On eve of Passover, polls shows Israelis concerned about their international standing

On Passover, Israel concerned over world standing
JERUSALEM – Nearly one out of every two Israelis thinks the country’s international standing is poor following Israel’s most serious crisis with the United States in decades, according to a poll published Monday on the eve of the Passover holiday.
As Jews around the world were making last-minute …. Source  : On eve of Passover, polls shows Israelis concerned about their international standing.

Games village to have prayer rooms for athletes of all faiths

NEW DELHI – The Commonwealth Games village in east Delhi, where athletes will be staying during the games in October, will have a special building with prayer rooms for all faiths. This, officials said, will give the athletes a space and option to pray and meditate – crucial for a peaceful mind during the taxing … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Games village to have prayer rooms for athletes of all faiths.

Sonia Gandhi speaks to Rosaiah over Hyderabad situation

HYDERABAD – United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi and union Home Minister P. Chidambaram spoke to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K. Rosaiah over phone to inquire about the situation in Hyderabad after the communal clashes.

Rosaiah informed the state assembly Monday that the Congress president was concerned about clashes in the old part of the [..] Read the original article: here.

Oud maker faces little demand for his instrument: Hundreds of artists have fled Iraq

Oud maker labors in secret on Baghdad rooftop

BAGHDAD – In a tiny workshop on the roof of his home in a Baghdad slum, Farhan Hassan works in secret, lovingly curving wood and tightening strings to make his ouds – a traditional Arabic instrument.
Only close family and friends know what he is doing, because the militiamen …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Air India snag leaves Thai monks stranded at Agartala

AGARTALA – As many as 44 Buddhist monks from Thailand were stranded Sunday at the Agartala airport after their Kolkata-bound Air India flight was cancelled due to technical snag, officials said here.

“The monks came to Tripura from Thailand last week to visit Buddhist religious places in the northeastern state. On Sunday they were scheduled to …. Read the original article  : Air India snag leaves Thai monks stranded at Agartala.

Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem mark Palm Sunday with prayers and processions

Christian pilgrims mark Palm Sunday in Jerusalem

JERUSALEM – Hundreds of Christians from around the world marched from the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem to mark Palm Sunday, retracing the steps of Jesus 2,000 years ago.
The pilgrims waved national and church flags and followed a white donkey, which according to Christian tradition was the way Jesus … Read more »».

Palm Sunday Address Of Pope

ROME (GaeaTimes.com)- Despite facing severe criticism from a section of the media over his inaction over sex abuse charges leveled against some priests, Pope Benedict XVI remains defiant and he said recently that such charges will not be able to intimidate him. The Pope started his special Palm Sunday address by saying that Christ … Read : Palm Sunday Address Of Pope.

Advani blog cites Tully’s praise of Hinduism

NEW DELHI – Secularism in India stems from Hindu tolerance as the religion of the majority community engenders respect for all religions, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L. K. Advani said Sunday in the latest post on his blog that cites eminent journalist Mark Tully.

In the post titled “Encyclopaedia of Hinduism and Mahakumbh”, [..] Read the original article: here.

AP Top News at 4:49 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 4:49 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Top News at 4:47 p.m. EDT

AP Top News at 4:47 p.m. EDT
US troop deaths double in Afghanistan
KABUL – The number of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan has roughly doubled in the first three months of 2010 compared to the same period last year as Washington has added tens of thousands of additional soldiers to reverse the Taliban’s momentum. Those deaths … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : AP Top News at 4:47 p.m. EDT.

Malaysia loosens movie censorship, but keeps tight leash on tiny bikinis, ‘erotic voices’

Malaysia movie censors ease up, but scorn bikinis

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s censors have loosened decades of restrictions on sexual and religious content in movies, but are still keeping a tight leash on tiny bikinis, kisses and passionate hugs on screen.
The guidelines – made public on the Home Ministry’s Web site this week – are …. Original source  : Malaysia loosens movie censorship, but keeps tight leash on tiny bikinis, ‘erotic voices’.

Barred from airport, Hare Krishnas to spread message elsewhere

WASHINGTON – The Hare Krishna movement has expressed disappointment over a ban on soliciting donations inside Los Angeles International Airport but said the group plans to continue to spread its message in other public spaces in the United States.

“We are disappointed by the ruling,” said Anuttama Dasa, a spokesperson of the International Society for Krishna … Read more : Barred from airport, Hare Krishnas to spread message elsewhere.

Criticism of Vatican in Wisconsin over handling of abuse scandal after recent revelations

Criticism of Vatican in Wis. over abuse scandal

MILWAUKEE – The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests is criticizing the Vatican for its handling of revelations about a case involving Wisconsin abuse victims.
The group claims top Catholic officials in Rome have vilified and insulted victims. SNAP spokeswoman Mary Guentner says victims should be praised for …. Read the original article  : Criticism of Vatican in Wisconsin over handling of abuse scandal after recent revelations.

Retired Calif minister again faces charges from church for performing gay marriages

Church charges Calif minister over gay weddings

SANTA ROSA, Calif. – A retired Presbyterian minister in Northern California is again facing charges she violated church law when she officiated at the weddings of gay couples.
The Rev. Jane Spahr was acquitted two years ago of similar charges when the church’s Supreme Judicial Council found that she did … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Retired Calif minister again faces charges from church for performing gay marriages.

Gadhafi says Nigeria should be split along ethnic lines into mini-states like Yugoslavia

Gadhafi: Nigeria should split along ethnic lines

TRIPOLI, Libya – Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi suggested Monday that Nigeria be split along ethnic lines, like Yugoslavia, into several mini-states as a way of resolving violence in Africa’s most populous nation.
Gadhafi drew Nigeria’s anger last week by saying the oil-rich nation should be divided into Muslim and Christian … Read more »»».

Iraqi committee wants to bar 4 elected on winning list for ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime

Iraqi panel wants to bar 4 elected on winning list

BAGHDAD – A committee that vets candidates for ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime is recommending four people elected to parliament from the winning list of former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi be disqualified, an official on the committee said Monday. The challenge risks deepening Iraq’s sectarian tensions.
If … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Iraqi committee wants to bar 4 elected on winning list for ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Obamas to host Passover Seder at White House with aides, friends

Obamas mark Passover with private Seder
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama plans to mark the start of Passover with a private Seder in the executive mansion.
Obama and first lady Michelle Obama invited friends and White House aides to mark the Jewish holiday with a meal on Monday. The Obama aides started the tradition during …. Source  : Obamas to host Passover Seder at White House with aides, friends.

Somalis protest against al-Qaida linked militants after rebels exhume tombs in Mogadishu

Somalis protest against al-Qaida linked militants

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Hundreds of women and children marched through Somalia’s capital Monday to protest the destruction of tombs of Somali clerics, some a century old, by al-Qaida-linked militants wielding sledgehammers and pickaxes.
It was a rare demonstration against al-Shabab in a city mainly controlled by the extremist group. Protesters chanted … Original article on : Somalis protest against al-Qaida linked militants after rebels exhume tombs in Mogadishu.

Benedict leads faithful in honoring John Paul II on 5th anniversary of death

Benedict honors John Paul 5 years after death

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI is commemorating the fifth anniversary of the death of John Paul II with a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Many pilgrims from Poland, the late pontiff’s homeland, joined Benedict in prayer Monday evening.
The 84-year-old John Paul died on April 2, 2005, after battling …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Benedict leads faithful in honoring John Paul II on 5th anniversary of death.

Several prominent Iraq politicians fail to get into parliament, new election lists show

Prominent Iraq politicians fail to win seats

BAGHDAD – Several prominent Iraqi politicians – long considered untouchable – failed to win seats in the country’s March 7 election, according to lists published Monday, reflecting voter dissatisfaction with the country’s political class.
Their failure comes as weeks of haggling to form a new government lie ahead, possibly opening …. Source article  : Several prominent Iraq politicians fail to get into parliament, new election lists show.

Turkish man who shot previous pope calls on Benedict to resign over clerical sex abuse cases

In Turkey, Pope gunman says Benedict should resign

ANKARA, Turkey – The Turkish man who shot Pope John Paul II says Pope Benedict XVI should resign over the Catholic Church’s handling of clerical sex abuse cases.
Mehmet Ali Agca, who emerged from prison in January nearly 29 years after wounding Pope John Paul II in Rome, has … Read more »».

Priest involved in sex-abuse investigation of Wisconsin colleague defends Vatican’s response

Priest defends Vatican’s handling of Wis. scandal

MILWAUKEE – A priest who helped investigate child sex allegations against a former colleague in the Milwaukee Archdiocese says there’s no indication the current pope knew at the time of the investigation.
The Rev. Thomas Brundage said Tuesday from Alaska that there’s no way of knowing whether then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger … Read more »».

Anti-American cleric al-Sadr calls for Iraqi referendum on who will be prime minister

Anti-US cleric calls for Iraq referendum on PM

BAGHDAD – An anti-American Shiite cleric called Tuesday for a referendum on who will be Iraq’s prime minister, a proposal that was nearly certain to fail but which added more turmoil to an already tense and uncertain postelection period.
The firebrand cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, who leads a Shiite religious … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Anti-American cleric al-Sadr calls for Iraqi referendum on who will be prime minister.

APNewsBreak: Vatican mounts legal defense to shield pope from US sex abuse lawsuit

Vatican defends pope in US lawsuit
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican is launching a legal defense that the church hopes will shield the pope from a lawsuit in Kentucky seeking to have him deposed over claims that the Holy See was negligent in failing to report abuse claims.

In court documents obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press, … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : APNewsBreak: Vatican mounts legal defense to shield pope from US sex abuse lawsuit.

Best Hanuman Jayanti SMS

Hanuman Jayanti is observed on the Full Moon day of the month Chaitra. This day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Hanuman. Devotees visit Hanuman temple and worship Lord Hanuman on this special occasion.
Read more here.
… Read more »»».

Minority panels’ conference to be held Wednesday

NEW DELHI – The annual conference of minority commissions is being held here Wednesday to ascertain the needs of Indian minority communities, identify solutions for the issues related to their socio-economic problems and facilitate focus of governmental action towards them.

Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram will inaugurate the day-long state minorities commissions’ conference organised by …. Read the original article  : Minority panels’ conference to be held Wednesday.

Hanuman Jayanti Today: Chalisa, Mantra, Wallpapers, SMS Free Download

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)-Lord Hanuman, the greatest devotee of Sri Rama is worshiped all over India as the all powerful devotee, who had accompanied and helped Sri Rama in his battle against Ravana. In the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar, Hanuman Jayanti or the birthday of Sri Hanuman is celebrated … Read more »».

As Easter nears amid scandal, Catholics find ties to the church tested in painful ways

Catholics find ties to the church tested by crisis

WARSAW, Poland – An Austrian priest avoids mention of Pope Benedict XVI in his Masses. A Philadelphia woman stops going to confession, saying she now sees priests as more flawed than herself. British protesters call for the pontiff to resign.
As the faithful fill churches this Holy Week, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : As Easter nears amid scandal, Catholics find ties to the church tested in painful ways.

Malaysian state ruler commutes caning sentence for beer-drinking Muslim woman

Malaysian ruler commutes caning sentence for woman

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Muslim woman sentenced to be caned for drinking beer has had her punishment commuted, in a surprising turnaround for a high-profile case that raised questions about Islamic laws intruding into personal matters in Malaysia.
Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, a mother of two, received a letter …. Original article  : Malaysian state ruler commutes caning sentence for beer-drinking Muslim woman.

Number of atheists, non-believers increases in Spain

Madrid, April 1 (IANS/EFE) The number of non-believers and atheists has grown significantly in Spain during the last decade while the percentage of Catholics has come down by 10 percent, a government survey has said.

At present, 13.6 percent of the people said they were “non-believers” while 7.7 percent identified themselves as atheists, a survey released [..] Read the original article: here.

Malaysian state ruler commutes caning sentence on beer-drinking Muslim woman

Malaysian ruler commutes caning sentence on woman

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – A Muslim woman sentenced to be caned for drinking beer has had her punishment commuted, in a surprising turnaround for a high-profile case that raised questions about Islamic laws intruding into personal matters in Malaysia.
Kartika Sari Dewi Shukarno, a mother of two, received a letter …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Malaysian state ruler commutes caning sentence on beer-drinking Muslim woman.

What boycott? Hispanic immigrants more likely to fill out census than US-born counterparts

Poll: Close to 9 in 10 Latinos to fill out census

WASHINGTON – What boycott? Close to 9 in 10 Hispanics say they intend to participate in the 2010 census, with immigrants more likely to say the government count is good for their community and that personal information will be kept confidential, according to a new [..] Read the original article: here.

Iraqi kingmaker declines to back either frontrunner, leaves decision to supporters

Al-Sadr asks backers for input on future Iraq PM

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s political disarray deepened Wednesday when a potential kingmaker withheld his support from both big election winners and said he would ask his supporters to make the choice in a referendum.
Compounding the confusion, the incumbent prime minister refused to abandon his claim of fraud and …. Source  : Iraqi kingmaker declines to back either frontrunner, leaves decision to supporters.

Unsealed letter from 1963 shows former Pope Paul VI knew of US priest abuse problems

1963 letter shows former pope knew of abuse

LOS ANGELES – A newly released letter to then-Pope Paul VI indicates the Vatican was aware of clergy abuse in the U.S. nearly five decades ago.
In the 1963 letter released Wednesday, the head of a Roman Catholic order that oversaw treatment of pedophile priests tells the pope he …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Unsealed letter from 1963 shows former Pope Paul VI knew of US priest abuse problems.

Al-Sadr call for referendum further scrambles political jockeying for new government

Maneuvering in Iraq intensifies over who to lead

BAGHDAD – Political maneuvering in Iraq intensified on Wednesday with a powerful anti-American cleric calling for his supporters to vote on whom he should back, while the incumbent prime minister defended his challenges of the results.
The call by Muqtada al-Sadr further muddies the waters in what has already …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Al-Sadr call for referendum further scrambles political jockeying for new government.

Catholic bishops urge British to study marriage policies before voting in UK’s next election

Catholic bishops intervene in British election

LONDON – Senior Catholic bishops are urging British worshippers to carefully consider candidates’ policies toward marriage and abortion when they vote in the looming national election – a move likely to benefit the opposition Conservatives.
In a guide to the election, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols urges voters to back lawmakers … Read : Catholic bishops urge British to study marriage policies before voting in UK’s next election.

China agrees to let in more Mansarovar pilgrims

NEW DELHI – China has agreed to accommodate more Indian pilgrims for the four-month-long Kailash Mansarovar ‘yatra’ (travel), External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna said Wednesday.

Krishna presided over the draw of lots for selecting the people for the pilgrimage that is scheduled to begin June 1.
This year 960 names were selected on the basis …. Read the original article  : China agrees to let in more Mansarovar pilgrims.

South Florida law firm implicates Vatican, Pope in priest child abuse case

Law firm implicates Vatican, Pope in abuse case

MIAMI – A South Florida law firm is implicating the Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI in its handling of a priest accused of sexually abusing children.
Jessica Arbour, an attorney representing one of the alleged victims, says documents show the Vatican was aware of Rev. Ernesto Garcia-Rubio’s misconduct as …. Read the original article  : here.

Women refusing to remove niqab in Canada will be charged

TORONTO – After the landmark niqab ban in French-speaking Quebec province last week, Canadian police now say they will charge anyone refusing to remove face-coverings, including niqab, when being booked after arrest.

Under Canadian laws, police always take mug shots of the offenders after their arrest.
Though no Muslim woman with a niqab has been arrested … Read more : Women refusing to remove niqab in Canada will be charged.

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.

Allawi gains momentum as Iraqi PM’s hopes of drawing Shiite coalitions to his side crumble

Division among Iraq’s Shiites good news for Allawi

BAGHDAD – When the coalition led by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki narrowly lost at the polls, he raised the prospect that he could pull ahead by gaining the support of other Shiite-dominated alliances. Since then the largest of those groups have been reaching out – but not …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Allawi gains momentum as Iraqi PM’s hopes of drawing Shiite coalitions to his side crumble.

Vatican spokesman takes distance from preacher’s likening accusations vs pope to anti-Semitism

Vatican distances itself from comments on Jews

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican spokesman is officially distancing itself from Good Friday remarks by the papal preacher, who likened accusations against the pope in the clergy sex abuse cover-up scandals to collective violence against Jews.
The Rev. Federico Lombardi contacted The Associated Press in Rome to say such parallelism …. Read the original article  : Vatican spokesman takes distance from preacher’s likening accusations vs pope to anti-Semitism.

APNewsBreak: Rome waited a decade-plus to defrock Arizona priest, despite letters to Ratzinger

APNewsBreak: Rome waited years to ban Ariz. priest

The future Pope Benedict XVI took over the abuse case of an Arizona priest, then let it languish at the Vatican for years despite repeated pleas from the bishop for the man to be removed from the priesthood, according to church correspondence.
Documents reviewed by The Associated Press show [..] Read the original article: here.

Poland marks anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death as religious observance begins to flag

More-secular Poland marks Pope John Paul’s death

WARSAW, Poland – A trumpet in Warsaw sounded a mournful tone at 9:37 p.m., marking the minute five years ago when Poland’s revered native son Pope John Paul II died.
Believers held solemn commemorations of the pope amid Good Friday observances recalling the suffering of Jesus. Singing hymns in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Poland marks anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death as religious observance begins to flag.

Nigeria’s ill, long absent president greets religious guests briefly, but remains seated

Imam: Nigeria’s ill, absent president meets guests

LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria’s long ill and unseen president met briefly with Muslim religious leaders, raising his hands in prayer though never standing during the first visit since November by anyone outside a small group of advisers and family members, the nation’s chief imam said Friday.
Imam Ustaz Musa Mohammed …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nigeria’s ill, long absent president greets religious guests briefly, but remains seated.

Pilgrims arriving in St. Peter’s Square for Good Friday service led by the pope

Pilgrims filling St. Peter’s Square on Good Friday

VATICAN CITY – Pilgrims are arriving in St. Peter’s Square to mark Good Friday as the church defends itself against accusations that Pope Benedict XVI played a role in covering up sex abuses cases.
The pope is scheduled to preside over a prayer service in St. Peter’s Basilica and …. Read the original article  : Pilgrims arriving in St. Peter’s Square for Good Friday service led by the pope.

Leader of Iraqi Shiite party gives boost to Allawi in race for prime minister

Leader of Iraqi Shiite party gives boost to Allawi

BAGHDAD – The secular front-runner in Iraq’s elections welcomed the support of a leading Iranian-linked Shiite party Friday while a powerful anti-U.S. cleric canvassed his followers in a poll that could set the stage for a turn against the incumbent prime minister.
The backing of the Supreme Islamic …. Original article  : Leader of Iraqi Shiite party gives boost to Allawi in race for prime minister.

Anti-US cleric’s supporters choose which candidate to back in self-styled referendum

Shiite cleric’ followers choose their PM candidate

BAGHDAD – Iraqi supporters of a powerful anti-American cleric turned out Friday for a special vote on which candidate the potential kingmaker should support for prime minister.
Muqtada al-Sadr has withheld his backing from both big winners in the March 7 election, saying he wants his supporters to make the … Read more »».

Poland on Good Friday remembers John Paul 5 years after pope’s death

Poland marks John Paul’s death on Good Friday

WARSAW, Poland – Predominantly Catholic Poland is marking the fifth anniversary of the death of its native son, Pope John Paul II, along with the traditional Good Friday processions and reenactments of Christ’s death.
The Archbishop of Krakow, Stanislaw Dziwisz, noted the emotional symbolism of the anniversary falling on … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Poland on Good Friday remembers John Paul 5 years after pope’s death.

Prayers, elaborate feasts mark Easter in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Special prayer services in churches followed by elaborate feasts marked Easter celebrations in the capital Sunday.

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifiction.
Liz Joseph, a homemaker who had rustled up a grand lunch for her family and close friends Sunday, said: “Easter follows the fasting period of Lent … Read more »»».

With ancient hymns and religious rock bands, Christians celebrate Easter in Jerusalem

Hymns and electric guitars: Jerusalem marks Easter

JERUSALEM – With ancient hymns and religious rock bands, Christians from around the world are celebrating Easter Sunday in Jerusalem.
Armenian Christians in ornate robes are holding a ceremony in the dark, incense-filled chambers of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Many Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and then [..] Read the original article: here.

Easter celebrated in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Christians made a beeline to the churches in Kerala early Sunday to celebrate Easter, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the cross, and take part in the mass before the onset of sunshine.

The Easter mass came to a close before sunrise in most churches with the serving of a piece of cake, … Read : Easter celebrated in Kerala.

Christians demand apology from Ramesh over ‘barbaric’ remark

BHUBANESWAR – A Christian group Sunday demanded an unconditional apology from union Minister of State for Environment and Forest Jairam Ramesh for terming the wearing of the traditional convocation robe as a barbaric colonial practice.

Describing Ramesh’s statement as remarks against Pope and Christians around the world, Sajan K. George, president of the Bangalore-based Global Council … Original article on : Christians demand apology from Ramesh over ‘barbaric’ remark.

Easter Bunny Tracker

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) Easter Bunny Tracker is now available as an app in the Apple iTunes Store for your iPhone, iPod and iPad. The Easter Bunny Tracker is developed by Talus Media LLC and is reported to be priced at $0.99.

Unlike Christmas, NORAD does not offer the chance to track Easter Bunny this time …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Easter Bunny Tracker.

Pope celebrates Easter Vigil as Vatican denounces ‘defamation operation’ against him

Pope celebrates Easter Vigil amid abuse scandal

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Easter Vigil on Saturday as the Vatican newspaper denounced what it called a “vile defamation operation” against him concerning the clerical abuse scandal.
Benedict presided over the evening service in St. Peter’s Basilica, commemorating the night before Easter, when Christians believe Christ rose …. Original source  : Pope celebrates Easter Vigil as Vatican denounces ‘defamation operation’ against him.

In Rhode Island, Catholic church opens its doors to flooded neighbor for Easter services

RI flooding brings 2 churches closer for Easter

WEST WARWICK, R.I. – A Roman Catholic church in Rhode Island expects to be more crowded than usual on Easter Sunday as a result of recent flooding.
St. Joseph Church in West Warwick is taking in parishioners from nearby Sacred Heart Church for services this weekend. Sacred Heart’s basement …. Original article  : In Rhode Island, Catholic church opens its doors to flooded neighbor for Easter services.

Thousands of Orthodox faithful celebrate holy fire ritual to the sound of hymns and drumbeats

Thousands of Orthodox celebrate holy fire ritual

JERUSALEM – The sound of drumbeats and hymns and light from thousands of candles and torches filled Christianity’s most revered shrine Saturday as Orthodox faithful celebrated Easter Week’s holy fire ritual.
Orthodox Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried at the site where the Church of the Holy Sepulcher now … Read more >>>.

Holy Saturday Being Observed Today

VATICAN CITY (GaeaTimes.com)- After the Good Friday, when Jesus Christ was crucified, comes the Holy Saturday. On April 3, the Roman Catholic Churches all over the world will mark the Holy Saturday which is also the last day of Holy week. Like every year, this year as well on Holy Saturday the sanctuary …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Holy Saturday Being Observed Today.

Easter Scraps, SMS Provided By Websites

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com)- Two days after good Friday and three days after Maundy Thursday, falls one of the greatest Christian Religious festivals Easter Sunday. Easter Sunday, the day Christ resurrected from his grave is celebrated by the Christians all over the world. Apart from the special prayers and the celebrations that comes with … Original article on : Easter Scraps, SMS Provided By Websites.

Archbishop of Canterbury says Irish church lost ‘credibility’ over sex abuse scandal

Anglican leader: Irish church lost its credibility

LONDON – The Roman Catholic church in Ireland has lost its credibility because of its mishandling of abuse by priests, the leader of the Anglican church said in remarks released Saturday. A leading Catholic archbishop said he was “stunned” by the comments.
It was the first time Archbishop of Canterbury … Original article on : Archbishop of Canterbury says Irish church lost ‘credibility’ over sex abuse scandal.

Matzoh, a dry Passover fare for Jews, is a mysterious favorite among Israel’s Arabs

Why do Israel’s Arabs like eating matzoh?
UMM EL-FAHM, Israel – Many Jewish Israelis can’t stand the stuff, so there’s something mind-boggling about their Arab compatriots: Why in the world do they choose to eat matzoh?

Despite decades of uneasiness in their coexistence with the Jewish majority, Israel’s Arabs have developed a love affair with matzoh, the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Matzoh, a dry Passover fare for Jews, is a mysterious favorite among Israel’s Arabs.