Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. - Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to marry, making the state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions through the courts.

The ruling comes just weeks before Californians go to the polls on a historic gay-"marriage" ballot question, the first time the issue will be put before voters.

Connecticut's court ruled 4-3 that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry under the state constitution. It was a logical next step for a state that was the first to voluntarily pass laws affirming and protecting civil unions. more >>

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Following a four-day conference, Christian and Muslim leaders from around the world announced the first fruits of the "Common Word" exchange through a joint statement that affirmed their support for religious freedom and further interfaith dialogue based on their common love for God and neighbor.

During the "Loving God and Neighbor" meeting at Yale University, the high-profile leaders discussed how Christians and Muslims might work together to address world poverty, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the situation in Palestine and Israel, the dangers of further wars, and the freedom of religion. more >>

Christian and Muslim scholars meeting at Yale University for a discussion on peace and reconciliation this week forewarned that a clash of "global proportions" would inevitably unravel in the near future unless Christianity and Islam learn how to co-exist.

"Why have you come here?" asked Miroslav Volf, director of the Yale Divinity School's Center for Faith and Culture, in opening remarks at the "Common Word" conference Tuesday. "Because, as I do, you see heavy and dangerous storm of Muslim-Christian tensions menacing the world in which we live."

According to Volf, the thesis of the Yale conference, "Loving God and Neighbor in Word and Deed" is simple: "What bounds Christians and Muslims together is their common belief in the oneness of God and the commitment to love God and to love neighbor." more >>

Top Christian and Muslim leaders have convened at Yale University for a historic conference that is expected to promote understanding and peace between Christianity and Islam on an unprecedented level.

The conference, “Loving God and Neighbor in Word and Deed: Implications for Muslims and Christians,” will officially be held July 28-31 but leaders from both faiths have initiated dialogue on peace during closed-session workshops since Thursday.

The gathering is a direct response to a letter signed by 138 Muslim leaders last fall that called for peace between Muslims and Christians for the sake of world peace. more >>

Christian groups will gather Friday afternoon for a demonstration and prayer vigil outside the headquarters of ESPN over their disapproval with how the television network has responded to the anti-Jesus remarks made recently by one of their anchorwomen.

Though news anchor Dana Jacobson has been temporally suspended for one week for her Jan. 11 tirade – which reportedly included “F*** Jesus” – many Christian groups feel that ESPN has been slow and reluctant to claim responsibility.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue noted that when late sportscaster Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder made disparaging remarks about blacks during a 1988 interview, he was immediately fired by CBS. more >>

Whether it’s a turkey leg or a leg up for those in search for their next job, many churches and ministries nationwide are reminding those in need this Thanksgiving that they’re here to help.

Many churches will be joining with local volunteers to offer free Thanksgiving meals to the needy as a way to connect with those in the community.

"I believe that God expects the church to meet people in a very practical way," said Rev. Kevin Merritt of Stepney Baptist Church in Monroe, Conn., according to the Monroe Courier newspaper. more >>