Faith groups in the US maintain widespread support for LGBT protection laws – survey
RNS A new report from the Public Religion Research Institute finds that strong majorities within all religious groups, including white evangelicals and Jehovah’s Witnesses, show sustained support for LGBT non-discrimination policies. The newly released data from PRRI’s 2018 American Values Atlas, an annual survey of more than 40,000 Americans, showed that 69 per cent of all […]
In the US, United Methodists pass Traditional Plan, keep ban on LGBTQ clergy, same-sex marriage
St Louis, USRNS Delegates to a special session of the United Methodist Church decided Tuesday to strengthen the denomination’s ban on the ordination and marriage of LGBTQ people. Delegates to the General Conference, the global denomination’s decision-making body, passed the Traditional Plan by a vote of 438 to 384. Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey announces the […]
In the US, United Methodist committee rejects One Church Plan, which would allow LGBT clergy
St Louis, USRNS In a surprise, the plan recommended by the United Methodist Church’s Council of Bishops was rejected Monday by the denomination’s decision-making body. The so-called One Church Plan did not pass out of General Conference’s Legislative Committee to be considered by delegates Tuesday during the plenary session. As Rev Joe Harris presides, the […]
Meeting in the US, United Methodists vote pensions, ‘Traditional Plan’ as top priorities
St Louis, USRNS Delegates to a special session of the United Methodist Church decided on Sunday to start deliberations over the denomination’s future by talking about money. Then they will talk about sex. Rev Austin Adkinson, right, and members of the Queer Clergy Caucus sing and greet attendees on the first day of deliberations at […]
CATHOLIC CHURCH: BISHOPS AT SYNOD STRUGGLE WITH WHAT TO CALL GAY PEOPLE
DAVID GIBSON, of Religion News Service, reports on attempts by Catholic bishops to grapple with how to refer to gay people…
ESSAY: RUDDOCK REPORT CONSTRAINS, NOT EXPANDS, FEDERAL RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS
After extracts of the long-awaited Ruddock report into religious freedom were leaked this week, Australian academics LIAM ELPHICK, AMY MAGUIRE and ANJA HILKEMEIJER, in an article first published on The Conversation, take a look at what the review’s recommendations may mean for Australia…
US Labor Department bolsters religious exemptions from nondiscrimination laws
RNS The government has a duty to allow contractors to be excused from federal anti-discrimination laws if they cite a religious reason for doing so, according to a new directive from the US Department of Labor. The order, issued Friday (10th August), is another sign of the Trump administration’s determination to accommodate religious conservatives, who have made […]
US: POLL SUGGESTS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM PUSH IS HAVING AN EFFECT
YONAT SHIMRON, of Religion News Service, reports on how the issue of religious freedom is gaining traction in the US…
UNITED METHODISTS: DEBATE, LOBBY AND WORRY IN ADVANCE OF LGBT DECISION
MARY JACOBS reports for Religion News Service on how the United Methodist Church in the US is grappling with the ongoing debate over LGBT clergy and same-sex marriage as it heads for a showdown in February that will determine whether the denomination will split up or go forward together…
ESSAY: THE CULTURE WARS NEED TO MAKE A SAFE SPACE FOR SOCCER STAR’S CONSCIENCE
US commentator on religion and politics, JACOB LUPFER, in an article first published by Religion News Service, says the case of US soccer player Jaelene Hinkle highlights the need for differing views on issues – including those related to faith – to be accommodated within the world of sport…