Robert E. Cooley is president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a past president of the Association of Theological Schools. He now serves as a governance mentor for In Trust, an association of the boards in theological education, where he advises theological institutions on possible mergers and affiliations.

Linda Cannell is dean of academic life at North Park University in Chicago and the author of Theological Education Matters: Leadership Education for the Church.

A 2006 Pew report shows some shifting of views, such as on whether homosexuality is innate or can be changed.

A 2003 report from the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life shows that religion is a fundamental component of Americans’ opposition to homosexuality.

A March 2011 survey from the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press showed that support for gay marriage continues to rise and is statistically equal to opposition to gay marriage.

A The Jewish Journal article from June 17, 2008 on same-sex unions in Judaism.

A Dec. 7, 2006 New York Times article on allowing gay and lesbian rabbis and same-sex unions in Conservative Judaism.

A Dec. 7, 2006 on the decision to allow gay and lesbian rabbis, as well as same-sex unions, in Conservative Judaism.

Read a Dec. 6, 2006, account of the action from The Associated Press, published in The San Diego Union-Tribune.