Objective coverage of church-state and religious liberty developments, with extensive links to primary sources.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Court Requires Church To Comply With Amended Zoning Law
Thursday, December 28, 2006
6th Circuit Awards Attorneys' Fees In RLUIPA Case
Gerald Ford Remembered For Helping Soviet Jews Gain Freedom
Keith Ellison Speaks Out On His Muslim Faith and Politics
I'm not a religious leader, I've never led religious services of any kind. I'm not here to be a preacher, but in terms of political agenda items, my faith informs me....
I'm a little incredulous about why anyone would care about what I'm going to swear on. In fact, if I swore on a book that wasn't of my tradition ... would you trust me?
Many people see their religion as an identity thing, much in the same way Crips or Bloods might say, "I'm this, this is the set I'm rolling with". They've never actually tried to explore how religion should connect us, they're into how religion divides us. .... They haven't really explored ... how my faith connects me to you.
Texas City Sued By Santeria Priest Over Animal Sacrifice Ban
Suit and Counter-Suit In Illinois Priest Sex Abuse Case
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Russia May Back Off of New Church Reporting Rules
Religious Freedom Case Pending In Texas Supreme Court
Profile of Kentucky's Prison Staff Chaplains
Judge Rejects First Amendment Defense To Marijuana Charges By Church Founders
UPDATE: The full opinion in United States v. Quaintance is now available at 2006 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94439 (D NM, Dec. 22, 2006).
Employee Awarded Damages In Religious Discrimination Case
Dispute Over Cross In William & Mary Chapel Continues
Land Use Dispute Between Jewish Student Group and Milwaukee Neighbors
Indian Judge Stays Order Limiting Sacrifices By Muslims On Bakri Eid
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Hajj Begins Thursday
Political Adviser Urges Democrats To Campaign More On Their Religious Beliefs
Dutch Teacher Fired For Refusing To Shake Men's Hands
Church-State Scholar Saluted As He Faces ALS
EU Bishops Want Reference To Religion In Anniversary Document
Monday, December 25, 2006
White House Issues 2006 Christmas Greetings; Queen Elizabeth Podcasts Hers
"For unto us a child is born ... and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6Meanwhile in Britain, Queen Elizabeth's annual Christmas Day message to the Commonwealth will not only be televised, but will be available by podcast and can be watched directly online as well, according to today's Daily Express. By subscribing ahead, those who are interested can get the podcast delivered directly to their iTunes or other MP3 software. The Queen's message to the Armed Forces is also available in MP3 form. An archive of all the Queen's Christmas broadcasts since 1952 is available on the British Monarch website.
For centuries, patient men and women listened to the words of prophets and lived in joyful expectation of the coming Messiah. Their patience was rewarded when a young virgin named Mary welcomed God's plan with great faith, and a quiet birth in a little town brought hope to the world. For more than two millennia, Christians around the world have celebrated Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus and to thank the Almighty for His grace and blessings.
In this season of giving, we also remember the universal call to love our neighbors. Millions of compassionate souls take time during the holidays to help people who are hurt, feed those who are hungry, and shelter those who need homes. Our Nation also thinks of the men and women of our military who are spending Christmas at posts and bases around the world and of the loved ones who pray for their safe return. America owes a debt of gratitude to our service members and their families.
The simple story of Christmas speaks to every generation and holds a sense of wonder and surprise. During this time of joy and peace, may we be surrounded by the love of family and friends and take time to reflect on the year ahead. Laura and I pray that this season will be a time of happiness in every home and a time of peace throughout the world. Merry Christmas.