Pope, elected for life, highly unlikely to quit over past abuse cases, no matter the criticism

Despite outrage from critics, popes rarely resign

NEW YORK – Only a few popes have resigned in the history of the Roman Catholic Church. Don’t expect Pope Benedict XVI to join their ranks.
The uproar caused by reports that Benedict and his aides were slow to defrock abusive priests cannot be explained as the church equivalent of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pope, elected for life, highly unlikely to quit over past abuse cases, no matter the criticism.

Allawi’s secularism may not fly in today’s Iraq, where religion, politics are inseparable

Allawi’s secularism may not fly in today’s Iraq

BAGHDAD – In a nation where religion and politics have become nearly inseparable, can a secular politician be prime minister of Iraq?
The question has moved to the heart of Iraq’s complex politics after a coalition led by secular Shiite Ayad Allawi emerged as the biggest vote winner in … Read more : Allawi’s secularism may not fly in today’s Iraq, where religion, politics are inseparable.

Hot lines in Europe log massive jump in calls alleging abuse by Catholic priests

European abuse hot lines log jump in calls

VIENNA – Telephone hot lines in Europe offering help to people claiming abuse by Roman Catholic priests are being deluged with calls as the crisis spreads – with one center reporting complaints jumping from about 10 cases a year to more than a thousand in the past few …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Akal Takht ex-jathedar sticks to stand on scripture

TORONTO – Toronto-based former Akal Takht head priest Darshan Singh Ragi, who was excommunicated by the Sikh high priests in December for questioning the authenticity of the scripture Dasam Granth, says his voice cannot be silenced.

Because of his excommunication over the Dasam Granth, he was not allowed to speak at a Toronto-area gurdwara and his …. Source  : Akal Takht ex-jathedar sticks to stand on scripture.

Vatican secretary of state says homosexuality to blame for pedophilia, not celibacy

Pope’s No. 2: Pedophilia linked to homosexuality

SANTIAGO, Chile – The Vatican’s second-highest authority says the sex scandals haunting the Catholic Church are linked to homosexuality rather than celibacy vows among priests.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone is the Vatican’s secretary of state and asserts that “many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relation between celibacy … Read more »»».

Female mosque leader offers new European brand of Islam, targeting intolerance

Woman mosque leader seeks new Muslim in Europe

AMSTERDAM – Yassmine el Ksaihi doesn’t see herself as a feminist rebel. She covers her head and wears modest clothing. She learned to read the Quran at age 5 and promotes traditional Muslim values.
Yet there is something pioneering about her nonetheless: At age 24 she is the administrator … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Female mosque leader offers new European brand of Islam, targeting intolerance.

Vatican paper praises the Beatles, forgives Lennon’s comment that band was bigger than Jesus

Vatican makes peace with the Beatles
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has finally made peace with the Beatles, saying their drug use, “dissolute” lives and even the claim that the band was bigger than Jesus are all in the past – while their music lives on.

Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano paid tribute to the Fab Four in … Read more : Vatican paper praises the Beatles, forgives Lennon’s comment that band was bigger than Jesus.

Dalai Lama expresses grief over death of Polish president

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has expressed sorrow over the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski in an air crash in Russia last week. Kaczynski was an admirer of the Dalai Lama and had met him a number of times.

“In a letter to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk April 10, His Holiness …. Read the original article  : Dalai Lama expresses grief over death of Polish president.

Kirpans out as Canadian Sikh divisions deepen over scripture

TORONTO – Divisions among Canadian Sikhs over the ongoing controversy about the Dasam Granth reached a flash point with hardliners using kirpans to attack supporters of former Akal Takht head priest Darshan Singh Ragi who suspects the authenticity of the scripture.

After the holy Granth which carries the writings of the first nine Sikhs, the Dasam … Read more : Kirpans out as Canadian Sikh divisions deepen over scripture.

Over 1,000 Sikh pilgrims from India arrive in Lahore

LAHORE – More than 1,000 Sikh pilgrims have arrived here from India to take part in the Baisakhi festival starting Wednesday, a media report said.

The Online news agency said about 1,000 pilgrims have already arrived here aboard the Samjhota Express through the Wagha border and another train is due to arrive with 1,000 more Sikh … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Over 1,000 Sikh pilgrims from India arrive in Lahore.

Hindu ethos key to Indian democracy, secularism: Advani

NEW DELHI – Veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Sunday said Hindu ethos was responsible for the success of democracy and secularism in India.

“In human history, intolerance towards a different point of view has been reflected most in the field of religion,” Advani said in the latest post ‘Roots of Democracy … Read more : Hindu ethos key to Indian democracy, secularism: Advani.

‘Fatwa’ against Sania, Shoaib for living together before marriage

HYDERABAD – Tennis star Sania Mirza’s marriage with Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has sparked another row with some religious scholars issuing a ‘fatwa’ or religious edict against their living and mingling freely even before the marriage is solemnised.

Sunni Ulema Board, a group of religious scholars, said both the sportspersons were bringing disrepute to Islam and … Original source on Gaea Times at : ‘Fatwa’ against Sania, Shoaib for living together before marriage.

Good if government quashes Haj subsidy, say leading Muslims

NEW DELHI – If the government wants to do away with the subsidy for Haj pilgrims it is fine, some leading Muslims feel, but they want transparency and privatisation of the pilgrimage programme.

“There is no demand for the subsidy. The Haj becomes necessary only if you can afford it – physically as well as financially. …. Read the original article  : Good if government quashes Haj subsidy, say leading Muslims.

5,000 Sikh pilgrims to reach Pakistan Sunday

LAHORE – Five thousand Sikh pilgrims are due to arrive at the Wagah border by the Samjhauta Express Sunday to visit their sacred shrines in Pakistan on the occasion of Baisakhi.

The arriving pilgrims would be received by chairman of the Gurdwara committee, Sham Singh, and other senior officials of the Board of Evacuee Trust, Online … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 5,000 Sikh pilgrims to reach Pakistan Sunday.

Indian community mourns death of Polish president

WARSAW – The Indian community in Poland Saturday mourned the death of Polish President Lech Kaczynski in an air crash and said they had lost a \”steadfast friend\”.

\”It is a terrible loss for us Indians as President Kaczynski has been a steadfast friend of India. We feel a personal loss in his untimely death,\” said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sathya Sai Baba to visit Shimla next week

SHIMLA – Renowned spiritual guru Sri Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthi will visit the hill station next week Monday to deliver sermons to his disciples.

“Sri Sathya Sai Baba is reaching Shimla April 12 from Delhi. He will stay in a five-storied temple at Pujarali for a few days to deliver address and bless his devotees,” … Original article on : Sathya Sai Baba to visit Shimla next week.

AMU alumni set up health camp for Kumbh mela pilgrims

NEW DELHI – Alumni of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) will set up a health camp April 12-14 for the pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, a statement by the group said Friday.

Sir Syed Forum, as the group is called, set up a similar health camp March 15-16 to provide medical facilities to the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : AMU alumni set up health camp for Kumbh mela pilgrims.

Court to hear plea on allowing worship at Ayodhya

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday agreed to hear a plea for easing restrictions imposed by the authorities on worshiping at the make-shift Ram temple built at the demolished Babri mosque site in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya town.

“We will consider your plea,” a bench of Chief Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice Deepak Verma assured former … Original article on : Court to hear plea on allowing worship at Ayodhya.

Bill moved to manage gold donated in Himachal temples

SHIMLA – The Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2010, was brought in the state assembly Friday to better manage the yellow metal donated by devotees.

Intoducing the bill, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said: “Suitable provisions should be made in the act for melting and disposal of gold and silver …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Mullahs frown at Sania-Shoaib pre-marriage ‘proximity’

LUCKNOW – Indian tennis star Sania Mirza’s “physical proximity” with her fianc Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has come in for strong disapproval from the Islamic clergy.

The Lucknow-based Darul-Uloom Nadwatul-Ulama and the Deoband-based School of Islamic Studies have said that Sania and Shoaib’s proximity before marriage went against the tenets of Islam.
“Physical proximity between a … Original article on : Mullahs frown at Sania-Shoaib pre-marriage ‘proximity’.

Vishu Festival 2010 Celebration

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- In Kerala, Vishu Festival marks the beginning of the New Year which usually falls in mid April. It is a major occasion for the residents of Kerala. The residents of the state wish each other good luck and send Vishu SMSes to the relatives and friends. The women in Malayali …. Source  : Vishu Festival 2010 Celebration.

Malaysian PM greets Tamils, Sikhs on New Year

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak Wednesday greeted Tamils and Sikhs on their New Year.

Najib, now in Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit, took time off to write in his blog www.1Malaysia.com.my to extend his good wishes, Bernama news agency reported.
He said that over the next two days beginning … Original article on : Malaysian PM greets Tamils, Sikhs on New Year.

Ireland’s Catholic cardinal hospitalized after falling ill at church service; condition stable

Irish Catholic cardinal falls ill, hospitalized

DUBLIN – The Catholic Church leader in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady, has been hospitalized after becoming ill while overseeing a service for children becoming confirmed in the faith.
Brady’s office declined to specify his illness but described his condition Tuesday in a Northern Ireland hospital as comfortable and stable.
The 70-year-old cardinal … Read more »»».

Rival Lebanese politicians take battles to soccer field to mark 35th anniversary of civil war

Lebanese mark war’s outbreak with political soccer

BEIRUT – Rival Lebanese politicians took their disputes to the playing fields Tuesday with a friendly soccer match to mark the 35th anniversary of the outbreak of the country’s 1975-90 civil war.
There were no spectators in the stadium, however, because of a two-year old regulation prohibiting audiences at soccer … Original source on Gaea Times at : Rival Lebanese politicians take battles to soccer field to mark 35th anniversary of civil war.

Census bureau works with Muslim leaders to encourage community wary of scrutiny to participate

Census encourages wary Muslims to complete surveys

RALEIGH, N.C. – Census Bureau officials are working with Muslim groups around the country to help convince their members to participate in the government survey.
Khalilah Sabra (Kuh-LEE-la SAHB-ruh), a community leader in North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham area, says many Muslims are suspicious of how the census information will be used.
She …. Source  : Census bureau works with Muslim leaders to encourage community wary of scrutiny to participate.

President, PM greet nation on Baisakhi

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Vice-President Hamid Ansari Tuesday greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi, Vishu and Bihu — festivals that are celebrated in different parts of the country to mark the advent of the new year.

In her message, the president said: “May these joyous festivals, … Read : President, PM greet nation on Baisakhi.

Los Angeles church becomes Art of Living centre

BANGALORE – A 100-year-old church in Los Angeles, a registered national monument, has been offered to the Art of Living to run its community service initiatives.

Art of Living founder and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar will inaugurate the new centre Wednesday in the presence of political, business and community leaders of Los …. Read the original article  : here.

Himachal temples allowed to sell gold, silver

SHIMLA – The Himachal Pradesh assembly Tuesday allowed state-administered temples to sell part of the gold and silver they received as donations from devotees.

The relevant bill, the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments Bill, 2010, brought in the state assembly April 9, was passed unanimously in the house in the absence of …. Source article  : Himachal temples allowed to sell gold, silver.

German theologian Kueng urges bishops to pressure pope on reforming church in crisis

German theologian urges bishops to disobey pope

BERLIN – German theologian Hans Kueng is urging bishops to disobey the pope and push for reforms in the Roman Catholic Church.
The 82-year-old former colleague and friend of Pope Benedict XVI says the church is in its deepest crisis since the Protestant Reformation after recent revelations of sexual abuse …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Survey: A quarter of Africans worry about future religious conflict; Nigeria, Rwanda top list

Africans worried about future religious conflict

LAGOS, Nigeria – More than a quarter of people in sub-Saharan Africa worry about future conflict along religious lines, though concerns in Rwanda and Nigeria are even higher, according to a new survey on religious attitudes released Thursday.
The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, which conducted the survey, however, …. Source  : Survey: A quarter of Africans worry about future religious conflict; Nigeria, Rwanda top list.

Tomb protesters call for Indonesian security force to be disbanded following deadly clashes

Protesters rally in Indonesia after deadly clash

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Hundreds of demonstrators descended Thursday on Jakarta’s City Hall to demand that the city’s public security force be disbanded following bloody clashes over a Muslim tomb that left two dead and 156 wounded near the Indonesian capital’s main seaport.
The protesters chanted “God is Great” and some [..] Read the original article: here.

Calif. city’s passage of public prayer measure sets stage for civil rights showdown

Calif. city may face legal action over prayer vote

LOS ANGELES – When Lancaster’s flamboyant mayor R. Rex Parris calls the City Council to order at its next meeting, it’s a good bet he’ll open the proceedings with a prayer.
A controversial measure calling on residents to allow the City Council to continue beginning its meetings with …. Source  : Calif. city’s passage of public prayer measure sets stage for civil rights showdown.

Retired Wisconsin priest suspended from church activities over ‘vague’ sexual misconduct claim

Retired priest suspended on ‘vague allegations’

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Diocese of Superior in Wisconsin has suspended a retired Catholic priest from church activities while police investigate allegations of sexual misconduct.
Douglas County District Attorney Dan Blank says an attorney for the diocese in Wisconsin contacted him with “vague allegations” and he reported the matter to Superior … Read more : Retired Wisconsin priest suspended from church activities over ‘vague’ sexual misconduct claim.

Moulana Israr Ahmed’s death shocks Muslims

HYDERABAD – The demise of renowned Islamic scholar Moulana Israr Ahmed sent shock waves among Muslim community in this Indian city.

Muslim organisations and leaders expressed their shock the death of Moulana Israr Ahmed, the founder of Tanzeem-e-Islami who passed away in Pakistani city of Lahore early Wednesday.
Hundreds of Muslims offered ‘Ghaibana Namaz-e-Janaza’ (or funeral … Original article on : Moulana Israr Ahmed’s death shocks Muslims.

Vatican tries to defuse anger over its claim scandals are tied to homosexuality, not celibacy

Vatican tamps down uproar over homosexual comment

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican is trying to defuse anger over remarks by the pope’s top aide that the priest sex abuse scandals are linked to homosexuality.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s secretary of state, told reporters in Chile this week that the clerical abuse scandals are linked not to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Online database of Madhya Pradesh temples soon

BHOPAL – Temples in Madhya Pradesh maintained by the state government will soon have computerised records and all information about them would be available online in an effort to prevent encroachment of their land, an official said Wednesday.

A database on such temples is being prepared by the state’s Department of Religious Trusts & Endowments and … Read more : Online database of Madhya Pradesh temples soon.

Indian priest accused of paedophilia under house arrest in Italy

Teramo (Italy), April 16 (IANS/AKI) An Indian priest who confessed to sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl in central Italy has been placed under house arrest.

The priest, identified only as David, was transferred to an unnamed location, believed to be a local convent after being charged with sexual violence in the town of Teramo, 175 km …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Indian priest accused of paedophilia under house arrest in Italy.

Vatican forgives Beatles for ‘Jesus slur’

LOS ANGELES – The Vatican has forgiven The Beatles for John Lennon’s controversial 1996 claim that the band was “bigger than Jesus”.

Imdb.com reports that an article in the Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano has praised the group’s career, saying the majesty of their music rendered the Jesus comment “meaningless”.
“It’s true, they took drugs, swept up …. Read the original article  : Vatican forgives Beatles for ‘Jesus slur’.

Belgium moves to ban burqa as fears of national identity, security and jobs swirl in Europe

Europe struggles with Muslim dress code
ANTWERP, Belgium – Chances of seeing a burqa in Belgium are only a little better than spotting a liquor shop in Saudi Arabia. Yet Belgium soon may be the first European nation to outlaw the burqa and other Islamic garb that completely hides a woman’s body and face.

Neighboring France and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Belgium moves to ban burqa as fears of national identity, security and jobs swirl in Europe.

Ban Ganga has little water for Vaishno Devi pilgrims

KATRA – For many, a holy pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi means a dip in the Ban Ganga river which meanders around the sacred shrine. But this year there is disappointment in store as the river

is almost dry.
While some attribute this to developmental activities and the toll the huge number of pilgrims takes, others say … Original article on : Ban Ganga has little water for Vaishno Devi pilgrims.

White House: Obama will recognize Day of Prayer after judge’s ruling day is unconstitutional

White House: Obama will issue prayer proclamation
MADISON, Wis. – White House officials say President Barack Obama still will recognize a National Day of Prayer after a federal judge’s ruling the day is unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb in Madison, Wis., ruled Thursday that the day violates separation of church and state. The ruling …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : White House: Obama will recognize Day of Prayer after judge’s ruling day is unconstitutional.

Federal judge in Wis. rules Day of Prayer unconstitutional after atheists and agnostics sue

Federal judge rules Day of Prayer unconstitutional
MADISON, Wis. – A federal judge in Wisconsin ruled the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional Thursday, saying the day amounts to a call for religious action.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb wrote that the government can no more enact laws supporting a day … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Federal judge in Wis. rules Day of Prayer unconstitutional after atheists and agnostics sue.

Pope breaks silence on abuse, urges repentance for sins, recognition of mistakes

Pope breaks silence on abuse, urges repentance

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI broke his recent silence on the clerical abuse scandal Thursday, complaining that the church was under attack but saying that “we Christians” must repent for sins and recognize mistakes.
The main U.S. victims group immediately dismissed his comments, saying they are meaningless unless Benedict … Read : Pope breaks silence on abuse, urges repentance for sins, recognition of mistakes.

Pope notes attacks on church, urges repentance, recognition of mistakes

Pope notes attacks on church, urges repentance

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI broke his recent silence on the clerical abuse scandal Thursday, noting recent attacks on the church and the need for “we Christians” to repent for sins and recognize mistakes.
Benedict made the comments during an off-the-cuff homily at a Mass inside the Vatican for …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Man’s headless torso found near Kali temple

KOLKATA – The headless torso of a man was discovered near a Kali temple in Bolpur of West Bengals Birbum district Thursday, raising suspicion among locals that he was the victim of a religious sacrifice to propitiate the goddess.

The unidentified man, in his mid-thirties, was found lying in a pool of blood close to the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Man’s headless torso found near Kali temple.

Croatian president honors victims of both Croat and Bosniak atrocities

Croatian president honors war victims in Bosnia

AHMICI, Bosnia-Herzegovina – Croatia’s president paid tribute on Thursday to victims of massacres during Bosnia’s 1992-1995 war, in the clearest message of reconciliation yet from a leader of the three nationalities that fought in Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.
President Ivo Josipovic had the Islamic and Catholic religious …. Read the original article  : Croatian president honors victims of both Croat and Bosniak atrocities.

Pope mentions attacks on church, urges repentance, recognition of mistakes

Pope mentions attacks on church, urges repentance

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI spoke Thursday about “attacks” on the church and the need for Catholics to repent for sins and recognize their mistakes, in an apparent reference to the clerical abuse scandal.
Benedict made the comments during a homily at a Mass inside the Vatican for members …. Source article  : Pope mentions attacks on church, urges repentance, recognition of mistakes.

Sunni-supported party from Iraq courts Iranian support

Iraq: Allawi’s party courts Iranian support

BAGHDAD – The political coalition that won the most seats in Iraq’s inconclusive parliamentary election last month says it won’t let Iraq be used as a launching pad for any attacks on Iran.
Former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s secular Iraqiya alliance made the pledge Thursday after a delegation visited Tehran amid …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Report: Pope says “we” must repent for abuse sins, recognize mistakes

Report: Pope says “we” must repent for abuse

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI referred Thursday to “attacks” on the church stemming from the clerical sexual abuse scandal and said “we Christians” must repent for sins and recognize mistakes, news reports said.
Benedict made the off-the-cuff comments during his homily at a Mass inside the Vatican for …. Original source  : Report: Pope says “we” must repent for abuse sins, recognize mistakes.

Reports: Pope mentions abuse scandal, urges repentance for sins and recognition of mistakes

Reports: Pope urges repentance, recognize mistakes

VATICAN CITY – News reports say Pope Benedict XVI has referred to the clerical abuse scandal and has said “we Christians” must repent for sins and recognize mistakes.
The ANSA news agency says Benedict spoke during Mass on Thursday with members of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. The Vatican didn’t immediately provide … Original article on : Reports: Pope mentions abuse scandal, urges repentance for sins and recognition of mistakes.

For now, cricket edges out football in ‘Little Tibet’

DHARAMSALA – Tibetans here are crazy about football. But with no less than spiritual leader Dalai Lama expected at an India Premier League (IPL) match here next week, cricket looms large on their minds.

Dharamsala – also known as ‘Little Tibet’ – is eagerly waiting for the two matches to be played at the newly … Read : For now, cricket edges out football in ‘Little Tibet’.

Pope Benedict XVI turns 83, feted with birthday cake and song at Vatican before Malta trip

Pope Benedict XVI turns 83, gets a cake
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI is spending a quiet 83rd birthday and keeping a regular work schedule at the Vatican before his weekend pilgrimage to Malta.

The Papal Foundation, an American Catholic fundraising organization for papal charities, presented him with a large cake Friday and sang “Happy Birthday” … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope Benedict XVI turns 83, feted with birthday cake and song at Vatican before Malta trip.

German court convicts bishop Williamson of incitement for denying Holocaust; issues fine

Bishop Williamson convicted of Holocaust denial

BERLIN – A German court has convicted ultraconservative British Bishop Richard Williamson of incitement for denying the Holocaust in a television interview.
A court in the Bavarian city of Regensburg on Friday found Williamson guilty of incitement for saying in an interview with Swedish television that he did not believe Jews …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : German court convicts bishop Williamson of incitement for denying Holocaust; issues fine.

German court begins proceedings against British bishop for allegedly denying Holocaust

Bishop tried for allegedly denying Holocaust

BERLIN – Ultraconservative British Bishop Richard Williamson went on trial Friday on charges of denying the Holocaust for saying in a TV interview that he did not believe Jews were killed in gas chambers during World War II.
The Roman Catholic bishop was barred by his order from attending the proceedings …. Source article  : German court begins proceedings against British bishop for allegedly denying Holocaust.

Muslim varsity alumni give healing touch at Kumbh

HARIDWAR – As a sea of mostly Hindu pilgrims descended here for the Kumbh Mela, Azim Mir Khan was among the many doctors who attended to their aches, pains and ailments as part of a medical camp set by Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) alumni.

The camp organised by the Sir Syed Forum, as the group is [..] Read the original article: here.

Gaza report judge won’t attend grandson’s bar mitzvah in S.Africa, cites talks with critics

SAfrican judge says he won’t attend bar mitzvah

JOHANNESBURG – The internationally respected South African jurist who wrote a U.N. report on Israel-Palestinian clashes won’t be attending an important Jewish rite of passage for his grandson, but did not confirm reports he was put off by possible protests by Jews angered by conclusions he drew about … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gaza report judge won’t attend grandson’s bar mitzvah in S.Africa, cites talks with critics.

Deccan Chargers, Kings XI players meet Dalai Lama

DHARAMSALA – A day after their Indian Premier League (IPL) match, the players of Kings XI Punjab and Deccan Chargers had an audience with the Dalai Lama at his official palace here, an official said Saturday.

“The players of the Kings XI Punjab and Deccan Chargers this (Saturday) morning met the Dalai Lama. It was just …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Deccan Chargers, Kings XI players meet Dalai Lama.

Shiite Iraqi prime minister: Sunni-backed rival political bloc must be included in new govt

Iraq PM: Sunni-backed bloc must be in govt

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s Shiite prime minister said Friday the Sunni-backed political coalition that is headed by his archrival and won the most seats in last month’s parliamentary election must be included in the country’s new government.
The comments from Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, in an interview aired Friday, appear …. Read the original article  : Shiite Iraqi prime minister: Sunni-backed rival political bloc must be included in new govt.

German court orders Bishop Williamson to pay fine for denying Holocaust

Bishop convicted for denying Holocaust
BERLIN – A German court convicted ultraconservative British Bishop Richard Williamson on Friday of denying the Holocaust in a television interview.

A court in the Bavarian city of Regensburg found Williamson guilty of incitement for saying in a 2008 interview with Swedish television that he did not believe Jews were killed in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : German court orders Bishop Williamson to pay fine for denying Holocaust.