Pope’s warm response to Sri Lankan religious pluralism
“Every religion has dignity; every religion that respects life”, remarked Pope Francis at a press conference during a visit to Asia. This included a visit to a Buddhist temple while he was in Sri Lanka.
Austerity for the many, riches for a few
Income inequality has been growing for decades in the UK, extensive evidence reveals. In recent years, so-called ‘austerity’ has served as a smokescreen for even more wealth to be transferred to a handful of millionaires.
Sri Lanka: regime change and the death of a journalist
On 8 January 2015, the people of Sri Lanka elected a new president. The date also marked the sixth anniversary of the murder of journalist Lasantha Wickrematunge, a critic of the regime which has now been replaced.
Combating hatred after Charlie Hebdo attack
Twelve people were murdered yesterday (7 January) in an appalling attack on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. This has inflamed religious and ethnic tensions, as the killers are believed to be violent Islamist extremists.
Informing on toddlers and preventing terrorism
Imagine police wake you. Though not suspected of any involvement in violence, you are being investigated for terrorism-related offences, on the basis of a remark by your three-year-old at a playgroup or childminder’s.
Cancelling Christmas in India? Coerced ‘conversion’ and good governance
India's government and media are arguing over whether a minister tried to make students come to school on Christmas Day. Controversy continues over coerced mass conversions. It is a time of deep insecurity for religious minorities.
After CIA torture report: rebuilding a culture of rights
A US Senate report revealing widespread use of torture by the Central Intelligence Agency has stirred up heated debate. International human rights activists have called for those responsible to be held to account, though CIA director John Brennan has defended the agency’s record.
No rejoicing here: Scottish Episcopal Church’s marriage guidance
Many Christians regard their wedding day as one of the most joyful, and spiritually significant, in their lives. Those preparing to celebrate marriage are part of the body of the church, whose other members may wish to rejoice with and support them as they make a costly, as well as fulfilling, commitment.
Row over tweet reveals differences of understanding
A row over a tweet shows deep differences of understanding among people in the UK. Those who live in the same society can make very different assumptions and effort can be needed to bridge the gap.
Reckless remarks highlight immigration panic’s human cost
Sitting Rochester and Strood MP Mark Reckless held on to his seat in a by-election after defecting to the UK Independence Party, though with a much-reduced majority.
