Religion Archives

featureNov 21, 2013

Timeline: Key Dates in the End-of-Life Debate

Issues surrounding the end of life have been debated since long before New York became the first state to explicitly outlaw assisted suicide in 1828. This timeline looks at major events on the topic in the U.S. since the 1960s. Related Publications: Nov. 21, 2013 Views on End-of-Life Medical Treatments Nov. 21, 2013 To End […]
short readsNov 20, 2013

States that allow same-sex marriage also provide protections for religious groups and clergy who oppose it

The battle over same-sex marriage has been about more than whether to allow gays and lesbians to wed. In every state where same-sex marriage is legal – including Illinois, which today became the 16th state to allow gays and lesbians to marry – politicians and others have also debated how to best protect religious freedom. […]
short readsNov 19, 2013

New Google ad highlights complicated India-Pakistan relationship

The feel-good ad may be surprising to Western viewers, who are likely familiar with the two nations’ antagonistic relationship.
short readsNov 19, 2013

In Cheney sisters’ feud, Republicans side with Liz

Former Vice President Dick Cheney waded into a public dispute between his daughters on Monday, highlighting the debate in the Republican party over same-sex marriage. The dispute began when daughter Liz Cheney, who is running for a Wyoming Senate seat, said she would not change her position on same-sex marriage despite her sister Mary’s marriage […]
short readsNov 14, 2013

Muslim holiday of Ashura brings into focus Shia-Sunni differences

Each year, millions of Shia pilgrims visit the shrine of one of their most revered figures – Hussein, the Prophet Muhammad’s grandson. While Ashura is sacred for all Muslims, it is especially important to Shias, illustrating some of the differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims.
short readsNov 12, 2013

What happens when Jews intermarry?

Does intermarriage lead to assimilation and weaken the Jewish community? Or does it strengthen and diversify the Jewish community?
short readsNov 8, 2013

Quebec considers new restrictions on wearing religious symbols, clothing

Much of the public debate over the so-called “Charter of Values” has focused on the measure’s potential impact on immigrants and their religious beliefs and practices.
reportNov 7, 2013

The Atlantic: Convincing Millennials to ‘Marry a Nice Jewish Boy’
reportNov 7, 2013

Many Sunnis and Shias Worry About Religious Conflict

Washington, D.C. — This week Sunni and Shia Muslims ushered in the Islamic New Year and the beginning of the holy month of Muharram. For Shias, the month also is a time to mourn the events that sparked the centuries-old schism between Shia and Sunni Muslims. A new Pew Research Center analysis of polls conducted […]
reportNov 7, 2013

Many Sunnis and Shias Worry About Religious Conflict

This week Sunni and Shia Muslims ushered in the Islamic New Year and the beginning of the holy month of Muharram. For Shias, the month also is a time to mourn the events that sparked the centuries-old schism between Shia and Sunni Muslims. An analysis of polls conducted in 2011-2012 finds high levels of concern about sectarian tensions in several countries where Sunnis and Shias live side by side.