Religious Freedom Endangered by Rise in Blasphemy Law Use Led by Pakistan

Religious Freedom Endangered by Rise in Blasphemy Law Use Led by Pakistan

Governments around the world are increasingly invoking blasphemy laws, with Pakistan by far the country that jails the most citizens for allegedly attacking religion, a US report said Thursday. …

Pope Francis’ 2014 Schedule Will Keep Him Busy

Pope Francis’ 2014 Schedule Will Keep Him Busy

As he starts his second papal year, Pope Francis has a full schedule that contains many highlights and important events for the Catholic Church.…

Pastor of Los Angeles Baptist Church Defends LGBTQ and Gains Support from Local Atheists

Pastor of Los Angeles Baptist Church Defends LGBTQ and Gains Support from Local Atheists

Pastor Seth Pickens of Zion Hill Baptist Church, located in the southern part of Los Angeles, has come under fire after performing a union ceremony for a lesbian couple in 2013. Now, he has written a column titled, “10 Reasons …

Could the Catholic Church Support Civil Unions?

Could the Catholic Church Support Civil Unions?

In a recent interview with Corriere della Sera, an Italian magazine, Pope Francis has indicated that one day the Catholic Church could support civil unions. The

Pope Francis’ Popularity: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Pope Francis’ Popularity: Too Much of a Good Thing?

He has been called “Pope of the poor” and has an image of being a superhero who has “taken control of the Vatican, cleaning house and straightening out things that were being ruled by people other than pope.”…

Ash Wednesday and Lent: The Meaning Behind the Sacrifice

Ash Wednesday and Lent: The Meaning Behind the Sacrifice

With Ash Wednesday upon us, there are a vast number of Christians all over the world attempting to take up the challenge of sacrificing

Storming Zion: A Historical Account of Government Raids on New Religious Movements

Storming Zion: A Historical Account of Government Raids on New Religious Movements

Four years ago I set out with my colleague Susan Palmer to collect data on government raids targeting new or nontraditional religious movements (NRMs).

Your Movie Theater is Being Taken Over by Megachurch Pastor Rick Warren

Your Movie Theater is Being Taken Over by Megachurch Pastor Rick Warren

Christian leaders, including Rick Warren, have announced plans to rent out every screen in a number of multiscreen theaters in the States.…

Project Bravo: Putting The Word of God into the Hands of Soldiers

Project Bravo: Putting The Word of God into the Hands of Soldiers

Marietta, Georgia resident Valerie Winchell started Project Bravo with her son 8 years ago. It would later end up putting the word of God into the hands of 10,000 soldiers and veterans. …

Mormon Leaders’ Historic Visit to AJC Headquarters

Mormon Leaders’ Historic Visit to AJC Headquarters

Two apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) visited AJC in New York today. The extraordinary visit marked the first time that LDS church apostles have come to AJC’s global headquarters.…