Despite the naysayers who opposed the pope’s visit, Pope Francis’ pilgrimage to Iraq (March 5-8) went beyond expectations in achieving the three goals of his trip: showing pastoral solidarity with his suffering Christian flock, calling for peace and reconciliation for the Iraqi people and establishing improved relations between Christians and Muslims. In the run-up to Read more
Are Muslim women being asked to change too much of themselves in order to fit in? ‘Modest fashion’ has been a defining style for the past decade. The trend for oversize silhouettes and loose layers has united fashion fans, religious and secular; it has been in part an attempt by western brands to buy into 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
A Manawatū District councillor is not backing down from his opinion about the use of non-Christian prayers at council meetings. Steve Bielski says he would not accept Muslims or any non-Christians praying at the council because they believed in different gods. Councillors were discussing a proposal to invite members of different faiths to open meetings Read more
Two new reports conclude that China is engaging in organ harvesting and a child separation campaign against the country’s Uighur Muslim minority. China’s ambassador to the U.K., Liu Xiaoming, has denied a BBC investigation’s findings, which concluded that Muslim children in the Uighur-majority region of western Xinjiang are being systematically separated from their parents. The Read more
Ajaz Patel, the 29-year-old India-born left-arm spinner, is believed to be the first Muslim to play for the Black Caps. He doesn’t see himself as a role model for young Muslims but said if he can inspire anyone to follow their dreams and stick to their beliefs then he would be proud of that. He says Read more
Sonny Bill Williams had only a small meal of grilled fish and steamed vegetables, and drank a glass or two of water, before he took to the field for the first test match between the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks. The had the meal just after the sunset at 5.10pm. As a Read more
Some employees who belong to minority faiths face discrimination because of their beliefs. Employers find it okay to employ Buddhists and Hindus but are wary of hiring Muslims, an AUT study has found. Indian Christians in the research faced the least barriers, and acknowledged the benefits derived from having westernised names, a Western dress sense Read more
Eight months after his notorious “Wogistan” anti-Muslim rant NZ First MP Richard Prosser says he received more messages of support than of criticism during the resulting furore – something he now has mixed feelings about. Continue reading
France’s main religions are protesting plans by President Nicolas Sarkozy, to hold a debate next week on Islam’s role in the country. The leaders of France’s Catholics, Protestants, Orthodox Christians, Jews, Muslims and Buddhists published a joint statement Wednesday saying the debate could fuel prejudice and add to the confusion in the times preceding the election. In Read more