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A change in state law means that officials are no longer cracking down on restaurants selling take-out craft beer.More >> A change in state law means that officials are no longer cracking down on restaurants selling take-out craft beer.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Thomas Coffey was convicted in 2011 on 13 cases of auto burglary and two incidents of theft. He served time, then violated his probation. Coffey is now a suspect in several recent local burglaries.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods.More >> Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Knoxville Saturday, speaking out about the dangers of genetically modified foods. The Market Square protest was part of a global movement called the March Against Monsanto, with protests held Saturday in more than 250 cities.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> Officials in Coffee County are looking to update their historic courthouse instead of replacing the 141-year-old structure.More >> This Memorial Day weekend across the country thousands of people will visit cemeteries to remember those who died in service to America.More >> Hundreds of local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts decorated the Knoxville National Cemetery with over 8,000 flags.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Health officials, health care workers and drug control professionals are talking about the problems surrounding Kentucky babies who are born addicted to drugs.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Officials in western Kentucky are taking a cue from Tennessee in their effort to make Owensboro synonymous with bluegrass music.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >>
By DAVID CRARY
AP National Writer
NEW YORK (AP) - A long-serving Air Force chaplain has left the Southern Baptist Convention after the conservative denomination publicly questioned his decision to attend a same-sex civil union ceremony at his base in New Jersey.
The chaplain, Col. Timothy Wagoner, is remaining on active duty and has received an endorsement from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, which holds more moderate views on homosexuality and some other issues than the Southern Baptists.
Wagoner's switch is a direct fallout from the repeal a year ago of the "don't ask, don't tell' policy that prevented gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military. Gays are now able to be open about their relationships, and same-sex civil union and marriage ceremonies can take place at military installations if they are legal under state law.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
