Will there be uproar as ex-Episcopalian priests are allowed to forgo Catholicism's celibacy code?
A number of Episcopalians have been unhappy with the denomination's recent liberal changes, things like a shift toward pro-choice views and acceptance of gay marriage, even ordaining openly homosexual bishops. In response, the Catholic Church is opening up a nationwide diocese to ex-Episcopalians who would like to join Catholicism as a group; a priest and congregation, so church leaders and members who are already comfortable with one another will have a chance to stick together. They will be expected to abide by the Catholic Church's governance, support their conservative views and acknowledge the pope. But since priests in the Episcopal Church have never had to practice celibacy, and many are already married with children, the Catholic Church is granting an exemption to their long-practiced celibacy code... but is it fair? And should it even be allowed in the faith?
The late, great Christopher Hitchens had a scathing wit on everything from politics to cheating.
Christopher Hitchens's most valuable asset was his scathing wit. From his famous digs at religion to his humiliating takedown of Sarah Palin — and even some snippy comments aimed at cats — read the brilliant writer's most incendiary jabs.
The holidays inspire us to think about whether we believe in God. I don't.
As an atheist, it's nice to know that I'm less likely to ever become president than a devout Christian who's cheated on his wife with everything that moves. Hypocrites much? Even as an atheist, I know the Ten Commandments better than some conservative folks.
On Thanksgiving, my family pried into my love life. So I shut them up them only way I knew how...
I was 12 the first time my aunt asked me over Thanksgiving dinner if I had a boyfriend yet. Twelve. I was two years away from my first "official" date, and six years away from losing my virginity on the bottom bunk of a dorm room at Keene State College. So no, Auntie Franny, I don't have a boyfriend.
Except one! There is only ONE Republican I'd have sex with, and he would be worth it.
Note to the male population: If you don't share my bleeding heart liberal views, we will not be having sex. Just something to think about during this pre-election season, which has already bombarded us with incompetent GOP debates and Rick Perry's overtly bizarre behavior. I'm apparently in the minority on this one, however.
Technology's no substitute for openness in any family.
According to En Moi, the makers of the "Is My Son Gay?" application for the Android phone, it was only supposed to be a joke. It came under immediate controversy, and was officially pulled from the Android marketplace last Friday afternoon. Although it was clearly mired in offensive stereotypes, and was devoid any scientific research, its very existence likely left some parents thinking: Wouldn’t it be nice if we did have an app for that? Having the traditional birds and bees talk with your child can be complicated enough, let alone discussing all the added intricacies of sexual orientation. However, in our current culture of gay teens committing suicide, and of the recent decision to overturn Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, it is more important than ever for your children—no matter what age they are—to know that they can come to you and discuss these things openly.
If you thought reading Lolita was brave, imagine being a lesbian in a strict Islamic country.
Controversial new movie "Circumstance" explores the lives of lesbians forced to live in the shadows. Omid Memarian talks to women in Iran who say the movie doesn’t do their predicament justice.
The Bible thumpers below the Mason-Dixon line are more likely to get divorced.
In spite of an intense focus on marriage and traditional family values, divorce rates in the socially conservative South are higher than in the liberal-leaning Northeast, according to a report released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Surprise! He grew up to be a right-wing conservative and a Tea Party supporter.
Facebook is really great for reconnecting with old friends and finding out what your buddies are up to. What it is also great for: shattering every illusion you ever had about your first love—just like it did for me this weekend.
Recently, YourTango asked readers: Would you date across the political aisle?
The results were astonishing, as 77 percent of respondents said that they'd be open to dating their political opposite. Curious to learn more, we decided to open up the discussion further, taking to the radio airwaves and starting a dialogue with various radio show listeners.
Despite her conservative upbringing, one women decides to kiss courtship—not dating—goodbye.
My family wasn't the only one caught up in this idea of courtship. In the wake of the publication of I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris, a whole generation of Christian conservatives were booting modern dating out the door. There were rallies and conferences where we jammed out to Christian music and cheered when a speaker said things like, "Dating is of the devil!" or "No kissing before marriage!" We sighed when we heard stories about a couple sharing their first kiss on their wedding day. We weren't just pledging our virginity, we were pledging to stay away from dating, hand-holding, kissing and the opposite sex. We were pledging to prepare ourselves to be good wives by staying submissive to our parents until the day they handed us over to our husbands.
