Religion News

LGBTQIA Pagans and Others Mark 1st February

Posted on 4 Feb 2023 in Religion

The calendar this week reaches 1st February, marked in various traditions as the harbinger of Spring. For pagans and neo-pagans, it is Imbolc, meaning “in the belly” and reflecting the pregnant nature of the land. In Celtic countries the date is marked as Saint Bridget’s Day, and elsewhere it is Candlemas. Some scholars suggest that the festival may have been celebrated since at least the Neolithic period, some five thousand and more years BCE. Customs around this time of year include spring cleaning of the house, making a Bridget’s cross, decorating the home with white and green colour

Student Christian Movt Welcomes Church Change

Posted on 4 Feb 2023 in Religion

Tom Packer writing for the website of the Student Christian Movement has a message of inclusion and love for LGBTQIA+ Christians, saying “(we) remind them that whatever the position of the Church of England, that they are loved and truly equal members of the body of Christ.” Mr Packer writes “We

Secularists Call for Bar on Religious Cutting

Posted on 31 Jan 2023 in Religion

Some gay and bisexual men are active in the anti-circumcision movement, regarding cultural and religious circumcision as an affront to bodily autonomy and a crime against male children similar to female genital mutilation (FGM). They were given a boost this week as the National Secular Society,

Gay Pagan Religion Marks 12 Years On the Web

Posted on 24 Jan 2023 in Religion

The gay and male neo-pagan religion of Antinous worshippers have this week marked their twelfth anniversary on Facebook, noting “starting with only nine followers on January 17th 2011, Antinous now has 19,000 followers worldwide ...

LGBTQIA Anglicans Respond to Church Debate

Posted on 23 Jan 2023 in Religion

One Body One Faith, an LGBTQIA+ advocacy network operating within the Church of England and other denominations, has issued its considered response to the Bishops of the Church of England and their consideration of “Prayers of Thanksgiving, Dedication and for God’s Blessing for Same-Sex Couples”.

Jan

Plans Come Together for Queer Spirit Festival

Scene magazine QX looks ahead to the Queer Spirit Festival taking place in Devon from 17th to 23rd August.

Jan

Samesex Church Weddings - Compromise Expected

The Guardian reports that in the coming week, the General Synod of the Church of England will discuss and debate whether to allow priests to conduct samesex marriage ceremonies.

Jan

Opponent of LGBTQIA Rights Dies in Australia

The National Secular Society reports in its weekly bulletin: Cardinal George Pell has died aged 81.

Jan

Former Pope Offered Forgiveness for Phobia

“I pray former Pope Benedict rests in the arms of our loving and forgiving God”.

Jan

Humanists UK Look Forward to Challenges of 23

Adam Rutherford, the CEO of Humanists UK, formerly the British Humanist Association, says that the organisation is broadly pleased with its performance in 2022, and has hopes for a more peaceful an