Religion News – Newsletter for February 18, 2010

Thursday, February 18, 2010

US envoy extends ‘hand of friendship’ to Indian Muslims
NEW DELHI – Wearing a black business suit and a pearl necklace sparkling in the dimly lit lawns of the India Islamic Cultural Centre here, Farah Pandith, the US Special Representative for Muslims, bowed her head low and listened with rapt attention as a cleric recited a verse from the Quran.

The verse was about …. Read the original article  : US envoy extends ‘hand of friendship’ to Indian Muslims.

Indian CEO spreads message of insurance and Vivekananda in Nepal
KATHMANDU – During his lifetime he had wished to visit Nepal and Tibet twice but failed to do so. But now, in his 148th birth anniversary year, Swami Vivekananda, one of India’s most progressive monks who preached the religion of service to mankind, will reach out to the Himalayan republic, thanks to the efforts of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian CEO spreads message of insurance and Vivekananda in Nepal.

Pope sprinkles ashes on heads of faithful in sign of humility in Lenten tradition in Rome

Pope sprinkles ashes in Lent tradition
ROME – Pope Benedict XVI is marking the start of the solemn Lenten season by sprinkling ashes on the bowed heads of faithful in a Roman Catholic tradition.

Ash Wednesday services for Roman Catholics worldwide usher in a period of penitence and reflection that leads up to Easter Sunday, this year …. Source  : Pope sprinkles ashes on heads of faithful in sign of humility in Lenten tradition in Rome.

US is a friend of Muslims, says Obama envoy
NEW DELHI – Farah Pandith, the Kashmiri-born US special representative for the Islamic world, Wednesday said her country wanted a long-term relationship with Muslims, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.

Addressing an invited gathering mostly of Muslims in Delhi’s India Islamic Cultural Centre, Pandith said the US wanted to invest in building a relationship …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Officials expect more than 1 million people will see Shroud of Turin this spring

At least 1 million expected to see Shroud of Turin

ROME – The Shroud sells.
That seems to be the early take on how major celebrations are shaping up in the Olympic city of Turin when the archdiocese this spring displays the Shroud of Turin, revered by many Christians as Jesus Christ’s burial cloth but described by …. Original source  : Officials expect more than 1 million people will see Shroud of Turin this spring.

Slogans at Baghdad checkpoints speak of a dream Iraq, belying dark days ahead of election

Slogans on Baghdad checkpoints offer a dream Iraq

BAGHDAD – The slogans express the country’s dream of unity: “Iraq is for everyone.” But the reality lies in where they are plastered and spraypainted – on the hundreds of checkpoints that carve up the capital.
With three weeks left before a key nationwide vote, Baghdad looks little different … Original source on Gaea Times at : Slogans at Baghdad checkpoints speak of a dream Iraq, belying dark days ahead of election.

Ash Wednesday Today

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- Today is Ash Wednesday, which will be followed religiously by the Catholics all over America and all over the world. This date which changes every year has fallen on 17th February. Area Churches are ready to welcome the Catholics who will line up to the church to mark the beginning …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Ash Wednesday Today.

Ancient Arabic inscription found during Jerusalem home renovations

Ancient Arabic inscription found in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – A home renovation in Jerusalem’s Old City has yielded a rare Arabic inscription offering insight into the city’s history under Muslim rule, Israeli archaeologists said Wednesday.
The fragment of a 1,100-year-old plaque is thought to have been made by an army veteran to express his thanks for a land …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

German director depicts Muslims’ struggles with challenges to faith in Berlin festival film

Berlin film follows Muslims struggling with crises

BERLIN – A first-time German director’s film about Muslims struggling to come to terms with unwanted pregnancy, homosexuality and other challenges to their beliefs debuted Wednesday at the Berlin film festival.
“Shahada,” or “Faith,” is one of 20 movies in the festival’s main competition. The first feature film from Burhan … Read more : German director depicts Muslims’ struggles with challenges to faith in Berlin festival film.

Osho disciples seek protection for Pune ashram
NEW DELHI – Osho centres across the country have asked for special protection to their Pune ashram, a popular spiritual heritage site that attracts a lot of foreign visitors, in the wake of last week’s terror blast in that city.

The Feb 13 blast that shattered the German Bakery in Koregaon Park area in Pune, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Osho disciples seek protection for Pune ashram.