State and church tension has been reignited in France over the dismissal of a high-profile principal. This has aggravated the debate over religious expression in French schools. Following weeks of protests, Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris has spoken out in defence of this freedom of expression. Principal dismissal sparks tensions The dismissal of Christian Espeso, Read more
A new law in the southern US state of Louisiana says the biblical Ten Commandments must be displayed in all public school classrooms. The state’s Republican governor, Jeff Landry (pictured), signed the obligation into law last week. A poster-sized display of the Ten Commandments in a “large, easily readable font” must be displayed in all Read more
God is not in the minority… This is an assertion I can make only through faith and Scripture. I believe that God’s presence is expressed in every heart and in every reality, beyond the signs and words (religious or otherwise) that express this presence. “The wind blows where it pleases; you can hear its sound, Read more
“Enough is enough! I’m writing the President!” After hitting the umpteenth brick wall, my wife had reached the end of her rope. As a Canadian citizen in America, married to an American, obtaining a green card for work should have been a walk in the park for her. But it wasn’t. After three years of Read more
Pope Francis on Sunday told Mongolian Catholics that only love can truly satisfy our hearts’ thirst. In his historic first visit to Mongolia, the pope spoke to about 2,000 people at Ulaanbaatar’s Steppe Arena and emphasised God’s presence in difficult times. Francis drew parallels with life in Mongolia, where about 30% of the land is Read more
A Michigan court says a Catholic farmer’s religious freedom was violated when his views on marriage saw him banned from selling his products at a market. “We’re very grateful for all the prayers and support we’ve received,” says Country Mill Farms owner Steve Tennes (pictured with his family). Faith has always been part of the Read more
A new report has revealed that 61 countries encompassing 62% of the world’s population severely or totally restrict religious freedom. Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) has released its latest edition of the Religious Freedom Report, shedding light on the increasing persecution faced by individuals and communities worldwide. The report, published every two years Read more
Hate speech has been the subject of much debate in Parliament lately. Debate has centred on protecting individuals from such speech via the Human Rights Act. It’s been an ongoing question with pros and cons. Should the Act be expanded – or not? The legislation already specifically protects people from being subject to hate speech Read more
China’s crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong has led a Catholic prelate to ask regional leaders to put people first. Give young people a reason to trust authority, Bishop Stephen Chow of Hong Kong suggests in a special message published last Friday. Among the advantages he lists is a greater sense of unity in a Read more
Sulaymon Davlatzoda, the Chair of the State Committee for Religious Affairs and Regulation of Traditions, Ceremonies and Rituals (SCRA), summoned leaders of Protestant Churches to a meeting at its offices in Dushanbe in late May. “We will no longer register any new Churches. We will keep the figure of registered Churches unchanged from now on’, Read more