The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that Scheduled Caste (SC) status is lost upon conversion to Christianity or Islam, as the Constitution (Scheduled Caste) Order, 1950, only recognizes Hindus, Sikhs, and Buddhists for this status. The court clarified that individuals who convert cannot claim protection under the SC/ST Act, even if they were born into an SC community, as seen in a case involving a pastor whose legal challenge was dismissed.

The New York City Council passed a bill to create protective buffer zones around houses of worship in response to a rise in disruptive protests near synagogues. The legislation empowers the police to prevent intimidation and physical obstruction, though critics argue it may infringe upon First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly.

Recent judicial rulings in Europe are enabling member states to require pre-stunning for ritual slaughter in the interest of animal welfare, potentially impacting the production of halal and kosher meat. This has led to a varied regulatory landscape across the continent, with some countries maintaining religious exemptions while others implement stricter welfare mandates.

A 2026 analysis of religious freedom infrastructure in Europe reveals a lack of a unified network of envoys across the continent. While high-profile appointments have been made at the EU and Council of Europe levels, most national governments continue to manage religious community relations through existing domestic ministries and administrative bodies.

The Allahabad High Court ruled that claiming any faith is the only true religion constitutes a disparagement of other faiths and is a criminal offense under Section 295A of the IPC in a secular state.

This article profiles the 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen and her relevance to modern liberal thinkers. Researcher Kitty Bouwman discusses Hildegard’s visions, her defiance of medieval gender roles by preaching in public, and her ‘eco-centric’ spirituality. Her theology, which views all creatures as interconnected with divine love, is highlighted as particularly relevant for addressing the current climate crisis.

Seventy faith leaders in Tennessee are opposing legislation that would require the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools, arguing that it infringes on religious freedom and undermines the role of families and religious communities in faith-based education.

This article discusses the historical perspective of James Madison on religious freedom and its implications for modern American governance. It explores Madison’s role in the drafting of the First Amendment and his belief that religious freedom is best secured by respecting diversity and preventing the rise of religious factions in political power.

The Norwegian Centre for Human Rights will host a hybrid book launch on March 10, 2026, for the publication ‘Faith in United Nations Human Rights Treaties’. The book provides legal and religious commentaries on international human rights instruments, featuring contributions from international experts, religious leaders, and UN special rapporteurs to explore the intersection of faith and international law.