On his tour, Pope Francis promoted peace, religious harmony, and Catholicism’s engagement with Islam, particularly in Indonesia. His visit showcased his focus on global peripheries and the Church’s need to navigate complex political and interreligious issues in today’s world. Pope Francis is arguably at his best when far from Rome. His apostolic trips to the Read more
Wellington’s Kilbirnie Mosque has confirmed plans to broadcast the Islamic call-to-prayer three times a year, putting to rest claims that it would occur five times a day. The request includes broadcasts on the anniversary of the Christchurch mosque attacks and during two major Islamic festivals, Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr. The decision comes after Mayor Read more
The Vatican has issued a new document rejecting the concept of changing one’s biological sex. This is a setback for transgender people who had hoped Pope Francis might be setting the stage for a more welcoming approach from the Catholic Church. World Religions Around the world, major religions have diverse approaches to gender identity, and Read more
When Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau heard Wellington’s mosques were seeking permission to broadcast the Call to Prayer, her response was offensive and irreligious. Whanau was on air at the time talking to The Platform’s Sean Plunkett. “The Platform has received quite a bit of feedback regarding the district plan vote Thursday on the broadcast of Read more
Intimidating anonymous letters have been sent to Hindu temples around the country, warning them that “idolatry is worse than carnage”. “Islam teaches that God does not share His divine attributes with anyone”, the letters continue, among several passages quoted from the Quran, Islam’s holy book. The letters began arriving last week, and police were immediately Read more
Cologne has become the first major city in Germany to allow the “call to prayer” for Muslim worshipers. Municipal officials in Cologne say after consulting representatives of the city’s 35 mosques, a two-year pilot project would be implemented. The project will then be re-evaluated and may be extended. A few municipal rules have been developed Read more
When did the church commit itself to better relations between Muslims and Catholics? I suppose the church really committed to dialogue and positive engagement at the Second Vatican Council, with the famous declaration on the relationship of the church to non-Christian religions, “Nostra Aetate.” There’s a paragraph in there dedicated to Islam and opening up Read more
Denmark’s religious liberty and freedom of speech and expression are at risk, say the country’s Christian leaders. They’re protesting about a proposed law requiring leaders of all faiths to translate their sermons into Danish and submit them to the government. The new law, is primarily aimed at radical Islamic groups, but will affect all churches. Read more
In countries like the United Kingdom and across Europe, although a large number of Muslims follow the traditional Islamic way of life, there is concern around the number of Muslims becoming radicalised in their religion. How could this happen in advanced western countries and what lessons can be drawn to avoid this happening in New Read more
I write in support of Imam Gamal Foude’s comments on the need for love and respect in combatting violence. With all due respect to French leaders, I think they could start by reviewing the implications of laïcité. At this time, they have much to say about “Islamic terrorism”. Worse, some of the language they are Read more