Religion in the news this week

Here are some religion-related news stories from around the world this week:

Christianity

• Pope Francis has called for greater efforts to combat human trafficking, saying that it is a "crime against humanity" that requires a collective response from governments, civil society, and individuals. (Source: Catholic News Agency)
• The United Methodist Church has announced that it will hold a special session in 2024 to consider a proposal to split the denomination over disagreements on LGBTQ+ issues. (Source: The New York Times)
• A group of Christian leaders in the United States has launched a campaign to promote unity and reconciliation among different Christian denominations. (Source: Christianity Today)

Islam

• The Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, one of the most prestigious Islamic institutions in the world, has called for a global Islamic summit to address the challenges facing the Muslim world. (Source: Al Jazeera)
• A group of Muslim scholars has issued a fatwa (Islamic ruling) condemning the use of drones in warfare, saying that it is a violation of Islamic principles. (Source: The Guardian)
• The Islamic State (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in a mosque in Afghanistan that killed at least 62 people. (Source: BBC News)

Judaism

• The Israeli government has announced plans to build a new settlement in the West Bank, despite international criticism and opposition from the Palestinian Authority. (Source: Haaretz)
• A group of Jewish leaders in the United States has launched a campaign to promote greater understanding and dialogue between Jews and Muslims. (Source: The Forward)
• The Jewish community in France has been shaken by a series of anti-Semitic attacks, including the desecration of a synagogue and the vandalism of Jewish graves. (Source: The Times of Israel)

Other Religions

• The Dalai Lama has called for greater efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding, saying that it is essential for building a more peaceful and harmonious world. (Source: The Guardian)
• A group of Buddhist monks in Myanmar has been accused of involvement in the persecution of the country's Muslim minority, with allegations of forced labor and sexual abuse. (Source: The New York Times)
• The Hindu nationalist government in India has been accused of promoting a "Hindu-first" agenda, with concerns over the treatment of minority communities and the erosion of secular values. (Source: The Hindu)

These are just a few examples of religion-related news stories from around the world this week.