Religion and Activism…in Wisconsin
by Shubha Bala, associate producer
Religious leaders have been joining the march against the Wisconsin government. Catholic, Episcopalian, ELCA, and Jewish voices were amongst those who have reached out to their congregations, and the governor, publicly stating their support for the workers. In her opinion piece for Religion Dispatches, Kim Bobo, the founder and executive director of Interfaith Worker Justice, writes about these phenomena:
“Not all religious leaders are strong supporters of unions, but none believe workers rights should be decimated. This is what religion looks like.”
Visions of Islam in Egypt: From the Muslim Brotherhood to Shariah Law (video)
by Trent Gilliss, senior editor
Haroon Moghul’s recent articles in Religion Dispatches, particularly “4 Reasons Why Egypt’s Revolution is Not Islamic,” have been one of many perspectives that I’ve found of great help in trying to make sense of events happening in Egypt during this past week.
And, much to my delight, today he spends nearly an hour discussing the Muslim Brotherhood — its history, its potential role in Egypt, and how it exists in the United States — and a pretty good primer on shariah law — from its historical context to how it exists and functions within contemporary, democratic societies. I’d love to know what you found interesting or points that confuse your understanding of these ideas.
"Obama's Religion Ambassador: Inexperienced?"
Trent Gilliss, senior editor
In today’s Religion Dispatches, Anthea Butler, a former guest on this program, writes a vigorous critique of President Obama’s choice for Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom:
“Dr. Sujay’s [Rev. Dr. Suzan D. Johnson Cook] resumé, with no discernible international policy experience, her close ties to the Clinton administration, and several ill-defined business ventures, suggest that President Obama cares little about supporting religious freedom around the world. … Yet her friend, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, lauded her as ‘an experienced religious leader with a passion for human rights and an impressive record of public service.’ Coming from the Secretary of State, that is high praise indeed. Yet praise is not enough to turn a motivational preacher into a cogent, respected ambassador for religious freedom.”
