Political & Religious Controversy - Universal Life Church Monastery Blog

Pope Francis Calls for Laws Allowing Gay Couples to Form Civil Unions

October 22nd, 2020

In a surprise announcement, Pope Francis has offered his full support for same-sex couples to form civil unions. It would provide gay couples the same legal rights and other benefits offered to married straight couples. Continue Reading »

Posted in: LGBTQ & Human Rights, Political & Religious Controversy | 12 Comments »

"Why Only the Jews?" Orthodox Protesters Burn Masks in Defiance of COVID Shutdowns

October 9th, 2020

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is putting new lockdown restrictions in place to combat the spread of COVID-19, but some Orthodox Jewish communities say they're being unfairly targeted during the NYC crackdown. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 57 Comments »

Alabama: Voters Must Swear an Oath to God in Order to Register

October 9th, 2020

Alabama's voter registration form requires a signature affirming all information on the form is true - "so help me God." Atheist activists say it's tantamount to a declaration of faith, and are challenging it in court. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 45 Comments »

Tennessee High School Disqualifies Muslim Athlete for Wearing Hijab

October 1st, 2020

A 14 year old high school athlete had to choose between her faith and athletics when a ref told her she couldn't wear her hijab to a volleyball game. The rule cited only mentions hijabs, and no other religious garb. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 34 Comments »

Church Ad Featuring Genderqueer Jesus Sparks Outrage

September 23rd, 2020

The Church of Iceland, in an effort to show the church as a place of welcoming diversity, put out an advertisement depicting Jesus with breasts. Many Christians had a bone to pick with that ad, and demanded it come down. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 49 Comments »

Christian Employees Fired for Refusing to Wear LGBT Rainbow Emblem, Lawsuit Alleges

September 17th, 2020

Grocery chain Kroger is being sued by two Christian former employees who say their religious rights were violated when they were fired after refusing to wear an emblem they interpreted as pro-LGBT. Is it discrimination? Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 153 Comments »

What's Next for 2020? A Holy War Against Marxism, Some Faith Leaders Claim

September 16th, 2020

Evangelical leader Rick Joyner said Christians should prepare for a civil war against liberals. It's part of an overall rising trend of Christian nationalism, which invokes violent language to defend conservative causes. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Life and Death | 150 Comments »

A Sinner in the Ranks? Falwell Family Behavior Casts Pall over Faith Message

August 31st, 2020

Evangelical leader Jerry Falwell Jr. is out at his job at Liberty University following a sex scandal. It's an interesting turn for a family you could call the architects of the culture war and the Religious Right. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 46 Comments »

Missionaries Refuse to Leave Native Tribes Alone During Pandemic

August 28th, 2020

In the midst of COVID, many missionaries are still visiting remote tribes as if we aren't in the midst of a pandemic. Advocates say that's reckless - saying that a single case of coronavirus could wipe out entire tribes. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy, Christian | 37 Comments »

Meet the "Intactivists" – Leaders of the Anti-Circumcision Movement

August 13th, 2020

There's a growing movement in America to ban circumcision: They call themselves 'Intactivists'. But their movement is in direct opposition to Jewish and Muslim faiths, which mandate circumcision as a religious rite. Continue Reading »

Posted in: Political & Religious Controversy | 43 Comments »