Social Reform Areas
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Social Reform Areas
1. Women’s Health
'Boss Bill' prevents employer's religious beliefs from infringing on women's health care decisions
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* Student Summary
A group of senators has drafted the “Boss Bill” which seeks to prevent employers from using religious freedom as an excuse for failing to give their female employees reproductive health insurance cover. The bill has been drafted to ensure that the reproductive gains made by the enactment of the Affordable Care Act are not rolled back. This is after the stalling of the Women’s Equality Act in the Senate Labor Committee and the action by employers to file lawsuits seeking to be allowed to stop providing birth control coverage to female employees. Additionally, the fears of the senators have been stoked following reports that an employers’ lobby group has taken the government to court over the Affordable Care Act whose provisions on birth control infringe on religious freedom. The bid by the senators to protect the basic rights of women health has received backing from religious leaders.
*Student Reflection
This story raises fundamental issues about women’s health, labor relations, reproductive rights, healthcare access, and the role of religion in women reproductive rights. Of particular concern is women’s health where reproductive rights form one of its basic tenets. Should employers whose faith disallows them to facilitate abortion pay for their employees’ abortion? Shouldn’t employers have religious freedom to decide what reproductive cover to give their employees? In my opinion, these weighty issues require sobriety on both sides for a judicious resolution. My opinion is that the discussion should be guided by the doctrine of separation of sate and religion. Consequently, the state must compel firms that are not religious organizations to provide their employees with full cover as specified in the Affordable Health Care Act. This means that employees have a right to reproductive health cover notwithstanding the religious beliefs of their employers. Employees should not be denied access to reproductive health services just because their employers hold divergent beliefs. Similarly, religious organizations must be given the freedom to make decisions that do not go contrary to their faith. The state must not compel religious organizations such as faith-based outfits to meet the costs of reproductive health services that run counter to their fundamental faith and statements of beliefs.
2. Violence against Women
CSW58 -- Imagining a Different World for Women
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cheryl-saban/csw58--imagining-a-differ_b_4912205.html
* Student Summary
In this article, the author raises concern that equality between the sexes is far from being a reality and that women everywhere are still finding it hard to lead a full life. In many parts of the world, the free movement of women is restricted and women rights are non-existent. A big number of women are sexually molested daily and many more die in pregnancy and childbirth. Women are unable to access even basic commodities like sanitary pads. In particular, violence against women is pronounced in the form of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault, trafficking of women, forcible recruitment into prostitution rings and drug trafficking rings, and women enslavement. Though commendable, the achievements made so far in promoting women’s rights are not enough and a lot more still remains to be done. The Commission for the Status of Women (CSW) is set to hold the CSW58 convocation, which will take stock of the progress made so far and find ways of improving the lot of women.
* Student Reflection
Violence against women can occur in many forms. Violence can occur in the form of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse and can take place at home, in the workplace, or in public places. Cancer needs to be dealt with decisively and eradicated. The reason why violence against women has persisted despite concerted efforts to eliminate it has much to do with its institutionalization and societal attitudes and culture. Many forms of violence against women are tolerated by society and entrenched deeply in institutions and this makes it hard to eliminate the vice despite the enactment of legal instruments. As a form of popular culture, religion itself seems to be a cause of such violence. A few examples suffice to illustrate this point. In countries such as Somalia and Afghanistan where Islam is the dominant religion, women are made to endure unspeakable horrors, which are justified using the Holy Quran. Similarly, the Bible harbors many examples, which can veritably be termed as anti-women. To counter the monster of violence against women therefore, the church and other religious institutions need to take a stance and renounce all forms of violence against women. Religious institutions must push the debate about violence against women to the frontline and rally its adherents to eliminate this vice.
3. Welfare Reform
Guardian's 'Christian conservatism v Welfare Reform' Claim is Bunkem
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* Student Summary
This article is a rebuttal of an earlier opinion piece penned by The Guardian’s Andrew Brown. In this article, Peter Glover takes issue with Brown’s position that the main opposition against welfare is by conservative Christians. According to Brown, there is no connection whatsoever between theological conservatism and right-wing economic views, an assertion which Glover roundly condemns. On the contrary, Brown states that conservative Christians fully support the efforts by the government in reforming UK’s welfare system. Opposition to the welfare reforms, according to Brown, is from radical liberal Christians such as the leadership of the Anglican Church. Brown finishes off by criticizing The Guardian for what he calls “shoddy journalism”.
* Student Reflection
The debate about who between conservative Christians or liberal Christians support welfare reforms misses the whole point. The focus ought not to be on which side of the divide supports or opposes welfare reforms. Rather, the debate should be on the merits and demerits of the proposed welfare reforms and the moral grounds for either supporting or opposing the reforms. The church, whether liberal or conservative, ought to be guided by what is best for the citizens who are on welfare support. Religious leaders need to be on the frontline campaigning for a system that best addresses the needs and fears of those on welfare support, while cutting down on wastage guaranteeing the taxpayers that their money will be well spent. The substance and nature of this debate closely mirrors what is happening in America. In the U.S. just like in Britain, welfare reform is such an emotive subject that tends to delineate the split between Republicans and Democrats. Whereas the conservative Republicans tend to favor a cash assistance program that support fewer dependencies and which moves more needy people into tax-paying jobs, the more liberal Democrats favor one that ensures that all needy people receive adequate support. The church in the U.S. needs to take a more pro-active role on the issue of welfare reforms and add its voice on the debate. This will ensure that the church not only fulfills its societal and moral obligation to help the needy but it will also ensure that the welfare of the taxpayers is catered for.
4. Foreign policy
Religious Freedom -- Lead by Example
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ivan-eland/religious-freedomlead-by-_b_4747205.html
* Student Summary
This article takes issue with President Obama’s remarks during February’s National Prayer Breakfast. During the Breakfast, President Obama declared the promotion of religious freedom to be a key tenet of his country’s foreign policy. The author disagrees that religious freedom is a national security issue. He further opines that the US government should not even think of promoting religious freedom in other countries. Moreover, the author berates President Obama for publicly scolding countries such as Iran and North Korea for incarcerating some Christian missionaries and states that this public indictment may work against the jailed missionaries and make the Iranian and North Korean governments even more set against religious freedom. Shiite Muslims also chide President Obama in the article for propounding religious freedom while his government has actively supported the coup against the Egypt Brotherhood movement by the military as well as backed Bahrain’s government in its brutal suppression of dissent.
* Student Reflection
Religious freedom ought to be a basic and inalienable right guaranteed for every being on earth. Any legitimate government cannot inhibit religious freedom. This freedom, together with the freedom of expression, free speech, petition, and assembly, is so fundamental to the foundation of America that its very infringement would compromise the fabric on which the country is built. As such, President Obama’s quest to include religious freedom as a key plank in America’s foreign policy is, on the surface of it, laudable and desirable. However, a keen reflection on the issue should persuade any right-thinking person that this is not only a crass idea but also smacks of hypocrisy of the highest order. The state has no duty to export tolerance to other nations. Other countries must be left to decide what is best for them. Non-secular nations, which have adopted a state religion, must not be compelled to exercise what in the eyes of Americans amounts to tolerance. The main goal of America’s foreign policy is to ensure preservation of the state and the number one aim to take part in global policies, which secure the jobs of Americans and ensure that trade with other countries, benefits the hundreds of millions of Americans. Economic interests should take precedence over any other interests. The lessons from the war in Iraq must be learnt well.
5. Substance abuse
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Drugs meet their match in strong religious cultures
http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x1196450863/Drugs-meet-their-match-in-strong-religious-cultures
* Student Summary
Young people promote religious culture in this article as the best antidote against substance abuse. The author argues that there is a correlation between religious culture and substance abuse and claims that areas in America that have a deeply rooted religious culture have lower levels of substance abuse compared to those areas where there is a weak religious culture. He cites a national survey on drug abuse and a 2013 Gallup Poll to back his claims. According to the two studies, six out of ten least religious states appear in the top ten list of illicit drug abuse. On the other hand, states such as Utah and Louisiana, which are deeply religious, harbor the lowest substance abuse rates. This should be enough to convince anybody about the effectiveness of religious culture in the fight against substance abuse.
* Student Reflection
Substance abuse is a growing problem in America. This problem afflicts people from all socioeconomic, ethnic, demographic, and racial groups. It causes individuals to become dependent on drugs, alcohol, and or other substances and this ruins their lives. Substance abuse place a person at a greater risk of getting infectious diseases, stomach problems, cancer, complications due to pregnancy, pulmonary, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, liver disease, and neurological disorders. Whereas religious culture may play an important role in reducing incidences of drug abuse, it is not the perfect panacea for this problem. This is because it fails to address the factors that lead to substance abuse. Research shows that drug abuse is caused by a plethora of factors, which are legal, personal, moral, and political in nature. As a coping strategy, substance abuse aids the drug users to forget their situation and is a form of stress buster. Identifying the causes of the stress and dealing with them would be a much better option. To resolve the problem of substance abuse therefore means increasing access to drug rehabilitation, counseling, peer support, and other social support systems. Religious culture may help but in itself, it is not enough to resolve the question of substance abuse comprehensively.
6. Affirmative action
Affirmative action at California colleges: A debate based on fear
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* Student Summary
Affirmative action has been touted as the panacea for the problems faced by minorities in America. In a new twist however, Asian American students in public colleges in California fear that they will be locked out of the colleges should the Senate vote to restore affirmative action. Affirmative action in California universities was suspended in 1996 following the enactment of Proposition 209, a law that exempts admissions into public colleges and universities from gender, ethnic, and racial considerations. The fear is that admission of Asian-Americans into public colleges and universities in California may be capped to their share of the resident population thereby reducing their enrollment rates. Presently, Asian-Americans make up 10% of the California population.
*Student Reflection
Affirmative action is a premeditated effort started in the sixties to ensure that disadvantaged groups get full and equal opportunities in education, employment, and other spheres of life. The importance of affirmative action has been questioned with many critics pointing out that it often leads to reverse discrimination where qualified white males are denied opportunities in favor of less qualified members of disadvantaged groups.
The students have a point – all applicants for admission to universities should be treated fairly. The number of Asian-American students should not be reduced by any means except their academic qualifications and suitability to pursue the courses they desire. Everybody should be left to compete fairly for the available slots without favoring any group. Ultimately, my opinion is that support for or against affirmative action has never been based on the merits or demerits of the initiative. Rather, it has been based on narrow group or class interests with those supporting the initiative doing so because they stand to gain more and those opposing it doing so because of fear that they would lose more than they would gain. This is very well exemplified by the press report above where, even though majority of Asian-Americans support affirmative action based on poll results, majority of Asian-American students oppose affirmative action in college admission because it may end up reducing their enrollment rate. Debate on affirmative action ought to be based not just on narrow class interests but also on broader merits and higher ideals.
7. Stem cell research
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Stem cell controversy
http://www.explorestemcells.co.uk/stemcellcontroversy.html
* Student Summary
This article talks about the merits and demerits of stem cell research. Opponents compare the destruction of embryos to abortion and dismiss stem cell research as unethical and immoral. On the other hand, proponents believe that stem cell research is essential as it can help to discover cures to many diseases thereby saving lives and money. They also aver that the embryo has no life as it is outside the womb. Proponents of stem cell research also support their arguments by stating that embryos are discarded from in vitro fertilization or from abortions and that instead of destroying them they should be put into better use by advancing research into human health. There are different techniques that can be used instead of destroying fetuses. Some of these techniques include adult stem cells, blastomere extraction, and altered nuclear transfer (ANT). However, more research into these techniques is required in order to make them more useful and to increase their success.
* Student Reflection
Stem cells are self-renewing cells that can proliferate and differentiate into committed progenitor cells. They consist of embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. These stem cells can be produced in large scale and used in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. This has made stem cells potentially valuable therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, congestive cardiac failure, tumors, among others. The stem cell research controversy is not just a scientific problem but it is also an ethical and religious issue. This is because it touches on the sanctity of human life. A useful middle ground would be for the government to increase funding to scientists so that they can advance the use of adult stem cells, blastomere extraction, and altered nuclear transfer. Advancement of these technologies will help in the search of more effective remedies for congenital diseases and other diseases such as cancer, congestive cardiac failure, and neurodegenerative diseases without raising many ethical issues. This will be a satisfactory solution for both sides. The stem cell controversy is a religious issue because of the moral and ethical issues involved and its effect on human life. Religious leaders should take a more pro-active role and campaign for the advancement of technologies that do not make use of the embryos. This will be more useful than the blanket ban on stem cell use which many of them advocate for, as it will also help in finding cures for the diseases mentioned above.
8. Social security
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Of benefits and bishops
http://www.economist.com/blogs/blighty/2014/02/welfare-and-religion
* Student Summary
There is a raging controversy on the extent to which the state should burden its citizens with taxes in order to support the poor. The debate has particularly become fierce in Britain, a country that has prided itself for long about its providence of succor to the poor. The welfare reforms proposed by the government have been heavily criticized by the senior most Catholic clergyman in England and Wales who exclaims that the government is trying to leave the poor hungry and destitute and that the reforms will end up punishing the most vulnerable members of the society. The previous leaders of the Church of England have previously voiced the same opinion. However, the article claims that even though the proposed welfare cuts will hurt many, Britain is more liberal than many other countries in spreading welfare payments.
* Student Reflection
Just as in England and Wales, social security is an important part of life in America. This is because it cushions the majority from the vagaries of harsh economic times. American clergymen ought to borrow a leaf from their counterparts in England and Wales and adopt a more pro-active approach in defending the rights of its citizens with regard to social protection by the government.
9. Living wage
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State of the Union: Religious Groups Respond to Issues of Minimum Wage, Immigration Reform, and Guantanamo Bay
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/headlines/state-of-the-union/
* Student Summary
This article talks about the reactions of religious groups to President Obama’s State of the Union address on the issues of minimum wage, Guantanamo Bay, and immigration reform. On the President’s request to have the minimum wage increased, the reactions from the religious leaders were far from unanimous. Whereas some religious leaders supported the call by the President, the conservative religious leaders were more circumspect and cautioned that increasing, the minimum wage would worsen unemployment by hurting business.
* Student Reflection
America’s economic state has been poor for much of the past decade. The poor state of the economy has largely been due to the global economic meltdown experienced a few years ago. The global crunch resulted in high unemployment rates, collapse of many banks and financial institutions, massive foreclosures, and stagnating economic growth. The cost of living also went up and many Americans have since found it hard to survive. It is against this backdrop that President Obama’s call for higher minimum wages should be viewed. The call is not only timely but it is also welcome. It will help to cushion the majority of Americans who are barely surviving. Religious leaders are supposed to stand with and defend the poor. This is their moral responsibility and higher call. On the surface of it therefore, the criticism by the religious leaders opposed to higher minimum wages sounds hollow and uncaring. However, a careful reflection on the issue shows that the religious leaders may have a valid point. Since the business environment is also poor, compelling businesses to increase minimum wages may hurt the businesses and force them to downsize their workforce hence causing more misery. The solution therefore lies with President Obama: he should quickly come up with policies that will improve the business climate. In the short term, he needs to engage with business leaders to find a reasonable solution to the low minimum wages.
10. Immigration
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Experts say immigrants are changing the US religious landscape
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/feb/26/experts-say-immigrants-are-changing-the-us-religio/
* Student Summary
The changing role of churches in the US due to immigration is the focus of this article. The number of immigrants getting into the country has increased exponentially and it is now estimated that up to 43 million American residents were born outside the country out of which 70% are Christians. This means that more and more strangers are attending churches in America. This has the church concerned and it is welcoming the visitors and playing its role as defined in the Bible of welcoming visitors and protecting them. It is against this backdrop that evangelical, protestant, and southern Baptist churches are now fighting for immigration reform.
* Student Reflection
The church has a duty to protect and defend the vulnerable people, to welcome visitors and ensure that strangers are loved and cared for. This is what love is all about and it is what forms the central plank of all religions. The concern however is that illegal immigrants have taken advantage of such kind of generosity to cause harm and misery to Americans. Whereas many immigrants come to America to improve their lives, some immigrants come with ulterior motives as demonstrated by incidences of terror attacks. However, influx of illegal immigrants is largely a problem of the government. The government has all the machinery, legal and otherwise, to ensure that all the immigrants are carefully vetted and that illegal immigrants are apprehended and repatriated. Religious establishments should continue to care for immigrants the best way they can. However, this does not mean that they should shield illegal immigrants.
11. Gun control
Gun Violence and the Faith Community
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* Student Summary
Incidences of gun violence in America have risen exponentially. Perhaps the Sandy Hook school massacre which took place in Newton, Connecticut in 2013. Support by religious leaders for new restrictions on guns has been ambivalent. Whereas some religious leaders favor new gun restrictions, others are for the use of force and allowing many citizens to own guns to protect them from perpetrators of gun violence.
* Student Reflection
Some religious leaders argue that gun control is a religious issue just like euthanasia, abortion, and the death penalty and that believers should take concrete steps to ensure that access to guns is limited much in the same way that they campaign against abortion, euthanasia, and the death penalty. They aver that too much freedom on gun ownership is anti-life. Conservative Christians primarily share this viewpoint. However, other religious leaders argue that the problem is not about guns per se but is also about evil, morals, and contest that religion should tackle the problem not by limiting gun ownership but by tackling evil and the sins that lead to gun violence. Whichever the viewpoint, it is clear that gun control is a religious issue. Upon careful reflection, my take on the whole point is that gun violence is not just a result of lax gun laws or sin but is caused by people who are mentally ill or those who had a poor upbringing. This therefore points to a failure by society and the institutions thereof. To tackle gun violence therefore, there needs to be a re-examination of how we detect and deal with mental disorders. This will help identify any weaknesses and redress them. Additionally, parents have a duty and responsibility to ensure that their children are accountable for their deeds and those they are on the constant lookout for any signs of deviant behavior.
12. Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender equal rights
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Rights groups, governments, religious leader, gays react to Uganda's anti-gay bill
* Student Summary
The article talks about the global reaction to the anti-gay bill recently signed by Uganda into law. The bill imposes tough penalties on gays. First time offenders will face 14 years in jail while adults who consent to have gay sex will face a life sentence. Among those who reacted to the law is Binyavanga Wainaina, a renowned author who sees the law as an attempt by Uganda’s President Museveni to divert attention from weightier issues such as corruption and help reignite his re-election campaign. A gay rights activist, Dr. Paul Semugoma, described the law as cruel while Susan Rice who is America’s national security adviser termed the enactment of the law as a sad day for the world while maintaining that nobody should be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. British Foreign Secretary, William Hague, also termed the law as discriminatory. Amnesty International warned that enactment of the law could see a surge in cases of violence against gays. The head of Human Dignity Trust saw it as an affront against human rights.
* Student Reflection
Gay rights are a religious issue since it is mentioned in all the religious books such as the Bible and the Holy Quran. In the report above, opponents of the harsh gay bill are human rights activists, gay persons, and top officials of the western countries. Scott Lively is the voice of religious leaders and he disagrees with mainstreaming of homosexuality but argues that gays should not be persecuted by limiting their personal freedoms. My opinion is that Scott is spot on and that religious leaders should oppose mainstreaming of gays while championing for non-discrimination of gays. Similarly, the culture in Uganda and other parts of the world differs greatly from that of America and other western powers and the more liberal religious leaders in western countries ought not to load it over their colleagues in Africa and other countries to accept gays in their religious establishments.
13. Environment
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Exporting Climate Skepticism http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2014/03/10/exporting_climate_skepticism
* Student Summary
Climate change is an issue that has preoccupied millions of people the world over and dominated headlines for much of the past 2 decades. It has been commonly accepted that the world is becoming hotter due to the unbridled activities of man and that the effects of climate change portend gloom for the world. However, skepticism over climate change has now reached stratospheric levels and the anti-climate change brigade has attracted millions of new adherents. Australia Prime Minister’s adviser terms climate change as a scientific delusion, as a religion that is crumbling. Powerful voices in Britain, America, and Australia have joined this bandwagon and these countries have abandoned the cap and trade plans. The powerful forces behind the anti-climate change rhetoric include influential industries and leading politicians. The result is that nearly 20% of Australians and Britons doubt climate change. In the US, 15% of Americans are skeptic about climate change. The skepticism is highest in countries where value growth is valued over environment or where extraction industries are the mainstay of the economy.
* Student Reflection
The opinion of the advisor to the Australian Prime Minister reflects the view of many opponents of climate change that climate change is a religion. Comparison of climate change to a religion betrays the fundamental perspective of the opponents of climate change that it is a non-issue founded on belief and belief alone and without concrete scientific back up. Another point that comes out is that belief or disbelief in climate change is not informed by the important issues but by narrow interests. As such, countries with many greenhouse emissions and which get benefits from the processes that lead to the emissions are opposed to climate change. Conversely, countries that generate little greenhouse emissions are supportive of climate change. Climate change may not be a religion but it is a religious issue since it touches on the livelihoods of millions and has an ethical angle to it. The church ought to champion the interests of the millions who are affected by climate change without allowing partisan issues to cloud the issue.
14. Death penalty
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http://www.christchurchcincinnati.org/deathpenalty
* Student Summary
This article finds fault with the death penalty and outlines several examples from the state of Ohio to bolster its point. It mentions that the death penalty system had a failure rate of 93% in 2007 in Ohio and did not meet the basic criteria for a fair and accurate system. It also mentions that Ohio in the past almost executed an innocent man on six different occasions. It draws the reader to the sorrow and distress caused by the death penalty to the family of the executed person and mentions the execution of Jesus.
* Student Reflection
The death penalty is one of the most divisive issues in the United States of America today. Religious leaders are right in opposing the death penalty since it is not acceptable according to what they believe. My considered opinion is that nobody has the right to terminate the life of another regardless of the crime committed. Additionally and as inferred by the article, there are many people who have been wrongly convicted and subjected to unfair death penalty. Instead of maintaining the death penalty, we should be looking at ways of strengthening the judicial system and reforming the penal and correctional laws and facilities. The primary objective of the justice system should be to correct errant behavior and not to end the lives of those at fault.
15. Labor issues
* Item/Source
Can Germany Reform American Labor Relations?
http://www.thenation.com/article/178696/can-germany-reform-american-labor-relations#
* Student Summary
On the issue of labor relations, Germany seems to be miles ahead of the U.S. Germany has greater respect for the rights of workers and appears to more democratic. Unlike in the US where there is an intense anti-labor propaganda and union busting, there is a legal requirement that compels companies to set up a works council which is comprised of individuals elected by the employees and which consults and collaborates with the company’s top leadership. This ensures that the input of German workers is taken into consideration during corporate decision-making. Volkswagen, the German automaker, tried to come up with a refined version of the German labor law. The company was however unsuccessful after it was voted down by workers due to an intense and rabid campaign punctuated by innuendos and half lies and led by right-wing ideologues and republican scaremongers. Volkswagen also accuses the workers union of doing little to ward off the attacks on the proposal.
* Student Reflection
The story above shows that America’s labor laws are not as friendly to its workers as those of Germany are. Labor issues pertain to millions of workers who toil daily in order to feed themselves and their families. This aspect makes it a religious issue and religious leaders are obligated to stand up for workers and ensure that workers are treated fairly.
16. Child soldiers
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Bishops in southern Congo denounce increasing violence, child soldiers
* Student Summary
In this report, bishops from southern Congo decry the escalating violence in southern Congo and wonder why the national government is not doing enough to contain the violence caused by the Katanga separatists. The violence has resulted in a gross violation of the rights of many people, leading to the displacement of nearly half a million people, deaths, destruction, and illnesses. Separatists from Katanga province are perpetuating the violence. The separatists have enrolled child soldiers in their fighting units. Children as young as 10 years are drugged and forced to take part in rituals. The children are then armed with small arms and assault rifles and assured of a life of happiness. Their task is to rape girls and women, plunder, torture, and rob. This turns young children into remorseless killers.
* Student Reflection
Use of child soldiers in war is morally wrong. It destroys society by ruining the lives of children. The move by the bishops to denounce the use of child soldiers is a move in the right direction. Bishops and other religious leaders from America and other progressive nations need to add their voice to this issue and campaign for the end of the use of child soldiers in wars.
17. Campaign finance reform
* Item/Source
Advocates: New hope for NY campaign finance reform
http://www.washingtontimes.com/
* Student Summary
This article from The Washington Times reports that the New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has factored in election reforms in the state’s budget. The Governor aims at instituting wide-ranging electoral reforms that would ensure that the election law is strictly enforced and contribution limits tightened. The proposed law also seeks to ensure that candidates vying for elective positions are not reliant on large contributions. Proponents of public campaign financing and Democrats at large have met this development with joy. Republicans on the other hand detest the idea of campaign finance reform and see it as a waste of taxpayers’ money. The Republicans instead propose that the Governor and state lawmakers pass a more accountable budget with fewer taxes and more investment in infrastructure and education.
* Student Reflection
The issue of campaign finance reform is one of the most debated subjects in electoral reform. As usual, this debate amplifies the fault lines between the Democrats and the Republicans. Whereas the Democrats favor the campaign finance reform, the Republicans are dead set against it. The voice of religious leaders is however conspicuously silent on this matter. My opinion is that religious leaders ought to take a stand on this matter and influence its outcome since this subject involves the use of public money that regulates the conduct of political parties.
18. Healthcare
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Religious Freedom a Grey Area with Health Care Reform
http://www.creightonian.com/opinion/article_09abfcdc-a28a-11e3-882a-001a4bcf6878.html
* Student Summary
This article addresses concerns that religious freedom is a grey area in Obamacare. The main issue is on whether businesses can be compelled to uphold parts of Obamacare if it contravenes their religious convictions. Some of the services include abortion and other reproductive health services, which some providers may find hard to offer because such services run counter to their beliefs. Obamacare protects these rights and the paradox is that while protecting the rights, the law infringes on the rights of faith-run hospitals to be governed in line with the religious beliefs underpinning their foundation. This is true especially for hospitals operated by the Catholic Church. In this article, the author argues that hospitals and clinics run by religious institutions should be left to exercise their religious freedom without undue state interference. On the other hand, the state should enforce Obamacare in its entirety for hospitals and clinics not operated by religious institutions. This will ensure respect for the doctrine of separation of state and church while upholding religious freedom.
* Student Reflection
The Obamacare bill was widely welcomed as the panacea for the health problems faced by millions of Americans who have no health coverage. However, the bill has raised emotions due to its ambiguity especially with regard to the rights of employees to receive reproductive health services. My opinion mirrors that of the author of the article that hospitals and clinics run by religious institutions should be left to exercise their religious freedom without undue state interference. On the other hand, the state should enforce Obamacare in its entirety for hospitals and clinics not operated by religious institutions.
19. HIV/AIDS
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http://www.christianheadlines.com/blog/christians-bring-hope-to-aids-ground-zero.html
* Student Summary
This article talks about the work of the International Mission Board (IMB) in a small rural community in South Africa. The IMB operates a project called “One Community” mainly targeted at patients who are HIV positive. The rural community has a large population of HIV/AIDS patients and the objective of the IMB is to provide comfort, medical assistance, and health education to the ill. The board also provides education for orphans, donates food to the needy in this community, and teach the gospel. The board translates the Bible so that the local people can understand it.
* Student Reflection
HIV/AIDS is a scourge that has affected millions and millions of people the world over. It has caused sorrow and destitution to many. It is therefore encouraging to learn of IMB’s mission to bring comfort and hope to victims of this disease. This is a good example that should be emulated by other religious establishments. Religious establishments should not just be harbingers of the word of God. They should also provide material and emotional support to the members of the society who are in need.
20. Human rights
* Item/Source
U.S. rights report highlights China, Myanmar reforms, abuses
http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/27/us-usa-rights-asia-idUSBREA1Q1W020140227
* Student Summary
In this article, the human rights situation in China, Myanmar, and a few other parts of Asia is assessed. A report by the U.S. State Department on the human rights situation in these regions in 2013 reveals that the human rights situation in Myanmar, China, and other parts of Asia has improved. However, the report states that there are still cases of grave human rights abuse and restrictions on basic freedoms still abound. People are still being arrested on political grounds and Muslims are still subjected to violent attacks and discrimination in Myanmar. On a positive note though, the report acknowledges the release of more than a thousand political detainees in Myanmar. There have been many cases of violent attacks against Muslims by Buddhists. China has made some gains with the relaxation of its strict birth-limitation rule and the elimination of "Reeducation through Labor". However, freedom of assembly, expression, association, and religion is still curtailed. There are also cases of human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Vietnam where torture and disappearances are common. Vietnam has however registered more protestant churches.
* Student Reflection
Religion should be at the forefront of preaching tolerance and advancing human rights globally. However, religion seems to perpetuate violations of human rights. Intolerance and the supposed superiority
21. Education
* Item/Source
http://www.setonmagazine.com/topics/general-homeschooling/smoking-religion-two-things-cant-public
* Student Summary
This article decries the prohibition of religious activities in public. It also decries the curtailing of religious freedom especially in schools. It gives an example of catholic homeschooling and states that it is now criminal for one to hold religious beliefs as this may be termed as tantamount to discrimination. The article says that religious freedom and smoking are viewed pretty much the same in America – both are antisocial behaviors and should not be publicly displayed. They should only be done in secrecy.
* Student Reflection
The prohibition of public display of religion especially in schools borders on assault on the freedom of religion. As a country, which prides itself in ensuring the freedom of all, America is on the wrong path. Religious leaders need to be more aggressive in their fight for the preservation of religious freedom especially in the educational system.
22. Smoking
* Item/Source
http://pureunadulteratedgrace.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-about-christians-who-smoke.html
* Student Summary
This article talks about smoking and Christianity. The author talks against smoking because it is harmful to one’s health. The author however says that smokers should not be condemned but that they should be shown love and acceptance. The author also argues that smokers are not lesser Christians than non-smokers are.
* Student Reflection
Smoking is a health-impairing behavior that is associated with many undesirable effects. Cigarette smokers have a higher risk of premature death than non-smokers and smoking accounts for 60% more deaths than deaths from heroin and cocaine combined. It is associated with higher risks for lung cancer. The risk for kidney, oral, bladder, pancreatic, esophageal, and laryngeal cancer is also much more elevated in smokers. Additionally, smokers have an elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, stroke, atherosclerosis, emphysema, bronchitis, and other diseases of the pulmonary system. Besides endangering their lives, smokers also place the lives of other people at risk. It has been shown that exposure to secondhand smoke can substantially increase one’s risk of getting heart disease, lung cancer, and other diseases. Therefore, smokers are not only a danger to themselves but they are also a danger to society as well as their families. They must be reined in and all efforts made to ensure that they do not cause harm to society.