Erin Swenson, a who lives in the Atlanta area and was ordained in 1973 as Eric Karl Swenson by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in 1996 openly changed gender while working as a pastor. She is a licensed marriage therapist in Atlanta, Ga., where she works with individuals and families on gender identity issues.

Do religion writers always write stories for religious holidays? New clergy? Anniversaries? By Melanie Smith The Decatur Daily The routine events of religious life are a challenge to the religion reporter. Is there anything newsworthy about another Easter or Rosh Hashanah or Ramadan? Do readers want to know how their neighbors observe Lent or Divali? […]

This ReligionLink edition explores the issue and provides resources and experts.

Read a Jan. 18, 2013 Tribune Star article about the ordination of transgender Shannon T.L. Kearns in Minneapolis, Mn. He will start the states first North American Old Catholic Church congregation.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops posts numerous resources about the Roman Catholic Church’s stand against abortion.

The ECLA’s social statement on sexuality, approved in August 2009.

Holly Catterton Allen is associate professor of Christian ministries and director of the Children and Family Ministry Program at John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Ark. She frequently speaks and writes on children’s spirituality.

An August 2009 story from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune on the decision to allow gay clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

An August 24, 2009 story from Religion News Service about the ELCA’s decision to allow partnered gay clergy.