Religion News Service | Religion and Social Issues

Survey finds deep mistrust for Muslims in Canada

Tracy Gordon | Mar 26, 2012

ORONTO (RNS) A new poll shows that more than half of all Canadians distrust Muslims, and 42 percent of Canadians said discrimination against Muslims is "mainly their fault." By Ron Csillag.
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Do atheists have anything to learn from religion?

Kimberly Winston | Mar 26, 2012

(RNS) In his new book, "Religion For Atheists: A Non-believer's Guide to the Uses of Religion," Swiss philosopher Alain d Botton outlines an array of things he contends religions get right and atheists can adopt to create a better, richer secular society. By Kimberly Winston.
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Film traces real-life story of abortion ‘survivor’

Annalisa Musarra | Mar 22, 2012

(RNS) A new movie confronts a controversial topic by highlighting two words that don't typically go together: abortion and survivor. By Annalisa Musarra. 475. With photos.
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Report says anti-Semitism on the rise in Europe

Lauren Markoe | Mar 21, 2012

(RNS) Days after lethal shootings of Jewish children in France, a new study shows rising rates of anti-Semitism in Europe. By Lauren Markoe.
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Hate crimes law used to prosecute Amish beard attacks

Harlan Spector | Mar 21, 2012

(RNS) A pair of scissors transported across state lines in a series of beard-cutting attacks on the Amish have emerged as a controversial element in Ohio's first case under a landmark 2009 federal law that expanded government powers to prosecute hate crimes. By Harlan Spector.
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Religious groups blast GOP budget proposal

Annalisa Musarra | Mar 21, 2012

WASHINGTON (RNS) Religious groups are mobilizing against a proposed budget released Tuesday by House GOP leaders, saying it makes unfair cuts in social programs while lowering tax rates for wealthy Americans. By Annalisa Musarra.
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French Jews and Muslims grapple for answers to school shootings

Elizabeth Bryant | Mar 20, 2012

PARIS (RNS) As schools across France marked a moment of silence for the victims of a shooting outside a Jewish school that left four people dead, many ordinary French -- especially Jews and Muslims -- are grappling for answers. By Elizabeth Bryant. 725.
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Turkey, key U.S. ally, cited for religious freedom woes

Lauren Markoe | Mar 20, 2012

WASHINGTON (RNS) Turkey stands as a new and controversial addition to an annual list of the worst offenders of religious freedom released Tuesday (March 20) by the U.S. Commission on International Religious. By Lauren Markoe.
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Nonbelievers to rally for unbelief in Washington

Kimberly Winston | Mar 20, 2012

(RNS) Thousands of nonbelievers will gather this Saturday (March 24) on the National Mall for the "Reason Rally," a daylong event to "unify, energize and embolden secular people nationwide." By Kimberly Winston.
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Accused Nazi guard John Demjanjuk dies at 91

John Caniglia | Mar 19, 2012

CLEVELAND (RNS) Former Ohio autoworker John Demjanjuk died Saturday (March 17) in Germany, ending nearly 35 years of legal battles with officials in three countries who claimed he was a guard in a Nazi death camp. He was 91. By John Caniglia.
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