WASHINGTON (RNS) As the government shutdown enters its second week, some religious groups are starting to feel the pinch, and they're also finding ways to reach out.
From the Dept. of Significant But Not Surprising, Washington National Cathedral announced it will allow gay and lesbian weddings inside the storied church that has been the site of presidential funerals, inaugural prayer services and other services to mark national milestones.
It was only his fourth day on the job, and new dean of Washington National Cathedral, the Rev. Gary Hall, was already fielding questions from hundreds of religion reporters as members of Religion Newswriters Association conference toured the refurbished Washington, D.C. Episcopal church on Wednesday (Oct. 4).