Religion News, Opinion & P.R.
Amid global euphoria over reforms in Burman-majority parts of Burma, life has changed little for more than 3 million Christians and other minorities left to suffer from one of the world’s longest running civil wars. While it is largely a struggle for self-determination in all ethnic states and all civilians suffer in the crossfire, the Burman-Buddhist dominated Burmese troops are often accused of being harsher on Christian civilians than on their Buddhist counterparts. »
Hate Groups • Islam • Religious Persecution • Sudan:
Christians faced increased hostilities in Sudan over the past few weeks, culminating in an attack on a Christian compound in Khartoum by a throng of Muslim extremists armed with clubs, iron rods, a bulldozer and fire. Breaking down the compound wall with a bulldozer, the assailants set fire to the Gerief West Bible School and the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church (SPEC) building; they also damaged three other places of worship and other buildings in the same compound. »
Column: Sightings • Religion Reporting:
“Most Americans Say Media Coverage of Religion Too Sensationalized” reads the headline of a report on a poll of a sample of “the public” and of journalists. That headline is perhaps a bit too sensationalized itself, because the pollsters had to choose which finding to feature, if they wanted your and my attention. »
Islam • Religious Persecution:
A recent “reconciliation meeting” between members of a Muslim mob that attacked a Christian-owned school in Egypt and school administrators was nothing less than an attempt at legalized extortion, the director of the school said. In exchange for peace, members of the sword-wielding mob that stormed the school last month without provocation – and held two nuns hostage for several hours – initially demanded in the meetings that the school sign over parcels of land that include the guesthouse the Muslim extremists attacked. »
Islam • Pakistan • Religious Persecution:
The mother of a 6-month-old girl has been wrongly jailed for more than a month, as Pakistani authorities have failed to file a charge sheet within the mandatory 14-day period against the young Christian woman falsely accused of “blaspheming” the prophet of Islam, her attorney said. »Religious Freedom • Religious Persecution • Turkey:
Sentiment against Christians in Turkey has persisted long enough for a U.S. religious rights monitor to recommend it as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Many in Turkey see Christians as corrupt elements of the West out to shake the integrity of Turkey and Islam. »
Free Speech • Human Rights Violations • Islam • Religious Persecution:
In a show of partiality to Muslims who go unprosecuted for like offenses against Christianity, a juvenile court in Egypt sentenced a Coptic Christian teenager to three years in prison for allegedly insulting Islam. The court claimed that he posted cartoons on his Facebook account in December that mocked the Islamic religion and its prophet, Muhammad. »
Ethnic Cleansing • Religious Persecution • Sudan:
After Khartoum denied that it had bombed civilians earlier this month, Sudanese aerial strikes last week were aimed at church buildings and schools in Kauda, South Kordofan state. Antonov airplanes dropped bombs, destroying some houses and cattle near the church buildings and schools. »
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In Tulsa, Oklahoma, the jury selection process is under way for the trial of a woman accused of relying on faith and prayer, rather than seeking medical care, to treat her 9-year-old son who died of diabetes-related complications. Susan Grady is a member of the Church of the First Born — a network of churches whose extremist teachings regarding faith healing have resulted in many unnecessary deaths. »
Cult Experts: If your loved-one is caught up in a manipulative cult, abusive church, or destructive relationship (so-called 'one-on-one cult') you may need a cult expert. Avoid the bad apples. Here's how to select a cult expert.
The U.S. Justice Department says it plans to introduce evidence at the trial of Amish sect leader Sam Mullet to prove he had total authority over his Ohio community, including disciplining its members with beatings and having sex with other men’s wives to “counsel” them. Mullet and several of his family members and other followers are awaiting trial on a Federal hate crimes indictment for a series of beard- and hair cutting attacks against Amish men and women. »
A court in Brussels opened the trial of six people charged in connection with the 2004 murder of a young Muslim woman in a deadly act of exorcism, a practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person believed to be possessed. The woman was reportedly deceived into believing that she could not have children because she was possessed and that she had to undergo a practice of exorcism. »
In August, 2011, a Texas jury convicted polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs of child sexual assault in a case stemming from two young followers he took as brides in what his church calls “spiritual marriages.” Jeffs has appealed his conviction with ‘revelations’ in which Jesus Christ allegedly demands his release, but the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has turned down the appeal. »
A California pastor’s assault on a 13-year-old boy took place during a Bible study session as a circle of men watched, newly released court records say. The pastor has other legal problems as well. »
In today’s issue: The widow of Rex Humbard, the world’s first televangelist, dies. An Agape Ministries cult member gets his ammunition back. A court orders gated communities in Puerto Rico to provide access to Jehovah’s Witnesses. Plus a short, but though-provoking documentary on the Westboro Baptist Church — a hate group that masquerades as a Christian church. »
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One year ago today: Believing in BBC's ethos is equivalent to a faith, job tribunal rules, Man opposes his wife receiving blood and Mentally Ill Christian Charged with 'Blasphemy' in Pakistan
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