Hence, too, the decision by President Jacques Chirac to set up a commission on secularism.

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The future shape of secularism in Turkey depends on changes that may yet be introduced to the political system.

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There, the head of an Orthodox Christian Seminary said secularism could not take on militant Hinduism because the value Indians put on religion could not be ignored.

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The French Government has been split on whether to ban headscarves in public institutions because of its policy of strict secularism.

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If anything, Francis' outreach to women, along with his emphasis on "reinvigorating the Christian faith" in parts of the world "where secularism has the upper hand" continues the tradition of Benedict and popes before him, said author and theologian Matthew Bunson, a senior fellow of the St.

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And his success on television has been vaunted as evidence of the tolerance of Turkey's unique mix of Islam and secularism.

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It then delved more specifically into this movement's ominous implications for France including: its growing and destructive influence on the public education system, government policies and institutions, the economy and France 's tradition of secularism.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center co-sponsors international conference