The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast

Jessica Grose, a journalist and New York Times writer, dives into the evolving landscape of the Mormon community as seen through the lens of the Hulu show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. She discusses how Mormon women are challenging traditional church expectations, notably with new freedoms like revealing shoulders. Grose highlights the growing impact of social media influencers and the relatable exploration of faith and identity that resonates beyond the Mormon experience. Additionally, she addresses the church's concerns about inaccurate portrayals and its dual role as a supportive yet insular community.

Across Europe, governments are cracking down on clergy associated with the Russian Orthodox Church, accusing them of being propagandists, even spies for the Putin regime. Ukraine has stripped citizenship from the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, saying he answers to Moscow. Estonia has just passed a law forcing the local Orthodox to cut ties with Russia. It’s also accused a group of nuns of spying. Just how deep does suspicion of the church run? GUEST:ANDREW RETTMAN is a senior correspondent for the EU Observer.  He’s written extensively about espionage and the Russian Orthodox Church.

The announcement by the Dalai Lama that he will have a reincarnated successor when he dies – and that his foundation along will identify the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism – is a major challenge to China, which occupies Tibet. It’s also a challenge to the Trump administration, according to a former official. Randall Schriver served as Assistant Secretary of Defence. He says respecting the Dalai Lama’s decision will test Donald Trump’s commitment to religious freedom.Across Europe, governments are cracking down on clergy associated with the Russian Orthodox Church, accusing them of being propagandists, even spies for the Putin regime. Ukraine has stripped citizenship from the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, saying he answers to Moscow. Estonia has just passed a law forcing the local Orthodox to cut ties with Russia. It’s also accused a group of nuns of spying. Just how deep does suspicion of the church run? He was the charismatic preacher in the sharp suit and flashy car, who preached personal purity – until he came undone in a sex scandal. Jimmy Swaggart was a global institution in the 1980s. He died a few days ago. GUESTS:RANDALL SCHRIVER served as Assistant Secretary of Defence in the Trump administration and Deputy Secretary of State in the Bush administration. He's currently the Chairman of the Institute for Indo Pacific Security in Washington DC. And co-authored China wants to pick the next Dalai Lama. Will democracies let it?ANDREW RETTMAN is a senior correspondent for the EU Observer.  He’s written extensively about espionage and the Russian Orthodox Church.Dr LEAH PAYNE is a historian of charismatic Christianity at George Fox University and author of the book about Jimmy Swaggart God Gave Rock & Roll to You. This program was made on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

The announcement by the Dalai Lama that he will have a reincarnated successor when he dies – and that his foundation along will identify the next leader of Tibetan Buddhism – is a major challenge to China, which occupies Tibet.It’s also a challenge to the Trump administration, according to a former official. Randal Schriver who served in the previous Trump administration, says respecting the Dalai Lama’s decision will test Donald Trump’s RANDALL SCHRIVER served as Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs in the United States government during the first Trump administration.

The reincarnation of The Dalai Lama extends beyond it's spiritual significance; it has become a complex geopolitical conflict, with China eager to control the centuries-old process and the future of Tibet.Saransh Sehgal writes on social issues around the globe, cultures and travel in the Himalayan region and specifically Tibetan geopolitics. He's author of Dalai Lama at 90: The Succession Battle That Will Shape Tibet’s Future

He was the charismatic preacher in the sharp suit and flashy car, who preached personal purity – until he came undone in a sex scandal. Jimmy Swaggart was a global institution in the 1980s. He died a few days ago. GUEST:Dr Leah Payne is a historian of charismatic Christianity at George Fox University and author of the new book God Gave Rock & Roll to You A History of Contemporary Christian Music.  

If Pope Leo XIV decides to take on some of the world’s most powerful leaders, he can rely on the nerves of steel he developed while leading the Catholic Church in his adopted homeland of Peru. When he was archbishop, he found himself in the middle of a conflict between the leftist guerilla movement, known as the Shining Path, and the right-wing Catholic group Opus Dei, which supported the authoritarian government. GUEST:MATTHEW CASEY-PARISEAULT of Arizona State University is based in Lima, where he studies the relationship between the church and state.

The small Palestinian town of Taybeh is one of the few villages in the West Bank where almost all the residents are Christian. In recent weeks, radical Israeli settlers have stepped up attacks on residents and properties, as part of their plan to occupy the entire West Bank territory. GUEST:SANAD SAHELIA is a local journalist who reports for Catholic media.

When New Yorkers gave Zohran Mamdani close to half the votes in the Democratic primary for mayor, they turned a local race into contest with global impact. Mamdani is of Indian Muslim background.As a state assemblyman, he’s been an outspoken critic of Israel. About nine percent of New Yorkers are Muslim but 12 per cent are Jewish. So how has this election reflected these differences? GUEST:ETAN NECHIN is New York correspondent for Ha’aretz News.

When New Yorkers gave Zohran Mamdani close to half the votes in the Democratic primary for mayor, they turned a local race into contest with global impact. Mamdani is of Indian Muslim background. As a state assemblyman, he’s been an outspoken critic of Israel. About nine percent of New Yorkers are Muslim but 12 per cent are Jewish. So has this election reflected these differences? The small Palestinian town of Taybeh is one of the few villages in the West Bank where almost all the residents are Christian. In recent weeks, radical Israeli settlers have stepped up attacks on residents and properties, as part of their plan to occupy the entire West Bank territory. If Pope Leo XIV decides to take on some of the world’s most powerful leaders, he can rely on the nerves of steel he developed while leading the Catholic Church in his adopted homeland of Peru. When he was archbishop, he found himself in the middle of a conflict between the leftist guerilla movement, known as the Shining Path, and the right-wing Catholic group Opus Dei, which supported the authoritarian government. GUESTS:ETAN NECHIN is New York correspondent for Ha’aretz newspaper.SANAD SAHELIA is a freelance journalist in Ramallah who reports for Catholic media.MATTHEW CASEY-PARISEAULT of Arizona State University is based in Lima, where he studies the relationship between the church and state.