international
Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Lebanon as riots flare across Middle East
BEIRUT (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Lebanon on Friday for a high-risk trip aimed at emboldening the Middle East’s beleaguered Christian minority, just as anti-Western protests spread through much of the Muslim world. By Alessandro Speciale.
Vatican recalibrates response to Middle East riots, says violence is never justified
(RNS) The Vatican issued a firm condemnation of the attack against the U.S. embassy in Libya, one day after a statement that focused on decrying "provocations" against Muslim sensibilities. By Alessandro Speciale.
The ‘maverick’ Egyptian-American Copt behind the anti-Muslim film
(RNS) The man who circulated the trailer of an obscure anti-Islam film, promoted it on his website and posted it on social media was a little known Egyptian-American Coptic Christian activist who lives near Washington and proudly touts his ties to Quran-burner Terry Jones. By Daniel Burke.
U.S. Muslims worry about fall-out from Libya attacks
(RNS) After a mob of Islamic fundamentalists attacked American embassies in Egypt and Libya, leaving at least four Americans dead, Muslim Americans said the violence abroad would increase hostilities against them in the U.S. By Omar Sacirbey.
Vatican says pope’s Lebanon trip still a go despite violence
VATICAN CITY (RNS) The Vatican confirmed on Wednesday (Sept. 12) that Pope Benedict XVI's visit to Lebanon will go ahead as planned, despite growing tension in the region after the killing of the U.S. ambassador to Libya by a mob enraged by an anti-Islam film. By Alessandro Speciale.
Activists hail release of Christian pastor in Iran, teen in Pakistan
(RNS) Religious rights activists are hailing the release over the weekend of an Iranian pastor accused of apostasy and a Pakistani girl charged with blasphemy. By Adelle M. Banks.
Muslim immigrants at home key to U.S. image abroad
(RNS) When U.S. diplomats are looking to improve the image of the U.S. in the Muslim world, are they spending too much time overseas? Some experts say the opinions of Muslim immigrants and students here at home are far more influential. By Omar Sacirbey.
Pakistan probes alleged Hindu exodus to India
(RNS) Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has formed a three-member committee to look into reports that nearly 250 Hindus fled to India to escape harassment and discrimination. By Anto Akkara.
Muslims petition Egypt not to include Shariah
(RNS) Muslim and Coptic Christian leaders in the U.S. are calling on the Egyptian government to keep any mentions of Shariah law out of its draft constitution, as well as any language that discriminates against religious minorities. By Omar Sacirbey.
Atheists rally for persecuted unbeliever in Indonesia
(RNS) The atheist community has embraced the cause of an Indonesian man, Alexander Aan, who was beaten and jailed after denying God’s existence on Facebook and posting cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. By Kimberly Winston.
Five Things To Know About Religious Violence in Nigeria
(RNS) Ongoing violence in Nigeria has exacerbated tensions between the country's Muslims and Christians. Here are five things to know about the context behind the killings. By Lauren Markoe.