HUMANITARIAN FEATURES / RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
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RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Religion Ties Us Together—A Holiday Message of Common Faith
With 73 percent of all Americans considering faith an important part of their identity, religion is what unites us. It’s a resonant message for the holidays.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Hanukkah and Christmas Coincide—Reflecting the Shared Light That Unites All
So rare it happens just once per quarter-century, the holidays remind Christians and Jews of a shared tradition of resilience, hope and miracles.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Religion—Humanity’s Divine Spark and Not-So-Secret Weapon
The holidays refocus our gaze on the truth that religion is the sole civilizing factor in our lives. Our morality is grounded in our immortality.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
“Our Prayers Have Been Answered”—Prisoner Swap Reunites Uyghur Muslim Family
For the first time in over 20 years, former USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel was reunited with his mother, released—along with two other Uyghurs—as part of a larger prisoner swap.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Enrollment to Religious Institutions Skyrockets, Proving Young Adults Aren’t Moving Away from Faith
Faith-based universities have experienced a whopping increase of young adults attending; the movement spans many religions and indicates that reports of religion’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
America’s Vital Role in International Religious Freedom—An Interview with USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom finds and reports on violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide, and advises on sanctions for accountability. Today, its role is more crucial than ever.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Bipartisan Congressional Vote Reauthorizes US Commission on International Religious Freedom for Two More Years
Responsible for monitoring the universal right to religious freedom worldwide, USCIRF’s reauthorization was signed into law by the President against a backdrop of a survey showing a new high of governmental restrictions on religion.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Roundtable Discussion About the Future of Faith Leadership Held in Memory of First AME Pastor Chip Murray
After shepherding his flock at First AME for decades, his “Passing the Mantle” program at the USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture trained the next generation.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Faith Is More Important Than Ever to Americans, New Study Finds
Six thousand Americans underline the importance of religious life; illustrate a clear separation between politics and faith. Americans overwhelmingly understand the difference—and want religious pluralism.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
On September Asia-Pacific Tour, Pope Francis Spreads the Gospel of Interfaith Cooperation
Pope Francis’ trip illustrates how he embodies and lives the values of Catholicism.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The Grown-Up in the Room: Dr. Arik Greenberg Brings “Maturity” to a World Fighting With Itself Over Religion
The founder of the Institute for Religious Tolerance, Peace and Justice, Dr. Arik Greenberg is reaching across religious boundaries to teach tolerance in an intolerant world.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Migrants May Make America More Religious, According to New Pew Survey
A new Pew survey shows that only 13 percent of all migrants to the US eschew religion, compared to 30 percent of those born and living in America.
FROM THE MAGAZINE
RECOGNITION
Defining Religion
David Bennett’s bright yellow tie was sprinkled with small white lambs, and several times, as he prepared for his speech at the new Advanced Scientology Church for Australia and South Asia, someone commented about it.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Freedom Fighters
Dates matter—especially when freedom has been in the balance. In the tumultuous history of Eastern and Central Europe, Hungarians have a chronology of freedom. 1848-49, the Hungarian Revolution against Austria. 1949, the takeover of Eastern Europe by Soviet communism. 1956, Hungary’s revolt against the Soviets. 1989, the fall of communist domination of Hungary.
RECOGNITION
Young Love in London Overcomes Religious Prejudice
Friends, family and supporters gathered at the Church of Scientology of London to celebrate not only the first legal English wedding to be performed by the religion but a bold statement about religious liberty for all British subjects.
