The author examines the ‘lonely funeral’ initiative, where poets honor those who die with no one to mourn them. Connecting this to the Lenten season, the piece encourages spiritual reflection and a ‘digital detox’ to foster compassion and solidarity.

A recent study day for ministers and spiritual caregivers from various liberal religious denominations demonstrated that liberal religion remains vibrant and energetic. Participants shared creative initiatives such as podcasts, magazines, and new community growth strategies. Despite the general decline in church attendance, the event highlighted a strong commitment to finding new ways to express faith and social engagement.

Unitarian Universalist Association President Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt was arrested by Capitol Police in Washington, D.C., during a protest against the Department of Homeland Security’s budget. The demonstration, which included several hundred faith leaders, targeted federal funding for ICE and Customs and Border Patrol, emphasizing a moral obligation to oppose the dehumanization of neighbors.

In this article, Pastor Klaas Douwes uses the belladonna plant as a metaphor for liberal theology (vrijzinnigheid). He explains that just as the plant can be both a medicine and a deadly poison depending on the dosage, liberal faith offers an antidote to dogmatic rigidity but risks becoming listless and ‘suffocating’ if it lacks conviction or becomes too diluted by tolerance. He concludes that while liberalism is inherently risky due to its embrace of doubt, it remains essential for the vitality of Christianity and society.

World Grand Father Edmond Brahimaj issued a message marking the 96th anniversary of the establishment of the Bektashi World Headquarters in Albania. The message honors the 1930 decision by Sali Njazi Dede to move the seat to Tirana following persecution in Turkey, highlighting the institution’s role in preserving Bektashi traditions and promoting values of love, tolerance, and national identity.

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.

Haxhi Dede Baba Edmond Brahimaj, the World Leader of the Bektashi, was elected as the Chairman of the Presidency Board of the Interreligious Council of Albania for 2026. During the council’s first meeting of the year, members approved a 2026-2028 strategic plan focused on strengthening interfaith dialogue, promoting peaceful coexistence, and increasing the social involvement of youth and women.

This NAUA Academy session from December 2025 features a presentation by Joyce Francis regarding the growing demographic of ‘Nones’—individuals who do not identify with any specific religion. The discussion focuses on whether this social shift acts as a challenge or an opportunity for Unitarian communities, examining new congregational models and evaluating if traditional Unitarian activities still resonate with the religiously unaffiliated.

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.

An Indiana court has issued a permanent injunction preventing the state from enforcing its near-total abortion ban against plaintiffs whose religious beliefs require abortion access. The ruling found that the ban violates Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) and extends protection to all Hoosiers with similar sincerely held religious beliefs.

Psychologist Dave Mullins has launched a new podcast titled ‘Aftercult’ to share his ten-year experience in a Gnostic sect and explore the stories of other survivors of high-control groups. The series delves into the psychological tactics used by charismatic leaders and the long-term struggle for survivors to reclaim their lives and free will after leaving.

Turkish Education Minister Yusuf Tekin has initiated a lawsuit against 168 public figures, including prominent writers and artists, who signed the ‘We Defend Secularism Together’ manifesto. The document criticizes the government’s recent education policies as a ‘pro-sharia siege.’ While the minister claims the suit defends the rights of religious students, critics and opposition figures view the legal action as an attempt to suppress secularist voices and further Islamize the public education system.

The Michigan Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case concerning a former Calvin University professor who was terminated for officiating a same-sex wedding, involving a legal dispute over religious institutional freedom versus civil rights law.

The Interfaith Alliance has condemned a ruling by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that allows Louisiana to enforce a law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms. Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, the organization’s president, stated that the law violates the First Amendment and constitutes government-imposed religious indoctrination. The Alliance, along with 20 other religious organizations, continues to advocate for the separation of church and state.

This article analyzes a new Israeli legislative proposal, the Bill for the Realization of Jewish Identity in Public Space. The bill aims to protect religious practices like wearing tefillin in public and mandates mezuzahs in public buildings. However, it raises significant concerns regarding the balance between freedom of religion and freedom from religion, as critics view it as an attempt to impose Orthodox values on the secular public and alter the long-standing status quo of religious-state relations.

The Niger State Concerned Christian Advocates coalition has rejected Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s plan to establish a Hisbah Commission, a religious enforcement body. The group argues that the move violates Nigeria’s secular constitution, which prohibits a state religion, and threatens religious freedom. They expressed concerns that such a commission would heighten religious tensions, marginalize minorities, and discourage investment in the state, urging the government to adopt inclusive security strategies instead.

Human rights organizations report a sharp increase in the persecution of religious minorities in Iran, with Christian arrests nearly doubling in 2025. Experts suggest the regime is scapegoating Christians, Baha’is, and ethnic minorities to deflect from domestic unrest and recent military humiliations.

The Freedom of Thought Report is a global survey published by Humanists International that monitors discrimination and persecution against humanists, atheists, and the non-religious. The website provides country-specific ratings, interactive maps, and a comprehensive database of legal and social conditions for the non-religious worldwide.

The Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) claims that mandatory religious observance in Scottish schools violates children’s human rights. An audit of 280 schools found that most sessions involve Christian worship led by clergy, despite the majority of pupils having no religious belief. HSS is urging the Scottish Government to allow pupils to opt out of these activities to avoid potential legal action.

New legislative initiatives in the Russian State Duma seek to ban religious services and ceremonies in residential buildings. While aimed at restricting Muslim migrants, the laws would significantly impact Protestant groups and other minority faiths that rely on home-based worship. Religious leaders and human rights organizations argue the bill is unconstitutional and would drive religious activities underground.