Sacred Nation

What the debate over Biden receiving Communion may mean for the world

May 10, 2021

Most US Catholics believe President Biden should receive Communion, despite his stance on abortion. The push by conservative US bishops to deny him the Eucharist may have more of an impact in other countries.

Sacred Nation

This medieval Catholic church in Spain hosts iftar meals during Ramadan

The World

May 06, 2021

Many of Spain’s 2 million Muslims are celebrating iftar, the traditional dinner at nightfall during Ramadan, alone. But Barcelona's Santa Anna Church has opened its courtyard for the nightly meal to keep the festive tradition alive.

Sacred Nation

What is ‘Islamo-leftism,' France’s topic du jour?

The World

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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