Mãe Stella de Oxóssi died in 2018. Her statue had been repeatedly vandalized by Christian fundamentalists and has now been burned.
From the World
In the Shadow of Russia: Jehovah’s Witnesses and Central Asia
Scholars from different countries discussed how Russian influence created serious problems of religious liberty, although there are also signs of improvement.
Pakistan: An Islamic Republic with a Diplomatic Sexual Abuse Problem
After International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women, a reflection on recent incidents involving Pakistani male diplomats.
Novopashin Confirms: “Russian Anti-Cultists Are Still Part of FECRIS”
The names of the Russian anti-cult organizations disappeared from the European federation’s website after the invasion of Ukraine. Now they confess they are still part of FECRIS.
Ahmadi Graves Desecrated in Pakistan—Again
Dead or alive, members of the religious minority continue to be persecuted.
Russian Orthodox Church Spokesperson: “Ukraine Cannot Be Independent”
Father Alexander Volkov, executive editor of the official organ of the Moscow Patriarchate, called Ukraine a “phenomenon” rather than a “country.”
Pakistan: Ahmadis Booked Even for Their First Names
An Ahmadi lawyer was told he cannot use the prefix “Syed” because it is reserved for orthodox Muslims.
The Unification Church Crisis in Japan: The Three Enemies of Religious Liberty
Japan is emerging as the main battleground between forces that have attacked religious liberty for centuries and those defending it.
France: Is State Secretary Sonia Backès a “Scientology Survivor“? Her Brother Tells a Different Story
She oversees the anti-cult mission MIVILUDES and tells a dramatic tale about her past. But her brother raises doubts about it.
Joyland: The Strange Case of an Award-Winning Movie from Lahore Banned in Lahore
The Pakistani film has met with critical acclaims. Punjab banned it claiming it promotes homosexuality, although the story is more complicated.