News Roundup: When is prayer OK?

Prayer – many find it helpful when they are troubled or ill, but for others it can be uncomfortable or even offensive. A few stories this week gave us some insight into how prayer fares in different public settings.

Friday News Roundup: Believe it – 70% of world not allowed to believe

The overwhelming majority of stories we find when researching religious diversity news involve some type of religious intolerance. Well, a shocking new statistic came out this week that explains why: 70% of the world’s population lives without religious freedom.

Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship accepting applications!

We’re happy to share that the Ariane de Rothschild Fellowship, which fosters dialogue among Jewish and Muslim communities by building an international network of social entrepreneurs, is accepting applicants for 2010!

From July 4-16, 2010, thirty social entrepreneurs from mainly Jewish and Muslim communities will be invited to come to Columbia Business School in New York City for scholarship and practical training, joining the inaugural AdR class of 2009. The program blends three educational components: action-driven social entrepreneurship program, exposure to state-of-the-art scholarship and cross-cultural dialogue.

Applications are due on January 22, 2010. For more information, download the press release.

And please pass the word along to anyone who might be interested!

Nominations in! On to research…

Over the past two months people from around the globe have shared with us the stories of their colleagues, friends and neighbors who are changing the world. We have received 20 nominations for the next Peacemaker in Action and Women’s Peace Initiative award winners!

Friday News Roundup: Schools Struggle with December Holidays

December is never any easy time for public schools. Hannukah. Kwanza. Christmas. Not to mention all the other faiths that don’t celebrate holidays this time of year, or the Jehovah’s Witnesses who don’t celebrate period. What to do? Schools in Connecticut, Oregon and California made headlines this week grappling with the “December Dilemma.”

Friday News Roundup: Switzerland’s Misstep

After a debate that’s lasted several months, Swiss voters approved a ban on minarets on Sunday in a decision that shocked Muslims and non-Muslims around the globe.

57% of voters in the majority of Switzerland’s 27 cantons voted for the referendum, which was introduced by the nationalist Swiss People’s Party (SVP) after residents opposed the construction of a minaret in Langenthal, north of Berne.

Merry Happy Everything!

It’s that time of year – when multiple joyous religious holidays collide, and when people with good intentions can find themselves in the middle of potentially toxic misunderstandings and intolerance. This phenomenon, known as the “December Dilemma”, occurs across the United States gaining all kinds of media attention as December wears on. Last week, Chicago Sun-Times Religion columnist Cathleen Falsani commented on Gap’s new Holiday ads, the Washington Post reported on the American Humanist Association marketing strategy for the 2009 holiday season and The Detroit News covered electronics giant Best Buy’s acknowledgment of a Muslim holiday.

News Roundup: War on Christmas?

A couple of big name retailers made an attempt at religiously-inclusive advertisements, only to be accused of partaking in the “War on Christmas.”

Friday News Roundup: Making peace and headlines too

This week, one of New York’s favorite electronics stores has been hit with discrimination lawsuit, a Muslim mayor is elected in a blue collar town and the Washington Post explores the heated topic of faith healing.

New Prize Recognizes Tanenbaum Peacemakers

The Fondation Chirac’s first Conflict Prevention Prize was awarded on November 6^th to Imam Muhammad Ashafa and to Pastor James Wuye for their efforts in Nigeria. Just up today: you can watch videos, see pictures and download their speeches! Click here.