(ANALYSIS) The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new supreme leader on Sunday marks a pivotal moment for the country’s political and religious future — and for the religious minorities who have long lived under the constraints of the Islamic Republic’s theocratic government. As the war rages on, it remains to be seen what his elevation means for Iran and the region.
Read MoreReligious minorities in Iran are facing more persecution, human rights watchdog organizations warned in a report released on Thursday. Some policy analysts said last year’s conflict with Israel and the U.S. may have pushed the regime to look for a “scapegoat” to blame — and found it in religious and ethnic minorities.
Read MoreAs in many religions, gay relationships, sexual intimacy and marriage are frowned upon in mainstream interpretations of Baha'i law. Those found violating the law can face sanctions from the Baha'i administration, including being cut off from community gatherings and participating in Baha'i elections. Seán Rayshel aims to make his religion, the Baha'i faith, more tolerant of its LGBTQ adherents.
Read MoreBahá’í leaders will resume construction soon on the shrine of ʻAbdu’l Bahá, the Iran-born head of the faith who popularized the religion outside the Middle East. A fire on April 8 caused significant damage to the main building under construction at the holy site on Israel's coast just north of Haifa.
Read MoreActor Rainn Wilson sat down with Religion Unplugged over Zoom to talk about his Baha’i faith and its impact on his life and work. He believes prayer and meditation, two important practices of the Bahai faith that often bring people together from many different religions, can help heal polarization and division in society.
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