The Sacred Nation

March 10, 2021

Academic Pierre-André Taguieff coined the term in the early 2000s to describe what he saw as a growing link between left-leaning academics and France’s Muslim community. But over time, it came to mean something more pejorative.

The Sacred Nation

A Thai organization’s crusade against blaspheming Buddha

The World

March 09, 2021

The Knowing Buddha Organization in Thailand scours the internet and chases tips, seeking out people who’ve used Buddha’s image flagrantly.

The Sacred Nation

Pope Francis' historic trip to Iraq embraced by many as a welcome boost

The World

March 04, 2021

Pope Francis’ upcoming three-day tour of the country will include meetings with political and religious leaders plus visits to historical sites.

The Sacred Nation

The Irish govt and Catholic Church apologized for abusive mother-and-baby homes. Survivors say it’s not enough.

The World

January 15, 2021

The apologies follow a five-year investigation that found an “appalling level of infant mortality” in the institutions.

The Sacred Nation

Indonesia outlaws one of the world’s largest vigilante groups

The World

January 08, 2021

Morals are the stock-in-trade of the Islamic Defenders Front, which is likely the largest vigilante group in Asia. They claim millions of followers — though 200,000 is a more reasonable estimate — and they seek to purify society through fear.

The Sacred Nation

A 'hero' of 2015 France terror attacks reflects on trial verdict

The World

December 18, 2020

As verdicts were announced in a trial centered around the January 2015 Paris terror attacks, Lassana Bathily — who was praised for saving about 15 people in a kosher supermarket — says he still struggles with the word hero: “I prefer the term good citizen. A good citizen who simply acted quickly in the moment.”

The Sacred Nation

In Greece, a clergyman’s death reignites communion spoon debate

The World

November 30, 2020

In the Greek Orthodox Church, one single utensil is used to administer the Holy Communion to the entire congregation. During a global health crisis, this may seem like a bad idea. But not according to the church.

The Sacred Nation

French Muslims worry ‘separatism law’ may create more division

The World

November 19, 2020

French President Emmanuel Macron's proposed "separatism law" would, among other things, monitor international funding coming into French mosques, crack down on online hate speech and create a special certificate program for French imams.

The Sacred Nation

Israeli ultra-Orthodox celebrate Simchat Torah holiday despite lockdown orders

The World

October 13, 2020

Under lockdown rules, gatherings are limited to 20 people outdoors and 10 indoors. But on Saturday night, in the Shikun Hahistadrut neighborhood, music and singing rang out from the open windows of a Torah study seminary as celebrants gathered.