The Top 10 Religion Stories Of 2013

[cbayer]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/16/religion-stories-2013-_n_4434068.html

The Huffington Post | By Paul Brandeis Raushenbush
Posted: 12/16/2013 8:17 am EST | Updated: 12/16/2013 10:25 am EST



2013 was a huge year for religion news. The transition of power in the Vatican, church state issues in the United States, and religious tension in the Middle East were just a few of the reasons that religion was so often propelled onto the front page. The HuffPost Religion editorial team identified these top ten religion stories of the year. What do you think? What have we left off? Which is the most important? Let us know in the comments or tweet us @huffpostrelig

10. Pope Benedict Resigns



On February 11, Pope Benedict announced to a shocked world that he would be resigning as pope on February 28, the first Pope to do so for 600 years. The 85-year-old Benedict gave diminishing health and strength as the reasons for his stepping down. The bombshell announcement ushered in a time of rumors, handwringing over the future of the Catholic Church and fevered speculation over who might be elected the next pope. All that ended on March 13 when the super secret papal conclave elected Benedict’s successor.

9. Gays Gain Ground



While LGBT people have a long way to go before attaining full equality within most religious communities, 2013 had a lot of stories that indicate that the tide is turning towards greater inclusion. The Boy Scouts lifted the ban on gay members, Pope Francis said his famous ‘who am I to judge’ line, Rev. Guy Erwin of the Southwest California Synod became the first openly gay ELCA bishop, many religious groups filed amicus briefs with Edie Windsor on the DOMA trial, and 50 ministers performed a gay marriage in support of the Methodist Rev. Frank Schaefer who was on trial for officiating the marriage of his gay son. Polls in 2013 indicate an accelerating acceptance within congregations as well, as more congregations welcome LGBT people as full members of the worshipping community.

8. Mental Health in the Church



Two of America’s most influential pastors had sons who died from suicide in 2013. Matthew Warren and Isaac Hunter both took their own lives, bringing heartbreak to their families and church communities and sparking important conversations around mental health and the church and within the wider religious world. Hopefully these tragic losses will result in the destigmatization of mental health issues and a most honest and open conversation and response going forward.


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[TlalocW]

1. I think the author is a South Park fan

Based on the picture that goes with story #4.

TlalocW

[cbayer]

2. I don't see the connection.

What am I missing?

[TlalocW]

3. It's been a while since I've seen it

But there was an episode where Cartman incited a movement against red-headed or "Ginger" kids, claiming they had no souls and then reversed it and started a violent pro-Ginger movement after his friends snuck into his room at night and turned him into a redhead, and he experienced the same hatred that he had instigated.

TlalocW

[cbayer]

4. Oh! I remember that.

I'm a "ginger" and am sensitive to this issue.

But what was a liability as a kid turned into an asset as an adult!