The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast

In the US, Donald Trump has welcomed an end to a ban on churches endorsing politicians. Are Australian conservative politicians overlooking an important link with multicultural communities? And the crises facing modern universities.

The federal Coalition is trying to rebuild relations with multicultural Australia, especially after Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price appeared to offend many in the Indian community. But are conservative politicians overlooking an important link with these communities? 

In a reward for his most loyal evangelical supporters, Donald Trump has established a task force to end a ban on churches endorsing political candidates. But could his change backfire?

Australian universities are in a crisis of funding, governance, and purpose. Are they factories churning out graduates to build national wealth? Or are they places that encourage critical thinking and change?

Benjamin Isakhan is just back from Erbil in Kurdistan.  He attended a conference on the genocide of the Yazidi people at the hands of Islamic State in Iraq. GUEST:Benjamin Isakhan is Australian Research Council Future Fellow in the Alfred Deakin Institute and Professor of International Politics in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Deakin University

The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox patriarchs of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabella and Theophilos III, have described the forced relocation of Gaza's residents as akin to a “death sentence”. As Israel intensifies its operations in the Gaza Strip, the two Christian leaders have declared their priests and nuns will not leave their vulnerable congregations.Reverent Father Nabil Kachab offers an Australian perspective.GUEST:The Rt Rev Father Nabil Kachab is Dean of St George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Sydney.

As Israel intensifies its operations in the Gaza Strip, two of the most significant Christian leaders have declared their priests and nuns will not leave their congregations in Gaza City. The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox patriarchs of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabella and Theophilos III, have described the forced relocation of the city's residents as akin to a “death sentence”. Professor BENJAMIN ISAKHAN of Deakin University researches the plight of religious minorities in the region.Just how liberal do you have to be to be thrown out of the very permissive Episcopal Church in the United States? That's what's happened to one minister, whose name is Hunt Priest. He's been defrocked for dabbling in psychedelic drugs. The church says he crossed the line by advocating the illegal use of drugs. KATHRYN POST of the Religion News Service has been following the story.For many, stargazing means swooning over the latest song, tweet, or Instagram post from Taylor Swift. But for Jesuit brother GUY CONSOLMAGNO, it's – almost – a search for the heavens. He's about to finish a ten-year term as director of the Vatican Observatory. Br Guy, who has science degrees from Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is the Pope's astronomer. GUESTS:Benjamin Isakhan is Australian Research Council Future Fellow in the Alfred Deakin Institute and Professor of International Politics in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Deakin UniversityKathryn Post is a journalist from the Religious News Service who wrote a piece on Hunt PriestBrother Guy Consolmagno is an American research astronomer, physicist, religious brother, director of the Vatican Observatory

Just how liberal do you have to be to be thrown out of the very permissive Episcopal Church in the United States? That's what's happened to one minister, whose name is Hunt Priest. He's been defrocked for dabbling in psychedelic drugs. The church says he crossed the line by advocating the illegal use of drugs. KATHRYN POST of the Religion News Service has been following the story.GUEST:Kathryn Post is a journalist from the Religious News Service who wrote a piece on Hunt Priest

As Israel intensifies its operations in the Gaza Strip, two of the most significant Christian leaders have declared their priests and nuns will not leave their congregations in Gaza City. In churches and church compounds nuns and clergy continue to care for vulnerable people with disabilities, and shelter those made homeless by the Israeli bombing.The Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox patriarchs of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzabella and Theophilos III, have described the forced relocation of the city's residents as akin to a “death sentence”. Professor BENJAMIN ISAKHAN of Deakin University researches the plight of religious minorities in the region.GUEST:Benjamin Isakhan is Australian Research Council Future Fellow in the Alfred Deakin Institute and Professor of International Politics in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Deakin University

For many, stargazing means swooning over the latest song, tweet, or Instagram post from Taylor Swift. But for Jesuit brother GUY CONSOLMAGNO, it's – almost – a search for the heavens. He's about to finish a ten-year term as director of the Vatican Observatory. Br Guy, who has science degrees from Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is the Pope's astronomer. GUEST:Brother Guy Consolmagno is an American research astronomer, physicist, religious brother, director of the Vatican Observatory

The implications of Australia severing ties with Iran are potentially serious. The Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi  has been given seven days to leave after ASIO identified Iran as being behind at least two of the anti-Semitic attacks seen in Australia since October 7, 2023. Dr Ali Mamouri speaks to us about the implications of the move by the Australian government and what the Iranians would gain if the claims by ASIO are true.GUEST:Dr Ali Mamouri is research fellow at Deakin University specialising in Middle Eastern studies and political Islam and author of this piece in The Conversation  

In 2000, at a secret meeting in the Vatican, an Australian bishop warned a deluge would soon overwhelm the Catholic Church. The sex abuse crisis would become the greatest challenge to the authority and reputation of the Vatican since the Protestant Reformation almost 500 years earlier. But this warning went largely unheeded. It's another revelation in the new book, Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church, by Philip Shenon. In part 2 of this interview, we look at how the scandal enveloped three popes (but we begin with another controversy for then Pope John Paul II). GUEST:Philip Shenon – investigative reporter and author of Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church

The implications of Australia severing ties with Iran are potentially serious. The Iranian ambassador Ahmad Sadeghi  has been given seven days to leave after ASIO identified Iran as being behind at least two of the anti-Semitic attacks seen in Australia since October 7, 2023. Dr Ali Mamouri speaks to Andrew about the implications of the move by the Australian government.ANDIn 2000, at a secret meeting in the Vatican, an Australian bishop warned a deluge would soon overwhelm the Catholic Church. The sex abuse crisis would become the greatest challenge to the authority and reputation of the Vatican since the Protestant Reformation almost 500 years earlier. But this warning went largely unheeded. It's another revelation in the new book, Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church, by Philip Shenon. In part 2 of this interview, we look at how the scandal enveloped three popes (but we begin with another controversy for then Pope John Paul II). GUESTS:Dr Ali Mamouri research fellow at Deakin University specialising in Middle Eastern studies and political Islam and author of this piece in The Conversation  Philip Shenon – investigative reporter and author of Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic ChurchThis program was made on the land of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation and Naarm

If the first hundred days of a papacy can shake up the Catholic church, how much drama occurs over 80 years? History rolls on, one war ends, another begins, scandals aplenty unfold. But for author Philip Shenon, there has been a constant tension – how much should the church express judgement of the modern world and how much mercy should it extend. Philip's the author of a sweeping new history of the church since World War II. It's called Jesus Wept. And it chronicles the triumphs, controversies, and political significance of the seven papacies before Leo. This is both parts 1 and 2 of the 2-part discussion.GUEST:PHILIP SHENON - investigative reporter and author of Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church 

The first hundred days of a president, prime minister, even a pope make lots of headlines. Leo XIV may have less dramatic flair than his predecessor, but he's used his first three months in office to differentiate himself from Francis, particularly on the question of the Ukraine war. Claire Giangrave reports from Rome that Leo's unifying message has been consistent.GUEST: CLAIRE GIANGRAVE is Vatican correspondent for the Religion News Service.

The first hundred days of a president, prime minister, even a pope make lots of headlines. Leo XIV may have less dramatic flair than his predecessor, but he's used his first three months in office to differentiate himself from Francis, particularly on the question of the Ukraine war. GUEST: CLAIRE GIANGRAVE is Vatican correspondent for the Religion News Service.If the first hundred days of a papacy can shake up the Catholic church, how much drama occurs over 80 years? History rolls on, one war ends, another begins, scandals aplenty unfold. But for author Philip Shenon, there has been a constant tension – how much should the church express judgement of the modern world and how much mercy should it extend. Philip's the author of a sweeping new history of the church since World War II. It's called Jesus Wept. It chronicles the triumphs, controversies, and political significance of the seven papacies before Leo. This is part 1 of the 2-part discussion.GUEST:PHILIP SHENON - investigative reporter and author of Jesus Wept: Seven Popes and the Battle for the Soul of the Catholic Church 

It seems like an increasingly intractable situation in Gaza, and Israel's continuing isolation globally over its actions there is not helping the peace process.What tools are available to the UN to “force” a ceasefire and end the siege in Gaza?And hypothetically,  IF the United Nations Security Council decided to deploy peacekeepers into the occupied territories and even Gaza itself, what might this look like? GUEST: Eugene Chen is a Senior Fellow at New York University's Center on International Cooperation and wrote a paper on the Gaza the day after. 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers convenes his productivity summit next week, trying to balance competing proposals to lower or raise taxes. The St Vincent de Paul Society is one of Australia's biggest faith-based welfare agencies and, in its submission to the summit, it asks the treasurer to make ending poverty his top priority. GUEST: MARK GAETANI is the St Vincent de Paul Society's national president.

With Israel's plan to go deeper into Gaza, the scenario looks intractable. Israel itself is increasingly isolated on the world stage. So what tools might be available to the United Nations to “force” a ceasefire and end the siege of Gaza? And if the United Nations Security Council should decide to deploy peacekeepers in the occupied territories, even Gaza itself, what could that look like? GUEST: EUGENE CHEN is a Senior Fellow at New York University's Center on International Cooperation and wrote a piece about the hypothetical UN involvement in the Gaza conflict.In our near neighbour, Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is facing increasing pressure from the Islamist opposition to take an even stronger stand against Israel and the United States over the ongoing Gaza war. Anwar himself comes from an Islamist background, but he presides over a coalition that many in this Muslim nation fear is too liberal. And Donald Trump's nomination of an Australian-born activist as the next US ambassador has also ignited fireworks. GUEST: Professor SYAZA SHUKRI of International Islamic University of Malaysia joined a recent forum at the Lowy Institute, and spoke with us afterwards.Treasurer Jim Chalmers convenes his productivity summit next week, trying to balance competing proposals to lower or raise taxes. The St Vincent de Paul Society is one of Australia's biggest faith-based welfare agencies and, in its submission to the summit, it asks the treasurer to make ending poverty his top priority. GUEST: MARK GAETANI is St Vincent De Paul's national president.

In our near neighbour, Malaysia, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is facing increasing pressure from the Islamist opposition to take an even stronger stand against Israel and the United States over the ongoing Gaza war.

Israel has allowed a partial lifting of the blockade of Gaza to permit some food drops to take place. But are drops from the air enough to alleviate conditions on the ground – conditions the United Nations has described as famine-like? Israel denies that it is deliberately engineering a famine.But the UN says the next few days as “make or break” for humanitarian agencies trying to reach more than two million Gazans.GUEST:Amra Lee is a researcher in the Department of International Relations at the Australian National University and a former adviser to the UN on humanitarian relief and conflict resolution.

Federal police have charged a Chinese national under the foreign interference laws, after she allegedly tried to infiltrate a Buddhist congregation in Canberra. Religious communities of Chinese Australians have become particularly targets for Chinese intelligence, according to Australian researcher CLIVE HAMILTON. His book, Silent Invasion: China's Influence in Australia, detailed cases of exactly this type of infiltration. GUEST: Clive Hamilton is Professor of Public Ethics at the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics at Charles Sturt University 

In February this year 14 members of Toowoomba-based religious sect the Saints were sentenced to prison in the Queensland supreme court.They group, including her parents, were found guilty of manslaughter over the death of 8 year old Elizabeth Struh's 2022 death by diabetic ketoacidosis.In a confronting documentary for ABC TV's Compass, award-winning journalist Suzanne Smith enters the world of the religious cult the Saints and talks to their families and former cult members.Suzanne brings The Religion and Ethics Report exclusive access to audio of police interviews and conversations with some of the young girl's relatives.The program "The Cult of the Saints" will air on ABC TV and be available here on ABC iView

Israel has allowed a partial lifting of the blockade of Gaza to permit some food drops to take place. But are drops from the air enough to alleviate conditions on the ground – conditions the United Nations has described as famine-like? Israel denies that it is deliberately engineering a famine. AMRA LEE is a researcher in the Department of International Relations at the Australian National University and a former adviser to the UN on humanitarian relief and conflict resolution.Federal police have charged a Chinese national under the foreign interference laws, after she allegedly tried to infiltrate a Buddhist congregation in Canberra. Religious communities of Chinese Australians have become particularly targets for Chinese intelligence, according to Australian researcher CLIVE HAMILTON. His book, Silent Invasion: China's Influence in Australia, detailed cases of exactly this type of infiltration.In February, the Queensland Supreme Court jailed 14 members of Toowoomba-based religious sect called “The Saints”. They were convicted of manslaughter over the death in 2022 of 8-year-old Elizabeth Struh, who died of a diabetic condition. In this joint investigation with ABC TV's Compass, award-winning journalist SUZANNE SMITH goes into the world of this extreme Pentecostal cult and meets some of the Christian leaders fighting back against the cult's influence. “The Cult of The Saints” will air on ABC TV and be available here on ABC iView. GUESTS:Amra Lee is a researcher at the Department of International Relations at the ANU Clive Hamilton is Professor of Public Ethics at the Centre for Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics at Charles Sturt University Suzanne Smith is a Walkley winning journalist and reporter with the ABC  This program was made on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, and the Ngunnawal, Ngambri, and Ngarigo Peoples

The Catholic Church is going digital in a big way, a legacy of Pope Francis, who knew the power of social media. This week, the Vatican's been hosting more than one thousand online influencers and digital natives from all over the world at its Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers. One of them is Father ROB GALEA, a priest from Victoria, a singer with eight albums, and an influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers.As the Vatican seeks to harness social media to spread its message, others are warning that artificial intelligence poses a huge challenge to all religion. Could AI even be a rival to faith, projecting itself as a source of wisdom that's neither human nor divine? Professor BETH SINGLER of the University of Zurich is the author of the new book, Religion and Artificial Intelligence.GUESTS:Fr Rob Galea is an ordained Catholic Priest and is currently serving in Sandhurst Diocese, VictoriaProfessor Beth Singler - Assistant Professor in Digital Religions at the University of ZurichFather Patrick Ryan, the rogue IRA spy priest died this week aged 94. Andrew West spoke to BBC journalist Jennifer O'Leary in 2023 - you can find that episode hereThis program was recorded and produced on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

As the Vatican seeks to harness social media to spread its message, others are warning that artificial intelligence poses a huge challenge to all religion. Could AI even be a rival to faith, projecting itself as a source of wisdom that's neither human nor divine?Professor BETH SINGLER of the University of Zurich is the author of the new book, Religion and Artificial Intelligence.GUEST:Professor Beth Singler - Assistant Professor in Digital Religions at the University of Zurich

The Catholic Church is going digital in a big way, a legacy of Pope Francis, who knew the power of social media. This week, the Vatican's been hosting more than one thousand online influencers and digital natives from all over the world at its Jubilee for Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers. One of them is Father ROB GALEA, a priest from Victoria, an author, a singer/songwriter with eight albums, and an influencer with hundreds of thousands of followers.GUEST:Fr Rob Galea is an ordained Catholic priest and is currently serving in the Sandhurst Diocese in Victoria

South Korea is one of the great success stories of the past 30 years, moving from military dictatorship to a strong democracy and economy. Last year, it weathered a serious test when the former president tried to declare martial law. He's since been removed. But South Korea's also the home of a thriving number of troubling religious cults – some of them exported to Australia. Professor Tark Ji-il of Busan Presbyterian University understands this threat better than most. Not only is he a world-renowned expert, his family's been affected in a tragic way. He was in Australia recently, sharing his story.The heroic image of the Anzac at Gallipoli is of the young man, with rifle and bayonet, going over the top of the trenches to face a hail of bullets from the Turkish troops. While that was, indeed, true, there was another hero at Gallipoli, and he carried only a shovel and a Bible. William ‘Mac' McKenzie was a beloved Salvation Army chaplain. In his day, he ranked alongside our most famous soldiers and politicians. He's the subject of a new biography, The Man the Anzacs Revered, by author Daniel Reynaud. GUESTS:Professor Tark Ji-il - Busan Presbyterian University - a respected expert on South Korea's religious movements.Daniel Reynaud - author of The Man the Anzacs Revered

The heroic image of the Anzac at Gallipoli is of the young man, with rifle and bayonet, going over the top of the trenches to face a hail of bullets from the Turkish troops. While that was, indeed, true, there was another hero at Gallipoli, and he carried only a shovel and a Bible. William ‘Mac' McKenzie was a beloved Salvation Army chaplain. In his day, Mac ranked alongside our most famous soldiers and politicians. He's the subject of a new biography, The Man the Anzacs Revered, by author Daniel Reynaud.

South Korea is one of the great success stories of the past 30 years, moving from military dictatorship to a strong democracy and economy. Last year, it weathered a serious test when the former president tried to declare martial law. He's since been removed. But South Korea's also the home of a thriving number of troubling religious cults – some of them exported to Australia. Professor Tark Ji-il of Busan Presbyterian University understands this threat better than most. Not only is he a world-renowned expert, his family's been affected in a tragic way. He was in Australia recently, sharing his story.

In what amounts to a small revolution in the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Mormon women are now permitted to reveal their shoulders, having been taught that bare upper arms were too raunchy. These changes come with the growing power of Mormon influencers on social media -- known loosely as “#momtok” – and a popular TV show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The reality show on Hulu follows eight influencers in Utah. JESSICA GROSE from The New York Times has been immersed in the show.

Australia's Law Reform Commission is reviewing a patchwork of different state laws governing surrogacy. Earlier this year, the ABC reported that by 2032, the global surrogacy industry was set to reach $129 billion. But if it's financial boom for the baby business, what are the ethics of a practice that includes severing the connection between mother and child? Dr ERICA CERVINI has been reviewing the case in an essay for Eureka Street magazine.

In Armenia national security police have gaoled a popular archbishop, Bagrat Galstanyan, claiming he was involved in a plot to overthrow the government. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also demanded the resignation of the top cleric, accusing him of having a secret child. It's a high-risk move for an unpopular government, taking on the ancient church that many Armenians see as the embodiment of the nation.  GUEST:Olesya Vartanyan is an independent analyst and consultant based in neighbouring Georgia.

The government of Armenia has gone to war against one of the country's most powerful institutions – the Apostolic Church. National security police have gaoled a popular archbishop, Bagrat Galstanyan, claiming he was involved in a plot to overthrow the government. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has also demanded the resignation of the top cleric, accusing him of having a secret child. It's a high-risk move for an unpopular government, taking on the ancient church that many Armenians see as the embodiment of the nation.  OLESYA VARTANYAN is an independent analyst and consultant based in neighbouring Georgia.Australia's Law Reform Commission is reviewing a patchwork of different state laws governing surrogacy. Earlier this year, the ABC reported that by 2032, the global surrogacy industry was set to reach $129 billion. But if it's financial boom for the baby business, what are the ethics of a practice that includes severing the connection between mother and child? Dr ERICA CERVINI has been reviewing the case in an essay for Eureka Street magazine.In what amounts to a small revolution in the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Mormon women are now permitted to reveal their shoulders, having been taught that bare upper arms were too raunchy. These changes come with the growing power of Mormon influencers on social media -- known loosely as “#momtok” – and a popular TV show, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. The reality show on Hulu follows eight influencers in Utah. JESSICA GROSE from The New York Times has been immersed in the show.GUESTS:Olesya Vartanyan, Georgia based analyst and consultantDr Erica Cervini, academic and journalistJessica Grose, journalist and writer for the New York TimesThis program was made on the lands of the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

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.

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.  

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

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 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

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.

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 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.