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Rumors that Pope Benedict XVI's resignation was influenced by a "Gay Lobby" or network of gay bishops have been swirling since late last week. Vatican officials have refused to comment on the substance of the stories, stating only that they create "a tension that is the opposite of what the pope and the church want." The initial story was published in La Repubblica, a well-respected Italian newspaper, leading some to look at its potential validity. Whatever the case, the Roman Catholic hierarchy continues to struggle with treating LGBT people with respect and dignity, as evidenced by recent comments made by Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who is considered a frontrunner to become the next Pope.
Read about Muslims working for LGBT equality.
Tim Tebow caused a stir a couple weeks ago when he announced that he'd be speaking at an anti-LGBT megachurch in Dallas. He caused another one when he announced that he'd be pulling out. The pastor, Robert Jeffress, responded to the incident during his sermon on Sunday. The Southern Baptist Church released a statement this week that called on the Boy Scouts to uphold their ban on gay marriage. A Jewish committee, though, did the exact opposite, stating their inclusion of gay scouts.
Read more about the gay scapegoating hubbub at the Vatican.
Britain's top Catholic Cardinal—Keith O'Brien—stepped down from his position this week amid a swirl of sexual abuse allegations. He will no longer be voting in the upcoming conclave to elect the next Pope. In response, The Guardian wrote a piece examining what motivates religious homophobia—speculating that it often relates to internalized self-hatred.
Baptist
- Southern Baptists Urge Continued Ban on Gay Scouts
- ABC News, February 20, 2013
- Tim Tebow pulls out of speaking at Dallas church
- CNN, February 21, 2013
- Anti-Gay Megachurch Pastor Robert Jeffress Responds to Tebow Controvery in Sunday Sermon
- Towleroad, February 26, 2013
- Steve Chalke defends pro-gay position
- Christianity Today, February 26, 2013
Catholic
- Polish Movie About Gay Catholic Priest Stirring Controversy
- Christian Post, February 12, 2013
- LGBT Catholics hope for future papal dialogue after Benedict's resignation
- National Catholic Reporter, February 21, 2013
- What do American Catholics want from the new pope?
- The Washington Post, February 21, 2013
- Calling Dan Brown: Pope’s Resignation Connected to Network of Gay Bishops?
- Religion Dispatches, Febuary 22, 2013
- Pope contender blames Catholic Church sex abuse scandal on gay priests
- ZeeNews, February 22, 2013
- Thoughts on the Vatican's 'gay lobby'
- National Catholic Reporter, February 22, 2013
- Vatican denies swirling rumors as pope prepares to step down
- CNN, February 23, 2013
- Vatican Issues Denial of 'Gay Lobby' Reports
- Towleroad, February 23, 2013
- Britain's Top Catholic Cardinal Keith O'Brien Resigns Amid Gay Allegations, Won't Vote for Next Pope
- Towleroad, February 25, 2013
- Scotland's Roman Catholic archbishop, mired in abuse claim, resigns
- CNN, February 25, 2013
- UK's Top Cardinal Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Complaints from Priests
- Box Turtle Bulletin, February 25, 2013
- What lies behind religious homophobia?
- The Guardian, February 25, 2013
- Catholic Diocese worries about Phoenix gay rights, anti-discrimination ordinance
- Phoenix Business Journal, February 25, 2013
- British cardinal's resignation underscores challenge to Catholic Church's moral authority
- The Washington Post, February 25, 2013
- British Gay Catholic journalist claims 'half of all Catholic priests are gay'
- Pink News, February 26, 2013
- Why is the Homophobic Catholic Church Filled with Closeted Gay Priests?
- Alternet, February 26, 2013
Christian
- Website unites LGBTs, Biblical teachings
- The Windy City Times, February 19, 2013
- The spiritual journey of a gay Christian
- Old, Gold, and Black, February 21, 2013
- Christian Founder of Online Dating Site Wants to Easy Gay Pain
- Religion Dispatches, February 21, 2013
- God Will not Make You Straight: An Interview with GCN's Justin Lee
- Religion Dispatches, February 26, 2013
- Ready to come out as pro-gay? Welcome to the club
- The Washington Post, February 27, 2013
International
- UK: Islam Channel TV presenter said homosexuality was an 'evil action'
- Pink News, February 20, 2013
- Australian conservative changes mind on marriage equality
- Gay Star News, February 21, 2013
- How Beyonce and Rihanna Saved an African Gay Rights Activist's Life
- The Huffington Post, February 22, 2013
- Christian group challenges ban on gay poster campaign
- The Telegraph, February 24, 2013
- Cameroon Catholic lawyers vow to uphold anti-gay laws
- Africa Review, February 25, 2013
- American Christian Legal Group Exports Anti-LGBT Agenda to Brazil
- Buzzfeed, February 25, 2013
Jewish
- Badge of LGBT Inclusion: Amid national Boy Scout debate, Jewish committee is prepared to welcome gays
- The Jewish News Week, February 20, 2013
- Why I Like Purim as a Queer, Secular Jew
- The Huffington Post, February 22, 2013
- Christianity, Judaism, and Islam need to break the gay taboo
- Haaretz, February 26, 2013
Marriage Equality
- Huntsman comes out for marriage equality
- The Washington Blade, February 21, 2013
- Laura Bush Demands She Be Removed from Pro-Gay Marriage Ad
- Christian Post, February 21, 2013
Methodist
- UMM leaders, citing negative reaction, ask BSA to hold off on gay policy change
- United Methodist Reporter, February 21, 2013
Mormon
- Mormon Student Tells His Friends and Family He's Gay and Films Their Reactions: VIDEO
- Towleroad, February 20, 2013
- Gay Mormon Guy Spends a Year Coming Out to His Family and Friends and Capturing Their Reactions on Camera
- Gawker, February 20, 2013
- This "gay Mormon coming out" video is really disturbing (video)
- Americablog, February 22, 2013
Muslim
- Muslims Work for LGBT Support and Acceptance
- GLAAD, February 20, 2013
- Uni should take urgent action against anti-gay Muslim extremists
- Gay Star News, February 21, 2013
- Muslims debate gay people on the BBC
- Gay Star News, February 26, 2013
- Manchester University society shut down after anti-gay Muslim video expose
- Pink News, February 26, 2013
Unitarian Universalist
- Unitarian Universalists Support Gay-Straight Alliance Club in Lake Country Schools
- Ocala, February 20, 2013
United Church of Christ
- UCC regional association recommends standing up for Cathedral of Hope-Houston
- UCC News, February 20, 2013
- Indiana minister’s video project supports LGBT youth
- UCC News, February 22, 2013