Hindu group calls for shutdown in west Nepal

KATHMANDU – Western Nepal remained paralysed Tuesday as a little-known Hindu organisation enforced a shutdown demanding the restoration of Hinduism as the state religion, the second such disruptive protest since March.

The Bhishma Ekta Parishad, an obscure organisation that claims to have been founded about four years ago by a Hindu, who calls himself \”Sindhu\”, forced …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hindu group calls for shutdown in west Nepal.

Alleged son of priest-founder of Legion says Catholic order knew his dad was a pedophile

Alleged son of Legion’s priest founder sues order

NEW YORK – A Mexican man says that leaders of an influential Roman Catholic religious order knew their founder was a child molester and did nothing to stop him.
Jose Raul Gonzalez is seeking unspecified damages from the Legionaires of Christ in a lawsuit filed Monday in Connecticut. The …. Read the original article  : Alleged son of priest-founder of Legion says Catholic order knew his dad was a pedophile.

Himachal Pradesh promises help for Buddhist ceremony

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Monday said the government would extend all help during a Buddhist ceremony that will be attended by the Tibetan spiritual guru the Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district in 2013.

“The state would be extending best possible help for successful organisation of ‘Kalachakra’ scheduled to be … Original article on : Himachal Pradesh promises help for Buddhist ceremony.

Ramadan to begin August 11: UAE astronomer

Sharjah, June 21 (IANS/WAM) The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin August 11 and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated September 10 this year, a UAE astronomer said.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, astronomer and supervisor of the Sharjah Planetarium, said the crescent moon of the fasting month will be sighted Tuesday, August 10, and Wednesday (August 11) will … Read more : Ramadan to begin August 11: UAE astronomer.

Cardinal under investigation for corruption says he acted transparently and forgives accusers

Cardinal denies corruption allegations
VATICAN CITY – A cardinal under investigation in a sprawling corruption scandal denied wrongdoing and insisted Monday he acted for the good of the church while handling real estate transactions for the Vatican office that funds missionary work abroad.

Naples Cardinal Crecenzio Sepe told a press conference he forgave his accusers and was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cardinal under investigation for corruption says he acted transparently and forgives accusers.

India helps fill gap in hallowed Nepal pilgrim shrine

KATHMANDU – Thousands of pilgrims will now have their journey to one of the most hallowed religious destinations made easier, thanks to the new dharamshala -accommodation for budget tourists – built by the Indian government in mountainous northern Nepal.

Journeying to the Muktinath temple in northern Nepal, revered by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains alike, came within … Read more >>>.

Bright sunrise marks summer solstice for 20,000 revelers at Britain’s ancient Stonehenge

New Agers, neo-pagans see Stonehenge solstice

SALISBURY, England – Thousands of New Agers and neo-pagans danced and whooped in delight Monday as a bright early morning sun rose above the ancient stone circle Stonehenge, marking the summer solstice.
About 20,000 people crowded the prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, southern England, to see the sunrise at 4:52 A.M. …. Original article  : Bright sunrise marks summer solstice for 20,000 revelers at Britain’s ancient Stonehenge.

Sikh’s turban ban not racism: New Zealand club

AUCKLAND – Members of a New Zealand club which denied a Sikh man’s entry because he was wearing a turban say the issue has nothing to do with racism and they are ready to defend their rules in court.

The Sikh Council of New Zealand is seeking action from Human Rights Commission against the south Auckland’s … Read more »»».

Chilean archbishop sends pedophelia file to Vatican; priest breaks silence to deny accusations

Chilean church forwards pedophelia case to Vatican

SANTIAGO, Chile – A local church investigation of pedophelia complaints against a prominent Chilean priest has been delivered to the Vatican for further action.
Through an attorney, Fernando Karadima has broken a two-month silence to deny accusations by several men who say he sexually abused them as teenagers.
Cardinal Francisco Javier …. Read the original article  : Chilean archbishop sends pedophelia file to Vatican; priest breaks silence to deny accusations.

Vatican foreign minister, Raul Castro meet amid hopes for more prisoner releases, transfers

Raul Castro suits up for Vatican envoy in Havana

HAVANA – A meeting between the Vatican’s foreign minister and President Raul Castro sparked hopes Sunday that more of the island’s political prisoners may be released or transferred to jails closer to home.
State television showed Castro dressed in a suit instead of his usual olive-green fatigues for … Read more »»».

New Agers and neo-pagans descend on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice

New Agers, neo-pagans at Stonehenge for solstice

LONDON – New Agers and neo-pagans descended on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the sun as it rises above the ancient stone circle early Monday morning.
The annual all-night party typically draws thousands of alternative-minded revelers to the prehistoric monument on Salisbury …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Agers and neo-pagans descend on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice.

Utah GOP Senate candidates struggle to differentiate themselves following Bennett’s defeat

GOP Senate opponents struggle to differentiate

SALT LAKE CITY – After ending U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett’s bid for a fourth term, Utah’s two remaining GOP Senate candidates are struggling to differentiate themselves now that there’s no one in the race to absorb the anti-Washington anger of voters.
Businessman Tim Bridgewater and attorney Mike Lee vaulted from political …. Source article  : Utah GOP Senate candidates struggle to differentiate themselves following Bennett’s defeat.

Father’s Day Quotes, Messages and Greetings

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) Father’s day is the day to honor fathers and remember the influence of fathers in our society. The day is celebrated on 3rd Sunday of June in United States and this year the day falls on June 20, 2010. The day is complementary to Mother’s Day to celebrate the paternal bond … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Father’s Day Quotes, Messages and Greetings.

NH sex offender on probation says he should be allowed to go to church with chaperone

NH sex offender claims religious rights denied

CONCORD, N.H. – A New Hampshire sex offender is asking the state’s highest court to allow him to go to church with a chaperone.
The case of 35-year-old Jonathan Perfetto of Manchester marks the first time the New Hampshire Supreme Court is being asked to rule on whether a probation …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NH sex offender on probation says he should be allowed to go to church with chaperone.

Indian Islamic preacher to challenge British entry ban

MUMBAI – Mumbai-based Islamic scholar Zakir Naik Saturday said he plans to challenge the ban order on him by the British Home Office in British courts.

“The decision is politically motivated by the new government. My lawyers have already examined it in detail and we have a very strong case,” Naik, a 44-year old medico-turned preacher, … Original article on : Indian Islamic preacher to challenge British entry ban.

Census hits roadblock in Mizoram – superstition!

AIZAWL – The census operations have hit a bizarre roadblock in the northeastern state of Mizoram – superstition. A section of the Christian community believe that the head count, and the alloocation of a unique identification (UID) number, would mean being “identified by the beast”.

“This came to light when Mizoram Chief Secretary Vanhela Pachuau Friday …. Source  : Census hits roadblock in Mizoram – superstition!.

Muslims greet Kashmir’s Hindus at temple festival

SRINAGAR – Thousands of Kashmiri Hindus from across the country Saturday thronged the Khirbhawani temple in north Kashmir’s Ganderbal district for an annual festival. Local Muslims greeted them with sweets as part of a centuries’ old practice in the state where the two religions have traditionally lived in harmony.

The temple in Tullamulla village, about … Read more >>.

Record number of Indian-Americans seeking political office _ and a balance between old and new

Record number of Indian-Americans seeking office

Meet Reshma, Surya, Manan, Raj, Ami, Ravi, Nimrata and Kamala – a new wave of Indian-American politicians.
At least eight children of Indian immigrants are running for Congress or statewide office, the most ever. The star of this trend is Nikki Haley, born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa, who is favored to win … Read : Record number of Indian-Americans seeking political office _ and a balance between old and new.

iMass: Italian priest develops missal application to let priests officiate with iPad on altar

iPad coming to church altars with daily missal app

ROME – An Italian priest has developed an application that will let priests celebrate Mass with an iPad on the altar instead of the regular Roman missal.
The Rev. Paolo Padrini, a consultant with the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said Friday the free application will be …. Original article  : iMass: Italian priest develops missal application to let priests officiate with iPad on altar.

Kashmiri Hindu devotees arrive at Khirbhawani temple

SRINAGAR – Scores of Kashmiri Hindus from different parts of the country have started arriving at the Khir Bhawani temple in north Kashmir’s Ganderbal district for an annual festival, which, this year, will be celebrated on Saturday.

Khir Bhawani temple in Tullamulla village, about 25 km from here, is dedicated to Ragnya Devi, one of [..] Read the original article: here.