Global Scans · Religion · Weekly Summary

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WHAT'S NEXT?: Huge growth is expected over the next several decades as the world's Muslim population grows faster than every other major religious demographic, and as urbanization and rising incomes in developing countries with large Muslim populations mean more will be buying, rather than producing their own food.

• [New] Germany's federal drug commissioner, Hendrik Streeck of the Christian Democrats (CDU), has called for a return to stricter cannabis regulations, warning of abuse and health risks among young people. Deutsche Welle
• [New] Turning Point USA has developed a powerful brand independent from Trump that will continue to be a platform for Christian nationalism. Euronews
• [New] Amendments to the Northern Territory's anti-discrimination laws that the Country Liberal Party government claims will restore freedom of speech and religion have passed parliament. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] The Palestinian Authority (or any other Palestinian government) will need to dismantle terror networks and end Palestinian incitement in schools, religious institutions, and the international arena. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• [New] Texas public schools will begin the 2025-2026 academic year under a host of new state laws affecting student conduct, curriculum, religious displays, library content, and school safety. Texas Border Business
• [New] Regional focal points in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula are projected to remain in a turbulent state, with ongoing conflicts fueled by religious / ethnic complicatedness, historical resentments and power struggles. Diplomatist
• [New] Myanmar junta attacks on Hsipaw and other resistance-held towns in northern Shan are endangering irreplaceable historic and religious sites. The Irrawaddy
• [New] Factors such as corruption, socioeconomic inequity, and ignorance among Russian officials regarding Islam could end up fueling radicalism rather than deterring it. The Washington Institute
• [New] The changing dynamics of religious affiliation in the United States signal a significant cultural shift that will likely continue to evolve in the coming years. The UNN
• [New] In the short to medium term, religiosity could increase globally because more religious countries make up a growing share of the world's population. Nature
• [New] Spain is and will be forever the land of Christian people. Bridge Initiative
• Religious and cultural issues could limit meat consumption in some countries such as Ghana and India. PubMed Central (PMC)
• As the semiotician Roland Barthes might observe, religious identity becomes a complex system of signs (dress, ritual, language) whose primary function is to signal difference. Medium
• The crisis, triggered by attacks from Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, has crippled transport and threatens to further weaken Mali's fragile economy. OkayAfrica
• Removing Netanyahu from power might well help bring an end to the unfolding disaster in Gaza and could even cause the religious right to relinquish its grip on Israeli politics. Foreign Affairs Magazine
• As investigators sift evidence and police maintain protective patrols, Jewish institutions across Britain are expected to tighten security further ahead of upcoming religious gatherings. Insurance Business
• Christian presence in Sudan, already fragile after years of persecution, risks near-total erasure in contested zones. The Rio Times
• A hardening fundamentalism within AA threatens to close the door on agnostics and atheists, or anyone wanting to gain sobriety without having to endure religious instruction. AA Agnostica

Last updated: 27 October 2025