The author argues that LGBTQ+ artists at Sydney’s Divine Playhouse have the same right as religious groups to create provocative and potentially offensive art. The venue, a queer-friendly arts pop-up in a former church, faces eviction threats after Christian protests over performances using religious imagery, while its social-media accounts have been removed following complaints. The article frames the dispute as a test of liberal democracy and pluralism, warning that allowing claims of religious offence to silence queer expression would deepen LGBTQ+ erasure. It concludes that religious communities may protest, but must also accept the reciprocal freedom of others to offend them.

The article describes a scientific conference held on July 10, 2026, by the World Bektashi Headquarters on the persecution and survival of the Bektashi order. Speakers reflected on the 1826 persecution under Sultan Mahmud II and the legacy of Dede Ahmet Myftari, emphasizing historical memory, spiritual resilience, and the Bektashi values of love, knowledge, service, and harmony across peoples and faiths.

Indonesia’s Ulema Council called on parliament to criminalize LGBT advocacy, arguing that sanctions are needed to protect public order and national morals. The proposal drew support from some officials and lawmakers, but civil society groups and a Catholic priest warned that it would violate human rights, freedom of expression, and protections for minorities.

Lithuanian humanists are challenging the privileged role of religion—especially Catholicism—in public life, arguing that freedom of belief must equally protect nonbelievers. As secular identities grow, demand has risen sharply for personalised humanist weddings, naming ceremonies and funerals, yet humanist celebrants still cannot legally register marriages and nonreligious families often struggle to access ceremonies without religious symbols. Supporters say these inequalities, alongside the Church’s prominent role in state events and schools’ limited accommodation of diverse worldviews, show that Lithuania’s institutions have not kept pace with social change and should provide equal recognition and services regardless of faith.

Interfaith Alliance condemns Supreme Court rulings that upheld state bans on transgender students participating in school sports. The organization says the decisions unfairly exclude trans youth and reaffirms its commitment to defending their dignity and equality.

This article says Kenyan Rastafarians are awaiting a High Court ruling that could legalize cannabis use for spiritual purposes. It explains that cannabis is central to Rastafarian worship, notes Kenya’s harsh penalties for possession, and describes how the community hopes the case will protect their religious freedom.

Interfaith Alliance has submitted a formal objection to the draft report of President Trump’s Religious Liberty Commission, arguing that it politicizes religion rather than protecting religious freedom. The organization says the report promotes a narrow form of faith, overlooks the harms of Christian nationalism, weakens church-state separation, and could undermine civil rights, healthcare access, safeguards for religious minorities, and campaign-finance restrictions. It is calling for the report to be withdrawn and says it has sued the commission over alleged violations of federal requirements for balanced advisory committees.

This piece introduces the UUA’s 2026–27 Common Read, Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies, a collection of essays edited by Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt. It presents the book as an invitation to explore what it means to center love in Unitarian Universalist faith and notes that the Association is expanding support materials beyond standard discussion guides.

This Dutch essay reflects on whether faith can be described as seasonal, asking if liberal religion is more suited to summer or winter. It argues that liberal faith is not carefree or sunny, but rather clouded and winter-like in its realism, while also suggesting that winter carries the promise of spring through warmth, mutual care, and shared hope within the church community.