Freedom Of Religion ... To What Extent?

A couple of months ago, I was asked to moderate a panel discussion at a conference for corporate diversity officers, people who work in personnel and human resources and so on. The panel included two other consultants who work in that field. At one point, one of the consultants, a Muslim woman, asked us to close our eyes, and we did. And when we opened them she had added to her standard issue (forgive me) business attire a very large Muslim headscarf (it's actually a particular style called an Al Almira). If you are interested in the different styles of coverings here's a very nice primer from the BBC.

Anyway, she asked us how our opinion of her changed because of what she was wearing. It was a slightly uncomfortable moment. The thing of it is, we could still see her face.

But what if we could not?

That's the core of a very interesting conversation going on in France right now. President Nicholas Sarkozy has suggested that his government should ban the wearing of the Burka in public.

Now, set aside the administrative issues. How would you enforce this?

Arrest people?

Issue a ticket?

And the constitution (a differnt constitution than ours, but one that recognizes freedom of religion) what then does it MEAN? What does it feel like to those who are most affected?

We decided to ask two different Muslim women with two very different opinions. And one of the things they have a different opinion about is even whether the burqa is the same as Niquab, which covers the face (except for the eyes).

Here's a blog that discusses Niquab.

It is interesting to even contemplate that we would be discussing these matters. It's a French issue at the moement, but there was at least one case of a Muslim woman fighting to keep her face covered in a driver's license photo. She did not prevail.

Another sign of our changing times. What accommodations do we make to each other to practice our religion as we see fit, and yet maintain the core values of the community and nation?

Interesting we think.

And tomorrow, we have a special Independence Day treat for you.

Something for the head, heart soul ... and taste buds.

Check it out.

Lee Hill

4:05 PM ET | 07- 2-2009 | permalink

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When Things Fall Apart

Marie Nelson, here ...

There are some mornings when things couldn't possibly run any smoother -- guests are in place, scripts are in order and then ... all systems go.

Not.

Today, that wasn't quite the case. During our first (and what we usually hope is our only) broadcast feed, we experienced difficulty with today's Faith Matters segment, which focused on the Southern Baptist Convention and a debate over reconciling the mega-denomination's racially tense past with the election of Barack Obama as this country's first Black president. Our two guests -- both Baptist ministers -- were kind enough to join us from affiliate studios in different parts of the south.

First, the Rev. Hershael York's studio line dropped from the conversation. Silence.

But no need to fear, right? The Rev. Dwight McKissick, our other guest, was still on the line.

... Until his line dropped, too. Both guests were now gone, leaving Michel as the lone voice on-air in TMM radio wilderness.

Now this is where it gets tricky in a live production format. Michel could've either:

a) panicked and lost her cool, or

b) spent the next 5 minutes vamping - desperate to fill precious airtime, as engineers scrambled to restore the connection, by giving listeners regional reports of the weekend weather forecast, or

Continue reading "When Things Fall Apart" »

Marie Nelson

4:07 PM ET | 06-19-2009 | permalink

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A Historic Speech: The View From Abroad- Egypt

Monika Evstatieva here...

At Tell Me More it has been a long day. We were all up really, really early to watch President's Obama address from Cairo. And we also wanted to make sure, we bring you voices that are new, different and fresh. So, for the first part of our program, we gathered three young people from Egypt, Palestine and Pakistan and asked them about their reactions to the President's speech. The conversation is definitely worth hearing. But what also amazed us, is how much the speech meant to them on a personal level. So, we've asked our guests to also share some of their thoughts on our blog.

First is Ahmed Attiah. Ahmed, 29, is an Egyptian-American and lives in Chicago.
Ahmed, take it away...

Thank you, Monika.Today's speech was nothing less than a historic event that could result in significant changes in the way the Muslim world views the United States' role in the world. President Obama was able to present himself as a genuine leader of the free world by using new language -- much different from what the Muslim world had been accustomed to hear from his predecessor. The honest vision he presented was quite inspiring to the Muslim audience who were clearly impressed and interrupted his speech on multiple occasions either applauding or simply shouting we love you. Quite frankly, I don't think their love cries were aimed at Obama the man only, but the American tolerant and objective voice/image, they have been so eager to reconnect with for a long time.

Obama's vision for change has been nothing less than effective based on the initial reaction shared by the media in the Muslim world. His speech today could prove to be the catalyst event that will instigate the west and the Muslim world to start working together and overcoming their differences and start focusing more and more on commonalties. Obama addressed the youth who he believes are still not as corrupted with the residues of past events including 9/11 and the war in Iraq that he sees a capacity for them to lead change. His words were directed towards the youth on both sides as he formulated steps and plans to enhance dialogue and communications through exchange programs and other tools that he -- and we - hope will bring both worlds together.

It has been said that older men make the decision to go to war while the youth are the ones that die in battle and pay the heavy price. Hence President Obama chose to speak directly to the youth asking them to take advantage of the tools they have to build dialogue, tolerance and understanding of the other. The youth should start on both sides by conducting an honest internal dialogue where self criticism would be used to remediate the scars of stereotypes shared on both sides. The next phase would take place in the form of exchange programs and creating a fund that would be dedicated to enhancing Muslim American relations and focusing on the commonalties and common core values. There should be movements and efforts on both sides that should stop and oppose the stereotypes created for the other. The youth in the Muslim world should start rejecting the idea that the US main interest is to exploit the natural resources of the Muslim world and impose a Western Agenda that aims to ridicule and do away with the Muslim heritage and believes. Meanwhile, youth in the West have to start standing up against the stereotypes and negative images of Muslims in the western media in terms of extremism, violence and women rights.

Obama's predecessor had shoes thrown at him when he gave his last speech in the Middle East, while Obama had people screaming "I love you" on the top of their lungs. The significant contrast is an indication that hope and progress are imminent and bring better results than arrogance and confrontation. But now we just have to follow words with action, we must join with Obama to ensure that he doesn't lose momentum in his quest for peace.

Thank you, Ahmed. I also truly believe the youth can play a huge role in setting a different conversation. But as you say, we also need actions, not only words.
Next, on our blog will be Zaina Arafat from Palestine.

Blog to you soon...

Monika Evstatieva

2:35 PM ET | 06- 4-2009 | permalink

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A 'Good Friday'

We're running out the door. It's the that time of year -- Easter, Passover, Orthodox Easter is soon upon us

We hope you enjoy our Passover visit with Rabbi Capers Funnye. He heads one of the largest congregations of Jews of African descent in this country. Funnye also happens to be the First Lady's first cousin, once removed, which may have something to do with his sudden popularity. But I think you will hear the seriousness of purpose and spirit in his remarks.

I'd like to hear from him again, would you?

And there are those who consider it the civil rights issue of our time -- the fight for marriage equality, that is. On today's program, we get the latest on decisions in Vermont, Iowa and Washington, D.C., that made headlines this week.

And now I have to go help the Easter Bunny out, if you get my meaning.

Cheers! Have a great weekend, however you celebrate or observe it. (Otherwise, spend it doing ...)

Michel Martin

1:13 PM ET | 04-10-2009 | permalink

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Completing The Arc, Building The Exchange

So we end the week where we started off ...

We talked to Mark Souder, a Republican Congressman from Indiana who represents an area that borders Elkhart, Ind., where President Obama visited at the beginning of the week to tout his stimulus plan. The unemployment rate there is twice the national average, about 15 percent. And Elkhart is known as the recreational vehicle (RV) capital of the world, and is very much a manufacturing area.

In full disclosure, Souder's district line is about three blocks from the actual site of the President's visit. (Rep. Joe Donnelly, a Democrat, represents the actual dirt where the President stood.) But you get my drift.

Elkhart is in a world of hurt, and Souder's district is all about making things that many folk cannot afford to buy right now -- RV's, pickup trucks ... the works.

Earlier this week, we had an Elkhart resident, Damond Smart, share his fears about the economy and his hopes that Obama will help turn things around.

Given all that, how could Souder and other Republicans, but especially him, vote against the economic stimulus bill, you ask?

Well, you can hear from him yourself. Marc Souder was our lead segment, today's political chat.

But now, I want to say a word about Faith Matters ...

Some people may wonder why we have this segment. I have to confess, it was always a dream of mine to have a segment, or a program, where we would talk about matters of faith and spirituality as part of our normal conversation. You don't have to be religious to understand that religion is an animating force in American life. For many people it is life, and for others, it is as important as work or politics, or sports?

Today, we decided to talk with two clergy members who are actively taking on sex. And not just what not to do, or who not to do it with ... but what to do.

We deliberately chose two men who come from very different worlds -- theologically and socially. One is white and gay, and ministers primarily to a GLBT congregation. The other is African-American and theologically more of a traditionalist. He believes strongly that sex is to be experienced within the confines of marriage.

But each man believes in trying to help his congregation achieve a more fulfilling intimate life.

One reason we really appreciate Faith Matters (browse the archive of topics) is that we find that our guests, perhaps more than any other, really strive for the kind of authentic civility that is so often lacking in our daily lives and conversations. Often we have guests who disagree passionately about some core issues, and yet they almost always listen to each other with great respect and concern. They are able to express their most deeply held beliefs, respectfully. Often, they end the conversation by offering blessings to each other.

Now, I realize this is not everyone's cup of tea, but we do hope that many of you see in it what we do: a model of deep conversation that respects differences and bridges others.

Have a great weekend.

And Happy Valentine's Day.

Michel Martin

2:54 PM ET | 02-13-2009 | permalink

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It's Interesting How Things Come Together

It was planned, but still a coincidence. We did not expect when we were thinking about this week that the issue of reproductive rights would be so much in the news.

Last week we spoke to the Rev. Jim Wallis for a conversation about whether it's really possible to reach some middle ground on socially divisive issues, most especially abortion. Wallis considers himself a progressive evangelical and is a prominent name in the faith community, but he is also close to President Barack Obama. ... So we decided to we needed to hear from other voices.

Today, Richard Doerflinger, of the U.S. Conference of Catholic bishops. When you hear the bishops speak on these matters, most often the voice you hear is his. Interestingly there was a piece in The Washington Post about this today.

And there was another piece today that says that new White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships will also set at its goal finding a center, and reducing the numbers of abortions.

This also happened to be the day that the woman who gave birth to octuplets, a single mom who already had six kids, decided to speak publicly for the first time. She appeared on NBC's "Today" show and will have more to say as the interview spreads through the week:

I know we -- and you -- are going to want to talk more about this. So let us find some folk to talk to about it ...

Have a great weekend.

Michel Martin

3:42 PM ET | 02- 6-2009 | permalink

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When Faith And Politics Clash ... Big Time

It didn't occur to me until now, really, that most of this program today touched on the intersection of faith and politics.

First, the controversy over the selection of Rev. Rick Warren to offer the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration has touched off an intense debate online and over the airwaves -- and I bet in some living rooms -- about whether this was the right thing to do. Some gay activists are outraged; others are outraged that the gay activists are outraged.

Our discussion this morning had an element of this intensity with Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., a high-profile supporter of so-called traditional values; Harry Knox, of the Human Rights Campaign, a leading civil rights organization for gays and Bishop Yvette Flunder, a prominent minister in the San Francisco area who preaches what she calls "radical inclusivity."

I bet we'll come back to this discussion.

And then we had what I thought was a very touching conversation with Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) about his trip to Mecca, where he made the Hajj. It is a spiritual journey that observant Muslims are required to make at least once in their lifetimes, if they are physically capable and can afford it. Rep. Ellison has preferred not to dwell on the fact that he is the first Muslim elected to Congress, but he was kind enough to talk to us about his journey.

Also, on the Web page for that conversation, you can learn more about the Hajj, including how one prepares and what it's all about.

And, the Barbershop guys were at again today on the shoe heard around the world, whether SNL's take on NY Gov. David Paterson was funny or not (Paterson says, not). They also talk more on President-elect Barack Obama's cabinet picks.

Have a great weekend.

... What am I doing here? I have to finish my Christmas shopping ...

Michel Martin

3:51 PM ET | 12-19-2008 | permalink

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Farewell Chi-Town ..

Well, not exactly. Although we wrapped up our final broadcast from the Windy City, we're still chomping away at even more material (stories, photos, etc.) to bring you from our time here.

... So sit tight.

Until our next post hits, in the meantime, tell us your thoughts on Father Michael Pfleger of the Saint Sabina faith community here in Chicago. Many remember him for his comments at Trinity United Church of Christ about Sen. Hillary Clinton during the presidential primary season. Regardless of whether that serves as your point of reference, he's certainly an interesting man, and you would probably agree after learning more about him and his message, overall. Today's conversation, might be a good start.

Meet you back here later...

Lee Hill

12:13 PM ET | 07-25-2008 | permalink

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Barack Obama, Jeremiah Wright and the Black Church

As I write this, I am watching Sen. Barack Obama's speech. He's talking about his relationship with the Rev. Jeremiah Wright and the preaching that has now become an issue in his campaign. But Obama is also talking about who he is and what his unique racial legacy means.

We need to decide if we want to revise, or somehow revisit, the conversation we had this morning about what constitutes proper speech in a religious context, and how much political leaders need to be held accountable for what their spiritual advisers may say or preach.

Our guests this morning, if I say so myself, are some of they key leaders in contemporary religious thought: the Rev. Jim Wallis, the founder of Sojourners; Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., of Hope Christian Church (you recently heard both of them on this program talk about how the evangelical movement can refresh itself), the Rev. Renita Weems, a blogger and a major voice among progressive religious leaders, especially among African American women, and Rabbi Shmuel Herzfeld of the National Synagogue, here in Washington, D.C. (you have also heard before on this program talking about whether baseball should have "religion" days, and modern matchmaking services).

We debated all weekend about how to respond to the Jeremiah Wright story. We were troubled that so much of the conversation we were hearing seemed not to understand or acknowledge traditions of the black church. And yet, one must recognize that a presidential campaign is not a private affair, and all relationships and contexts in which these candidates operate will be scrutinized.

Our question: what's legitimate speech? ... What's not? ... What crosses the line?

And, who gets to decide?

I think we'll let the conversation stand.

I also hope you'll enjoy the conversation with newsmaker U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The Democrat is the first woman elected to the Senate from Michigan. We spoke with her in honor of Women's History Month, and her own accomplishments.

Plus, another woman making history Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. A new documentary tells the story of her first year in office.

... I'm still listening to the Obama speech. Tell us more about what you think.

And, tomorrow, we'll start talking about the 5th anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war. We have stories for you ...

Michel Martin

3:35 PM ET | 03-18-2008 | permalink

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The Faith Vote ... and Tension in South Africa

As Lee mentioned earlier, whirlwind day yesterday. And another one today.

Yesterday, I moderated a discussion at the National Press Club, tied to a new book by leading evangelical leaders Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, and Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr., a pastor and frequent commentator on public policy issues. You will have heard both of these men on many news outlets, including this one. They have teamed up to write Personal Faith, Public Policy. The book takes a fresh look at some of the leading public policy issues, and calls evangelical Christians to recommit to values and to look at values issues more broadly. It makes the argument that Christians may have allowed themselves to become too closely identified with one political party, and have not embraced the full gamut of issues that Christians should be concerned with.

My question to them: are you saying your failings were in areas of public relations (failing to be understood), or of works (failing to do justice by focusing too narrowly on a narrow set of issues)?

Anyway, deep discussion. We were joined at the event by David Brody of the Christian Broadcasting Network, the Rev. Jim Wallis, the internationally known author of God's Politics and author of a new book, The Great Awakening, and the Rev. Sam Rodriguez, leader of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (you would have heard him on this program before).

Tomorrow, we'll try to bring you a reprise, or a condensed version, of the conversation.

Just below is the video we talked about in our roundtable of South African students. If you are a sensitive person, it takes a strong stomach to watch. Just be warned. And, it's in Afrikaans so you have to infer what is being said (unless, of course you speak Afrikaans).

Finally, did you love our fashionistas. But how about that whole thing with giving up your Capri pants and boot cut jeans? I am so mad.

And peach is out? Harumph.

I am wearing a peach sweater today in protest. But the capris? ... They've made me think twice.

Michel Martin

4:55 PM ET | 03-13-2008 | permalink

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Christian Leaders Under Investigation: Fair?

Lee, here...

It's grey, cold and rainy here in Washington. A group us of just returned from outdoors after gathering sound elements to bring you for Monday's program. Monday is Veterans Day and we're working to bring you reflections and perspectives that will probably differ from what you might hear elsewhere. I can almost guarantee that you'll find Monday's program quite interesting (hopefully, that's always the case).

Today's program... I think the conversation between Michel and the two ministers -- the Rev. Marcia Dyson and the Rev. Harry Jackson -- was full of insight. We asked them to talk to us about a recent decision by Sen. Charles Grassley, a Republican from Iowa on the Senate Finance Committee, to investigate six televangelists who are under suspicion for questionable spending and opulent lifestyles. Learn more about the investigation here (pdf).

Listen to the perspectives of Dyson and Jackson and let us know what you think. A few questions:

Do you agree with the investigation?
Are these six individuals, and their ministries, being unfairly targeted?
Should the government be involved in investigating the financial matters of religious institutions? Or, does the bold stance and political influence of evangelicals open them up to such scrutiny?

Interested to know where you come out on this.

Finally, in case you thought the guys in this week's Barbershop were just kidding when describing the ad with the dancing groundhog, think again:

Enjoy your weekend!

Lee Hill

4:32 PM ET | 11- 9-2007 | permalink

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