Supreme Court Ruling Brings Nationwide Marriage Equality

Two men kissing in front of a crowd of people.

Today’s historic Supreme Court ruling means same-sex couples will soon have the freedom to marry and equal respect for their marriages across the United States. This is a momentous win for freedom, equality, inclusion, and above all, love! ADD YOUR NAME: Christians Pledge To Work For Justice Beyond Marriage Equality Believe Out Loud recognizes the…

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Southern Baptist Convention Should Offer Third Way To Affirming Churches

A wooden cross sits on top of a stone wall.

It’s been almost a year since my church was dismissed from the Southern Baptist Convention. During the dismissal process, I had brought up concerns regarding the inconsistency of our denomination’s application of scripture. What has been hard for me to hear at this year’s SBC Convention is how they continue to state that Christians must stand firm on…

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Proposed North Carolina Law Is An Affront To Religious Liberty

A man in a suit and tie is looking at a piece of paper.

On Monday the North Carolina Senate voted to override Governor McCrory’s veto of SB2, a bill that would authorize government officials across the state to refuse to perform marriages or even issue marriage licenses when they have a religious objection. As a pastor, I consider this bill an affront to both the dignity of all North Carolinians…

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Ireland Agrees to Self-Declaration for Gender Recognition Bill

A group of people holding a banner that says trans rights are human rights.

Yesterday (Wednesday 3rd June), the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, T.D. announced that, following the agreement of Cabinet, the application process under the Gender Recognition Bill will, for people aged 18 years or more, be based on the person’s self-declaration by way of a statutory declaration. The Bill will also no longer contain the controversial…

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Ireland Answers Pope Francis’ Question: Who Am I To Judge?

A sign that says discrimination damages lives.

As Cardinals stay mum, youth move on  Ireland’s historic vote approving gay marriage is a major blow to the Roman Catholic Church. With American Cardinals like Timothy Dolan and Sean O’Malley, and Archbishop Charles Chaput staying mum on the issue, failing to give interviews; the Church’s youth move on. Catholic youth want a different Church…

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Lay Catholics In Ireland Bring About Marriage Equality

Two women holding signs in a parade.

Today, headlines around the world announced Catholic news from two different parts of the globe. While seemingly disparate, these headlines share an important theme. In Ireland, one of the most Catholic nations on earth, hundreds of thousands voted overwhelmingly in a general referendum to enact marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples. In El Salvador,…

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Supreme Court Marriage Ruling: No Silver Bullet For LGBT Equality

Two gay men holding rainbow flags in front of the supreme court.

As we await rulings from the Supreme Court on four marriage equality cases, it is no coincidence that so-called “religious freedom restoration” acts are popping up across the country to sanction discrimination by businesses, employers and public officials. Echoes of the civil rights movement serve as an important reminder that marriage is not a fix-all.…

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