Should the marriage battleground shift to religious freedom?
Should the Marriage Battleground Shift to Religious Freedom? After New York vote on same-sex marriage, conscience questions draw more emphasis. Web exclusive published July 1. Was the shot heard ’round the evangelical world fired June 24 in New York? The passage of a same-sex marriage law by that state’s Republican-controlled Senate sent a clear message, a leading religious liberty expert says. That message: Religious … Continue reading Should the marriage battleground shift to religious freedom?
June 2011: GetReligion
Got boilerplate? Will cover predictably. Published June 1. The death of ‘Dr. Death.’ Published June 3. Caps, gowns and prayer lawsuits. Published June 7. Big hole in the Big Easy? Published June 9. Ready, OK? Cheerleading in Arizona. Published June 13. Baptists’ hot time in Phoenix. Published June 17. Purporting to report the news. Published June 22. All the details that matter. Published June 24. … Continue reading June 2011: GetReligion
Renewal groups strategize after the PC(USA) drops celibacy clause for gay clergy
Renewal Groups Strategize after the PC(USA) Drops Celibacy Clause for Gay Clergy
Churches discuss future paths since the votes came in for the Presbyterian Church(USA) to open the door to ordaining non-celibate homosexuals. July issue.
For Ronald W. Scates, senior pastor of the 4,800-member Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Dallas, the future of his denomination looks chaotic.
A majority of the 173 presbyteries, or regional bodies, within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have voted to remove from the 2-million-member denomination’s constitution an ordination requirement of “fidelity in the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.”
The change was decided May 10 when the Twin Cities presbytery, which covers Minneapolis and St. Paul, became the 87th region to approve it.
The move is widely seen as giving presbyteries the option of allowing openly gay people in same-sex relationships to be ordained as ministers, elders and deacons.
“It is shattering what little unity was left in the PC(USA),” said Scates, pastor of one of the denomination’s largest churches. “You will probably see a lot of silent hemorrhaging of people out of our churches.”
Those upset with the vote see it as part of a larger liberal shift by the PC(USA).
Continue reading “Renewal groups strategize after the PC(USA) drops celibacy clause for gay clergy”
Cemetery a glimpse into past, comfort for the future
This column appeared June 18, 2011, on the Faith and Values section cover of The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn. By Bobby Ross Jr. | Special to The Commercial Appeal CEDAR GROVE, Tenn. — The name and the dates on the tombstone jumped out at me immediately. Danial Ross. Born: 1791. Died: 1842. My grandfather, father, brother and I drove out to this middle-of-nowhere cemetery in rural … Continue reading Cemetery a glimpse into past, comfort for the future
Future looking brighter for Rochester College in Michigan
Future looking brighter for Rochester College in Michigan (reporting from Rochester Hills, Mich.). Page 1. ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – Each semester, Rochester College President Rubel Shelly teaches a required freshman course called “Introduction to the Christian Faith.” At a college where less than a quarter of traditional undergraduate students identify with Churches of Christ, the class exposes some 18- and 19-year-olds to the Scriptures for the … Continue reading Future looking brighter for Rochester College in Michigan
States’ license to pill increases conflicts
States’ License to Pill Increases Conflicts Rise in state licenses prompts conscience clashes. June issue. Should a pharmacist be required to dispense the morning-after pill? Should a cab driver be forced to transport passengers drinking alcohol? Should an attorney be prohibited from rejecting a client whose beliefs conflict with her own? More and more professions require state licensing—from child-care providers to marriage counselors to retailers … Continue reading States’ license to pill increases conflicts
In tornado-ravaged South, stories of hope emerge
‘Dear Lord,’ please help us: In tornado-ravaged South, stories of hope emerge as churches, ministries launch disaster relief efforts (with Jeremy D. Smith, reporting from Tuscaloosa, Ala.). Page 1 lead. TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Moments before a tornado wiped out the Central Church of Christ building, six students huddled in a small cinderblock closet at the church. Carl Naylor started to pray, but he managed just two words … Continue reading In tornado-ravaged South, stories of hope emerge
May 2011: GetReligion
Faith and hope amid the ruins. Published May 3. Same-sex debate in New York. Published May 6. It won’t be long now. Published May 7. Religion angles twist in Tornado Alley. Published May 10. What ‘new banner’ do you mean? Published May 12. Ghosts in Haiti earthquake feature. Published May 13. ‘Something’ explains humble Thunder star. Published May 17. Thou shalt read these stories. Published … Continue reading May 2011: GetReligion
Bible Bowls: Textual preparation or trivial pursuit?
Bible Bowls: Textual preparation or trivial pursuit? (reporting from Walled Lake, Mich.). Page 1. WALLED LAKE, Mich. – It’s no secret that today’s young people value hands-on ministry: feeding the hungry, painting houses for the elderly, providing coats for the homeless. Youths go on international mission trips and seek to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. But do they devote themselves to in-depth study … Continue reading Bible Bowls: Textual preparation or trivial pursuit?
Faith. Family. Fastballs. 