Here we host debates on values, ethics, philosophy, spirituality, religions, and belief systems. There has never been a more important time to understand ourselves and one another better.
Representing différence
'Dans les écoles, les collèges et les lycées publics, le port de signes ou tenues par lesquels les élèves manifestent ostensiblement une appartenance religieuse est interdit. Le règlement intérieur rappelle que la mise en oeuvre d'une procédure disciplinaire est précédée d'un dialogue avec l'élève'
Article 1 de la loi n° 2004-228 du 15 mars 2004, inséré dans le code de l’éducation.
In February 2004, French MPs voted 494 to 36 in favour of legislation banning ostentatious religious symbolism in schoolwear. Could anything have been worse – one might ask – than such a large consensus among the political parties to promote a law that, in much of its implementation and outcomes, generates exclusion from state schools (47 individuals since September 2004), accentuates gender inequality by being directed mostly at women, and exacerbates indirect discrimination (did it occur to no one to remember the Sikhs during the preparation of this law)? But let us ask: would there have been a better result had more women been sitting in the French Parliament when these decisions were taken?
Islam and democracy: an interview with Heba Ezzat
How to bring Islam, democracy and modernity into a new relationship with each other is a major challenge for 21st-century Muslims. In meeting it, the Egyptian scholar-activist Heba Ezzat is also taking her ideas into the arena of global civil society. openDemocracy’s Rosemary Bechler talks to her.
Meeting Heba Ezzat
A Muslim civil society activist and politics professor in Egypt is a new kind of cultural ambassador, says Rosemary Bechler.
From Joseph Ratzinger to Pope Benedict XVI
The cardinals’ choice of new pope reflects the Catholic church’s crisis of modernity, says Michael Walsh.
Cardinal Chernenko?
Joseph Ratzinger, the new Pope Benedict XVI, could represent the long withdrawing roar of a sclerotic Kremlin-like empire, says Andrew Brown.
The Catholic church is not a democracy
The heartbeat of the Catholic church is in the poor south, and it pulses for fundamental truths not liberal nostrums, says Joanna Bogle.
Catholics, Iraq, women, and modernity
Pope John Paul II’s failure of political nerve and imagination leaves the Catholic church facing a decisive choice, says Rabbi Arthur Waskow.
The Catholic church and democracy: a reply to Neal Ascherson
Pope John Pauls II’s death leaves Catholics worldwide needing to grow spaces of dialogue where appropriate forms of democracy become possible, says Timothy Radcliffe.
The Vatican, the Kremlin and the Feminine
Women are leading the challenge of renewal to the 21st-century Catholic church, says Lavinia Byrne.
The five minutes of Pope John Paul II
As millions gather to witness the Polish pope’s Rome burial, Ariel Dorfman recalls the five minutes in Chile that define his life’s paradox.
Cutting the Vatican down to size
Can democratic reform of the Catholic church escape the stifling influence of the Vatican? Michael Walsh of Heythrop College proposes creative ways forward.
Cardinal Arns of Brazil on Pope John Paul II, the Vatican and the poor
The retired archbishop of São Paulo reveals to Laura Greenhalgh the Polish pope’s unexpected sympathy for “liberation theology” and frustrations with his Vatican advisers.
Through the Vatican white smoke
Pope John Paul II's successor will be chosen by a secretive, top-down process. Austen Ivereigh, press secretary to one of the cardinals involved, calls for reform in the way the church is governed.
Pope John Paul II and democracy
In his long life, the Polish pope, Karol Wojtyła, was at the forefront of the struggle for liberty. But in his twenty-six years at the Vatican, where did this towering figure stand on democracy? The distinguished writer Neal Ascherson dissects an ambiguous legacy.
Have faith in the People!
The ban by some Imax cinemas in the United States of films referring to evolution teaches Dave Belden a lesson about the right's distrust and the left's frustration.
Lebanon before and after Syria
Lebanon’s recovery of national independence requires a full accounting of Syria’s role in its destruction, says Roger Scruton.
China's values vacuum
Many Chinese people are embracing religion as well as the market, but is their long march leading towards Europe?
A humane Muslim future
Islam can move beyond its association with oppression and violence by being true to itself and its past, says Fareena Alam.
A law to close minds
The proposed British law against hatred on religious grounds will be used as a weapon of censorship, says Lisa Appignanesi.
Raising children!and Republicans
A family difference over childrearing makes Dave Belden rethink America’s political future.
This week's guest editors
Our guest editors James Ron, Leslie Vinjamuri, Sophie Arie and Archana Pandya introduce this week's theme of:
Our guest editors James Ron, Leslie Vinjamuri, Sophie Arie and Archana Pandya introduce this week's theme of:
A Turkish Spring?
Woolwich - terror or conflict?
Palestinian borders
Nobel Women's Initiative
Europe from the bottom up
The media in Europe
Mali: the plot thickens
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Remote control war
oDRussia at journalismfestival .com
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Markha Valenta Inter Alia: religion, politics, culture
Paul Rogers on Global security
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Lis Howell On broadcasting
Dan Hancox Revel, Riot and Rebellion
Martin Rose Bliss Was It in that Dawn to Be Next Door
Vron Ware Up in Arms
Jim Gabour Sunday Comics
James Warner Standing Perpendicular, as books do
Markha Valenta Inter Alia: religion, politics, culture
Paul Rogers on Global security
Mary Kaldor on Human security
