The Naming of Religious Groups: A Human Rights Analysis

A logo of the Mount Sinai Health System, an example of “denominational trademarks” / Shutterstock

In this series, contributors discuss the naming of religious entities as a religious freedom issue. Focusing on Australia, Bulgaria, Estonia, Poland, Romania, Spain, and Ukraine, they analyze regulations implemented or considered in these states to restrict the autonomy of religious groups in choosing a name. From the perspective of human rights law, this autonomy, as an aspect of freedom of religion or belief, is not absolute. States are allowed to proportionally interfere in the naming of religious organizations to balance religious autonomy against the rights of others or other legitimate values, such as protection of intellectual property.

(more…)

Continue Reading The Naming of Religious Groups: A Human Rights Analysis

Pope Francis and His Legacy in Theology, Canon Law, Interreligious Dialogue, and Religious Leadership

Pope Francis greets believers in Vatican City / Shutterstock

The series brings together a group of Catholic thinkers to reflect on Pope Francis’s pontificate and legacy. The authors discuss the late Pope’s contribution to peacebuilding, human dignity, social justice, and environmentalism in addition to his reforms, often revolutionary, of Catholic theology, canon law, and the Church’s internal life. Pointing to peaks and valleys of the first Jesuit pope’s rule, they depict him as an extraordinary religious leader, tireless promoter of peace across the globe, and persistent defender of the vulnerable.

(more…)

Continue Reading Pope Francis and His Legacy in Theology, Canon Law, Interreligious Dialogue, and Religious Leadership

Oceanian Perspectives on Human Dignity

From 23 to 25 April 2024, the ICLRS, along with BYU–Hawaii and the BYU–Hawaii Religious Freedom and Human Dignity Initiative, cosponsored the second annual conference dedicated to Asia-Pacific perspectives on human dignity. Held at BYU–Hawaii in Laie, Oahu, Hawaii, the 2024 conference, “Oceanian Perspectives on Human Dignity,” featured insights on human dignity from scholars, students, government leaders, religious leaders, and civil society actors from various Oceanian countries. One purpose of the conference was to inform government leaders, policymakers, civil society leaders, and other decision-makers, as they seek to find new and better ways to address the unique challenges of Pacific communities.

(more…)

Continue Reading Oceanian Perspectives on Human Dignity