A member of the government claims that “Evangelical branches from the US” require a “certificate of virginity” from women before marriage.
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Japan: Supreme Court to Review Case About Donations to the Unification Church
An ex-member sued to get her donations back, saying she was “psychologically manipulated,” and won. The Church is appealing, claiming religious discrimination.
Panama: Anti-Cult Amendment to Criminal Code Introduced
A tragedy where seven people died during exorcisms performed by an evangelical sect is leading to a broad provision targeting “cults” in general.
Confession Seal Under Attack in North Dakota
After Australia, for the first time a U.S. state introduces a bill that would force priests to report information on child abuse obtained in the confessional.
Orthodox Dissidents Now Regarded as “Cultists” in Russia
In Rostov Oblast, a cleric of the Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church is prosecuted as a “cult leader.”
Pakistan Threatens to Prosecute Blasphemy Committed Abroad
Authorities claim that American citizens operating in the U.S. an Ahmadi Web site risk prison sentences up to 10 years.
Jehovah’s Witnesses—Why Are They Persecuted?
Data show that they are the #1 target of religious intolerance worldwide. A seminar and two special journal issues explored the question why.
French Law on “Republican Principles”: What if It Would Promote More Freedom of Religion?
A new “White Paper” by Frédéric-Jérôme Pansier, Willy Fautré, and Massimo Introvigne, asks to use the law to modernize the French definition of religion.
Plorec-sur-Arguenon, France: Will the Calvary Be Destroyed?
Politicians, citizens try to save the monument after a court ordered its destruction before February 5 next, upholding a claim by a secular humanist group.
Historical Hindu Temple Set on Fire in Northwest Pakistan
The Samadhi of Shri Paramhans Ji Maharaj, the most sacred place for the Advait Mat movement, was destroyed by supporters of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam.