Category Archives: Culture wars

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For Quakers (& Justice Seekers), September Should Be “Willie Frye” Month; Here’s Why . . .

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The Top Ten Things Quakers & Seekers Need to Know About Willie Frye Jr.:

A Preamble: Why should September be Willie Frye month?

Willie Frye Jr. (1931-2013)

Two main reasons:

One, because he was both born (on the 26th) and passed away (on the 9th) in September. And–

Two, because of the remarkable but little-known legacy he left us (Friends and other modern seekers); which takes some explaining. That follows, along with a confession.
Continue reading For Quakers (& Justice Seekers), September Should Be “Willie Frye” Month; Here’s Why . . . →

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“Tell It Slant”: Author Emma Lapsansky-Werner Speaks

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This excerpt is adapted from the new book, Tell It Slant, which charts Chuck Fager’s prophetic life of adventure & writing on religion, war, and justice, love and laughter.

Tell It Slant is available now, in paperback & Kindle versions. Details here.

By Emma Lapsansky-Werner

A short bio:  Emma Jones Lapsansky-Werner is emeritus Professor of History and emeritus Curator of the Quaker collection of Haverford College.

Chuck, Emma, and Douglas Gwyn – November 2019, at the launch of “Passing the Torch,” to which each contributed.

Emma lives near Philadelphia, PA, where she continues to teach, to do research and to publish, to consult with scholars, to work as a professional editor, and to host periodic writers’ workshops at Minerva’s by the Sea, her bed and breakfast near a lighthouse in coastal New Jersey. [Check out her website for another Writers Workshop upcoming November 2024:  MinervasBandB.com]”
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It Took a Split to Rainbow The Methodist Church. Is Rome Next??

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AP News: United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy

BY PETER SMITH
May 1, 2024

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — United Methodist delegates repealed their church’s longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy with no debate on Wednesday, removing a rule forbidding “self–avowed practicing homosexuals” from being ordained or appointed as ministers.

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Durham: Will Another Big Bruising Bathroom Bill Battle Bust Up Bull Durham’s Burgeoning Business Boom?

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Protesters in the state legislative building, 2016.

I Woke up this morning to find my (adopted) home town & state made the big-time news AGAIN over our 2024 state election campaign.

Anybody who recalls the NC political scene in 2016 — especially business people and boosters — likely still feels twinges of trauma when the phrase “Bathroom bill” is mentioned.  NC lost billions of dollars in investment and bad press after the Republican-dominated legislature passed the notorious HB2 anti-trans “bathroom bill.”

Anybody, that is, except those topping the 2024 GOP ticket. Their candidate for governor, incumbent Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, is a  certified fire-breather of anti-trans  rhetoric. His latest headlines trumpet a pledge to arrest trans folk who dare to use the “wrong” facilities. His running mate, Michele Morrow, aiming to become state superintendent of schools, mixes  a record of QAnon conspiracy postings with her culture war platform.

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, GOP candidate for NC Governor

Who cares about this offensive blather?  According to today’s big Washington Post story, NC business cares.

Not that our local barons of commerce are all rainbow-flag wavers; their favorite color remains cash green. Yet they remember how bad the business backlash got last time, before the current, term-limited governor, Democrat Roy Cooper, was elected. He got HB2 repealed enough so folks could get some relief.

Continue reading Durham: Will Another Big Bruising Bathroom Bill Battle Bust Up Bull Durham’s Burgeoning Business Boom? →

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Hello, World: Meet Mark “The Mobilizer” Robinson-Instant GOP superstar!

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A week in North Carolina politics is like a year anywhere else. (At least sometimes.)

This past week produced a bunch of memorable events. Topping the list was the overnight political superstar status that’s been conferred on the state by lieutenant governor Mark Robinson, who won the GOP primary to succeed term-limited Democratic governor Roy Cooper. Not yet settled is the contest for the most apt nickname for the firebrand Robinson: hot contenders in the Alliteration Division are Repulsive,” “Revolting ” and “Repugnant,” with polls saying that one’s too close to call.

Continue reading Hello, World: Meet Mark “The Mobilizer” Robinson-Instant GOP superstar! →