ICLRS
International Center for Law and Religion Studies
Home
About Us
Our Mission
Our Students
Center Leadership
Center Fellows
Publications
Annual Reports
Contact Us
Donate
Events
Calendar
Center News & Events
Annual International Law and Religion Symposium
Religious Freedom Annual Review
Resources
Research Databases
Strasbourg Consortium
Religious Freedom Brochures
Tips and Resources About Religious Freedom
Religious Freedom Library
Headlines
Blog
Law and Religion Headlines International
Click to see United States Headlines
Click to see Europe Headlines
Thursday, January 31
APPLICATIONS DUE 31 January 2019: Young Scholars Fellowship on Religion and the Rule of Law
(hosted at Christ Church, Oxford,
International Center for Law and Religion Studies
)
Tuesday, January 29
Grieving Christians baffled by Muslim Fulani herdsmen aggression in Nigeria
(
Christian Headlines
)
Pakistan high court upholds Asia Bibi acquittal
(Michael Gryboski,
Christian Headlines
)
Asia Bibi free to leave Pakistan after court dismisses challenge to her acquittal
(Naila Inayat,
Religion News
)
Philippine Christians stand together against President Duterte tirades
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Ayatollah asks UN to investigate violence against Mosul’s Christians
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Village in India’s Gujarat state bans entry of “Christian outsiders”
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Myanmar pushes back on Beijing-backed dam that could displace thousands of Kachin
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Blasphemy laws: Pakistan’s Supreme Court upholds Asia Bibi’s acquittal
(
The Economist [Erasmus: Religion and public policy]
)
Pakistan upholds acquittal of woman in blasphemy case
(Kathy Gannon,
Associated Press
)
IRF Roundtable in Nigeria releases open letter to presidential candidates
(
Religion News Service
)
Angola inches closer to recognizing Islam as one of official state religions
(
Al Bawaba
)
Global Citizens’ Human Rights Coalition rally in South Korea for religious freedom
(
Cheonji News
)
China – New temple-shutdown tactic: Suspend permits
(Wang Yichi,
Bitter Winter
)
Sharia, the Cairo Declaration and the European Convention on Human Rights
(Resolution 2253 (2019) Provisional version,
Partiamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
)
PACE stresses the need to protect human rights, regardless of religious practices
(
The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe
)
Uzbekistan: “Investigations” don’t stop police illegal actions
(Mushfig Bayram,
Forum 18 News Service
)
Poroshenko signs law on changing subordination of religious orgs
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Ukrainian officials dispute who decides disposition of church property
(Interfax-Religiia,
Russia Religion News
)
Jehovah’s Witness to spend two months in jail without trial
(Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia,
Russia Religion News
)
Cresco Investigation GmbH v Markus Achatzi (the “Good Friday” case)
(Judgment of the Court (Grand Chamber),
Court of Justice of the European Union
)
Six DRC bishops recognize election of Tshisekedi as president
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Malaysia bars Israeli para-athletes, loses major swim competition and major media ignored it
(Ira Rifkin,
Get Religion
)
Religious leaders condemn Philippines cathedral attack
(Nirmala Carvalho,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Filipino leader’s visit to bomb site captures love/hate dynamic with Church
(Elise Harris,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Amin Saikal on Iran (Iran Rising: The Survival and Future of the Islamic Republic)
(Mark Movsesian,
Law and Religion Forum
)
In Arab nation, Christians, Buddhists and Jews emerge to worship
(Asa Fitch,
The Wall Street Journal
)
January 27 is International Holocaust Remembrance Day
(Howard Friedman,
Religion Clause
)
How will generations that didn’t experience the Holocaust remember it?
(Timothy Langille,
The Conversation
)
2019 International Holocaust Remembrance Day Commemoration
(
US Holocaust Memorial Museum
)
Bigotry is ‘moving at lightning speed’ UN chief warns, marking the Holocaust
(
Ecumenical News
)
Auschwitz survivors pay homage as world remembers Holocaust
(Vanessa Gera,
Religion News
)
Holocaust education is key in tackling global anti-Semitism
(Douglas Schoen and Arielle Confino,
The Hill
)
“Muslim Unity” claims torture of its supporters in Azerbaijani jails
(Faik Medzhid,
Caucasian Knot
)
‘We have succeeded in surviving’: An interview with exiled Tajik Islamic party leader Muhiddin Kabiri
(Bruce Pannier,
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
)
Christian convert’s jail sentence reduced on appeal
(
Article Eighteen
)
Ahok criticised on social media by Muslims over planned marriage
(Wahyudi Soeriaatmadja,
Straits Times
)
Egypt’s sectarian committee to combat sectarianism
(Timothy E. Kaldas,
The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy
)
Pakistan, Blasphemy, Islam, and A Way Forward Jennifer S. Bryson
(Guest Post by Muhammad Akram,
Arc of the Universe
)
Monday, January 28
Articles of interest – January 28, 2019
(Howard Friedman,
Religion Clause
)
Pessimistic view of case of Danish Jehovah’s Witness
(Maksim Kliagin,
Orlevskie Novosti
)
Why Sikhs don’t throw Muslims under the bus
(Simran Jeet Singh,
Religion News Service
)
Expressing religious views is risky in the Maldives
(Meenakshi Ganguly,
Human Rights Watch
)
CAQ government wants to know how many teachers wear religious symbols
(Benjamin Shingler,
CBC News
)
SC refers plea to stop prayer song in Kendriya Vidyalayas based on a particular religion to larger bench
(
Live Law
)
Bung Moktar: Child marriage cannot be condoned, even if religion does
(Yiswaree Palansamy,
Malay Mail
)
Prosecutions against religious groups double in Crimea
(
Evangelical Focus
)
Rwanda: Church and state signal a new relationship
(Joseph Rwagatare,
The New Times
)
USCIRF denounces violence against demonstrators in Sudan
(
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
)
USCIRF Vice Chair Gayle Manchin calls for immediate release of Iranian prisoner of conscience Mohammad Ali Taheri
(
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
)
The Vatican and Venezuela: Amid chaos in Caracas, the Holy See makes some subtle manoeuvres
(
The Economist [Erasmus: Religion and public policy]
)
BBC features case of Danish Jehovah’s Witness
(Viktor Nekhezin,
Russia Religion News
)
Conclusion of trial of Danish Jehovah’s Witness put off again
(Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia,
Russia Religion News
)
Russian Orthodox Church disagrees with Russia’s inclusion on list of countries discriminating against Christians
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Huge international expression of support for Jehovah’s Witnesses
(Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia,
Russia Religion News
)
Ukrainian government identifies Russian churches within its borders
(Interfax-Religiia,
Russia Religion News
)
Moscow church leader acknowledges religious persecution in Russia
(Interfax-Religiia,
Russia Religion News
)
American diplomat courts Ukrainian churches
(RISU,
Russia Religion News
)
In apparent shot at Trump, Pope says ‘builders of walls’ sow fear and divide Rosa Flores
(Rosa Flores,
CNN
)
The coming fight for the Dalai Lama’s soul
(Krithika Varagur,
Foreign Policy
)
Vatican underlines support of universal health care coverage
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Cubans inaugurate first new Catholic church in decades
(Andrea Rodriguez,
Associated Press
)
20 dead as bombs target Sunday Mass in Philippine cathedral
(
Associated Press
)
20 killed, 111 wounded in ISIS bombing at Catholic Cathedral
(Kayla Koslosky,
Christian Headlines
)
Islamic State claims responsibility for Philippine attack that killed at least 20
(Jake Maxwell Watts,
The Wall Street Journal
)
Muslim leader condemns Philippines bombings
(
Associated Press
)
Philippines cathedral bombed, at least 20 dead; gov’t vows to ‘crush’ ‘godless criminals’
(Michael Gryboski,
The Christian Post
)
Philippines: Islamic state militants claim responsibility For twin bomb attack on church
(Arab News,
Eurasia Review
)
Twenty killed in explosions during Mass in Philippines cathedral
(Hannah Brockhaus,
Catholic News Agency
)
Bomb blasts at cathedral in southern Philippines kill at least 20
(Regine Cabato and Shibani Mahtani,
The Washington Post
)
Pakistan court to review acquittal in blasphemy trial
(Munir Ahmed,
Associated Press
)
Religious leaders to convene in Abu Dhabi for interfaith conference
(Haneen Dajani,
The National UAE
)
New church’s charter contravenes Ukrainian Constitution – Moscow Patriarchate’s UOC
(
Interfax Religion
)
Metropolitan Hilarion compares law renaming UOC to Jews’ yellow stars
(
Interfax Religion
)
Schism leaders, Ukraine’s current politicians to become thing of past – Patriarch Kirill’s press secretary
(
Interfax Religion
)
Anti-Semitism growing around the world
(
Interfax Religion
)
Moscow monument to resistance heroes in concentration camps, ghettoes to be unveiled
(
Interfax Religion
)
Russian Orthodox Church opening 1,000 new parishes a year under Patriarch Kirill
(
Interfax Religion
)
Palestinians recall settlers dressed in white firing at them, as soldiers stood by
(Amira Hass,
Haaretz
)
Israel to expel international monitoring force in Hebron after 20-year presence
(Noa Landau,
Haaretz
)
India becoming transit route for drugs entering Bangladesh
(
Eurasia Review
)
Pakistan court to hear appeal against Asia Bibi blasphemy acquittal
(Harriet Sherwood,
The Guardian
)
Newcastle Islamic school staff ‘afraid’ after racist vandalism
(Poppy Noor,
The Guardian
)
Will the ultra-right seize control of religious Zionism in Israel?
(Danny Zaken,
Al-Monitor: Israel Pulse
)
Controversy implodes at Al-Azhar in the wake of PDA incident
(Abdulla Kadry,
Al-Monitor: Egypt Pulse
)
US-Gulf tensions mount over restrictions on Syria reconstruction
(Giorgio Cafiero,
Al-Monitor: Gulf Pulse
)
Putin guides Erdogan along the Road to Damascus
(
Al-Monitor: Turkey Pulse
)
Middle Eastern pilgrims clear hurdles to attend World Youth Day
(Jonah McKeown,
Catholic News Agency
)
Diminished crowds at World Youth Day
(Jonah McKeown,
Catholic News Agency
)
Who is your neighbor? Someone who ‘inconveniences’ you, Francis says
(Hannah Brockhaus,
Catholic News Agency
)
Asian WYD pilgrims eager for strengthening of faith amid challenges at home
(Jonah McKeown,
Catholic News Agency
)
CNBC’s ‘children cost too much’ story sparks major backlash
(Michael Foust,
Christian Headlines
)
Get ready for transgender pronouns: ‘They’ is replacing ‘him,’ ‘her’
(Michael Foust,
Christian Headlines
)
61 Rohingya Muslims arrested in India
(Nathan Glover,
World Religion News
)
Kidnapped Malaysian pastor Raymond Koh still missing after 700 days
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Armenian parliamentary member singled out in Turkey
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Nigerian president suspends Chief Justice weeks before election
(Nathan Johnson,
International Christian Concern
)
Friday, January 25
The Right of Religious Hospitals to Refuse Physician-Assisted Suicide
(Barry W. Bussey,
(2018) 85 S.C.L.R. (2d) (via SSRN)
)
Anti-Semitism on rise in Ukraine – Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Ukrainian authorities’ interference with religious life unacceptable – Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Venezuelan bishops back opposition marches, after calling Maduro ‘illegitimate’
(
Catholic News Agency
)
AP Interview: UAE sees pope’s visit as way to build bridges
(Aya Batrawy,
Associated Press
)
Crimea: Four years’ jail for mosque meetings
(Felix Corley,
Forum 18 News Service
)
Ignatieff’s book on what global virtues might be
(Marc O. DeGirolami,
Law and Religion Forum
)
USCIRF welcomes release of jailed Jakarta Governor; denounces Indonesia’s blasphemy law
(Press Release,
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
)
Thursday, January 24
Abortion kills 42 million in 2018
(Amanda Casanova,
Christian Headlines
)
Abortion is the No. 1 cause of death in the world — and it’s (almost) 100 percent preventable
(Ronnie Floyd,
The Christian Post
)
Pakistan’s top court to decide Asia Bibi’s fate as Muslim extremists demand her death
(Leah MarieAnn Klett,
The Christian Post
)
Malaysia: religious freedom in chaos
(Ruth K’lama,
Mission Network News
)
A warning from India for European liberals on how to manage relations with Muslim minorities
(Joerg Friedrichs,
The Conversation
)
Nepal’s menstrual huts: what can be done about this practice of confining women to cow sheds?
(Sara Parker and Kay Standing,
The Conversation
)
Digital technology offers new ways to teach lessons from the Holocaust
(Jennifer Rich,
The Conversation
)
Valley Sikh building bonds through music
(
The Tribune India
)
Sierra Leone’s laws to protect women have unintended consequences
(Luisa T. Schneider,
The Conversation
)
Palestinian PM amends controversial regulation to exclude Jerusalemites
(Daoud Kuttab,
Al-Monitor: Palestine Pulse
)
Israel uses Qatari grant to pressure Hamas
(Ahmad Abu Amer,
Al-Monitor: Palestine Pulse
)
Conflict erupts over properties surrounding Samarra shrine
(Ali Mamouri,
Al-Monitor: Iraq Pulse
)
Iraqi politicians see ‘fake news’ in controversial Israeli tweet
(Adnan Abu Zeed,
Al-Monitor: Iraq Pulse
)
US allies try to dilute anti-Iran agenda for Warsaw summit
(Laura Rozen,
Al-Monitor
)
Tunisia’s democracy on life support as politicians squabble
(Amberin Zaman,
Al-Monitor
)
World Youth Day kicks off with message: ‘Have the courage to be saints’
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Venezuelan bishops back opposition marches, after calling Maduro ‘illegitimate’
(
Catholic News Agency
)
World Youth Day pilgrims receive warm welcome in Panama
(Jonah McKeown,
Catholic News Agency
)
Pope Francis says Panama to be ‘a hub of hope’ during World Youth Day
(Courtney Grogan,
Catholic News Agency
)
Religious leader forum in Abuja warns against violent election season
(Nathan Johnson,
International Christian Concern
)
Turkey builds first new church on Christian graveyard
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Landmark church project stirs mixed sentiments in Turkey
(Sibel Hurtas,
Al-Monitor: Turkey Pulse
)
Turkey rejects attempt to investigate dink murder
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
New government to withdraw “false cases” against Muslims and Christians in India
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Pakistan Supreme Court sets date to review petition against Asia Bibi acquittal
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Threatened with an end to Shariah divorce, Egypt’s imams work to save marriages
(Jacob Wirtschafter and AMr El-Tohamy,
Religion News
)
On human rights and religious liberty in China. A conversation with journalist Marco Respinti
(Martin Banks,
International Policy Digest
)
European Parliament: ‘All religions in China are persecuted’. The case of Catholics
(Bernardo Cervellera,
Asia News
)
Thirty years after: Tiananmen and religion
(Massimo Introvigne,
Bitter Winter
)
Closing arguments in trial of Danish Jehovah’s Witness
(Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia,
Russia Religion News
)
The last god-king
(William Hamblin and Daniel Peterson,
Deseret News Faith
)
Governor convicted of blasphemy freed from Indonesian prison
(Stephen Wright and Niniek Karmini,
Associated Press
)
Wednesday, January 23
Dozens of underground human rights reporters arrested in #China
(Marco Respinti,
EU Reporter
)
Trial on the ban to interpret Koran reminds problems with list of extremist materials
(Rustam Djalilov,
Caucasian Knot
)
Najaf Shiites launch solidarity initiative with Sunni areas
(Ali Mamouri,
Al-Monitor
)
Conservative Muslim cleric emerges as a force in Indonesia’s elections
(Ben Otto,
The Wall Street Journal
)
Sabarimala: India woman who defied temple ban ‘abandoned’ by family
(
BBC News
)
New research reveals how the marriage equality debate damaged LGBT Australians’ mental health
(Stefano Verrelli, Fiona White, Lauren Harvey, and Michael R. Pulciani,
The Conversation
)
Les persécutions antichrétiennes en Afrique, un sujet sensible
(Marc-Antoine Pérouse de Montclos,
The Conversation
)
State-sanctioned bishop says he’ll work to adapt religion to Chinese influences
(
Courthouse News Service
)
Pope Francis’s battle against the nation-state
(James P. Pinkerton,
The American Conservative
)
New church of Ukraine in contact with SBU, but doesn’t coordinate actions – Filaret
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Could World Youth Day in Panama give the Pope a boost?
(Rosa Flores,
CNN
)
Poroshenko hopes for growth of new Ukrainian church
(RISU,
Russia Religion News
)
Court takes Jehovah’s Witnesses’ property in Kostroma oblast
(Website of Prosecutor’s Office of Kostroma oblast,
Russia Religion News
)
Justin Trudeau says BDS is anti-Semitic [Video]
(Aiden Pink,
Forward
)
Amid wall debate, pope says fear of migration makes us crazy
(Nicole Winfield,
Associated Press
)
CALL FOR PAPERS Deadline 23 January 2019: Religion and Law in North America
(Chester Ronning Centre for the Study of Religion in Public Life,
University of Alberta
)
Tuesday, January 22
Cast in Russia as ‘enemy within’, Jehovah’s Witnesses see Soviet history replay
(Andrew Osborn,
Reuters
)
Chinese bishops’ chief vows to press ahead with Sinicization
(
UCA News
)
Rohingya Muslim group fleeing India to Bangladesh stuck on ‘zero line’
(Serajul Quadir,
Reuters
)
Sunni clergymen under “provincial arrest”
(Maryam Dehkordi,
Iran Wire
)
Saudi cleric detained in crackdown dies: activists
(
Reuters
)
In India, sacred cows are running amok. So villagers are locking them in schools.
(Joanna Slater,
The Washington Post
)
Facing torture, death in Sudan, convert flees to Egypt… and more death threats
(
Christian Headlines
)
After Dusit attack, Kenya’s religious leaders urge all faiths to account for youths
(Fredrick Nzwili,
Religion News
)
Pakistani court orders government to compensate victims of Asia Bibi protests
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Vietnamese government ignores displaced residents in predominantly Catholic area
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Iranian judges pressure Christians to renounce their faith
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
India’s home minister calls for national debate on mass conversions
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Thailand aims to reform tough refugee policy after Saudi asylum case
(Gary Nguyen,
International Christian Concern
)
Cross-shaped mosaic to be painted over in central Java over complaints
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Christian man kidnapped in Sinai
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Maldives: new president must ward off threats from Islamic extremism, foreign powers and autocratic rivals
(Andreas Johansson,
The Conversation
)
Why do Muslim women wear a hijab?
(Caitlin Killian,
The Conversation
)
The countries where it’s most dangerous to be a Christian in 2019
(Joe Carter,
The Gospel Coalition
)
Russian religious regression creates opportunity for Protestant churches
(Katey Hearth,
Mission Network News
)
Support Cubans who demand that freedom of religion be part of island’s new constitution (Op-Ed)
(
Miami Herald
)
‘Thaipusam shows Malaysians enjoy freedom of religion’
(
The Star
)
Scores of Afghan troops killed in suicide bombing claimed by Taliban
(Pamela Constable and Sharif Hassan,
The Washington Post
)
The Economist: Stuck in a time warp, misses real news about Global South missionaries
(Ira Rifkin,
Get Religion
)
Camel, meet needle: Missionaries from the global south try to save the godless West
(
The Economist
)
Magufuli has steadily tightened the noose on media freedom. Here’s how`
(George Ogola,
The Conversation
)
Religion, Greece and Macedonia: Why clerical rage over the “Macedonian question” has modern roots
(
The Economist [Erasmus: Religion and public policy]
)
Group of Ukrainian parliamentarians challenges constitutionality of law obliging Ukrainian Orthodox Church to change its name
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Criticism of changes in Ukrainian law on church jurisdiction: Religious liberty under threat
(Institute of Religious Liberty,
Russia Religion News
)
Philippines: Muslim autonomy referendum ‘not a silver bullet’ for peace
(Srinivas Mazumdaru (Interview),
Deutsche Welle
)
Vatican and Muslim experts unite to defend palliative healthcare
(Claire Giangravè,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Nicaragua bishops keep cajoling Ortega to dialogue with opposition
(Inés San Martín,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Indian police arrest 61 Rohingya Muslims this week
(Wasbir Hussain and Julhas Alam,
Associated Press
)
Egyptian TV host sentenced to one year in prison for interviewing gay man
(Emily Jacobs,
New York Post
)
Egyptian TV host sentenced for program featuring gay sex worker
(Howard Friedman,
Religion Clause
)
Alarm bells against discrimination
(Christof Sauer,
Christian Examiner
)
Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank: contemporaries with a common legacy
(Nancy Churnin,
Religion News
)
Monday, January 21
A confluence of religion and politics at the Kumbh
(Omar Rashid,
The Hindu
)
It’s nonsensical to deceive Nigerians with ethnicity, religion, Buhari fumes
(Nwafor Sunday,
Vanguard
)
Religion not in conflict with IR theory: Prof. Askari
(
MEHR News Agency
)
Church groups claim victory over battle with Canadian govt
(Joseph Sinasac,
La Croix
)
Religion and economy will take center stage as Indonesia’s president seeks re-election, experts say
(Shirley Tay,
CNBC
)
Ukrainian president calls out Moscow churches
(RISU,
Russia Religion News
)
Ukrainian parliament prescribes how parishes may change affiliation
(RISU,
Russia Religion News
)
Almost two-year-long trial of Jehovah’s Witness nears end
(Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia,
Russia Religion News
)
Articles of interest – January 21, 2019
(Howard Friedman,
Religion Clause
)
Hindu ascetics lead millions of Indians in holy bath, but politics weigh
(Alasdair Pal,
Reuters
)
Togo bishops: Clergy can’t be indifferent to nation’s suffering
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
In Iraq, there’s life for Christians after Islamic fundamentalism
(Inés San Martín,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Suspected Muslim rebels storm Thai temple, kill 2 monks
(
Associated Press
)
Pope prays for peace in Colombia after police academy attack
(
Associated Press
)
Egypt TV host gets year in prison for interviewing gay man
(
Associated Press
)
Sunday, January 20
Baha’is celebrate World Religion Day on January 20, 2019
(Corey Barnett,
World Religion News
)
Saturday, January 19
Duterte will speak to Catholic bishops, despite numerous attacks on the religion
(Nathan Glover,
World Religion News
)
Why Israel’s culture minister defended Haifa’s Christians
(Shlomi Eldar,
Al-Monitor: Israel Pulse
)
Privatization of Turkish military factory draws strong criticism
(Metin Gurcan,
Al-Monitor: Turkey Pulse
)
Betraying Reformist backers, Rouhani paves way for Iran’s hard-liners to take office
(Ehsan Bodaghi,
Al-Monitor: Iran Pulse
)
Jerusalem tensions rise without security coordination
(Daoud Kuttab,
Al-Monitor: Palestine Pulse
)
Malaysian Christians skeptical about report claiming less discrimination
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
One in every six Christians in Africa experience high persecution
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Arabian peninsula prepares for historic Papal visit
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Chinese Christians forced to make choice between welfare benefits or belief
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Trump’s ‘deal of the century’ will give Palestine 85 to 90 percent of the West Bank, Israeli media outlet speculates
(Amanda Casanova,
Christian Headlines
)
Friday, January 18
Vietnam demolitions pit Catholic Church against authorities
(Rina Chandran,
Reuters
)
Has Mirziyoyev really brought religious liberty to Uzbekistan?
(
Freedom House
)
Saudi Arabia pumps money into restive Shi’ite quarter it once flattened
(Stephen Kalin,
Reuters
)
North Sumatra protests against Protestant church
(Mathias Hariyadi,
Asia News
)
From China to sub-Saharan Africa, Christians experience high levels of persecution in 73 countries
(
World Watch Monitor
)
Church takeovers leitmotif of Ukrainian presidential campaign – Russian Orthodox Church
(
Interfax Religion
)
Rada passes bill on transition of communities from one church to another
(
Interfax Religion
)
Hamas could cause an escalation on the Israeli border. Abbas could start a greater conflict
(Amos Harel,
Haaretz
)
In first, Arab countries admit Israel into a regional alliance. But there is a price
(Ora Coren,
Haaretz
)
Hospital forces Palestinians off bus passing through its grounds, separating them from Israelis
(Yotam Berger,
Haaretz
)
‘Israel will decline, and Jews will be a persecuted minority. Those who can will flee to America’
(Ofer Aderet,
Haaretz
)
Philippines: Tight security in place ahead of Muslim vote
(Froilan Gallardo and Richel V. Umel,
Eurasia Review
)
Kenyan Anglicans condemn Nairobi attack
(Adam Becket,
Church Times
)
Palestine on right track to protect children
(Entsar Abu Jahal,
Al-Monitor: Palestine Pulse
)
Israel goes after Hamas in Sinai
(Adnan Abu Amer,
Al-Monitor: Palestine Pulse
)
Israel’s nationality law takes over election campaign
(Mazal Mualem,
Al-Monitor: Israel Pulse
)
Assad’s reconciliation with Arab world could upend Turkey’s plans
(Semih Idiz,
Al-Monitor: Turkey Pulse
)
Trump administration finds its Iran policy not working
(Laura Rozen,
Al-Monitor: Iran Pulse
)
AME Church announces death of Senior Bishop McKinley Young
(RNS Press Release Distribution Service,
Religion News
)
Annual open doors watch list shows Christian persecution rising in China
(Corey Barnett,
World Religion News
)
Cross shape lights on a building in Malaysia stirs debate
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Bodies of 34 Ethiopian Christian ISIS victims found in Libya
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Turkish MP demands investigation into insulting Turkishness
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Asia Bibi continues to live like a prisoner in Pakistan months after acquittal
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Christian Unity is not optional, says Pope Francis
(Peter Kenny,
Ecumenical News
)
Kazakhstan: Courts’ book-destroying “barbarism” continues
(Felix Corley,
Forum 18 News Service
)
Putin invited to Belgrade to attend consecration of Cathedral of Saint Sava
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Russia to return page of ancient Gospel to Serbia, Belgrade to return Roerich’s pictures to Russia – Putin
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Rights advocates speculate about Russian president’s intentions
(Pavel Skrylnikov,
Nezavisimaia Gazeta
)
Russian lawmakers threaten restrictive law
(Gennady Okorokov,
Vecherniaia Moskva
)
Tolerance-plus: Pope in Abu Dhabi will build on relations with Muslims
(Cindy Wooden,
Catholic News Service
)
Vatican expert says anti-migrant crackdowns exacerbate trafficking
(Elise Harris,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Indonesia leader to free radical cleric behind Bali bombings
(Niniek Karmini,
Associated Press
)
Thursday, January 17
EU court finds Turkey violated religious freedom
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Missionary families evangelize indigenous towns in Paraguay
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Guam archdiocese files for bankruptcy following sex abuse lawsuits
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Mexican bishops make statement on gasoline shortage
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Muslim throng converges on worship site of Coptic church in Egypt
(
Christian Headlines
)
Hindu version of Feng Shui leads to demolition of church building in southern India
(
Christian Headlines
)
This country [Bahrain] was removed from Christian persecution list; now it’s a ‘model’ for religious tolerance
(Samuel Smith,
The Christian Post
)
Churches worldwide observe ‘Week of Prayer for Christian Unity,’ focus on Deuteronomy 16:20
(Michael Gryboski,
The Christian Post
)
Morocco’s crackdown won’t slience dissent
(Ilhem Rachidi,
Foreign Policy
)
Iraqi curriculum issues veiled threat against Christian women
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Church leaders in India organize public hearing for victims of 2008 Kandhamal riots
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Christian teachers flee Kenya’s border with Somalia fearing attack
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Asia is the new hotbed for Christian persecution, says Open Doors
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
India ranked among top ten worst persecutors in the world
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Residents rally to demand church closure in Indonesia
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Iraqi Christian village withstands Turkish airstrikes
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Sultan urges religious leaders to preach peace in lead up to Nigeria’s elections
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Indian Christians endure at least 25 instances of persecution over Christmas holiday
(
International Christian Concern
)
Persecution in world’s two most-populous countries escalates to troubling levels
(RNS Press Release Distribution Service,
Religion News
)
New book claims the power of Christ is real, still working miracles in the world today
(RNS Press Release Distribution Service,
Religion News
)
Enraged Israeli Arab Christians protest museum crucified Ronald McDonald display
(Gary Nguyen,
World Religion News
)
Study finds simple explanation for endurance of religion
(University of Otago,
Phys.org
)
Religion and the state: Could state-guided faith be a trend of the future?
(
The Economist [Erasmus: Religion and public policy]
)
Required reading: The National Catholic Reporter in the age of Pope Francis
(Clemente Lisi,
Get Religion
)
Persecution in China and India ‘escalates to troubling levels,’ says Open Doors
(
Ecumenical News
)
Ukrainian law on joining new church makes seizing churches easier – Ukrainian Orthodox Church
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Rada passes bill on transition of communities from one church to another
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Ukraine’s Opposition Bloc to appeal bill on subordination of religious communities to Constitutional Court
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Ukrainian leaders celebrate church’s independence
(RISU,
Russia Religion News
)
With Zimbabwe in turmoil over fuel hikes, archbishop calls for restraint
(Bronwen Dachs,
Catholic News Service
)
Vatican urges global collaboration, more prosecutions to fight trafficking
(Elise Harris,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Bishops visiting Israel hear Christian concerns over Jewish nation-state law
(Charles Collins,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Why al-Shabaab targets Kenya, and what can be done to stop attacks
(Brendon J. Cannon and Martin Plaut,
The Conversation
)
Ukraine OKs property law that could affect 12,000 churches
(
Associated Press
)
Militants kidnap Christian man in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula
(Hamza Hendawi,
Associated Press
)
State-religion partnership benefits all
(Mohammad Alami Musa,
Straits Times
)
Restriction orders placed on ex-religious teacher, student
(David Sun,
The New Paper
)
Minister Rajnath Singh calls for a national debate on mass conversions
(Nirmala Carvalho,
Asia News
)
Wednesday, January 16
Rescuing religious freedom
(Elizabeth Oldfield,
Theos
)
Freed by court, Pakistani Christian woman still a prisoner
(Kathy Gannon,
Associated Press
)
Sultan of Sokoto has this to tell religious leaders ahead of 2019 polls
(Sani Salisu-Idris,
The Herald
)
An ultra-Orthodox rabbi visited North Korea where practicing religion is punishable by death — here’s what he saw
(Talia Lakritz,
Business Insider Australia
)
Fiji archbishop wants Catholic principals for Catholic schools
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
ISA order against former religious teacher shows Govt’s readiness to act against anyone who threatens society: Shanmugam
(Hariz Baharudin,
Straits Times
)
China’s ‘social credit’ system: ‘Hunger Games,’ Big Brother or the book of Revelation?
(Julia Duin,
Get Religion
)
Ukraine wants to re-register Kiev-Pechersk Lavra or take it away from UOC of Moscow Patriarchate – Metropolitan Pavel
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Putin describes establishment of new church in Ukraine as ‘dangerous politicking’
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Inter-confessional accord in Ukraine sacrificed to Poroshenko’s campaign – Putin
(
Interfax-Religion
)
No entry: Ukrainian crowd blocks priests from church (video)
(Ray Furlong,
Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
)
Poroshenko holds forth on independence of Ukrainian church
(RISU,
Russia Religion News
)
An upscale Nairobi building complex has been attacked by terrorist group al-Shabaab
(Abdi Latif Dahir,
Quartz Africa
)
Ukrainian parliament to view new bill on changing churches
(Religiia v Ukraine,
Russia Religion News
)
China’s crackdown on Christians continues
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Guam Catholic Church enters bankruptcy amid sex abuse claims
(Grace Garces Bordallo,
Associated Press
)
Turkey’s AKP favors Ottoman model over EU’s religious freedom ideals – researcher
(
Ahval News
)
Turkey orders arrest of nearly 200 people over suspected Gulen ties, Hurriyet says
(
Reuters
)
Chechnya LGBT: Dozens ‘detained in new gay purge’
(
BBC News
)
Indian woman alleges assault by mother-in-law for defying temple ban
(Jose Devasia,
Reuters
)
Rohingyas in limbo as diplomacy falters
(Duncan Bartlett,
The Diplomat
)
Tuesday, January 15
The surprise of reconciliation in the Catholic tradition
(Daniel Philpott reporting on JJ. Carney and Laurie Johnston, eds.,
Arc of the Universe
)
Why Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is festival to end all festivals
(Michael Safi,
The Guardian
)
China’s Muslims fear crackdown in ancient city of Xi’an
(Xiaomei Chen in Xi’am,
The Guardian
)
Kumbh Mela: Hindus converge for largest-ever human gathering
(Michael Safi and Kakoli Bhattacharya,
The Guardian
)
Diabolical liberty? Anger over Spanish city’s ‘friendly’ devil
(Sam Jones,
The Guardian
)
Syrian jihadist group’s takeover of Idlib undermines Turkish plans
(Khaled al-Khateb,
Al-Monitor: Syria Pulse
)
Israel erects underground, underwater barriers to thwart Hamas attacks
(Adnan Abu Amer,
Al-Monitor: Israel Pulse
)
Egypt closes crossing to Gaza as Abbas tightens noose
(Ahmed el-Komi,
Al-Monitor: Palestine Pulse
)
Bahraini opposition in Iraq stirs crisis between Baghdad and Manama
(Mustafa Saadoun,
Al-Monitor: Iraq Pulse
)
Egypt’s internal debt rises on wider budget deficit
(Ahmed Elleithy,
Al-Monitor: Egypt Pulse
)
Turks unite to condemn Trump’s threat to ‘devastate’ economy
(Jasper Mortimer,
Al-Monitor: Turkey Pulse
)
The meaning and rationality of faith: A Christian and atheist conversation
(Randal Rauser,
The Christian Post
)
Iran attempts to deflect from its own persecution of Christians
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Six Christians assaulted in Tamil Nadu after false conversion accusation
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Nigerian bishop released from captivity
(Nathan Johnson,
International Christian Concern
)
Egyptian authorities close four churches
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Kachin IDPs were able to enjoy a peaceful Christmas
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Pope Francis meets with Chilean bishops to discuss abuse crisis
(Andrea Gagliarducci,
Catholic News Agency
)
Pope tells Life academy to defend human dignity with courage
(Hannah Brockhaus,
Catholic News Agency
)
Guatemalan bishops express support for UN anti-corruption commission
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Church of Scientology blames murder of Australian Scientologist of Leah Remini & A&E
(Kelly Frazier,
World Religion News
)
Talmud-inspired learning craze sweeps South Korea
(Tim Alper,
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
)
Religious persecution: Why not cover all groups feeling Beijing’s wrath, not just Protestants?
(Ira Rifkin,
Get Religion
)
Poroshenko guarantees protection to those who remain faithful to Moscow Patriarchate
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Muslim group objects to Nigerian bishop’s plan to get kids off the streets
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Catholic church questions surprise Congo election results
(Gabriele Steinhauser,
The Wall Street Journal
)
‘China is after us’: Uighurs in Pakistan report intimidation
(Maija Liuhto,
Al Jazeera
)
Indian court rules in favor of Christian missionary
(Bijay Kumar Minj,
UCA News
)
Indonesia to put Muslim issues forward at UN Security Council
(Amanda Siddharta,
VOA
)
Monday, January 14
“First of all, I am an Egyptian citizen, and afterwards a Christian”: The Coptic Church in Egypt between religion and politics, as reflected on social media
(Michael Barak,
Moshe Dayan Center, Tel Aviv University
)
Between the millet system and EU values: The Sunni Muslim Turkish State and non-Muslim minorities
(Özgür Kaymak,
Moshe Dayan Center, Tel Aviv University
)
EVENT, 20-22 January 2019: Religious Liberty, Human Dignity, and the Making of Modern Human Rights
(
Pontificia Universita Antonianum, Rom
)
Articles of interest – January 14, 2019
(Howard Friedman,
Religion Clause
)
Religion in the years ahead
(Martin E. Marty,
Sightings: Religion in Public Life (University of Chicago Divinity School)
)
Now we do: On politics and religion in Brazil after their recent presidential election
(Ernesto Araújo,
New Criterion
)
Middle East Christians and the West A pivotal time for embattled religious minorities in the Middle East
(
The Economist [Erasmus: Religion and public policy]
)
Philippine senator offers to mediate between Duterte and Catholic Church
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
The Guardian view on academic freedom: the right to be very wrong
(
The Guardian
)
Violent clashes in Haifa as Arab Christians protest ‘McJesus’ sculpture
(Sara Rubenstein,
The Jerusalem Post
)
Deutsche Welle: Are young Turks really atheistic Turks?
(Julia Duin,
Get Religion
)
Atheism grows in Turkey as Recep Tayyip Erdogan urges Islam
(Tunca Ögreten,
Deutsche Welle
)
Poroshenko decorates 2 metropolitans who joined new church from UOC with Order of Prince Yaroslav Mudry
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Ukrainian parliament seeks to help new church
(Nezavisimaia Gazeta,
Russia Religion News
)
Georgian president doesn’t hurry to congratulate Ukraine on granting autocephaly
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Rights activists report detention of 40 LGBT in Chechnya, Grozny official says it’s ‘absolute lie’
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Malawi archbishop calls on government to stop ritual murder of albinos
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Vatican, Venezuela bishops play ‘good cop/bad cop’ with Maduro
(Inés San Martín,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Church in South Sudan laments continuing violence
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Women strive for larger roles in male-dominated religions
(David Crary,
Associated Press
)
‘McJesus’ sculpture sparks outrage among Israel’s Christians
(Areej Hazboun and Isabel Debre,
Associated Press
)
Attacks on places of worship: Armed groups raise the stakes in the Central African Republic
(CSWPress,
FoRB in Full (a blog by CSW)
)
In China, they’re closing churches, jailing pastors – and even rewriting scripture
(Lily Kuo,
The Guardian
)
NGO: Let Christian Palestinian grandma visit father’s grave on army base
(Yonah Jeremy Bob,
The Jerusalem Post
)
The schoolgirls who warned of Rwanda’s genocide
(James Dacre,
The Guardian
)
Church in DRC urges pressure on electoral commission over disputed vote
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Children must see the faith lived at home, pope tells parents
(Hannah Brockhaus,
Catholic News Agency
)
As US exits Syria, what will define Moscow’s Mideast policy in 2019?
(Maxim A. Suchkov,
Al-Monitor
)
Is Sisi good for Egypt’s Christians?
(Marlo Safi,
The Wall Street Journal
)
Egypt extends state of emergency
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Christians rejoice as Egypt forms committee to combat sectarianism
(Menna A. Farouk,
Al-Monitor: Egypt Pulse
)
Egyptians decry Pompeo’s ‘ode to Israel’ from Cairo
(Shahira Amin,
Al-Monitor: Egypt Pulse
)
In northern Kenya, al-Shabab militants target Christian teachers
(Doreen Ajiambo,
Religion News
)
Assad promises to rebuild Armenian church
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Archbishop to attend public hearing on 2008 Kandhamal riots
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Malaysian Prime Minister says government will be “sensitive to all religions”
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Series of attacks on Christians in eastern Uganda leaves community in fear
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Chinese stream of life house church raided by police
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
‘If you enter a camp, you never come out’: inside China’s war on Islam
(Lily Kuo,
The Guardian
)
Turkey to build first-ever church in its modern republic
(Amanda Casanova,
Christian Headlines
)
Turkey’s first modern-day church to be built in Istanbul
(
Daily Sabah
)
Homes destroyed, residents evicted in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City
(
Radio Free Asia
)
Pakistan wants to reform madrassas. Experts advise fixing public education first
(Diaa Hadid,
National Public Radio
)
Daniel Philpott on Religious Freedom in Islam
(
Law and Religion Forum
)
India’s gov’t boosts massive Hindu festival, eyeing election
(Emily Schmall,
Associated Press
)
World’s largest religious festival to kick off in India
(
Deutsche Welle
)
India slaps cases against critics of plan to grant citizenship to non-Muslims
(Zarir Hussain,
Reuters
)
‘Not acceptable’: Indian army backs gay sex ban despite decriminalisation
(
The Guardian
)
Ahead of visit, Putin gets church in Serbia named after him
(Dusan Stojanovic,
Associated Press
)
Saturday, January 12
Protests against Asia Bibi’s acquittal: SC orders victims be compensated within 30 days
(
Geo News
)
Pakistan’s Supreme Court orders government compensation to victims of protesters
(Howard Friedman,
Religion Clause
)
Gunmen kill 4 volunteers guarding southern Thailand school
(
Associated Press
)
33 Vietnamese Christians are attacked, raided after they refuse to worship Buddha
(Kayla Koslosky,
Christian Headlines
)
Venezuelan bishops denounce Maduro’s new presidential term as illegitimate
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Pope’s Romania trip confirmed for early summer
(Hannah Brockhaus,
Catholic News Agency
)
Hamas, PA suspicious of Israel’s new webcast
(Adnan Abu Amer,
Al-Monitor: Israel Pulse
)
Hundreds mark Jesus baptism at historic Jordan site
(AFP,
Al-Monitor: Jordan Pulse
)
Regional powers stick with Bashir as Sudan protests mount
(AFP,
Al-Monitor: The Pulse of the Middle East
)
Pakistani Christian faces forced deportation from U.K.
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
China now demands “church-free zones” near schools
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Turkish court rules against compulsory religion class
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Indian high court rules in favor of American doctor and religious freedom
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Christian leaders in Nigeria call for peaceful general elections
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Vietnamese authorities bulldoze homes in predominantly Catholic area
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Local government takes steps to protect Christian graveyard in Pakistan
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Philippine president renews attack on Catholic church
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Pro-Uighur protests in Indonesia shadowed by ominous domestic politics
(Nithin Coca,
Religion News
)
Resolved to unplug? Films, challenges urge the religious to reflect on digital lives
(Emily McFarlan Miller,
Religion News
)
Friday, January 11
Can a 14-year old girl decide on permanent infertility, facial hair and a male voice?
(John Carpay,
The Post Millennial
)
Legitimacy Gap: Secularism, Religion, and Culture in Comparative Constitutional Law
(Vincent Depaigne,
Oxford University Press Academic
)
Thursday, January 10
On reforming the world and reforming character
(Jan Klabbers,
EJIL: Talk!
)
Baptist church in Russian occupied Crimea shut down
(
Interfax-Religion
)
Hong Kong Catholics mourn bishop amid political struggles
(
Associated Press
)
Russian media regulator probes BBC quoting IS leader
(
Associated Press
)
Turkey prepares for historic church construction
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Will 2019 be a more peaceful year for India’s Christians?
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Somali Christians continue to survive by worshiping in secret
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Malaysia Islamic party warns believers of Hell if led by non-Muslim leaders
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Church grows in Qatar despite challenges
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
If Georgia recognizes Ukraine’s autocephaly, Russia to recognize Abkhaz Church’s independence – Burjanadze
(
Interfax Religion
)
Georgian Church needs time to decide on recognizing Ukraine’s autocephaly
(
Interfax Religion
)
New Jerusalem ‘Apartheid Road’ opens, separating Palestinians and Jewish settlers
(Nir Hasson,
Haaretz
)
Pakistan: Muslim clerics denounce radicalism
(Kamran Chaudhry,
Eurasia Review
)
More than 100 Oxford clergy criticise bishops’ LGBTI guidance
(Madeleine Davies,
Church Times
)
Vietnam Christians beaten, arrested for refusing to worship Buddha and renounce faith in Jesus
(Stoyan Zaimov,
The Christian Post
)
China forces church to take down first commandment given to Moses
(Stoyan Zaimov,
The Christian Post
)
China bans one of the Ten Commandments as part of ‘national policy’
(Michael Foust,
Christian Headlines
)
Cardinal Tagle at Black Nazarene celebration: Be a devotee, not a fanatic
(
Catholic News Agency
)
Gulf states slowly warm to Damascus
(Giorgio Cafiero,
Al-Monitor: Gulf Pulse
)
Wednesday, January 9
Forced eviction in Catholic community of Loc Hung leaves hundreds of families homeless and destitute, including many political activists
(
The 88 Project
)
Malaysia’s leaders should only be Muslims, says cleric
(Victor Merrick,
UCA News
)
The cone of silence around China’s Muslim ‘gulags’
(Ishaan Tharoor,
The Washington Post
)
Putin disavows crackdown on Jehovah’s Witnesses, giving hope to detained
(Marc Bennetts,
Religion News Service
)
BJP govt polarising the country on the basis of religion: Tarun Gogoi
(
Times of India
)
Got news? It is significant that an Anglican bishop’s same-sex wedding was not big news?
(Terry Mattingly,
Get Religion
)
Crimea: “Anti-missionary” prosecutions double in 2018
(Felix Corley,
Forum 18 News Service
)
Misuse of psychiatry in assessing religious behavior
(Religiia i Pravo,
Russia Religion News
)
Christians concerned about religious freedom if Turkey enters Syria
(Dale Gavlak,
Catholic News Service
)
Indonesian archbishop urges Catholics to ditch use of plastic bags
(
Catholic News Service
)
Synagogue to host World Youth Day pilgrims in Panama
(Christopher White,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Huge crowd of Filipino Catholics gathers amid terror fears
(Jim Gomez,
Associated Press
)
Philippine opposition leader calls Pres. Duterte’s attacks on Church ‘sickening’
(
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
What Catholics can learn from protests of the past
(Mara Willard,
The Conversation
)
Tuesday, January 8
Tajikistan’s tiny Orthodox community celebrates Christmas
(
Eurasia Net
)
Free Yezidi Foundation report: Withdrawal of US troops from Syria
(
Free Yezidi Foundation
)
Protest against Muslim group draws flack in Indonesia
(Ryan Dagur,
UCA News
)
Blue Christmas: On January 7th, Egypt’s Copts celebrate a sad Christmas
(
The Economist
)
Egypt’s Sisi opens mega-mosque and Middle East’s largest cathedral in New Capital
(
Reuters
)
Two women enter a temple. A country erupts.
(Supriya Nair,
The New York Times
)
China has launched a massive campaign of cultural extermination against the Uighurs
(
The Washington Post
)
China’s Xinjiang tour should have fooled no one
(Sophie Richardson,
Human Rights Watch
)
President Poroshenko calls on world’s Orthodox churches to recognize OCU
(
Religious Information Service of Ukraine
)
Christian persecution expected to increase in 2019; believers facing ‘modern-day jihad’
(Stoyan Zaimov,
The Christian Post
)
Israel strikes back against Hamas terror group after several attacks
(Kayla Koslosky,
Christian Headlines
)
Ecumenical Patriarch recognizes independence of Orthodox Church of Ukraine
(Carl Bunderson,
Catholic News Agency
)
Debate begins on decriminalizing abortion in Ecuador
(David Ramos,
Catholic News Agency
)
Patriarch grants Ukrainian Church independence at Istanbul mass
(Ayla Jean Yackley,
Al-Monitor: Turkey Pulse
)
Merger of parliamentary committees further sidelines Iraqi women
(Sara al-Qaher,
Al-Monitor: Iraq Pulse
)
Fewer Israelis marrying through Rabbinate, report shows
(Judy Maltz,
Haaretz
)
Sale of churches sparks controversy in Iraq
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
Christian community in Nigeria devastated by years of Fulani militant violence
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Pakistani Christians fear new security mandate may lead to church closures
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
2000 soldiers will be deployed to secure Philippines’ Black Nazarene Feast
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Hmong Christians in Vietnam repeatedly beaten and arrested
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Nassar says religion turned to trade, demands banning Niqab in public places
(
Egypt Today
)
Muslims enjoy freedom in Xinjiang: China Islamic Association
(
The Nation
)
How Chinese doctors who harvest organs get away with murder
(Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes
)
Blasphemy laws do not have a place in the 21st century
(Ewelina U. Ochab,
Forbes
)
Impacting Freedom of Religion or Belief one step at a time: 5 highlights from 2018
(
International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief (IPPFoRB)
)
January 2019 Legislation factsheet: Registration laws
(
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
)
USCIRF suggests standards for registration of religious groups
(Howard Friedman,
Religion Clause
)
More spilled ink, as global Byzantine puzzle games continue with the Orthodox in Ukraine
(Terry Mattingly,
Get Religion
)
Orthodox schism: Ukrainian Christians celebrate their first Christmas under an independent church
(
The Economist [Erasmus: Religion and public policy]
)
Putin goes to church on Christmas Eve
(Interfax-Religiia,
Russia Religion News
)
In repressive Myanmar, a tiny Jewish community hangs on to the past
(Charles Dunst,
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
)
Pope appoints retired cardinal as apostolic administrator of Hong Kong diocese
(Charles Collins,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Pope’s outreach to Islamic world in 2019 has deep roots
(Elise Harris,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
With migrants stranded at sea, Pope Francis urges welcome
(Claire Giangravè,
Crux: Taking the Catholic Pulse
)
Russian church head: Smartphones could precede Antichrist
(
Associated Press
)
India’s lower house passes citizenship bill despite protests
(Wasbir Hussain,
Associated Press
)
A different outreach: on Modi government and religion
(Vinay Kaura,
The Hindu
)
Monday, January 7
Catholic homes destroyed, land expropriated in Ho Chi Minh City
(Maria Thuy Tien,
Asia Times
)
Church fights Vietnam land grabbing
(
UCA News
)
Saudi Woman who tried to flee family says, ‘they will kill me’
(Richard C. Paddock and Ben Hubbard,
The New York Times
)
Ma’ruf Amin says he regrets testifying against Ahok
(
The Jakarta Post
)
Hindus prepare for Thai Pongal celebration
(Corey Barnett,
World Religion News
)
China targets prominent Uighur intellectuals to erase an ethnic identity
(Austin Ramzy,
The New York Times
)
Coptic Christians cautiously prepare for Orthodox Christmas
(Claire Evans,
International Christian Concern
)
The Vietnamese government grabs land offered by church, demolished houses
(Gina Goh,
International Christian Concern
)
Christians face mounting discrimination in Pakistan’s schools
(Olivia Miller,
International Christian Concern
)
Will India’s Trump fears ease with the New US Asia Reassurance Initiative Act? – Analysis
(Rajeswari Paillai Rajagopalan,
The Diplomat
)
Ukrainian Orthodox Church breaks away from Russian influence
(Ayse Wieting and Zeynep Bilginsoy,
Deseret News
)
Egypt opens largest church for Coptic Christians in the Middle East
(Amanda Casanova,
Christian Headlines
)
Christian workers in Somalia worship in secret, fear al-Shabab
(Tonny Onyulo,
Religion News
)
In Nepal, Tradition is killing women: The Hindu practice of chhaupadi is dangerous and deadly, but legislation is not enough to stop it.
(Sophie Cousins,
Foreign Policy
)
Holy Land for sale The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate is selling church land that’s ending up in the hands of Israeli settler groups. Its Palestinian Christian congregants are furious.
(Dalia Hatuqa,
Foreign Policy
)
Celebrations planned, tension lingers a month after marriage equality resolution takes effect
(Mary Frances Schjonberg and David Paulsen,
Episcopal News Service
)
Lutheran Church adopts interfaith approach to tackle farmers/herders clashes in Adamawa
(Segun Otokiti,
Worldstage
)
‘Vacationing’ to reconnect with India’s Zoroastrian culture
(Bhavya,
Religion News
)