With a bloody cleric adding Valentine’s Day to his culture (and literal) wars, this issue of A Public Witness looks deeper into the subversive mythology behind St. Valentine.
Critics have noted the campaign’s welcoming and progressive messages seem at odds with some of its Christian funders, who have also supported anti-LGBTQ+ and anti-abortion causes.
This issue of A Public Witness tracks which members of Congress are no longer part of the United Methodist Church to consider what that reveals about Methodist life as well as religion and politics more broadly.
Divisions over marriage, sexuality, and inclusion of gays and lesbians are proving insurmountable for the foreseeable future in many sectors of Christianity.
Many departing congregations have joined the more conservative Global Methodist Church, with others joining smaller denominations, going independent, or still considering their options.
The vote follows the House of Bishops’ agreement last month to commend ‘Prayers of Love and Faith,’ a collection of prayers and readings for use in existing services. The bishops also approved the prayers as the basis for stand-alone services for gay couples.