Posts by Believe Out Loud
Washington National Cathedral Will Hold Same-Sex Weddings
The Washington National Cathedral, the nation’s traditional host of prayer services for presidents and memorial services for national tragedies, announced on Wednesday that it would now also hold weddings for same-sex couples. Read more at the New York Times. Image Flickr Geoff Livingston
Read MoreProgressive Catholics To Ordain Transgender Priest
The North American Old Catholic Church, one of the largest Old Catholic bodies in the United States, will ordain Shannon T.L. Kearns to the priesthood on January 19, 2013. Kearns, who is a transgender man, will be tasked with starting a new Minneapolis parish, House of the Transfiguration, after his ordination. The North American Old Catholic…
Read MoreWeek In Review
Good Monday morning. Welcome to Believe Out Loud’s Week In Review, a weekly digest of the latest headlines in Christian faith and LGBT equality. We’ve been away for the holiday season and hope you’ve had a great start to 2013. There are seven openly transgender clergy in the U.S. Episcopal church. Religion and Politics takes…
Read More2012’s Top 10 Moments in Christian Faith & LGBT Equality
In 2012, the voices of Christian faith for LGBT equality have advocated for change across the country. Keep reading to see Believe Out Loud’s top ten moments of the year! 10: The First Lesbian was approved for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA), following a historic policy shift last summer allowing for the ordination of…
Read MoreA Catholic’s Response to Pope Benedict XVI’s Comments Regarding Marriage Equality
When Christ ministered to the Samaritan woman, he met her at the well, spoke with her, and listened to her. While the Canaanite woman begged at his feet, Christ listened and bore witness to her great faith. In reflecting on these two stories from the Gospel, I do not think it is a coincidence that…
Read MoreWhen Christmas Comes ‘Round Again
O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie! Above the deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by. Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light; The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Phillips Brooks, 1868 I am old enough now that Christmas, that…
Read MoreProtecting All Families This Christmas
I spoke with a friend this week who isn’t coming home for Christmas. Her relationship with her mother has slowly deteriorated since she came out, and her conservative mom can’t bear to accept her daughter’s female partner. The siblings have chosen sides, and for the second year in a row, they won’t be home for…
Read MoreQueering the Good News: Gender Variance in the Bible
Peterson Toscano is a performance artist, activist and practicing Quaker. I first met Peterson in 2011 at the Philadelphia Transhealth Conference. I was intrigued how his subversive use of humor and evangelical background coupled his Quaker sensibilities proved to be a powerful witness in debunking the ex-gay movement and exploring the trangsgressive nature of the Bible.…
Read MoreEqual Rites: The Episcopal Church & Same-Sex Marriage
The U.S. Episcopal Church (TEC) made headlines this past summer when they voted overwhelmingly to adopt a provisional liturgy to bless same-sex couples. This measure, put into use on the first Sunday of Advent, allows interested clergy to perform same-sex blessings while the church continues to explore the theology of marriage. In making this move,the…
Read MoreAdvent Reflection: What Are We Waiting For?
“The waiting is the hardest part Every day you see one more card You take it on faith, you take it to the heart The waiting is the hardest part” ~ Tom Petty Advent is a season of waiting for the In-Breaking of Peace, waiting for the Incarnation of Love. It is a season for…
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