Stories about Religion from December, 2015
The Gambia Turns Talk Into Action, Passes Anti-Female Genital Mutilation Bill
After President Jammeh announced an executive ban on the practice hardly a month ago, lawmakers made good on the sentiment.
The Francophone World's Uplifting Stories in 2015
We collect collects a few of the happy events you might have missed while distracted by so much of the gloom in 2015.
2015 Was a Year of the Absurd in Ex-Soviet Tajikistan
Could things get any stranger in 2016?
After Her Son's Murder, a French-Moroccan Mother Teaches Young People the Importance of Unity
Latifa Ibn Ziaten talks to French students about her son's murderer. And why they shouldn't follow in his path.
Is Christmas Really Banned in Brunei?
Yes and no. Non-Muslims can celebrate in their homes and places of worship. And as one netizen commented, "Why is the supposed Christmas 'ban' only reaching Western media now?"
The Syrian Conflict Won't Steal My Christmas
In a country in the throes of war, celebrating Christmas can be an act of both profound naïvete and staunch resistance.
Chhaupadi, the Dwindling Nepalese Tradition That Turns Women Into Outcasts During Their Periods
Even though it's banned, the practice still exists in remote hill villages. Women are forced to sleep outside in huts, exposed to the elements, without warm clothes or blankets.
This Cat Calendar Is Making the Russian Orthodox Church Go Viral
The “Priest + Cat” calendar is the Russian Orthodox answer to the Italian Calendario Romano, featuring young and handsome Catholic priests, and the I gatti di Roma cat calendar.
Debunking Rumors About Japan's Supposed Anti-Muslim Restrictions
"Although Japan does harbor prejudices and Japanese can be ignorant of other cultures, there has been no move to restrict Islamic practices or expel Muslims."
Hope for a Unified France Shines Through the Hate and Fear
"One for all and all for humanity, we are and will forever be united"
