Homosexuality

The chief legislative authority of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted a new social statement on human sexuality Wednesday with exactly the number of votes needed to pass it.

“Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” the denomination’s tenth social statement, was passed on a 676-338 vote that met the two-thirds vote requirement on the dot.

The statement – which emphasizes two principles, trust and bound conscience – addresses a spectrum of topics relevant to human sexuality from a Lutheran perspective, including social structures, cohabitation, sexual exploitation, abuse, and homosexuality, the latter of which has drawn the most attention and controversy. more >>

Correction appended

Debate on a proposed social statement on human sexuality began Tuesday at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Churchwide Assembly.

Opponents of the statement argued that adopting it would constitute abandonment of Scripture. more >>

The founder of a major Christian right group is hospitalized and in critical condition, his family said.

American Family Association founder the Rev. Don Wildmon, 71, was diagnosed with meningitis this past weekend, his son and AFA President Tim Wildmon said, according to The Associated Press. The younger Wildmon said on Monday that his father’s condition has improved over the last 24 hours.

"Meningitis is a very serious disease, and the Wildmon family, as well as the AFA family, appreciate your continued prayers and expressions of concern," Tim Wildmon said in an e-mailed statement. more >>

The Justice Department on Monday said the Obama administration does not support the 1996 federal law that bans same-sex marriage.

"This administration does not support DOMA as a matter of policy, believes that it is discriminatory, and supports its repeal."

This is the first time the Justice Department stated that it opposes the Defense of Marriage Act in a court brief. more >>

Gay rights groups across California announced different dates they will pursue campaigns to repeal Proposition 8.

Equality California, which led an unsuccessful campaign last year against a state amendment banning same-sex marriage, said it will wait until 2012 to go back to the ballot.

Other groups, however, including Courage Campaign and Equality Network, have decided to go ahead with a 2010 campaign. more >>