Government & Politics

EXPLAINER: The Unification Church’s ties to Japan’s politics

By Mari Yamaguchi — July 15, 2022
TOKYO (AP) — Many Japanese have been surprised as revelations emerged this week of the ties between the church and Japan's top leaders, which have their roots in shared anti-communism efforts during the Cold War.

Abortion doulas look to spiritual rituals as they brace for increased demand

By Kathryn Post — July 12, 2022
(RNS) — Abortion doulas who draw on spirituality challenge the abortion debate’s religious/secular divide.

American Jewish groups denounce Presbyterian Church for calling Israel ‘apartheid’

By Yonat Shimron — July 11, 2022
(RNS) — The vote was just the latest in a long line of deteriorating relations between mainline Protestant denominations and the US Jewish establishment.

Judge: Execution can’t proceed without religious requests

By Juan A. Lozano — July 7, 2022
HOUSTON (AP) — Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials granted all of Gonzales’ requests except for allowing his spiritual adviser to hold his hand.

The patriotic Virgin: How Mary’s been marshaled for religious nationalism and military campaigns

By Dorian Llywelyn — July 7, 2022
(The Conversation) — Many religions have been used to prop up nationalism, and Catholicism is no exception, as a Jesuit priest and scholar explains.

Buying into conspiracy theories can be exciting – that’s what makes them dangerous

By Donovan Schaefer — July 5, 2022
(The Conversation) — Overcoming conspiracy theories isn’t just about information. A scholar of religion explains that the emotions they inspire are part of their appeal.

White House to award 2 faith leaders the Presidential Medal of Freedom

By Marika Proctor — July 1, 2022
(RNS) — Sister Simone Campbell and the Rev. Alexander Karloutsos will be among the 17 Americans recognized in a ceremony at the White House on July 7th. 

Afghan Taliban hold clerics’ assembly, aiming to boost rule

By Rahim Faiez — June 30, 2022
ISLAMABAD (AP) — The international cut-off of Afghanistan’s financing has deepened the country’s economic collapse and fueled its humanitarian crises.

America’s religious communities are divided over the issue of abortion: 5 essential reads

By Kalpana Jain — June 29, 2022
(The Conversation) — Scholars explain why many see abortion access as a religious freedom issue and what the views of different faiths are on ‘ensoulment,’ the point at which the soul is believed to enter the fetus.

Arrest of Indian Muslim journalist sparks widespread outrage

By Sheikh Saaliq — June 28, 2022
NEW DELHI (AP) — Pratik Sinha, the other co-founder of Alt News, said Zubair was arrested without any notice from police, which is mandatory in the sections of law under which he was detained.

Why the Supreme Court’s football decision is a game-changer on school prayer

By Charles J. Russo — June 28, 2022
(The Conversation) — Kennedy v. Bremerton, a case about a public school teacher’s prayer, helps close out a Supreme Court term in which religion was often in the spotlight.

In Lebanon, how to say ‘I do’ sparks fierce debate

By Associated Press — June 27, 2022
BEIRUT (AP) — In Lebanon, an on-again, off-again debate over whether such civil marriages may be held inside the country, and for whom, is contentious and mired in religious and political entanglements.

After Roe’s demise, clergy lead faithful in praise, laments

By David Crary and Holly Meyer — June 27, 2022
(AP) — Views on abortions are not just polarizing within denominations; the divisions span the religious landscape.

Florida judge hears arguments on state’s new abortion law

By Anthony Izaguirre — June 27, 2022
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Planned Parenthood is among those seeking a temporary emergency injunction to stop the law. A Florida synagogue also sued.

Supreme Court backs coach in praying on field after games

By Jessica Gresko — June 27, 2022
WASHINGTON (AP) — The case forced the justices to wrestle with how to balance the religious and free speech rights of teachers and coaches with the rights of students not to feel pressured into participating in religious practices.
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