HUMANITARIAN FEATURES / RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
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RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Americans More United Than Ever on Religious Freedom
This year’s Religious Freedom Index revealed the highest approval rating for the human right in six years.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Five-Year Study Confirms Faith’s Role in a Happier Life
L. Ron Hubbard wrote about the power of religion to uplift mankind. A new study proves it.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Largest Gathering of Human Beings in History Is Peaceful and Religious
Four hundred million people are gathering at the holy rivers of India to celebrate faith through prayer, ritual, charity—and bathing.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
New Documentary Tells Uniquely American Story of Religious Liberty
Free Exercise: America’s Story of Religious Liberty documentary explores the history of religious freedom in the United States, set against the struggles that have beset six diverse faith communities.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
The Top 10 Religious Freedom Stories of 2024
Throughout a year of conflict: religious inclusion, religious rights and religious diversity were defended around the world. Religion is more important than ever to more people—and these stories are the leading edge of progress.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Religion Ties Us Together—A Holiday Message of Common Faith
With 73 percent of all Americans considering faith an important part of their identity, religion is what unites us. It’s a resonant message for the holidays.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Hanukkah and Christmas Coincide—Reflecting the Shared Light That Unites All
So rare it happens just once per quarter-century, the holidays remind Christians and Jews of a shared tradition of resilience, hope and miracles.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Religion—Humanity’s Divine Spark and Not-So-Secret Weapon
The holidays refocus our gaze on the truth that religion is the sole civilizing factor in our lives. Our morality is grounded in our immortality.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
“Our Prayers Have Been Answered”—Prisoner Swap Reunites Uyghur Muslim Family
For the first time in over 20 years, former USCIRF Chair Nury Turkel was reunited with his mother, released—along with two other Uyghurs—as part of a larger prisoner swap.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Enrollment to Religious Institutions Skyrockets, Proving Young Adults Aren’t Moving Away from Faith
Faith-based universities have experienced a whopping increase of young adults attending; the movement spans many religions and indicates that reports of religion’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
America’s Vital Role in International Religious Freedom—An Interview with USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom finds and reports on violations of the right to freedom of religion or belief worldwide, and advises on sanctions for accountability. Today, its role is more crucial than ever.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Bipartisan Congressional Vote Reauthorizes US Commission on International Religious Freedom for Two More Years
Responsible for monitoring the universal right to religious freedom worldwide, USCIRF’s reauthorization was signed into law by the President against a backdrop of a survey showing a new high of governmental restrictions on religion.
FROM THE MAGAZINE
RECOGNITION
Defining Religion
David Bennett’s bright yellow tie was sprinkled with small white lambs, and several times, as he prepared for his speech at the new Advanced Scientology Church for Australia and South Asia, someone commented about it.
RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Freedom Fighters
Dates matter—especially when freedom has been in the balance. In the tumultuous history of Eastern and Central Europe, Hungarians have a chronology of freedom. 1848-49, the Hungarian Revolution against Austria. 1949, the takeover of Eastern Europe by Soviet communism. 1956, Hungary’s revolt against the Soviets. 1989, the fall of communist domination of Hungary.
RECOGNITION
Young Love in London Overcomes Religious Prejudice
Friends, family and supporters gathered at the Church of Scientology of London to celebrate not only the first legal English wedding to be performed by the religion but a bold statement about religious liberty for all British subjects.
