Stories about Religion from December, 2016
Malaysians Can Have Their Cake and Eat It Too Inside McDonald's — But Only If It's Halal
"Has halal political correctness gone overboard? Will we one day see moral police invading houses to ensure that we are eating only halal food? When will common sense prevail?"
A Year of Violence in Bangladesh
Groups linked to ISIS, Ansar Al Islam or Ansarullah Bangla Team have claimed responsibility for violent attacks on intellectuals and regular citizens. What does this mean for the future?
Vietnamese Mother Goddesses Religion Receives UN Recognition
"The worshipping of the Mother Goddesses also contributes to the appreciation of women and their roles in society.”
Serbian Government Backtracks on Russia-Inspired Anti-Abortion Council
"You know the consequence of prohibition of abortion? Profit for the clinics in neighboring countries, and semi-skilled butchers playing with the lives of the poor."
Breaking a Four-Century Custom That Denied Women Temple Entry in India
"If we all have equal rights and freedom then why such restrictions on women?"
2016: The Year the Caribbean Was Forced to Confront Its Attitude Towards Women
"We do not talk truthfully among ourselves about [...] harassment. Verbal innuendo and unwanted remarks are part of the culture we do not want to get rid of."
What Christ Is Born Among Us Today?
"Yes, we are Christians, but we don’t want a Christ that doesn’t look like us...."
Educators Respond to Plans to Expand Orthodox Education in Russian Schools
The proposed course was designed to replace the existing religion curriculum entirely, leaving parents without control over their children’s religious education.
The Bengali New Year’s Celebration of Democracy and Diversity Is Declared Intangible Cultural Heritage
"As long as Bangladesh lives, there will be this type of New Year's celebration...This is the image of a secular Bangladesh.
Trinidad & Tobago Shaken—and Stirred—by Strong Earthquake
Trinidad and Tobago lies along a major earthquake fault line, so the tremor wasn't all that surprising -- but netizens still saw humour in the midst of an unnerving experience.
Dancehall Directory? A New Yellow Pages Cover Stirs Controversy in Jamaica
"When [they] attacked the Yellow Pages for their representation of this aspect of our culture, they didn’t just attack a genre of music…they attacked an identity, a way of life."
