This fragile African nation is witnessing unprecedented sectarian strife. Here’s why.
religion
Pope Francis Blesses Porn Star’s Parrot
Green parrot was named Amore, or Italian for “Love”
Britain Grants Asylum to Atheist Afghan
Man fearing death penalty in Afghanistan is granted safe haven
Scientology Officially a Religion, According to U.K. Supreme Court
Group could now claim huge tax breaks
Pope Francis: ‘No Middle East Without Christians’
The Catholic Church will not accept a Middle East without Christians, Pope Francis said on Thursday after meeting with patriarchs from Iran, Iraq and Syria.
“We will not resign ourselves to imagining a Middle East without Christians,” he said before calling for “the universal right to lead a dignified life and freely practice one’s …
Conservative Saudi Arabia Is Becoming a Hotbed for Amphetamines
In strict, conservative Saudi Arabia, there are signs of a booming illicit amphetamines trade
Allah Means God, Unless You’re a Christian in Malaysia
Court decides only Muslims can use the term “Allah” in what critics say is an attempt to appease right-wing extremist supporters of embattled Prime Minister Najib Razak
Pope Francis Expresses Tolerance of Gays, Support for Women
In a revealing interview published in multiple Jesuit publications, including America magazine, the Pope appeared to back away from the church’s frequent focus on issues of sexuality and reproduction.
“We cannot insist only …
In Hong Kong, a Once Prominent Parsi Community Faces Demise
Each Oct. 12, Homyar Nasirabadwala, the gaunt, white-haired priest of Hong Kong’s Parsi community, pays a visit to the University of Hong Kong to conduct a brief ceremony of thanks on the birthday of its founding benefactor. …
Must-Reads from Around the World
Chile’s ex-president Michelle Bachelet will run for re-election, Indian activists try to fight fake godmen and the brother of Britain’s opposition leader has announced his retirement from politics
Pope of the Americas
Francis, the first Pontiff from the New World, has a lot of old problems to deal with
Missed Opportunity in Afghanistan: We Forgot to Pay the Preachers
Muslim preachers are a fount of influence in Afghanistan. Has the chance been lost to make them champions of moderation?
Irish Prime Minister Apologizes for Forced Labor in Magdalene Laundries
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny has issued an official apology on behalf of the Irish state for its involvement in the Magdalene Laundries from 1922 to 1996