That many religions exist in the world is a fact, but what that plurality communicates to believers about God is a question that theologians are still discussing. Pope Francis and Sheik Ahmad el-Tayeb, grand imam of al-Azhar, a leading authority for many Sunni Muslims, stepped into the debate Feb. 4 when they signed a document 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
The Attorney General of Fiji Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had drawn a distinction between schools with ethnic names and schools with religious names. He says schools with ethnic names are not fully inclusive of other races but schools with religious names are OK. Speaking at Ahmadiyya Muslim Secondary School prize-giving ceremony in Voloca, Dreketi, he said, “Take Read more
Meat industry representatives were busy at the World Muslim Forum in Auckland at the weekend. Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie says he was there to show people at the forum how seriously New Zealand takes the halal – and that we have good systems and processes to ensure the meat is prepared as Read more
A law and Religion conference was held in Samoa at the beginning of May. The main purpose of the conference was to look for ways to ensure the establishment of robust relationships that would promote religious freedom and tolerance and mutual respect for different churches and faiths, including, a sensitivity to and respect for, local practices. In his Read more
In the United States, Mitt Romney, one of the contenders for the Republican nomination for President, is a Mormon. This has given rise to a heated discussion about whether Mormons are Christians. The panelist on National Radio’s Afternoons with Jim Mora last week seemed puzzled that anyone would think otherwise, but there are many who Read more
The 2011 New Zealand Diversity Forum was held last Sunday and Monday. It was preceded by community events on Saturday. The theme of the conference, People in Harmony. Keynote speakers included Tainui Chief Executive Parekawhia McLean, Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon and Porirua City Councillor and community youth worker Fa’amatuainu Wayne Poutoa. A national youth diversity Read more