Granting exemptions from property taxes to “recognized religions” only is not permissible, the Strasbourg judges said.
From the World
Germany and “Cults”: the Federal Administrative Court Confirms “Sect Filters” Are Illegal
The federal judges ruled that the City of Munich cannot ask citizens to declare that they are not Scientologists to be eligible for certain benefits.
Disfellowshipping and “Ostracism”: Italian Court Sides with the Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Court of Teramo reconfirmed that secular courts cannot second-guess ecclesiastical judicial committees, nor forbid teachings on “ostracism.”
Warrant for a Genocide: How Russia Justifies Atrocities in Ukraine
An exceptional document explains the plans for destroying the Ukrainian identity and severely punishing the Ukrainians, who are at least “passive Nazis.”
Horror in Bucha: An Italian Eyewitness Speaks
A businessman who lived and worked there managed to escape. But not before having seen the “horrible reality.”
Pope Francis in Kiev: What if He Goes?
“If” the Pope goes to Kiev, he may put together, and perhaps bring some order, to what some see as contradictory statements on the war.
MP Räsänen and Bishop Pohjola: What Their Legal Victory Really Means
A Finnish court found them not guilty of homophobic hate speech. It does not mean that religious liberty justifies everything. But it means that not every religious-based criticism of certain lifestyles is hate speech.
Latvia, Following Russia, Threatens to “Liquidate” the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Unbelievably, 24 hours after a news media portal attacked the JWs, the General Prosecutor’s Office announced proceedings aimed at a possible Russian-style “termination.”
Ivan Ilyin: Early Russian Fascist “Anti-Cult” Philosopher–and Putin’s Guru?
A controversy continues between scholars affirming and denying Ilyin’s crucial influence on Putin. Perhaps his influence is different than many believe.
La Flotte-en-Ré: The Case of the Virgin Mary Statue Goes On
In a case started in France by secular humanists, the court ordered the removal of the statue. The city appealed.