Under the present law of the United Kingdom, religious organizations are given a very broad ability to not hire people because of their sexual orientation. Apparently too broad, at least according to a European Commission ruling with regard to an EU directive.
Over the weekend Dr. Chuck Robertson, the Presiding Bishop’s Canon, had an op-ed piece published in a Fort Worth newspaper. That, in of itself, isn’t particularly remarkable. But the tone of his piece is.
The scheduled visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury to the Vatican and a meeting with the Pope has taken on greater significance after the release of the Apostolic Constitution. People reading between the lines of the diplomatic language see clear signs of tension.
According to the secular calendar, Christmas is hard approaching; at least according to my local Mall. If you’re looking for a gift suggestion this year, you would do very well consider the new book by Episcopal Café contributor Vicki Black.
Bonnie Anderson has announced, in a letter sent to the House of Deputies, how she plans to fill the soon to be vacant office of Vice President of the House of Deputies. Brian Prior, the present Vice President was recently elected a bishop and is no longer eligible to serve.
Bishop Chris Epting, the Presiding Bishop’s Deputy for Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations issued a statement in reaction to the Vatican’s creation of a Personal Ordinariate structure for disaffected Anglicans. In short, he sees it as flying in the face of the slow but steady work of traditional ecumenism.
Their strong reactions to programs suggested by the President and Democratic Party controlled Congress have changed the nature of the Health Care reform bill. They are using strategic donations of money from around the country to defeat state based initiatives to recognize same-sex marriages.
Dr. Bobby Satcher is one of the crew of today’s planned shuttle launch and a member of St. James’, Houston. This mission of Space Shuttle Atlantis (STS 129) will deliver components for the station’s robotic arm to the International Space Station.
The Christian understanding of marriage has changed significantly over the past 2000 years. The present discussions about same sex marriage are not therefore unexpected or unprecedented. He also criticizes those who object to legal recognition by claiming that they would be forced to support something they cannot.
The Russian Orthodox Church has decided to end 50 years of dialogue with the Lutheran Church in Germany as a result of the Lutherans electing Margot Käßmann as their leader for the next six years.