U.S under U.N. scrutiny for Religious Rights

The U.S. will be the brunt of scrutiny by the United Nations Human Rights Council during the "Universal Periodic Review," coming under accusations of human rights violations such as:

• violent, barbaric police officers
• holding political prisoners behind bars
• 30% of the population not having adequate income for basic needs
• discrimination against Muslim people

The speakers against the U.S. even come from inside the U.S, and they say that America has stimulated a profiling issue of Middle Eastern people based on terrorism and religious beliefs. These people will be able to speak out against the U.S. and say "what really goes on" here and how it should be changed.

I was surprised to read this article. I never would have guessed that the U.S. would be brought before the U.N. for human rights violations-- especially when this is a "free" country, one that I think has done a pretty good job in comparison to others around the world. I don't think the U.N. should be able to be told people's opinions about American's attitudes toward other people (Muslims, Middle Eastern people) if there aren't bad things happening because of those attitudes.

Terrorists Target France and Burqa Ban

Here is a link to an interesting article and video. Anything that has bin Laden targeting anything is something that I would read. This article explains how, apparently, bin Laden reached out to France last Wednesday, threatening and justifying an attack on the country because of the burqa ban it implemented. The audio, which was verified as bin Laden speaking, is the first of its kind to target France individually.

This is just one example of how the burqa ban decision has impacted people all over the world. If bin Laden is listening, there has to be a lot more people with negative opinions on this matter as well.

In France, burqa ban leads to terrorist threats

Recent legislation in France has banned the burqa, a garment that covers the entire body and is worn by some Islamic women. This law has been very controversial from the beginning but the issue seems to have gotten worse. France has been very firm about keeping the ban a law, but this law may soon threaten the safety of the entire nation. Lately, al-Queda leader Osama bin Laden threatened in a video to kill French citizens for revenge on France’s law.

Penn State Religion in the Media Talk

As I was checking my email just now, I saw a link to a flyer promoting a panel called "What does the media say about religion?" It's sponsored by the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs at Penn State. There will be a panel to offer their knowledge and a discussion afterward about how attendees think media shape's the public's view of religion.

Too bad its happening right now! I can't make it. But I was pleased to see the email come through my Communications listserv emails. The link showed a colorful flyer that had newspaper headlines of religious issues, such as the Washington Post headline: "Under God - religion, government and politics in the news."

It's good to see a Penn State organization offer discussion about media and religion. I hope they have a good turnout and insightful discussion. Maybe they'll ask the question-- Do you think you can worship aloud, Penn State?

Church and State Collide in French Schools

I stumbled upon this article on nytimes.com and was surprised by what I read. As we've been learning, France has controversial and strict rules against Islamic headscarves and veils. The country has been ridiculed by many people for its strict religious laws. Yet, in this article, we see a diverse French school-- full of Muslims, Catholics and other religions-- joined and worshipping together in a new, state-appointed school. It's an interesting mix of church and state, which in France, let alone in any country anymore, surprised me. The fact that they have a new, state-funded Catholic school with state appointed teachers isn't something we see often. Just sayin'.

The Tony Blair Foundation

Michelle shared The Tony Blair Faith Foundation's website with us, and I've been exploring it today. The goal of this foundation is to "promote respect and understanding about the world's major religions and show how faith is a powerful force for good in the modern world." The site emphasizes that different faiths can make a difference by joining together and fighting issues like illness and poverty around the world.

I like that the site is committed to teaching others about understanding different religions. If people understood why different religions work the way they do, then there may be less of a fear or intimidation factor among individuals when encountering someone of a different religion for the first time. In this way, communication is a top priority for the foundation. To build on the importance of communicating about religions, the foundation is trying to implement a Faith and Globalization course into universities and institutions around the world. Maybe one day it will make it to Penn State-- check it out!