Tag

Religious Freedom

All articles tagged with #religious freedom

From 200 to a Temple: Four Decades of LDS Growth in Zimbabwe
world21 hours ago

From 200 to a Temple: Four Decades of LDS Growth in Zimbabwe

Sean Donnelly reflects on four decades of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Zimbabwe, tracing a journey from about 200 members in Harare to roughly 50,000 followers across six stakes, as the Harare Zimbabwe Temple opens for a temple dedication. The period includes a high-profile temple open house, interfaith and government engagement (including Zimbabwe’s president), and ongoing African church expansion with multiple missions, underscoring a coordinated effort that began with early mentors who baptized Donnelly in 1983 and continues to shape the Church's presence across the region.

Federal suit claims coordinated protest disrupted Minnesota church service, naming Don Lemon
us-news2 days ago

Federal suit claims coordinated protest disrupted Minnesota church service, naming Don Lemon

A St. Paul congregant filed a federal lawsuit alleging a coordinated group of demonstrators, including Don Lemon and Nekima Levy Armstrong, disrupted a January church service at Cities Church and caused emotional distress. The suit accuses the defendants of conspiracy, aiding and abetting, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and interference with religious exercise, and notes eight named individuals also face federal charges related to rights violations. Lemon and others have plead not guilty to related charges; the case adds to ongoing protests in the Twin Cities connected to immigration enforcement and political demonstrations.

politics-foreign-policy23 days ago

Salazar Signals US Push to Defend Religious Freedom Amid Ortega Regime

During a House Foreign Affairs hearing, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chair Maria Salazar urged strong U.S. action to defend religious liberty, spotlighting Nicaragua’s crackdown under Ortega and Murillo—expulsions of clergy, church closures, arrests of faith-based NGOs, and bans on processions—while stressing the resilience of Nicaragua’s Catholic and Evangelical communities and signaling a broader U.S. commitment to religious rights in the Western Hemisphere.

ICE Near Churches: A Year of Fear in U.S. Worship Spaces
politics24 days ago

ICE Near Churches: A Year of Fear in U.S. Worship Spaces

A Bulwark analysis argues that after the 2021 DHS/ICE guidelines were rescinded, immigration enforcement expanded to operate on or near church properties in multiple U.S. cities—LA, Chicago, Minneapolis, Charlotte and more—terrorizing worshipers, disrupting services, and driving down attendance. The piece cites incidents near Downey Memorial Christian Church, Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Adelaide, Rogers Park’s St. Jerome, Central United Methodist in Charlotte, and other faith sites, with faith leaders describing fear and harm to communities. It also notes that the administration’s rhetoric about protecting worship contrasts with on‑the‑ground enforcement, using Don Lemon’s church‑protest coverage as an emblem of the policy’s perceived contradictions.

Two more arrests tied to Minnesota church protest linked to federal indictment
us27 days ago

Two more arrests tied to Minnesota church protest linked to federal indictment

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi announced two additional arrests—Ian Davis Austin and Jerome Deangelo Richardson—tied to a federal indictment over a Jan. 18 protest at The Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nine defendants, including Don Lemon, are named in the indictment charging conspiracy against the rights of religious freedom and related offenses at a place of worship. Lemon had been arrested previously but released after a judge found insufficient probable cause. Bondi emphasized accountability for those involved in the protest.

Three Charged in Federal Case Over St. Paul Church Riot
crime1 month ago

Three Charged in Federal Case Over St. Paul Church Riot

U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and FBI arrested Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly over a riot at Cities Church in St. Paul on Jan. 18, charging them under 18 U.S.C. 241 for conspiring to interfere with others’ free exercise of religion; authorities say churchgoers were targeted during services and stress that religious freedom must be protected.

Boucher v. The King: A Landmark Canadian Supreme Court Case After 75 Years
law2 months ago

Boucher v. The King: A Landmark Canadian Supreme Court Case After 75 Years

The 75th anniversary of the landmark 1950 Supreme Court of Canada decision in Aimé Boucher v. His Majesty The King highlights its significance in protecting religious freedoms and free speech, overturning wrongful convictions of Jehovah’s Witnesses who distributed a tract criticizing government and clergy actions in Quebec, and shaping Canada’s approach to religious rights today.

Supreme Court Examines Challenges to Same-Sex Marriage Legalization
law3 months ago

Supreme Court Examines Challenges to Same-Sex Marriage Legalization

The Supreme Court is considering whether to hear Kim Davis's appeal to overturn the 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, with Davis arguing her religious rights exempt her from issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. Most legal experts believe her case is unlikely to succeed, and the court's decision could impact future legal protections for religious objections, though it would not invalidate marriages already performed. The case highlights ongoing debates over religious freedom and marriage rights in the U.S.

US Labels Nigeria a 'Country of Particular Concern' Amid Christian Violence and Trump’s Threats
world3 months ago

US Labels Nigeria a 'Country of Particular Concern' Amid Christian Violence and Trump’s Threats

The US has officially designated Nigeria as a 'Country of Particular Concern' due to severe violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians, following accusations by President Trump and threats to cut aid, amidst ongoing violence by extremist groups. The designation aims to prompt targeted responses, with Congress investigating the situation and considering sanctions, amid disputed casualty figures and Nigerian government pushback.