Philippine health chief takes on powerful Catholic church to hand out condoms to fight AIDS

Philippine health chief, church fight over condoms

MANILA, Philippines – On Valentine’s Day, Philippine government health workers hit the streets of Manila to hand out roses and condoms to passers-by.
The message was clear in a country with a relatively small but rapidly growing HIV-positive population: Avoid unprotected sex.
It didn’t get far. Within days, leaders of the … Read : Philippine health chief takes on powerful Catholic church to hand out condoms to fight AIDS.

Obama hails Iraq vote as an ‘important milestone,’ says millions who voted should be proud

Obama calls Iraq vote an ‘important milestone’
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama praised the Iraqi people for passing “an important milestone” Sunday, when millions turned out for national elections despite insurgent attacks that killed more than 30 people.
No doubt relieved that violence was not worse, Obama said Iraqi security forces … Read : Obama hails Iraq vote as an ‘important milestone,’ says millions who voted should be proud.

Obama: Iraq vote an ‘important milestone,’ pledges to stick to US combat troop withdrawal plan

Obama says Iraq vote an ‘important milestone’
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is praising the Iraqi people for passing “an important milestone” as millions turned out for national elections despite attacks that killed more than 30 people.
Obama notes that Iraqi security forces showed growing maturity in keeping violence from reaching much higher levels. The …. Original source  : Obama: Iraq vote an ‘important milestone,’ pledges to stick to US combat troop withdrawal plan.

Obama congratulates Iraqi people on vote, mourns loss of life to insurgent attacks

Obama congratulates Iraqis on national vote
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama praised Iraqis who turned out to vote in national elections Sunday despite “acts of violence” to discourage participation.
Insurgent attacks on polling stations killed at least 36 people even with extraordinary security measures in place, including closure of the country’s …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pope’s brother to daily: I’d testify in boy’s choir sex abuse scandal but I know nothing

Pope’s brother says he would testify in abuse case

ROME – The brother of Pope Benedict XVI has told a newspaper he is willing to testify in the sex scandal rocking Germany’s Catholic Church, even though he says he knows nothing about the alleged abuse of boys in a choir he later led.
The Rev. Georg Ratzinger, … Read : Pope’s brother to daily: I’d testify in boy’s choir sex abuse scandal but I know nothing.

China says it expects further attacks by Xinjiang separatists, calls them ‘doomed to failure’

China expects further Xinjiang separatist attacks

BEIJING – China says it expects new attacks by separatists seeking independence for the traditionally Turkic Muslim region of Xinjiang after deadly ethnic violence there last year.
Despite massive pressure from security forces, separatists will continue to refine their methods and seek opportunities, the region’s governor, Nur Bekri, told reporters Sunday.
“They …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nigeria: Rights group, US call for inquiry, credible prosecutions after religious violence

Nigeria: Calls for inquiry into religious violence

JOS, Nigeria – The U.S. government and an international human rights group called Tuesday for Nigeria to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the deaths of more than 200 unarmed people in renewed violence between Christians and Muslims.
Human Rights Watch also asked Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to provide police … Original article on : Nigeria: Rights group, US call for inquiry, credible prosecutions after religious violence.

Restrictions on abortion funding take on different form in Obama’s health care overhaul bill

A policy change on abortion, but how radical?
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s health care bill would change federal policy on abortion, but not open the spigot of taxpayer dollars that some abortion opponents fear.
Abortion rights groups such as Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America say the House and Senate versions of the bill …. Read the original article  : here.

Iraqi prime minister’s coalition, secular rival both claim to be ahead in historic vote count

Iraqi parties both claim to be ahead in election

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi prime minister’s coalition and its main secular rival both claimed to be ahead in the vote count Monday, a day after historic parliamentary elections that the top U.S. commander said would let all but 50,000 American troops come home by the end of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Iraqi prime minister’s coalition, secular rival both claim to be ahead in historic vote count.

Parties predict Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki’s coalition will lead parliamentary vote

Iraqi PM’s coalition seen leading vote
BAGHDAD – Early estimates from a range of Iraqi parties on Monday predicted a coalition led by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki would take the lead in the parliamentary election, though official results were not expected for a few days.

A win by al-Maliki could signal Iraqis’ rejection of the religious …. Source  : Parties predict Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki’s coalition will lead parliamentary vote.

Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria including infants in latest religious violence flare-up

Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria religious violence

DOGO NAHAWA, Nigeria – The killers showed no mercy: They didn’t spare women and children, or even a 4-day-old baby, from their machetes. On Monday, Nigerian women wailed in the streets as a dump truck carried dozens of bodies past burned-out homes toward a mass grave.
Rubber-gloved workers pulled ever-smaller bodies …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hundreds slaughtered in Nigeria including infants in latest religious violence flare-up.

Vatican launches appeal to help dwindling Christian community in Holy Land

Vatican appeals for Holy Land Christians
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has launched an appeal for support for Christians in the Holy Land, seeking to stem the exodus from the ancient community.

The annual appeal, announced Monday, seeks to raise funds for schools, housing, scholarships and the restoration of Christian sites.
Members of the region’s once large and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Amish farmer who refused to register livestock wins legal battle with Wis. regulators

Amish farmer wins fight over registering livestock

NEILLSVILLE, Wis. – An Amish livestock farmer who refused to follow a 2005 Wisconsin law requiring him to register his land and livestock has won a legal battle with state regulators.
Clark County Circuit Judge Jon Counsell on Tuesday ruled in favor of Emanuel Miller Jr., of Loyal, who was …. Source article  : Amish farmer who refused to register livestock wins legal battle with Wis. regulators.

German Catholic official: Pope’s brother’s apology to abuse victims a ‘wonderful sign’

Official: Pope brother’s apology ‘wonderful sign’

BERLIN – A top Catholic prelate in Germany says an apology from the pope’s brother for abuse of students in the 1960s should be seen as a “wonderful sign” that the church plans to get to the bottom of the allegations.
Karl Juesten, the liaison between Catholic bishops and the German …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : German Catholic official: Pope’s brother’s apology to abuse victims a ‘wonderful sign’.

Dalai Lama says China attempting to annihilate Tibetan Buddhism

Dalai Lama: China aims to annihilate Buddhism
DHARMSALA, India – The Dalai Lama blasted Chinese authorities Wednesday, accusing them of trying to “annihilate Buddhism” in Tibet as he commemorated a failed uprising against China’s rule over the region.
The Tibetan spiritual leader’s angry comments appeared to signal his frustration with fruitless efforts to …. Source  : Dalai Lama says China attempting to annihilate Tibetan Buddhism.

Automatic weapons fire breaks out in Nigerian town wracked by Christian-Muslim violence

Gunshots heard in violence-wracked Nigerian town

JOS, Nigeria – Automatic weapons fire punctuated by screams erupted after dark Tuesday in a Nigerian city located near villages where massacres just two days ago left more than 200 people dead.
Nerves remained on edge, despite a long-standing dusk-til-dawn curfew in Jos, the capital of Plateau state. When sustained gunfire … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Automatic weapons fire breaks out in Nigerian town wracked by Christian-Muslim violence.

US urges Nigeria to prosecute those responsible after 200 slaughtered in religious violence

Nigeria urged to investigate religious violence

JOS, Nigeria – The U.S. government and human rights activists called Tuesday for Nigeria to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the deaths of more than 200 unarmed people in renewed violence between Christians and Muslims.
Acting President Goodluck Jonathan had promised that the fighting would stop after more than 300 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : US urges Nigeria to prosecute those responsible after 200 slaughtered in religious violence.

Northern Ireland lawmakers vote to support next step in Catholic-Protestant cooperation

NIreland lawmakers back next power-sharing step
BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland lawmakers voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to create a new Justice Department, the next key step in making their Catholic-Protestant government work.
Three of the four parties in Northern Ireland’s cross-community government backed the motion to take control of the territory’s police and courts from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Northern Ireland lawmakers vote to support next step in Catholic-Protestant cooperation.

Egypt says it is dedicated to restoring all the country’s synagogues

Egypt to pay for restoration of all synagogues

CAIRO – Egypt will shoulder the costs of restoring the country’s Jewish houses of worship said the culture minister Tuesday, two days after a historic synagogue in Cairo’s ancient Jewish quarter was rededicated in a private ceremony.
Farouk Hosny said in a statement that his ministry views Jewish sites …. Original source  : Egypt says it is dedicated to restoring all the country’s synagogues.

Muslim street wear from Germany spreads across Europe with trendy designs, tolerant message

Muslim fashion label conquers streets of Europe

WITTEN, Germany – T-shirts and hoodies declare “Terrorism has no religion.” A head-covering tunic bears the message: “Hijab. My right. My choice. My life.”
A German fashion label is out to tell the world that Islam isn’t just compatible with Western values of tolerance and free expression – it can …. Read the original article  : here.

Northern Ireland Assembly to vote on next power-sharing step; No. 2 Protestant party says ‘no’

NIreland Assembly to vote on next peacemaking step

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland lawmakers debated Tuesday whether to approve the next key step in making their Catholic-Protestant government work. The No. 2 Protestant party, the Ulster Unionists, confirmed it will vote against the plans amid continuing tensions.
Analysts expect a sufficiently strong majority of lawmakers to …. Read the original article  : here.

Woman appointed governor of West Bank’s most important district; joins other trailblazers

Women in charge in West Bank’s key district

RAMALLAH, West Bank – At 35, Leila Ghanem is the first woman to become a Palestinian governor, the latest in a group of trailblazing women leaders who are slowly winning acceptance in this traditional society.
Ghanem, a former intelligence agent, joins a cluster of women in senior positions in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Woman appointed governor of West Bank’s most important district; joins other trailblazers.

Clashing with fellow Dems nothing new for Mich. lawmaker at center of debate over health care

Lawmaker’s clash with fellow Democrats nothing new
WEST BRANCH, Mich. – Shortly after entering Congress in 1993, Rep. Bart Stupak withstood President Bill Clinton’s charm offensive and voted against free-trade legislation – an early display of the independent streak that has put him at odds with fellow Democrats many times since.
He’s now the unofficial …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Clashing with fellow Dems nothing new for Mich. lawmaker at center of debate over health care.

Preadom helps Houston Baptist top Chicago State 80-77 in Great West 1st round

Preadom, Houston Baptist top Chicago State 80-77

OREM, Utah – Wendell Preadom scored 22 points and hit the go-ahead basket to lead Houston Baptist to an 80-77 victory over Chicago State in the first round of the Great West Conference tournament Wednesday.
Andrew Gonzalez scored 18 points, Fred Hinnenkamp 16 and Mario Flaherty 12 for the second-seeded … Read more : Preadom helps Houston Baptist top Chicago State 80-77 in Great West 1st round.

East Jerusalem, home to Muslim and Jewish shrines, is crux of Israeli-Palestinian conflict

East Jerusalem lies at core of conflict
Israel’s plan to build 1,600 new apartments in contested east Jerusalem has thrown a spotlight on the city at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

-What’s the bottom line? Israel wants to retain control of an undivided Jerusalem. The Palestinians want east Jerusalem as capital of a future state.
-Why is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : East Jerusalem, home to Muslim and Jewish shrines, is crux of Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed says he won’t run for Georgia congressional seat

Ex-Christian Coalition head won’t run for Congress

ATLANTA – Former Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed announced Wednesday he will not run for Congress in Georgia, saying he can do more to push a conservative agenda through his work for a political startup.
Reed considered seeking the Republican nomination for Georgia’s 7th Congressional District northeast of Atlanta, but …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed says he won’t run for Georgia congressional seat.

UN official urges Iraqis to report election results quickly

First Iraqi vote results likely on Thursday

BAGHDAD – The top United Nations envoy in Iraq urged election officials Wednesday to release the results of this week’s historic vote as quickly as possible, saying Iraqis “have the right to know” the results as soon as possible.
The call by U.N. diplomat Ad Melkert came as Iraqi election …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : UN official urges Iraqis to report election results quickly.

Egypt’s top Muslim cleric, whose moderate views angered hard-liners, dies of heart attack

Egypt’s top Muslim cleric dies of heart attack

CAIRO – Egypt’s top cleric, Sheik Mohammed Sayed Tantawi, known for promoting the government agenda against female genital mutilation and the face veil, died of a heart attack Wednesday during a visit to Saudi Arabia. He was 81.
Tantawi was the grand sheik of Cairo’s Al-Azhar, the pre-eminent theological …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Egypt’s top Muslim cleric, whose moderate views angered hard-liners, dies of heart attack.

Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Aqil passes away

HYDERABAD – Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Hameeduddin Aqil Hussami, who was also a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, passed away here Friday after a brief illness. He was 82.

Moulana Aqil, who was suffering from lung problem for the last few months, was shifted to his house from a hospital Thursday night … Read more »»».

Federal appeals court upholds ‘under God’ references in Pledge of Allegiance, currency

Fed. appeals court upholds ‘under God’ in pledge

SAN FRANCISCO – An appellate court has upheld references to God on U.S. currency and in the Pledge of Allegiance, rejecting arguments they violate the constitutional separation of church and state.
“The Pledge of Allegiance serves to unite our vast nation through the proud recitation of some of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Theater Review: A question of faith compassionately explored in Geoffrey Nauffts”Next Fall’

Review: Question of faith explored in ‘Next Fall’

NEW YORK – To believe or not to believe.
It’s a quandary at the heart of “Next Fall,” Geoffrey Nauffts’ compassionate exploration of faith that has made a smooth transfer from off-Broadway to the big time of Broadway’s Helen Hayes Theatre.
The play, which had a successful run last summer [..] Read the original article: here.

2 brides and a wedding: Mexico witnesses 1st explicitly legal same-sex marriages

In Mexico, gay couples celebrate historic weddings

MEXICO CITY – Two glowing brides in matching white gowns and four other same-sex couples made history in Mexico City on Thursday as they wed under Latin America’s first law that explicitly approves gay marriage.
Mayor Marcelo Ebrard was a guest of honor at the weddings of Judith Vazquez and … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 brides and a wedding: Mexico witnesses 1st explicitly legal same-sex marriages.

Federal appeals court upholds God references in Pledge of Allegiance, currency

Court upholds ‘under God’ in Pledge of Allegiance

SAN FRANCISCO – A federal appeals court in San Francisco upheld the use of the words “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” on U.S. currency, rejecting arguments on Thursday that the phrases violate the separation of church and state.
The 9th U.S. Circuit … Read more >>.

Early results in historic Iraq election show brewing battle between PM, secular challenger

Early Iraq results: PM battling secular challenger

BAGHDAD – First results from Iraq’s parliamentary election showed the prime minister and his secular rival locked in an extremely tight contest Thursday amid fraud allegations by rival parties and a chaotic, unpredictable vote count.
The partial tallies came from only five of Iraq’s 18 provinces. However, Iraqi officials who … Read more >>>.

Discovery of monotheist pharaoh’s mummy provides clues about unique time in ancient Egypt

Mummy of Egypt’s monotheist pharaoh to return home

CAIRO – The DNA tests that revealed how the famed boy-king Tutankhamun most likely died solved another of ancient Egypt’s enduring mysteries – the fate of controversial Pharaoh Akhenaten’s mummy. The discovery could help fill out the picture of a fascinating era more than 3,300 years ago when …. Source article  : Discovery of monotheist pharaoh’s mummy provides clues about unique time in ancient Egypt.

France’s Sarkozy, fallen from his pedestal, faces drubbing in regional election

France’s Sarkozy faces whipping in regional vote

PARIS – Nicolas Sarkozy is looking politically lonely in his presidential palace.
Voters hit by France’s worst recession since World War II are fearing for their jobs, and are worried and conflicted about how Islamic veils and immigrant culture fit in their nation today.
They get a chance to voice their …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : France’s Sarkozy, fallen from his pedestal, faces drubbing in regional election.

Vatican, Italian bishops slam Rome school’s move to install condom-vending machines

Vatican criticizes condom machines in Rome school

ROME – A Rome high school has decided to install vending machines selling condoms for its students, sparking angry reaction from the Catholic Church which claims the move will only encourage youths to have sex.
Cardinal Agostino Vallini, the pope’s vicar for Rome, criticized the decision as trivializing sex.
L’Avvenire, the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vatican, Italian bishops slam Rome school’s move to install condom-vending machines.

Religious hatred, politics and poverty weave tapestry of violence across central Nigeria

Religious hatred, poverty behind Nigeria violence

JOS, Nigeria – Christians and Muslims once shared their lives together in Nigeria’s fertile central belt, buying each other’s goods in mixed neighborhoods and cultivating each other’s farms across a sun-baked plateau.
But growing religious hatred, political and ethnic rivalries, and increasing poverty have led to two outbursts of savage violence … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Religious hatred, politics and poverty weave tapestry of violence across central Nigeria.

Where Hindus and Muslims pray together

GADDEAJIJPUR – When Hindus visit a temple in Gaddeajijpur village of Uttar Pradesh, they also make it a point to pray at the adjacent mausoleum. It is no different for Muslims. For, the villagers believe their prayers will not be answered otherwise.

Gaddeajijpur village, located on the outskirts of Hardoi district, some 110 km from …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Where Hindus and Muslims pray together.

Stone pelting is un-Islamic: Kashmiri cleric

NEW DELHI – Terming stone pelting as a form of protest un-Islamic, the Grand Mufti of Jammu and Kashmir, Maulana Bashir-ud-Din, Wednesday said such violent practices were against the basic tenets of the religion whose essence is “peace and brotherhood”.

“Islam strongly prohibits any means of violence. The stone pelting practice is surely un-Islamic. It causes … Read more »».

Resolve Tibet issue through dialogue, reiterates Dalai Lama

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Wednesday reiterated his commitment to settle the Tibetan issue through dialogue and within the framework of Chinese law.

“Whether the Chinese government acknowledges it or not, there is a serious problem in Tibet…For more than 30 years, I have tried my best to enter into talks with …. Source article  : Resolve Tibet issue through dialogue, reiterates Dalai Lama.

Swedish newspapers reprint Prophet cartoon

STOCKHOLM – Several Swedish newspapers Wednesday reprinted a controversial caricature of the Prophet Mohammed as a dog, the day after an alleged plot to murder the cartoonist was disclosed.

Seven arrests were reported Tuesday in Ireland while one woman was charged in the US for conspiring to commit terrorism. The target of the alleged murder plot … Original source on Gaea Times at : Swedish newspapers reprint Prophet cartoon.

Grand Mufti urges Muslim women to enter politics

NEW DELHI – A top Islamic cleric Wednesday welcomed the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill in the Rajya Sabha, describing it as “a great step towards women’s empowerment”.

“This is a great step towards women’s empowerment. I would urge Indian Muslim women to enter politics and get themselves elected to parliament and state assemblies. They … Read more »»».

Tainted godman’s Malaysian centre will not shut down

KUALA LUMPUR – A centre run by followers of Swami Paramhamsa Nithyananda, allegedly involved in a sex scandal in southern India, will not close down and will continue to promote his teachings, a Hindu leader said.

Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) president R.S. Mohan Shan said they have taken this decision as Nithyananda’s teachings were not against …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Tainted godman’s Malaysian centre will not shut down.

Mohsina Kidwai elected chairperson of Haj committee

NEW DELHI – Senior Congress leader Mohsina Kidwai was Wednesday elected chairperson of the Haj Committee of India, a government panel that makes arrangements for the Muslim pilgrimage to the holy cities of Makkah and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Hasan Ahmed and Aboo Bucker were elected vice chairmen at the meeting of the newly constituted committee, [..] Read the original article: here.

Mohali village tense after head priest’s suicide

MOHALI – Security was strengthened outside a Jain temple in Punjab’s Mohali district after its head priest committed suicide Thursday triggering tension in the area, police said.

The family members of the priest alleged foul play.
According to the police, 51-year-old Ajay Muni, head priest of the Jain temple in Pabhat village, set himself afire …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Islamic clerics oppose women’s reservation

LUCKNOW – Not only certain political parties, but even some influential Islamic scholars and clerics are strongly opposed to the women’s reservation bill.

Their opposition seems to stem from the fact that such a provision will not only entitle but also encourage more and more Muslim women to take a plunge into politics, where it would …. Original source  : Islamic clerics oppose women’s reservation.

Texas ed board adopts new social studies standards that reflect ultra-conservatives’ influence

Texas ed board adopts social studies standards

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas State Board of Education agreed to new social studies standards on Friday after the far-right faction wielded its power to shape the lessons that will be taught to millions of students on American history, the U.S. free enterprise system, religion and other topics.
In a …. Original article  : Texas ed board adopts new social studies standards that reflect ultra-conservatives’ influence.

Bolstered by early election leads, Iraq’s al-Maliki seeks to make allies of foes in new govt

Iraq PM uses early lead to pursue new govt allies

BAGHDAD – Seizing on an early lead in Iraq’s election, the prime minister’s political coalition began reaching out to rivals Friday as partial results signaled a tight race that was unlikely to produce a clear-cut winner.
It’s doubtful that Nouri al-Maliki – even if he keeps his …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bolstered by early election leads, Iraq’s al-Maliki seeks to make allies of foes in new govt.

Pope says thanks but no thanks: he’ll skip Alps and have a Roman holiday this summer

Pope to skip Alps this summer
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI, who broke his wrist last summer during his Alpine vacation, is passing up invitations to return to the mountains so he can spend his holiday near Rome.

Benedict received several invitations for the Alps, but the Holy See said Friday that while … Original article on : Pope says thanks but no thanks: he’ll skip Alps and have a Roman holiday this summer.

Pope’s former diocese admits error over abuse priest in 1980, says pontiff unaware

Pope’s former diocese admits error over priest

BERLIN – Pope Benedict XVI’s former German diocese said Friday it made a mistake when the pontiff was archbishop in allowing a priest suspected to have abused a child to return to pastoral work. However, it said Benedict was unaware of the decision.
The chaplain was sent to Munich in …. Read the original article  : here.

Vaishno Devi shrine security beefed up

JAMMU – The security of the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir will be strengthened as it faces a threat of terror attack, an official said here Friday.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Governor N.N. Vohra. Senior security officials, including Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda and Additional Director General of …. Read the original article  : here.

Shiite religious alliance leading in southern Iraq province vote tally, as counting continues

Shiite group leads in southern Iraq province vote

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi Shiite religious alliance with ties to Iran is leading in one southern province according to the latest vote tallies released.
Results have only been released for six of 18 provinces, excluding Baghdad, so the final outcome is far from certain.
Election officials said Friday that the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Shiite religious alliance leading in southern Iraq province vote tally, as counting continues.

Iraqi PM’s bloc lays groundwork to form new govt after strong showing in initial results

Iraqi PM starts laying groundwork for new govt

BAGHDAD – The Iraqi prime minister’s bloc said Friday it has started laying the groundwork to form a coalition government, signaling growing confidence after preliminary election results showed it winning in at least three provinces in the southern Shiite heartland.
But the outcome from the key parliamentary vote was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Iraqi PM’s bloc lays groundwork to form new govt after strong showing in initial results.

Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Aqil dead

HYDERABAD – Eminent Islamic scholar Moulana Hameeduddin Aqil Hussami, who was also a member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, died here Friday after a brief illness. He was 82.

Moulana Aqil, who was suffering from a lung problem for some months, was shifted to his house from a hospital Thursday night after his …. Read the original article  : here.

Israel declares two-day closure of West Bank to head off unrest

Israel seals off West Bank to prevent unrest

JERUSALEM – Israel has sealed off the West Bank for 48 hours, preventing Palestinians from entering Israel because of fears of unrest.
There have been clashes after Friday prayers at mosques in Jerusalem and elsewhere in recent weeks, sparked by deadlock in peace talks and Israel’s inclusion of two … Original article on : Israel declares two-day closure of West Bank to head off unrest.

Muslim MPs say reservation alone can help community

HYDERABAD – Four Muslim members of parliament have demanded 10 percent reservation for Muslims across the country as recommended by the Ranganath Mishra Commission and a sub-quota for Muslim women in the proposed 33 percent reservation for women in parliament and state assemblies.

The MPs, including three Rajya Sabha members who were suspended during the debate … Original source on Gaea Times at : Muslim MPs say reservation alone can help community.

From Israel, a new way to boost organ donation, but some see a religious problem

From Israel, a radical way to boost organ donation

JERUSALEM – Israel is launching a potentially trailblazing experiment in organ donation: Sign a donor card, and you and your family move up in line for a transplant if one is needed.
The new law is the first of its kind in the world, and international medical authorities …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : From Israel, a new way to boost organ donation, but some see a religious problem.

South Dakota tops Houston Baptist 91-86 for Great West title, CollegeInsider.com bid

S. Dakota tops Houston Baptist 91-86 in Great West

OREM, Utah – Jake Thomas scored 24 points and Kendall Cutler 21 to lead South Dakota over Houston Baptist 91-86 on Saturday night as the Coyotes won the Great West Conference championship and an automatic bid to the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament.
Thomas hit 5 of 7 3-pointers for …. Original article  : South Dakota tops Houston Baptist 91-86 for Great West title, CollegeInsider.com bid.

Early leads by 2 secular political groups forecast Iraq rejection of fundamentalist government

Iraqi vote signals shift from religious leaders

BAGHDAD – Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s political coalition took an early vote lead Saturday in the election’s all-important battleground of Baghdad, pulling away from its two closest rivals in the latest indication that Iraqis want a moderate government instead of Shiite religious hard-liners leading the postwar nation.
Partial results released … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Early leads by 2 secular political groups forecast Iraq rejection of fundamentalist government.

Split among abortion opponents widens as Catholic hospitals publicly support health care bill

Catholic hospitals support health care bill
WASHINGTON – A group representing Catholic hospitals Saturday rallied behind President Barack Obama’s health care bill ahead of a House vote in which anti-abortion lawmakers could play a decisive role.
The chief executive of the Catholic Health Association, Carol Keehan, wrote on the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Jewish retiree creates stir by taking Vatican’s side in dispute over Pope Pius’ wartime role

Jewish retiree creates stir defending Pope Pius

LONG BEACH, N.Y. – In the long and painful debate over whether he should have done more to halt the murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators in World War II, Pope Pius XII has an unusual defender.
Gary Krupp, who is Jewish, says he grew … Read more »».

Iraq vote results show PM leading in key Baghdad tally, boosting re-election chances

Iraq’s PM leads in early Baghdad vote count

BAGHDAD – A coalition led by Iraq’s prime minister held a comfortable lead Saturday in the crucial contest for the nation’s capital, bolstering his chances in an election deciding who will lead the country as U.S. forces go home.
The province that includes Baghdad accounts for almost a fifth … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iraq vote results show PM leading in key Baghdad tally, boosting re-election chances.

Deputies: Fla. woman dies alone in locked bedroom while fasting, praying for several weeks

Fla. woman dies during weeks-long religious fast

BARTOW, Fla. – Authorities say a 55-year-old woman died alone in a bedroom of her central Florida home after locking herself in the room for several weeks for a lengthy religious fast.
Evelyn Boyd told her husband, a preacher at a Pentecostal church in the city of Bartow, not to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Deputies: Fla. woman dies alone in locked bedroom while fasting, praying for several weeks.

Shiite religious blocs, secular coalition both pick up province apiece in Iraq election

Shiite, secular blocs pick up provinces in Iraq

BAGHDAD – A secular bloc led by former Iraqi prime minister Ayad Allawi and a Shiite religious bloc both appeared to pick up votes as new results were released in Iraq’s election.
But the gains for the secular Iraqiya and the Shiite Iraqi National Alliance did not appear to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Shiite religious blocs, secular coalition both pick up province apiece in Iraq election.

Swiss newspaper report: 60 people say they were abused by Catholic priests in Switzerland

Swiss media: 60 people report abuses by priests

GENEVA – Around 60 people have reported being victims of abuse by Catholic priests in Switzerland, a Swiss abbot said in an interview published by a newspaper Saturday.
Abbot Martin Werlen of the Benedictine Abbey of Einsiedeln said some of the allegations were reported to the Swiss Bishops Conference’s …. Original source  : Swiss newspaper report: 60 people say they were abused by Catholic priests in Switzerland.

Mizoram church to take action against gay members

AIZAWL – The influential Baptist Church of Mizoram (BCM) Saturday announced strong disciplinary action against homosexual members.

“We have decided to take strong punitive action against members who are involved in homosexuality. The disciplinary actions include ex-communication,” a BCM statement said.
The statement was issued after the BCM assembly, the main decision-making body, met. The BCM … Read more >>>.

Egyptian bishop says 23 Coptic Christians wounded after attack by Muslims in western Egypt

Bishop: 23 Christians wounded in Egypt
CAIRO – An Egyptian bishop says 23 Coptic Christians have been wounded when extremist Muslims attacked a church community center in a western province.

The Rev. Bejemy told The Associated Press Saturday that a group of young men pelted cars and threw firebombs at the Coptic center and nearby homes in … Read : Egyptian bishop says 23 Coptic Christians wounded after attack by Muslims in western Egypt.

Houston Baptist tops NJIT 74-64 to reach Great West tournament final

Houston Baptist defeats NJIT 74-64
OREM, Utah – Andrew Gonzalez scored 24 points to lead Houston Baptist past NJIT 74-64 Friday night in the Great West Conference tournament semifinals.

Houston Baptist (12-20) will face regular-season champion South Dakota in the title game Saturday night. The conference, playing its first full season schedule and postseason tournament, does not …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Houston Baptist tops NJIT 74-64 to reach Great West tournament final.