While a verdict is awaited on the main case against Robert Baart, Dutch judges concluded that children live safely in the community and are not at risk of abuse.
Religious Liberty
China: “Christmas Is Forbidden, It’s a Western Celebration”
Bitter Winter publishes a secret document leaked from Guangxi, which explicitly claims orders come directly from the Central Committee.
Bitter Winter: For Christmas, Do Not “Donate” but “Invest” in Religious Liberty
You can read this magazine every day for free. We can publish it every day only if you invest in it.
Chinese LGBT Social Media App Ban Users from Posting Religious Content
Chinese can use social networking apps intended for the LGBT community—unless they mention or discuss religion there.
Pakistan and Religious Liberty: Catholic Archbishop Denounces False Post
The U.S. designated Pakistan as a country of particular concern for religious liberty. The Special Representative on Religious Harmony reacted by manipulating an old picture.
Argentina: New Citizens Can Refuse Swearing Oath of Allegiance for Religious Reasons
An Evangelical objected that swearing in general is forbidden by the Bible. A court authorized her to simply “promise” loyalty to the country.
Chile: Supreme Court OKs Case Against Performer Who Offended Catholics
Anastasia María Benavente offended Pope Francis, the Rosary, and Catholicism. Justices said case should proceed. Meanwhile, the offending video remains online.
China Moves to Crack Down on Origin Point Medicine
The Taiwan-based group is being denounced by the Chinese Communist Party media and investigated by the police as a xie jiao.
Sexual Abuse and the Secret of Confession: A False Problem?
The French report raised the question: should the priests denounce sexual abuse they learned about in confession? They cannot. But it almost never happens.
La Commission d’enquête indépendante anglo-galloise concernant les abus sexuels sur mineurs : les Témoins de Jéhovah et la règle dite des 2 témoins
La règle selon laquelle deux témoins sont requis s’applique uniquement aux décisions religieuses internes, et n’a aucun impact sur la coopération de cette organisation avec les autorités publiques.