religious freedom
Rabbi David Saperstein tapped as first non-Christian to serve as U.S. ambassador for religious freedom
By Lauren Markoe — July 28, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) A Reform rabbi and lawyer, Saperstein, 66, has led the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism for 40 years, and has spent his career in Washington, focusing on social justice and religious freedom issues.
Is libertarianism compatible with secularism?
By Chris Stedman — July 25, 2014
Thanks to Hobby Lobby, libertarian secularists may now find themselves unable to reconcile their economic principles with their support for a religiously neutral government.
ANALYSIS: Did Obama finally thread the needle on gay rights and religious freedom?
By David Gibson — July 21, 2014
(RNS) The result was a split-the-baby solution that largely pleased Obama’s gay rights supporters while mollifying some religious critics and leaving enough ambiguity to blunt the opposition of more hard-line foes.
COMMENTARY: Muslims don’t own the term ‘Allah’ in Malaysia or anywhere else
By Salaam Bhatti — June 26, 2014
(RNS) God as a source of peace would not want to be associated with a name-sharing squabble. The Arabic term "Allah" predates Islam, and Muslims have no ownership over it.
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.
Religious rights watchdog pushes to add Pakistan, Syria to list of worst offenders
By Lauren Markoe — May 22, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Pakistan and Syria have earned their places on the list of the world's worst violators of religious freedom, says a leading religious liberty watchdog.
Christian leaders say Middle East Christians must not be forgotten
By Adelle M. Banks — May 7, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) “If history has any lesson to teach us about silence, it’s not a good one,” Cardinal Donald Wuerl said.
REPORT: State Department should double list of worst religious freedom offenders
By Brian Pellot — April 30, 2014
(RNS) The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is calling for the secretary of state to add Syria and seven other countries to the list of worst religious freedom offenders.
Why is this Muslim author advocating for atheists?
By Chris Stedman — March 26, 2014
Qasim Rashid is a Muslim who frequently advocates for atheists—surprising some theists and atheists alike. He talks with RNS about his advocacy, his book, and more.
Justices may decide if photographers can snub gay weddings
By Richard Wolf — March 21, 2014
(RNS) The owners of Elane Photography in New Mexico want the U.S. Supreme Court to focus solely on free speech -- in this case, the freedom not to photograph same-sex ceremonies.
Does Hobby Lobby have religious rights? The Supreme Court will decide
By Lauren Markoe — March 18, 2014
WASHINGTON (RNS) Hobby Lobby says Obamacare tramples on its religious freedom. But Hobby Lobby is not a person -- it's a corporation. What religious rights, if any, do corporations have? The Supreme Court will try to answer that question.
COMMENTARY: A parched patch of prejudice
By Tom Ehrich — March 4, 2014
(RNS) What's next? Disobeying traffic signs because a gay-friendly city government put them up? Drawing down on a policeman because he happens to be gay? Obeying only those laws that no gay person supports or benefits from?
Religious liberty vs. civil rights: A balancing act
By Richard Wolf — February 28, 2014
(RNS) While religious liberty remains a "core value" in Arizona, Gov. Jan Brewer said Wednesday, "so is non-discrimination." And therein lies the balancing act that's at the root of several other disputes.
The business case for religious freedom: Q&A with Brian J. Grim
By Brian Pellot — February 28, 2014
We often hear about religious freedom in the context of human rights and national security. Brian J. Grim, founding president of the new Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, argues that religious freedom is just as important for mom and pop shops and global economies.
COMMENTARY: Hatred is in the air
By Tom Ehrich — February 25, 2014
(RNS) Instead of live and let live, entire states are saying, "Your existence as a free being makes us feel less free. So kiss your freedom goodbye."
