Shen Yun and Falun Gong, Passover in LA, and an LDS Couple on the Amazing Race

Religion links for 4.11.25

The Greek Orthodox nunnery Deir Seidnaya in Jerusalem, circa 1920-1933 [G. Eric and Edith Matson Photograph Collection, U.S. Library of Congress]

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Top Story: Falun Gong and the Shen Yun Allegations

In 2024, the New York Times, along with a few other publications, brought to light serious allegations about Shen Yun Performing Arts, a dance company. You’ve seen their billboards. They’ve probably performed in your town, or somewhere near enough that you were aware of it.

According to the allegations, past performers accused the organization of a variety of bad behaviors: discouraging medical treatment for injuries, grueling rehearsals, emotional manipulation of its members, long hours for minimal pay. Lawsuits have been filed and the New York State Department of Labor launched an investigation into Shen Yun’s labor practices.

But this isn’t just a story about entertainment or labor practices. It’s a religion story. Shen Yun is one of the primary fundraising arms for China’s Falun Gong movement.