religious freedom
‘Destroy’ the Johnson Amendment? Trump’s rhetoric meets reality (ANALYSIS)
By David Gibson — February 17, 2017
(RNS) The president has vowed to gut the law barring clergy and churches from politicking without risking their tax-exempt status. But his promise may be more symbol than substance.
Constitutionality of leaked executive order on religious freedom called into question
By Adelle M. Banks — February 16, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) Rabbi David Saperstein told a congressional subcommittee that leaked language of a proposed presidential executive order on religious liberty could cause 'constitutional problems.'
Ken Starr on shortlist to head Office of International Religious Freedom
By Emily McFarlan Miller — February 10, 2017
(RNS) Others rounding out the short list for the position include Nina Shea and Johnnie Moore.
Experts mull religious freedom, tolerance in US, abroad
By Adelle M. Banks — February 9, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) Religious freedom experts emphasized the need for education, tolerance and on-the-ground visits to persecuted religious people across the globe.
Collecting human rights prize, Yazidi lawmaker calls travel ban ‘unfair’
By Adelle M. Banks — February 8, 2017
WASHINGTON (RNS) 'Iraqis are not terrorists,' said Vian Dakhil as she received a human rights prize. 'We are friends and allies.'
Trump’s move to protect LGBT workers unsettles religious conservatives
By David Gibson — February 1, 2017
(RNS) The president’s decision to continue Obama’s policy was lost amid anger over the travel ban and the ecstasy over his Supreme Court pick. But Trump’s move began to draw delayed responses from social conservatives.
Religious freedom advocates are divided over how to address LGBT rights
By Kelsey Dallas — January 13, 2017
(RNS) - Faith leaders and LGBT activists are searching for consensus that would balance religious conscience rights and LGBT protections and have national appeal.
King’s birthday is not the only thing worth celebrating on Jan. 16
By Frederick Clarkson — January 12, 2017
(RNS) The Virginia Statute, authored by Thomas Jefferson in 1777 and shepherded through the Legislature by James Madison in 1786, made the state the first in history to ensure complete religious freedom and equality.
Trump must aid persecuted Christians or his presidency will fail, says Open Doors
By Lauren Markoe — January 11, 2017
(RNS) 'Nearly 1 in every 12 Christians in the world today lives in an area or in a culture in which Christianity is illegal, forbidden or punished,' said Open Doors CEO David Curry.
China says party control over religion in Tibet will only increase
By guest — December 29, 2016
(REUTERS) A vow to step up efforts to expose the "sinister intentions" of exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Indonesia court to proceed with blasphemy trial of Jakarta’s governor
By guest — December 27, 2016
(REUTERS) Jakarta's Christian governor is accused of insulting the Quran.
New International Religious Freedom Act a first for atheists
By Kimberly Winston — December 19, 2016
(RNS) The freshly signed Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act is being heralded by both atheists and Christians as a milestone.
Maine man wins right to wear ‘horns of power’ in license photo
By Kimberly Winston — December 15, 2016
(RNS) Phelan MoonSong touted his goathorn headdress as "religiously required."
Religious freedom at stake in this election, but not in the way evangelicals think
By guest — November 3, 2016
(RNS) Presidential nominee Donald Trump is singling out and advocating a systemic persecution of a religious minority.
Pence maintains Trump would defend religious objections
By Adelle M. Banks — October 5, 2016
WASHINGTON (RNS) Many conservative Christians are still upset that in 2015 the Indiana governor backtracked under pressure after signing a Religious Freedom Restoration Act in his state that critics said would allow discrimination against gays.
