Many do not understand how shunning exactly works. Erroneous representations of the practice may have influenced the Ghent judges.
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Jehovah’s Witnesses: How the Ghent Decision Subverted the Idea of Liberty
Declaring that shunning “apostates” is a crime implies accepting the ideology that surrendering our freedom to an organization is always suspicious.
The Ghent Case Against the Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Chronology
The criminal investigation that got into the spotlight earlier this year did in fact start in 2015.
The Ghent Jehovah’s Witnesses Decision: Big Brother Is Watching You
The Belgian court adopted an intrusive view of the powers of the state, incompatible with democracy—and with common sense.
The Ghent Jehovah’s Witness Decision: Dangerous for All Religions
Suggesting that current members do not associate with “apostate” ex-members has been historically common in many religions.
The Ghent Jehovah’s Witnesses Decision: Dangers for Religious Liberty
Contrary to other courts in several countries, the Belgian judges dangerously intruded into the internal organization of a religious group.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Fined in Ghent for Their “Ostracism”: A Wrong Decision
Contrary to rumors spread by opponents, the Witnesses do not suggest that immediate family members shun relatives who left the faith.
Anti-Cultism in France: Old/New Risks for Religious Liberty?
The COVID pandemic, QAnon, and debates on “separatism” have revitalized the French anti-cult structure MIVILUDES. Folk statistics may lead to bad choices.
Artistic Freedom, Religious Liberty, and Censorship
A book by an Italian curator raises important question on whether “offensive” art should really be excluded from museums and exhibitions.
How Scientology Changed the Legal Definition of Religion
A chapter in a new book edited by Eileen Barker and James Richardson, emphasizes the church’s crucial role in the evolution of international case law.