South Carolina

South Carolina's "I Believe" license plate that features an image of a cross in front of a stained-glass window has been ruled unconstitutional.

U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie said the specialty license plate was motivated by a purpose to advance a specific religion and has the effect of state endorsement of Christianity.

The Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, praised the decision, commenting, "Government must never be allowed to express favored treatment for one faith over others. That’s unconstitutional and un-American." more >>

Heeding a call by the diocesan bishop to fight the "false Gospel of indiscriminate inclusivity," Episcopalians in the Diocese of South Carolina voted on Saturday to reduce its participation in the national church.

In an 87-17 vote, with one abstention, the diocese approved a resolution to begin withdrawing from all bodies of The Episcopal Church that have assented to actions contrary to Scripture and Anglican tradition.

The withdrawal sets up "appropriate boundaries" and does not constitute a complete split from the national church. more >>

A fifth Episcopal diocese is considering whether to withdraw from the national church over "a multitude of false teachings," including its liberal direction on homosexuality.

The Diocese of South Carolina will hold a special convention this weekend to vote on five proposed resolutions that will determine their next steps.

Although one of the resolutions calls for a withdrawal from "all bodies of The Episcopal Church that have assented to actions contrary to Holy Scripture, the doctrine, discipline and worship of Christ as this Church has received them," none of the proposals send the diocese down the road of complete disaffiliation. more >>

In a long and, to many, confusing address to Episcopal clergy in the Diocese of South Carolina, the Very Rev. Mark Lawrence proposed withdrawing from all governing bodies of The Episcopal Church "that have assented to actions contrary to Holy Scripture."

The South Carolina bishop insisted, "This is not a flight into isolation; nor is it an abandonment of duty, but the protest of conscience," during his address last Thursday.

The main protest is against the denomination's controversial decisions last month at the General Convention to approve resolutions that some believe open the ordination process to practicing homosexuals and move the national church closer to the blessing of same-sex unions. more >>

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Women seeking an abortion in South Carolina would have to wait at least 24 hours after their ultrasound under a bill given initial approval Wednesday by a House subcommittee.

The measure would increase the waiting time from an hour to a day.

Proponents said it would bring South Carolina in line with other states that have waiting periods and give women time to reflect on the decision. Critics said requiring two trips creates a burden, especially for poor, rural women. more >>