Since the California Supreme Court's pro-gay "marriage" ruling last week, churches throughout the nation's most populous state have found themselves faced with a pressing question - "If homosexuals are allowed to 'marry,' must churches recognize and officiate at their weddings?" In a statement issued a day after the ruling, Americans United (AU), an organization that lobbies for the separation of church and state, praised the high court's decision, while also making clear that churches would not be required, in the words of the court, to "change [their] religious policies or practices with regard to same-sex couples." "In a May 15 decision, the court majority held that the state constitution mandates that same-sex couples have the same right to the benefits of civil marriage as opposite-sex couples," AU noted. "The justices made clear, however, that the ruling applies only to civil marriages. "Religious communities remain free to marry same-sex couples or not, in keeping with their theology."

Liberal and conservative congregations alike discuss whether gays and lesbians will be allowed to wed in their churches, synagogues and temples.

Pastor Gregory L. Waybright struggled from the pulpit Sunday to reconcile the laws of God with the laws of man.

Though he wanted his church "to be a welcoming and loving house," he told worshipers at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, the California Supreme Court's decision last week to legalize gay marriage in California "is a contradiction of what God's word says."

The 4-3 ruling, which held that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, has prompted conservative and liberal congregations alike to discuss whether gay and lesbian members will be allowed to wed in their churches, synagogues and temples.

"These are the kinds of issues every religion has to grapple with," said James A. Donahue, president of the Graduate Theological Union, a Berkeley-based consortium of theological schools. "How do you factor in the role of contemporary human rights, civil rights, the data about homosexuality" with "core traditions and beliefs?" more

"I have physically left Rome, but my heart is still there. I remain a Roman missionary in my country where I witness to the care of all the Church."

VATICAN CITY, MAY 14, 2008 .- Benedict XVI sent his condolences to the archbishop of Cotonou, Benin, upon the death of Cardinal Bernardin Gantin who died Tuesday at age 86 in Paris. via Global Catholic Network EWTN

"This does not, in Catholic belief, invalidate the Church's authority to teach particular truths of faith and morals."

SYDNEY, Australia, MAY 14, 2008 .- A book published by a retired bishop questions the authority of the Church to definitively teach the truth, warned Australia's episcopal conference. via Global Catholic Network EWTN

The Episcopal Bishop of California "welcomes, affirms and rejoices in" today's ruling by the California State Supreme Court that opens the rights and responsibilities of marriage to lesbian and gay couples.

"All children of God should be afforded the same rights under the law, and this decision recognizes that all Californians, regardless of sexual orientation, have equal access to one of our fundamental human institutions," he said. This decision gives our church another opportunity to partner with our state to ensure that all families have the support they need to build relationships that strengthen our communities, state and country.

"Jesus tried to free his disciples from a narrow definition of what it means to be his follower. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus says 'whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple-truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.' God affirms the good in the world outside the boundaries of religious creeds and dogmas. In this spirit, we also affirm and rejoice in this decision by the California Supreme Court precisely because we are Christians," Andrus said.

"Clearly, this momentous decision will have ecclesial implications for the Episcopal Diocese of California. I intend to be in prayerful consultation with the people of our diocese to see how we can use this decision to strengthen our support of our lesbian and gay sisters and brothers, and our witness to God's inclusive love," the bishop said. "The Diocese of California will issue an appropriate statement in due course."

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has admitted the coming Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Church's bishops from around the world may well be a "painful" experience for many. more