LGBT
5 reasons the Masterpiece Cakeshop decision is a victory for all Americans
By Skye Jethani — June 8, 2018
The following is a guest post by Skye Jethani The case of the Colorado baker who refused to create a cake for a same-sex wedding has been a topic of heated debate since 2015. My writings about the case have received criticism from both conservative Christians and marriage equality advocates because I sided with the […]
Justices hand down narrow ruling for Christian baker in wedding cake case
By Jack Jenkins — June 4, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Christian baker in Colorado who refused to design a cake for a couple's same-sex wedding, a controversial case that was widely seen as a standoff between claims of religious liberty and LGBTQ rights.
Catholic diocese quits Maine Council of Churches
By Mark A. Kellner — May 31, 2018
(RNS) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, Maine, is withdrawing from the Maine Council of Churches in a bid to distance itself from LGBT advocacy and other stances that the church says could compromise its public moral witness.
Employees quit American Bible Society over sex and marriage rules
By Yonat Shimron — May 29, 2018
(RNS) — Nearly a dozen workers have quit after the introduction of a policy that cements the organization's shift toward a narrow evangelical identity.
United Methodist activists unsatisfied with bishops’ recommended plan to avert schism
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 14, 2018
(RNS) — United Methodists have expressed both concerns and hope after bishops endorsed a plan last week that would allow individual pastors and regional bodies to decide whether to perform same-sex weddings and ordain or call LGBT people as clergy.
United Methodist bishops want to let pastors, conferences decide on LGBT clergy
By Emily McFarlan Miller — May 4, 2018
CHICAGO (RNS) — United Methodist bishops endorsed a plan that would allow individual pastors and regional bodies to decide whether to perform same-sex weddings and ordain or call LGBT people as clergy.
Oklahoma bill supports religious objections to same-sex adoptions
By Yonat Shimron — May 3, 2018
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Supporters of such measures argue that the core issue is protecting a group's right to live out its religious faith, while critics see them as attacks on LGBT rights.
Conservative faith leaders worry Kenya will repeal ban on gay sex
By Fredrick Nzwili — April 6, 2018
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) — While few are actually imprisoned under the law, it has been used as a justification for harassment, violence and discrimination against gay people — at the hands of police, but also relatives who believe a gay person shames a family.
Protesters, fans turn out for Rev. James Martin’s talk in Chicago
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 23, 2018
CHICAGO (RNS) — For Catholics, a talk about Jesus doesn’t seem controversial. But a lecture by the Rev. James Martin drew about 150 protesters Thursday (March 22) over his views on the church and LGBT people.
When adoption agencies can turn away gay prospective parents, what happens to the kids?
By Bobby Ross Jr. — March 23, 2018
OKLAHOMA CITY (RNS) — Those who study the issue say it's hard to tell exactly how such rules governing adoption affect the numbers of children placed in 'forever' homes.
Creationist’s speech back on at university in Oklahoma
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 15, 2018
EDMOND, Okla. (AP) — The founder of a Kentucky creationism museum will appear at an Oklahoma university, after all, after the student body president initially canceled the event over objections of female and LGBTQ students and their supporters.
Top German cardinal signals cautious support for blessing same-sex couples
By Tom Heneghan — February 5, 2018
(RNS) — His comments made clear that he is open to approving such benedictions in private ceremonies.
New Bible app creates online community for progressive Christians
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 2, 2018
RNS) — There are a number of popular apps that put Bible translations and devotional content in the palm of your hand. But the new Our Bible app is created by and for LGBTQ Christians and others who have felt estranged from their churches.
Vatican nixes former Irish president from Women’s Day event
By Nicole Winfield — February 2, 2018
VATICAN CITY (AP) — Mary McAleese, who has a gay son and has criticized the church's position on LGBT issues, was invited by the Voices of Faith advocacy group to participate in a March 8 panel discussion at the Vatican on women in church governance.
Why I kept my questions for the Rev. James Martin to myself
By Jacob Lupfer — February 1, 2018
(RNS) — After his talk, I hoped to ask Father Martin to say more about his pastoral recommendations for LGBT Catholics.
