Mechon Hadar works to revitalize community, prayer and study among young Jews. Rabbi Elie Kaunfer is director.

The Institute for Jewish Spirituality uses Torah study, prayer, mindfulness meditation, yoga and spiritual direction and retreats to nurture deeper spirituality among rabbis, cantors and lay people. It is based in New York City but now has a Northern California branch. Rabbi Lisa Goldstein, a Reform rabbi, is its executive director in New York.

The Goldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life in Jackson, Miss., works to bring educational and rabbinic services to isolated Jews and Jewish communities in a 13-state Southern region. Macy B. Hart is president.

Edah is an organization of Modern Orthodox Jews who seek greater openness to the world than does traditional Orthodox Judaism. Edah was founded in 1997 and ceased formal operations in 2006, but its website continues to post useful contacts and information, including a lengthy list of speakers/experts and a library. Rabbi Saul J. Berman is director.

Clal, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, is a think tank dedicated to training Jewish leaders and enhancing spiritual and civic involvement in American life. Rabbi Irwin Kula is president.

Read a March 19, 2013, United Methodist Reporter article about a Methodist congregation in North Carolina that has decided not to allow any weddings — for straights or gays — in its church building until the denomination changes its stance against same-sex marriage.

Watch a March 22, 2013, Google hangout hosted by PBS NewsHour that featured religious leaders on both sides of the debate.

Read a March 22, 2013, story in The Christian Post about former megachurch pastor Rob Bell’s statements in support of gay marriage.