Brian Pellot: On Freedom
European faith leaders debate: Is secularism the new terrorism?
By Brian Pellot — October 17, 2013
Faith leaders and human rights defenders shared divisive views Wednesday at a conference in Brussels on religious freedom and Europe’s persecuted minorities.
New Mixed Up Chorus aims to bridge London’s faith communities
By Brian Pellot — October 14, 2013
Three Faiths Forum’s new interfaith choir plans to bring Londoners of all religious and cultural backgrounds together through music.
Canceled Christmas * Billboard wars * ‘Allah’ banned: Religious Freedom Recap: Oct. 7 – 14
By Brian Pellot — October 14, 2013
American schools “cancel” Christmas and Halloween. Atheists and Christians battle with billboards in Times Square. And Malaysia rules that a Christian newspaper may not use the word “Allah."
Religious freedom: Universal right or political pawn?
By Brian Pellot — October 10, 2013
"Religious freedom" is an easy rallying call for western democracies. Most Americans hear the term and think, "fine by me." Not Northwestern University’s Elizabeth Shakman Hurd. In this Q&A, she argues that America’s religious freedom outreach efforts may do more harm than good.
Blasphemy! * Sexting statue * ‘Halal’ pork: Religious Freedom Recap: Sept. 30 – Oct. 7
By Brian Pellot — October 7, 2013
Blasphemy rights and wrongs. A religious group in Kansas tries to censor a sexting statue. And the British government is sued for feeding Muslim inmates pork-laced pies.
12 “blasphemous” artworks censored or vandalized by angry believers
By Brian Pellot — October 4, 2013
A New Yorker who recently penned an erotic version of the Bible woke up last week to find “BLASPHMY” spray painted across his front step. From Piss Christ to elephant dung Mary, here’s a look at 12 artworks that have been silenced or destroyed for exploring “blasphemous” themes.
Persian Peace? * Mass Martyrdom * Erotic Sermons: Religious Freedom Recap: Sept. 23-30
By Brian Pellot — September 30, 2013
Iran’s president picks up the phone. The archbishop of Canterbury condemns recent attacks on Christian “martyrs.” And German Protestants get frisky in the pews.
Big in Texas: Religious liberty in the public square
By Brian Pellot — September 26, 2013
Advocates enter the church-state debate at Religion Newswriters Association’s pre-conference in Austin, Texas.
Gay Mormon, gay Catholic, gay activist: ‘Book of Mormon’ star Rory O’Malley on faith, rights, and religious freedom
By Brian Pellot — September 24, 2013
“The Book of Mormon” star discusses how members of the LDS Church reacted to his on-stage portrayal of a gay Mormon character and shares his thoughts on bridging the divide between gay rights and religious freedom in a post-DOMA world.
Burqa Battle * Baby Messiah * Bacon Attack: Religious Freedom Recap: Sept. 16-23
By Brian Pellot — September 23, 2013
Welcome back to the Religious Freedom Recap, our weekly look at top stories and developments on religious liberty around the globe.
Sorry Miley Cyrus, no twerking in Malaysia
By Brian Pellot — September 17, 2013
In our first On Freedom country profile, Brian Pellot looks at the state of religious liberty in Malaysia.
‘Burkini’ Compromise? * Pope Hearts Atheists * Dozen Muslim March: Religious Freedom Recap: Sept. 9 – Sept. 16
By Brian Pellot — September 16, 2013
Welcome to the Religious Freedom Recap, our weekly look back at the top stories and developments on religious liberty around the world.
Is religious freedom a ‘God-given’ right? LDS church weighs in with new campaign
By Brian Pellot — September 11, 2013
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' new religious freedom resources emphasize interfaith dialogue and cooperation. But where do nonbelievers fit in? And should we be free to criticize others' faiths?
Polish Beef * Miss World * Banned Rockers: Religious Freedom Roundup: Sept. 2 – Sept. 9
By Brian Pellot — September 9, 2013
Welcome to the first installment of Religious Freedom Roundup, our weekly recap of top stories and developments on freedom of religion around the world.
Q&A with United Nations religious freedom czar Heiner Bielefeldt
By Brian Pellot — September 6, 2013
Who better to discuss religious freedom than the man tasked with promoting and defending it for the United Nations?
