Category: Religion
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An Unholy Alliance: Duka, Kirk, and the War on Empathy
The assassination of Charlie Kirk, a profoundly polarizing American right-wing influencer and debateur, sent shockwaves across the Atlantic earlier this month. But few could have predicted the surreal chapter of this story would be written in Prague. In a move that has bewildered and angered many, Cardinal Dominik Duka, a senior conservative figure in the…
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A body that would not disappear: Czech Sect Murder Case
“I believed him. I loved him. I thought I was doing the right thing.” These are not the words of a hardened criminal, but of a Czech dentist and former teacher — two ordinary women who, under the influence of a charismatic self-proclaimed healer, killed him with their own hands. And then, perhaps even more…
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“March for Life” and the Struggle for Czech Secularism
In April 2025, Prague once again witnessed the “March for Lie”… sorry “March for Life” – an annual public demonstration against abortion organised by the ultra-conservative Christian association Hnutí pro život (“Movement for Life”). The march was blocked by pro-choice counter-protesters and eventually dispersed by police. The march didn’t reach its final destination. While it…
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Tensions Within Czech Catholicism: The Impact of Vácha’s Removal
The Czech Republic, often touted as one of the most atheistic nations in Europe, has recently witnessed a contentious episode within its Catholic Church, highlighting the deep-seated tensions between traditionalist and progressive factions, as well as broader issues of conservatism, transparency, and the handling of sexual abuse allegations. The controversy surrounding the dismissal of Marek…
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The Czech Republic and the Vatican: A Controversial Concordat
The Czech Republic is currently embroiled in a heated debate over the ratification of a concordat with the Vatican. This agreement, long a source of contention, has sparked significant concern among proponents of secularism, human rights advocates, and those seeking justice for victims of sexual abuse. Signed in October 2024 by Prime Minister Petr Fiala…
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Beyond the economic impact of sexualized violence and the Christian lobby
Sexualized violence is a dark stain on the face of Czech society, affecting the lives of thousands of women every year. New research presented by proFem and MindBridge Consulting presents alarming data on the economic impact and consequences that ripple through our society.The research found that more than half of women have experienced some form of sexualized violence, while one in five women…
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Strawmanning & refusing Istanbul Convention
The Senate of the Czech Republic voted narrowly not to ratify the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Only 34 of the 71 senators present voted in favour of ratification, which was not enough to achieve the required majority of 36 votes. The failure to ratify the Convention is disappointing for victims of…
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Cardinal Duka and “fake” 2021 Census
Recently there have been articles in the media about the fact that in the “atheistic” Czech Republic there are fewer believers who profess to belong to specific churches. This is based on the results of the 2021 census. While in 1991 more than four and a half million people identified themselves as believers, twenty years…
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Anti-vaxx misinformation really kills
Czech folk singer Hana Horká (57) from popular folk band Asonance died after catching COVID-19 on purpose in order to start having a “free life “. Catching the virus (as she believed) would allow her to avoid needing the vaccine, leading to her celebration upon learning she had contracted the virus.It should be noted that…
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Catholic Church vs. Istanbul Convention
Czech Rep. is still struggling with the ratification of the Istanbul Convention (Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence). Three changes in Czech law are still waiting to be accepted – penalties for forced marriages, forced sterilization and the adjustment of the limitation period for prosecution for female circumcision. There is…