Featured stories about Religion
Stories about Religion
Building the homo militaris: Russia’s long game of militarized patriotism
The Kremlin’s promotion of militaristic patriotism has had a strong effect on Russian society. But the Soviet legacy of cynicism and “double-think” is actually working to mitigate it.
Russia arrests anti-war poet, claims terrorism charges for a theatre play
This is the first case of detention for a play in today's Russia. Prison sentences on charges for "publicly justifying terrorism" involve five to seven years in prison.
Fertile ground for con artists in Ukraine and Russia: 30 years of scams
Spartak Subbota promoted himself in Ukraine as a scientist, doctor, and psychology guru with an average 500,000 YouTube audience. A journalistic investigation suggested that the celebrity faked his biography and credentials.
Culture and conservation at Nepal's first bird sanctuary
The Ghodaghodi Lake Area, home to Nepal's first bird sanctuary, is culturally important to the indigenous Tharu people and this may have played a significant role in its preservation.
Fighting violent extremism in the Sahel and West Africa: A real challenge for religious leaders
Although the state bears the primary responsibility for protecting populations, it seems equally crucial to regard religious leaders as “strong partners in the prevention and incitement of criminal atrocities.
Human trafficking, forced labor and exploitation of migrants in Russia
Russian authorities trafficked people for illegal actions that they were forced to commit while being trafficked, such as prostitution, illegal presence in the country or drug trafficking. Many are deported.
At home, in a presidential palace, and a mosque: Where Central Asian presidents hosted iftar in 2023
Where they are held, who attends them, and what words are spoken at these events can help better understand Central Asia and its people.
End of Ramadan in Taipei shows role of Islam in Taiwan's diplomacy
Though it only makes up about one percent of the population, Taiwan's Muslim community represents an asset for greater visibility and engagement with the Middle East, where China dominates.
Azerbaijan-Iran tensions escalate
The tensions have been simmering since January 2023, after a gunman stormed the Azerbaijani embassy in Tehran, killing the security chief and wounding two guards in the embassy.
Russian decolonisation and Eurasia: An imperial legacy? Risks and opportunities for Tatarstan
Public attention to political and economic inequality in Russia’s regions, stirred by the debate on decolonisation, represents a welcome and much-needed development
Snapshots of Ramadan: Capturing a few spiritual and communal moments
Ramadan is a highly celebrated occasion in the Islamic world, as it provides a unique opportunity for communities to come together to break the fast, socialize and give to charity.
The jeweller who made Stations of the Cross for a heritage church in Trinidad hopes they continue to make an impact
Jeweller Gillian Bishop worked in copper and brass to make a distinctive design for her childhood church.
Mongolians celebrate and fear for an 8-year old boy as Dalai Lama names him their next spiritual leader
Mongolia has got not only a spiritual leader but a powerful trump card with which it can influence relations between Tibet and China.
Pakistan's recent Wikipedia ban sparks controversy over blasphemy laws and freedom of speech
The Pakistani government has repeatedly enforced several restrictions on accessing certain websites and online material, often citing reasons such as national security, blasphemy laws, and moral principles.
Weathering Russian xenophobia in everyday life
In recent months, there has been more talk about "Russophobia" — anti-Russian sentiment. What they face is nothing compared to what national minorities face in Russia.
Undertones: Iran's powerful narratives about religion and rebellion
"Religious narratives are exactly why the regime hasn’t been overthrown yet"
As Nigeria goes into a general election, a street reporter shot a documentary on the rising violence and insecurity in Southern Kaduna
The Street Reporter’s documentary is another angle on the events to shine a new beam of light on the killings and crimes against humanity perpetrated by some Hausa-Fulani groups in Southern Kaduna.
How one Hindu devotee is using Trinidad & Tobago Carnival's ‘Jab Jab’ character to invoke sacred, feminine power
[S]he is bringing a diasporic consciousness of Jab Jab mas as descended from India [...] defying indenture-descended, male religious prerogative over when and how she can be Indian, woman and Hindu.
Pope Francis's visit to the DRC: The Congolese are divided over the Pontiff's pronouncements
The DRC welcomes Pope Francis while the country faces new conflicts in the east, where the group M23 wages a campaign of terror
Trinidad & Tobago's 2023 Carnival regulations read more like respectability politics
"Who determines what or whose representation venerates the spiritual in the mas? The mas by definition IS the spiritual and the profane. And this is an act of war."
Every Friday, Russia labels new citizens and organizations as ‘Foreign Agents’
Labeling people and organizations as 'foreign agents' resembles Stalin's repressive regime. It is now being used to push dissenting voices out of the country.
