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Editor's note:
Tensions between India’s Hindu majority and its Muslim minority have worsened during the years that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist party have held power. The consequences can be grim for some couples who fall in love across religious lines, as recounted in a story produced by AP journalists in India with editorial help from AP’s Global Religion Team. The lead reporter, Sheikh Saaliq, detailed a romance between a Muslim man, Arbaz Mullah, and a Hindu woman. It so angered the woman’s family that — according to police — they hired members of a hard-line Hindu group to murder him. Sheikh interviewed a leader of the group implicated in the killing, as well as police officials, some of Mullah’s friends, and his grieving mother. “Is this what you get for loving someone?” she asked.
Religion News
Religious abortion rights supporters fight for access
Catholic bishops and evangelical pastors are prominent leaders in the anti-abortion movement, but not all believers think abortion should be illegal. Religious supporters of abortion rights say they are fighting for access because of their faith — not in spite of it. By Holly Meyer/The Associated Press
The Unite the Right rally changed her life. She now wants to defeat white nationalism.
Since that searing summer day four years ago, Rabbi Rachel Schmelkin has devoted herself to better understanding what happened and working to make sure it never happens again. By Yonat Shimron/Religion News Service
Israel’s president has visited one of the most contentious spots in the occupied West Bank to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. Sunday's visit by Isaac Herzog to the West Bank city of Hebron sparked scuffles between Israeli security forces and protesters. By Moshe Edri/The Associated Press
Reviving Ojibwe spiritual traditions, one pet at a time
Several members of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe in northern Minnesota are working to address animal neglect on their tribal lands — and in doing so bringing their community closer to its spiritual roots. By Giovanna Dell'Orto/The Associated Press
Indigenous video game streamers advocate for representation and education
On video game streaming platforms, Indigenous gamers are sharing their unique cultures and spirituality with the intent to educate and empower other content creators. By Jessica Mundie/Religion News Service
Commentary and Analysis
The Jewish festival of Hanukkah, which in 2021 began on Nov. 28, focuses on the story of the Maccabees. But women are also heroes in stories about that era, including Judith and Hannah. By Alan Avery-Peck for The Conversation
Carson v. Makin, a case from Maine about aid to students attending religious schools, goes to the Supreme Court on Dec. 8, 2021. By Charles J. Russo for The Conversation
Hanukkah, the story of a second-century BCE insurrection, can shed light on our view of Jan. 6. By Brad Hirschfield/Religion News Service
Who's in? Who's out? The ethics of COVID-19 travel rules
Should countries require COVID-19 vaccination for entry while vaccines remain globally scarce? By Nancy S. Jecker and Caesar Atuire for The Conversation
Rabbi Segal Shmoel, from left, and Rabbi Yehuda Teichtal inspect a giant Hanukkah Menorah, set up by the Jewish Chabad Educational Center, ahead of the Jewish Hanukkah holiday, at the Pariser Platz in Berlin, Germany, Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
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- This Week in Religion is a publication of the Global Religion Journalism Initiative, a collaboration among the Religion News Service, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
- The three news organizations work to improve general understanding and analyze the significance of developments in the world of faith.
