Disposing of unwanted dolls and toys in Japan is not so easy. Throughout the year temples across Japan hold a “ningyo kuyo” (人形供養), a funeral ritual for unwanted dolls, especially traditional dolls. Held in both Buddhist and Shinto temples alike, the ceremony is a spiritual send-off to thank dolls for their service and properly put them to rest.
Read More(REVIEW) The horrifyingly addictive Netflix Korean thriller has become the number one television show in more than 90 countries. But beyond the surprising visuals and horrific violence that touch on an array of themes, the show also has something to say about religion — specifically Korean forms of Christianity.
Read More(OPINION) When faced with such crises as seen in Afghanistan over recent months, there is a need for a variety of actors to provide assistance, including businesses. Businesses can do good and as seen in the case of Airbnb.org their assistance can effectively fill the gaps in humanitarian responses.
Read MoreJawahar Singh is one of the more than 160 million people in India once considered “untouchables” due to the caste hierarchy in Hinduism. In this episode of “The Dinner Table” produced by Newsreel Asia in partnership with ReligionUnplugged, the Jatavs explain the layers of discrimination from upper caste Hindus that exist in their village.
Read MoreSeveral recent deadly attacks on Hindu migrant workers in Kashmir — as militants fight to separate the region from India — are prompting many to flee the Muslim-majority Himalayan valley, particularly the migrant workers who have participated in Kashmir's economy for decades as construction workers and street vendors.
Read MoreIn the same rural district that endured India’s worst violence against Christians 13 years ago, Hindu extremists set fire to a Christian home church, displacing five Christian families and triggering local fears of more religion-based violence.
Read More(OPINION) Oct. 11 is the International Day of the Girl Child, a day to empower empower young girls and promise them a better future. In August 2021, all these promises, plans, dreams and hopes came crashing down one by one until there was nothing left. Afghan girls have watched as every piece of the country was taken over by the Taliban.
Read MoreThe killing of at least five civilians, five soldiers and two militants in Kashmir over the past several days has plunged India’s Himalayan territory into grief and anger. The violence reminds Kashmiris of the early 1990s, when militants warring against New Delhi’s rule targeted Kashmiri Hindus, prompting 300,000 Hindus to flee the area.
Read MoreIn Pakistan, religious minorities, including Christians and Ahmadi Muslims, live under constant threat of blasphemy allegations. The laws prohibit making derogatory remarks against Islam, desecrating the Quran and insulting the Prophet Muhammad, which can be subjectively interpreted in courtrooms and impose fines, jail time and even death.
Read More(OPINION) The big question: Where does the Afghanistan story go next, and frankly, will elite American media cover the religion elements of this story? That question was at the heart of a recent Religion Unplugged podcast discussion.
Read MoreYoung Kashmiris are creating and performing new music as therapy to counter the sense of hopelessness, isolation and depression that has gripped their majority-Muslim Himalayan region of North India, which has endured years of conflict, military presence, frequent lockdowns and unpredictable internet bans under a Hindu-first government.
Read MorePacquiao, 42, announced his retirement from boxing on Sept. 28, weeks after announcing he will run for president in the Philippines election scheduled for May 2022. He has often spoken of his born-again evangelical faith in a country that’s nearly 90% Catholic.
Read More(ANALYSIS) As the Taliban and the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate are taking over the country, the International Criminal Court says it will investigate crimes as they happen for better monitoring and evidence collection. The move may also trigger quicker action and response from international actors after atrocities happen.
Read MoreCourts and police across Kazakhstan have fined at least 15 people and three organizations so far in 2021 for holding meetings for worship or other religious rituals without state permission. “It is not allowed to pray at any location unless it's approved,” an Aktobe police officer said.
Read More(OPINION) Religious minorities in Afghanistan — Sikhs, Hindus, Ahmadis and Christians — still need help to flee the Taliban. Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have intimated that they will allow these Afghans across their borders but only if their transit to other countries is confirmed, a step that the U.S. and U.K. must take quickly.
Read More(ANALYSIS) The land we now call Afghanistan has been a place of constant migration through its mountainous passes. Its linguistic, cultural and religious diversity is a result of millennia of trade along the Silk Road. Afghanistan’s fall to the Taliban means that some minorities are again at heightened risk of persecution.
Read More(OPINION) Hundreds of people who wish to leave remained in Afghanistan and now fear for their lives. Among them are generations of human rights defenders including judges, lawyers, journalists and human rights activists — those who spent years working to make Afghanistan a country that affirms and protects the human rights of all.
Read More(ANALYSIS) For the Armenian religious minority in Istanbul, a practice based on ancient tradition serves as a strategy of visibility, a cry and demand, a claim to the minority right to the city for a people scattered and decimated by genocide more than 100 years ago.
Read More(OPINION) “Why are our efforts being blocked?” The question is being raised everywhere — in daily emails, WhatsApp messages or texts from people on the ground in Afghanistan. Why are these Afghan refugees becoming “refuseniks,” those refused permission to leave?
Read MoreA state government in North India known for its Hindu-first moves is increasing its number of “anti-terrorism squads” in the wake of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, a Muslim member of parliament appeared to support the Taliban on social media, sparking online harassment against Muslims.
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