The open lesbian elected as an assistant bishop in Los Angeles is apparently one step closer to consecration after her diocese announced Thursday that it had received “consents” from 61 of the denomination’s 109 other dioceses. The result is not official until ratified by Episcopal Church headquarters; a tally of diocesan bishops’ confirmations, which is also required, is not yet known.
The CSM and WSJ have articles on what made a former cheerleader become “Jihad Jane” (pic at top left). Rep. Bart Stupak’s staunch Catholicism has often put him at odds with fellow Democrats, the AP reports. Muslims are wary of participating in the 2010 Census, after a number of them were rounded up and deported after registering with federal officials in the wake of 9/11.
The PCUSA released part three of its report on the Israel/Palestine situation. The report asks the U.S. government to consider “the possible withholding of military aid as a means of bringing Israel to compliance with international law and peacemaking efforts,” but does not recommend divestment from companies that contribute to Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. Overall, the report is not that different from what the Obama administration has been saying, but American Jews, who have long battled with the Presbyies about this issue, still profess outrage.
Virginia’s new governor overruled his attorney general, saying that public institutions – including colleges – should indeed ban discrimination against gays. Other Virginians want legislators to stop an imam from delivering the opening prayer in the House of Delegates.
Archbishop Chaput of Denver defended the expulsion of a preschooler with lesbian parents from Catholic school. Catholic bishops in New Mexico and Arizona are condemning a crackdown on illegal immigration. Archbishops Dolan of New York and Listecki of Milwaukee say they are averse to denying Communion to Catholic politicians who support reproductive rights.
Harriet Tubman’s personal hymnal was donated to Washington’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Karl Rove says gay marriage found him, he didn’t find it.
Egypt’s leading religious official died. Membership in the Lutheran World Federation topped 70 million for the first time, mostly because of growth in Asian and Africa. The Swedish artist who painted Prophet Muhammad as a dog says he wanted to prove that artistic freedom trumps piety. Seven Muslims arrested in Ireland on suspicion of trying to kill the artist will be held in custody for three more days, a judge ruled.
The Vatican is not pleased that a high school in Rome has installed a condom-dispensing vending machine. Pubs in Ireland want an exemption to sell alcohol on Good Friday because of a highly anticipated rugby match. A Polish heavy metal singer faces two years in jail for insulting Catholics and tearing up a Bible on stage.
