U.S. states with the highest religious liberty
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The Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy at First Liberty Institute, a conservative think tank and non-profit legal organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, released a report last month ranking U.S. states on a religious freedom index.
According to the report, Illinois, South Carolina and New Mexico are the three states with the highest religious freedom. California, New Hampshire and West Virginia are the states with the lowest.
To determine where states fall on the index, 14 categories of state laws and regulations were analyzed — from safeguards allowing ceremonial use of alcohol by minors to recusal of public officials from officiating same-sex marriage.
Contributor Jovan Tripkovic reports in today’s top story.
Illinois And South Carolina Rank Tops In Religious Liberty Index
The Center for Religion, Culture and Democracy at First Liberty Institute, an organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, issued the report. In it, the group ranked all 50 U.S. states, from best to worst, as part of an annual religious freedom index. by Jovan Tripkovic
From Strangers to Settlers: The Role of Churches in Europe's Refugee Integration
The Czech Republic has one of the largest number of refugees per capita of any European nation. After the beginning of the war in Ukraine, thousands moved to the Czech Republic seeking safety following Russia’s invasion. However, the amount of immigrants from Ukraine was increasing even before the war because people were in search of better jobs and to escape poverty and unemployment. by Salima Almazbekova and Olha Kruhlii
New Christmas Movies No Longer Think Jesus Is The Reason For The Season
(ANALYSIS) Modern Christmas movies have become less religious than classics like “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” There are several possible reasons for this as America becomes more secular and the holiday’s religious roots give way to other values. by Jillian Cheney
How To Support Religion Unplugged During The Holidays
As we reach the end of 2023, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories that had the biggest impact this year on the world of religion. We are also counting on you to help our journalism grow. by Melissa Harrison
A Look Back At The Top 10 Faith-Based Films of 2023
Faith-based films are more prevalent than ever. Whether that’s the growing number of Christians entering the faith-based industry or the larger number of Hollywood filmmakers dealing explicitly with religious issues in their films, it's easier than ever to find films that affirm and celebrate religious worldviews with truth and beauty. Check out which movies were best in 2023. by Joseph Holmes
How African Refugees Are Celebrating Christmas This Year
As most people take a break to gather and celebrate Christmas with family and friends, for tens of thousands of Africans that have fled threats, wars, turmoil and persecution at home, this is a moment that their homesickness is heightened. Many of them find solace in the church and connecting with relatives on social media. by Cyril Zenda
Why Some Evangelical Leaders Have Sacrificed Their Morals
(REVIEW) “The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,” a new book written by journalist Tim Alberta, provides an extremely detailed recounting of the past four years in American evangelicalism and how large societal events highlighted the increasing blend of religion and far-right politics. by Jillian Cheney
7 Questions That Examine Author Jon Fosse’s Fame And Faith
To better understand what author Jon Fosse means to literature and faith, we interviewed Norwegian journalist Øystein Lid. Fosse, who converted to Catholicism a decade ago, recently won the Nobel Prize for Literature and his books are available around the world. by Clemente Lisi
🏆 Weekend Plug-In Year In Review: The Best Religion Journalism Of 2023 🔌
In a special year-end edition of Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. highlights the best religion journalism of 2023.
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