Institute on Religion and Democracy
WASHINGTON, D.C.–A popular new Pope, church disputes and threats to religious freedom made news throughout 2013. Below are IRD’s top church news stories for the year.
New Pope: Both the almost unprecedented retirement of a Pope and the enthusiasm surrounding a young new pontiff was the biggest church story of the year. Conservatives and liberals each spun Pope Francis’ comments on homosexuals, proselytization, economics and abortion, but it is clear that he has everyone’s attention.
Methodist Same-Sex Disobedience: United Methodist Pastor Frank Schaefer was tried and convicted of violating the denomination’s ban on same-sex marriage. The Pennsylvania pastor’s defrocking comes amidst a campaign by church liberals to defy the governing majority in the General Conference. Retired UMC Bishop Mel Talbert is also facing likely charges after conducting a same-sex wedding in Alabama.
Catholics Score Legal Victories on HHS Mandate: Catholic bishops continued their opposition to contraception and abortifacient coverage mandates in Obamacare, finding success in several legal challenges to the healthcare law.
Read more at http://juicyecumenism.com/2013/12/30/irds-top-church-news-stories-of-2013/