The national debate over same-sex marriage has posed big challenges for many African-American clergy. Traditionally, black churches have stressed an interpretation of Scripture that opposes homosexuality. But those congregations also have long been at the forefront in fighting for civil rights. What happens when those two values seem to collide? More →

July 16, 2004

U.S. mainline denominations are all deeply divided on gay issues. In 2003, the U.S. Episcopal Church consecrated an openly gay bishop. But the United Methodists have stood firm in their opposition to homosexuality. In a series of votes, United Methodist delegates reaffirmed their church’s traditional policy, which says the practice of homosexuality is “incompatible with Christian teaching.” More →

May 7, 2004

The United Methodist Church — the second largest Protestant denomination in the U.S. — opened its 11-day-long General Conference in Pittsburgh this week. The highest legislative body of the church meets only every four years. This time, gay issues are expected to dominate. More →

April 30, 2004

A 2003 survey indicates that 52 percent of Americans would favor a law that prohibits same-sex marriage. However, two Canadian provinces have now made same-sex marriages legal, and the highest court in Massachusetts may soon rule on the issue. More →

March 5, 2004

Sometimes-controversial Archbishop Rowan Williams took over in December 2002 as head of the more than 70 million-member worldwide Anglican Communion. Williams will be formally enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in February 2003. More →

February 21, 2003

Homosexuality is one of the most contentious issues facing Christian denominations, A year ago, Methodist ministers blessed a holy union ceremony in which two women exchanged marriage vows. Yet the controversy isn’t going away, and conservatives are urging an end to what they call blatant disobedience among clergy. More →

February 18, 2000