The Religion and Ethics Report - Full program podcast: Recent Episodes
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The Religion and Ethics Report, where religion and ethics meet news and current affairs in Australia and around the world.
The Unification Church in Japan is at risk of being dissolved. Are Australian Jews supportive of Israel? And a rare look into the Exclusive Brethren sect.
Black American scholar Tyler Austin Harper addresses today's anti-racism movement. And is religion in China booming?
The FBI has been monitoring traditionalist Catholics for possible political extremism. Why is Pope Francis visiting Mongolia? And is Malaysian politics becoming more Islamist?
Afghanistan under the Taliban two years the international withdrawal. More nations are in dire need says the aid organisation Compassion Australia, And the legacy of sociologist and religious scholar Robert Bellah.
Isobel Kershner's new book, Land of Hope and Fear: Israel’s Battle for its Inner Soul explores what she fears is the unravelling of the state's social fabric. In recent months, pilgrims walking Jerusalem's Via Dolorosa have come under increasing harassment, even attack. Francis Martin of The Church Times describes what he saw on a recent visit.
A report claims minority religions are target of new restrictive laws and policies, particularly in France. Sound of Freedom is criticised for its portrayal of human trafficking. And the ups and downs of inter-faith marriage.
What is the impact of new migrants being pushed into particular suburbs because there is insufficient housing in more established areas? Why are more young people supporting alt-right parties in Europe? And the background to the Southern Baptist Convention expelling churches that ordain women.
It's reported that one in three Catholics are considering leaving the church in Germany. Why? Also, why the Barbie film release was delayed in a province of Pakistan. And, is being a social justice campaigner in the spirit of Protestant ethics?
An Amish community in Minnesota has won the right not to install septic tanks on their land, despite a local government law. The Senate is scrutinising the role and ethics of consulting firms, and is Hindu nationalism on the rise in the Indian diaspora?
What are the ethics of using cluster bomb munitions? What could a permanent UN peacekeeping army achieve? And NSW Parliament are to debate gender Self ID laws.
With a national focus on anti-corruption, is there a risk we could criminalise politics — which, by its very nature, is so often transactional? And, the significant demand for one faith-based organisation's financial hardship support program.
Buried deep inside key Russian security documents is the doctrine of so-called "spiritual security." And are the vicars of England about to walk out of their pulpits and onto the picket line?
Human rights commissioner Lorraine Finlay is calling on the federal government to do more to combat modern slavery, and how dowries are fuelling a tide of violence against women in India.
Pope Francis is fighting on three fronts – recovering from serious surgery, bringing peace to the war on Ukraine, and calming the vitriol consuming social media. And, are we building a virtuous society?
Can DeSantis and Pence draw religious voters away from Trump?, why Hispanic Americans are leaving Catholicism, and to how will AI chatbots change religion?
The number of internally displaced people reaches record high in 2022, why the Archbishop of Canterbury has been named an influential progressive, and is society searching for saviours?
How popular is the Indian PM with Australia's Indian diaspora? Very, if his reception in Sydney is a gauge.
The takeover of Calvary Public Hospital in Canberra raises questions over the independence of faith-based institutions. And we meet two fathers united over grief and a pursuit for peace in Israel-Palestine.
Türkiye’s ruling AKP party, led by President Erdoğan, has been trying to frame the election as a contest between Sunni Islam and western liberalism. Also, why Catholicism has a strong cultural grip on Australia, despite waning religious observance.
For all the pomp and statecraft, the coronation is essentially a religious event, and traditionally Anglican. But this coronation will have elements reflecting a modern — and religiously diverse — Britain.
Have you hiked the Camino trail in Spain? Some of you may even tinker with a little Zen decor at home. But are these acts of curiosity, taste, or are they appropriating something deeply religious?
A split among Ethiopia's Orthodox leaders could threaten peace in the war-torn nation. And Myanmar's Buddhist monks are divided over whether to voice their support or opposition to the military dictatorship.
Is multiculturalism flourishing in UK politics?, Why peace is so elusive in Israel Palestine, and how Australia came to be a WEIRD nation.
According to a recent survey, 45% of Americans say the US should be a Christian nation. There's differing views on what that means, but some Republican politicians now call themselves "Christian nationalists." This includes far-right congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. We explore why this is a troubling trend.
Why the Uluru Statement from the Heart is a religious call from First Nations peoples, and how race has influenced religion and politics in the US.
Child exploitation is a hidden, but huge problem in cocoa industry. Is Israel really on the brink of a civil war?, and new report finds Muslims were abused online during the covid pandemic.
The Andrews government is legislating a ban on the Nazi salute, after 30 neo-Nazis performed the hate symbol outside Victoria’s parliament house. But will a law overcome a growing popular ignorance of Nazism and its monstrous history?; and the US invasion of Iraq, twenty years on.
Could religious participation lead to less 'deaths of despair'?, Women aged over 45 are at growing risk of experiencing homelessness; and Scottish politician Kate Forbes and the role of personal faith in politics.
What do Catholic women want? Over 17,000 women from 104 countries have spoken in the largest survey of Catholic women ever undertaken. Also, what is the "care economy" – and how is it a hurdle in the way of women's equality?
Why presidential candidate Nikki Haley's faith background is capturing attention; how can we create a more civil and constructive environment for political debate?; and how the world's religions can help us confront the ecological crisis.
How have Türkiye's religious authorities responded to the devastating earthquakes; why is the Vatican interested in AI?; and what happens when celebrity collides with Christianity?
Does the pursuit of so-called 'humane war' make conflict more frequent and long-lasting?; and are Hindu Nationalists hijacking the Bollywood industry?
Malta was one of the first countries in the world to outlaw gay conversion practices. So what happens when a young man goes on a popular TV show, then a radio show, and shares his experience of being no longer gay because he found God? That's the story of Matthew Grech, whose case has been brought to court; and more.
The spiral of violence is worsening in Israel and the Palestinian territories, could this be the start of a third intifada?; and a debate over Islamic art at one of America's oldest universities raises questions over academic freedom and whether images of the Prophet Muhammad can ever be shown.
Australian Sikhs, along with millions of others around the world, will vote in a referendum to establish a separate Sikh state in India; In the days after his death, it was revealed that Cardinal George Pell was the author of a searing critique of Pope Francis. So what motivated these claims?; and more.
Has the sexual revolution that began in the early 60s had unintended – and possibly damaging – consequences? It gave women sexual freedom but did it also liberate men from the consequences of their own behaviour?
Cardinal George Pell died at the age of 81 from heart complications following hip surgery. So what is the future of the Catholic Church following the passing away of two staunch conservatives – the former Pope Benedict XVI and George Pell?
Jordan Peele's 2017 film 'Get Out' was a modern day horror movie, where the bodies of black people were stolen and their souls removed. For Afro-Jewish philosopher Lewis Gordon, it's an allegory for race, and what he calls the Fear of Black Consciousness.
We explore the question of forgiveness — including one of the most pressing — is it ever possible for a Ukrainian to forgive Vladimir Putin? And what does it take to break the cycle of vengeance and resentment?
Pentecostal Christianity is in a three-way race with Islam and Hinduism to become the world's fastest growing religion. In the English-speaking world, one of its biggest names is the Hillsong church. In the past year it's hit turbulence with the departure of its charismatic, and at times controversial, founder Brian Houston.
A spat has broken out between Indonesia and the UN after the parliament in the world's biggest Muslim nation passed a new criminal code that includes tougher laws on sex; And 2022 has been a year of political change in Australia, war in Europe, and a pandemic that isn’t going away. But can we see in this time of turmoil, the opportunity for religious themes like redemption and renewal?
Why protests over COVID restrictions in China carry another message for leader Xi Jinping; New research reveals how religious communities around the world were affected by COVID restrictions; and will the coronation of King Charles III reflect a modern Britian with diverse beliefs?
Why is the global Hillsong empire facing turmoil, and what is its future?; And when does religious homage become appropriation?
Right-wing parties won a clear victory in Israel’s recent election. But forming a government, is proving much harder than the presumptive prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, expected. American Catholics have a conservative new leader and should healthcare workers have the right to opt out of procedures they are ethically opposed to, even they're enshrined in law?
American Muslim candidates have made historic gains in the US mid-term elections; Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu will form a government relying on orthodox religious parties but also the far-right 'Religious Zionists' group; and we look at whether players and spectators should boycott the World Cup in Qatar.
Australia has signed an agreement with Thailand to fight human trafficking, but do we need to do more to ensure there's no exploited labour in Australia's supply chains?; Are Hindu nationalists hijacking the Bollywood industry?; and more.
This week, Nine media reported that crime bosses are using loopholes in Australia’s immigration system to run a prostitution ring involving possibly hundreds of vulnerable migrant women; Some U.S. Republican politicians now call themselves "Christian nationalists" — why is this a deeply troubling trend?
What significance does Rishi Sunak's appointment as PM have for the British South Asian diaspora?; Israel's elections and the rise of the far-right; and a New York case brought before the employment tribunal has reopened a debate about commercial surrogacy.
What are the implications of the Albanese government's decision to reverse the previous government's position on recognising West Jerusalem?; a joint UN investigation accuses Russia of gross human rights abuses; and what do Christians think about transhumanism?
Protests have convulsed Iran for three weeks and counting, Does Thorburn have a legal case?, and a recent survey has surprising findings on today's average Australian churchgoer.
Andrew Thorburn has stepped down as Essendon football club's CEO, due to his connection with a conservative Melbourne church; Is social justice becoming a new religion?; And, has the tide of right-wing nationalism sweeping Europe reached its peak?
The recent death in custody of young woman Mahsa Amini has thrust Iran back a generation; two leading Australian clergy have begun a campaign to tighten restrictions on the 'parasitic' gambling industry; and Kenya's William Ruto is the country's first evangelical president.
How does religion play into the politics of the far-right in Italy? The party that's leading in the polls is the 'Brothers of Italy,' and their leader is Giorgia Meloni. Plus, the political worldview of Charles III, and how he must deal with a colonial legacy.
Why does King Charles III, who now has the title of Defender of the Faith, need to reassure people of his loyalty to the Church of England?; Also the late Queen's public and private faith.
This may surprise you — those with strong religious beliefs have more satisfying sex lives according to a new paper. Also, has the sexual revolution that began in the 60s had unintended – and possibly damaging – consequences?
The Pope has named 20 new cardinals who will one day choose his successor. What do we know about them? Also we look at the religious, ethnic and cultural competition around the Black Sea, and countering human trafficking in Timor Leste.
Who is Russia's Alexander Dugin?, Why has there been a 300% increase in right-wing extremism around the globe?, and Nobel Prize winning economist Amartya Sen on a place to belong.
A breakaway Australian diocese of the Anglican Church has been announced; the attack on Salman Rushdie and fatwas; and how to have courageous conversations about race.
The stand-off over Taiwan raises ethical questions over what it means to adopt a strategy of ambiguity. What happens when that ethical ambiguity fails, and are we seeing that now? Also, why the war on gangs in El Salvador is being framed as a spiritual battle.
Al Qaeda mastermind and former deputy to Osama Bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri has been killed in a US drone strike. Another leader is gone, but the terrorist group still persists. At the core of groups like Al Qaeda is an idea of radical Islam, that more often than not, targets other Muslims. With Professor Amin Saikal.
At the end of the Cold War, Political Scientist Francis Fukuyama declared the end of history — liberalism and democracy, he said, had triumphed over communism. Fast forward: how does that look today?
The man charged with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's assassination was motivated by a grudge against the Unification Church. Abe has been linked to the church, which also reaches into politics in Japan — but it's not the only religious organisation that he and his party have been linked to. Koichi Nakano is Professor of Political Science at Sophia University in Tokyo.
President of Sri Lanka Gotabaya Rajapaksa has fled the country after protests and an ongoing economic crisis. Where does this leave the country which has been riven by ethnic and religious division, but is now coming together with a voice of anger? ABC's South Asia correspondent Avani Dias has been keeping a close eye on the situation.
Tensions emerged during this weeks' national Plenary Council as bishops overruled the people's votes. At one point the bishops rejected women-in-leadership motions, including ordination to diaconate.
Women's leadership was only one contentious issue. A special program recorded at the second assembly of the Plenary Council.
What does the rise of 'no religion' mean for Australia's legal system and society? Plus, a look at the Christian right's sway on the US Supreme Court. And, Archbishop Mark Coleridge discusses the long-awaited second Catholic Plenary.
Why is the man who assassinated Gandhi — Nathuram Godse — becoming a celebrated figure amongst some in India today? Plus, religion, identity and extremism in South Asia today.
Sheryl Sandberg has resigned as Chief Operating Officer of Meta, the company that brought us Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. She, along with Mark Zuckerberg have connected us in ways previously unimagined. But it's also opened a Pandora's box of issues including privacy, political meddling and fake news. What does this all mean for us? With professor of history and philosophy Justin E.H. Smith.
Once again, a church is being rocked by allegations of sexual abuse — this time, it's the powerful American Southern Baptists. Hundreds of cases of abuse that have now lasted for decades, and a shocking cover up at the highest echelons of the church organisation. Veteran religion writer Bob Smietana has been closely following the controversy.
Today, a special edition of the program marking Reconciliation Week. Stan Grant moderated a discussion organised by UnitingCare in Queensland, bringing together different people to discuss faith, and how that can bring about reconciliation in Australia.
In the federal election, Australians deserted Liberal and Labor in droves. Labor won, but the big winners here were the others, especially the Independents. Dai Le is one of them, winning the seat of Fowler in Sydney's religiously and culturally diverse west.
The tension in the Anglican church goes deeper than the same-sex marriage divide; former PM Kevin Rudd speaks to us about religious discrimination, his personal faith and the challenge faith presents in China; and there's an old saying that "those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" — but is that true?
Should the sins of the past be visited upon us? The Abrahamic faiths talk about guilt, atonement and redemption. Indigenous Australians have long called for truth-telling, a reckoning with our past as a way to justice and healing. But collective guilt today is a hot button topic — is the idea a helpful or harmful one? Peter Kurti from the Centre for Independent Studies explores this in his recent paper.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the man likely to become the next president of the Philippines when the nation goes to the polls on May 9. His father Ferdinand Marcos was a dictator and kleptocrat who held a grip on power for two decades between 1965 and 1986. How has fake news and disinformation been influencing this election and the likely return of power for the Marcos family? With Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Ressa.
This week Australians have commemorated Anzac Day, again remembering the sacrifice of those in war. But is it more than that? What began in Gallipoli in World War One has now become sacred, as Dr Michael Gladwin explains.
With the 2022 election campaign now under way, we check in with one of Australia’s top experts, Professor Andrew Singleton, on religious voting trends.
With the 2022 election campaign now under way, we check in with one of Australia’s top experts, Professor Andrew Singleton, on religious voting trends.
Across the Middle East, millions of Christians have fled their ancient homelands, especially since the U.S. and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003. Most have not returned — and probably never will. Renowned journalist Janine di Giovanni documents their plight.
Across the Middle East, millions of Christians have fled their ancient homelands, especially since the U.S. and its allies invaded Iraq in 2003. Most have not returned — and probably never will. Renowned journalist Janine di Giovanni documents their plight.
Vladimir Putin is not just involved in a violent land grab. He believes he's fighting his own holy war to restore the ancient territory of the 'Holy Rus,' with the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as the 'Third Rome.'
Vladimir Putin is not just involved in a violent land grab. He believes he's fighting his own holy war to restore the ancient territory of the 'Holy Rus,' with the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as the 'Third Rome.'
An astonishing 85 per cent of Australian companies are not complying with national laws against modern slavery according to a recent report, and more.
An astonishing 85 per cent of Australian companies are not complying with national laws against modern slavery according to a recent report, and more.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan is fighting to retain power after a vote of no confidence in the parliament. He’s blamed a foreign conspiracy – the United States in particular – for trying to thwart his independent foreign policy. Professor Samina Yasmeen has been watching this alleged conspiracy unfold.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan is fighting to retain power after a vote of no confidence in the parliament. He’s blamed a foreign conspiracy – the United States in particular – for trying to thwart his independent foreign policy. Professor Samina Yasmeen has been watching this alleged conspiracy unfold.
Why are Muslims from the Russian republic of Chechnya fighting on both sides in Ukraine? Plus, the founder of the Hillsong megachurch empire Brian Houston has had a dramatic fall — just how significant is this for the Pentecostal faith?
Would the simplest way to end a war that Putin started be to assassinate him? It's a shocking proposition but the concept of tyrannicide goes back to ancient philosophy. Also, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman styles himself as a modernizer — but modernisation doesn't necessarily mean democracy and human rights.
Anglicare calls for major changes to support low income Australians; Ukraine's controversial surrogacy business has been disrupted by Russia's invasion; and during extreme weather variations, Argentina's former environment minister calls for an economy that works in harmony with nature.
In a sign of growing dissent inside the Russian Orthodox Church, almost 300 priests have signed a statement condemning Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. And Pope Francis has not only condemned the bloodshed but offered the Vatican as an intermediary. Also, President Putin's idea of the Russian Orthodox faith as a global political force has a lot in common with the Islamic concept of the Ummah.
What happens when foreigners join a fight and a region is flooded with arms that cannot be traced?; What does the Russia-Ukraine war reveal about the breakdown of human rights law over the past 20 years?; and why Putin believes he's fighting a holy war.
The West is divided along political lines, but are Vladimir Putin and China's Xi Jinping poised to take advantage of these fractures?; India's most populous state, Uttar Pradesh, is in the middle of local elections. Who's the fiery Hindu priest that's caught the attention of the Indian — and international — press?; plus, what's the distinction between character and personality?
Much of the world is on edge this week over the prospect of an actual war in Europe, if Russia moves against its neighbour Ukraine. But for almost two decades, Russia under Vladimir Putin has been engaged in a culture war with what he sees as an 'increasingly decadent west.' Professor Marlene Laruelle explains.
Myanmar's junta is presenting itself as the defender of Buddhist culture; why a paradox lies at the heart of the religious discrimination bill; and Queen Elizabeth's 70 years as a monarch
A special episode looking at who's really responsible for war crimes — the soldiers on the battlefield or the commanders and politicians who sent them?
Russian president Vladimir Putin has been amassing troops along the border with Ukraine, escalating fears of an invasion, but how could Orthodox Christian leaders help ease tensions?; The Pope delivered a major speech, warning against what he called "ideological colonisation"; and we find out more about Tammy Faye Bakker, the televangelist who became an unlikely heroine for gay Christians.
Think back to when the pandemic began. Governments around the world spent trillions of dollars – sometimes reluctantly – to businesses that had to shut down. There was lots of talk about a new communitarian age. But is that how it turned out? With Professor Adrian Pabst of the University of Kent.
In an in-depth interview, ABC’s International Affairs analyst, Stan Grant explores what is driving the world to crisis and how it might be averted.
Around 80 per cent of white American evangelicals voted for Donald Trump between 2016 and 2020. For African-American historian Anthea Butler, this says a lot about Christianity in America today.
Is it time to declare Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a leader of the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, a saint?
Why Facebook is facing a US$150 billion lawsuit from Rohingya refugees; and a discussion on how Catholic social teaching could actually improve politics.
The Pope's dramatic visit to the Greek island of Lesbos; why police in Israel have reopened two "cold case" murders from over three decades ago; and a new book delves deeply into Menzies' Christian faith.
A recent law in France imposes heavy conditions on places of worship, religious funding, and even food. And the federal government’s proposed religious discrimination law has ignited a huge debate over how much freedom faith-based institutions should have to promote their beliefs and doctrine.
MP Rebekha Sharkie has introduced a bill to ban the importation of goods made overseas by forced labour; why Muslim leaders are joining the push for the religious discrimination bill; and China's new law makes it a crime to criticise the country's communist heroes.
At the 700-year-old Dongguan mosque in Xining, China, the dome and minarets have come down. But could this remodelling be part of a broader campaign to suppress minority cultures? Plus, a new book by Adrian Pabst looks at whether the COVID-19 pandemic has killed liberalism.
Across the Middle East, millions of Christians have fled their ancient homelands — and will probably never return. Renowned journalist Janine di Giovanni documents their plight in a new book. And almost 6,000 people fleeing violence in Indonesia’s West Papua region have taken shelter in local churches. Now, Catholic priests in the region are calling for an urgent ceasefire.
For the past two decades, from Beirut to Kabul and onto Hong Kong, the people have built vibrant, liberal societies. But they've also lived with the threat of powerful forces overwhelming them. And later, we find out about a new app designed to allow for the speedy reporting of slavery and forced labour in Africa.
Images posted on Facebook are alleged to have incited a rampage in Bangladesh targeting the Hindu minority; why the definition of anti-Semitism has divided even the Jewish community; and moving beyond climate change as a culture war issue.
There are fears that the war in Ethiopia could wreak damage on the ancient holy city of Lalibela, a new report looks at countries where governments restrict religious practice, plus a bill to legalise euthanasia or voluntary assisted dying is due this week in NSW parliament and religious leaders are divided over the issue.
Australian Catholics are meeting this week for a historic summit — the first of its kind in over 80 years — designed to overcome decades of crises. Plus, a moving story about the almost forgotten victim of the 9/11 tragedy.
For ten of thousands of Australian Catholics, it's make or break time for the church, as a historic summit involving clerics and representatives from local parishes begins over the weekend; a former Royal Commissioner says the church must seize this chance to confront the secrecy and power that enabled the child sexual abuse scandal. Plus, can mandatory vaccinations for workers be introduced in an ethical way?
The Taliban continues to impose a harsh religious law on Afghanistan, now refusing to allow teenage girls back to school and urging women to stay in their homes. The militant group are now in charge of a sovereign state — but should the international community recognise the regime? Plus, there are laws to protect human rights during war, but do they actually create wars without end?
Pubs, theatres, and sporting events may demand proof of vaccination before patrons can enter — but should the same rule apply to places of worship? And has right-wing populism waned in the upcoming German elections? Plus, Justine Toh explores "workism," meritocracies, and our obsession with achievements in a new book.
Award-winning journalist Stan Grant takes us through the world on September 10, 2001. After the collapse of the World Trade Centre on 9/11 what fractures appeared across the Islamic world, and how did the terrorist attack turbo-charge nationalism in Europe and the U.S.? Then we hear from artist Abdul Abdullah on how the events of 9/11 shaped his identity as a Muslim in Australia.
The Taliban now control Afghanistan, but what happens to those who are yet to leave? The U.N. is predicting that half a million Afghans could try to flee, could one possible answer be a Kurdish-style solution? Plus, why is the Palestinian West Bank is still roiling with protests?
A group of Australian Christian leaders are calling for the Prime Minister to increase Australia’s intake of refugees from Afghanistan; we find out where the Taliban leaders and fighters learnt their harsh brand of Islam from; and a renowned human rights lawyer explains what happens when you give police free reign in a pandemic.
The Taliban has sealed control of Afghanistan, which raises the obvious question — will it again impose its harsh religious law on the people? And could moderate leaders in the wider Muslim world use their power to tame the extremists? Then later in the program, we hear from one of the world’s leading human rights scholars on the fundamental freedoms we’ve sacrificed in our response to COVID-19.
High-profile Pentecostal pastor Brian Houston has been charged with allegedly concealing information about child abuse committed by his late father in the 1970s. The news raises fresh questions about the future of his global Hillsong megachurch. Also, we hear the true story of the only refugee to ever escape from Manus Island. Rohingya man Jaivet Ealom details his audacious flight in the new book Escape from Manus.
Religious conservatives have won national power in Australia, so why has the culture slipped away from them? Also, a new book by Greg Sheridan contains a revealing interview with Scott Morrison, where the PM opens up about his faith.
A survey of 150 top companies has found serious lapses in the way corporations comply with Australia’s national anti-slavery law. And, we know the toll from COVID. But what could be the unexpected cost of our response? You will also find out how the pandemic has calmed violence in some of the world’s trouble-spots.
He was one of the most famous freedom fighters of the 20th century. Is it now time to officially declare South African priest Desmond Tutu a living saint? And, when federal parliament resumes next month, the senate will vote on controversial new regulations governing charities. So what could be their fate? Also, the Australian Human Rights Commission surveyed 1000 Australian Muslims for a report which was published this week. While almost 80 percent of Muslims say they have experienced some form of discrimination, a new report finds that a large majority still believe Australia is a welcoming society.
A look at an US evangelical network that sees Haiti – with its intense religion and poorly functioning government – as fertile ground. And, Joe Biden denounces the conspiracy theorists undermining American democracy. Are the worst offenders in some church pews? Also, will the fear of disease paralyse Australia for years to come? And, the effect of COVID-19 on global conflict.
How can Australia re-engage with the world in the era of COVID-19? The Sydney Policy Lab has been working on a “Roadmap to Reopening”. And, a compelling account of why Ireland was so very Catholic for so long, why that changed - and what remains now that the special relationship has ended.
As much of the developed world begins to open up after making major headway in vaccinating their populations for COVID-19, what happens to the vast bulk of the world’s population that is being left behind? And, India is one of the world’s most diverse and religious countries. But are Indians living together separately?
The people of Ethiopia began voting on Monday in national elections in the midst of a humanitarian crisis in Tigray that the UN warns could lead to the worst famine in a decade. And, why the Australia Talks National Survey found 41 per cent of Australians don't trust their religious leaders. Also, the Anglican Church of Australia recently published damning research into the prevalence of domestic violence among Anglican Australians and that biblical teachings are being used by perpetrators to justify their behaviour.
As we go to air on Wednesday afternoon, violence has resumed between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza. But will it tear apart the new coalition government, which is just a few days old? And, how did an elite club of Evangelical preachers come to shape America’s hopes and fears?
The family of a prominent Turkish dissident, Orhan Inandi hold grave fears for his safety after he disappeared in the central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan. And, they call him the execution ayatollah. Is he about to become Iran’s new president? Also, how the tough new Vatican laws have upset Catholic feminists.
Why the twice-divorced British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was allowed to marry Carrie Symonds in a Catholic ceremony at Westminster Cathedral this week. And while tensions cool in the Middle East, you will hear how the Palestine cause roils the politics of Australia’s closest Asian neighbour, Also, as churchgoing slides in the United States, has a passionate, almost religious politics replaced it?
As Peru heads into the second and decisive round of national elections on June 6, all eyes are on candidate Pedro Castillo. While he tilts strongly to the left, his populist campaign is also attracting a following among Catholics and evangelicals. Also, Kanishka Raffel has made history as Australia’s first Archbishop from South Asia. What’s his plan to reform an Anglican church in a multicultural nation? And, the Australian followers of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the great Indian leader who led the Dalits out of the caste system.
The religious motivations behind the Israel-Palestine conflict. And, Israel’s own Arab citizens are showing their anger with inequality in a way that could unravel the country. Also, a recent essay in the Washington-based Foreign Policy magazine argues that Australia is the new hermit kingdom because of the border closures that make it all but impossible for ordinary citizens to enter and leave.
In an in-depth interview, ABC’s International Affairs analyst, Stan Grant explores what is driving the world to crisis and how it might be averted. He fears the worst, but begins to chart the way forward.
The Federal Budget will be delivered next week. What can we expect on issues like inequality, homelessness and unemployment? And when should governments use trade bans to help persecuted minorities like the Uyghurs in Xinjiang province?
After a guilty verdict for the policeman who murdered African American George Floyd, we explore if police respond differently to suspects from minority ethnic and religious groups? Also, will Australia follow Joe Biden and recognise the first genocide of a bloody century? And, Australia has many prime ministers with a religious faith. So why has this speech by Scott Morrison been, apparently, such a shock to the system?
India is in the grip of another wave of COVID-19. One of the reasons for this outbreak is a major Hindu festival called the Kumbh Mela. And, Afghanistan has been America’s longest war. But is its decision to leave the country a guarantee of peace? Also, we uncover one of the lost stories of ANZAC – a real Private Ryan who fought and bled to end World War I.
How much of the latest outbreak of violence in Northern Ireland is driven by enduring religious divisions? And the women of Iran have been the force behind reform. But are sanctions strangling the best chance for change? Also, how did the religious beliefs of the late Prince Philip influence his passion for environmentalism? And, a tribe in Tanna, Vanuatu, are mourning the death of their deity Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
In a serious dispute for global politics, deep division has emerged in the ruling family of Jordan. We look at the rift between King Abdullah and his half-brother, Prince Hamzah. Also, is Australia's sex industry caught up in human trafficking? And is Australia a neo-pagan society?
President Joe Biden is heading for a clash this Easter with America’s Catholic bishops. Also, a nun working in the West Bank and Egypt during the worst of the COVID crisis, has been recognised with one of the most prestigious accolades in the US – a Woman of Courage Award. And how the hit musical Hamilton could be a parable for the Easter story.
A Muslim woman has become leader of Tanzania. Samia Suluhu Hassan joins a growing list of Muslim women who have become president or prime minister. But how significant is her rise in particular? And, how Israel’s top spy became an agitator for peace with Palestinians. Also, Harry, Meghan and the culture of confessional TV
According to a women’s empowerment group, programmes to educate young men about sexual consent will fail unless the government addresses the corrosive effects of pornography. And, earlier this week, the government of Sri Lanka announced that it was looking at banning the full-face covering worn by some Muslim women. It’s also moving to shut down hundreds of Muslim schools. So what exactly has the government proposed? Also, a new generation of drones is about to drop mini bombs in the bedrooms of those called enemies of the state. It’s an ethical minefield.
Meghan Markle revealed this week that she and Prince Harry had a secret private wedding three days before their globally telecast ceremony. Both ceremonies were performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. Could the Archbishop have broken his own church law? And, Australia’s imams urge Muslims to get vaccinated. Also, has religion become a lever for the Chinese government in its quest for foreign influence?