blasphemy
Pope Francis’ mis-interpreters: Who’s punch-drunk now?
By David Gibson — January 18, 2015
Why everything you have read about the pope's remarks on the Paris attacks is wrong -- except for this ...
Cardinal Timothy Dolan denounces Paris attacks, says satirists not to blame
By David Gibson — January 13, 2015
NEW YORK (RNS) The archbishop of New York seemed to part ways with another prominent New York Catholic, Bill Donohue of the Catholic League, who essentially said Charlie Hebdo editors had brought on their own slaughter.
The ‘Splainer: Why does Islam ban images of the Prophet Muhammad?
By Kimberly Winston — January 8, 2015
(RNS) Is it more blasphemous to depict Islam's Prophet Muhammad, or to kill in his name?
Détente on Christmas * Beard passes * Christ Bless Mississippi: Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — December 4, 2014
This month's religious freedom news and views from around the world. Read with caution. Prozac optional.
Brittany Maynard dies * ISIS crucifies teen * Sneaky bat mitzvah: October’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — November 3, 2014
Brittany Maynard ends her life. ISIS fighters crucify a Syrian teen for taking photos. And Women of the Wall host a sneaky bat mitzvah in Jerusalem. This and more in this month’s recap.
Under God * Statue porn * Incest rights?: September’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — October 2, 2014
From church-state battles in America to religious freedom news around the world. Catch up on last month’s dirt, now with more snark.
On International Blasphemy Rights Day, I stand with Raif Badawi and against Saudi Arabia
By Brian Pellot — September 30, 2014
Last year a Saudi court convicted Raif Badawi of “insulting Islam” for setting up a website to foster open discussion of religion. He now faces 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes. Badawi is one of many victims of victimless thought crimes who need our support.
Anti-Semitism * Helmet hair * ROHINGYA : August’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — September 2, 2014
Anti-Semitism continues to seep across Europe following the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Motorcycle-riding Sikhs in Ontario must wear helmets, even though they don’t fit over their turbans. And Myanmar is asking foreign officials not use the word “Rohingya,” to which I say “ROHINGYA ROHINGYA ROHINGYA.”
A right not to be offended? Atheists say ‘No thanks’
By Brian Pellot — August 12, 2014
The World Humanist Congress adopted a declaration Sunday proclaiming, “There is no right not to be offended, or not to hear contrary opinions.” Yet nearly 100 countries have laws banning blasphemy, apostasy and defamation of religion.
Sudanese Christian Meriam Ibrahim may be free, but is she safe? The real problem with apostasy and blasphemy laws
By Brian Pellot — June 23, 2014
Reports are emerging that Meriam Ibrahim, once on death row for apostasy and adultery, has been released. Hold the applause---her life could still be at risk.
Blasphemy and atheist rituals: An interview with S. Brent Plate
By Chris Stedman — June 13, 2014
'A History of Religion in 5½ Objects' author S. Brent Plate talks with RNS about atheist rituals, how art and objects are connected to blasphemy, and why religion is about more than just belief.
5 survival tips for reporting between religious red lines
By Brian Pellot — June 12, 2014
Where the First Amendment ends, common sense should kick in. Too often it doesn’t. Here are five tips to help keep you out of hot water when covering sensitive religious issues abroad.
Gay cakes * Zombie guru * Camp Kill Jews: May’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — June 2, 2014
Colorado orders bakers to bake gay wedding cakes as fast as they can. An Indian court will rule on whether an uber wealthy guru died in January or is just meditating in a freezer. And Spain’s Jewless “Camp Kill Jews” finally kills the killing part of its name.
Dear Sudan: Stop ‘slut-shaming’ women with religious double standards
By Brian Pellot — May 19, 2014
Last week a Sudanese woman was convicted of adultery for having allegedly cheated on Islam when she married a Christian man. Had it been a Muslim man and a Christian woman, the courts would have stepped aside. Religion shouldn’t be used as a double standard to disproportionately penalize one sex or gender.
What the European Union’s new freedom of expression guidelines say about religion
By Brian Pellot — May 15, 2014
New EU freedom of expression guidelines address attacks on journalists, whistleblower protection, media plurality and citizen privacy, but they also touch on opinion and belief. Here’s how the guidelines handle religion, blasphemy and hypocrisy.
