In 2012, Matthew Vines produced a video that went viral, even though it did not feature even one kitten doing something funny or cute. Instead, his video was a speech he gave to his Presbyterian Church USA congregation in Wichita, Kansas, explaining exactly why six
The White House has an oft-overlooked religious ally for solving the country’s social problems through greatly expanded government programs, if a new survey of senior pastors in mainline Protestant churches is a good indication. Republican politicians and commentators have opposed President Obama’s economic stimulus initiatives
Gay clergy in the Presbyterian Church will have to wait for yet another round of voting before they’ll be approved for ordination. A presbytery vote on removing the prohibition against gay clergy has failed – but by a closer margin than the last time a
Clarendon Presbyterian Church, Arlington, Va. Readings for the Sixth Sunday after Epiphany: 2 Kings 5:1-14, Mark 1:40-45 Sometimes it takes stories to interpret and understand stories. That was my experience this week as I wrestled with the healing stories we’ve just heard from 2 Kings
“The Church’s Unfinished Sexual Revolution” was the title of an article in the spring 2006 issue of Yale Divinity School’s Reflections magazine. In it longtime Christian ethicist James B. Nelson described some progress in church thinking about sexual ethics, but contended that the church’s agenda
Preached at North Anderson (S.C.) Community Church Presbyterian, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Spartanburg, S.C., and Greenville (S.C.) Unitarian Universalist Fellowship When I was a kid I thought Leonard Bernstein was the most powerful man on earth. Even though I grew up in the age
News release SAN RAFAEL, Calif. — On November 19, 2004, the Presbytery of the Redwoods in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the regional governing body of the 2.1 million member denomination, filed a disciplinary charge against the Reverend Dr. Jane Adams Spahr, Minister Director of That
Recently, just as an ecumenical gathering was commencing, a secretary rushed in shouting, “The building is on fire!” The Methodists gathered in a corner and prayed. The Baptists cried, “Where is the water?” The Quakers quietly praised God for blessings that fire brings. The Lutherans
Rev. Stephen Van Kuiken, minister of Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church (USA), was found guilty April 21 of violating the PCUSA Constitution, which requires ministers to discriminate against gays and lesbians in marriage. He will be rebuked for his actions. The Permanent Judicial Council of the
News release LONG BEACH, Calif. — Eighty-one people were arrested on June 25, 2000 during a peaceful protest by gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) individuals and their families, friends, and allies outside of the opening worship service of the 212th General Assembly (GA) of the