Filipino devotees nailed to the cross in annual Good Friday rites rejected by Catholic Church

Filipinos nailed to the cross in Good Friday rites

SAN FERNANDO, Philippines – Filipino devotees had themselves nailed to crosses Friday to remember Jesus Christ’s suffering and death – an annual rite rejected by church leaders in the predominantly Roman Catholic country.
At least 23 people were nailed to crosses in three villages in northern Pampanga province’s … Read more »»».

Carrying crosses and digital cameras, Christians mark Good Friday in Jerusalem

Christians converge on Jerusalem for Good Friday

JERUSALEM – The cobblestone alleyways of Jerusalem’s Old City are filling up with Christian pilgrims and clergymen commemorating Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Black-robed nuns carrying wooden crosses file past metal barriers erected by police. Dozens of tourists in matching red baseball hats and wielding digital cameras are … Read : Carrying crosses and digital cameras, Christians mark Good Friday in Jerusalem.

And now, a Mayawati temple

LUCKNOW – If all goes well, Uttar Pradesh will soon get a temple dedicated to Chief Minister and Dalit icon Mayawati, whose statues already dot the sprawling state.

The temple is proposed to be erected in the poverty-stricken Mahoba district in Bundelkhand, economically the most backward region in Uttar Pradesh.
It will come up in Natpura … Read more : And now, a Mayawati temple.

Good Friday observed with prayers, fasts

NEW DELHI – With fasts and daylong prayer services in churches, Delhi observed Good Friday, marking the crucification of Jesus Christ.

Bity John, a public relations executive, said: “On Good Friday we have extensive prayer services in the church to commemorate the death of Jesus Christ on the cross, which we believe brought salvation to all”. [..] Read the original article: here.

Pope criticises launch of ‘abortion pill’

Vatican City, April 2 (IANS/AKI) In a statement targeting the launch of the “abortion pill” in Italy, Pope Benedict XVI has said Christians should not accept laws that protect the “wrong” practice.

The pope made the remarks during a pre-Easter mass Thursday, the same day the controversial abortion pill was to be made available in Italian …. Read the original article  : here.

Correction: Church Abuse-Wisconsin story

Correction: Church Abuse-Wisconsin story
ST. FRANCIS, Wis. – In March 25 and March 26 stories about allegations of sexual abuse made against the late Rev. Lawrence Murphy, The Associated Press reported erroneously that a document describing the allegations was written by the Rev. Thomas Brundage. Brundage says he did not write the handwritten document, but confirmed … Read more : Correction: Church Abuse-Wisconsin story.

Former Czech prime minister resigns as chairman of conservatives over gay, Jewish remarks

Czech politician quits over gay, Jewish comments
PRAGUE – Derogatory comments by the Czech Republic’s former prime minister about Jews, gays and the Catholic Church led Thursday to his resignation as chairman of his conservative political party.
Mirek Topolanek had been under strong pressure from within his Civic Democratic Party to step down following the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Former Czech prime minister resigns as chairman of conservatives over gay, Jewish remarks.

Judge: Lejeune officials violated veteran’s rights by demanding removal of anti-Islam decals

Judge: Lejeune improperly banned anti-Islam decals

RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge in North Carolina says Camp Lejeune officials violated the rights of a military veteran who came to a job on base with anti-Islamic decals on his vehicle.
Jesse Nieto’s decals included one that said “ISLAM (equals) TERRORISM” and another with a threat to defecate on … Read more : Judge: Lejeune officials violated veteran’s rights by demanding removal of anti-Islam decals.

Dawoodi Bohras gear up to celebrate Syedna’s 99th birthday

MUMBAI – Over 35,000 members of the Dawoodi Bohra community will march Thursday in groups of 99 to the accompaniment of music and fireworks to celebrate the 99th birthday of their religious leader, Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, which falls on Sunday.

An aide to the Syedna said that thousands of community members from all over India and …. Source article  : Dawoodi Bohras gear up to celebrate Syedna’s 99th birthday.

Haj Committee Role Discussed

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (GaeaTimes.com)- State for External Affairs minister of India Shashi Tharoor has reached Saudi Arabia and met Fouad Al-Farsi, the Haj minister of the nation, to discuss matters related to the current pilgrimage season and the role of the Haj Committee. Both the sides discussed their views on the Indian pilgrims. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Haj Committee Role Discussed.

Good Friday SMS, Wishes & Quotes

SAN FRANCISCO (GaeaTimes.com)- Tomorrow, April 2, 2010, the followers of Christianity will observe Good Friday. Though the holiday is mainly meant for the followers of Christianity, reports indicate that people all over the world now observe this day to commemorate the day when Jesus Christ was crucified. Records indicate that on Good Friday, … Original article on : Good Friday SMS, Wishes & Quotes.