5 THINGS TO KNOW

More churches leave United Methodist Church over gay rights

The United Methodist Church cut ties with 58 churches in its Louisiana conference Saturday amid a nationwide schism in the Protestant denomination over sexuality and theology.  The disaffiliations, approved in a virtual state conference session Saturday…

5 THINGS TO KNOW

The United Methodist Church moves to be more LGBT inclusive

The United Methodist Church moved toward becoming more progressive and LGBTQ-affirming during U.S. regional meetings this month that included the election of its second openly gay bishop. Conservatives say the developments will only accelerate their exit from one of the…

5 THINGS TO KNOW

Churches are breaking IRS rules by backing political candidates

Evangelical churches in Texas and elsewhere have been allegedly flouting a federal regulation prohibiting them from endorsing political candidates, according to a ProPublica and Texas Tribune report—and the IRS has not batted an eye. The investigation found at least…

5 THINGS TO KNOW

The breakdown of LGBT Americans and their religions

While faith and religion play a vital role in the lives of many Americans, the number of religious adherents is declining. An estimated 7 out of 10 Americans identify as religious, according to a 2020 Pew Research study. This includes…