Some interesting law & religion stories from around the web this week:

• The Heritage Foundation held a panel on the plight of Syria’s Christians this week, featuring prominent Christian leaders from Syria who highlighted the dangers their communities are facing in the civil war
• On religion’s growing public role in in Eastern Europe since the collapse of communism
• Pakistan’s blasphemy law is quickly becoming a potent weapon in the arsenal of Muslim extremists
• On Wednesday, the Israeli Supreme Court considered two appeals by Palestinians against the planned route of the West Bank security barrier, which villagers say will cut them off from their land
• Changes to Catholic schools may be coming in Ireland after the European Court of Human Rights found the government liable for failing to protect children
• African church leaders are urging parties in the South Sudanese conflict to respect Christian places of worship in light of the attacks and looting that have been occurring
• Rabbinical objections notwithstanding, data shows significant rise in Orthodox female draftees into the Israeli army in recent years
• In a House subcommittee on Military Personnel, lawmakers investigated claims that military chaplains have faced discrimination for their beliefs. A statement by The Chaplain Alliance for Religious Liberty about the claims is here
• The Church of England’s College of Bishops has issued a statement that “no change” to the Church of England’s teaching on marriage is proposed or envisioned
• An African-led traditionalist group opposed to growing acceptance of homosexuality in the worldwide Anglican communion has rejected a Church of England plea to review its beliefs