religious freedom

The Latest

A young girl lights a candle at a Marian grotto in Pakistan.

Pakistani province announces plan to protect religious minorities

Dec 13, 2018

A Pakistani official announced this week a new “Minorities Empowerment Package” and the creation of a task force to ensure... Read more

In New York, public school officials to evaluate private schools

Dec 12, 2018

Leaders of New York state’s more than 500 Catholic schools are planning to boycott a new state review system, whereby... Read more

Iran, China detain hundreds of Christians

Dec 11, 2018

While religious leaders marked the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this week by saying that more... Read more

Report: 'Aggressive nationalism' fueling threats to religious minorities

Nov 26, 2018

“Aggressive nationalism” is a principal driver of violence and intimidation targeting religious minorities in certain parts of the world, according... Read more

Venice illuminated red in remembrance of persecuted Christians.

Venice illuminated in red for Asia Bibi, persecuted Christians

Nov 21, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

To express solidarity with persecuted Christians, including Asia Bibi, a Pakistani woman recently acquitted of blasphemy, the city of Venice... Read more

A look at 25 years of RFRA

Nov 20, 2018

Last week marked the 25th anniversary of the enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, known as RFRA.  Read more

How will palliative care fare in Canada?

Nov 16, 2018

A member for Canadian Physicians for Life says requiring provision of assisted suicide by Catholic hospitals and by hospices will... Read more

Pope Francis meets with members of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre in the Vatican's Clementine Hall, Nov. 16, 2018.

Pope Francis calls restrictions to religious freedom a 'white martyrdom'

Nov 16, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

There is the bloody martyrdom of Christians killed for their faith, but also another “martyrdom” which takes place when religious... Read more

Barronelle Stutzman of Arlene's Flowers.

Florist case reopens before Washington Supreme Court

Nov 14, 2018

Attorneys representing florist Barronelle Stutzman filed their opening brief with the Washington Supreme Court on Tuesday, as the court re-hears... Read more

A young girl lights a candle at a Marian grotto in Pakistan.

A look at blasphemy laws around the world

Nov 14, 2018

By Courtney Mares

While the world awaits the fate of Asia Bibi, who remains in hiding in Pakistan following the acquittal of her... Read more

With US adoption needs high, Kansas looks to restrict religious agencies

Nov 10, 2018

The incoming governor of Kansas is looking for a way to avoid enforcing a religious freedom law protecting adoption agencies... Read more

Trump administration to revise exemptions to contraception mandate

Oct 31, 2018

The Trump administration is modifying religious exemptions and accommodations against mandatory employer health care coverage of contraception, after federal judges... Read more

Anti-religious freedom grants target Georgia, Florida, N.M., Texas

Oct 30, 2018

By Kevin J. Jones

Four states, including Texas and Florida, are in the crosshairs of an anti-religious freedom funders’ network that coordinated the successful... Read more

Cake artist Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado.

Masterpiece Cakeshop case drew $500k in grants from religious freedom foes

Oct 25, 2018

By Kevin J. Jones

Some opponents of broad religious freedom protections have spent over $500,000 on advocacy and public relations campaigns related to the... Read more

The United States capitol building.

US congressional report documents 'dire human rights situation' in China

Oct 10, 2018

A new congressional report slams China’s Communist Party for increasing its repressive control over many aspects of Chinese society, and... Read more

American flag and Church.

Federal judge strikes down St. Louis abortion law as unconstitutional

Oct 5, 2018

A federal judge ruled Sept. 30 that a St. Louis ordinance banning discrimination based on reproductive health decisions violates both... Read more

Coptic Christian boy lights a candle at a church in Cairo.

EU report highlights religious freedom threats across the globe

Sep 7, 2018

An annual report released by a special group within the European Union warned of serious religious freedom violations in some... Read more

Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church. Courtesy Becket.

Appeals court upholds Baptist church autonomy in picking pastor

Sep 6, 2018

In a 3-0 decision Wednesday, a federal appeals court ruled that a historic black Baptist church in Pittsburgh has the... Read more

Muslim woman who declined handshake wins labor case in Sweden

Aug 16, 2018

A labor court in Sweden has sided with a Muslim woman whose job interview was cut short when she refused... Read more

Cake artist Jack Phillips, owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colorado.

Colorado baker back in court for declining gender transition cake

Aug 15, 2018

Less than three months after winning a Supreme Court case backing his religious freedom of expression, Colorado Christian cake artist... Read more