The African Forum for Religious and Spirituality Liberty (AFRSL) was solemnly inaugurated in Cape Town. It has the potentiality of changing the history of religious freedom on the continent.
From the World
A Fruity Settlement: After Court Ruling, East Lansing Withdraws Ban Against Catholic Farmer
Steve Tennes rents his Country Mills Farm for weddings but excludes same-sex marriages for religious reasons—which led to his ban from the city’s farmer’s market.
4th Circuit: Five-Percent Nation is Protected as a Religion Even if It Denies Being One
The African American movement, also known as Nation of Gods and Earth, has consistently claimed it is not religious. Courts, however, have protected it as a religion.
USCIRF: Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan from Bad to Worse
Anti-blasphemy statutes are being amended to make them even more dangerous for religious minorities, says the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.
France: FECRIS Tries Twice to Escape a Court Procedure—in Vain
In two successive rulings, FECRIS’ maneuvers were defeated, and it was ordered to pay 1500 EUR and 2500 EUR as financial compensation.
A Court Ruled Against Itself: A Strange Spanish Decision on the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Similar expressions violated the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ rights according to two decisions by the Court of Torrejón de Ardoz—but not according to a third one.
Rediscovering Serafino Macchiati: A Painter of Nightmares and Spiritualism
From Impressionist and Divisionist landscapes, the Italian artist went on to explore the paranormal, the occult, and Spiritualist seances.
Fox Elected to Guard the Henhouse: Pakistan Became One of UNESCO’s Vice-Chairs
Comments emphasized China’s and Pakistan’s ability to maneuver smaller countries. The question, however, is ethical before being political.
Religious Liberty and the Dangerous Snake of Moral Panic
Generalizing from a single incident to attack an entire category of persons or movements is an effective strategy used by the enemies of freedom of religion.
USCIRF Warns Against New French Anti-Cult Draft Law
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom speaks out on the disturbing implications of the proposed amendments to the already bad French law against “cults.”