Controversial Dutch faith healer Tom de Wal was arrested in Tilburg for preaching without the necessary permit after his original venue in Eindhoven canceled his services. De Wal, the founder of the Frontrunners foundation, has been a subject of concern for years due to his claims of healing terminal illnesses and alleged attempts to ‘cure’ homosexuality. While his organization claims to work alongside medical professionals, critics argue his practices create manipulative personality cults that can endanger vulnerable followers.

The article discusses the cancellation of an art exhibition by George Gavriel in Cyprus due to political pressure and threats, analyzing it through the lens of Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The author critiques the European Court of Human Rights for inconsistent jurisprudence regarding offensive religious art, noting that the court often grants states too much leeway to restrict expression based on ‘religious feelings.’ The author argues that institutional retreat in the face of political outrage creates a chilling effect on artistic freedom and democratic pluralism.

Belgium faces ongoing criticism for failing to reform its religious recognition system three years after a European Court of Human Rights ruling. The Court previously determined that Belgium’s opaque and ad hoc procedure for recognizing religious communities violates international standards of fairness and non-discrimination, particularly concerning tax exemptions for non-recognized groups.

Poland’s justice ministry is proposing to eliminate prison time for blasphemy convictions to comply with a European Court of Human Rights ruling. Although the crime of “offending religious feelings” would remain, the maximum two-year jail term would be removed in favor of fines or community service. The proposal faces significant political hurdles, including potential vetoes from the conservative president and criticism from both legal scholars and religious groups.

Pastor Karl van Klaveren reflects on the historical unity of philosophy and theology, suggesting that labels often obscure the universal nature of wisdom. He argues for an interconnected worldview that sees all humanity as the image of God, transcending traditional religious and social boundaries.

Reflecting on the new year, Antje van der Hoek discusses the importance of trust as the ‘invisible cement’ of society. She contrasts biblical perspectives on hope and repetition, ultimately suggesting that faith communities can help people draw from a spiritual source of trust during times of political and social instability.

Unitarian Universalists in Minneapolis are responding with protests and mutual aid following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a mother of three, by an ICE agent. Local ministers emphasize the moral compulsion to protect neighbors and provide support amidst heavy federal police presence and community upheaval.

Professor Ulrich Schmiedel will deliver a lecture in Utrecht on how liberal theology and religion influence the discourse surrounding European borders and migration ethics. The event includes a study afternoon featuring theologians and activists to discuss the role of public theology in the current migration crisis.

The Hungarian Unitarian Church held celebrations in Torda and Kolozsvár to mark the 458th anniversary of the Edict of Torda, the first law to establish religious freedom. The events included ecumenical messages, the presentation of the János Zsigmond Award to Mihály Balázs, and the announcement of 2026 as a special memorial year.