including education presented in the context of cultural and religious values.
