Free Republic

ATLANTA - Martin Luther King Jr.'s youngest child lit a torch at her father's tomb last month to kick off a march advocating a ban on gay marriage, creating a strong image linking the slain civil rights icon to today's heated social debate.       But just nine months earlier, King's widow defended the rights of gays and lesbians in a speech at a New Jersey college.       King never publicly spoke on gay rights while leading the charge toward racial equality in the 1950s and '60s, but the clash over gay marriage has prompted people close to his legacy to...

Mass shows support for dozens of gays, lesbians 'Let go of anger and hate,' pastor says BY STEVE SCOTT Pioneer Press Responding to requests by families and friends of gays and lesbians, the Rev. John Clay celebrated a Mass of healing and support Thursday night at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in St. Paul. Nearly 150 people at the church at West Seventh Street and Western Avenue heard Clay call for people to love "those who aren't like us." He implored them to "listen to what it feels like to grow up in a society in which the majority is hostile"...

A Methodist minister who was defrocked for declaring that she is a lesbian living with her partner is taking her case to a church appeals court.     The Rev. Irene Stroud, of Philadelphia, was ousted Dec. 2 for violating the United Methodist Church's law against "self-avowed practicing homosexuals" in the clergy.     Ms. Stroud decided last week to appeal, but delayed the announcement until after Christmas weekend. Notice of appeal must be filed this week. [snip]She said one factor in her decision was something retired Bishop Joseph Yeakel, the judge who presided at her church trial, said to her after the...

Flag stirs flap at Howell High Controversy centered over meaning of Diversity Club message Thursday, December 23, 2004 BY STEPHENIE KOEHN News Staff Reporter What is the meaning of a rainbow? For many who see one during or after a rainstorm, it's a harbinger of good luck or at least a warm and fuzzy feeling. In the form of a flag hanging at Howell High School, however, it has created a controversy between those who see it as an expression of diversity and those who see it as supporting homosexuality. Confusion over the meaning of the flag, said Howell High...

Sen. Kennedy Says Opponents of “Gay Marriage” Are Bigots Sen. Edward Kennedy has told A.P. that opponents of “gay marriage” are bigots. The news service reported last week: “Meanwhile, Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy criticized supporters of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, saying that would be a civil rights setback. “Kennedy said bigotry should not be written into the federal constitution, and constitutional amendments should be about expanding rights and liberties.” Unitarians Confirm Our Forecast that Group Sex Will be Next The Unitarian Church is now welcoming those who believe in group relationships including the practice of “romantic love.”...

The presidential race is full of religious ironies, pitting a Protestant who quotes the Pope against a Catholic who rejects the Pope. The Protestant -- campaigning on opposition to abortion and homosexual marriage -- will likely get the Catholic vote. The Catholic -- campaigning on embryo-destruction, partial-birth abortion, and the alternative lifestyles of pagan antiquity -- will get the mainline Protestant vote. In one more irony and historical marker of clerical decadence, the Catholic candidate will receive a higher percentage of support from the Catholic episcopate than the Catholic laity -- the very episcopate Kerry has made a point of...

Church faces split as report fails to heal gays rowBy Jonathan Petre, Religion Correspondent(Filed: 19/10/2004)The future of the worldwide Anglican Church remained precarious last night after a report intended to heal divisions over homosexuality failed to reassure conservatives.The Windsor report challenged liberals to end their defiance of the majority view but imposed no serious sanctions on those involved in consecrating the Church's first bishop to admit being a practising homosexual.   Archbishop Robin Eames, Primate of Ireland The 120-page report, commissioned a year ago by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, provoked mixed reaction, with protesters, including the...