Bangladesh Islamist leaders denied bail, told to surrender

DHAKA – The Dhaka High Court has rejected the bail pleas of five Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) leaders, including its chief Matiur Rahman Nizami, in two cases filed against them for hurting the religious sentiments of Muslims. They were also directed to surrender before the trial court within nine weeks.

Nizami and four others face trial for allegedly …. Original article  : Bangladesh Islamist leaders denied bail, told to surrender.

Malaysian academy to train Hindu priests

IPOH – Malaysia’s first academy to train Hindu priests will conduct a five-year course developed in consultation with similar institutions in India, a minister said.

Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam, who opened the academy Sunday, said the country’s Tamil Hindu community will continue to get priests from India since the training, grading and certifying of priests …. Original source  : Malaysian academy to train Hindu priests.

For Obama family, music and praise mark Easter service at church in southeast Washington

Easter service at DC church draws Obama family
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and his family marked the Easter holiday by attending a music-filled service at a historically black Methodist church in southeast Washington, an area that was rocked by violence last week.
A boisterous crowd of …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : For Obama family, music and praise mark Easter service at church in southeast Washington.

Obama and his family attend Easter service at Methodist church in southeast Washington

Obama family attends Easter service at DC church
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and his family have attended Easter service at a historically black Methodist church in southeast Washington.
Obama took communion Sunday at the Allen Chapel AME Church. Joining him at the service were his wife, Michelle, daughters Sasha and Malia, and his mother-in-law, …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Obama and his family attend Easter service at Methodist church in southeast Washington.

German bishop attacked during Easter service, is unhurt after fighting off assailant

German bishop attacked during Easter service

MUENSTER, Germany – Police say a man attacked the Roman Catholic Bishop of Muenster with a broom handle during an Easter service in the city’s cathedral.
Police said in a statement Sunday that 60-year-old bishop Felix Genn defended himself with an incense bowl and was unharmed.
A police spokesman tells the German … Read more : German bishop attacked during Easter service, is unhurt after fighting off assailant.

Obama and his family attending Easter service at Methodist church in southeast Washington

Obama family attending Easter service at DC church
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and his family are attending Easter service at a historically black Methodist church in southeast Washington.
The Obamas traveled Sunday morning to the Allen Chapel AME Church. The first family has attended a variety of Protestant churches in the nation’s capital since … Original article on : Obama and his family attending Easter service at Methodist church in southeast Washington.

Easter celebrated with prayers in northeast India

AIZAWL – Easter, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifiction, was celebrated Sunday in churches across northeast India with special prayer and worship programmes.

Over 5.3 million Christians live in Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur while there are some Christians in the other northeastern states.
“The Salvation Army band party played “He’s risen” in … Read : Easter celebrated with prayers in northeast India.

Pope: Easter is time of pardon and truth; makes no mention of abuse scandal in Easter message

Pope sees Easter as time of pardon and truth

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI has said Easter brings a message of pardon, goodness and truth to a suffering world but he has made no mention of the clergy abuse cover-up scandals that are buffeting him and his church.
The Urbi et Orbi Easter message is one … Read more : Pope: Easter is time of pardon and truth; makes no mention of abuse scandal in Easter message.

Pope, hit by scandal, called ‘unfailing’ leader of church at Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square

Pope hailed as ‘unfailing’ leader at Easter Mass

VATICAN CITY – Buffeted by sex abuse scandals, the Vatican kept up its stiff defense of Pope Benedict XVI Sunday, hailing him at the start of Easter Mass as an unfailing and courageous leader of a flock that takes no heed of “petty gossip.”
The tribute by Cardinal Angelo [..] Read the original article: here.

Watch Uttaradi Mutt Live: Uttaradi Mutt Darshan

You must have heard about Uttaradi Matt. Uttaradi Mutt is the original place of Jagadguru Shri Madhvacharya. Most of the Vaishnava Goud Saraswat Brahmins were followers of Sri UttaradiMutt, before the age of Kashi Mutt.
During the 15th century, Sri Ramachandra Tirtha of MOOLA MUTH (Jagadguru Sriman Madhwacharya Moola Maha Samsthana) initiated two sishyas to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Watch Uttaradi Mutt Live: Uttaradi Mutt Darshan.

A new fight over female judges in Egypt stirs old arguments that women not fit for bench

Women judges stir up old debate in Egypt
CAIRO – When women tried to join the bench on Egypt’s top administrative court, the uproar from its judges was fierce. Women are too emotional, they insisted – and who will take care of the family if the mother is busy with the arduous tasks of the courtroom?

In … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : A new fight over female judges in Egypt stirs old arguments that women not fit for bench.

Federal judge dismisses wage claims portion of lawsuit against Scientology’s elite Sea Org

Judge dimisses wage claims in Scientology lawsuit

LOS ANGELES – A federal judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit brought against the Church of Scientology by a woman who alleged she worked 100-hour weeks for almost no pay for years while a member of Scientology’s elite inner corps.
U.S. District Judge Dale Fischer issued a written order …. Read the original article  : Federal judge dismisses wage claims portion of lawsuit against Scientology’s elite Sea Org.

Pastor: Nigeria’s long unseen president ‘able to grunt out an amen’ with Christian leaders

Ill Nigerian president meets Christian leaders

LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria’s ill and long unseen president met briefly with Christian religious leaders Monday, still physically weak but “able to grunt out an amen,” a pastor who took part in the visit said.
Pastor Emmanuel Kure of the Throneroom Trust Ministry in Kaduna state he and three other Christian …. Original article  : Pastor: Nigeria’s long unseen president ‘able to grunt out an amen’ with Christian leaders.

Saudi cleric announces on-air plans to visit Jerusalem

Saudi cleric announces visit to Jerusalem
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A Saudi cleric announced Monday on his television show that he will visit Jerusalem next week to bolster Muslim claims to the city.

If Sheik Mohammed al-Areefi goes ahead with his plan, it would be an unprecedented trip for a prominent Saudi. Jerusalem is the third holiest …. Source article  : Saudi cleric announces on-air plans to visit Jerusalem.

Dyngus Day Celebrated Today

INDIANA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Dyngus Day or the Wet Monday is another name for Easter Monday, as it is celebrated and followed by the people of Poland. Dyngus day is celebrated after the Easter Sunday. In Poland, the day begins with boys awaking the girls from their sleep by pouring a bucket of water on …. Original article  : Dyngus Day Celebrated Today.

Assam governor helps break taboo against women

BARPETA – Bhabani Pathak and Kamala Bharali are excited and yet haunted with a sense of guilt. They were among the few women who broke a more than 500-year-old tradition by entering the sanctum sanctorum of a revered Xatra or Hindu monastery in Assam.

“I am overwhelmed as I was among the very few who …. Source  : Assam governor helps break taboo against women.

Pope greets pilgrims from papal retreat near Rome, no mention of abuse scandal

Pope greets pilgrims at retreat near Rome
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy – Pope Benedict XVI has greeted pilgrims and delivered a prayer from his retreat near Rome, making no mention of the sex abuse scandal rocking the Catholic Church.

Benedict is coming off a busy Easter week clouded by accusations that the Vatican, and he personally, have failed …. Original article  : Pope greets pilgrims from papal retreat near Rome, no mention of abuse scandal.

Turin Shroud hidden from ‘obsessive’ Hitler during WW-II

LONDON/ROME – The Turin Shroud, which is said to be the burial cloth of Christ, was hidden during the Second World War as the Vatican feared that Adolf Hitler, who was obsessed with the shroud, would steal it, an official said.

The linen cloth measures 14.4 feet by 3.6 feet. It is imprinted with the image … Read more : Turin Shroud hidden from ‘obsessive’ Hitler during WW-II.

A snapshot of new LA Archbishop Jose Gomez

A snapshot of new LA Archbishop Jose Gomez

Name: Archbishop Jose H. Gomez.
Birthdate: Dec. 26, 1951.
Age: 58.
Birthplace: Monterrey, Mexico.
Family: Parents deceased. Three older sisters, one younger sister.
Current residence: San Antonio, Texas.
Current positions: Archbishop of San Antonio and newly appointed coadjutor, in line to head the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, the largest archdiocese in the U.S. with …. Read the original article  : here.

Police: More than 30 ’secret’ killings follow religious violence across central Nigeria

Nigeria: ‘Secret’ killings follow religious deaths

JOS, Nigeria – The religious massacres have stopped, but “secret” killings of Christians and Muslims continue on a smaller scale across central Nigeria, claiming more than 30 lives this year, police said Tuesday.
The warning came after three people died and several others were injured Monday during an interfaith Easter prayer … Original article on : Police: More than 30 ’secret’ killings follow religious violence across central Nigeria.

Archbishop Jose Gomez introduced as next leader of Los Angeles archdiocese

Gomez introduced as next leader of LA archdiocese

LOS ANGELES – The next leader of the Los Angeles archdiocese has introduced himself to Southern California.
Archbishop Jose Gomez, who now leads the Archdiocese of San Antonio, is in line to become the highest-ranking Latino in the American Catholic hierarchy.
He spoke Tuesday at a church in Los Angeles, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

AP Interview: Allawi says Iraq’s political impasse could drag on for months

AP Interview: Allawi says Iraq impasse drags on

BAGHDAD – A secular Shiite vying to become Iraq’s next prime minister said Tuesday the country’s feuding politicians have not even started discussing how to form a government a month after elections failed to produce a clear winner.
It could take anywhere from two to five months to cobble … Read more »».

Government offices in polygamous towns in Utah, Arizona hit with warrants for records

Warrants served on polygamous towns in Utah, Ariz.

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah and Arizona authorities are serving search warrants on government offices in a pair of border towns dominated by a polygamous sect.
Rod Parker, an attorney for the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, says warrants for records were served Tuesday at … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Government offices in polygamous towns in Utah, Arizona hit with warrants for records.

Rome cardinals decry alleged anti-Catholic ‘hate’ campaign, say target is gay marriage stand

Vatican: There’s an anti-Catholic ‘hate’ campaign

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican is ratcheting up its counterattack against accusations that Pope Benedict XVI helped cover up the actions of pedophile priests to save the church’s reputation.
Senior cardinals in Rome are decrying what they depict as an anti-Catholic “hate” campaign that they say is related to the fact …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dalai Lama visits Slovenia

LJUBLJANA – Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, began Tuesday a three-day visit to Slovenia during which he said he would not meet with top political officials.

The Dalai Lama held a lecture on ethics for the new millennium in Maribor, the second largest city in Slovenia, before an audience of 4,000. Before the lecture, he … Read more : Dalai Lama visits Slovenia.

Now, fatwa issued against Shoaib Malik

KOLKATA – Former Pakistani cricket captain Shoaib Malik had another googly bowled at him when a fatwa was issued Tuesday against him by a muslim cleric in the wake of Hyderabadi girl Ayesha Siddiqui accusing him of marrying and then abandoning her.

The Shahi Imam of Tipu Sultan Mosque here Syed Noor-ur-Rehman Barkati issued the diktat … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Now, fatwa issued against Shoaib Malik.

Pope names Gomez coadjutor for LA, putting him in line to become highest-ranking Latino

Pope names Gomez to take over in LA
VATICAN CITY – The pope has selected Archbishop Jose Gomez of San Antonio, Texas, to take over the Los Angeles archdiocese when its current archbishop retires.

The appointment of the 58-year-old Gomez on Tuesday as coadjutor for Los Angeles puts him in line to become the highest-ranking Latino in … Read more : Pope names Gomez coadjutor for LA, putting him in line to become highest-ranking Latino.

No request for accused priest’s return to US: Church

NEW DELHI – The Catholic Church in India Tuesday said it has not received any request so far asking for the return of priest Rev Joseph Palanivel Jeyapaul – accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in America – for trial in the US.

“The diocese has not received any request so far on his return … Read this article on Gaea Times at : No request for accused priest’s return to US: Church.

Philippine Supreme Court overturns ban on gay party in May elections

Philippine Supreme Court allows gay party in polls

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Supreme Court overturned a decision Thursday barring a gay rights group from contesting national elections in May and recognized it as a legitimate political party for the first time.
In a unanimous ruling, the 15-member court threw out decisions by the Elections Commission denying … Original source on Gaea Times at : Philippine Supreme Court overturns ban on gay party in May elections.

Ex Vatican No. 2 becomes unlikely papal cheerleader given support for Legionaries

Former Vatican No. 2 becomes unlikely cheerleader

VATICAN CITY – The former Vatican No. 2, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, has assumed the lead role in praising the pope for his handling of clerical sex abuse and defending him against “unjust attacks” in the media.
But the retired Vatican secretary of state is an unlikely front man in Rome’s … Read more >>>.

Filmmaker: Malaysia’s 1st gay-themed movie in the works, could hit cinemas before year-end

Gay-themed film challenges boundaries in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s first gay-themed movie could hit cinemas within months, its producer said, after government censors eased restrictions that have stifled the film industry here for decades.
Although the Malay-language movie won’t have explicit sex or even kissing, its screening would be a huge step forward for freedom … Original article on : Filmmaker: Malaysia’s 1st gay-themed movie in the works, could hit cinemas before year-end.

Costa Rican president says it’s time for Catholic Church to end priests’ celibacy vows

Costa Rica president: End priests’ celibacy vows

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s president says it’s time for the Roman Catholic Church to stop demanding celibacy from its priests.
President Oscar Arias says forbidding priests from sexual relations goes against nature and the church should “correct that error.”
Arias also said Wednesday he supports a proposal being … Read more >>>.

Muslim scholar banned from US for 6 years over charity donation arrives in NY for discussion

Once-barred Muslim scholar arrives in NY for forum
NEW YORK – A prominent Muslim scholar banned from the United States for six years returned Wednesday for visits to four cities, saying he wants the U.S. to know its greatest threat is that it will surrender its core values because it fears Muslim-dominated countries.
“In the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Muslim scholar banned from US for 6 years over charity donation arrives in NY for discussion.

Ground broken in Atlanta for Ebenezer Baptist Church financial literacy and economic center

Historic church building financial resource center

ATLANTA – In the segregated South, the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. knew that the path to equality in America was through economic empowerment, and as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, he encouraged his congregation to have savings accounts and own homes.
His son, the Rev. Martin Luther King … Read : Ground broken in Atlanta for Ebenezer Baptist Church financial literacy and economic center.

Church says Norway bishop resigned in 2009 after admitting to child abuse allegations

Church: Norway bishop resigned in ‘09 over abuse

OSLO – Norway’s Catholic Church revealed Wednesday that a bishop who resigned last year did so after admitting he had molested a child years earlier, when he was a priest.
Georg Mueller stepped down as bishop in the western city of Trondheim in June 2009. The church said it …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Church says Norway bishop resigned in 2009 after admitting to child abuse allegations.

Muslim scholar gives 1st US talk since ban was lifted, tells NYC audience he’s glad to be back

No longer banned, Muslim scholar speaks in NYC

NEW YORK – A Muslim scholar who was banned from entering the United States for years has made his first public U.S. appearance since the ban was lifted, saying he looks forward to when he can enter the country without answering questions from authorities on what he plans … Original source on Gaea Times at : Muslim scholar gives 1st US talk since ban was lifted, tells NYC audience he’s glad to be back.

Report: Vatican No. 2 official says sex scandal causing great pain to the pope

Report: Official says pope in pain over scandal

VATICAN CITY – The clerical sex abuse scandal is causing Pope Benedict XVI great pain, the Vatican’s No. 2 official said Thursday.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state, said that like all pastors the pope has suffered greatly for the cases of sex abuse of minors by …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

NYC Sikhs protest appearance of Indian minister they blame for instigating 1984 riots in India

NYC Sikhs protest appearance of Indian minister

NEW YORK – Several dozen Sikhs on Thursday protested a speech by an Indian minister who they say instigated mob riots in their country in 1984 that left more than 3,000 dead, most of them Sikhs.
About 100 members of the Sikhs for Justice, a U.S.-based human rights organization, gathered … Read more >>.

NJ regulators issue warning to Jewish artifact burial site; neighbors call it illegal dump

Jewish artifact burial site raises concerns in NJ

LAKEWOOD, N.J. – Environmental regulators in New Jersey are trying to decide what to do about an unlicensed religious artifact burial site.
A rabbi coordinated the dumping of 2,000 trash bags full of Jewish text and clothing on private land in Lakewood during Passover. Orthodox Jews are not permitted … Read more >>>.

Text of letter from future Pope Benedict resisting defrocking California priest

Text of 1985 letter from future Pope Benedict

Following is the text of a November 1985 letter in Latin signed by then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger to Oakland Bishop John S. Cummins. It was translated for The Associated Press by Thomas Habinek, chairman of the University of Southern California Classics Department.
Most Excellent Bishop
Having received your letter of …. Read the original article  : here.

Despite bishop’s scandal warning, files show future pope resisted defrocking molester priest

Files show future pope resisted defrocking priest

LOS ANGELES – Church files show that before becoming pope, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger resisted defrocking a California priest who molested children.
A 1985 letter signed by Ratzinger cited concerns about the effect that removing the priest would have on “the good of the universal church.”
The correspondence was obtained exclusively by … Read : Despite bishop’s scandal warning, files show future pope resisted defrocking molester priest.

APNewsBreak: Vatican to post lay guide explaining abuse norms on Web in transparency strategy

APNewsBreak: Vatican to post guide for abuse norms

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican plans to post a “lay guide” on the Web explaining its procedures to deal with accusations of sexual abuse by priests as part of a new transparency strategy.
The guide, obtained Friday by The Associated Press, outlines the canonical procedures that bishops follow when …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : APNewsBreak: Vatican to post lay guide explaining abuse norms on Web in transparency strategy.

Letter: Canadian church officials knew of abuse before priest was promoted to Vatican

Letter: Canadian church knew of abuse allegation

TORONTO – A letter written by a late Catholic bishop shows church officials in Canada knew of sexual abuse allegations against a priest who later became a top Vatican official.
Bishop Joseph Windle of Pembroke, Ontario, sent the letter to the pope’s envoy to Canada in 1993.
The letter is about …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dutch Supreme Court: fundamentalist Christian party must allow women in leadership functions

Dutch Christian fundamentalist party blocks women

AMSTERDAM – A fundamentalist Christian political party led entirely by men was told by the Netherlands’ Supreme Court on Friday that it must accept women in leadership roles.
The Political Reformed Party, known by its Dutch acronym SGP, has consistently held two or three seats in the country’s 150-member national parliament …. Read the original article  : here.