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Russia has had a bad reputation in the West for most of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine in February 2022 reversed any lingering optimism that followed in the wake of Mikhail Gorbachev's perestroika and glasnost reform programs at the end of the 1980s. Western Pentecostals not only have shared this negative view of Russia but also have viewed Russia in a negative eschatological light. This article aims to show, however, that Western Pentecostal perceptions have not always been negative, at least in early Pentecostalism. By a historical analysis of Western Pentecostal periodicals from the last years of the Russian Empire (1910–1917), through the Russian Civil War (1917–1922), to the initial years of the Soviet Union (1922–1929), the article demonstrates that perceptions of early Western Pentecostals fluctuated quite significantly in this period and were due to a changing historical situation and the efforts of influential leaders like William Fetler. The article concludes with an analysis of the reasons for the shifting perceptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Prior to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ukraine had achieved impressive levels of religious pluralism, religious freedoms, and inter-faith cooperation. In predominantly Orthodox societies, covenants of mutually beneficial engagement between state and church leaders usually color political life and inform social and political change. The threats to Ukrainian state sovereignty created by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 prompted Ukrainian state authorities to pursue "spiritual independence" as a component of national security. This article evaluates the existence of covenantal pluralism in Ukraine prior to the invasion and compares this to recent developments in wartime Ukraine that have brought religious pluralism to a critical crossroads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article outlines the prospects for covenantal pluralism in Bulgaria from a broad historical perspective. For this purpose, it explores the evolution of the attitudes to the religious other under different political regimes and social orders. The analysis is organized into three sections disclosing the peculiarities of the Bulgarian case. The first one outlines the evolution of religious diversity in Bulgaria throughout the centuries. The next section deals with religious tolerance from the perspective of the historical experience of Bulgarians, while the last one discusses the post-communist developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

What are the prospects for covenantal pluralism in Russia? Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and the state's recognition of its multi-confessional and multi-ethnic character, this article argues that Russian religious communities face a hierarchical system that divides religious groups between "traditional" and "non-traditional" faiths. This religious hierarchy creates an uneven playing field where non-traditional faiths tend to experience greater legal restrictions and societal pressures. Drawing on fieldwork in Russia, the article explores how Christian minorities experience religious freedom and negotiate politicized labels of traditional and non-traditional faiths. The article concludes that there are significant barriers to covenantal pluralism in Russia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article focuses on the historical development of the German Lutheran Landeskirche in Transylvania, highlighting its role in shaping religious identity and ethnic cohesion among the Saxons. Topics include the evolution of religious pluralism in the region from the early modern period, the impact of political changes on religious freedoms, and the formation of a unified Lutheran identity within the Saxon community in response to nineteenth-century nationalism. more...

The text discusses the use of digital tools and data to document the Chinese government's repression of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang Autonomous Region. It highlights two projects, the Xinjiang Data Project and BuzzFeed News series, that focus on mapping internment and labor sites using satellite imagery and other sources. The projects aim to reconstruct the spatiality and experience of repression in Xinjiang, shedding light on the architecture, surveillance, and cultural erasure in the region. The essay emphasizes the tensions between visibility and invisibility, distance and proximity, and the ethical imperative of critically engaging with sources and methods in researching oppressive regimes. [Extracted from the article] more...

Indigenous Peoples in Latin America face a dual challenge of social vulnerability and violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB). Representing 8% of the region's population yet disproportionately affected by poverty, displacement, and health disparities, these communities also endure persistent religious discrimination—a challenge historically overlooked in policy and scholarship. This article advances the understanding of FoRB violations against Indigenous Peoples by distinguishing between external threats, targeting collective religious practices, and internal threats, undermining individual religious rights. Using a cross-case analysis of Paraguay, Mexico, and Colombia, this study illustrates the varied manifestations of these threats, relying on novel data from interviews, open-source platforms, and the Violent Incidents Database of the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Latin America and the International Institute for Religious Freedom. Focusing on Latin America as a "least likely case" for FoRB violations, the article highlights significant disparities in FoRB protections for Indigenous Peoples, challenging the assumption of Latin America as a region of relative religious freedom. By shedding light on these violations, the study underscores their broader implications for political stability and human rights. The findings call for greater attention to the intersections of religious freedom and Indigenous rights, offering a framework applicable to global contexts. This work also highlights the need for sustained data collection and targeted interventions to address these challenges effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In the last few years, the Supreme Court has upended its doctrine of religious freedom under the First Amendment. The Court has explicitly rejected separationism, which limited government support of religion, and it has adopted interpretations of disestablishment and free exercise that provide special solicitude for religion. Now, the government must treat religion equally with respect to providing public benefits. But it must also grant special exemptions from regulations that burden religion. This pattern of equal treatment for benefits and special exemptions from burdens yields a doctrinal structure that gives preference to religion. We refer to this regime as structural preferentialism. What explains this shift? This Article offers an external, political account of changes in Free Exercise and Establishment Clause jurisprudence, analyzing them as if they were the result of political conflicts between competing interest groups. Focusing on the role of religion in political polarization, rapid disaffiliation from denominations, and shifting strategies to fund religious schools, this political perspective has explanatory and predictive power that extends beyond conventional legal arguments about text, history, and precedent. Applying this approach, we predict that structural preferentialism will transform First Amendment doctrine and provide material grounds for its own entrenchment. But the political history of the Religion Clauses also shows that legal paradigms can become unstable and can be threatened by long-term changes in political demographics, suggesting both outer limits and possible sources of resistance to the Court's emerging model of religious freedom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article delves into the historical evolution of academic freedom in English universities during the seventeenth century, examining the concepts of libertas scholastica and libertas philosophandi. Key figures such as John Milton and Edmund Dickinson are highlighted in debates surrounding university independence and the promotion of free thought. The text also addresses the challenges faced by reformers in establishing academic freedom amidst entrenched scholastic traditions, shedding light on the intricate relationship between institutional autonomy and intellectual liberty during this period. Additionally, the article explores the tension between libertas philosophandi and libertas scholastica in the context of the English Revolution, with scholars advocating for philosophical liberty within universities while others, like Milton and Hobbes, critiqued the lack of freedom in academic settings. The exclusion of women from universities and the empowerment of individuals like Margaret Cavendish, who sought philosophical liberty outside traditional academic structures, are also discussed, along with historical events such as book burnings and condemnations of dissenting works that illustrate the complex interplay between academic freedom and institutional control. [Extracted from the article] more...

Freedom of religion is a fundamental human right protected by international law and many national constitutions. In China, the Constitution guarantees freedom of religious belief, but the implementation of this right, particularly for Tibetan Buddhists, has been complex and controversial. This study aims to analyse how the socio-religious rights of Tibetan Buddhists are ensured in 21st century China, considering current legislation and political realities. The research employs a comprehensive analysis of official legal documents. The historical-systematic method was employed to examine the interrelated sociocultural systems shaping cultural aspects and national identity. The study reveals a complex and evolving relationship between the Chinese state and Tibetan Buddhism. The research identifies state interference in monastic affairs, including restrictions on the size of monastic communities and their political and economic roles. Government attempts to control the reincarnation process of Tibetan Buddhist leaders and the dispute over the selection process for the next Dalai Lama is ongoing, with both the Chinese government and the current Dalai Lama asserting their right to determine the succession. The study notes some instances for compromise, such as the Chinese government's consideration of allowing the current Dalai Lama to visit China and Tibet under certain conditions. The research highlights the need for further studies on the long-term effects of China's religious policies on Tibetan Buddhist culture and identity, as well as the potential for adaptive strategies within the Tibetan Buddhist community in response to these policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article is devoted to the analysis of methods of criminal legal prohibition in the field of combating discrimination of people on any grounds. It is established that Art. 161 of the Criminal Code, which provides for criminal liability for violation of the equality of citizens, has been repeatedly amended. Many draft laws on amendments to this article were not submitted for consideration by the Verkhovna Rada due to the significant number of evaluative concepts contained in them. The Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)16 of the Committee of Ministers to member states on combating hatred of May 20, 2022, and in particular the interpretation of the concept of "hate speech", legal and non-legal methods of combating manifestations of hatred and their correlation with the protection of other rights and, in particular, the right to freedom of expression, is analyzed. The Committee of Ministers stresses the need to strike a balance between the right to freedom of expression and the right to be free from discrimination when developing national laws aimed at combating hatred. However, the use of evaluative concepts in legislation significantly complicates this balance. An analysis of the practice of applying European laws against "hate speech" indicates a significant restriction of freedom of expression. This applies most of all to religious views, which also entails a violation of the right to freedom of religion and discrimination on the basis of religious affiliation. According to Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)16, criminal law methods of combating manifestations of hatred should be a last resort and be applied only for the most serious manifestations of hatred. It has been concluded that the use of evaluative concepts in criminal legislation is unacceptable. Criminal law measures to combat violations of the equality of citizens should be directed exclusively against specific manifestations of violence, damage to property, pogroms, discrimination against individual citizens or groups of persons on any grounds, as well as public calls for such specific acts. The prohibition of "hate speech" in its abstract, vague sense, which is contained, among other things, in Recommendation CM/Rec(2022)16, leads to a violation of the right to freedom of expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

1. Introduction: Freedom is a divine gift, an innate human sentiment. Khlilullah Khalili and Ahmad Shawqi, two prominent poets of Persian and Arabic literature, respectively, employed poetry as a weapon to combat colonialism for their homeland's freedom, sparing no effort. This research aims to analyze the manifestation of freedom in the poetry of these two poets through the lens of critical discourse analysis, specifically Norman Fairclough's three-dimensional framework, utilizing data from the American school of comparative literature. Critical discourse analysis is an interdisciplinary approach that seeks to provide a precise interpretation of texts through analysis and decomposition. It leverages the strengths of other disciplines such as history, linguistics, sociology, and political science. Among the various theories of discourse analysis, Norman Fairclough's theory of discourse practice has gained significant attention due to its systematic framework. He argues that to understand the hidden meanings of a text, it must be analyzed at three levels: description, interpretation, and explanation; as language carries ideological weight at each of these levels. Poetry, as a text-type, is particularly meaningful in discourse analysis, given its capacity to encapsulate various themes and issues, including those related to freedom and liberty. This research will critically analyze, based on Fairclough's threedimensional theory and using data from the American school of comparative literature, a selection of poems by the renowned poets Khlilullah Khalili and Ahmad Shawqi, focusing on the theme of freedom. The term "comparative literature" was first coined by the French critic Abel Villemain. Subsequently, two schools emerged: French and American. The American school does not focus on the influence and impact between different literatures; rather, it emphasizes the presence of similarities. 2. Methodology: This research aims to analyze the manifestation of freedom in the poetry of these two poets descriptively and analytically, using Fairclough's critical discourse analysis framework and data from the American school of comparative literature. It will delve into the use of vocabulary, grammatical structures, the expression of situational context, participants, existing discourses, intertextuality, and hidden ideology. The methodology employed in this research is based on Fairclough's three-dimensional model. Initially, the poems of both poets will be examined thematically, followed by an analysis based on the levels of description, interpretation, and explanation, and finally, a comparison will be made between them. The necessity of this study lies in its attempt to examine the concept of freedom in the poetry of Khalili and Shawqi, as pioneers of national literature in Afghanistan and Egypt, respectively, through a comparative lens and from the perspective of Fairclough's critical discourse analysis. No previous research has been conducted on this specific topic. 3. Discussion: Freedom is a precious gem hidden deep within the human soul. Throughout history, humanity has spared no effort or sacrifice in its pursuit. Afghanistan and Egypt, with their tumultuous histories, have often faced foreign invasions, colonization, and domestic tyranny. The people of these nations have repeatedly sacrificed their lives and possessions in their quest for liberty. 3-1.Manifestations of Freedom in Khalili's Poetry: Freedom is one of the most fundamental concepts in Khaliilullah Khaliili's poetry. Throughout his life, he witnessed many political and social changes in Afghanistan, which profoundly influenced his thoughts and poetry. This poet equates freedom with love and faith, believing that after expelling Adam from Paradise, God bestowed upon him three new blessings: love, faith, and freedom. Moreover, from Khaliili's perspective, the world is beautiful only when it is free. For him, a world without freedom is akin to a prison. Khaliili addresses his compatriots, reminding them that their mothers gave birth to them freely and their homeland raised them in freedom. Therefore, they should spare no effort in their pursuit of liberty. 3-2.Manifestations of Freedom in Shawqi's Poetry: Ahmad Shawqi lived a life full of ups and downs. He witnessed foreign invasions of his country, which led him to leave his homeland. This was one of the most significant factors in Shawqi's patriotic poetry, as he constantly spoke of freedom in his verses. Shawqi returned to his homeland after the victory of the Egyptian people. In one of his poems, he attributes this freedom to the blood of the martyrs who were inspired by the school of Imam Hussein. The poet is saddened by the fact that he was not present on the battlefield during the struggles. In a qasida about freedom, Shawqi responds to a question about the nature of freedom by saying: Freedom is the essence and honor of human life, and under its light, people benefit from various blessings. Then, the poet calls those who deny the virtue of freedom ignorant and foolish, and considers them deprived of a happy life. 3-3.Descriptive Level: The first level of Fairclough's three-level framework is the descriptive level. The descriptive stage is a prerequisite for the stages of interpretation and explanation, and in this stage, the apparent features of the text are examined. Khaliili and Shawqi, using simple, firm, and purposeful words with relational and expressive values, have presented attractive and motivating poems for their audience. The two poets have acted almost identically at this level. The use of ideological words and expressions, declarative sentences, active verbs, the use of pronouns, and the naming of self and other discourses are the similarities between the work of the two poets. 3-4.Interpretive Level: The second level of Fairclough's three-level theory is the interpretive level. At this level, the analyst, using what has been obtained at the descriptive level, turns to the factors influencing the formation of the text, agents, discourses, and intertextuality. 3-4.1. Situational Context: Situational context refers to the various historical, political, cultural, and social factors within which a text is produced. The primary factor motivating the creation of these poems is political. The historical course of events in Egypt and Afghanistan during the lifetimes of the two poets, followed by foreign invasions of these lands, is the most significant factor in the emergence of these poems. The second factor in the creation of these poems is the religious factor and belief in Islamic teachings. 3-4.2. Participants and Discourses: Given the epic nature of Khaliili and Shawqi's poems, the primary audience consists of the compatriots of the two poets. Additionally, fighters, martyrs, women, and colonialists are other participants in the discourse of Khaliili and Shawqi's poems. Considering the diversity of participants and the patriotic spirit of Khaliili and Shawqi's poems, other discourses can be observed, such as: the national discourse, the discourse of fighters and martyrs, the feminine discourse, and the opposing discourse. 3-4.3. Intertextuality: Intertextuality is a crucial concept in Fairclough's theory. According to Genette, intertextuality refers to the presence of one text within another. In the poetry of Khaliili and Shawqi, there are instances of the two poets being influenced by the concepts and great figures of religion. In order to express their goals, inspire, awaken the minds of their people, and emphasize the importance and place of freedom in religious teachings, the two poets have utilized religious concepts and figures. 3-5.Explanatory Level: The third level of Fairclough's theory is the explanatory level. At this level, the analyst, having moved beyond the linguistic features, discourse type, intertextuality, and other elements at the descriptive and interpretive levels, turns to the explanation. At this level, the analyst aims to "explain why the text was produced in relation to sociological, historical, ideological, power, and socio-cultural knowledge factors." In the following, we will examine the ideology and hidden goals in the discourse of the two poets' poems. 3-5.1. Ideology and Hidden Goals: According to critical discourse analysts, all discourses have an ideological function. In the words of Khaliili and Shawqi, ideology has a positive and enlightening aspect, and the two poets have tried to express their goal in a simple and meaningful way. The discourse of the two poets' poems overtly seeks to change the structure of power relations in society and desires freedom and independence for the country. 4-Conclusion: Based on the research conducted, the following results were obtained: At the descriptive level, both poets have used words and phrases that are appropriate to their purpose and, overall, have employed eloquent, purposeful, ideological, and uncomplicated linguistic structures for their audience. At the interpretive level, the situational context, political and religious factors have played a role in the creation of these poems. The discourse type of the poems of both poets is nationalistic. The discourse of fighters and martyrs is common in the poems of both poets, while the feminine discourse is more prevalent in Khaliili's poems and the opposing discourse is more prominent in Shawqi's poems. At the explanatory level, the discourse of Khaliili and Shawqi's poems, by presenting an ideological, religious, epic, and motivational discourse, seeks to raise awareness, create a sense of struggle against colonialists among compatriots, and ultimately to change the power structures and dominant ideology of society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Religious and moral exemptions have burgeoned since the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed marriage equality in 2015. These laws allow individuals to refuse services based on religious or moral beliefs. LGBTQIA+ advocates have raised concerns regarding exemptions to deny care to LGBTQIA+ individuals with heightened health needs. Research suggests that LGBTQIA+ individuals have higher anticipated needs for nursing home care; however, a gap in empirical research exists on how nursing home staff understand religious exemptions in the context of their caregiving. This study, thus, employs a qualitative case approach to examine this question: How do nursing home staff make sense of staff refusal to provide care to LGBTQIA+ residents because of religious or moral beliefs? Data includes semi-structured interviews of nursing home staff (n = 90) and was analyzed with thematic analysis. While dominant narratives present religious exemptions as a conflict between religious liberty and equality, staff employed a variety of cultural frames to reconcile cultural discord and achieve social coherence about whether to accommodate a colleague who refused care to an LGBTQIA+ resident. Cultural frames included individual rights, individual religious belief, fairness, job obligations, resident safety and comfort, and legal compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The Ahmadi question is paramount in many Muslim states globally because these are falsely accused as impure/inferior/fake Muslims based on their beliefs different from mainstream Muslims. The secular character of the British India granted religious freedom to people of different faiths allowed Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the founder of the Ahmadiyya community to propagate his claims in the sub-continent. After the birth of Pakistan as an Islamic state, Ahmadis met an identity problem subject to their beliefs which found un-Islamic by hardline Muslims. Pakistan favours the human rights violations against Ahmadis though it is signatory of the UN Human Rights Council. In contrast, India’s secular structure permits religious communities including Ahmadis to propagate their religious belief across India. Interestingly, the Muslims in India have similar opinion against Ahmadiyya community but the structure of the Indian constitution promotes human rights, religious freedom as well as the protection of minority groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article examines the peculiarities of the legal regulation of the institute of medical chaplaincy in the countries of the Visegrad Group. The current state of regulation and functioning of the institute of medical chaplaincy in Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland is analyzed. The constitutional provisions enshrining the right to freedom of conscience and religion are outlined. The similarity of the definition of this fundamental right in the basic laws of the states, which is the basis for the implementation of pastoral care in health care institutions, is established. The author analyzes the legal acts that enshrine the possibility of exercising the right to pastoral care in health care facilities, the legal status of chaplains, the conditions of their activities, and the interaction of religious organizations with hospitals or hospitals in order to provide patients and other persons with pastoral care. The author identifies differences in the legal regulation of this institution in the analyzed countries, in particular, in terms of the level of legal acts and the scope of regulation. The peculiarities of the chaplaincy institute in the countries of the Visegrad Group are determined, depending on the model of church-state relations and the status of religious organizations. Some aspects of the functioning of the institute of medical chaplaincy in Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Poland are investigated, namely the range of tasks, powers of chaplains and sources of financing their work from the funds of health care institutions or at the expense of religious organizations. The differences in the status of medical chaplains in terms of qualification characteristics are outlined. For example, in Hungary there are no requirements for chaplains. In contrast, the Czech Republic clearly establishes the requirement of higher education and further spe cialization. The conclusions emphasize the key role of chaplains in ensuring the rights of patients and healthcare professionals to freedom of religion. The author emphasizes the need for further improvement of the institute of medical chaplaincy in Ukraine, taking into account the experience of the Visegrad countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of ensuring and realizing the cultural rights of citizens as real opportunities for a person to realize all his rights and f reedoms in the state. These rights determine the direction of state policy and the level of democratization of society. It is emphasized that the cultural rights of citizens determine the vector of spiritual, moralpsychological, and socio-value development of a person and provide him with the possibility of full self-identification within the boundaries of a specific nation. An important aspect of the realization of cultural rights by citizens, which is guaranteed by the state, is free access to the assets of civilization and a specific social community for the purpose of developing the na tional idea. It was found that cultural rights are a complex of constitutional rights and freedoms that provide opportunities for free spiritual development of a person. Along with the opportunity to «use», citizens have the right and duty to «develop», «preserve», «multiply» the cultural achievements of their nation. Such a responsible approach will enable future generations to fully realize their cultural rights and will contribute to the establishment of the national identity of Ukr ainians. It was emphasized that all human rights guaranteed by the Constitution have the same value and significance within the legal status of a person. Today, the cultural assets of the nation, its spiritual values, the opportunity of every citizen for cultural and spiritual development, as well as the opportunity of future generations to realize all their rights are what our state is fighting for. If the state encourages citizens to develop and preserve cultural heritage, at the same time, providing a full opportunity to enjoy cultural rights, then society will automatically generate humanistic ideas and form valuable worldview beliefs of the individual. It is noted that a person who has the opportunity to properly implement state-guaranteed cultural rights will be able to form his own legal awareness, legal culture, and ideological beliefs based on general civilizational and national values. Attention is focused on the fact that according to the Constitution of Ukraine citizens are guaranteed the right to education, to the freedom of literary, artistic, scientific and technical creativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Freedom of religion and the right to refrain from actions incompatible with a person's religious or other beliefs: a general theoretical characterisation. The article explores the general theoretical aspects of freedom of religion and the right to refrain from actions incompatible with an individual's religious or other beliefs. It analyіes key international human rights documents that proclaim freedom of religion and the right to abstain from actions that conflict with religious or other pe rsonal convictions. The article emphasises that freedom of religion, as one of the most important human values, fosters the natural need for individuals to determine their faith and practice it (in an active or passive form). Freedom of religion is highlighted as a crucial factor in fostering a tolerant society, building a democratic legal state, and promoting mutual respect, trust, understanding, and equality among people of various religions and beliefs. The study concludes that freedom of religion can be understood as both a natural right (a God-given ability) and a legal right (an ability granted and guaranteed by the state). It asserts that an essential component of the natural right to freedom of religion is the ability to abstain from specific actions incompatible with one's religious or other beliefs, such as: military service due to religious or other convictions and its substitution with alternative service; consumption of certain foods; use of specific symbols or identification numbers; wearing or using particular clothing; working at specific times;nreceiving scientifically justified medical treatments, including vaccination; participating in religious, public, or state rituals (ceremonies); taking rel igious or other oaths, among others. The article notes that Ukrainian legislation reflects the right to substitute certain legal obligations incompatible with religious or other beliefs. This option is considered a component of freedom of religion as a subjective legal right. It is proposed to amend Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine (1996) to explicitly proclaim the right to substitute certain legal obligations incompatible with religious or other beliefs and specifying this right in the Law of Ukraine "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organisations" (1991) and other regulatory legal acts of Ukraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article analyzes the problems of legal regulation of alternative (non-military) service in Ukraine. The main objective of the article is to determine the procedure of serving alternative service in Ukraine, to outline the main gaps in laws on the regulation of non-military service, to identify the problems of interpretation of regulatory prescriptions by courts and to find ways of solving these problems. Based on the analysis of the provisions of the Constitution of Ukraine, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Law of Ukraine «On Alternative (Non-military) Service», the Law of Ukraine «On General Military Duty and Military Service» and other legal acts, case law of the European Court of Human Rights and national courts, the author makes proposals for improving the legal regulation of alternative (non-military) service in Ukraine. The author concludes that in order to fill the gaps in the legal regulation of alternative service, the following steps should be taken: a) to bring the provisions of the Law of Ukraine «On Alternative (Non-military) Service» in line with the provisions of the Law of Ukraine «On General Military Duty and Military Service» (it is required to replace the concept of «conscript military service» with «basic military service»); b) to clarify the possibility of a person missing the deadline for submitting an application for alternative service for valid reasons; c) to specify and clarify the meaning of the concept of «truth of religious beliefs». The author notes that there are practical difficulties associated with proving the truthfulness of religious beliefs by a person. In this regard, it seems advisable to transfer the legislative provisions from the subjective plane to a more objective one. This can be done by, among other things: replacing the condition of confirming the truth of beliefs with the requirement to confirm active participation in the activities of a religious community (this will allow assessing not the subjective attitude of a person to certain religious views, but his or her actual involvement in «religious life») / establishing specific criteria to be taken into account by authorized entities when assessing the truth of reli gious beliefs of a person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article analyzes the relationship between family and religious freedom in Uruguay, highlighting the constitutional protection of the family as the basis of society. It discusses the evolution of the definition of family and the influence of the Catholic religion on marriage legislation. It emphasizes the importance of harmonizing legislation with the evolution of the notion of family in Uruguayan society, including topics such as marriage equality and religious freedom in the educational sphere. [Extracted from the article] more...

The 2023 Israel-Gaza conflict has ignited an intense legal and ethical debate over the definition of antisemitism, leaving deep scars on communities and college campuses. This debate clashes over one major question: does sharp criticism of Israel amount to antisemitic speech? Through various legal instruments, U.S. law has accepted this premise. This Article argues against such stretching of the definition of antisemitism and develops a novel legal framework to challenge it. Existing scholarship has shown that antisemitism is often weaponized against Palestinians and their liberation struggle. Widening the scope of this critique, we theorize an additional layer of harm imposed upon American Jews. We argue that the broadening of the definition of antisemitism has resulted in a narrowing of Jewish identity and a delegitimization of anti-Zionist and non-Zionist Jewish communities. Constructing Jewish identity along rigid and fixed lines, the contemporary legal definition of antisemitism imposes upon Jews a straitjacket of Zionism. This Article begins by explaining the peculiar positionality of Jews within the U.S. liberal legal order, examining how Jewish communities have often articulated political commitments through religious vocabularies. As such, Jewish identity presents a challenge for American liberal ideas regarding religion. The redefinition of antisemitism to protect the state of Israel reflects a failed attempt to respond to this challenge. It favors one specific version of Jewish identity (Zionist) while suppressing others. The Article then moves on to track the evolution of the legal definition of antisemitism vis-à-vis the state of Israel, from post-WWII cases, to what we dub as the "IHRAera." The codification of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism has stigmatized anti-Zionists and other critics of Israel as antisemites. Following a detailed account of the harms to pro-Palestinian actors, we advance to the heart of our argument, arguing that IHRA-type rules discipline Jewish identity and diminish the richness of Jewish political traditions. To combat this harm, the Article develops two legal arguments. First, we argue that for many American Jews, criticizing Israel is a way to exercise their religious freedom. Further, we argue, the redefinition of antisemitism should be seen as a governmental interference in religion, deciding the content of Jewish identity, in violation of the Establishment Clause. Second, we argue that antidiscrimination laws should protect Jews who are targeted as Jews due to their political position. We recognize two types of discriminatory dynamics: (1) discrimination based on association and solidarity with Palestinians; and (2) discrimination based on stereotypes regarding how Jews ought to perform their identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article "Law, Religion, and Politics in the digital society" addresses topics such as education, Iran's cultural diplomacy through HispanTV, the new French law on republican principles, the adaptation of Buddhist rituals during the pandemic, the interpretation of Article 17 of the TFEU, the right to die accompanied, the taxation of religious entities in the digital era, hate speech in digital media, disability and digital technologies, and the ideological neutrality of the State in Law 4/2023. The diversity of approaches is the common thread of the work, which offers practical proposals for managing the presence of religions in today's society. [Extracted from the article] more...

The article "State cooperation with religion in Europe" analyzes the legal models that regulate the religious factor in European democratic societies, highlighting the importance of protecting the religious freedom of citizens. The author, Silvia Meseguer, delves into the issues faced by European Union countries when regulating the religious phenomenon, addressing topics such as education, religious assistance in public establishments, and civil recognition of marriages. The book offers a detailed and doctrinal analysis of how religious freedom is treated in Europe, emphasizing the practical relevance of these issues. [Extracted from the article] more...

The article "Liturgical abuses: nature, history, and remedies" analyzes liturgical abuses from a historical perspective and proposes solutions. The author, Massimo del Pozzo, is an expert in canon law and has published several works on the topic. The importance of addressing liturgical abuses from a formative and motivational perspective, rather than a disciplinary one, is highlighted. The monograph seeks to contribute to the knowledge and reflection on religious freedom from a particular perspective. [Extracted from the article] more...

The article "Law and religious factor in the European Union" by Santiago Cañamares Arrivas, published in the Ius Canonicum magazine, analyzes the relevance of European law in relation to the religious factor in the European Union. The importance of the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the European Union in cases related to religious freedom is highlighted. The author addresses topics such as religious freedom, animal sacrifice, labor relations in religiously oriented companies, the protection of personal data, the financing of confessions, and conscientious objection in cross-border health services. [Extracted from the article] more...

This study investigates the role of intangible factors in the migration decision‐making processes of citizens from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. While the existing literature often highlights economic factors as the primary drivers of migration, this research explores how religious identity and perception of democracy and freedoms—specifically, freedom of expression and electoral freedom—influence these decisions. Utilising data from the Arab Opinion Index from 2012 to 2020, the study covers nine MENA countries and considers variables, such as gender, education level, household economic status, age, residential area, religious affiliation, and views on social and political freedoms. The findings suggest that intangible factors, particularly religious identity and perceived lack of freedoms, significantly influence individuals' migration decisions, similar to economic factors. Individuals who identify as less religious, associate with a less religious social circle, and perceive that their freedoms are not protected are more likely to consider migrating. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of migration dynamics in the MENA region, providing policymakers with crucial insights to develop evidence‐based strategies addressing the complex drivers of migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This study uses Khawla Hamdi's novel In My Heart is a Hebrew Woman as a model for analysis. The novel has artistic value, particularly in its portrayal of religious dialogue and the argumentative techniques employed by the author, which promote peaceful coexistence and highlight significant challenges faced by Muslims in their relationships with others. The study aims to clarify the concept of religious dialogue and its elements, analyzing interreligious relationships through rational dialogue that fosters understanding. Additionally, the study examines the techniques used by the author to convey the narrative's thematic value within the structure of the text. A structural and pragmatic approach is employed to identify representations of religious dialogue, present the linguistic structure within the text, and showcase various methods of pragmatic argumentation. The study concludes that In My Heart is a Hebrew Woman serves as an important focal point for the circulation of verbal messages represented by the two poles of dialogue: the verbal sender and the verbal receiver. It found that the nature of religious dialogue varied depending on the characters in the text. The exploratory dialogue contributed to shaping the Jewish family's perspective toward the Muslim characters, "Rima" and "Nada." Furthermore, the textual determinants of the verbal message in the religious dialogue interacted with methods of rational protest, reinforcing the importance of coexistence between religions and advocating for a peaceful solution that upholds the freedom of religious thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article focuses on the legal and constitutional issues surrounding public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics include the impact of the Jacobson v. Massachusetts Supreme Court decision on state police power during health emergencies, the legal restrictions imposed by the pandemic, and the unprecedented challenges to daily life and individual freedoms in response to the health crisis. more...

The relations between religion and the state in the socialist-governed states of Eastern Europe in 1945–1989 are generally framed using the term "persecution of religion". On the other hand, significant differences existed in the region, from limited freedom of religion in Yugoslavia to a prohibition of religious practice in Albania. From the side of religion, these relations were significantly formed by the attitudes and activities of religious leaders. Which options were adopted by key religious actors in a political environment hostile to religion? What is to be learned about religion in authoritarian systems? This qualitative study draws on the case of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), governed in 1949–1989 by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany. We studied professional biographies of prominent religious dignitaries and a comprehensive volume of files from the Ministry for State Security of the GDR in order to conceptualize their attitudes and activities according to a two-dimensional classification (towards the state and towards society), which enabled an overview of the range of their options, and identified the types of religious dignitaries in authoritarian systems. This analysis revealed that a variety of attitudes and activities of religious leaders existed in the GDR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Religious freedom and the right to practice a religion by persons deprived of their liberty do not cause controversy in democratic states. The challenge, not easily met, is to exercise guaranteed religious rights in penitentiary facilities. This study aimed to compare legal regulations and the level of protection of religious freedom that they impose with the real possibility of the voluntary performance of religious practices. In other words, this study sought to answer the question of whether prisoners in Polish penitentiary facilities are free to practise the religion of their choice and are not forced to participate in religious practices against their will. This article presents the general results of a survey on religious practices carried out in the Polish penitentiary facilities that were examined. The data were supplemented by prisoners' comments about freedom to practice religion. This article includes the comments of both believers (assessing the availability of practices) and non-believers (assessing the compulsion to participate in the practices of the dominant religion). Opinions about practising a religion given by the penitentiary staff will serve as a specific counterpoint. The presented study results allowed the formulation of basic conclusions of a general nature, which can contribute to further discussions on religious freedom in post-criminal isolation units. The survey was carried out from March to October 2022 based on a prepared questionnaire. It was completed by 556 prisoners, including 34 females and 444 males (68 respondents did not indicate their gender). In total, prisoners incarcerated in 35 penitentiary facilities located throughout Poland were surveyed. Simultaneously, a survey was carried out among educators and teachers in all the above penitentiary facilities, who completed, in total, 164 questionnaires. An analysis of the replies to the questions and the free comments of all the respondents and their comparison with the current regulations make it possible to conclude that Poland—on a constitutional and statutory level—adequately safeguards prisoners' religious rights, but their practical application must be assessed as unsatisfactory. Prisoners do not always have the possibility to observe rites or manifest their religion. Problems are encountered by both followers of the strongly dominant religion in Poland (Roman Catholicism) and minority denominations. Despite the reported difficulties, Roman Catholics are indisputably in a much more favourable position. Freedom from religion is also not fully respected—prisoners involuntarily participate in certain practices and take part in the religious observance of church festivals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The socialist transformation of Chinese Buddhism began with socialist re-education aimed at ideologically converting the clergy into citizens of the PRC. This study focuses on the process that took place on Mount Jiuhua, a renowned Buddhist mountain. It investigates the formats, procedures, and impact of re-education on the clergy, primarily based on archival sources. It argues that local cadres used education to compel clerics to display loyalty to the CCP and the regime and endorse the policy on "freedom of religious belief." The cadres also conducted political investigations to assign political labels to clerics. The value of the clergy for united front work led the cadres to use persuasion and sometimes coercion, rather than violent methods, in education. The clerics' reactions varied depending on personal characteristics (e.g. age, religious qualifications, personal aspirations). This study sheds new light on the dynamics of grassroots state-religion power struggles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This paper argues for the need to discuss religious freedom in stable countries as a means to enhance religious literacy and engagement through mutual respect. This paper explores the confrontations that occurred between the church and the people in the colonial era, as well as the disputes between the church and the state in postcolonial Malawi, focusing specifically on the persecution faced by Jehovah's Witnesses. The study highlights the importance of implementing principles of covenantal pluralism to address the historical persecution of religious minority groups in Malawi, which has often been overlooked due to the country's stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This essay relates the history of the South African Charter of Religious Rights and Freedoms. It summarizes its content, highlights a few challenges facing the Charter, and comments on the future of the Charter as an expression by civil society of the content of the right to freedom of religion and belief. Inevitably, the Charter also speaks to its context, namely the diverse South African society within which it came into being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This essay examines the South African legal principle of "reasonable accommodation." It posits that this principle is a way to balance and harmonize the country's various enshrined constitutional rights when these rights appear to conflict with each other when simultaneously exercised by different persons in the public realm. The essay further argues that the principle of reasonable accommodation achieves the South African constitutional value of tolerance and satisfies the state's duty to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil all the constitutional rights. It concludes that reasonable accommodation allows persons to peacefully and constructively co-exist in the public realm, despite deep differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Copyright of Migration & Ethnic Themes: MET / Migracijske i Etničke Teme is the property of Institut za istrazivanje migracija / Institute for Migration Research (IMIN) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

The article discusses a lecture by Professor Noah Feldman on the constitutional revolution regarding religion in public schools. It delves into historical cases, such as the Cincinnati school board's decision in 1869 to remove Bible reading and prayer from public schools, and recent cases like Carson v. Makin and Kennedy v. Bremerton. These cases challenge the traditional separation of church and state, potentially leading to government funding for religious schools and the allowance of prayer in schools. The article also touches on the social, economic, and educational implications of these legal developments, highlighting the complex and evolving nature of the issue. [Extracted from the article] more...

In the interconnected world of the twenty-first century, dialogue between Islam and Christianity is an essential necessity, not a mere option. This paper examines the important role of interfaith dialogue by analyzing its historical evolution, contemporary challenges, and its transformative potential for fostering global peace and cooperation. Muslim-Christian relations have profoundly influenced socio-political dynamics throughout history. Today, the increasing complexities of globalization, political conflicts, and the rise of extremism highlight the pressing need for dialogue as a means to bridge divides, remove stereotypes, and build trust. Grounded in the principles of mutual respect and shared ethical commitments, interfaith dialogue enables collaborative efforts to address critical global issues such as poverty, climate change, and human rights. Drawing on the works of Leonard Swidler, this paper aims to show that interfaith dialogue is not merely a moral obligation but a pragmatic strategy for shaping a harmonious future. By embracing dialogue as a tool for understanding and action, Muslims and Christians can work together to address the challenges of the modern era and build a world founded on mutual respect, solidarity, and cooperation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The article "In the Shadow of Haiti: US Black Internationalism in the Dominican Republic, 1860-1904" examines African Americans' perspectives on the Dominican Republic in comparison to Haiti during the 19th century. It discusses how African Americans saw the Dominican Republic as a contrast to Haiti, emphasizing its importance to US Black internationalism during the Reconstruction era. The text also explores the role of Black US foreign service officers in Santo Domingo and their influence on US policies towards the Dominican Republic. It delves into the complexities of African Americans' views on the Dominican Republic, shaped by their perceptions of race relations and economic opportunities on the island. [Extracted from the article] more...

This study examines the global tension between freedom of expression and blasphemy laws. While social media fuels debates on secular values and religious sensitivities, restrictive laws in nearly 70 countries criminalize blasphemy and apostasy, with penalties including imprisonment and death. International efforts, led by the UN, call for abolishing such penalties for non-violent offenses, yet seven countries still enforce the death penalty for blasphemy. Europe has largely decriminalized blasphemy, with nations like Ireland and England repealing such laws, though some states retain penalties for offending religious sentiments. These laws often politicize faith, suppress dissent, and target minorities, violating human rights. The study concludes that abolishing blasphemy laws is vital to protecting freedom of expression and fostering global tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Seit der Jahrhundertwende betrifft die Forderung nach religiös-weltanschaulicher Neutralität des Staates immer mehr Akteure und Räume, was zu einer Verschiebung der Grenzen der Neutralität führt. Frankreich und Deutschland werden zwar häufig als zwei Länder gegenübergestellt, die jeweils durch eine "laizistische" Kultur und eine christliche Leitkultur gekennzeichnet sind. In jedem der beiden Länder ist aber eine deutliche Entwicklung der spezifischen Regulierungsweise religiöser und kultureller Pluralität zu beobachten. Der vorliegende Artikel analysiert aus einer vergleichenden Perspektive die Dynamiken, die seit etwa zwanzig Jahren zwei umgekehrte Ansätze zur Regulierung religiöser Pluralität geprägt haben. Ziel ist es, herauszufinden, welche Artikulation sich in dieser Hinsicht zwischen Kultur und Religion herausbildet. Depuis le tournant du XXIe siècle, l'exigence de neutralité confessionnelle de l'État concerne des acteurs et des espaces de plus en plus nombreux, conduisant ainsi à déplacer les frontières de la neutralité. Si on oppose souvent la France et l'Allemagne comme deux pays marqués respectivement par une culture laïque et une culture de référence chrétienne, on constate une évolution significative des modes spécifiques de régulation de la pluralité religieuse et culturelle dans chacun des deux pays. Le présent article analyse, dans une perspective comparative, les logiques qui ont façonné depuis une vingtaine d'années deux approches inversées en matière de régulation de la pluralité religieuse et vise à déterminer quelle articulation se dessine entre culture et religion de ce point de vue. Since the turn of the 21st century, the demand for denominational neutrality of the State concerns more and more actors and spaces, thus leading to shifting the boundaries of neutrality. Although France and Germany are often contrasted as two countries marked respectively by a secular culture and a culture of Christian reference (Leitkultur), there has been a significant evolution in the specific ways in which religious and cultural plurality is regulated in each of the two countries. This article analyzes, from a comparative perspective, the dynamics that have shaped two inverted approaches to the regulation of religious plurality over the past twenty years and aims at determining the emerging articulation between culture and religion in this respect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

Copyright of Journal of Islamic Architecture is the property of International Center for Islamic Architecture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) more...

Religious freedom is a fundamental right that is crucial for creating a harmonious and tolerant society, where individuals from diverse religious backgrounds can coexist peacefully. However, this right is often threatened in diverse societies, and religious minorities may face discrimination, persecution, and even violence based on their beliefs. To promote religious freedom, governments and individuals must work together to respect the beliefs of others, create policies that protect religious minorities, and engage in education and dialogue. By upholding this fundamental right, we can create a society where all individuals, regardless of their religious background, can coexist peacefully and contribute to the common good. In a globalized world, characterized by massive migrations and ever-increasing cultural diversity, the concept of an intercultural society has become central to the discourse on peaceful coexistence and social harmony. An intercultural society promotes interaction between diverse groups, based on mutual respect, social inclusion and the protection of fundamental freedoms, including religious freedom. This paper aims to explore these concepts in detail, analyzing the challenges and opportunities associated with them, as well as the legal and moral framework that supports them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...