Religion and Faith

Presbyterian leaders approve gay clergy policy
Presbyterian leaders voted Thursday to allow non-celibate gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy, approving the first of two policy changes that could make their church one of the most gay-friendly major Christian denominations in the U.S.
The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis is moving closer to announcing a reorganization plan that will merge some parishes and probably close buildings.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is poised to become the largest U.S. Christian denomination to permit same-sex marriage if church leaders meeting for their national convention in Minneapolis go along with a committee recommendation.
Macalester and the decline of religion at liberal arts colleges
As the Presbyterians convene this week in Minneapolis, one of their associated institutions in the Twin Cities won't have a huge role. Macalester College still has some connections to the church. But they've changed quite a bit over the college's history.
Small Christian sect, Swedenborgians, host national convention
A small Christian sect that once counted poet William Blake and Helen Keller among its members is having its national convention in St. Paul this week. They're followers of a Scandanavian scientist and mystic, Emanuel Swedenborg.
St. John's Abbey is apologizing for what it says were errors in a public statement about the work history and whereabouts of an abbey monk accused of sexual abuse.
Sisterhood ends where it began for 2 merging nuns
Sister Mary David Olheiser and Sister Helenette Baltes professed their vows together to join the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict in 1936. Sixty-two years later, the classmates and old friends are together again.
Feminism and Islam
Author Isobel Coleman says feminism is gaining strength among women who practice Islam, and some of the rationale comes from what Muslims believe is the word of God: The Koran.