Brief World News

The world mourns the tragic loss of Iran’s President, Dr Seyed Ebrahim Raisi, and members of his delegation who were killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday. The Pope, along with the General Secretary of the World Council of Churches, expressed their condolences to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Pope Francis sent a telegram to the country’s Supreme Leader, offering prayers for the deceased and comfort to their families during this difficult time. The Revd Professor Jerry Pillay also extended heartfelt condolences to the nation.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the United Nations Special Rapporteurs are urging authorities to release singer Yahaya Sharif-Aminu from death row. Sharif-Aminu was sentenced to death under blasphemy law for a song he posted on WhatsApp. Despite his death sentence being quashed, there are concerns that he may face re-prosecution under the same legal framework.

On a brighter note, more US companies are embracing religious diversity in the workplace. The latest Corporate Religious Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Index reveals that a majority of Fortune 500 companies are committing to religious inclusivity. This includes showcasing faith-oriented employee business resource groups, indicating a positive shift towards religious diversity in corporate America.

In a separate case, a Rastafarian inmate in a Louisiana state prison is seeking damages after prison guards cut his dreadlocks, which he wore for religious reasons. The inmate argues that his religious rights were violated, and his case could have implications for the protection of minority faiths in institutional settings.