An American archbishop who has prominently opposed gay marriage is under investigation for alleged sexual relationships with other men. Archbishop John Nienstedt of Twin Cities, Minnesota, is being investigated by a prominent Minneapolis law firm hired by his archdiocese. Archbishop Nienstedt authorised the investigation himself. Numerous allegations have reportedly been received against Nienstedt, alleging he Read more
British musician Sir Elton John says Pope Francis is wonderful and that Jesus would support gay marriage. One of the world’s most prominent gay celebrities, Sir Elton said in an interview that the leader of the Catholic Church is a sign of hope. “He’s excited me so much by his humanity and taking everything down to the humility of faith Read more
Despite numerous controversies over dismissing gay Catholics from church posts and the U.S. hierarchy’s campaign against same-sex marriage, Catholic leaders have carefully, if quietly, avoided doing anything to block gay couples from having their children baptised. But a move by a bishop in Wisconsin to route all such decisions through his office is raising questions Read more
At its General Synod in April the Anglican Tikanga of the Dioceses of New Zealand, Aotearoa and Polynesia passed a motion regarding same gender marriage. Motion 30 seeks to see if there is a structure for the Anglican Church to hold onto the traditional view of marriage, and at the same time find a way of Read more
The Presbyterian Church in the United States has voted to allow their clergy to perform same-sex marriages in states where this is legal. The General Synod of the Presbyterian Church (USA) voted 76-24 on June 19 in favour of the move. It also approved new language in its constitution, changing references to “a man and Read more
Everybody knows that same-sex marriage and homosexual acts are contrary to Catholic moral teaching. Yet that same teaching also says that gay and lesbian people must be treated with “respect, sensitivity and compassion.” As more states pass laws legalising same-sex marriage, more gay and lesbian Catholics are entering into these unions. This leaves some Catholics Read more
A senior Italian bishop says the Church should listen to arguments for gay relationships, Communion for divorcees and ending mandatory celibacy for priests. Bishop Nunzio Galantino, who is secretary-general of the Italian bishops’ conference (CEI), said he wants Church leaders to open their minds on these issues. “My wish for the Italian Church is that Read more
The University of Notre Dame in the United States has launched a campaign highlighting how it practises inclusion for gay athletes. A video to kick-off the campaign is titled “At Notre Dame, if you can play, you can play”. About 50 other US universities have made similar videos. On the video, Notre Dame athletic director Read more
The world’s first openly gay Episcopal bishop has announced his divorce from his long time partner. Bishop Gene Robinson’s election in 2003 shocked the worldwide Anglican communion. After entering into a civil union with his partner of 25 years Mark Andrews in 2008, Bishop Robinson announced the split in May this year, the Religion News Read more
The Catholic Church has backed unionist politicians’ moves to block legalised same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland. A Sinn Fein motion to introduce same-sex marriage legislation is likely to be defeated in the Northern Ireland assembly next week. Unionist parties will introduce a “petition of concern” against the move. Under the rules of the Stormont assembly, Read more