The other side of Ramadan
Multicultural celebrations of the Muslim holy month may serve to salve the conscience of the liberal media but they exclude the voices of those who feel coerced to conform, says…
Human Rights & Ethics
Is the Vatican cleaning up its act or managing its image?
Just days before the Catholic authorities have to account for themselves to the UN Pope Francis approves new penalties for child sex abuse. Coincidence? Anna Vesterinen has her doubts
The global fight for choice
From Ireland to Chile, the latest headlines on abortion rights highlight the challenges faced by women seeking the right to safe terminations
No bright side of life on Good Friday
A German secular group is sued for breaking the ban on showing the Life of Brian on Good Friday. Anna Vesterinen reports.
Life on fire: images from the Jharia coalfields
The people of Jharia struggle to live on top of a toxic open cast mine that is permanently ablaze. Words & Images Isabell Zipfel
My Apostasy Story: Matthew Duff
For many years, Matthew Duff was a happy and faithful member of the Mormon Church. But his love of debate and ideas led him down a path to doubt and…
Our fear-ridden culture
Free speech, libel, self-censorship, religious sensitivities – it’s a minefield. Sikh journalist Hardeep Singh, who’s been on both sides of the divide, tries to find a path through
My Apostasy Story: Zafar Choudhary
As part of our series of stories from those who have left religion, Zafar Choudhary describes how he found leaving religion fairly easy but it was less easy to leave…
How will history view the same-sex marriage debate?
Gay rights has been one of the most hotly-debated issues of our age. But with the tide turning against opponents, how will they be remembered thirty years from now?
A bad week for the US religious right
With the Supreme Court ruling in favour of same-sex marriage, and a heroic filibustering effort in Texas, liberals have scored key victories in the culture wars