Britain
Brits call Donald Trump ‘divisive, stupid and wrong.’ But will he be banned?
By John Bacon — January 18, 2016
Parliament made plenty of noise about shutting the door on The Donald but only the home secretary could actually do it.
ISIS video linked to UK Muslim group that hailed 9/11
By Reuters — January 6, 2016
Al-Muhajiroun was founded by Syrian-born Islamist cleric Omar Bakri in the late 1990s and called for Shariah law in Britain. The group was banned under anti-terrorist laws in 2010.
Dial back Christianity in British official life, make room for secularism, says new report
By Trevor Grundy — December 8, 2015
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) The Church of England is outraged by recommendations that would diminish its dominance in public life to make room for other faiths and unbelievers.
Muslims condemn Britain’s plans to combat extremism
By Reuters — October 19, 2015
The plans which include the potential to close mosques, were designed to target all hate groups including far-right organizations. Islamic groups who variously described it as "war onMuslims."
British Parliament rejects controversial right-to-die bill
By Trevor Grundy — September 11, 2015
CANTERBURY, England (RNS) A letter written by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby and signed by Roman Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Sikh faith leaders claimed the defeated bill crossed "a legal and ethical Rubicon."
British Muslim drag queen braves backlash to inspire gay community
By Reuters — August 24, 2015
LONDON (Reuters) There are as many as 150 Muslim drag queens across Britain, seeking to reconcile their sexuality with their faith, while challenging homophobia and taboos within Islam.
UK’s anti-Semitic incidents soar in first half of 2015 report
By Reuters — July 30, 2015
LONDON (Reuters) Across Europe, Jews have warned of a growing undercurrent of anti-Semitism, fueled by anger at Israeli policy in the Middle East and social tensions over immigration.
Majority of British Jews feel they have no future in England, Europe
By Trevor Grundy — January 14, 2015
CANTERBURY (RNS) Rising anti-Semitism in Britain and Europe has made Jews afraid.
Sayeeda Warsi, first Muslim in British Cabinet, resigns over ‘indefensible’ Gaza policy
By Brian Pellot — August 5, 2014
LONDON (RNS) Britain’s leading religious freedom advocate stepped down as Foreign Office minister Tuesday in protest over her government’s “morally indefensible” policy on the Gaza crisis.
British court tosses out fraud case against LDS leader
By Peggy Fletcher Stack — March 20, 2014
(RNS) Judge Howard Riddle said the case sought to use the legal system as “a high-profile forum to attack the religious beliefs of others.”
Mormon president ordered to appear in British court
By Dennis Wagner — February 5, 2014
(RNS) Legal scholars expressed bewilderment at the development, saying British law precludes challenges to theological beliefs in secular courts.
U.K. minister Sayeeda Warsi calls on West to protect Christian minorities
By Kevin Eckstrom — November 15, 2013
WASHINGTON (RNS) Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said protecting the religious freedom of minorities is a responsibility of all faiths. "It shouldn't just be for Christians to speak for Christians, and Jews to speak for Jews, and Muslims to speak for Muslims."
Video: Britain’s Channel 4 broadcasts Muslim call to prayer during Ramadan
By Sally Morrow — July 17, 2013
Britain's Channel 4 is broadcasting the adhan, the Muslim call to prayer, live every morning during Ramadan.
Why is Prince Charles so attracted to Islam?
By Omid Safi — March 15, 2013
Prince Charles seems most drawn to Islam in terms of its teachings which connect the integration of humanity and the sacred with living harmoniously with the natural realm.
Vatican backtracks on support for gay couples
By Alessandro Speciale — February 7, 2013
VATICAN CITY (RNS) A top Vatican official blamed the media for “derailing” his recent remarks on possible legal protections for unmarried couples, while reaffirming his support for British and French bishops who have been vocal opponents of same-sex marriage.
