The Religious Makeup of Congress
Although a majority of the members of the new, 111th Congress are Protestants, Congress — like the nation as a whole — is much more religiously diverse than it was 50 years ago.
In Brief: Pleasant Grove City v. Summum
May a locality that allows one religious group to erect a monument in a city park deny that privilege to another religious sect? On Nov. 12, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case of Pleasant Grove City v. Summum.
The Free Exercise Clause and the Legislative and Executive Branches
Courts have long grappled with questions of religious freedom, but other government bodies also help ensure protection of this cherished liberty.
Brutalism v. Church: A Congregation Sues D.C. Over Historic Landmarking
To the city of Washington DC, it’s a classic example of Brutalist architecture; to church members, it’s a costly concrete block that obstructs their ability to practice their Christian Science faith.
Ten Years of U.S. Efforts to Promote Religious Freedom
A scholar describes the controversy surrounding the passage of the International Religious Freedom Act in 1998 and discusses its impact worldwide.
The Blaine Game: Controversy Over the Public Funding of Religion
A scholar discusses challenges in Florida to its so-called Blaine Amendments that restrict state aid to religious schools. More than two-thirds of states have similar constitutional provisions.
Stem Cell Research: At the Crossroads of Religion and Politics
An overview of the stem cell debate in America examines the science behind stem cell technology and looks at public opinion trends.
Organized Religion’s Role in the Military
In recent years, cadets, military officers and chaplains have asserted competing constitutional rights. Church-state scholar Robert W. Tuttle discusses the legal complications in an interview with Pew Forum.
What Limits Remain on Government Funding of Religion?
A recent case permits executive agencies to fund religious groups and activities without fear of constitutional litigation.
The Plight of Iraq’s Religious Minorities
Since 2003, sectarian violence, ambiguous legal protections for religious freedom, and other factors have contributed to a deteriorating situation for Christians and other small religious sects.
