religious freedom
Kyrgyzstan is expected to ban Jehovah’s Witnesses publications for ‘extremism’
By Kathryn Post — November 30, 2021
(RNS) — The ban would mark the first time that the country has taken an official stance against the religious group.
Faith advisory board with Trump ties urges religious vaccine exemptions for military
By Jack Jenkins — November 23, 2021
(RNS) — But at least one prominent Trump evangelical adviser did not sign on to the effort, suggesting division on the issue.
Russia added to State Department list of worst religious liberty violators
By Adelle M. Banks — November 17, 2021
(RNS) — Blinken said the Biden administration supports ‘every individual’s right to freedom of religion or belief, including by confronting and combating violators and abusers of this human right.’
Five tech innovations used as weapons against people of faith
By David Curry — November 12, 2021
(RNS) — We are witnessing the rampant criminalization of faith, enabled by the smartphones in our pockets.
Bobbie Kirkhart, who fostered atheist community, dies at 78
By Heather Morrison — November 10, 2021
(RNS) — She was a pioneer who championed atheism not as merely nonbelief but a force in its own right and a critique of religion’s sway over society.
Texas judge rules religious businesses exempt from LGBTQ bias claims
By Kathryn Post — November 3, 2021
(RNS) — The ruling allows religious businesses to fire or refuse to hire LGBTQ people without fear of liability.
Texans vote in favor of prohibiting governments from limiting religious services
By Alejandra Molina — November 3, 2021
(RNS) — The measure is in reaction to public health orders that shut down houses of worship amid the pandemic.
Illinois court rules in favor of Catholic nurse who lost job over abortion objections
By Bob Smietana — November 2, 2021
(RNS) — Sandra Rojas, a Catholic nurse, objected when she was moved from pediatrics to a role that included delivering birth control and making abortion referrals.
Millions wanted to ‘Save Saeed.’ Few wanted to help his abused ex-wife.
By Bob Smietana — October 15, 2021
(RNS) — In a 2016 recording, Franklin Graham is heard pressing an abused spouse to go to counseling with her husband. 'This can be fixed, easy.'
Archbishop of the military defends those who refuse vaccines
By Jack Jenkins — October 13, 2021
(RNS) — More than 90% of active-duty Navy personnel and more than 81% of Army and Air Force personnel have already gotten the shots.
Why the Senate must fast-track Biden’s nominee on religious freedom
By David Curry — October 13, 2021
(Open Doors) — While Rashad Hussain’s confirmation waits, millions are persecuted for their faith.
For Natives, land is sacred. Why aren’t we protecting their religious freedom?
By Billie Jo Kipp, Mohamed Magid, and Allison K. Ralph — October 11, 2021
(RNS) — If we aren’t able to expand our understanding of religion and get clear on who we are protecting, we will continue to leave people and communities behind.
Another Texas execution delayed on religious freedom claims
By Juan A. Lozano — September 17, 2021
The Supreme Court granted him a stay because his spiritual adviser was not allowed to accompany him in the death chamber.
China is quietly using Afghanistan to strengthen its authoritarian agenda
By David Curry — September 14, 2021
(Open Doors) — We are being given a rare glimpse of the immeasurable human cost incurred when authoritarianism is allowed to spread unimpeded.
Texas man gets execution delay over pastor’s touch request
By Juan A. Lozano and Michael Graczyk — September 9, 2021
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) — John Henry Ramirez won a reprieve Wednesday evening from execution after claiming the state was violating his religious freedom by not letting his pastor lay hands on him at the time of his lethal injection.
