Can a state offer tax credits to help fund scholarships to Catholic schools? The Supreme Court could say yes, writes John T. James, if it can get past a notorious amendment in 37 state constitutions.
Religious Freedom
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Pastor executed as Boko Haram resurfaces in surge of violent attacks in Nigeria
The pastor’s murder is only the latest attacks in the West African nation. On Jan. 19, Boko Haram insurgents ambushed two separate Nigerian army patrols, killing 17, and slaughtered a bridal party on Dec. 27.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Indian cardinal says religion should never be basis for citizenship
As India continued to experience violent protests against a controversial citizenship law, Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai said citizenship should never be based on a person’s religion.
Posted inFaith, News
Victims of Christian persecution remembered at ‘Night of Witness’ service
“Many of these victims suffer and perish anonymously,” said George Marlin, chairman of Aid to the Church in Need-USA, the charity sponsoring the service.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
New religious liberty index shows Americans approve of level of freedom
Montse Alvarado, CEO of the Washington-based Becket Fund, said she was not surprised by the overall results.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis honors Japanese martyrs and celebrates Mass in Nagasaki
The pope also urged prayers for all those who endure persecution because of their faith today.
Posted inDispatches, Politics & Society
Armenian genocide and religious persecution draw U.S. attention as Syrian refugees arrive in Iraq
This is only the latest wave of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people from Iraq to seek safety in Iraqi-Kurdistan, which already hosts 38 camps. So far 12,000 Syrian civilians have taken refuge across the border.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Sri Lanka presidential candidate pledges laws against religious extremism in run up to election
In his election platform, Sajith Premadasa identified religious extremism, illegal drugs and corruption as three issues that require urgent attention.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
New report details challenges for Christianity in Asia and the Middle East
Christianity is disappearing from towns and cities in parts of the Middle East, warns a new report from the papal foundation Aid to the Church in Need.
Posted inFeatures, Politics & Society
To all Catholic candidates for president: Thank Al Smith
Running for president in 1928, Al Smith argued it was possible to be both a good Catholic and a faithful servant of the American people, writes Terry Golway. Even in losing, he changed U.S. history.