Anti-US Shiite cleric calls on followers to defend themselves, places of worship after attacks

Shiite cleric calls on followers to defend mosques

BAGHDAD – An influential anti-American Shiite cleric called on his followers to defend themselves and places of worship after deadly Baghdad mosque bombings but urged self-restraint to avoid giving the U.S. military an excuse for postponing withdrawal plans.
Muqtada al-Sadr’s statement signaled growing impatience among Shiites over continued bombings …. Original source  : Anti-US Shiite cleric calls on followers to defend themselves, places of worship after attacks.

SAfrican judge who wrote Gaza report to attend grandson’s bar mitzvah, says protest called off

Gaza report judge to attend grandson’s bar mitzvah

JOHANNESBURG – The internationally respected jurist who accused Israel of war crimes in a U.N. report says he will attend his grandson’s bar mitzvah now that he no longer faces protests from Jews upset by the report.
Richard Goldstone told The Associated Press on Saturday that his planned presence … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : SAfrican judge who wrote Gaza report to attend grandson’s bar mitzvah, says protest called off.

Ex-priest says his reports that a Belgian bishop abused a boy were ignored by church years ago

Ex-priest says he reported Belgian bishop abuse

BRUSSELS – A retired priest said Saturday that he told church authorities years ago about allegations that Belgium’s longest-serving bishop had abused a boy but he was stonewalled until the bishop was forced to resign.
Retired priest Rik Deville told The Associated Press that he made the allegations to Archbishop …. Source  : Ex-priest says his reports that a Belgian bishop abused a boy were ignored by church years ago.

Thrissur Pooram Being Celebrated

MANGALORE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- For the residents of Kerala the Thrissur Pooram festival is very special. It is going to be held at the Thekkinkadu maidan today. The religious devotees will visit the temples of deities they believe in and celebrate the auspicious day with much enthusiasm. The residents of Kerala worship Lord Shiva …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Powerful Yemeni cleric vows a “million” signatures to protest draft law banning child brides

Yemen cleric: fight draft law banning child brides

SAN’A, Yemen – Yemen’s most influential Islamic cleric vowed on Saturday to gather a “million” signatures to protest a draft law banning child brides, in an increasingly vocal showdown against the country’s weak government which needs the support of powerful religious leaders to hold onto power.
The issue of …. Source  : Powerful Yemeni cleric vows a “million” signatures to protest draft law banning child brides.