Gay-Union Debate Intensifies in Churches ; Many Major Religious Groups Are Actively Wrestling over Unions and Ordination of Clergy

Jane Lampman writer of The Christian Science Monitor, The Christian Science Monitor

* The Catholic church Thursday launched a global campaign against same-sex unions of any kind, calling them "gravely immoral."

* The United Church of Christ and Reform Judaism not only conduct gay union ceremonies but ordain gay clergy.

* Presbyterians have voted to allow "holy union" ceremonies, but not full-fledged weddings.

As gay rights issues gather momentum, major religious groups are being forced to confront where they stand on the sensitive topics of same-sex unions and clergy - and are often taking widely varied approaches.

For some, homosexuality has become the most divisive issue since the ordination of women, and has threatened to split …

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Publication information: Article title: Gay-Union Debate Intensifies in Churches ; Many Major Religious Groups Are Actively Wrestling over Unions and Ordination of Clergy. Contributors: Jane Lampman writer of The Christian Science Monitor - Author. Newspaper title: The Christian Science Monitor. Publication date: August 1, 2003. Page number: 1. © 2009 The Christian Science Publishing Society. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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