Religious law expert Sophie van Bijsterveld does not expect the European Court of Justice to oblige churches to delete entries from baptismal registers on request. In an interview with the Dutch Katholiek Nieuwsblad (Wednesday) the Professor of Religion, Law and Society at the University of Nijmegen referred to decisions by supervisory authorities and courts in other EU … Continue reading Expert on religious rights does not expect obligation to delete baptismal records
French media and Miviludes are contributing to the creation of a fearful environment for religious minorities
By Robert Johnson 23 January 2025 The Miviludes (Mission interministérielle de vigilance et de lutte contre les dérives sectaires) is the country’s main institution for the fight against sectarian risks. Established in 2002, its mission is to watch and combat what it considers to be groups that pose a risk to public order or individual … Continue reading French media and Miviludes are contributing to the creation of a fearful environment for religious minorities
Peaceful Iranians arrested in Turkey for publicly manifesting their religious beliefs
Under threat of deportation to Iran, they call on the EU to grant them political asylum By Willy Fautre 1 February 2025 Under threat of deportation to Iran, they call on the EU to grant them political asylum On 5 January 2025, police officers in Karaman (Turkey) raided the home of an Iranian couple looking … Continue reading Peaceful Iranians arrested in Turkey for publicly manifesting their religious beliefs
Man who burned Quran ‘shot dead in Sweden’
A man who sparked violent protests after burning the Quran has been shot dead in Sweden. Salwan Momika was killed in an apartment in Södertälje, Stockholm, on Wednesday evening, prosecutors told the BBC. Unrest broke out after Mr Momika set fire to a copy of Islam's holy book outside Stockholm Central Mosque in 2023. Stockholm … Continue reading Man who burned Quran ‘shot dead in Sweden’
Does Kazakhstan need a new law ‘on religion’?
Kazakhstan does not give up attempts to adopt a new law ‘on religion’. Another draft law is promised to be put up for discussion this January. However, the society is not sure about the necessity of adopting a new law. The fact that Kazakhstan’s society is becoming increasingly religious is evidenced by various studies. According … Continue reading Does Kazakhstan need a new law ‘on religion’?
Pope Francis taps travel agent Cardinal Koovakad to lead Interreligious Dialogue dicastery
Indian Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad of the Syro-Malabar Church, official of the Secretariat of State and organizer of papal trips, was created a cardinal by Pope Francis during the consistory at St. Peter’s Basilica on Dec. 7, 2024. | Credit: Daniel Ibañez/CNA By Hannah Brockhaus Vatican City, Jan 24, 2025 / 07:10 am Pope Francis has … Continue reading Pope Francis taps travel agent Cardinal Koovakad to lead Interreligious Dialogue dicastery
Scientology Celebrates 50 Years in the capital of Europe
Representatives from other religious traditions and civil society organizations joined the Scientology community in marking these anniversaries. With a look at the past challenges and achievements, they also looked to the future and potential of collaboration and community projects. Among the attendees there were also Ambassadors and personnel of the European institutions. Read full article … Continue reading Scientology Celebrates 50 Years in the capital of Europe
Vietnam bars monk from attending US religious freedom conference
The monk belongs to a Buddhist group not recognized as a religious organization by the government. 2025.01.29 Buddhist monk, Venerable Thich Nhat Phuoc, is seen in this undated photo. (Venerable Thich Nhat Phuoc) Authorities in Vietnam have barred a monk from leaving the country to attend an international religious freedom conference in the United States, he … Continue reading Vietnam bars monk from attending US religious freedom conference
Committee for Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue co-organised a side event entitled “For a Permanent Platform on Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue at the Council of Europe
In the margins of the winter plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), taking place from 27 to 31 January 2025 in Strasbourg, CINGO’s Committee for Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue co-organised a side event entitled “For a Permanent Platform on Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue at the Council of Europe” on … Continue reading Committee for Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue co-organised a side event entitled “For a Permanent Platform on Interreligious and Inter-convictional Dialogue at the Council of Europe
Faith Comes Under Fire Amid Rising Attacks on Religious Leaders in Colombia
Just weeks after the Ombudsman’s Office in Colombia warned of death threats against religious leaders amid increasing religious freedom violations, a 43-year-old Evangelical pastor and two of his family members were killed after attending a religious service in the Latin American nation. Pastor Marlon Lora of the Prince of Peace Villaparaguay Church, his 40-year-old wife, Yorley … Continue reading Faith Comes Under Fire Amid Rising Attacks on Religious Leaders in Colombia