Today's religion and world affairs news from the United States and around the globe: the Nobel Peace Prize, Ebola, Muslim pilgrimage, kosher slaughter, care for gay and divorced Catholics, and conflict in the Central African Republic.
AROUND THE WORLD
Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi Collect Nobel Peace Prizes
by Alan Cowell
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/11/world/europe/malala-yousafzai-kailash-satyarthi-nobel-peace-prize.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0
On Wednesday, Ms. Yousafzai and Mr. Satyarthi received their awards from the Norwegian Nobel Committee in a vast and ornate chamber at the Oslo City Hall before an audience of royals, dignitaries, family members and others.
The Ebola Fighter
by David von Drehle with Aryn Baker
Time
http://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-ebola-fighters/
Time’s Person of the Year recognizes the people at the forefront of the fight against Ebola, including religious groups and leaders.
Shi’ite Pilgrims Flock to Iraq Holy City, Government Fears Attacks
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/shiite-pilgrims-flock-to-iraq-holy-city-government-fears-attack/
From across Iraq and neighboring states, millions of Shi’ite pilgrims are heading this week to the city of Kerbala for a religious ceremony that authorities say radical Sunni fighters are targeting for attack.
Poland’s Top Court Says Ban on Kosher Slaughter Unconstitutional
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/polands-top-court-says-ban-on-kosher-slaughter-unconstitutional/
Poland’s top court ruled on Wednesday that a ban on traditional Jewish slaughter methods was unconstitutional, bringing relief to Jews in a country scarred by Nazi Germany’s Holocaust.
Indian Opposition Politicians Criticize Conversion of Muslims
by Sanjeev Miglani
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/indian-opposition-politicians-criticize-conversion-of-muslims/
Indian Hindu groups are luring poor Muslims to convert with offers of cheap food, opposition politicians said on Wednesday, accusing the groups of a “diabolical agenda” to undermine religious diversity.
Governments Turn up the Heat on Atheists: Report
by Robert Evans
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/governments-turn-up-the-heat-on-atheists-report/
Amid a global decline in religious belief, some governments are stepping up efforts to portray atheists and secularists as a danger to society and even as terrorists, according to a report issued on Wednesday.
Vatican: Bishops Should Follow Pope Francis’ Lead on Caring for Gay and Divorced Catholics
by Nicole Winfield
Associated Press
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/09/vatican-bishops-gay-divorced-catholics_n_6294914.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
The Vatican set the stage Tuesday for Pope Francis' next church meeting on the family, urging bishops to be guided not just by doctrine but by Francis' message of mercy and the "turning point" of the first meeting that sought to provide better pastoral care for gays and divorcees.
Escape From a Nightmare
by Peter Bouckaert
Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/12/11/escape-from-a-nightmare-car-muslims-seleka-anti-balaka/
Realistically, it will take years to heal the scars of the brutal violence the people of the CAR have suffered over the last 18 months, and to bring about a semblance of stability that will allow for the safe return of refugees. In the meantime, in Cameroon, refugees are still coming to grips with the horrific violence they have survived in the past year.
Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi Collect Nobel Peace Prizes
by Alan Cowell
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/11/world/europe/malala-yousafzai-kailash-satyarthi-nobel-peace-prize.html?ref=todayspaper&_r=0
On Wednesday, Ms. Yousafzai and Mr. Satyarthi received their awards from the Norwegian Nobel Committee in a vast and ornate chamber at the Oslo City Hall before an audience of royals, dignitaries, family members and others.
The Ebola Fighter
by David von Drehle with Aryn Baker
Time
http://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-ebola-fighters/
Time’s Person of the Year recognizes the people at the forefront of the fight against Ebola, including religious groups and leaders.
Shi’ite Pilgrims Flock to Iraq Holy City, Government Fears Attacks
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/shiite-pilgrims-flock-to-iraq-holy-city-government-fears-attack/
From across Iraq and neighboring states, millions of Shi’ite pilgrims are heading this week to the city of Kerbala for a religious ceremony that authorities say radical Sunni fighters are targeting for attack.
Poland’s Top Court Says Ban on Kosher Slaughter Unconstitutional
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/polands-top-court-says-ban-on-kosher-slaughter-unconstitutional/
Poland’s top court ruled on Wednesday that a ban on traditional Jewish slaughter methods was unconstitutional, bringing relief to Jews in a country scarred by Nazi Germany’s Holocaust.
Indian Opposition Politicians Criticize Conversion of Muslims
by Sanjeev Miglani
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/indian-opposition-politicians-criticize-conversion-of-muslims/
Indian Hindu groups are luring poor Muslims to convert with offers of cheap food, opposition politicians said on Wednesday, accusing the groups of a “diabolical agenda” to undermine religious diversity.
Governments Turn up the Heat on Atheists: Report
by Robert Evans
Reuters
http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2014/12/10/governments-turn-up-the-heat-on-atheists-report/
Amid a global decline in religious belief, some governments are stepping up efforts to portray atheists and secularists as a danger to society and even as terrorists, according to a report issued on Wednesday.
Vatican: Bishops Should Follow Pope Francis’ Lead on Caring for Gay and Divorced Catholics
by Nicole Winfield
Associated Press
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/09/vatican-bishops-gay-divorced-catholics_n_6294914.html?utm_hp_ref=mostpopular
The Vatican set the stage Tuesday for Pope Francis' next church meeting on the family, urging bishops to be guided not just by doctrine but by Francis' message of mercy and the "turning point" of the first meeting that sought to provide better pastoral care for gays and divorcees.
Escape From a Nightmare
by Peter Bouckaert
Foreign Policy
http://foreignpolicy.com/2014/12/11/escape-from-a-nightmare-car-muslims-seleka-anti-balaka/
Realistically, it will take years to heal the scars of the brutal violence the people of the CAR have suffered over the last 18 months, and to bring about a semblance of stability that will allow for the safe return of refugees. In the meantime, in Cameroon, refugees are still coming to grips with the horrific violence they have survived in the past year.
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