Swami Ramdev Visits Haridwar

HARIDWAR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Swami Ramdev paid a visit to the yoga camp in Haridwar to acknowledge the support of his followers. He even led them to demonstrate and practice a few yoga poses along with him. Reportedly, the Swami Ramdev’s visit was broadcasted live by the local cable channels.
Swami Ramdev went ahead to proclaim … Read : Swami Ramdev Visits Haridwar.

DNA of all Indians same, says RSS chief

RANCHI – Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat Sunday said the DNA of all Indians is the same – as they belong to the same ancestors.

“The ancestors of all communities are same as they belong to India. So their DNA is same. Everyone belongs to this country,” Bhagwat said while addressing a gathering of …. Source  : DNA of all Indians same, says RSS chief.

Dalai Lama a hit at IPL match in Dharamsala

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, was the centre of attraction at the Indian Premier League (IPL) match played between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings Sunday in this Himachal Pradesh hill station Sunday.

Dressed in a traditional maroon robe, the Nobel Peace Prize winner spent around an hour watching the Kings … Read more >>.

Pope celebrates open air Mass in heavily Catholic Malta for thousands of faithful

Pope leads open-air Mass in Malta for thousands

VALLETTA, Malta – Malta’s top archbishop said Sunday that the church must recognize “the failures and sins” of its members as he opened a papal Mass in Malta, a heavily Catholic nation rocked by the worldwide sex abuse scandal.
Church officials said up to 10,000 people attended the Mass … Read more : Pope celebrates open air Mass in heavily Catholic Malta for thousands of faithful.

Extramarital sex cause earthquakes, claims Iranian cleric

LONDON – Attractive women who dress inappropriately cause youth to go astray and “incite extramarital sex in society, which increases earthquakes”, a hardline Iranian cleric has said.

Ayatollah Kazem Sedighi told worshippers that women who wear fashionable clothes and apply make-up cause youth to “go astray” and have affairs. As a result, the country that is … Original source on Gaea Times at : Extramarital sex cause earthquakes, claims Iranian cleric.

Traditional parasols vanishing from Varanasi’s ghats

VARANASI – The faded parasols dotting the banks of the Ganga in this Hindu holy city for years, under whose ample shade priests received their clients or tourists sat for a bit of idle chatter, may soon become a thing of the past.

The bamboo parasols, or chhatris, once a ubiquitous feature at the ghats, … Original source on Gaea Times at : Traditional parasols vanishing from Varanasi’s ghats.

Cuban cardinal calls for political and economic changes, says country in serious crisis

Cuba’s Catholic cardinal says country in crisis
HAVANA – Cuba’s Roman Catholic cardinal says the country is in one of its worst crises in recent times, with its people demanding political and economic changes sooner rather than later.
Jaime Ortega, the top Catholic cleric on the island, also called on Cuba and the … Read more »»».

Kachin ethnic group negotiates for peace in Myanmar, but ready themselves for prospect of war

Ethnic group in Myanmar gears up for war, peace

LAIZA, Myanmar – Crawling on their bellies, the recruits inch through a field, dragging wooden rifles. A whistle blows, and they scramble to their knees, pulling the pins from imaginary grenades before lobbing them. Dropping flat, they yell “Boom!”
At a camp alongside a river, the next generation …. Original source  : Kachin ethnic group negotiates for peace in Myanmar, but ready themselves for prospect of war.

Indonesian police guard court house as judges uphold controversial blasphemy law

Indonesia court upholds blasphemy law
JAKARTA, Indonesia – A decision by Indonesia’s constitutional court to uphold a controversial blasphemy law has dealt a severe blow to religious freedom in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country, a rights group said Tuesday.

The court ruled Monday that the 1965 law, which allows for criminal penalties and bans on people or … Read more : Indonesian police guard court house as judges uphold controversial blasphemy law.

Pope Benedict XVI marks 5th anniversary of his election amid sex abuse scandal

Pope Benedict XVI marks 5 years since election

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican says Pope Benedict XVI is marking the fifth anniversary of his election by hosting a lunch with cardinals.
Monday’s anniversary is clouded by a clerical sex abuse scandal that has been rocking the Catholic Church for months, causing its gravest crisis of recent times.
A … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pope Benedict XVI marks 5th anniversary of his election amid sex abuse scandal.

AP Interview: Iraq key Shiite cleric sees election front-runners as lacking popular support

Iraq Shiite cleric doubts front-runners in PM race

BAGHDAD – The leader of one of Iraq’s top Shiite political parties said Monday he doubts either of the two election front-runners vying to become the country’s next prime minister has enough popular support to lead the new government.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Supreme Islamic Iraqi …. Original article  : AP Interview: Iraq key Shiite cleric sees election front-runners as lacking popular support.

Hot couture lands Nepal film in Hindu fire

KATHMANDU – After Hollywood and Bollywood, now it is the turn of Nepal’s film industry, affectionately dubbed Kollywood, to face angry action by ruffled Hindu groups.

The Vishwa Hindu Mahasangh (VHM), a pro-Hindu, formerly royalist religious group in Nepal that has close ties with India’s Bharatiya Janata Party and Vishwa Hindu Parishad, has trained its sights … Read more : Hot couture lands Nepal film in Hindu fire.

Bihar poors embrace Buddhism

About 100 children belonging to downtrodden, poor families embraced Buddhism in Bihar and vowed to spread the message of Buddha.

All the children who included 77 boys and 15 girls hail from various villages in central Bihar’s Nalanda district where Buddha is believed to have stayed for some months after attaining enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.
The children …. Source article  : Bihar poors embrace Buddhism.

Senior officer in Saudi religious police fired for advocating mixing of the sexes

Saudi cleric fired for advocating mixing of sexes

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – The head of Saudi Arabia’s powerful religious police has fired the chief of the Mecca branch for advocating the mixing of the sexes, an official from the force said Tuesday.
Ahmed bin Qassim al-Ghamidi’s suggestion in a newspaper interview this week that men and women …. Read the original article  : Senior officer in Saudi religious police fired for advocating mixing of the sexes.

Watchdog group wants military to cancel evangelist’s Pentagon appearance on prayer day

Group wants evangelist’s Pentagon event canceled

DENVER – A watchdog group objected Tuesday to an evangelist’s invitation to speak at the Pentagon next month, saying his past description of Islam as “evil” offended Muslims who work for the Department of Defense and the appearance should be canceled.
Mikey Weinstein, president of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Watchdog group wants military to cancel evangelist’s Pentagon appearance on prayer day.

LA’s cardinal says anti-illegal immigration bill in Arizona encourages Nazi techniques

LA cardinal: Nazism in Arizona immigration bill

LOS ANGELES – The head of the nation’s largest Roman Catholic archdiocese has condemned a proposed Arizona crackdown on illegal immigrants, saying it encourages people to turn on each other in Nazi- and Soviet-style repression.
The measure wrongly assumes that Arizonans “will now shift their total attention to guessing which …. Original article  : LA’s cardinal says anti-illegal immigration bill in Arizona encourages Nazi techniques.

Nepal Christians begin vigil for new constitution

KATHMANDU – For the first time in Nepal’s history, its minority Christian community Tuesday joined the socio-political process, beginning a “vigil” to ensure that the new constitution would be enacted in time and guarantee religious freedom to all.

The open-air stage in Tundikhel, traditionally the bastion of political rallies, overflowed with Christians from different denominations, including … Original source on Gaea Times at : Nepal Christians begin vigil for new constitution.

Pope accepts resignation of Miami archbishop, names Orlando bishop to replace him

Miami archbishop resigns, Orlando bishop replaces

VATICAN CITY – The pope has accepted the resignation of Miami Archbishop John Favalora and named Orlando’s bishop to replace him.
Favalora in December turns 75, the normal retirement age for bishops. Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday accepted his resignation early under a church law that allows for a bishop to …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Pope accepts resignation of Miami archbishop, names Orlando bishop to replace him.

Goa minister supports gambling, slammed

PANAJI – A senior minister in the Congress-led coalition government in Goa has publicly appealed to police and the opposition to support and encourage gambling during religious festivals, evoking sharp response from several quarters.

Sports minister Manohar Asgaonkar’s appeal in support of gambling at a public function Saturday at Pernem, some 35 km from here, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

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.

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.

Now essence from Ajmer shrine roses

LUCKNOW – Tonnes of flowers offered at the Ajmer shrine will now be used to make essence from them, thanks to a project undertaken by an institute here.

“Our project would bring into use several tonnes of flowers that are presently being dumped,” A.K. Singh, technology and business development head at the Central Institute of Medicinal …. Original source  : Now essence from Ajmer shrine roses.

Pro-religion groups, atheists lobby mayors with letters, e-mail, billboards over Day of Prayer

Atheists, religious groups lobby on Day of Prayer
MADISON, Wis. – To pray or not to pray?
That’s the issue government leaders across the country are facing after a federal judge ruled that the National Day of Prayer set for May 6 was unconstitutional.
The ruling can’t take effect until all appeals are exhausted, …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

‘Ayodhya faced greater threat from karsewaks than from ISI’

RAE BARELI – “The Babri mosque in Ayodhya was under greater threat from Hindu karsewaks than from the Pakistani ISI in 1992,” senior IPS officer Anju Gupta told a special CBI court here Friday.

Replying to questions during the course of a cross-examination in the court, which is holding trial in the Ayodhya mosque demolition case, …. Read the original article  : ‘Ayodhya faced greater threat from karsewaks than from ISI’.

Vatican, opposed to embryonic cell use, supports adult stem cell study by a US university

Vatican to finance adult stem cell research
ROME – The Vatican is pushing for research of adult stem cells as an alternative to the use of embryonic stem cells, which the Catholic Church opposes because it maintains that the destruction of the embryo amounts to the killing of …. Source  : Vatican, opposed to embryonic cell use, supports adult stem cell study by a US university.

Governments views sought on easing curbs at Rama temple

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Friday sought the responses of the central and the Uttar Pradesh governments on a plea for easing restrictions on worship at Lord Rama’s makeshift temple at Ayodhya, built on the disputed site after the Babri mosque was demolished in 1992.

Hearing a lawsuit by Janata Party chief Subramanian Swamy, a …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Governments views sought on easing curbs at Rama temple.

Belgium’s longest serving bishop quits after admitting to sexual abuse of boy

Belgian bishop quits over abuse
BRUSSELS – Belgium’s longest serving bishop resigned Friday, saying he was “enormously sorry” for having sexually abused a young boy about 25 years ago.

The resignation of Roger Vangheluwe, 73, the Bishop of Bruges since 1984, was the first from Belgium since a child abuse scandal began testing the Catholic Church several … Read more : Belgium’s longest serving bishop quits after admitting to sexual abuse of boy.

Vatican, opposed to embryonic cell use, finances adult stem cell study by American university

Vatican will finance adult stem cell research

ROME – The Vatican will finance new research into the potential use of adult stem cells in the treatment of intestinal and possibly other diseases, officials announced Friday.
The project is at a very preliminary phase and it will be years before any clinical treatment might be available, the officials … Read more >>>.

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.