Tomorrow is the 90^th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States. While women do have the right to vote, women still do not hold an equal place within the hierarchies of many of the world’s religions. Take, for example, the Church of England, which does not ordain women.

Recently, the Church of God (Cleveland, Tenn.), a Pentecostal Christian denomination, said it would allow women to serve on local church councils – but like the Church of England, women cannot be ordained as bishops.

As quoted on the Pew Forum:

“This has nothing to do with women not being smart enough or good enough or qualified enough. The issue is, did God know what he was talking about? And whether we like it or don’t like it … if our rules, our standard, is biblical text, then we have to be faithful to biblical text even in a contemporary society that sees it as bigoted or old-fashioned.” — Britt Peavy, senior pastor of West Ward Church of God in Douglas, Georgia

Religion Transcends supports the Church of God’s efforts to work toward inclusion of women at every level. Here’s hoping religious groups continue to consider women’s roles and debate the sacred texts that seem to define those roles.

Created by Religion Transcends, 2010

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Ramadan — the Islamic month of fasting marking the revelation of the Qur’an — began August 11.

On August 10, US Catholic magazine sent this bulletin to e-newsletter subscribers, stating:

Catholics aren’t strangers to fasting, and joining Muslims in their devotion can help bridge the gap between the world’s two largest faith groups….See if you can handle a sunrise to sunset fast, or visit a mosque and participate in an interfaith activity.

Religion Transcends supports and applauds this suggestion. If you are not a Muslim, consider taking a moment in the next couple of weeks to learn about the Muslim faith — at least to understand what Muslims believe, in support of our shared humanity.

Read Stephen Prothero’s quick summary of Ramadan to get an idea of what goes on during this month of fasting.

Created by Religion Transcends, 2010.

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Within the Christian religion, race can sometimes become a divider. But are there things about black culture that white church-goers can learn from? Are there characteristics of decidedly white churches that might lend themselves to the black church?

At a time when the media is pushing the loss of black believers (with some even claiming the black church is dead), one retort displays the worth of black churches – and it’s written by two white pastors/academics.

In What We Love About the Black Church: Can We Get a Witness?, William H. Crouch, Jr. and Joel C. Gregory show what they’ve learned from working with black church leaders that white preachers could incorporate into their churches. For example, they applaud:

-Energetic, Narrative preaching

-Camaraderie

-No “stifling sense of conformity”

-Recognition and appreciation of efforts and older members of the church

Such a focus on recognition and cooperation despite differences shows an effort to appreciate the “other.” It shows an attempt to set aside preconceived ideas to discover one another’s merits, celebrating our similarities while understanding our differences.

Created by Religion Transcends, 2010

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Are American 20-somethings disengaged when it comes to religion? Perhaps. Or maybe it depends on your definition of religion.

According to a recent Pew Forum study, 1/4 of Americans ages 18-29 say they aren’t affiliated with any one religion. Then again, a 2009 LifeWay survey showed that 73% of unchurched 20- to 29-year-olds said they are more spiritual than religious. So perhaps America’s 20-somethings are not so disengaged in religious/spiritual activities as they are disinterested in organized religion/labels.

What GenY is not interested in

Engaged spiritual activity: The LifeWay study looked at Christian 20-somethings in particular. The study found that 65% of Millennials say they’re Christians – yet only 1/3 of those Christians say they attend church regularly and 14% say they are Atheist or Agnostic. Furthermore, young Christians rarely read the Bible if ever and rarely pray if ever.

Labels: This CNN article asked if it’s dangerous to be spiritual but not religious, with one priest saying spirituality can be selfish and that spiritual people simply don’t want to put in the work that religion requires. But some Millennials who define themselves that way say they don’t need to be put into one religious box or because they don’t like the ego/power that’s tossed around in the world’s religions. CNN’s article says religious institutions need to prove their relevancy and show Millennials that it’s ok to call yourself religious.

What GenY IS interested in

Family: The LifeWay survey showed that most Millennials choose family over religion: 61% said family is their top priority while only 13% put religion/spirituality at the top of the list.

Social justice: Check out this article in the New York Times.

What we hope GenY will take interest in

Whether Millennials choose religion, spirituality, Atheism, or Agnosticism, one hopes GenY will not choose Apathy. It is familiarity and engagement with religions and religious folk that open us up to  conversations and mutual respect. Even if you are not a practitioner yourself, it is worthwhile to pay attention to those who are and to become familiar with their institutions. Need more of a reason? Check out our About page.

Created by Religion Transcends, 2010

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