Roundup: Ecumenism, same-sex marriage, evangelicals, Frontier Services

Embattled ecumenism

A religious organisation is a remarkably poor vessel for either piety or prophecy.

When evangelicals were cool

If we can’t exactly claim Sweetheart of the Rodeo as the album that changed America’s faith, then it made a mighty contribution.

Church marks centenary of outback care

The Uniting Church is marking a century of outback work by its caring network, now known as Frontier Services.

United Methodist conferences reject church’s stance on gays

Rejecting the denomination’s stance on gay rights and same-sex marriage were important issues for at least 15 United Methodist annual (regional) conferences this summer.

Despite doubters, mainline Protestant churches are poised for success

The Episcopal Church’s decision on same-sex blessings wasn’t a leap beyond; it was the last gasp of old ways of thinking, namely, that Sunday worship and in-house protocols are what matter.