CFIA’s one-of-a-kind journal of analysis and opinion features today’s most innovative scholars and practitioners.

Web-Exclusive Articles

Succeeding in the Next Generation of Religious Freedom Diplomacy

Web-Exclusive

Eric Patterson Wednesday, 18 August 2010

A decade after the U.S. formally committed to championing religious freedom abroad, we see little change in the overall global landscape. International religious freedom advocates need a retooling of international religious freedom promotion in the areas of academia, business, and multilateral partnerships.

Read more: Succeeding in the Next Generation of Religious Freedom Diplomacy

A Case Study of Foreign Aid and Religion in Dalit Societal Advancement

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Tracy Piersma Thursday, 8 July 2010

The Irulas and Punjabi Dalits provide an interesting case study on the importance of religion for community identity. While the Irulas now root their identity in socio-economic advancement, the Punjabi Dalits have centered their identity on a new religion.

Read more: A Case Study of Foreign Aid and Religion in Dalit Societal Advancement

 

Vol. 8, No. 2 (Summer 2010)

In Defense of Organized Religion

Vol. 8, No. 2 (Summer 2010)

Dennis Hoover Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Americans tend to think of the "free exercise of religion" as an individual endeavor. But the communal expression of religion—particularly in non-Western contexts—is at least as important as individual expression. [FREE]

Read more: In Defense of Organized Religion

   

Legal Status of Religious Organizations: A Comparative Overview

Vol. 8, No. 2 (Summer 2010)

W. Cole Durham, Jr. Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Modern societies are experiencing increased pluralism, and the need to respond in fair ways to different religious communities has created the need for neutral legal structures that are easily adaptable. [FREE] 

Read more: Legal Status of Religious Organizations: A Comparative Overview

   

The Religion-State Relationship in Europe

Vol. 8, No. 2 (Summer 2010)

Rik Torfs Tuesday, 6 July 2010

European systems share specific values and approaches that indicate a coherent European model for religion-state relationships, characterized by the continuous existence of a two level system.

Read more: The Religion-State Relationship in Europe

   

The U.S. Government and Faith-based Organizations: Keeping the Uneasy Alliance on Firm Ground

Vol. 8, No. 2 (Summer 2010)

Stanley Carlson-Thies Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Faith-based organizations and the United States government will always be "uneasy allies." President Obama has broadly maintained the faith-based initiative as it was developed under his two predecessors, although with some changes.

Read more: The U.S. Government and Faith-based Organizations: Keeping the Uneasy Alliance on Firm Ground