Abstract
This research note asks whether, how, and why clergy choose to undertake public or private action regarding two contentious family issues: divorce and homosexuality. We conducted in-depth interviews with priests leading Catholic and Episcopal parishes in one southeastern metropolitan area. Two-thirds of Catholic priests and a majority of Episcopal priests reported action regarding divorce. Catholic priests reference Biblical teachings and the Church's official positions when explaining their actions regarding divorce, while Episcopal priests instead emphasize the psychological needs of their parishioners. Large majorities of both sets of priests took action around homosexuality. Episcopal clergy were more likely than Catholic priests to address homosexuality outside of their parishes; they also were more Likely to describe their actions using social justice frames. We explore several reasons why these two groups of clergy may act—and understand their actions—differently with regard to divorce and homosexuality.