This morning a federal challenge to Amendment One was filed in the Western District of North Carolina on behalf of the United Church of Christ (UCC) as a national denomination, clergy from across faith traditions and same-sex couples, according to a press release. The case challenges the constitutionality of marriage laws in North Carolina – including Amendment One – that ban marriage between same-sex couples and make it illegal for clergy to perform wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples within their congregations.
Tag: religion
Showing 22-42 of 43 results
Ralph Burns: A Persistence of Vision
Ralph Burns: A Persistence of Vision, 1972 – 2013, is a new exhibition opening this Saturday, March 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Asheville Art Museum. The show, curated by J. Richard Gruber, Ph.D., the Director Emeritus of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, surveys 41 years of work by Asheville photographer Ralph Burns. Photo: “Baptism #1,” Jordan River, Israel, 1996, silver gelatin print
Martin Luther King Jr weekend events announced
The Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County has announced several events in celebration Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 20, including a film screening, prayer breakfast and march.
Sacred activism
For many leaders and members of the local spiritual and faith community, the crux of spiritual experience comes in standing up for something larger than themselves.
Asheville Brewing: we will not drop Shiva IPA
In a response to an announcement from a Nevada-based Hindu activist condemning Asheville Brewing’s Shiva IPA, co-owner Mike Rangel says the company has used the image sensitively after consulting with local and state Hindu leaders, and has no plans to drop the beer.
Jesus is my DJ
We are blessed to be able to pick up two great gospel stations in the asheville area: WKJV (1380 AM) and WGCR (720 AM). I urge you all to try these stations. I promise you that the good, ole' time preaching and music will change you life — it did mine. If it were not […]
Face your fear and stand with us
What is this, target practice? In that case, go long next time. To Pastor Keith A. Ogden: your “argument” has been countered so many times, it has become redundant and boring [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” March 27 Xpress]. Biblical marriage consists not only of polygamy, but also rape, slavery, pedophilia, incest, murder and an assortment […]
When love truly fills your heart all fear vanishes
In response to Rev. Keith Ogden's March 27 letter regarding the current “dangerous” homosexual legislation, here are some reasons we should oppose Marriage Equality [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” Xpress]. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, air conditioning and science in general. Gay marriage will encourage people to be […]
Intolerance is poor theology
Why is it that some religious folks are bent on inserting themselves (and their particular beliefs) into the business of government or civil matters, such as equality for all taxpaying citizens and, in this specific case, Buncombe County workers? [“What's Next, Polygamy Benefits?” March 27 Xpress.] While the county commissioners' vote approved benefits for both […]
Equality or sacrilege? Community weighs in on partner benefits for county employees
Here’s a look at some of what supporters and detractors had to say during a recent public hearing on providing domestic partner benefits to Buncombe County employees.
Watch: Time-lapse video of a sand mandela being built in Asheville
Local videographer and photographer Taylor Johnson recently won Intel’s “A Momentary Lapse” award for his time-lapse video of a Tibetan Sand Mandala being built in Asheville. Watch it here.
Moses’ burning bush comes to the big screen
Second-graders from Beth HaTephila premier an original film adaptation of the Moses story this weekend.
Asheville GoTopless rally set for Aug. 26
Organizers have announced that once again Asheville will be the site of a “GoTopless” rally on Sunday, Aug. 26, which is also national Women’s Equality Day.
Take heart — Amendment One won’t stand
Amendment One's passage in North Carolina and its similar enforcement in the vast majority of the United States will be on the books now. Although disappointed, I do not despair because this issue has been decided by the “X,” “Y” and “Millennial” generations. As they assume positions of power, the states will rescind these laws […]
Asheville Schools apologetic about mandatory religious assembly
A mandatory April 19 Asheville Middle School assembly that included religious content has school officials apologizing, and promising to be “a little more skeptical” in the future.
Debate continues over religion policy for Buncombe schools
Pagan advocate Angela Pippinger provided Twitter-based coverage of the March 1 Buncombe County Board of Education meeting, where a revised religion policy was at the center of a heated debate.
Pagan mom live-tweets Buncombe Board of Ed debate on religious activities in schools
Angela Pippinger, self-described “pagan and clergy-in training,” is live-tweeting tonight, Feb. 2, from the Buncombe County Board of Education’s meeting about county schools’ religion policy.
Born again and again
Just when I think I have found the secret to loving Jesus, it eludes me. I have had some very close encounters. I am not a slacker seeker. I have been curious about God long enough to know I am due some understanding. Many people I love have that light about them and credit Jesus. […]
Unless he’s having a picnic, keep Jesus out of city parks
I saw a giant group of Christians swinging big Jesus flags and singing Jesus songs in front of the courthouse and city hall in Pack Square Park [recently]. This is inappropriate and should be stopped, unless other religious groups are also allowed — or encouraged — to worship in front of our symbols of governance. […]
Lessing discusses photo essay on evangelicals
Asheville-based documentary photographer Scott Lessing talks about some of his photos featured in this week’s Mountain Xpress cover story.
Faith in focus
In a time when many religions are witnessing a drop-off in attendance at worship services, evangelicalism is booming: It’s the fastest-growing form of faith in the United States today. A substantial 26.3 percent of American adults define themselves as evangelicals, according to the 2008 U.S. Religious Landscape Study conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion […]