European Union
Jews and Muslims say Belgian animal cruelty law trammels religious freedom
By Elena Berton and Jabeen Bhatti — February 26, 2019
PARIS (RNS) — A ban on slaughtering livestock without stunning them first is seen as a direct attack on kosher and halal practices.
Religion emerges in secular French politics as presidential campaign heats up
By Tom Heneghan — March 24, 2017
PARIS (RNS) Playing the religion card openly is rare in France, where secularism is normally taken so seriously that politicians rarely if ever mention their faith in public. But this election is not taking place in normal times.
EU court allows companies to ban headscarves. What will be the impact on Muslim women?
By Z. Fareen Parvez — March 19, 2017
(The Conversation) The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) that interprets EU law issued a landmark judgment on March 14 that upheld the right of private companies in EU member countries to enact policies barring employees from wearing “religious, political and philosophical signs” in the interest of “neutrality.” Such visible signs range from […]
EU headscarf ban ruling sparks faith group backlash
By Reuters — March 14, 2017
BRUSSELS (Reuters) The judgment on that and a French case came on the eve of a Dutch election in which Muslim immigration is a key issue and weeks before France votes for a president in a similarly charged campaign.
In ex-Soviet Georgia, pope issues veiled criticism of Russia
By RNS staff — September 30, 2016
TBILISI — But Francis measured his words carefully, in an apparent attempt not to hurt the Vatican's increasingly warm ties with the Kremlin-backed Russian Orthodox Church.
Brexit prompts some Jewish Britons to reconcile with German roots
By Jerome Socolovsky — September 21, 2016
LONDON (Reuters) -- For Rabbi Julia Neuberger and other British Jews applying for German citizenship, the decision taps into deep emotional baggage due to the weight of history.
British faith leaders condemn rise of xenophobia following Brexit vote
By Yonat Shimron — July 1, 2016
(RNS) Religious leaders said people should not become mistrustful of “the other.”
Anti-Muslim hate crimes spike in Britain
By Rosie Scammell — June 30, 2016
(RNS) There were 437 incidents of anti-Muslim hatred recorded last year, up from 146 the year before.
Faith matters as UK votes on whether to remain in EU
By Arthur Keefer — June 23, 2016
(RNS) To 'Brexit' or not to 'Brexit'? Today's decision by British voters will have religious motivations for some, and religious implications for everyone.
Pope Francis tells Europe to ‘tear down walls’
By Jerome Socolovsky — May 6, 2016
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Argentine pontiff made the comments as he received an award for work done in the service of European integration.
Pope Francis urges Europeans to reject ‘throwaway culture’
By Josephine McKenna — November 25, 2014
STRASBOURG, France (RNS) Europe seems “somewhat elderly and haggard” and feels “less and less a protagonist” in the world, Pope Francis warned the European Parliament.
Danish Jews, Muslims fight for exemption to ritual slaughter ban
By Robin Herr — February 25, 2014
COPENHAGEN Denmark (RNS) The Danish government approved a measure earlier this month forbidding poultry and livestock to be killed without being stunned first. But Jewish and Muslim customs require animals to be conscious when killed.
Vatican signs financial transparency accord with U.S. officials
By Alessandro Speciale — May 7, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) In a bid to improve its checkered record on financial transparency, the Vatican on Tuesday (May 7) signed a cooperation agreement with the U.S. agency that fights against financial crimes. The Vatican Bank has a long history of secrecy and scandals, and it has reportedly been involved in several shady operations during the course of its history.
European secularists say they’re not treated fairly
By Tracy Gordon — January 31, 2012
(RNS) Humanist and secularist organizations have accused the European Union of denying them equal treatment with the continent's Christian churches. By Jonathan Luxmoore. 250
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