Stories about Religion from June, 2013
Thai Monk On Abortion and Buddhism
Takato Mitsunaga of Prachatai interviews Bhikkhuni Dhammananda, a feminist and Buddhist monk, about the spread of abortion in Thailand. About 300,000 abortion cases are reported in Thailand where majority of...
Video Exposes Lavish Lifestyle of Thai Monks
This viral video shows Thai monks reportedly from the Si Sa Ket’s Kanthararom district riding in a private plane and carrying luxury brand bags and sunglasses.
Salafists Attack Shia Homes in Egypt, Killing Four
Four Egyptian adherents of the Shia faith were killed in Egypt today when the house they were meeting in was attacked by Salafists, following two weeks of instigation against the Shia. According to various reports, the house the Shia were meeting in, in Giza, Cairo, was attacked and burned. Al Badil News quotes a witness from the mortuary [ar] who says that one of those killed was slaughtered and the remaining three had injuries to their heads. The horrific incident unleashed anger online.
Burmese Blogger Calls for Religious Tolerance
dawn_1o9, a young Burmese blogger, expresses her disappointment over the reported cases of violence between Buddhists and Muslims in some parts of Myanmar: I'm a Buddhist. I'm a Burmese living...
Islam and Authoritarianism
Why there is apparently a link between Islam and authoritarianism? - Asks Pakistani blogger Raza Habib Raja.
More Violence for Russia's Gays, Supporters
These days supporting LGBT rights in Russia can earn you a trip to the hospital.
Anger Over Attacks Against Myanmar Migrants in Malaysia
The ethnic violence in Myanmar seems to be spreading in nearby countries. Some Myanmar Buddhist migrants in Malaysia have been attacked in recent weeks which many people believe are related to the ongoing ethnic and religious tension in Myanmar. The initial response of the Myanmar government to deny the issue angered many netizens
Pastor for South Korea's Biggest Church Charged with Financial Crimes
The largest Pentecostal Christian congregation in South Korea, and the world, Yoido Full Gospel church went under fire as its founder and senior pastor Cho Yong-gi await trial along with his two sons. They have been indicted on charges of breach of duty, embezzlement and tax evasion involving tremendous amount of money, a sensational event involving an iconic, mega-church in the country.
Should Kyrgyzstan Ban Tablighi Jamaat?
Following the lead of neighboring countries, Kyrgyzstan is debating banning the activities of Tablighi Jamaat, a controversial non-political movement which aims to bring Muslims towards a deeper embrace of Islamic religious practices. The issue of Tablighi Jamaat has divided political and religious leaders as well as ordinary people in the country.
Barbados: Bush Bath
In Barbados, where religion is high on people's list of priorities, Notes From A Small Rock is considering taking a bush bath.
Video: Thousands Rage Against Iran's Regime at Funeral for Ayatollah
Thousands of people in Isfahan, Iran took part in funeral procession for Ayatollah Jalal Al-Din Taheri. He was a senior religious figure and a critical voice against regime hardliners
Extreme Anti-immigrant Groups Spread Throughout Europe
Plagued by one of the worst economic crises in recent history, extreme anti-immigrant parties are once again on the rise in 21st-century Europe.
Saudi Youth Arrested for Allegedly “Insulting Religion”
Two young Saudi men were arrested in Riyadh by the Committee of the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (CPVPV) for allegedly insulting religion. One of them, Bader Al-Rasheed, shares his ordeal in a series of tweets.
Protests Over ‘Religious Tolerance’ Award for Indonesian President
Some Indonesians think their president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, does not deserve the World Statesman Award given to him by a US-based interfaith group. When the award was announced, many people immediately pointed out that the president has done little to address the growing religious intolerance and religious violence in the most populous Muslim country in the world.
