India's controversial prime minister runs for third term
Critics raise alarms over the persecution of religious minorities
Hi Religion Unplugged readers,
This year marks an election for India, in which Prime Minister Narenda Modi will run for a third term. Modi, who has been prime minister since 2014, is the head of the pro-Hindu BJP party. Critics are concerned because of the “intolerant and discriminatory laws” Modi has passed in his decade-long role that cut back on religious freedom for those who are not Hindu.
Even in October of last year, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) emphasized these rights violations, contributor Manmeet Sahni reports in today’s top story.
Modi still has a powerful following, however, and one that’s committed to keeping him in power — even if that means using massive disinformation campaigns.
Modi Critics Raise Alarms Regarding India’s Persecution Of Religious Minorities
As India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to run for a third term, the country remains on the brink. Activists, journalists and civil society groups have continued in recent months to raise alarms at the rise in religious persecution of minorities throughout the country. by Manmeet Sahni
Uganda’s High Court Deepens Divisions Among Muslims Following Property Dispute
The Muslim community in Uganda entered 2024 with three rival muftis each heading his own faction. The fraternity has been split into factions as a result of endless wrangling caused by, among other things, the mismanagement of Muslim-owned properties. by John Semakula
Catholic Group Provides Clean Water For Communities In Nigeria
Water scarcity is a big problem in many communities around the world due to a combination of factors. Some of them have exacerbated the problem, including population growth, urbanization, increase in demand of water and climate change. A Catholic group in Nigeria is working to change that. by Ekpali Saint
Construction Of East African Oil Pipeline Threatens Burial Sites
In order to build the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, critics said TotalEnergies is moving over 2,000 graves in Uganda and Tanzania, without adhering to cultural and religious burial customs. GreenFaith — a multi-faith climate justice organization — recently released a report titled “As If Nothing Is Scared” to shed light on the issue. by Deborah Laker
2024 Golden Globe Awards: Complete List Of Winners
This year’s Golden Globes — the first in a series of awards that will set the stage for the Oscars — took place on Sunday evening at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Among the top film nominees coming into the night were Greta Gerwig's blockbuster “Barbie,” Christopher Nolan's “Oppenheimer” and Martin Scorsese's “Killers of the Flower Moon.” See which movies and TV shows won awards this year. by Religion Unplugged
La Befana: A History Of Italy’s Annual Epiphany Tradition
In Italy, a country that exudes centuries-old traditions rooted in Christianity, there exists a holiday that captures the imagination of both young and old alike every Jan. 6. The holiday — known as La Befana — is a unique blend of religion and folklore that marks the end of the Christmas season. by Clemente Lisi
Vatican Says Same-Sex Blessings Not ‘Heretical’ Following Pushback
Three weeks after announcing that priests could bless individuals in same-sex relationships, the Vatican published a clarification on Thursday following backlash — and even some confusion — from Catholic prelates around the world. by Clemente Lisi
Black Churches Hardest Hit By The Pandemic, But Did More To Promote Vaccines
Houses of worship with predominantly Black congregations suffered the most in terms of attendance and donations. At the same time, they did more to promote COVID-19 testing and vaccinations throughout the pandemic. by Clemente Lisi
5 Great Plans For Reading The Bible This Year
(OPINION) Last year, I wrote about the troubling findings from American Bible Society’s annual “State of the Bible” report. Every study since 2011 has shown that Bible users accounted for around 50% of American adults. However, in 2022, things changed. There was a sudden 10% decrease in Bible users, indicating that “nearly 26 million Americans reduced or stopped their interaction with Scripture in the past year.” by Stephen Presley
Despite Gang Killings, South African Pastors Continue To Preach
Some South African pastors are among a group who have risked their lives by preaching the gospel in places where gang violence and murder seems to be an unending cycle. These brave pastors continue to preach even though their friends, family and church members live under the threat of violence every day. by Vicky Abraham
🎊 Happy New Year: What Will Be The Big Religion Stories In 2024? 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. looks ahead to the year’s expected big news. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
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