Welcoming the stranger to America has never been so difficult

Methodist high court rejects first openly gay bishop's consecration
The New York Times: The United Methodist Church's highest court has ruled that the consecration of its first openly gay bishop violated church law, yet she "remains in good standing" pending further proceedings.

If it doesn't stem its decline, mainline Protestantism has just 23 Easters left
The Washington Post: The trend lines do not look good. While the sky isn't falling, the floor is dropping out, Ed Stetzer says.

Study: Americans more likely to vote for highly religious candidates. A challenge for Democrats with growing secular base
ARDA: A new study finds Americans, with the notable exception of strong Democrats with little or no religious commitments, are significantly less likely to vote for a secular candidate.

As 'a matter of conscience,' a Kentucky judge refuses to hear adoption cases involving gay parents
The Washington Post: A family court judge in Kentucky announced he will no longer hear adoption cases involving gay parents, calling his stance on the issue "a matter of conscience."

Welcoming the stranger to America has never been so difficult
Forward: For many complicated reasons, we are at a time when serving the vulnerable has become politicized. Welcoming the stranger has never been as difficult, says Seattle nonprofit CEO.