Holy Relics

The Canadian government is preparing to deport a West African man to face the wrath of his family, fundamentalist Muslims who have allegedly threatened to kill him for converting to Christianity. read more…

When Republican John McCain talks about going after Democratic votes, his calculus includes a key group: Jewish voters. read more…

The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that polygamist sect children at the heart of an ongoing controversy in that state should be returned to parents. The more than 400 children were taken from the Yearning For Zion Ranch weeks ago amid charges of underage sex at the ranch. A lower court says welfare officials were wrong to take the children from their parents.

The Texas Supreme Court has ruled that polygamist sect children at the heart of an ongoing controversy in that state should be returned to parents. The more than 400 children were taken from the Yearning For Zion Ranch weeks ago amid charges of underage sex at the ranch. A lower court says welfare officials were wrong to take the children from their parents.

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The Texas state Supreme Court ruled that child protective services exceeded its authority when it seized more than 400 children from a ranch in Eldorado. On Monday, parents belonging to the polygamous sect began picking up their children from foster homes scattered across the state.

The Texas state Supreme Court ruled that child protective services exceeded its authority when it seized more than 400 children from a ranch in Eldorado. On Monday, parents belonging to the polygamous sect began picking up their children from foster homes scattered across the state.

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Opponents of teaching evolution, in a natural selection of sorts, have gradually shed those strategies that have not survived the courts. read more…

A judge Monday ordered the immediate return of the more than 400 children taken from a polygamist group’s ranch. The Houston Chronicle’s Terri Langford reports on the conditions of the return and the reaction in Texas.

A judge Monday ordered the immediate return of the more than 400 children taken from a polygamist group’s ranch. The Houston Chronicle’s Terri Langford reports on the conditions of the return and the reaction in Texas.

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Gay and lesbians couples around California are planning their nuptials following a refusal by the state’s highest court to stay its decision legalizing gay marriage. read more…

The Karmapa, one of the most important leaders in Tibetan Buddhism, is visiting the United States. Some think the young lama will succeed the Dalai Lama as the next spokesman for Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet. Robert Thurman, professor of Buddhist studies at Columbia University, talks about the 22-year-old Karmapa.

The Karmapa, one of the most important leaders in Tibetan Buddhism, is visiting the United States. Some think the young lama will succeed the Dalai Lama as the next spokesman for Tibetan Buddhism and Tibet. Robert Thurman, professor of Buddhist studies at Columbia University, talks about the 22-year-old Karmapa.

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Much attention has been paid to China?s human rights violations, including its suppression of religious freedom, ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August. read more…

One Anglican cleric thinks churches can do more to help the Earth, and he’s trying to convince ministries around the world to start preaching a change in the way people live.

One Anglican cleric thinks churches can do more to help the Earth, and he’s trying to convince ministries around the world to start preaching a change in the way people live.

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At the east end of the giant Wal-Mart parking lot in this northern Indiana town of about 32,000, there’s a metal-roofed building accommodating as many as 20 horse-drawn buggies. read more…

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

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The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

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More than 400 children remain in the care of the state after reports of child sexual abuse prompted a raid on a Texas polygamist compound. Authorities maintain that they are protecting the kids, but families argue there was no evidence of abuse. Guests and callers weigh in on what’s best for the children.

More than 400 children remain in the care of the state after reports of child sexual abuse prompted a raid on a Texas polygamist compound. Authorities maintain that they are protecting the kids, but families argue there was no evidence of abuse. Guests and callers weigh in on what’s best for the children.

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Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

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The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

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Tags: Hindu, religious artifacts, religious products, christianity

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The cash-strapped Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., wants to turn seven of its inner-city schools into public charter schools. The only problem is the schools would have to relinquish their religious identity.

The cash-strapped Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., wants to turn seven of its inner-city schools into public charter schools. The only problem is the schools would have to relinquish their religious identity.

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Pope John Paul II beatified more saints than all other popes combined. Now the Vatican will make the road to sainthood more difficult. Father James Martin, acting publisher of the Jesuit magazine America, talks with Madeleine Brand about the increased restrictions on beatification.

Pope John Paul II beatified more saints than all other popes combined. Now the Vatican will make the road to sainthood more difficult. Father James Martin, acting publisher of the Jesuit magazine America, talks with Madeleine Brand about the increased restrictions on beatification.

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If American religion is a spiritual shopping center, denominations that once dominated the market are in danger of being boarded up. read more…

Ben Wattenberg and Richard Scammon introduced us to the Dayton housewife in their famous 1970 book, “The Real Majority.” read more…

A prayer movement has broken out in a handful of churches along Interstate 35, which stretches from Texas to Minnesota. Participants say that if people pray hard enough, God will touch communities along the highway. The movement is based on a reference to a “highway of holiness” in Isaiah 35:8.

A prayer movement has broken out in a handful of churches along Interstate 35, which stretches from Texas to Minnesota. Participants say that if people pray hard enough, God will touch communities along the highway. The movement is based on a reference to a “highway of holiness” in Isaiah 35:8.

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Faith charities encouraging or promoting violence or hatred risk losing their charitable status as part of a radical overhaul proposed by the Charity Commission. read more…

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Tax Troubles for Atlanta Civil Rights Group?
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is facing a bit of difficulty. The Internal Revenue Service says it has not received financial reports from the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization for several years.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is facing a bit of difficulty. The Internal Revenue Service says it has not received financial reports from the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization for several years.

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Source: www.npr.org

As Abortion Rate Drops, Use of RU-486 Is on Rise
Thirty-five years after the Supreme Court’s landmark Roe v. Wade decision, a pill that has largely faded from the rancorous public debate over abortion has slowly and quietly begun to transform the experience of ending a pregnancy in the United States.
Source: pewforum.org

As Abortion Rates Fall, Opposition Keeps Up
WASHINGTON — The anti-abortion pilgrims came from far and wide Tuesday (Jan. 22), by bus and by plane, bundled up in the cold and drizzle to support their cause.
Source: pewforum.org

Church Announces Different Kind of ‘Comeback’
Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain weren’t the only ones “resurrected” in the past week, notes commentator Peter Manseau. The Roman Catholic Church announced that it will exhume the body of Padre Pio, an Italian priest made a saint in 2002.

Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain weren’t the only ones “resurrected” in the past week, notes commentator Peter Manseau. The Roman Catholic Church announced that it will exhume the body of Padre Pio, an Italian priest made a saint in 2002.

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Source: www.npr.org

Carter at Center of Baptist Gathering
Thousands critical of huge conservative wing of church come to Atlanta to show unity.
Source: pewforum.org

Supreme Court Rules Against Muslim Inmate
An inmate claiming widespread harassment of Muslims in U.S. prisons cannot sue prison guards who he says took his Qurans and prayer rug, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday (Jan. 22).
Source: pewforum.org

Planned Parenthood to Push Candidacies
For the first time, abortion-rights advocate Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. is launching a major effort to elect pro-abortion-rights candidates to Congress and the White House in November.
Source: pewforum.org

Comedic Trio Takes Tour to Middle East
Three American comedians of Mideast decent, called the “Axis of Evil,” bring their comedy show to cities like Dubai, Kuwait, Cairo and Amman. The show is so popular that producers are adding extra dates to the tour.

Three American comedians of Mideast decent, called the “Axis of Evil,” bring their comedy show to cities like Dubai, Kuwait, Cairo and Amman. The show is so popular that producers are adding extra dates to the tour.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: religious products, Hindu, metaphysics, religious artifacts

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Monk’s Words Stir the Spirit of Myanmar’s Resistance
Cloaked in allegory and drawing on history, his lectures give Buddhists hope after a bloody crackdown by generals.
Source: pewforum.org

Tax Troubles for Atlanta Civil Rights Group?
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is facing a bit of difficulty. The Internal Revenue Service says it has not received financial reports from the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization for several years.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is facing a bit of difficulty. The Internal Revenue Service says it has not received financial reports from the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization for several years.

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Source: www.npr.org

Church Announces Different Kind of ‘Comeback’
Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain weren’t the only ones “resurrected” in the past week, notes commentator Peter Manseau. The Roman Catholic Church announced that it will exhume the body of Padre Pio, an Italian priest made a saint in 2002.

Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain weren’t the only ones “resurrected” in the past week, notes commentator Peter Manseau. The Roman Catholic Church announced that it will exhume the body of Padre Pio, an Italian priest made a saint in 2002.

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Source: www.npr.org

Bishop Locked Out of Churches Over Turkish Priest
Move will stir up religious tensions, Christians say.
Source: pewforum.org

Ginsburg Is Latest Justice to Reflect on Faith
It is a story told in many versions, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg says near the beginning of the new PBS series “The Jewish Americans,” “but mine is: What is the difference between a bookkeeper in New York’s garment district and a U.S. Supreme Court justice? One generation.”
Source: pewforum.org

Syria’s Grand Mufti Says Outcry over Cartoons of Prophet Muhammad Provoked by Media
Syria’s grand mufti, the country’s top Sunni Muslim religious authority, accused the media Tuesday of unleashing a conflict over Danish cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad two years ago, saying the drawings received undue attention.
Source: pewforum.org

Where Ganges Ends, Island Teems With Pilgrims
In the final installment of his six-part series, independent producer Julian Crandall Hollick visits Sagar Island, where the Ganges River ends. He finds thousands of pilgrims bathing in the river and celebrating a mythical Hindu story.

In the final installment of his six-part series, independent producer Julian Crandall Hollick visits Sagar Island, where the Ganges River ends. He finds thousands of pilgrims bathing in the river and celebrating a mythical Hindu story.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: hebrew, religious artifacts, Buddist, wiccan

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Scientists Call Evolution and Faith Compatible, but Separate
A top panel of U.S. scientists has published a new book asserting that belief in the theory of evolution and religious faith “can be fully compatible,” and that creationism has no place in science classes.
Source: pewforum.org

Justices Chilly to Bid to Alter Death Penalty
With conservative justices questioning their motives and liberal justices questioning their evidence, opponents of the American manner of capital punishment made little headway Monday in their effort to persuade the Supreme Court that the Constitution requires states to change the way they carry out executions by lethal injection.
Source: pewforum.org

Citing Persecution, Spanish Abortion Clinics Go on Strike
Private clinics in Spain, which perform most of the country?s abortions, began a five-day strike on Tuesday to protest what they said was persecution by anti-abortion campaigners and government inspectors, who have swept clinics in recent weeks to crack down on illegal terminations.
Source: pewforum.org

Where Ganges Ends, Island Teems With Pilgrims
In the final installment of his six-part series, independent producer Julian Crandall Hollick visits Sagar Island, where the Ganges River ends. He finds thousands of pilgrims bathing in the river and celebrating a mythical Hindu story.

In the final installment of his six-part series, independent producer Julian Crandall Hollick visits Sagar Island, where the Ganges River ends. He finds thousands of pilgrims bathing in the river and celebrating a mythical Hindu story.

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Source: www.npr.org

Report Says German Muslims Must Be Better Integrated
Muslims in Germany could become a potential recruitment pool for Islamic terrorists if they are not better integrated into society, according to a recent report by the country’s Ministry of the Interior.
Source: pewforum.org

Insurer Judges a Church’s Stance as Too Risky
A small Protestant church in Adrian, Mich., has weathered controversies surrounding abolition, the Civil War, desegregation and Vietnam since it was established in 1836. Now, because its denomination supports gay rights, the church has been deemed too risky for property insurance.
Source: pewforum.org

‘Jerusalem Syndrome’ Affects Visitors to Holy Land
Sometimes the sights and sounds of Jerusalem can overwhelm believers and trigger psychotic episodes. Israeli psychiatrist Pesach Lichtenberg says that he has seen visitors and residents overcome with the belief they have a messianic mission.

Sometimes the sights and sounds of Jerusalem can overwhelm believers and trigger psychotic episodes. Israeli psychiatrist Pesach Lichtenberg says that he has seen visitors and residents overcome with the belief they have a messianic mission.

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Source: www.npr.org

Christian Pilgrims Converge on Bethlehem
Christian pilgrims from around the world converge on Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s the first such large-scale gathering in the West Bank town since fighting erupted in 2000.

Christian pilgrims from around the world converge on Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s the first such large-scale gathering in the West Bank town since fighting erupted in 2000.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: religious products, religious artifacts, Buddist, holy relics

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Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the U.S. In the past two years, there’s been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.

Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the U.S. In the past two years, there’s been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.

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A wealthy evangelical Christian, John Arthur Eaves Jr., is running a campaign for governor that is rife with what Jesus might do. read more…

Over an old-fashioned Sunday potluck of baked ham and homemade fruit pies, members of Grace Presbyterian Church, a conservative evangelical congregation of about 100 families here, engaged in an old-fashioned debate about their options in the 2008 race for the White House. read more…

Despite her genuine Methodist upbringing and honest-to-God faith credentials, the skepticism toward her among believers is deep and enduring. Her best hope among values voters: That they stay home on Election Day. read more…

Conservative Christians from around the country will be meeting in Washington tomorrow for the Family Research Council’s second annual Values Voter Summit. All the major Republican presidential candidates will be attending.

Conservative Christians from around the country will be meeting in Washington tomorrow for the Family Research Council’s second annual Values Voter Summit. All the major Republican presidential candidates will be attending.

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Chile’s Catholic Church was seen as a light during the dark days of Augusto Pinochet’s regime, as it battled repression. Now, the first indictment of a priest in connection with human rights abuses has reopened old wounds.

Chile’s Catholic Church was seen as a light during the dark days of Augusto Pinochet’s regime, as it battled repression. Now, the first indictment of a priest in connection with human rights abuses has reopened old wounds.

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Tags: metaphysics, Buddist, Hindu, christianity

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Fewer See Balance in Court’s Decisions
About half of the public thinks the Supreme Court is generally balanced in its decisions, but a growing number of Americans say the court has become “too conservative” in the two years since President Bush began nominating justices, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll.
Source: pewforum.org

Amnesty, Catholic Church Go to War over Abortion
Amnesty has dropped its neutral stance on abortion because it sees rape as a tool of war that results in unwanted pregnancies. Now a leading cardinal has called on Catholics to withdraw their longstanding support from the rights’ group.
Source: pewforum.org

A Safety Hazard or Special Treatment?
Students at a Michigan university have been washing their feet in bathroom sinks before prayers. Critics see preferential treatment.
Source: pewforum.org

China Detains Three Underground Priests, Group Says
China detained three “underground” Catholic priests unwilling to serve a state-controlled body, a U.S. group has reported, as Beijing and the Vatican press their claims on religious controls.
Source: pewforum.org

Future of Stem Cell Tests May Hang on Defining Embryo Harm
With the active encouragement of the Bush administration, U.S. scientists in the past year have developed several methods for creating embryonic stem cells without having to destroy human embryos. But some who now wish to test their alternatively derived cells have found themselves stymied by an unexpected barrier: President Bush’s stem cell policy.
Source: pewforum.org

Religion Looms Large Over 2008 Race
When George Romney ran for the 1968 Republican presidential nomination, his Mormon heritage was mostly a footnote. It was scarcely mentioned in news accounts of the day. But for son Mitt Romney, the family religion presents a formidable political hurdle.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: religious artifacts, hebrew, Buddist, religious products

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Some public schools and universities are granting Muslim requests for prayer times, prayer rooms and ritual foot baths, prompting a debate on whether Islam is being given preferential treatment over other religions. read more…

Despite an outcry from Roman Catholic and conservative leaders worldwide, Amnesty International seems likely to affirm a new policy supporting greater access to abortion when its top decision-making body meets next month. read more…

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

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As lawmakers and candidates appeal to religious voters, their language and policy goals on the issue have a ring of conservatism. read more…

America’s so-called “religious right” has been one of the pillars of Republican Party support in recent decades, but signs are emerging that those once secure foundations might be shifting. read more…

Bolstered by polls showing that a growing number of young evangelicals are turning away from the Republican Party, Democrats are on a campaign to reach them where they’re at — in school. read more…

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

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The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

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Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

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Some Pakistani girls from poor rural families are directing their passion against the government of the president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf. read more…

President Hugo Chavez called a cardinal from Honduras an “imperialist clown” after the Roman Catholic prelate warned of increasing authoritarianism under the Venezuelan leader. read more…

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

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The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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Tags: Islam, wiccan, religious artifacts, Buddist

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