Islamic mortgage system introduced for Muslims in Canada

TORONTO – At a time when failed mortgages have led to collapse of major banks and foreclosure of millions of homes in the US, a credit union in Canada has introduced Islamic mortgages for Muslims.

The Assiniboine Credit Union (ACU), based in the city of Winnipeg, has launched what it calls the Islamic Mortgage … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Islamic mortgage system introduced for Muslims in Canada.

Cartoon series about Jesus Christ on Comedy Central’s radar

Comedy Central considers series about Jesus Christ

NEW YORK – Having already caused a fuss this spring with the depiction of the prophet Muhammad on “South Park,” Comedy Central said Thursday that it has a cartoon series about Jesus Christ in the works.
“JC” is one of 23 potential series the network said it has in development. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cartoon series about Jesus Christ on Comedy Central’s radar.

Vatican foreign minister to visit Cuba in June to discuss economic challenges, reconciliation

Vatican foreign minister to visit Cuba in June

HAVANA – The Vatican’s foreign minister is coming to Cuba next month to lead discussions on the island’s economic challenges and the effects of emigration and the families torn apart by it.
Roman Catholic Archbishop Dominique Mamberti will mark Catholic Social Week June 12-20 by leading discussions among church …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Vatican foreign minister to visit Cuba in June to discuss economic challenges, reconciliation.

Army, Navy, Air Force meld military and faith traditions with chaplains school at Fort Jackson

Joint school for chaplains opens at Fort Jackson

FORT JACKSON, S.C. – Priests, rabbis, imams and Protestant ministers who serve as U.S. military chaplains came together Thursday to dedicate themselves and the nation’s first joint military school for tending warriors’ souls.
“We deploy side-by-side. We minister to all, side-by-side. It is only fitting that we train side-by-side,” …. Source  : Army, Navy, Air Force meld military and faith traditions with chaplains school at Fort Jackson.

Sunni-backed party that got most votes in Iraq elections warns against sectarian politics

Sunni-backed party in Iraq warns of sectarianism

BAGHDAD – The Sunni-backed alliance that got the most votes in Iraq’s election warned Thursday against the rise of sectarian politics after two religious Shiite blocs joined together to try to form a government.
The Iraqiya party led by secular Shiite Ayad Allawi won the most seats in parliament with … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sunni-backed party that got most votes in Iraq elections warns against sectarian politics.

Proposal to condemn Pope over sex abuse rejected in Italy

Vaiano Cremasco, May 6 (IANS/AKI) A council in the north of Italy rejected a proposal from a communist councillor who sought to condemn Pope Benedict XVI for what he considered inaction over the paedophile scandal engulfing the Catholic Church.

The 17-member council of Vaiano Cremasco, a small town of 4, 000 people 40 km from … Read more : Proposal to condemn Pope over sex abuse rejected in Italy.

Apex court bars verdicts, refuses stay on Gujarat riots cases

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday restrained Gujarat trial courts hearing the post-Godhra riots cases from pronouncing their verdict, but refused to stay the proceedings on allegations of lapses.

It is “unlikely that the trial will be over shortly, but in case a trial gets over the verdict will not be pronounced,” the court …. Original article  : Apex court bars verdicts, refuses stay on Gujarat riots cases.

Evangelist Graham prays in front of Pentagon despite being disinvited for insult to Islam

Disinvited evangelist prays at Pentagon anyway

WASHINGTON – Evangelist Franklin Graham prayed on a sidewalk outside the Pentagon Thursday after his invitation to a prayer service inside was withdrawn because of comments that insulted people of other religions.
Graham’s invitation to attend an event inside the Defense Department for national prayer day was withdrawn two weeks ago.
But … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Evangelist Graham prays in front of Pentagon despite being disinvited for insult to Islam.

Iraq’s top Shiite cleric says political blocs didn’t ask before making him arbiter of disputes

Top Iraq cleric says not consulted on referee role

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s most influential Shiite cleric was not consulted about an agreement between rival Shiite political groups that makes him and other high-ranking members of the religious hierarchy the final arbiter of their disputes, his office said Thursday.
An associate of Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani said the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dalai Lama served notice over Buddha park in Patna

PATNA – The Patna High Court Thursday issued notice to the Dalai Lama and the Bihar government on a suit seeking to restrain the inauguration of the Buddha Smriti Park here May 27 by the Tibetan spiritual leader.

The notices were issued by a division bench on public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Shruti … Original article on : Dalai Lama served notice over Buddha park in Patna.

India to gift Buddhist temple to China

NEW DELHI – An Indian-style Buddhist temple, which was inspired by the Sanchi Stupa and took five years to build at a cost of $4 million, will be dedicated to the Chinese people by President Pratibha Devisingh Patil during her visit there next month.

The temple is located at Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals, in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : India to gift Buddhist temple to China.