News
Via Stillwater Gazette Hope often gets confused with optimism, but the two are not the same thing. When asked about the future well being of the planet in light of global warming and other environmental threats, one of my favorite professors in seminary used to say, “I am not optimistic, but I am hopeful.” For…
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It’s Sunday afternoon in the sanctuary of City of Refuge, a linoleum-floored auditorium with folding chairs, at a particularly sketchy downtown San Francisco intersection. Yvette Flunder, founding pastor, is preaching at the podium, a fine wooden pedestal that gives the altar a hint of traditional “church.” It was her grandfather’s pulpit, and now she’s…
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Via Huffington Post In raising my kids, I have to apply certain moral principles, rules to live by, that derive from my own sense of right and wrong and the foundation I have: follow the golden rule, be willing to learn, help others, don’t judge, etc. I pass these on to my boys not because…
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Via Huffington Post This September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time when we should all learn steps we can take to prevent the tragedy of suicide and take action to reduce risk for all people. During this month of awareness, I urge the LGBT community to take a stand and lead the fight to…
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By Rev. Chuck Currie Summer is wedding season and while I’m not overwhelmed with wedding requests I’ve had a few and there is one that I’m really looking forward to in September. Weddings are, of course, special events. At their best, weddings bring not just two people together but families and even communities in a…
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Quick to smile and slow to criticize, Rev. Jim Lucas is one of the last people you’d expect to stir up controversy and encourage what some would term “radical” change. Yet, he’s done just that, making our society more accepting in the process. This year Jim is celebrating his 20 years of ministry to the…
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The San Francisco 49ers have become the first professional football team to join the online antibullying It Gets Better campaign intended to build confidence and spark optimism in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youths. “Something you should never experience is being bullied, intimidated or being pressured to being a someone or something that you are…
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Community Story:
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By Believe Out Loud The Republican National Convention kicks off in earnest Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Isaac nearing Tampa, Fla. Today, we’ll hear from many Republican leaders including House Speaker John Boehner, New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and Ann Romney, wife of Governor Mitt Romney. While politics will play…
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Via Huffington Post Over 500,000 students attend more than 150 conservative Christian colleges which discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. For many queer students on these campuses, going back to college in the coming weeks means going back into the closet. It also means returning to an environment where every official message concerning homosexuality,…
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