apostasy
Mustafa Akyol argues for Islamic reform from within
By Joseph Hammond — May 18, 2021
(RNS) — His new book calls for a revival of rational thought in Islamic theology.
Instagram apostasy stirs controversy over Christian ‘influencers’
By Emily McFarlan Miller — August 30, 2019
(RNS) — Living one's spiritual life online leaves these leaders more vulnerable to the huge cost of leaving one's faith.
Religious freedom seriously lacking for three-fourths of world’s population, ambassador says
By Adelle M. Banks — August 10, 2016
WASHINGTON (RNS) Almost a quarter of the world’s countries -- in which 74 percent of the world’s population lives -- have serious restrictions on religious freedom, said the ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom.
Gay marriage * Ramadan deaths * Abortion drone: June’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — July 2, 2015
America remains buried under three feet of glitter. More than 1,000 people have died during a Ramadan heatwave in Karachi. And an “abortion drone” was spotted dropping pills over conservative Poland. Read on.
One year after Meriam Ibrahim’s release, two Christians face possible death penalty in Sudan
By Fredrick Nzwili — May 20, 2015
(RNS) The Rev. Michael Yat and the Rev. Peter Yein Reith, both from the South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church, have been charged with undermining the constitutional system and spying.
John Dehlin’s excommunication highlights Mormon hypocrisy on ‘religious freedom’
By Brian Pellot — February 11, 2015
When the LDS Church excommunicates its own members for apostasy, it undermines the legitimacy of its freedom of thought, conscience and religion campaigns abroad.
Book on apostasy in Islam earns writer the moniker ‘Somalia’s Salman Rushdie’
By Fredrick Nzwili — November 7, 2014
NAIROBI, Kenya (RNS) Somali Islamic militants, clerics and other extremist groups in Muslim majority countries are applying apostasy as a political tool, branding those with contrary opinions as apostates who need to be killed, said the writer.
Brittany Maynard dies * ISIS crucifies teen * Sneaky bat mitzvah: October’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — November 3, 2014
Brittany Maynard ends her life. ISIS fighters crucify a Syrian teen for taking photos. And Women of the Wall host a sneaky bat mitzvah in Jerusalem. This and more in this month’s recap.
On International Blasphemy Rights Day, I stand with Raif Badawi and against Saudi Arabia
By Brian Pellot — September 30, 2014
Last year a Saudi court convicted Raif Badawi of “insulting Islam” for setting up a website to foster open discussion of religion. He now faces 10 years in prison and 1,000 lashes. Badawi is one of many victims of victimless thought crimes who need our support.
A right not to be offended? Atheists say ‘No thanks’
By Brian Pellot — August 12, 2014
The World Humanist Congress adopted a declaration Sunday proclaiming, “There is no right not to be offended, or not to hear contrary opinions.” Yet nearly 100 countries have laws banning blasphemy, apostasy and defamation of religion.
Meriam Ibrahim leaves Italy for new life in New Hampshire
By Josephine McKenna — July 31, 2014
ROME (RNS) The 26-year-old and her family are expected to join Wani’s brother, Gabriel, and his wife and three children in Manchester, N.H., where they run the nonprofit organization South Sudan Community of New Hampshire.
Lobby Hobby * Meriam’s saga * Mormon purge?: June’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — June 30, 2014
SCOTUS decides whether Hobby Lobby’s favorite hobby (lobbying) paid off. Sudan’s Meriam Ibrahim is yanked around on death row for being Christian. And the Mormon Church excommunicates women’s ordination advocate Kate Kelly on apostasy charges. All this and much more in June's RF recap.
Sudanese Christian Meriam Ibrahim may be free, but is she safe? The real problem with apostasy and blasphemy laws
By Brian Pellot — June 23, 2014
Reports are emerging that Meriam Ibrahim, once on death row for apostasy and adultery, has been released. Hold the applause---her life could still be at risk.
5 survival tips for reporting between religious red lines
By Brian Pellot — June 12, 2014
Where the First Amendment ends, common sense should kick in. Too often it doesn’t. Here are five tips to help keep you out of hot water when covering sensitive religious issues abroad.
Gay cakes * Zombie guru * Camp Kill Jews: May’s Religious Freedom Recap
By Brian Pellot — June 2, 2014
Colorado orders bakers to bake gay wedding cakes as fast as they can. An Indian court will rule on whether an uber wealthy guru died in January or is just meditating in a freezer. And Spain’s Jewless “Camp Kill Jews” finally kills the killing part of its name.
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