religious freedom

The Latest

Catholic church, in the city of Akure, the largest city in Ondo State, Nigeria. Via Shutterstock

Send special envoy to protect Nigerian Christians says former congressman

Jun 25, 2020

By Christine Rousselle

The United States should send a special envoy to Nigeria to help coordinate the protection of the Christian population and... Read more

President Donald Trump at the White House, 2018.

US religious freedom commissioner says 'no excuse' for Trump delay on Chinese sanctions

Jun 24, 2020

By Matt Hadro

A federal religious freedom commissioner has said there is “no excuse” for the Trump administration “delaying action” to place sanctions on Chinese... Read more

New York City.

Justice Department: NYC pandemic rules can't favor protests over religious services

Jun 23, 2020

New York City cannot enforce coronavirus restrictions strictly on religious gatherings and leave mass public protests untouched, leading U.S. Department... Read more

Archbishop Thomas Wenski speaks at a press conference.

Miami archbishop to lead US Catholic bishops on religious liberty

Jun 22, 2020

Archbishop Thomas Wenski of Miami has been appointed as the acting chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’... Read more

Flags of Vatican City and China, via Shutterstock.

Underground bishop detained in China

Jun 22, 2020

Chinese officials reportedly arrested an elderly bishop of the underground Catholic Church last week.  Read more

U.S.-Mexico border.

US bishops ask Catholics to pray for Brownsville diocese border wall fight

Jun 19, 2020

By Matt Hadro

For Religious Freedom Week 2020, the U.S. Catholic bishops are highlighting an unusual case—a Texas chapel that could be demolished... Read more

A young girl lights a candle at a Marian grotto in Pakistan.

US religious liberty commission recommends 'binding agreement' with Pakistan to halt abuses

Jun 18, 2020

The US Commission on International Religious Freedom issued a report Tuesday recommending a “binding agreement” between the United States and... Read more

The Downtown Hope Center, a faith-based women's shelter in Anchorage.

Trump admin to allow homeless shelters to serve on basis of biological sex

Jun 15, 2020

The Department of Housing and Urban Development is set to roll back an Obama-era rule that requires single-sex homeless shelters... Read more

Flag of India.

India denies visa to US religious freedom investigators

Jun 11, 2020

India has barred U.S. representatives from investigating the county’s reported violations of religious freedom, continuing what critics call a trend... Read more

US Ambassador for Religious Freedom Sam Brownback.

State Department warns governments could exploit coronavirus to close churches

Jun 10, 2020

The U.S. ambassador for religious freedom warned on Wednesday that some governments might close houses of worship for good after... Read more

Stock image via Shutterstock

HHS: Hospital restrictions mean ‘too many dying alone’ during coronavirus

Jun 9, 2020

By Matt Hadro

Federal health officials say they hope the resolution of a disability rights case will help ensure hospital patients are deprived... Read more

Lagos, the largest city in Nigeria.

Christian pastor and pregnant wife killed in Nigeria

Jun 8, 2020

A Christian pastor and his pregnant wife were killed on their farm in northeastern Nigeria last week, the latest victims... Read more

Wisconsin state capitol in Madison.

Madison changes church reopening rules after Catholic bishop threatens lawsuit

Jun 5, 2020

By Christine Rousselle

Houses of worship in Dane County, Wisconsin, will be permitted to operate at 25% capacity, it was announced Friday, after... Read more

US Supreme Court.

US bishops ask Supreme Court to protect Catholic foster agency in Philadelphia

Jun 4, 2020

In a brief filed with the Supreme Court, the U.S. bishops argued that a Catholic agency should not be banned... Read more

President Donald Trump. CNA file photo.

Trump signs order on international religious freedom after JPII shrine visit

Jun 2, 2020

President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order “to advance international religious freedom,” after he visited the St. John... Read more

Archbishop Jose Gomez.

LA archdiocese announces reopening plan

May 27, 2020

By Matt Hadro

After California relaxed public health restrictions on churches, the nation’s largest diocese announced its plan on Tuesday to resume public... Read more

After Minnesota bishops plan to defy Mass restrictions, governor eases rules

May 23, 2020

The governor of Minnesota has issued an order allowing for the resumption of limited public worship gatherings, days after the... Read more

Department for Labor, Washington, D.C.

Labor Department issues new religious freedom guidelines

May 19, 2020

Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia has issued a directive that agency leaders should incorporate respect for religious freedom into the daily... Read more

Bishop Peter Baldacchino of Las Cruces says Mass April 9, 2020.

Former judge: coronavirus restrictions have a place, but religion is 'essential'

May 15, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

Public health orders to limit the spread of the new coronavirus raise important questions about the U.S. Constitution and religious... Read more

Federal judge blocks Kentucky governor's soon-to-expire ban on religious services

May 11, 2020

By Kevin J. Jones

With Kentucky already set for a limited resumption of religious services May 20, a federal judge has said Gov. Andy... Read more