Pew Forum Religion News
The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life seeks to promote a deeper understanding of issues at the intersection of religion and public affairs.
URL: http://pewforum.org/
Updated: 1 year 41 weeks ago
Secret prison revealed in Baghdad
Hundreds of Sunni men disappeared for months into a secret Baghdad prison under the jurisdiction of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's military office, where many were routinely tortured until the country's Human Rights Ministry gained access to the facility, Iraqi officials say.
Turkish parliament debates constitutional change
Turkey's parliament began debating Monday a series of amendments to the Constitution that are fiercely contested by opposition parties who say the Islamic-oriented government's proposals are aimed at diluting the powers of secular opponents within the judiciary.
Five myths about the Catholic sexual abuse scandal
As Benedict XVI prepares to mark the fifth anniversary of his election as pope here on Monday, he is beset by devastating reports about the sexual abuse of children by Catholic priests -- and about his own role in the crisis.
When it comes to religious groups, who's really facing discrimination?
Can a nondiscrimination policy be discriminatory?
Strict new Neb. abortion law faces long legal road
It's been called a groundbreaking law, but a measure approved in Nebraska last week that changes the rationale for abortion bans probably won't go into effect anytime soon - if ever.
Pope meets victims abused by priests in Malta
VALLETTA, Malta In his first such encounter since a sexual abuse scandal began to envelop the Catholic Church in recent months, Pope Benedict XVI met privately on Sunday with a small group of victims of sexual abuse by priests, expressing his shame and sorrow at their plight, the Vatican said.
Obama: Day of Prayer is a go
President Barack Obama will proclaim May 6 as National Day of Prayer, the White House said Friday, despite a ruling by a Wisconsin federal judge the day before that it is unconstitutional.
Holocaust-denying bishop found guilty in German court
The schismatic bishop who deeply angered Jews and embarrassed the Vatican by publicly denying the Holocaust was ordered to pay a $13,500 fine for violating a German law that makes it a crime to deny the Holocaust.
Obama extends health care rights to gay partners
In a move hailed as a step toward fairness for same-sex couples, President Barack Obama is ordering that nearly all hospitals allow patients to say who has visitation rights and who can help make medical decisions, including gay and lesbian partners.
Pope urges repentance in homily
In his most direct reference to the sexual abuse crisis that has reached the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday that it was necessary for Christians to repent in light of the attacks of the world, which speaks to us of our sins.
Study on religion finds young adults less affiliated but not less believing
Is faith losing its grip on the young?
Obamas spiritual life takes more private turn
He named a best-selling book after a pastors sermon and was outspoken as a candidate about the value of faith in public life.
A Buddhist moment in America
Until Friday, when Tiger Woods stood up in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., and apologized for his sexual infidelities, the American public confession was a Christian rite.
Burma plans crackdown on monks as election nears
The military authorities in Burma are planning a crackdown on the country's Buddhist monks to "discipline" them ahead of forthcoming elections.
Muslims turning to home schooling in increasing numbers
On a chilly afternoon in western Loudoun County, a group of children used tweezers to extract rodent bones from a regurgitated owl pellet.
Dalai Lama doesn't fault Obama for low-key meeting
The Dalai Lama says he doesn't fault President Obama for his low-key reception in Washington because he recognizes that the president must juggle ties to the Tibetan spiritual leader with concerns about angering China.
Indonesian clerics mull motorcycle helmet fatwa
Indonesia's leading clerics are considering a religious edict against riding a motorbike without a crash helmet to promote safety on the chaotic and deadly roads of the world's most populous Muslim country.
Arrest of prosecutor in Turkey exposes tensions between secular and religious Turks
The arrest of a state prosecutor on orders from another prosecutor last week, and the power struggle in the Justice Ministry that has followed, has once again exposed the continuing battle between Turkeys staunchly secular establishment and its religiously inspired government.
Senate bill fails; death penalty not eliminated
An emotional debate Friday ended with the Senate keeping the state's death penalty on a 20-20 vote.
Spirit Quest
I recently met a young woman who was just back from a monthlong Costa Rican vacation.
