LGBTQ
United Methodist Church delays General Conference, prompting some conservatives to leave
By Emily McFarlan Miller — March 3, 2022
(RNS) — The General Conference already has been delayed twice because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Record numbers of Americans identify as LGBTQ. What does that mean for Christianity?
By Jonathan S. Coley and R.G. Cravens — February 23, 2022
(RNS) — LGBTQ Americans are opting out of organized religion altogether partly because evangelical Christian denominations and the Roman Catholic Church oppose LGBTQ rights and same-sex marriage.
North Dakota bishops oppose UND gender inclusion policy
By James Macpherson — January 13, 2022
(AP) — UND President Andrew Armacost said some of the North Dakota Catholic Conference’s claims about the policy 'simply aren’t true.'
Tutu’s advocacy for LGBTQ rights did not sway most of Africa
By David Crary — December 29, 2021
(AP) — Even within his own denomination, the Anglican Communion, there has been no continentwide embrace of LGBTQ rights.
Vatican official apologizes for deleting video from Catholic LGBTQ outreach group
By Jack Jenkins — December 13, 2021
(RNS) — New Ways Ministry called the church's apology on LGBTQ matters a 'historic moment.'
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.
Reform Jewish seminary report uncovers 50 years of sexual misconduct
By Yonat Shimron — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — The report shows many of its rabbinical students said the seminary had an ‘old boys’ club’ mentality that allowed sexual harassment against women and LGBTQ students to fester.
Meet the United Methodist pastor featured on HBO’s drag reality show ‘We’re Here’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — November 9, 2021
(RNS) — Performing in drag was an ‘incredibly wonderful, refreshing, deepening, powerful spiritual experience,’ said Pastor Craig Duke of Newburgh United Methodist Church in Indiana.
Supreme Court won’t hear case involving transgender rights
By Associated Press — November 1, 2021
The high court turned away the case Monday without comment, as is typical. Three conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch — said they would have heard the case.
Wyoming librarians under fire for books about sex, LGBTQ
By Mead Gruver — October 4, 2021
The library had faced protests and threats last summer over plans for a performance by a transgender magician, who later ended up canceling the act.
Pat Robertson steps down from ‘700 Club’
By Yonat Shimron — October 1, 2021
(RNS) — The 91-year-old televangelist, pioneer Christian media mogul and one-time Republican presidential candidate made the announcement Friday (Oct. 1) on the 60th anniversary of CBN’s first broadcast.
Young evangelicals are leaving church. LGBTQ bias may be driving them away.
By Yonat Shimron — August 6, 2021
(RNS) — As white evangelical denominations double down on their opposition to equality, many younger evangelicals, gay and straight, are voting with their feet.
Lonely no more: Questioning Christians find belonging on TikTok
By Renée Roden — July 27, 2021
(RNS) — Deconstructing the faith of one's childhood can be a lonely undertaking. For many of these church exiles, TikTok has filled the gap.
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.