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3. Malaysia developments
Today's earlier blog noted Malaysia's ban on discussing religion. Now, in what appears to be another setback to religious freedom in the country, the top court has decided to drag its feet in the Lina Joy case. The court had earlier indicated that it would hurry in its decision on whether Lina must get permission from Islamic courts to convert to Christianity. Perhaps sensing that it's now no use to hold its reporting on the case until the verdict, The New York Times summarizes the situation today.

4. Football coach prayer case goes into overtime
The East Brunswick school district has announced that it will appeal a ruling allowing football coach Marcus Borden to participate in team prayers. The district had earlier said it was pleased with U.S. District Judge Dennis Cavanaugh's decision in the case, and said it clarified the lines of acceptable religious behavior for coaches.

5. Another Christian Coalition defects
Alabama's Christian Coalition has joined chapters in Iowa and Ohio in dropping its ties to the weakened national body and changing its name. In some ways, the surprise is that the break didn't come earlier—the state and national coalitions publicly campaigned against each other in 2003 over a proposed overhaul of the state's tax system.

Quote of the day
"They choose the Christians because we are seen as weak and because we would like to live in peace."

— Basam Hannah, one of thousands of Christians who have fled Baghdad and other Iraqi cities amid concerns that they are being targeted for attacks. Among the latest incidents is the kidnapping of Chaldean priest Saad Sirop Hanna of Baghdad. The kidnappers have demanded a $1 million ransom.

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August (Web-only) 2006, Vol. 50