Global Restrictions on Religion
Since some of the most restrictive countries are very populous, nearly 70% of the world’s 6.8 billion people live in countries with severe restrictions on religion.
Sikh-Americans and Religious Liberty
With their religious beliefs requiring distinctive elements of dress and appearance — wearing a turban, keeping hair and beards uncut, carrying a kirpan — Sikhs have been a part of many legal disputes. In an interview, church-state scholar Robert W. Tuttle discusses religious liberty and accommodation issues involving Sikh-Americans.
Faith-Based Programs Still Popular
Faith-based initiatives remain popular eight years after President Bush unveiled his plan, but church-state concerns remain and not all religions garner high support for receiving funds. Also, 9% of Americans say they recently have turned to religious groups to help make ends meet.
Salazar v. Buono: Can Government Give One Religion’s Symbol Prominence in a Public Park?
The Supreme Court will soon take up a case with the potential to determine the fate of a cross on display in the Mojave National Preserve, as well as similar religious displays across the country. The court’s decision might also determine who may bring Establishment Clause lawsuits in federal court in the future.
Faith Healing on Trial
Two of government’s obligations — enforcing child welfare laws and protecting religious freedom — can clash when a parent chooses to rely on faith healing instead of standard medical care for a sick child. Robert W. Tuttle, a church-state scholar, explains.
Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships
A new report by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life examines President Obama’s faith-based advisory council, including descriptions of their goals and profiles of members.
Pakistan: Growing Concerns About Extremism, Continuing Discontent with U.S.
Pakistani public opinion has turned against al Qaeda and the Taliban, and concerns about Islamic extremism are widespread. At the same time, Pakistanis continue to express negative views of the U.S., although there is an openness to improving relations between the two countries.
Measuring Media: Faith-Based Initiative
While Obama adopted much of the program put into place by Bush, it has generated little of the contentious press coverage sparked by his predecessor’s effort.
Government Partnerships With Faith-Based Organizations: Looking Back, Moving Forward
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, established by President Barack Obama, plans to expand partnerships between the government and faith-based and community organizations for the delivery of social services.
A Clash of Rights? Gay Marriage and the Free Exercise of Religion
Although churches and other religious organizations, including charities and schools, have typically been exempt from state and local laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, it remains unclear how these institutions might be affected by new laws that require equal treatment for same-sex marriages.
