Stories about Religion from December, 2012
Don't Mess With Egyptian Women!
Maryanne Gabbani, a Canadian expat and blogger, wrote a new blog post entitled “Don't Mess With Egyptian Women” to mention two stories she heard recently which, took place in the village she's living in.
Come to China During Christmas to Enjoy Religious Freedom!
In response to the criticism that China does not have religious freedom, the Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece, Global Times, published an editorial on Christmas Eve inviting overseas China observers to spend their Christmas holiday in China.
Christmas Decorations around Lebanon
Cloud of Lace posts beautiful images of the Christmas decorations from various cities in Lebanon during this year's (2012) celebrations.
Philippines: Catholic Church Offers Online Rituals
The Philippine Catholic Church has been actively using the internet to fulfill its evangelical mission. In recent years, it has launched several online platforms which allow Filipinos around the world to celebrate Christian traditions.
Saudi Writer Arrested for Controversial Tweets
Prominent Saudi novelist and political analyst Turki al-Hamad was reportedly arrested by the Saudi authorities for a series of controversial Tweets.
It's Christmas in Bethlehem
It's Christmas in Bethlehem, in the West Bank, Palestine, the birth place of Jesus Christ. What better way than to celebrate this occasion than by sharing photographs and reactions of netizens to this event, celebrated by billions worldwide.
Fatwa Against Santa Stirs Passions in Australia
Online outrage has followed news reports of a fatwa against Christmas allegedly issued by an iman at Sydney’s Lakemba Mosque.
Mayan Priests Denied Access to Ceremonial Places in Guatemala
Guatemala, the heart of Mayan culture, has started their festivities for the 13 Baktun - the last cycle of the Mayan calendar, due to end on December 21, 2012. But sadly the celebrations were dominated by staged government shows which were neither lead nor shared by indigenous communities or spiritual leaders. Mayan elders are the keepers of the 'long count of the days', however Guatemalan authorities imposed restrictions on them to practice their ceremonies.
Caribbean: What Happened in 2012 (Part 1)
This year, events in the regional blogosphere were curiously bookended by hunger strikes. Part 1 of this 2012 recap takes a look at the topics that most shaped online discussion in the Bahamian, Cuban and French-speaking Caribbean blogospheres.
Mehzar – Pakistan's Youngest Victim of Violence Against Shias
Mehzar Zahra is one of the youngest victims of the ongoing assault on Shia Muslims by terrorists and extremists organizations in Pakistan. The 12 year -old girl was shot while her father was taking her to school. Her father died instantly and she is battling for her life in a hospital in Karachi.
Tibet Scholars Appeal to China's President Xi Jinping
A group of international Tibetan studies scholars launched a petition addressed to China's Xi Jinping, asking the new leader to adjust its language, culture and religion policy in the Tibetan region: As specialists in the areas of Tibetan language, culture and religion, we would like to share with you, through this...
Remembering the Short-Lived Crimean People’s Republic
James Conohan guest-blogs at Greater Surbiton about the Crimean People's Republic, which existed from December 1917 to January 1918 and “was the first attempt in the Muslim world to establish a state that was both democratic and secular”:
Algerian Solutions to the Film ‘Innocence of Muslims’
In the wake of the anti-Islam film entitled ‘Innocence of Muslims‘, and which was broadcast on YouTube, the Algerian tabloid Chourouk asked its readers in its online edition on how best to respond to repeated attacks on Islam. Some 800 readers responded. The majority of comments have suggested that the best way to react to such repeated provocations is to follow the example of the Prophet (PBUH) and show his true character by putting his legacy into practice in all Muslim countries.
Women Banned from Using Mobile Phones in Indian Villages
A village council in the Indian state of Bihar has banned women from using mobile phones because it is “debasing the social atmosphere” and leading couples to elope. Similar bans have also been seen in other parts of India.
Chinese Supreme Court Says Self-Immolation Is Murder
Anthony Tao from Beijing Cream highlighted the Chinese Supreme Court's latest statement that self-immolation is “intentional murder.” The blogger obviously disagreed: Self-immolation is not murder. It’s a tragic, incomprehensible, radical act made against harsh political, social, and economic realities.
Italy: Staying in Venetian Monasteries
Olia and Claude Barrère, two French expatriates in Venice, Italy, write on their blog, “Olia i Klod” [fr]: Today, as in the past, monasteries offer the possibility of accommodation. They are places of peace, places rich in culture, very well managed, and offer moments of serenity. In Venice, many of...
Petition to Release Imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo and Wife Liu Xia
Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, launched a petition calling for the Chinese Communist Party New Leader Xi Jinping to release the imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize Winner Liu Xiaobo and his wife Liu Xia. The petition says: …send a clear message to the Chinese government that the continued detention...
