Worldwide, the rhetoric of homophobia recapitulates the tropes of classical Jew hatred. Gay people are seen as a subversive internal enemy with dangerous international connections. Even in places where they’ve been cowed into near invisibility, they’re viewed as having an almost occult power. They represent modernism and cosmopolitanism, the bete noirs of every type of fundamentalism.
They are: The Most Revd Dr John Neill, Archbishop of Dublin (Chair); The Most Revd Dr John Chew, Primate of South East Asia; Dr Eileen Scully, Anglican Church of Canada; The Rt Revd Dr Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph in the Church in Wales and former Deputy Secretary General of the Anglican Communion.
The Diocese of Stockholm in the Church of Sweden has just elected Eva Brunne, a lesbian in a registered domestic partnership, as its bishop. The Church of England is in full communion with the Church of Sweden through the Porvoo Agreement. The question now is how Rowan Williams will respond.
The Rev. Will Scott of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco explains why he got arrested in a protest following the California Supreme Court’s decision upholding Proposition 8.
Nate Silver ponders the apparent contradiction in polls showing a majority of people claiming to be pro-choice but also a large majority supporting Roe v. Wade.
Prop 8 supporters knew a direct attack on rights and privileges of couples would never fly in the polls — even less so in the courtroom. So they settled for the idol of the term, “marriage,” but without real substance, save perhaps social recognition.
The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh presented its case in court today for regaining control of diocesan assets still held by former leaders who have left the Episcopal Church. The present case does not concern who controls parish church property, as some have claimed. Rather, the Diocese currently is seeking from the former leaders all diocesan-held investments, bank accounts, real estate, and business-related property and data.
According to Juneau Empire: A huge community fundraiser is being planned to help people living in flood-stricken communities along the Yukon River. The fundraiser is
Last night Bishop Gene Robinson was one of several panelists discussing gay marriage on Larry King Live.
Contributors are asked for amounts which, if about half of them say “yes,” will make the Vision possible. The board, clergy, and staff make it clear that the Vision is not something the congregation plans to shoot for but that it intends to accomplish. Year after year, the people learn that when this congregation asks for gifts, it means it. If they give what is asked, the results promised come to pass.