Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly is a production of THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. Visit www.pbs.org/religionandethics for additional information. Show #1847 will be fed over PBS at 5:00 p.m. EST on July 24 (check local listings).
Religion in Cuba
As the U.S. and Cuba reopen their embassies, what is the state of religion in Cuba after 50 years of repressive Communist rule? Dan Lothian reports from Cuba ahead of the Pope’s September visit on the wary but emerging signs of religious life there, and the growing hope that Cuba’s younger generation can somehow be introduced to the religious practice that many have never known.
Women’s Mosque of America
American Muslim women can feel marginalized at worship services in traditional mosques. Only men are allowed to lead the prayers and preach the sermons, and women are usually seated in separate areas. Correspondent Kim Lawton reports on a new project, the Women’s Mosque of America, believed to be the first female-only mosque in the U.S. Participants say creating a space where women lead empowers them to influence the broader community.
Hindu Coming-of-age Ceremony
A Hindu coming-of-age ceremony, or “sacred thread” ceremony, for a nine-year-old boy at a temple in Adelphi, Maryland. Presiding over the two-day event was Dr. Siva Subramanian, a Georgetown University neonatologist and a Hindu leader in the greater Washington, DC area.
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