Diocese says German Catholic bishop has offered resignation amid physical abuse scandal.

German bishop offers to resign over abuse
BERLIN – A leading conservative Roman Catholic bishop in Germany has written to Pope Benedict XVI offering to resign amid persistent allegations of physical abuse and financial misconduct, the Augsburg Diocese said Thursday.

Bishop Walter Mixa wrote a letter to the pope on Wednesday, the Augsburg diocese said in a … Read more »»».

German priest recalled from US over sexual misconduct allegations

WASHINGTON – A German priest stationed in the US has been removed from his post over allegations of sexual misconduct that occurred 20 years ago, church officials confirmed Wednesday.

The Archdiocese of Washington confirmed that Reverend Michael Schapfel was recalled to Germany March 30 under instructions from the German Bishops Conference. Schapfel had been stationed in … Read more : German priest recalled from US over sexual misconduct allegations.

Report: German bishop offers resignation amid flap over physical abuse claims

Report: German bishop offers to quit
BERLIN – A German bishop is offering his resignation after a flap over allegations of physical abuse and financial misconduct, his hometown newspaper reported Wednesday.

Augsburg Bishop Walter Mixa wrote a letter to Pope Benedict XVI Wednesday evening offering to resign as bishop and as Germany’s Roman Catholic military chaplain, the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Report: German bishop offers resignation amid flap over physical abuse claims.

Lawmakers say prayer is part of nation’s history, urge Obama to appeal federal ruling

Lawmakers defend Day of Prayer after court ruling
WASHINGTON – About two dozen members of Congress on Wednesday condemned a federal judge’s ruling that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional, saying prayer has long been part of the country’s history.
“The American people believe in prayer. The American people believe that prayer changes things,” …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Lawmakers say prayer is part of nation’s history, urge Obama to appeal federal ruling.

Jerusalem reopens main tourist gate at Old City after 2-month renovation

Jerusalem reopens popular Old City gate
JERUSALEM – Israel reopened a 16th-century gate to Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday, completing a two-month renovation and cleaning project that drew criticism from Palestinian officials.

Jaffa Gate, one of four main entrances to the Old City, was built by Jerusalem’s Ottoman rulers and inaugurated in 1538. It is the most … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Jerusalem reopens main tourist gate at Old City after 2-month renovation.

Army considers rescinding invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham to Pentagon prayer event

Army considers rescinding invitation to evangelist
DENVER – The Army is considering whether to rescind an invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham to appear at the Pentagon amid complaints about his description of Islam as evil, a military spokesman said Wednesday.
Graham, the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, was to appear at the … Read : Army considers rescinding invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham to Pentagon prayer event.

2 China lawyers who defended Falun Gong face lifetime ban, sign of threat to the profession

2 China lawyers who defended Falun Gong face ban

BEIJING – Two Chinese lawyers who represented a Falun Gong practitioner face the permanent loss of their legal licenses – a new government tactic to tighten its grip on human rights defenders.
Dozens of lawyers are expected to attend Thursday’s hearing in support of Tang Jitian and Liu … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 2 China lawyers who defended Falun Gong face lifetime ban, sign of threat to the profession.

Washington archdiocese names German priest ordered home from US over abuse allegations

DC church officials ID German priest ordered home

WASHINGTON – The Archdiocese of Washington is identifying a suspended German priest ordered home from the U.S. to face allegations he sexually abused teenage girls in Germany two decades ago.
The archdiocese says the Rev. Michael Schapfel was the chaplain of the 75-family German Pastoral Mission of Washington from …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Washington archdiocese names German priest ordered home from US over abuse allegations.

French president to submit legislation on banning Islamic veils that cover face,body in public

Sarkozy to submit bill banning Islamic face veils

PARIS – French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday ordered legislation that would ban women from wearing Islamic veils that hide the face in the street and other public places.
In seeking to forbid the garment from public view, Sarkozy defied the advice of experts sought by the government who … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : French president to submit legislation on banning Islamic veils that cover face,body in public.

Third tunnel opens at Vaishno Devi shrine

JAMMU – With the opening of a third tunnel, waiting time for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine has been further cut.

The tunnel is connected to the sanctum sanctorum of the cave shrine at a height of 5,200 feet above sea level.
On an average, the shrine attracts 25,000-30,000 pilgrims a day. This is … Read : Third tunnel opens at Vaishno Devi shrine.