India's 'hijab performer' counters hate through theater
Plus the first ever interfaith symphony and more headlines
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
The protests in Iran sparked by the enforcement of hijab-wearing and the ban of hijabs in parts of India earlier this year has caused many to reflect on their own complex relationship with wearing the Islamic head covering.
Indian Muslim theater and performance artist Sania Saifi thought about her time in school, when she was asked to remove her hijab daily before entering the classroom. Saifi followed their rules, but decided she would never again remove her hijab in public. When auditioning for her first play in college, she was told she’d have to remove her headscarf — but she refused and got the part anyway.
On opening night, “I walked closer to the crowd and gazed into the eyes of a spectator as I delivered the play's lone line of dialogue while proudly wearing my headscarf,” she said. “I noticed a different sense of respect in his eyes, and from that point on, there was no turning back." Read more about her journey in today’s top story.
Also this week, culture reporter Jillian Cheney spoke to composer Ihab Darwish about the recently-released Abrahamic Symphony, which is being billed as the first ever interfaith symphony and includes influences from Christianity, Islam and Judaism. Three composers, one from each faith, collaborated on the music, and highly-regarded musicians from around the world helped bring the symphony to life. Darwish describes the musical feat the symphony accomplishes and its mission to produce interfaith unity.
See you next week! If you like what you read, share this with your family and friends.
India’s ‘Hijabi Performer’ Aims To Counter Hate Through Theater
International Composers Translated Religion To Music For The Abrahamic Symphony by Jillian Cheney
The Abrahamic Symphony, which is being billed as the first international interfaith symphony, features three celebrated composers who each represent one of the Abrahamic religions. Its goal is to promote unity and harmony between religions. The symphony is rich with diverse culture and religion, featuring an ensemble of talented musicians and dynamic vocalists.
Christ For All Peoples Pares Back Mission To ‘Bring The Gospel Of Christ To Every Door’ by Steve Rabey
A newer web page says the Saturate campaign no longer seeks to reach every door in the country by 2020, instead seeking to reach fewer households over a longer time frame: “Christ For All Peoples and Saturate USA Is Dedicated To Reaching 120 Million Homes In The U.S. By 2027.”
Pope Francis Extends The Synod On Synodality To 2024: What Does It Mean For The Church's Future? by Clemente Lisi
(ANALYSIS) Pope Francis decided to divide the church’s Synod of Bishops into two sessions, one next October and a second in October 2024, in order to “help everyone to live it as the journey of brothers and sisters who proclaim the joy of the Gospel.” What does it mean for the future of Catholicism?
Evangelicals Often Feel Misunderstood: What Helps Boost Understanding Between Students Of All Faiths? by Matthew J. Mayhew, Christa Winkler and Musbah Shaheen
(ANALYSIS) Our findings about students’ attitudes underscore important lessons about fostering tolerance and appreciation on campus for any group. Views of evangelicals are particularly interesting, since they highlight the complexities of social privilege: how individuals can feel discriminated against, even when their community as a whole is influential.
San Francisco Pauses Program Forwarding City Workers’ Donations To Christian Groups by Steve Rabey
San Francisco has put a pause on its annual Heart of the City Combined Charities Campaign after questions about whether city employees’ donations should flow to Christian nonprofits that support biblical views on human sexuality, according to articles in The San Francisco Chronicle and The San Francisco Standard.
Texas Megachurch Announces Decision To Leave United Methodist Denomination by Anne Stych
A Dallas-area church, St. Andrew United Methodist Church of Plano, with more than 6,500 members said it will disaffiliate with the United Methodist Church and will remain independent while it investigates alliances with other Methodist denominations.
As Russia-Ukraine War Escalates, Some Ukrainians Wonder, ‘Does God Love Russians?’ by Erik Tryggestad
Yes, God loves Russians, Sorina Vintila told Zahar, a five-year-old Ukrainian refugee and his classmates. But “God doesn’t like when we are doing bad things. It makes him sad. God wants us to listen and obey him, just as Samuel did.”
5 Books About Orthodox Christianity To Read During Orthodox Awareness Month by Jovan Tripkovic
Orthodox Awareness Month aims to serve as a reminder of the long and rich history of Orthodoxy in America and the contributions Orthodox Christians made to American culture, history and public life. Here are five books to read for insight into the history and theology of the Orthodox Church, the lives of saints and the evolution of the Orthodox faith in America’s northernmost state.
A History Of Catholicism Since The French Revolution Is An Ambitious Volume Worth Reading by Clemente Lisi
(REVIEW) Historian John McGreevy’s new book “Catholicism: A Global History from the French Revolution to Pope Francis,” covering a period of 230 years, can only be defined as ambitious. Extremely well researched and skillfully put together, McGreevy’s book is a must-read for anyone interested in the planet’s largest Christian denomination.
Christian Aid Surges Into Florida After Hurricane Ian by Erik Tryggestad
Once again, the Gulf Coast Church of Christ is serving as a relief hub after a major hurricane pounded Florida. But this hurricane, Ian, surpassed anything church members had seen.
Meet The Chaplain For Norwegian Students In The United States by Natalie Hognestad
As a college student, Odd Inge Tangen found comfort with his university chaplain during his seminary years, confiding his biggest secret to her. Now, Tangen is a chaplain to Norwegian students in North America working for the Norwegian Seamen's Church.
GOP Hoping To Surf On Red Wave Of Catholic Support During Midterms by Clemente Lisi
(ANALYSIS) Whether it’s on issues like abortion or same-sex marriage, transgenderism and school curriculums, faith voters will play their part. If the recent past is any guide, Catholics will play an outsized role in the outcomes depending on the state, especially in the so-called swing states.
Opinion
Best In Religion Journalism: Religion News Association Presents Its Annual Awards
In Friday’s Weekend Plug-In column, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights the winners of the Religion News Association’s 2022 Awards for Religion Reporting Excellence. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
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The Price Women Pay For Freedom In Iran by Ewelina U. Ochab
The Bookish Episcopal Bishop Who Dared To Say ‘Apostasy’ by Terry Mattingly
Don’t miss our latest podcast
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Georgetown University professor Joshua Mitchell talks with ReligionUnplugged.com about his new book, “American Awakening,” where he explores how identity politics in America bear a some resemblance to Christianity but miss vital concepts such as forgiveness. Mitchell speaks with Paul Glader and Paul Marshall about the book thesis and Mitchell’s observations and concerns about American life. Find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify or listen directly on our website.
In case you missed it
Editorial picks from our archives
Why Some Religious People Still Refuse To Celebrate Halloween by Kate Nicholl
Halloween came to America in the early 19th Century, but gained popularity when the Irish immigrated to America during the Potato Famine. They brought along their Halloween traditions of dressing up and trick-or-treating. Today, the holiday has evolved quite a bit.
The Buddhist Monk Blogger Tackling Abuse By Gurus by Tenzin Tsagong
Tenzin Peljor runs a popular Buddhist blog that addresses controversies in Tibetan Buddhism, especially regarding abusive spiritual teachers. After choosing a guru, students take vows to see their teacher as an enlightened being — questioning or criticizing them can send one to a Tantric hell. Peljor, a monk himself, says he is exposing harmful practices while remaining faithful to the Buddhist tradition.
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