LGBT issues are still emerging in Japan, but one Zen Buddhist temple is offering wedding ceremonies, even though Japanese law does not recognize same-sex marriage. From the Huffington Post Japan allows same-sex marriage ceremonies within its borders, according to the Council On Foreign Relations, but these couples won’t be given the legal rights and privileges […]
Day: December 14, 2014
The Magazine: See and be seen – a photo essay
By Jim Friedrich How does the world perceive the church? How do we perceive ourselves? Using six photographs taken over the last ten years, the Rev. Jim Friedrich considers these persistent questions of image and identity. Corpus Christi procession, Rue des Ecoles, Paris (2005). The antique vestments and gestures appear incongruous or even […]
Joyous voices sweet and clear
At this time of year, here in the US, we are surrounded by Christmas Carols seemingly everywhere we go. And ever since the emergence of the Sony Walkman, 30 years ago, each individual has been able to listen to their own personal soundtrack. But while we’re surrounded by music, are we less likely to make […]
The Magazine: One Body
by The Rev. Dr. Donna L. McNiel There is no doubt that the Church is changing. It’s not merely decline, but a shift along with the rest of our society in how we do everything. It’s the same shift that our larger society is experiencing. In our churches it’s reflected in lower attendance on Sundays, […]
Hand over the bullhorn
sfgate.com, has an article up looking at the issue of how to be an ally “There are people who would like to participate, but they feel co-opted and don’t want to be aligned with the vandalism and with people throwing things at the police,” said Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, a black community leader who […]
Speaking to the Soul: Will I Recognize Jesus?
Once upon a time there was a queen. The queen was kind and good, and her subjects loved her. She was generous and everyone in the land lived in comfort and safety. The queen liked to take long walks around her kingdom, but she preferred not to be recognized so that she could enjoy the […]