There are seven justices on the Virginia Supreme Court. Only five heard the case. For the purposes of declaring 57-9 unconstitutional four of those would have to agree with the diocese. But the diocese also argues the statute does not apply. And the justices were most interested in probing the attorneys for both sides on the facts of the case, and whether the statute was even relevant.
The news on Episcopal parishes some weeks determines the theme: this week that theme is parish decline, transition, survival and recovery — transitions brought on
Ordained while gay — it’s the new driving while black. In a revealing campaign, Anglican Mainstream seeks to persuade you that sex with children reveals
“It is disturbing for me to see special interest groups distort my scientific observations to make a point against homosexuality. The American College of Pediatricians pulled language out of context from a book I wrote in 2006 to support an ideology that can cause unnecessary anguish and encourage prejudice. The information they present is misleading and incorrect, and it is particularly troubling that they are distributing it in a way that will confuse school children and their parents.”
The United Church of Christ has released a new video called “The Language of God” as part of their “God is still speaking” series.
We are about to consecrate a lesbian as bishop and no one seems to care. Don’t blame the Catholics for taking up all the news. Lisa Miller says tradition–and how it changes–may be the reason.
A Wisconsin federal district court held that the federal statute which designates the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer violates the Establishment Clause. President Obama plans to issue a proclamation anyway.
What the focus of the military chaplains ministry? Are the beliefs and practices of the chaplains the main thing? Or ought the focus be on the spiritual and emotional needs of the soldier, sailor or marine? A new documentary focuses on the tensions, challenges and important work of US military chaplains.
The National Cathedral represents a different model, and perhaps a different era, in church-state relations.
The president ordered the Department of Health and Human Services to prohibit discrimination in hospital visitation. The memo is scheduled to be made public Friday morning.