French woman fined for driving while wearing Islamic veil

PARIS – A French woman who was driving while wearing an Islamic full-body veil was stopped by police in the city of Nantes and fined 22 euro ($29), Europe 1 radio reported Friday.

The police officer stopped her to check her identity, and she complied by uncovering her face. He then issued the fine because the …. Read the original article  : French woman fined for driving while wearing Islamic veil.

Sex abuse ‘victim’ to sue the Pope in US

St Paul (US), April 23 (IANS/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI and other senior Vatican officials are facing legal action from an alleged victim of a Catholic priest accused of sexually abusing hundreds of children in the US over several decades.

A lawyer for the victim said he was taking legal action against the pope, his second-in-command … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sex abuse ‘victim’ to sue the Pope in US.

Buddhist culture relics damaged in China earthquake

BEIJING – Rare antiques belonging to the ancient Buddhist culture were destroyed in the devastating earthquake which killed more than 2,000 people in China.

Zen Monastery and Gyegu Monastery, the two key protected relics of the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yushu in China’s northwest Qinghai province, were seriously damaged in the last week’s 7.1-magnitude quake, said …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Buddhist culture relics damaged in China earthquake.

Hundreds in Phoenix protest against illegal immigration bill as gov seeks more border troops

Arizona gov calls for more border protection
PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer again called for more troops along the state’s border with Mexico on Thursday, two days before a deadline for her to approve or strike down the nation’s toughest legislation on illegal immigration.
The Republican governor ordered a reallocation …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hundreds in Phoenix protest against illegal immigration bill as gov seeks more border troops.

Army rescinds invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham to attend Pentagon Day of Prayer event

Army disinvites Graham to Pentagon Prayer Day
WASHINGTON – Evangelist Franklin Graham’s invitation to speak at a Pentagon prayer service has been rescinded because his comments about Islam were inappropriate, the Army said Thursday.
Graham, the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, in 2001 described Islam as evil. More …. Source  : Army rescinds invitation to evangelist Franklin Graham to attend Pentagon Day of Prayer event.

Vatican: Rome had no role in abuse of deaf children; new lawsuit is PR stunt without merit

Vatican: Rome had no role in abuse of Wis. priest

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican says it had no role whatsoever in the abuse of deaf students by a Wisconsin priest and says a new lawsuit naming the pope and other top officials as defendants is just a publicity stunt.
In a statement, the Vatican’s U.S. attorney …. Source article  : Vatican: Rome had no role in abuse of deaf children; new lawsuit is PR stunt without merit.

Graham: Army rescinds invitation for the Christian evangelist to Pentagon Day of Prayer event

Graham: Army disinvites him to Pentagon Prayer Day

WASHINGTON – Christian evangelist Franklin Graham says the Army has withdrawn an invitation for him to appear at a special Pentagon prayer service.
In a statement Thursday, Graham said he regrets the Army’s decision and will continue to pray for the troops.
Graham, the son of famed evangelist Billy Graham, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Obama administration says it will appeal ruling against the National Day of Prayer

Government to appeal ruling against Prayer Day
MADISON, Wis. – The Obama administration said Thursday it will appeal a court decision that found the National Day of Prayer unconstitutional.
U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb in Madison ruled last week the National Day of Prayer that Congress established 58 years ago amounts to a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama administration says it will appeal ruling against the National Day of Prayer.

French Muslim communities torn over potential veil ban; family minister slams burqa ‘invasion’

French Muslims torn over potential veil ban

PARIS – Muslims in the Arab world are incensed and Muslims in France are walking a delicate line after President Nicolas Sarkozy pushed for an all-out ban on full Islamic veils.
“Ridiculous” and “misplaced,” said a Muslim vendor Thursday at an outdoor market in a working class, ethnically mixed Paris [..] Read the original article: here.

Minnesota attorney Anderson unveiling suit naming pope, Vatican officials in Rev. Murphy case

Attorney suing Vatican, pope over Murphy case

ST. PAUL, Minn. – An attorney says he is filing a federal lawsuit that accuses Pope Benedict XVI and senior Vatican officials of failing to defrock a Wisconsin priest despite allegations he molested at least 200 deaf children from 1950 to 1975.
Jeff Anderson says the plaintiff was a student … Original source on Gaea Times at : Minnesota attorney Anderson unveiling suit naming pope, Vatican officials in Rev. Murphy case.

Catholic Church in England and Wales issues apology for abuse by priests

UK Catholic Church sorry for abuse by priests

LONDON – Roman Catholic leaders in Britain apologized Thursday for child abuse by clergy, saying the scandal has brought shame on the church.
Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, the head of the church in England and Wales, said the crimes of some priests were a “profound scandal.”
“They bring deep … Read more »».

Pope OKs resignation of Irish bishop who didn’t challenge Dublin policy of keeping abuse quiet

Irish bishop resigns, says he didn’t report abuse

VATICAN CITY – The pope has accepted the resignation of an Irish bishop who admitted he didn’t challenge the Dublin church’s policy of covering up clerical sex abuse.
The Vatican said Thursday that the pope had accepted the resignation of Bishop James Moriarty of Kildare under a code of …. Original source  : Pope OKs resignation of Irish bishop who didn’t challenge Dublin policy of keeping abuse quiet.