Towards a Welcoming and Inclusive Church
IWR News
July 18, 2010
- 1) Defying church, Argentina legalizes same-sex marriage
- 2) Task Force reiterates call for passage of Uniting American Families Act and comprehensive immigration reform
- 3) Presbyterians Move Toward LGBT Equality
- 4) The Anti-Lesbian Drug
- 5) Robyn's sex change
- 6) TV's uncharted territory: Degrassi tackles transgender storyline in upcoming season
- 7) Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) Same-Sex Domestic Partner Benefits
- 8) Gay and lesbian adults are 'avid bloggers and social networkers'
- 9) Beyond the God Gap
- 10) Foundation Donates $400K for Episcopal Gay Liturgies
- 11) Links to more news from Welcoming Church Programs
1) Defying church, Argentina legalizes same-sex marriage
Buenos, Aires, Argentina, Post-Gazette, July 16, 2010
Argentina on Thursday became the first nation in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriage, turning aside protest from the Roman Catholic Church to give gay couples the same rights as their heterosexual counterparts. . . . The law makes Argentina one of the most liberal countries in the world when it comes to gay rights, despite fierce opposition from the still-powerful church as well as Christian evangelical groups.
2) Task Force reiterates call for passage of Uniting American Families Act and comprehensive immigration reform
Washington, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, July 15, 2010
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a longtime advocate for fair and humane comprehensive immigration reform, joined others in standing with members of Congress at a press conference today on Capitol Hill urging for passage of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), which would end discrimination against binational same-sex couples and their families. The coalition also released this joint statement.
3) Presbyterians Move Toward LGBT Equality
More Light Presbyterians, Flashnet, July 14, 2010
Presbyterian commissioners to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) set a trend for more inclusion as they worked in committees on the first two full days of a full week of meetings, in Minneapolis that closed on July 10. Although the legislation has not reached the full body for a final vote, the committees approved recommendations by significant margins
4) The Anti-Lesbian Drug
Newsweek, July 2, 2010
The controversy over using female hormones as part of prenatal care isn't quite as shocking as the headlines suggest, but it does raise important questions about ethics, gender, and sexuality. . . . Genetic engineers, move over: the latest scheme for creating children to a parent's specifications requires no DNA tinkering, but merely giving mom a steroid while she's pregnant, and presto-no chance that her daughters will be lesbians or (worse?) 'uppity.'
5) Robyn's sex change
Queensland, ABC, July 12, 2010
Despite being trapped in a male body, Robyn knew she was meant to be a female from the age of ten. It took her 23 years to make the transition. "I wouldn't call my life living up until that point. I was just following the routine
6) TV's uncharted territory: Degrassi tackles transgender storyline in upcoming season
Toronto, The Record, July 17, 2010
Degrassi marks a decade of unexpected pregnancies, underage drinking, broken hearts and general angst-ridden rebellion with a new season Monday that introduces its first transgender character. The Canadian teen drama promises to enter uncharted ground with a storyline in which a new student, Adam, presents himself as a boy even though he was born a girl.
7) Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) Same-Sex Domestic Partner Benefits
U.S. Federal Govt., July 14, 2010
Same-sex domestic partners of eligible Federal and U.S. Postal Service employees and annuitants can apply for coverage under the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) as qualified relatives. Please read important information about how same-sex domestic partners can apply for coverage:
8) Gay and lesbian adults are 'avid bloggers and social networkers'
U.S., Net Imperative, July 14, 2010
Gay and lesbian adults online today are among the most loyal and heaviest blog readers and social network users, according to a new US-based survey. The survey, conducted online by Harris Interactive, indicates that a majority of gay and lesbian adults are reading blogs. More than half (54%) of gay men and lesbian respondents report reading some type of blog, compared to only 40% of heterosexuals.
9) Beyond the God Gap
More Light Presbyterians, FlashnetJuly 14, 2010
THIRD WAY, PUBLIC RELIGION RESEARCH GET "BEYOND THE GOD GAP" NEW RESOURCE OFFERS INSIGHT, GUIDANCE FOR UNDERSTANDING NEW RELIGIOUS LANDSCAPE
The full Beyond the God Gap report is available here:
http://www.publicreligion.org/objects/uploads/fck/file/Third%20Way-PRR%20Report%20-%20Beyond%20the%20God%20Gap.pdf.
Seeking to overcome religious stereotypes that hinder political dialogue, two organizations known for their groundbreaking work on religion and public policy issues have jointly released Beyond the God Gap, a new roadmap for this often bewildering terrain. Based on extensive research and analysis of religious groups' theology and culture, the report highlights several important patterns in the shifting religious landscape. The report offers surprising and fresh insights into the beliefs and values underlying attitudes toward politics and cultural and domestic policy issues among white evangelical Protestants, white Mainline Protestants, African American Protestants, and Roman Catholics (Latino and non-Latino), which together account for about three-quarters of the U.S. population.
10) Foundation Donates $400K for Episcopal Gay Liturgies
Michigan, Beliefnet.com, July 16, 2010
A Michigan-based gay rights foundation has given more than $400,000 to a California seminary to help craft formal liturgies for the Episcopal Church to bless gay and lesbian relationships.
11) Links to more news from Welcoming Church Programs
- Associational - The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
- Consensus - Affirm United/S'affirmer Ensemble
- Crossbeams - Open and Affirming Ministries of the Gay, Lesbian & Affirming Disciples (GLAD)
- FlashNet - Reconciling Ministeries Network
- LC/NA News and Events - Lutherans Concerned/North America
- More Light News - More Light Presbyterians
- Outspoken - Brethren-Mennonite Council for LGBT Concerns
- Room for All News and Events - Room for All
- Ripples - Open and Affirming Program of the United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns (ONA)
- WCNnewsletter - Welcoming Community Network
Additional News
News Selections offers news from around the world related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, and ally efforts to make the world more accepting and welcoming to everyone of every sexual orientation and every gender identity. It is gathered by Sara Boesser, author of Silent Lives: How High a Price ~ For Personal Reflections and Group Discussions about Sexual Orientation, published by Hamilton Books, an imprint of University Press of America, Inc. Silent Lives provides a valuable resource for individuals, study groups, civic groups, congregations, spiritual groups, and other groups discussing issues of sexuality. It is helpful for personal journaling and sharing with relatives and friends, and is also very useful as a college text, therapy supplement, or a catalyst for group discussions. www.SilentLives.com
