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The new Episcopal Bishop of Rhode Island has shared his support for marriage equality, as that state is considering such legislation. According to the Rhode Island Future, Bishop Nicholas Knisely supports marriage equality, and will change a diocesan policy to allow priests to bless same-gender couples. This last summer, The Episcopal Church approved a rite…
Read MoreGood Monday morning. Welcome to Believe Out Loud’s Week In Review, a weekly digest of the latest headlines at the intersection of Christian faith and LGBT equality. Last Thursday, the Atlanta pastor scheduled to deliver the benediction at President Barack Obama’s second-term inauguration withdrew from the ceremony, because this past anti-gay sermon surfaced. In response…
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United Methodist Bishop Sally Dyck chimed in today to support the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, a same-sex marriage bill moving through the Illinois legislature. Bishop Dyck’s statement, published by the Reconciling Ministries Network, affirms marriage as a religious institution that enriches the lives of couples, their children, and their communities: I believe in the…
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When the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decided to review two lower court cases focusing on the legal definition of marriage, the nation’s highest court thrust itself into the center of a national debate. How exactly does the U.S. law define “marriage?” More to the point, should same-sex couples have the same federal…
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The North American Old Catholic Church, one of the largest Old Catholic bodies in the United States, will ordain Shannon T.L. Kearns to the priesthood on January 19, 2013. Kearns, who is a transgender man, will be tasked with starting a new Minneapolis parish, House of the Transfiguration, after his ordination. The North American Old Catholic…
Read MoreGood Monday morning. Welcome to Believe Out Loud’s Week In Review, a weekly digest of the latest headlines in Christian faith and LGBT equality. We’ve been away for the holiday season and hope you’ve had a great start to 2013. There are seven openly transgender clergy in the U.S. Episcopal church. Religion and Politics takes…
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In 2012, the voices of Christian faith for LGBT equality have advocated for change across the country. Keep reading to see Believe Out Loud’s top ten moments of the year! 10: The First Lesbian was approved for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA), following a historic policy shift last summer allowing for the ordination of…
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When Christ ministered to the Samaritan woman, he met her at the well, spoke with her, and listened to her. While the Canaanite woman begged at his feet, Christ listened and bore witness to her great faith. In reflecting on these two stories from the Gospel, I do not think it is a coincidence that…
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O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above the deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Phillips Brooks, 1868 I am old enough now that Christmas, that…
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I spoke with a friend this week who isn’t coming home for Christmas. Her relationship with her mother has slowly deteriorated since she came out, and her conservative mom can’t bear to accept her daughter’s female partner. The siblings have chosen sides, and for the second year in a row, they won’t be home for…
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