Religious Left

Le Anne Clausen over at Journal of a Young Activist relates a story regarding the Presbyterian General Assembly in San Jose, California. Religious based hate groups were ready to accost the Presbyterians as they returned to the building Wednesday evening. The religious based Bema Ministries were carrying signs and shouting epithets such as "Jesus hates you" and "All Presbyterians will burn in hell". The group arrived a day after the denomination's committee recommendation to the Assembly to delete G-6.0106(b), a clause that excludes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons in relationships from being ordained to the ministry of word and sacrament. The group brought large signs declaring, "Homo Sex is a Sin," and "Homosexuality is a Threat to National Security," and positioned themselves on the plaza outside the Convention Center. Presbyterian commissioners (voting delegates), youth delegates, and other participants in the Assembly w...

Associated Press The San Jose Mercury News SAN DIEGO—Employees who refuse to perform gay wedding ceremonies at the San Diego County Clerk's Office are facing reassignment. At least 14 employees who raised religious objections to performing same-sex weddings have been told they cannot pick and choose between marriage applicants. Employees were told they must perform the ceremonies without discrimination or seek a reassignment within the department or the county. full article

By Mike Swift Mercury News Despite occasional protests, many Bay Area county clerks are hearing from a crop of volunteers who want to help officiate same-sex ceremonies. Santa Clara County got so many, it is having a special training session for about 70 people in San Jose on Wednesday. "They called the office and said they wanted to help us out," said Regina Alcomendras, clerk-recorder for Santa Clara County. "I didn't anticipate that much response." full article