Monthly Archives: June 2013
Quote of the Day: President Obama
By Ron Ribiat — June 26, 2013
“How religious institutions define and consecrate marriage has always been up to those institutions. Nothing about this decision – which applies only to civil marriages – changes that.” — President Obama, reacting to the Supreme Court ruling striking down a federal ban on same-sex marriages.
“Not Conducive to the Public Good”: American Islamophobes barred from the UK
By Omid Safi — June 26, 2013
American Islamophobes are deemed to be "not conducive to the public good" by the British Government. Right on! This is not even about Islam and Islamophobia. It is about the type of society that we wish to live in, and whether we are to be a society of citizens ruled by law and mutual respect, or to live in an environment characterized by fear and paranoia.
ANALYSIS: A cultural wave on gay marriage reaches the Supreme Court
By Kevin Eckstrom — June 26, 2013
WASHINGTON Justice Anthony Kennedy's 26-page opinion Wednesday (June 26) striking down a federal ban on same-sex marriages offers a window into Americans' rapidly shifting views of same-sex relationships -- a shift that increasingly relies on matters of law and fairness, not moral or religious views.
Christian Leaders Respond to DOMA Decision
By Jonathan Merritt — June 26, 2013
Christian leaders offer a range of responses to Supreme Court's DOMA decision.
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly Video: 1963: Civil rights 50th anniversary
By Sally Morrow — June 26, 2013
The civil rights movement was both “the work of the Lord and the work of freedom,” says author Taylor Branch. “It took redemption, and it took faith and tenacity, not just an empty, simple hope.”
The map of gay marriage
By Religion News LLC — June 26, 2013
The downfall of the Defense of Marriage Act means that same-sex couples must be afforded federal benefits in states where they are legally married. Here's a look at which states allow gay marriage or unions.
More Americans Than Not Agree With Supreme Court’s DOMA Ruling
By MacKenzie Babb — June 26, 2013
With public opinion on legalizing same-sex marriage at a tipping point—most surveys find a slim majority now in favor—the ruling is evidence of a significant reversal in how Americans think about the issue.
On DOMA, Scalia has a point
By Mark Silk — June 26, 2013
In striking down the Defense of Marriage Act, the Supreme Court took a dim view of the motivation of Congress in prohibiting same-sex partners joined in matrimony by a state from obtaining the federal benefits to which married couples are entitled. In his well-nigh-apoplectic dissent, Justice Antonin Scalia sees this as an indication of what's to come. Let us hope.
Father Knows Best: I love, accept my special needs child. Why do I still feel so alone?
By Martin Elfert — June 26, 2013
Of the many parents whom I know with neurologically or physically atypical children, I can’t think of one who has not come to understand her child as a gift and as a blessing, just the way that she is.
Ecumenical Catholic Communion supports DOMA and Proposition 8 decisions; continued efforts to extend rights and protections encouraged
By Religion News LLC — June 26, 2013
Orange, CA (6/26/2013) Presiding Bishop Peter E. Hickman of the Ecumenical Catholic Communion released this statement in response to the Supreme Court’s rulings on the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and Proposition 8. Bishop Hickman applauds the Supreme Court’s actions, and encourages continued efforts to bring full equality for all gay and lesbian individuals in […]
Pope creates commission to review scandal-plagued Vatican Bank
By Alessandro Speciale — June 26, 2013
(RNS) A new commission created by Pope Francis will have the power to access the bank's data and documents, trumping the secrecy that historically shrouded its operations.
What do you think? Tell us your response to Supreme Court rulings
By Kevin Eckstrom — June 26, 2013
We're covering reaction to the decisions from religious leaders and the unaffiliated, but we want to know what you think, too. Leave a comment here and we'll feature the some of the best ones.
Reactions to gay marriage wins at Supreme Court
By Corrie Mitchell — June 26, 2013
It's hard to find a person who doesn't have a strong opinion about today's double wins for gay marriage rights at the Supreme Court. Here is reaction from religious leaders who rejoice at the decisions, and from others disappointed in the court's action. We also hear from the religiously unaffiliated.
Twitter reactions to #Supreme Court DOMA ruling
By Sarah Pulliam Bailey — June 26, 2013
The Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in a 5-4 decision. The court also ruled that same-sex marriage will be available in California, at least where court clerks take the position that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional. This post will be updated as we gather more reactions. This is a Roe v. Wade-type […]
Bobby McFerrin: Praying as he sings
By Kim Lawton — June 26, 2013
(RNS) His newest album, “spirityouall,” includes adaptations of traditional African-American spirituals and devotional songs that McFerrin composed.
