Gay issues, abuse by clergy and the war in Iraq caused turmoil

Ordinations don't often make national headlines but when the Episcopal Church ordained its first openly gay bishop in 2003, the story captured attention far beyond religious circles.

But then so did gay marriage, a war in Iraq, the Ten Commandments and the pope's 25th anniversary. All made the list of top stories in 2003 chosen by members of the Religion Newswriters Association.

The ordination of Bishop Eugene Robinson was chosen as the year's top religion story by RNA. He also was chosen as the Religion Newsmaker of the Year.

Controversy surrounded Robinson's appointment from the beginning. Robinson is a divorced father of two who lives with his partner of 13 years. He was elected bishop of New Hampshire in June and that appointment was approved during a national meeting in August. The issue has caused some conservative Episcopal churches in the United States to join sister congregations around the world in denouncing the ordination.

Local Episcopalians said the issue of Robinson's appointment and ordination was one that isn't limited to their denomination only. Many other churches, from Baptists to Presbyterians, also have debated the issue of homosexuality and same-sex unions.

And the matter of homosexuality in the clergy isn't going to be resolved soon since the definition of marriage is changing. During 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Court overturned a ban on gay marriage. The U.S. Supreme Court also struck down a ban on homosexual sodomy while Ontario legalized gay marriage.

But religion stories in the past year weren't just limited to personal controversies. Other top stories were a pending war in Iraq which split many religious communities. Many evangelicals, though in the minority, supported the war and sponsored relief efforts.

The uproar over removing the Ten Commandments from the Alabama Judicial Building reached new heights when Justice Roy Moore was removed from office over the fracas.

The Roman Catholic Church's plan to combat priest sex abuse received both praise and criticism. Patrick O'Malley of Palm Beach, Fla., was chosen to succeed Bernard Law in the Boston Archdiocese. Archbishop Justin Rigali of St. Louis was appointed to serve the Philadelphia Archdiocese.

Pope John Paul II marked a quarter-century as pontiff while concerns about his failing health captured attention.

A preliminary list of major religion stories was compiled and sent to RNA members for voting. Some other stories that made the list:

Southern Baptists fire 13 missionaries and accept resignations of 20 others over the denomination's revised Faith and Message statement.

President Bush signs a bill outlawing partial-term abortions to the delight of pro-life advocates.

Suspension of the Rev. David Benke for participating in an interfaith service after Sept. 11 is overturned by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

A survey of Jews taken once a decade finds that fewer and fewer people are following the teachings of Judaism.

The U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear a California case that challenges the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Laura Johnston is a member of the Religion Newswriters Association.

ljohnston@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126