Religious Oppression, Gay Muslims, Summer Solstice, Exodus Exits

June 21, 2013 Subscribe · Forward Religious Oppression Rises Despite Arab Spring By Lauren Markoe Religion News Service WASHINGTON (RNS) People who hoped the Arab Spring would lead to greater religious freedom across the Middle East have been sorely disappointed, and a new Pew study confirms that the region has grown even more repressive for various religious groups. Continue reading... More Than 20,000 Celebrate Summer Solstice At Stonehenge Weddings For Gay Muslims WATCH: 'We Failed By Being Too Religious" Pope Francis Makes Major Change To Mass Anti-Gay Ministry Shuts Down WATCH: 'Daily Show' Skewers Evangelical's Claim That Gays Bully Christians Anti-Gay Ministry Shuts Down Dubai Plans Quran-Themed Park Anti-Gay Ministry Shuts Down WATCH: 'Daily Show' Skewers Evangelical's Claim That Gays Bully Christians Pope Francis Makes Major Change To Mass CHARLES J. REID, JR. The Married Apostles and What They Mean Today Will we see the rules on celibacy changed? If Pope Francis makes this choice, he would merely be returning the Church to one of its oldest, deepest practices. Continue reading... ALAN JONES Seekers, Nones and the Age of Doubt? The seekers and the nones have got it right. There's something fishy about the way we've reduced language to mean only one thing. The way forward is to stop clobbering each other with dogmas and start exchanging stories. And be unafraid of an open, endless conversation. Continue reading... JOHN SHORE An Open Letter to Exodus International's Super-Remorseful Alan Chambers I heard you say that you regret the way in which Exodus communicated its message. And I definitely heard you repeatedly say that it's high time for the church to start welcoming gay people. But I never heard you say that it's OK for people to be gay. Continue reading... CATHERINE MEEKS, PH.D. My Reunion With The Open Door My heart and my thoughts will always be turned toward the oppressed and the outcasts of our world. My work will always be focused upon trying to do everything possible to create the Beloved Community which will be free of racism, sexism, poverty, militarism, hetereosexism, violence and all other false constructs of polarization. Continue reading... CAROLE A. CRUMLEY Being Contemplative in the Digital Age: 6 Tips to Nourish Your Prayer Practice There are many ways to pray, many ways to open to God's living presence and nurture an awareness of the sacred in daily life. Whether you are just beginning on a spiritual path or seeking to deepen your spiritual practice, here are some ways to begin or begin again. Continue reading... Received this from a friend? Sign up for alerts from The Huffington Post here. Unsubscribe here. Huffington Post, 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003