Wednesday’s Religion News Roundup

The State Department issued its annual report on international religious freedom, naming the same eight “countries of particular concern” as the Bush administration had. Secretary of State Clinton also warned that the Arab Spring, while positive in the main, poses new dangers for religious minorities. Libya’s new de-facto president has addressed concerns about the future […]

The State Department issued its annual report on international religious freedom, naming the same eight “countries of particular concern” as the Bush administration had.

Secretary of State Clinton also warned that the Arab Spring, while positive in the main, poses new dangers for religious minorities.

Libya’s new de-facto president has addressed concerns about the future of Islam in his country, which many fear could take a militant turn, Reuters reports. Gunmen in Iraq murdered 22 Shiite pilgrims.


Human rights lawyers and victims of clergy sexual abuse are asking the International Criminal Court in The Hague to prosecute Pope Benedict XVI for crimes against humanity, accusing him and other Vatican officials of abetting and covering up the sexual assault of children.

Experts say the campaign has a snowball’s chance, but SNAP insists it’s not a publicity stunt.

The Rev. Frank Pavone, perhaps the highest profile anti-abortion activist in the U.S. Catholic Church, says he will appeal a suspension order from his bishop following allegations of financial mismanagement. His bishop seems as concerned about Pavone’s ego as his expense accounts.

A group of Catholic priests in Ireland is supporting calls by a former bishop to lift the compulsory celibacy requirement for clerics. The Vatican told the schismatic SSPX that they must accept some (unnamed) core church teachings if they want to be brought back into the Roman Catholic fold.

GOP prez candidate Rick Perry will address students at the nation’s largest evangelical university, Liberty U, on Wednesday. South Baptist Big Cheese Richard Land says Perry is no George W., in a column that paints Perry in a very positive light.

Evangelicals are even more pessimistic about the economy than other Americans.

Most Americans say they expect to go to heaven but will find their own path there, thankyouverymuch.


The kids are not alright, says NYT Cassandra-in-chief David Brooks.

Chuck Colson doesn’t like surveys that show a growing number of American atheists. He also dislikes people who view evidence only in ways that comport with their worldview.

More than 3,000 religious leaders from all 50 states are asking Georgia not to execute a man whom they say may be innocent.

Catholic school teachers in Philly are striking, giving students a surely appreciated break from the commencement of classes.

A British bus company is asking Mormon missionaries to please stop proselytizing passengers, and a federal court said a California math teacher’s rights were not violated when the principal ordered him to take down his Christian classroom banners.

An evangelical pastor and 60 worshippers holed up in a Cuban church for more than three weeks said they are not waiting for the end of the world.

Finally, Time magazine tackles a question that has haunted the sages for centuries: Why do Jews so love Chinese food?


Yr hmbl aggregator,

Daniel Burke

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