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FAITH DIPLOMACY: RELIGION AND GLOBAL PUBLICS REPORT
MAR 23, 2011 - 10:35AM PST
by Silva Sevlian
Faith-based Engagement as a Tool for Public Diplomacy Faith Diplomacy, the use of religion to communicate with global publics and its incorporation into foreign policy, is an element of international engagement that cannot be dismissed. Mutual understanding is a key pillar of public diplomacy and religion is often the core of national identity. Post-9/11, and arguably even pre-9/11, religion finds itself at the core of some of the greatest diplomatic puzzles. It is therefore imperative that faith-based organizations and leaders are enlisted to help better engage foreign communities. This goes beyond simply facilitating interreligious dialogue and should involve engaging religious leaders in peace-keeping and peace-building efforts. Many believe that religion and diplomacy are crucial to their shared goals of pursuing the common good. Miguel Diaz, the U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican recently declared his enthusiastic support for utilizing religious agents and organizations to better address diplomatic challenges, noting that it is a central part of the U.S. mission at the Holy See. The Ambassador highlighted the fact that religion does not exist in a vacuum, but instead works as a unifier that binds people together. "Diplomatic halls today may not contain the kind of explicit religious and mythological imagery found in places like the Doge's Palace in Venice," he said. "But there is no doubt that religious ideas and actors remain indispensable tools in the pursuit of peace and justice and the good that must be commonly constructed." With the recent popular uprisings across the Middle East, the Center for American Progress has questioned the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom’s approach to issues of religious freedom. In a recent CAP article, the author disputes U.S. CIRF’s take on religious freedom as a matter of “rights,” and argues that it does not take into account the fact that many members of the global community regard religion as an element of “identity.” Understanding the impact of religious freedom is essential in creating effective foreign policy and building diplomatic ties with other nations. In an effort to help guide the Obama administration, the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown University, and the Center on Faith and International Affairs at the Institute for Global Engagement issued a joint report in 2009 on “The Future of International Religious Freedom Policy: Recommendations for the Obama Administration.” Increasingly, religion is being incorporated into foreign policy, often to protect endangered religious communities. Following attacks on the Christian minority in Iraq earlier this year, Switzerland took on a project in the country which provided human rights officials with training in protecting minorities and religious freedom. The head of the division within the foreign ministry responsible for religion explained in an interview that Switzerland’s foreign policy, like all others, is about protecting the country’s interest and security. This includes measures that promote stability with international rules that create a safe environment to share diverse world views and religions. Faith Diplomacy, News and New Media In the past year, U.S. media coverage of religion doubled…... FULL TEXT
Faith Diplomacy Monitor: Latest News Coverage
Cardinal McCarrick to study at Library of Congress
(AP, 16 Jan 2011)
Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the archbishop emeritus of Washington, has been named a distinguished visiting scholar at the Library of Congress. McCarrick will study the role of religion in diplomacy and the responsibilities of religious leaders to work for peace and care for the poor.
Why the Mosque Melee Actually Signals a New Era of Religious Tolerance
(The Huffington Post, 3 Oct 2010)
Today's ugly Islamophobia painfully recalls the bigotries of earlier times. Now, as then, "culture wars" are energized less by what is known about the other than by what is not known or not understood.
The Profound Beauty and Striking Similarities Between Orthodox Christian and Tibetan Buddhist Art
(The Huffington Post, 3 Oct 2010)
"Embodying the Holy," a new exhibition at New York City's Rubin Museum of Art, brings to light striking similarities between Orthodox Christian icons and traditional Tibetan Buddhist painted scrolls.
Presentation of World Youth Day 2011
(The Catholic Spirit, 5 Oct 2010)
A press conference was held this morning in the Holy See Press Office to present the next World Youth Day, which is due to be held in the Spanish capital city of Madrid in August 2011.
Conservatives slam Wulff for Islam remarks
(The Local , 5 Oct 2010)
Leading conservative German politicians assailed President Christian Wulff on Tuesday for comments intimating Islam had gained a status comparable to Christianity and Judaism in Germany.
Iran president thanks Pope for condemning Koran threat
(BBC, 7 Oct 2010)
Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has written to the Pope, thanking him for condemning an American pastor's threat to burn the Koran last month. In his letter, Mr Ahmadinejad also called for closer co-operation between Iran and the Vatican.
Pope urges simple faith of true wisdom as he opens Synod for Middle East
(Vatican Radio, 11 Oct 2010)
The two week assembly of the synod of bishops for the Middle East opened Monday morning with an unscripted address from Pope Benedict XVI. “The Church's faith is the foundation that does not waver”, he told participants, “despite the threat of destruction”, and focusing on Mary's divine motherhood he warned against “false gods such as terrorism, drugs and capitalism which enslave mankind”.
Hundreds pledge support for world peace
(The Times of India, 11 Oct 2010)
"There are many disputes in the world, let's make the 21st century a century of dialogue and solve these disputes. It will help bring peace to the world," said the Dalai Lama.
Russian Orthodox Church launches YouTube channel
(Reuters, 11 Oct 2010)
Russia's dominant Orthodox Church unveiled its own channel on YouTube on Monday to attract young followers to a faith which has grown increasingly powerful since the fall of communism.
Israel lets 300 Druze clerics visit Syria for first time
(AFP, 8 Oct 2010)
Around 300 Israeli Druze are for the first time to be allowed into Syria for a religious visit after they were given permission by the interior ministry, the head of Israel's Druze community said on Thursday.
Pope has received letter from Ahmadinejad
(AP, 9 Oct 2010)
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has sent a letter to the pope thanking him for opposing a Florida pastor's threat to burn the Quran and calling for cooperation against secularism, the Vatican and the Iranian presidency said Saturday.
Hitchens, Blair to debate role of faith
(The Globe and Mail , 12 Oct 2010)
“We have asked Mr. Blair and Mr. Hitchens to wrestle with the more immediate question facing developed and developing nations: Is religion a force for peace or conflict in the modern world?”
Homer Simpson 'is a true Catholic'
(Telegraph , 17 Oct 2010)
The long-running cartoon series explores issues such as family, community, education and religion in a way that few other popular television programmes can match, according to L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican's daily broadsheet.
Halal Campbell soup: Mm, Mm, not so good?
(The Washington Post, 18 Oct 2010)
A food fight seems to be brewing. In North America and Europe, the last few months have seen simmering disputes over halal food products, a major part of Muslim life.
Where script meets scripture: Recent films take a leap of faith
(The Star-Ledger, 18 Oct 2010)
Faith-based film fans used to be seen as a niche audience. Now, in Hollywood, they’re just seen as the audience.
Obama to visit Golden Temple, college in Amritsar
(The Economic Times, 15 Oct 2010)
When US President Barack Obama lands in India next month, his itinerary will include a visit to the Golden Temple here, the holiest Sikh shrine. This is being seen as a recognition of the importance and influence of the large Sikh community in the US.
Pope Benedict to visit Ireland in the next two years – Vatican
(Irish Central , 18 Oct 2010)
A senior Vatican official said that, “There is a strong likelihood that Pope Benedict will visit Ireland in 2012 as part of the Eucharistic Congress.”
The Role of Happiness in the World Religions
(Huffington Post, 17 Oct 2010)
It's hard to deny that His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibet and the world's most famous Buddhist, is the also world's foremost expert on happiness. But what about other major religious traditions? Is happiness a good thing, or bad?
Planned Mosque Sparks Controversy in Russia
(Spiegel Online, 20 Oct 2010)
The leaders of Moscow's 1.5 million strong Muslim community say they desperately need more places of worship. But a plan to build a new mosque has run into local opposition which is being fuelled by nationalists calling for a "clean Moscow" without Muslims and foreigners.
Google to bring Dead Sea Scrolls online
(The Associated Press, 20 Oct 2010)
The Dead Sea Scrolls, among the world's most important, mysterious and tightly restricted archaeological treasures, are about to get Googled. The technology giant and Israel announced Tuesday that they are teaming up to give researchers and the public the first comprehensive and searchable database of the scrolls - a 2,000-year-old collection of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek documents that shed light on Judaism during biblical times and the origins of Christianity.
Is Obama trying to dodge a head gear controversy in India?
(Christian Science Monitor, 21 Oct 2010)
President Obama will visit India next month. But his staff may have taken a trip to the Golden Temple off the agenda as it would involve wearing head gear, possibly furthering speculation that he is Muslim.
‘In South Sudan the state is for everyone, religion for individuals’
(France 24, 23 Oct 2010)
In an interview with France24.com, a top official of the government of South Sudan insisted that an independent South would protect citizens of all faiths, as it has done since gaining autonomy in 2005.
Cape Town opera snubs Tutu plea to cancel Israel tour
(BBC News, 27 Oct 2010)
South Africa's Cape Town Opera has turned down an appeal from Nobel peace prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu to call off a tour of Israel. He said it would be as inappropriate as it had been for international firms to visit South Africa during apartheid.
Africa viewpoint: Nollywood and religion
(BBC, 26 Oct 2010)
n the BBC series of viewpoints from African journalists, Sola Odunfa considers what Nigeria's movie industry reveals about the country's spirituality.
Vicious Anti-Gay Bill May Be Headed for Law in Uganda
(Edge, 28 Oct 2010)
A bill that not only stiffens the penalty for gay sex by imposing the death sentence in some instances but also criminalizes the discretion of people who know about a gay relationship but do not report it may be headed for law in Uganda after languishing for a year.
Raul Castro, Catholic Leaders Open Cuban Seminary
(The New York Times (Associated Press), 4 Nov 2010)
Cuban President Raul Castro joined an American archbishop and other Roman Catholic leaders Wednesday to open a national seminary on the outskirts Havana, the first religious construction on the communist-run island in more than a half century.
Vatican hosting talks on religion in Iran
(Catholic News Agency , 8 Nov 2010)
As part of a continuing initiative aimed at improving understanding between Christians and Muslims, a Vatican delegation will be taking part in a three-day discussion on religion and society in Iran.
Stay With Obama's Opening to Muslims
(The New York Times, 5 Nov 2010)
In his first year, President Obama made the rebuilding of America’s reputation and partnerships with the Islamic world a central theme of his presidency. His commitment to the development of trusting, respectful cooperation with the Muslim world needs to be rescued, burnished and supported.
The Wrong Way to Combat 'Islamophobia'
(The New York Times, 9 Nov 2010)
This week, member states of the United Nations will vote on what has become an annual resolution, “On Combating Defamation of Religions,” put forward by the Organization of the Islamic Conference, a group of 57 states with large Islamic populations.
Islam and the West: Reaching Intercultural Understanding
(The Huffington Post, 11 Nov 2010)
The signatories below and I welcome the many initiatives that are underway among governments, in civil society, and within the religious community to expand areas of cooperation between the Muslim community and other actors. President Obama's trip to Indonesia this week is an important example of the high-level attention that must be given to these relationships.
International campaign calls for “wave of pluralism” to break down barriers
(Cision Wire (Press Release) , 12 Nov 2010)
On the twenty first anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the respected Institute for Cultural Diplomacy invited the Chairman of Iman, the global counter-extremism foundation, to deliver a keynote speech on pluralism and the Middle East.
Go forth and blog, tweet and post, US Catholic bishops told
(AFP, 15 Nov 2010)
"If the church is not on their mobile device, it doesn't exist," he said, likening social media to a "new digital continent" waiting to be evangelized.
Sharansky: Provide housing now for Ethiopian immigrants
(The Jerusalem Post, 16 Nov 2010)
The Jewish Agency for Israel urged the government on Monday to provide adequate housing solutions prior to the expected arrival of over 7,800 Ethiopians of Jewish ancestry in the country
Pope: Vatican acted slowly, late in Legion scandal
(AP, 23 Nov 2010)
Pope Benedict XVI lamented that the Vatican acted "slowly and late" in a scandal surrounding the Legionaries of Christ, and a Vatican official called Tuesday for an investigation into who covered up for the conservative order's disgraced founder.
Faith Leaders: Stop Religicide of Iraqi Christians
(The Christian Post, 21 Dec 2010)
Religious leaders across different faiths joined together with Open Doors, a ministry that serves persecuted Christians around the world, on Monday to call attention to the systematic "extermination" of Iraqi Christians.
Pope's Christmas message urges peace in troubled lands
(CNN International, 25 Dec 2010)
In his traditional Christmas message delivered Saturday to crowds braving winter's chill, Pope Benedict XVI urged peace in the Middle East and asked for God's comfort upon beleaguered Christian communities in Iraq and elsewhere in the region.
The True Nature of Faith in a Globalized World
(The Japan Times, 4 Jan 2011)
The number of people proclaiming their faith worldwide is growing. This is clearly so in the Islamic world. Whereas Europe's birthrate is stagnant, the Arab population is set to double in the coming decades, and the population will rise in many Asian Muslim-majority countries.
US ambassador seeks to 'build bridges' with Vatican
(Catholic News Agency, 21 Jan 2011)
America’s ambassador to the Holy See says the two sides are working to rebuild trust following the leak of embarrassing diplomatic cables late last year.
Pope's call for Middle East to protect Christians sparks Egypt fury
(Guardian, 12 Jan 2011)
Pope Benedict was tonight at the centre of a new diplomatic storm after Egypt recalled its ambassador to the Vatican in protest at the pontiff's call for Middle Eastern governments to do more to protect their Christian minorities.
Close Encounters of the Buddhist Kind
(Foreign Policy, 21 Jan 2011)
An exclusive look inside a booming multi-billion dollar, evangelical, global Thai cult.
Fundamentally Freund: Time for faith-based diplomacy
(The Jerusalem Post, 7 Jan 2011)
The dawn of a new calendar year may have begun, but there are few rays of sunshine on the diplomatic horizon, as pressure continues to mount on the Jewish state.
Italy blocks EU statement on religious persecution
(Reuters Africa, 31 Jan 2011)
The European Union failed to agree on a statement against the persecution of religious minorities on Monday after Italy objected to the omission of any reference to the protection of Christians.
Faith-based groups pitch in for Haiti
(USA Today, 13 Jan 2011)
More than $300 million dollars and thousands of volunteers — all powered by religious faith — have poured in to earthquake-shattered Haiti to help rebuild the country and restore its spirit. Although international governmental aid is the mainstay of Haiti relief, faith-based groups offer significant muscle in funds and volunteers.
Iraqi Christians find refuge in France
(CNN World, 7 Feb 2011)
Whalon says the Christian community of Iraq, which numbered about 1.2 million before the war began, now is down to about 400,000, with many moving out under the threat of death. After the attack in October, the number of people on waiting lists seeking refuge in France swelled to more than 4,000.
A stable world is in everyone’s interests
(swissinfo, 8 Feb 2011)
Following attacks on Coptic Christians in Egypt and Christians in Iraq, a diplomat tells swissinfo.ch how Switzerland is trying to combat religiously motivated violence.
After protests, priests fear Egyptian youths will turn away from church
(Catholic News Services , 14 Feb 2011)
The priest said he feared young people will "turn their backs on the church" and say, "You never stood with us ... you never taught us to stand up for our rights."
Time to walk the talk in MidEast
(Washington Post, 15 Feb 2011)
The end of the Mubarak regime demonstrates the falsity of commonly held stereotypes: Arabs reject democracy, Islam is incompatible with popular sovereignty, the grip of rulers of security states is unshakable.
Blair's New Mideast Mission
(The Daily Beast, 5 Mar 2011)
As the Middle East rages, Tony Blair argues that religion can help reform the region and bring about liberal democracies. He speaks to Lisa Miller about his latest diplomatic efforts—and his appearance today at Rick Warren’s church.
Tony Blair's global 'battle of ideas'
(BBC, 6 Mar 2011)
Tony Blair's faith foundation works with universities in countries including the US, China, the UK, Canada and Sierra Leone. He also lectures at Yale. Mr Blair gave his views on university globalization to the BBC News website.
An opening to the Arab world
(The Washington Post, 7 Mar 2011)
If America wants to strengthen its relationship with the Arab world, connecting with the next generation of Arab leaders is key. As President Obama's special representative to Muslim communities, Farah Pandith, once explained, "These youth are keen to be connected to others, to share ideas and to take part in building stronger communities."
Friend the pope? John Paul II gets Facebook page
(The Washington Post, 12 Mar 2011)
The Vatican will unveil the latest installment in its social media transformation next week - a Facebook page dedicated to the upcoming beatification of Pope John Paul II, officials said.
Scottish cardinal accuses UK of 'anti-Christian foreign policy'
(Catholic News Agency, 15 Mar 2011)
The leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland has accused the U.K. of adopting an “anti-Christian foreign policy,” after the government announced it would double foreign aid to Pakistan without setting any conditions to help the Islamic country's endangered religious minorities.
Music And Muslims: The 'Cat Stevens' Effect
(Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, 17 Mar 2011)
Mehrubon Ravshan is the Cat Stevens of Tajikistan. Ravshan is best-known for hit songs like "Az Mani" ("You Are Mine"), but now that the 30-year-old pop singer has become a more devout Muslim, he's changed his tune.
Religion News Coverage Doubled, Focused On Islam Controversies In 2010
(Huffington Post, 24 Feb 2011)
Islam dominated religion news coverage in 2010, a year that also saw religion reporting double to 2 percent of all news, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center's Project for Excellence in Journalism and the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
Rethinking Our Policy on Religious Freedom
(Center for American Progress, 18 Mar 2011)
As recent events have unfolded throughout the Middle East, it is increasingly clear that an in-depth understanding of the role of religious freedom—and the cultural and political role of religion itself—is crucial to advancing American foreign policy interests especially in that region.
Rethinking Our Policy on Religious Freedom
(Center for American Progress, 18 Mar 2011)
As recent events have unfolded throughout the Middle East, it is increasingly clear that an in-depth understanding of the role of religious freedom—and the cultural and political role of religion itself—is crucial to advancing American foreign policy interests especially in that region.
Religion, diplomacy are indispensable to each other's goals
(The Tidings Online, 19 Mar 2011)
Religious ideas and the people who represent them are indispensable tools in the pursuit of peace, justice and the common good, said the U.S. ambassador to the Holy See, Miguel Diaz, in an address at The Catholic University of America.
Blog, tweet, pray: Vatican dives into social media
(USA Today, 14 Mar 2011)
The Vatican will unveil the latest installment in its social media transformation next week — a Facebook page dedicated to the upcoming beatification of Pope John Paul II, officials said.
America's churches can change the world
(USA Today, 14 Mar 2011)
Consider the issues that most threaten humanity's common future: global terrorism, climate change, overpopulation, and the political and social unrest caused by economic disparity. These problems transcend national boundaries and beg for international solutions. Yet political leaders have generally been unwilling or unable to find solutions.
Experts offer advice on best ways to help Japan
(Daily Herald , 21 Mar 2011)
LDS Church leaders are working with local leaders to determine the needs of the Japanese and how to work best with the local governments, according to a statement released Thursday. Leaders are directing those wishing to donate to do so through the church's Humanitarian Aid Fund.
Religious freedom not the rule for majority of world: Pew report
(Christian Science Monitor, 19 Mar 2011)
The majority of countries and territories across the world have laws or constitutions calling for freedom of religion. But religious freedom is not the reality for the majority of the globe’s people.
Hollywood Ignores East-West Exchange
(New York Times, 18 Mar 2011)
AT the Oscars last month the gap between what interests Hollywood and what the rest of the world seems to be doing was sharp and clear. Of the five nominees for the best foreign-language film, all but one, among them the winner, “In a Better World,” from Denmark, dealt in some way with relationships between the West and Islam.
Faith Diplomacy Media Monitor
(, 23 Mar 2011)
Faith Diplomacy: Religion and Global Publics Report
(, 23 Mar 2011)
How to be a rock star: A little faith helps
(CNN, 15 May 2011)
Jonathan Slye spent part of last summer at a Christian rock camp learning how to be a lead singer. But by November he had another thought: he should throw a rock show in his hometown. Slye wanted to do this as an outreach to his friends to show them Christian music could be cool and have a positive message.
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