Four simple words tweeted in support of Jason Collins, an NBA player who came out, and a church changed their mind about inviting former NFL player LeRoy Butler to speak to the children in the congregation about bullying.
Congrats to Jason Collins
Congrats to Jason Collins
— leroy butler (@leap36) April 29, 2013
Butler said he was "a little shocked" when the church first brought up the tweet and expressed concern that he was going to talk about gay people with the kids, which he never intended to do. "I speak all the time ... I tell my story. Single parent home; African American; from the projects; going to Florida State and playing for the Green Bay Packers for 12 years."
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Post by: Filed under: 360° Interview • Gay & Lesbian Issues • Religion |
Anderson Cooper asks Pastor Fred Luter, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, why he linked nuclear threats from North Korea with the debates in the U.S. over same-sex marriage and gays in the Boy Scouts.
He was answering a question posed by a Christian radio host about whether God was punishing Americans for their "slide into immorality." He said, in part, "I don't think it's just a coincidence."
In his interview with Anderson, Pastor Luter clarified his comments and spoke about what he sees as the problem with trying to redefine marriage. Watch the video for more on their conversation.
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Post by: Filed under: North Korea • Religion • Same-Sex Marriage |
A mother who was with her husband and five children in St. Peter's Square for the holiday helped lift her young son with cerebral palsy, Dominic, into the arms of Pope Francis for a blessing after Easter Mass. Christiana Gondreau describes the touching moment to CNN's Wolf Blitzer.
"There was not a dry eye around us. It was really, really moving," she says. "Not in a million years, really, did I expect to end the Easter Sunday Mass with a kiss from the pope. It was very beautiful."
Anderson Cooper reports on Pope Francis' first full day on the job. Catholics around the world watched him deliver his first sermon in his new role at the Sistine Chapel.
To learn more, watch What's in the name 'Francis'?
Rev. Rosica and CNN’s Senior Vatican Analyst John Allen reflect on the meaning behind the new pope's gestures and words on the first day of his papacy.
To learn more about Pope France, read The AC360 411: Meet Pope Francis
Anderson Cooper reports on the life and early career of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, the new leader of the Catholic church who was born in Argentina and has chosen Francis as his papal name.
To learn more, read The AC360 411: Meet Pope Francis
St. Francis of Assisi, after whom Pope Francis has taken his name, captures the spirit of many Catholics because church history regards him as the pre-eminent figure passionate about imitating Christ's life.
He is known also as a patron saint of Italy, the founder of the Franciscan order of the Friars Minor, an admirer of nature and a servant to poor and destitute. The brown robe of the Franciscans is iconic.
Anderson Cooper highlights the sights and sounds leading up to Pope Francis' first appearance at the Vatican.
Rev. Beck believes Pope Francis is a man of the people who will connect with members of the church. CNN’s Senior Vatican Analyst John Allen says the pope has demonstrated leadership through service. Anderson Cooper asked them both how those characteristics will help the pope lead the 1.2 billion Catholics around the world.
For more on Pope Francis, watch Historic experience for Vatican interns
Two Villanova students talk about the thrill of interning at the Vatican during the start of Pope Francis' papacy. Their first day on the job was the day Pope Benedict XVI announced he was resigning - it had been nearly 600 years since a pope left office to retire.
Sean Hudgins says he was surprised the announcement of a new pope came on day two of the conclave. "It was quite a rush of excitement for me, more than I had anticipated," Hudgins said about being in St. Peter's Square when Pope Francis was revealed as the new head of the Catholic church.
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