Stories about Religion from January, 2012
Honduras: Priest Denounces Police Attack
Father Marco Aurelio Lorenzo, a Catholic priest, has denounced a police attack on December 26, 2011, “when he and two brothers […] stopped along the highway to rest. […] Eight police officers set on them and beat them, badly enough that they then took them to the hospital,” Honduras Culture...
El Salvador: Destruction of Cathedral Mural Angers Citizens
In 1997, Fernando Llort created the mural 'Harmony of my People' to adorn the front of San Salvador’s Cathedral. During the first week of 2012 the mural was destroyed by Catholic authorities without consultation. Netizens debate the meaning of this for the Salvadoran art world.
Russia: The Russian Orthodox Church Re-Enters Politics
The Russian Orthodox Church has made an entrance into Russia's modern political climate through the contrasting speeches of two church officials- one called for war, the other for peace.
Greece: Traditions and Customs on the “Day of Lights”
Epiphany or Theophany is when Eastern Christians commemorate the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, seen as his manifestation to the world as the Son of God. In Greece, January 6 is traditionally known as Phota ("lights"). Join us in a small virtual tour of folk traditions around Greek islands and villages.
Cuba: Tradition of the Three Kings
“I know we've been exiled for 50 years now, but some traditions we still keep. Even if they are now mostly just as a nod to our heritage”: My big, fat, Cuban family and babalu celebrate Three Kings Day.
Jamaica: “Official” Languages
Under the Saltire Flag is proud of the job his uncle has done as Chairman of Jamaica’s electoral committee, following the country's recent general elections, noting that he “made one unfortunate comment leading up to the elections. He said that all electoral officers should speak ONLY in English”. The blogger...
Jamaica: Portia in Power
Jamaica Salt says of the outcome of the recent national elections: “It’s not surprising she won after the debacle of the one term Bruce Golding JLP government”, while B.C. Pires quips that God is the new Jamaican Prime Minister.
Cuba: Adios, 2011
Generation Y explains why she's relieved to see the end of 2011.
UAE: Several Islamists’ Citizenships Revoked
The UAE has revoked the citizenship of several Islamists. Sultan Al Qassemi has more in this blog post.
Georgia: Return of the Meskhetian Turks
Over 100,000 Muslims were deported from the Meskheti region of Georgia by Joseph Stalin in 1944. Now, more than 60 years later, some are slowly starting to return as part of the country's obligations to the Council of Europe.
