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Faith Matters Each week on Tell Me More, the program explores how matters of faith and spirituality shape the lives of everyday people.
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Faith Matters

In Egypt, Muslim Women May Lose Right To Wear Veil

new debate is raging in Egypt over the niqab, that's the veil worn by some Muslim women that covers their face and body, except for their eyes. Debates over whether to allow head coverings have been the subject of debate in other countries, but now the practice is causing a controversy at Egypt's leading Islamic educational institution, Al-Azhar, which is one of the latest institutions to implement a ban against the niqab. To talk about the debate, host Michel Martin is joined by Al Jazeera reporter, Rawya Rageh who is based in Cairo.

In Egypt, Muslim Women May Lose Right To Wear Veil

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Ted Haggard's Wife: Marriage Stronger After Scandal

Gayle Haggard was living the life of her dreams. She was married to the senior pastor of a thriving megachurch, a mother of five, and a faith leader in her own right. But it all came crashing down when she — along with the rest of the nation — learned her husband was involved in a years-long sexual relationship with another man. Host Michel Martin speaks with Gayle Haggard, author of the book Why I Stayed, about her marriage, her husband's fall from grace and his sexuality.

Ted Haggard's Wife: Marriage Stronger After Scandal

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In Earthquake Aftermath, Haitians Cling To Voodoo, Faith

The devastating earthquake in Haiti left thousands of people homeless and struggling to find shelter and food. Haitians have shown resilience and strength amidst destitution of unimaginable proportions. But one aspect of their lives has come under heavy criticism - their belief in Voodoo. Host Michel Martin talks to NPR's religion correspondent Barbara Bradley-Hagerty about the political and social influence of a religion often surrounded in mysticism and misinformation.

In Earthquake Aftermath, Haitians Cling To Voodoo, Faith

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Preachers Call For Compassion In Dealing With Immigrant Surge

Host Michel Martin speaks with religious leaders about how faith organizations are responding to the recent surge of immigrants along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Preachers Call For Compassion In Dealing With Immigrant Surge

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In Troubled Times, Find Freedom Through Faith And Forgiveness

T.D. Jakes was once called "America's Best Preacher" by Time magazine. In this encore broadcast, host Michel Martin speaks with him about how he found his calling to become a pastor.

In Troubled Times, Find Freedom Through Faith And Forgiveness

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UK Government Minister: Religious Difference Is A Strength For The Country

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, the UK's first Minister of State for Faith and Communities, has a lot on her plate. She tells host Michel Martin about balancing the tightrope between church and state.

UK Government Minister: Religious Difference Is A Strength For The Country

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Excommunicated Mormon Says Church Can't Take Away Her Faith

Kathleen Kelly was excommunicated from the Mormon Church for advocating that women be ordained. Host Michel Martin speaks with Kelly about her cause and her future with the Church.

Excommunicated Mormon Says Church Can't Take Away Her Faith

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Baptist Preacher: Compel Congregants, Don't 'Guilt' Them

Pastor Amy Butler will take the helm of New York City's progressive Riverside Church later this year. She discusses her desire to become a faith leader and explains her vision.

Baptist Preacher: Compel Congregants, Don't 'Guilt' Them

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Rabbi: American Jews Should Not Worry About Anti-Semitism

A new survey from the Anti-Defamation League estimates that nearly one in 10 Americans are prejudiced against Jews. But Rabbi Eric Yoffie says American anti-Semitism is not a real threat.

Rabbi: American Jews Should Not Worry About Anti-Semitism

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Protestant Churches Grapple With Growing Sexual Abuse Crisis

The conservative nature of many Protestant schools and churches has been blamed for shielding child abusers. Journalist Kathryn Joyce talks efforts to bring them to light.

Protestant Churches Grapple With Growing Sexual Abuse Crisis

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Kidnappers In Nigeria Distorting Muslim Faith?

Boko Haram claims that its kidnapping of Nigerian girls was a decree from Allah. But The Islamic Monthly's Arsalan Iftikhar says the group must take a closer look at what the religion actually says.

Kidnappers In Nigeria Distorting Muslim Faith?

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Yiddish Culture Takes Center Stage

An effort to preserve the Yiddish language is getting a boost from the theater world. The artistic director of the National Yiddish Theatre-Folksbiene talks about preserving the language through art.

Yiddish Culture Takes Center Stage

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Gefilte Fish Shortage: Best Thing Since The Parting Of The Red Sea?

A shortage of gefilte fish is causing panic in the middle of Passover. But New York Times reporter Matt Chaban says some observant Jews are OK with not having to eat the love-it-or-hate-it appetizer.

Gefilte Fish Shortage: Best Thing Since The Parting Of The Red Sea?

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New York's Muslims Push For Public Schools To Close For Eid Holidays

President of the Muslim Democratic Club of New York Linda Sarsour discusses why she wants the city's public schools to close on holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

New York's Muslims Push For Public Schools To Close For Eid Holidays

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To Fight Extremism, Don't Alienate Troublemakers At The Mosque

In the fight against Islamic extremism, the president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council says that intervention within the community is more effective than external surveillance and secrecy.

To Fight Extremism, Don't Alienate Troublemakers At The Mosque

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Asian-American Rabbi Changes The Face Of Judaism

New York's Central Synagogue is one of the most prominent synagogues in the country, and its new leader is going to be an Asian-American woman. Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdal shares her story.

Asian-American Rabbi Changes The Face Of Judaism

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Grilled Cactus, Rice Soup, And Other Food For Lent

Many of the world's Christians are now observing the solemn period of Lent. Food blogger and historian Frederick Douglass Opie offers a taste of the different food traditions of Lent.

Grilled Cactus, Rice Soup, And Other Food For Lent

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Russian, Ukrainian Faith Leaders Encourage Hope During Crisis

Tensions between Ukraine and Russia are being felt by Orthodox Christians in the U.S. Ukrainian and Russian religious leaders here discuss how they see their roles in the crisis.

Russian, Ukrainian Faith Leaders Encourage Hope During Crisis

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Rep. Keith Ellison Wonders Why 'People Care' About His Muslim Faith
Alex Brandon/AP

Rep. Keith Ellison Wonders Why 'People Care' About His Muslim Faith

Rep. Keith Ellison didn't expect all the controversy he caused after becoming the first Muslim elected to Congress. He talks about his faith journey in his new book My Country 'Tis of Thee.

Rep. Keith Ellison Wonders Why 'People Care' About His Muslim Faith

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From Buddhism to Baha'i: Black Faith Spreads Across All Religions

Most African-Americans have historically embraced Christianity as their religion. But host Michel Martin hears stories that show the broad diversity of faith experiences for African-Americans.

From Buddhism to Baha'i: Black Faith Spreads Across All Religions

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