Proclaiming Pronounced Progress in the Progressive Church Family!

Column by Rev. Roger Wolsey on May, 23 2024

For decades, the United Methodist Church has been a notable outlier. With 7 million members in the U.S., the UMC is the nation’s second-largest Protestant denomination and is by all accounts quite liberal and progressive on most matters – except for the matters concerning homosexuality.

Charting a New Reformation, Part XXXII– The Ninth Thesis, Ethics (concluded)

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on August, 25 2016

One of my favorite phrases, “Time makes ancient good uncouth,” comes from the poet, James Russell Lowell. No words capture for me quite so well the plight of ancient …

The Anglican Communion R.I.P.

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on February, 11 2016

It was an historical illusion anyway, a cherished and romantic notion practiced in all kinds of theoretical venues. The idea that the lands that once constituted the British Empire …

A Wedding that Changed a Community

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on September, 10 2015

The couple stood holding hands before the altar where they would soon take their vows to “love, honor and cherish” each other forever. The congregation was in place ready …

An Open Letter to My Readers

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on July, 2 2015

This week, my column takes the form of a letter to my readers. It is an unusual format, but it speaks to the unusual occurrences in our nation this …

Two Popes Made Saints in a Dramatic Act

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on May, 29 2014

It was an exciting day in the Vatican on April 27, 2014, probably the most exciting day since the election of Cardinal Bergoglio of Argentina to be Pope Francis a little …

Three Spanish Citizens who are Changing the Culture of Spain

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on December, 12 2013

Spain is a nation of 47 million people located on the southwestern part of the continent of Europe. It almost touches North Africa at Gibraltar and thus has a much …

Scandal in the Roman Catholic Church: The Charade Goes On!

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on July, 18 2013

The Roman Catholic Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney, Australia, is the Most Reverend George Pell. He is a tall, impressive-looking man, whose career in his church has followed the traditional …

JUNE 26, 2013, A GREAT DAY FOR AMERICA

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on July, 4 2013

I was surprised at how elated I felt on June 26 when the Supreme Court handed down its two historic decisions affecting gay and lesbian people. The first decision mandated …

A Pope is Chosen – Hopes Rise for Change

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on March, 21 2013

His name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, but the world will know him as Pope Francis I. He was a surprise selection by the Conclave of Cardinals voting in the …