Two prominent namers of names inside DC Beltway warrant in-depth religion profiles

(COMMENTARY) Justice Anthony Kennedy’s Supreme Court retirement throws the spotlight on one of the most influential players in Washington, D.C., when it comes to deciding what individuals inhabit the centers of power. Leonard Leo, executive vice president of the Federalist Society and the go-to guy for names of federal court appointees when Republicans rule the White House. Journalists should also be taking a close look at another Republican networker and talent-spotter, Kay Coles James, the president of the Heritage Foundation.

Doctrine divides, Service unites

Thanks to the organizing efforts of Muslim and Christian community leaders, living conditions are slowly improving for some of the poorest people in Indonesia.

News, Religion News, Religion, PoliticsKyle KendrickJune 26, 2018Primary Feature, muslim, Islam, Indonesia

Indonesian Muslims are protecting Christians from church bombings

Amid large increases in religious persecution, Muslims in Indonesia are organizing massive defensive measures to protect Indonesian religious groups.

News, Religion News, Religion, PoliticsBrittin WardJune 18, 2018Primary Feature, muslim, Islam, Indonesia

Wearing Religion On Her Sleeve

Historically, Indonesian Muslims have worn loosely wrapped, somewhat transparent, colorful scarves. Now, the most common covering is the jilbab, an opaque square scarf which is tightly wrapped and pinned under the chin, and typically does not show any hair. For Muslims who do not wear one, it is enough to “cover their hearts.” But for *Aya and many other Muslim women, the ritual of physically covering her body is also important, as it puts the religious principle into practice — an external expression of an internal disposition.

News, Religion News, Religion, PoliticsAudrey CooperJune 14, 2018Primary Feature, sufi, muslim, israel, Islam, Jerusalem

Sufi spirituality transcends religious borders in the Holy Land

Wearing a full and graying beard, khaki trousers and a woolen vest, 66-year-old Ya’cub ibn Yusuf, puttered around his little shop. Sufi-inspired sounds played by an Israeli musician piped from the speakers above. “Spiritual Books for Sale,” read the sign outside the door.

News, Religion News, Religion, PoliticsFergus Tuohy June 7, 2018Primary Feature, sufi, muslim, israel, Islam, Jerusalem

The Catholic Church's Crisis in Chile

Thirty-four Chilean bishops are waiting Pope Francis' decision regarding their future after the recent scandal of concealment of sexual abuse. Many parishioners and church leaders in the region say the Chilean church is at its worst.

The Archbishop of Delhi's Call for Prayer

Why has a letter by the Archbishop of Delhi to all the Parish priests and religious institutions in the Archdiocese of Delhi with the subject ‘Prayer for our nation’ created a firestorm in India? The media suddenly is abuzz after several different voices across the political spectrum cry foul that the letter is meant to divide the nation on communal lines. Notably, the right wing Hindu organization’s ideologue called it a "direct attack on secularism and democracy."

Religious Liberty: For the Health of the Whole World

An Australian Anglican pastor, academic, and human rights activist, Mark Durie is also very critical of Islam – especially on the issue of religious liberty. He speaks of ‘moderate’ governments whose economic openness and political cooperation is lauded by the West, which turns a blind eye to their blatant restrictions on religious liberty. But Durie's concern goes beyond just the victims, to include those who let it slide.

Jeffrey Bell – A Catholic politico caught between two political worlds

(COMMENTARY) Republican Jeffrey Bell died in February, after a career in which he ran for the U.S. Senate in New Jersey – in 1978 and 2014 – but was better known for work behind the scenes helping others, following beliefs that escaped easy political labels.

Is Predominantly Catholic Philippines Ready for Divorce?

At a time when the Philippine culture is showing and allowing openness to more liberal concepts and lifestyles that are tagged as the “new normal,” there appears to be a persistent aversion to divorce from the majority of the population, primarily by members of the Catholic and Christian faith.

What is secular aid good for? The link between graft, spirituality and poverty

In the wake of the UK-based Oxfam scandal in which aid workers in the Haiti earthquake aftermath exchanged aid for sex and used local prostitutes, disparate Christian voices around the world are calling for reform to the Western aid system.

Friendship trumps partisan politics at 2018 National Prayer Breakfast

(OPINION) The mood at the recent National Prayer Breakfast was affectionate when Rep. Cedric Richmond of New Orleans introduced House Majority Whip Steve Scalise. People keep asking how the two can be such close friends when they disagree on about "80 percent" of the issues facing America. The key, Richmond said, is to understand that faith can transcend politics.

Failure to communicate - Cardinal Marx and gay blessings

(Commentary) Our review of the U.S. press coverage of claims that Cardinal Reinhard Marx of Munich, the president of the Deutsche Bischofskonferenz (DBK), had given his permission to clergy to bless same-sex unions has sparked rigorous debate on social media. George Conger responds with his perspective on what is causing the discord.

Why Trump Administration Officials Cited Religious Freedom When Cutting Off Funds To Pakistan

The Trump administration cited religious freedom as reason to crimp funds to Pakistan this month, opening a new chapter of strained relationships between two nuclear power frenemies.

Absent Religious Liberty, No End in Sight for Iran's Protests

Angry uprisings flared up in 80 cities across Iran since late December, until being violently shut down by the Revolutionary Guards. The protests have deeply shaken the religious elite who rule Iran. They’ve also exposed the state’s systemic dysfunction, as well as widespread rage and resentment among Iran’s populace — most notably among the poor and disadvantaged.

“Are We Not Humans?” Thousands of transgenders in Kashmir are fighting for their rights and against social stigma

While the transgender community in the West has scored political victories and turned public opinion in favor of more rights, 4.8 million members of the transgender community in India still struggle to fight for their rights and against social stigma.

Religious Freedom: What the United States can learn from Canada’s mistakes

(COMMENTARY) Canada serves as a warning to the United States of the tricky balance that the legalization of same-sex marriage brings with it. The Supreme Court must protect the religious freedom of all American citizens. Should justices rule otherwise, the U.S. could be headed down the same downward spiral that Canada finds itself in today.

A New Year brings increased political anxiety in Kenya

The drama surrounding the Kenyan presidential elections seems far from over as Kenyans enter the new year with new levels of anxiety. Tensions were raised over the holidays when opposition leader, Raila Odinga, reiterated that he was going ahead with plans to be sworn in as ‘The People’s President’ in early 2018.

Conflict, Justice, Politics, Africa, NewsTom OsanjoJanuary 2, 2018Kenya, Elections, Politics, News, Tom Osanjo

Remembering a Peace Icon

People across Africa are mourning the death of peace icon Bishop Cornelius Kipng’eno Arap Korir of the Catholic diocese of Eldoret in Kenya. In the days and weeks since his passing, people continue to find ways to commemorate his death and honor his memory.

Riding Populist Waves: Where Trump and Modi Find Common Ground

(OPINION) U.S. President Donald Trump and India Prime Minister Narendra Modi may differ in their leadership styles and values, but the two share common ground when it comes to their rise in popularity in conservative nationalist movements in their countries.

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