Bipartisan warning issued over religious freedom threats in health care

Jun 14, 2013 - 05:15 pm .- Members of the U.S. House's Congressional Values Action Team gathered at a special order to voice their concerns over threats to religious freedom posed by the recent health care overhaul.

Global religious freedom law is ineffective, panel says

Jun 13, 2013 - 05:32 pm .- Speaking before a congressional subcommittee, religious liberty experts warned that a U.S. law passed 15 years ago to promote international religious freedom needs stronger enforcement.  

IRS scandals raise doubts over HHS mandate judgment

Jun 11, 2013 - 05:34 pm .- The targeting of conservative, pro-life and religious non-profits by the Internal Revenue Service is drawing concern over the agency’s authority to decide exemptions to the HHS mandate.

US dioceses prepare for second Fortnight for Freedom

Jun 5, 2013 - 05:03 pm .- Dioceses across the country are preparing for the upcoming Fortnight for Freedom – now in its second year – by organizing a variety of prayer and educational activities with a religious liberty theme.

Religious liberty is 'endangered,' warns Hispanic Christian leader

Jun 3, 2013 - 05:28 pm .- Current threats to religious freedom in the United States demand that people of faith speak out in defense of their fundamental rights, said Rev. Samuel Rodriguez.

Political scholar says religious freedom unites society

Jun 1, 2013 - 04:12 pm .- Through respect and healthy debate, society can find a balance in respecting the rule of law while accommodating the religious beliefs of different groups, said political scientist William Galston.

Religious freedom leader says threats in US are real

May 31, 2013 - 04:42 pm .- The head of a federal commission that promotes religious liberty warned that while threats to religious freedom in the U.S. are not violent, they still pose a serious ‘moral test’ for the country.

Religious differences compatible with freedom, Jewish leader says

May 30, 2013 - 06:12 pm .- True religious liberty does not require religious individuals to minimize differences in the tenets of their faith, said Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik.

Hobby Lobby lawyer encouraged by latest hearing

May 24, 2013 - 05:04 pm .- The lawyer representing Hobby Lobby and its Christian owners in a lawsuit challenging the federal contraception mandate is heartened following the case's hearing before a federal appeals court.

Archbishop Chaput urges Americans to 'wake up' on religious freedom

May 24, 2013 - 01:02 pm .- Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia says Americans need to awaken to threats against religious freedom given the new revelations about IRS targeting of religious groups and the continued burdens of the HHS mandate.

International religious freedom report notes persecution

May 20, 2013 - 05:05 pm .- Secretary of State John Kerry released on May 20 the annual International Religious Freedom Report for 2012, which documents violence and persecution towards global religious minorities.

Pope highlights religious freedom on Edict of Milan anniversary

May 15, 2013 - 01:31 pm .- Pope Francis stressed the importance of religious freedom in a message for the 1,700th anniversary of the Roman Emperor Constantine legalizing Christianity.  

Minn. redefines marriage despite religious freedom warnings

May 14, 2013 - 05:04 pm .- The state of Minnesota has redefined marriage to include same-sex couples despite concerns over social wellbeing and religious liberty raised by Catholics and other faith leaders. 

Second Fortnight for Freedom to highlight marriage, mandate

May 14, 2013 - 04:10 am .- The U.S. bishops' conference has announced a second Fortnight for Freedom, scheduled for the two weeks leading up to Interdependence Day, to raise awareness and support for the right to religious liberty.

Controversy draws attention to military ban on 'proselytism'

May 8, 2013 - 12:08 am .- Uncertainty over what constitutes coercive “proselytism,” which is barred by military policy, has led to concern and criticism of recent statements by the U.S. Department of Defense.

HHS appeal withdrawal gives temporary relief to Bible publisher

May 7, 2013 - 05:00 pm .- An Illinois-based Bible publisher has secured temporary relief from the federal contraception mandate after the Obama administration asked an appellate court to dismiss its challenge to a preliminary injunction.

Global report warns of 'dire' religious freedom plight

May 4, 2013 - 04:11 pm .- A recent report on international religious liberty cautioned that severe threats to freedom of religion exist in diverse communities through the world and should be discouraged through actions by the U.S. government.

Council of Europe hailed for religious freedom resolution

Apr 30, 2013 - 04:02 am .- A resolution passed by the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly is being lauded as an important – although limited – recognition of religious and conscience rights in the public sphere.  

Human rights include religious freedom, commission says

Apr 23, 2013 - 05:16 pm .- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has asked Secretary of State John Kerry to focus on religious liberty as a key human right during an upcoming U.N. Human Rights Council review.

Gloria Estefan says Christ's teachings are key to peace

Apr 23, 2013 - 04:01 pm .- Visiting the Vatican to participate in the recent TEDx conference on religious freedom, Cuban singer Gloria Estefan said that the teachings of Jesus Christ are central to ensuring peace in the world.