Good news: Church to celebrate life of Catholic priest who found peace as a transgender woman

From the article:

On Sunday, Wedgewood Church in Charlotte will celebrate Nancy Ledins, a congregant who began life in 1932 as William Griglak, became a Roman Catholic priest in 1959 and underwent a sex-change operation in 1979.....

And in the last five years of her life, Ledins found new purpose as an active member at Wedgewood, a Charlotte church of about 60 worshipers – half of whom are gay, lesbian or transgender – that is affiliated with the American Baptists Churches USA and the United Church of Christ.

How the social gospel movement explains the roots of todays religious left

From the article:

"Throughout American history, religion has played a significant role in promoting social reform. From the abolitionist movement of the early 19th century to the civil rights movement of the 20th century, religious leaders have championed progressive political causes."

To read more:

http://religionnews.com/2017/07/18/how-the-social-gospel-movement-explains-the-roots-of-todays-religious-left/

Bad news: "Eugene Peterson backtracks on same-sex marriage"

From the article:

"RNS) — “The Message” author Eugene Peterson says he regrets telling me he would officiate a same-sex wedding if asked to do so today by a gay couple who were “Christians of good faith.”..........

Some have asked why I would ask these questions at all. There were two primary reasons. First, he is one of the most influential Christian thinkers in the world and homosexuality is one of the most contentious debates in the church today. What Peterson believes about this topic matters, which is more than evident in the reaction it generated."

To read more:

http://religionnews.com/2017/07/13/eugene-peterson-backtracks-on-same-sex-marriage/

Good news: "Clergy arrested outside McConnells office while protesting healthcare bill"

From the article:

"WASHINGTON (RNS) Eleven interfaith protestors, including the Rev. William Barber II, were arrested outside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s office while protesting Medicaid cuts in the GOP’s revised healthcare bill.
About 50 protestors gathered Thursday (July 13) for the Capitol Hill rally, before marching to a Senate office building steps from the Capitol."

To read more:

http://religionnews.com/2017/07/13/clergy-arrested-outside-mcconnells-office-while-protesting-healthcare-bill/