Its role should not be exaggerated. But surely Patriarch Kirill and other key bishops let the Russians know that they continue to see Putin as an ally and a guarantee.
Massimo Introvigne
Pakistan, Christian Woman Gangraped and Killed for Refusing to Convert to Islam
Shazia Bibi was raped and murdered on June 6 in Lahore, but the news was only reported on July 1. The police said the murder was “not religious.” Anglican Bishops disagree.
Putin Condemns Qur’an-Burning in Sweden: Did He Also Organize It?
There are some reasons to suspect that Russian intelligence had something to do with an incident reinforcing Turkish opposition to Sweden’s NATO bid.
French State Council Confirms Hijab Ban in Soccer Games, Against Public Rapporteur’s Advise
The opinion of the “rapporteur public” is generally followed, but the female pro-hijab soccer players prefer to wait for the final decision before proclaiming victory.
Nicaragua, Covering Catholic Procession Enough for Journalist to Go to Jail
Victor Ticay is in jail since April 6. On June 22, the regime confirmed he was declared guilty on June 9, but to what penalty he was sentenced is a state secret.
Pakistan: Another Sikh Man Killed in a Hate Crime in Peshawar
Shopkeeper Manmohan Singh was assassinated last week. Two days before, hakim Tarlok Singh barely escaped.
Sajid Mir: Why Is China Protecting One of the World’s Most Wanted Terrorists?
First, Pakistan claimed he was dead. Then, that he had been sentenced to 15 years in jail. Now, China has vetoed his Security Council designation as a global terrorist.
Investigation Concluded: Twelve Tribes Not Responsible for 2021 Colorado’s Marshall Fire
It was easy to blame a “cult” for the most destructive fire in Colorado history. The official investigation has now concluded it was innocent.
Russia, Anti-Cultists Ask Authorities to Prohibit the Hindu Holi Festival of Colors
Putin’s new “State Policy for the Preservation and Strengthening of Traditional Russian Spiritual and Moral Values” is used to crack down on religious minorities.
Pakistan: Humoring Extremist Tehreek-e-Labbaik, Government Promises Harsher Punishment of Blasphemy
International institutions asked Pakistan to repeal the blasphemy laws. But the government now plans more anti-blasphemy repression rather than less.
Massimo Introvigne
Massimo Introvigne (born June 14, 1955 in Rome) is an Italian sociologist of religions. He is the founder and managing director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), an international network of scholars who study new religious movements. Introvigne is the author of some 70 books and more than 100 articles in the field of sociology of religion. He was the main author of the Enciclopedia delle religioni in Italia (Encyclopedia of Religions in Italy). He is a member of the editorial board for the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion and of the executive board of University of California Press' Nova Religio. From January 5 to December 31, 2011, he has served as the "Representative on combating racism, xenophobia and discrimination, with a special focus on discrimination against Christians and members of other religions" of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). From 2012 to 2015 he served as chairperson of the Observatory of Religious Liberty, instituted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to monitor problems of religious liberty on a worldwide scale.