A magazine on religious liberty and human rights
August 22 is the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief. Why a new International Day Against Judicial Persecution by State Power is needed.
The connections between women’s rights and religious movements are not coincidental. Since the 19th century, spiritual movements have supported the fight for women’s equal rights.
Spiritual groups that contribute to the common good should be tax-exempt. This is obvious in Poland and democratic countries in general but was not immediately acknowledged in the Tai Ji Men case.
History teaches us that the media can either be allies in the fight for rights or pose a grave danger to religious freedom. It depends on whether they are truly free from pressures, individual interests, and manipulation.
The story of the heroic “old doctor,” much like the teachings of Tai Ji Men, tells us that knowing ourselves and acting in accordance with our conscience are the foundations of every action for the good of others.
In both countries the transition to democracy came with a promise of religious liberty but problems remained, as demonstrated by issues with new religious movements in Poland and the Tai Ji Men case in Taiwan.
The Judicial Day 2024 and the presidential elections in Taiwan should offer an opportunity to finally solve a case that has lasted for more than 27 years.
Sometimes, tolerance is appreciated as a value and idea, but when it comes to practice it, it becomes less appealing. Some religious movements learned this the hard way.
Youth is a wellspring of energy. Education should give this energy a direction without repressing it. The Tai Ji Men dizi prove that this is possible.
