Clergy

The state’s Republican governor signed the bill banning “conversion therapy” — which does not apply to clergy — into law Friday.

A dozen parishes met this week to consider splitting from the church and forming a new conservative “shadow synod.”

Gov. Sam Brownback issued an executive order in response to last month’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. The order said the “imposition” of same-sex marriage could lead to “potential infringements” of religious liberties.

The Texas state House is has given preliminary approval to a GOP-backed bill allowing clergy members to refuse to perform marriages that violate their beliefs.

Legislation that protects members of the clergy who refuse to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony has been approved by the Oklahoma House and Senate.

Critics say the bill was a waste of lawmakers time because religious institutions are already protected under federal law from having to solemnize same-sex unions.

Father Martin Dolan, a priest at the Church of St Nicholas of Myra for 15 years, took the unusual step of coming out in support of same-sex marriage, adding, “I’m gay myself.”

CHICAGO — Equality Illinois, an LGBT advocacy group, has put together a list of religious clergy who are ready to perform same-sex marriages.

LONDON — Senior members of the Church of Scotland voted Monday to let some congregations choose ministers who are in same-sex relationships — an important compromise that must still pass further hurdles before it can become church law.

CHICAGO — A coalition of Chicago-area black clergy have started “robocalls” in opposition to legalizing same-sex marriage in Illinois.