Iraq begins recount of Baghdad ballots demanded by PM after narrow loss to challenger

Iraq begins Baghdad vote recount requested by PM

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials began on Monday a controversial recount of the 2.5 million ballots cast in Baghdad, a move requested by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki who narrowly lost a parliamentary election held nearly two months ago.
Political factions have since the March 7 vote wrestled over the results … Read more >>.

Anglican bishops say they are in talks with Vatican over defection to Catholic Church

British bishops in defection talks with Vatican

LONDON – Three Church of England bishops traveled to Rome last week for talks with Vatican officials about joining the Catholic Church, according to two of the bishops involved.
The bishops told The Associated Press they went to the Vatican to find out more about Pope Benedict XVI’s decision to …. Original source  : Anglican bishops say they are in talks with Vatican over defection to Catholic Church.

Pope all but endorses authenticity of Turin Shroud, calls it an ‘icon written with blood’

Pope all but endorses authenticity of Turin Shroud

TURIN, Italy – Pope Benedict XVI all but gave an outright endorsement of the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin on Sunday, calling the cloth that some believe is Christ’s burial shroud an icon “written with the blood” of a crucified man.
During a visit to the Shroud in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pope all but endorses authenticity of Turin Shroud, calls it an ‘icon written with blood’.

Can parent convert kids without consent? Malaysian court to decide

KUALA LUMPUR – Does a parent have the right to convert children without the consent of the spouse? That’s the question posed by a woman, whose husband converted to Islam, before Malaysia’s Federal Court.

The lawyer of the woman, whose husband was a Hindu before his conversion, argued before the court Monday that “it is about …. Source  : Can parent convert kids without consent? Malaysian court to decide.

Promote growth of Hinduism, says Malaysian NGO

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia Hindu Sangam, an NGO, has asked the government to promote the growth of Hinduism, a media report said Tuesday.

Mohan Shan, who heads the NGO, said a memorandum on the matter had been submitted to the government, reported Makkal Osai, a Tamil newspaper.
The government, he said, had given grants for the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Promote growth of Hinduism, says Malaysian NGO.

Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of decision on Boy Scouts land rental in San Diego

Court won’t hear appeal on Boy Scouts land rental

WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court on Monday decided to let stand a ruling saying the Boy Scouts cannot lease city-owned parkland in San Diego because the group is a religious organization.
The high court refused to hear an appeal from San Diego-area Boy Scouts who have traditionally leased …. Source article  : Supreme Court won’t hear appeal of decision on Boy Scouts land rental in San Diego.

Iraqi officials fight publicly at start of vote recount for Baghdad

Iraqi officials fight over vote recount
BAGHDAD – Iraqi election officials argued publicly with supporters of the prime minister who demanded a halt to a partial recount of votes just as the process got under way Monday, a sign of tensions over the measure that could change the outcome of the closely fought contest.

The recount of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iraqi officials fight publicly at start of vote recount for Baghdad.

Veil row in Italy after woman fined by cops

Novara (Italy), May 5 (IANS/AKI) A political row has erupted in the northern Italian city of Novara after police fined a Muslim woman 500 euros for refusing to remove her full-face covering burqa.

According to details released by police, the Tunisian woman, Amel Salah, and her husband, Ben Salah, were stopped by police Friday.
Amel … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Veil row in Italy after woman fined by cops.

Iraq’s Shiite parties throw aside differences and unite to try to form new government

Iraq’s Shiites unite to try to form new government

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s two largest Shiite electoral blocs announced Tuesday they have formed an alliance that gives them a strong chance of setting up the next government, though they have yet to work out the contentious question of who would become prime minister.
The coalition deal between Prime …. Original source  : Iraq’s Shiite parties throw aside differences and unite to try to form new government.

Nation’s largest Lutheran denomination reinstating gay pastor and his partner to clergy roster

Largest Lutheran group reinstating 2 gay ministers

ATLANTA – A gay Atlanta pastor and his partner who have been at the center of a battle over the treatment of gay clergy by the nation’s largest Lutheran denomination are being reinstated to the denomination’s clergy roster, church officials announced Tuesday.
The Rev. Bradley Schmeling and his partner, the … Original article on : Nation’s largest Lutheran denomination reinstating gay pastor and his partner to clergy roster.

Serbian Orthodox Church retires spiritual leader of Kosovo Serbs over embezzlement

Serbian Orthodox Church to replace its Kosovo head

BELGRADE, Serbia – The Serbian Orthodox Church says Archbishop Artemije will no longer be its spiritual leader in Kosovo after allegations that millions in church and state funds were embezzled under his leadership.
The Holy Synod, the church’s top body, announced the decision Tuesday. It is unclear when a [..] Read the original article: here.

Analyst downgrades True Religion Apparel to ‘Hold’ after jump in share price

True Religion Apparel downgraded on stock price

NEW YORK – Shares of True Religion Apparel Inc., which makes premium denim and apparel, sank on Tuesday after an analyst downgraded his rating to “Hold,” saying the stock is fairly valued.
Lazard Capital Markets analyst Todd Slater said in a note to investors that True Religion’s shares are up … Read more »»».

Polish pop singer charged over Bible remarks

WARSAW – Polish pop singer Doda was charged Tuesday with offending religious sensibilities over a statement she made that the Bible was written by drunk and drugged people.

Doda said in an interview last year that “it’s hard to believe in something written down by someone drunk on wine and smoking some kind of herbs.” The … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Polish pop singer charged over Bible remarks.

Lutheran church in process of reinstating gay pastor in Atlanta; had been removed in 2007

Lutheran church to reinstate gay pastor in Atlanta

ATLANTA – A Lutheran denomination is reinstating a gay Atlanta pastor and his partner to its clergy roster.
The Chicago-based Evangelical Lutheran Church in America said Tuesday the Rev. Bradley Schmeling and the Rev. Darin Easler have been approved for reinstatement.
Schmeling, who serves as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lutheran church in process of reinstating gay pastor in Atlanta; had been removed in 2007.

Feared Shiite Mahdi Army militia led by hardline cleric reviving in post-election Iraq

Shiite militia reviving in post-election Iraq

BAGHDAD – A once-feared Shiite militia that was crippled two years ago by defections and a U.S.-Iraqi crackdown has quietly started to regroup, adding street muscle to the Shiite party that emerged strongest from Iraq’s parliamentary elections.
The revival of the Mahdi Army, loyal to radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, could be … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Feared Shiite Mahdi Army militia led by hardline cleric reviving in post-election Iraq.

Stay sought on opening of Patna’s Buddha park

PATNA – A petitioner moved the Patna High Court Tuesday seeking a stay on the inauguration of the Buddha Smriti Park here May 27 by Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama.

The public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate seeks a stay on the Bihar government’s inauguration plan on the ground that the park promotes … Read more >>>.

Deal uniting Iraq’s rival Shiite factions gives clerics potential voice in political decisions

Shiite agreement gives Iraq’s clerics greater say

BAGHDAD – An agreement to form an alliance between Iranian-backed Shiite blocs gives the final say on political disputes to Iraq’s top clerics, solidifying a role for the Shiite religious leadership in the country’s likely new government.
The agreement, obtained by The Associated Press Wednesday, is likely to alienate Iraq’s …. Source article  : Deal uniting Iraq’s rival Shiite factions gives clerics potential voice in political decisions.

Pakistani bank offers interest-free loans for Haj, Umrah

KARACHI – Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank Wednesday announced interest-free loans for the Haj and Umrah for those wishing to pay in instalments after performing the pilgrimage.

Towards this, Meezan Bank Ltd. has signed an agreement with leading tour operator Universal Express Pvt. Ltd. for providing Haj and Umrah travel facilitation during 2010.
As part of … Read more : Pakistani bank offers interest-free loans for Haj, Umrah.

Tibetan students get lessons on compassion, forgiveness

DHARAMSALA – Almost 38 years after an Irish gentleman lost his eyesight in an accidental bullet fire, he again came face to face with the attacker to deliver a lecture on compassion and forgiveness to exiled Tibetan students here Wednesday.

Spiritual leader the Dalai Lama also attended the interaction organised for more than 2,500 students of … Read : Tibetan students get lessons on compassion, forgiveness.

AP Exclusive: New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say in disputes

AP Exclusive: Iraq deal gives clerics final say

BAGHDAD – An agreement signed by the two main Iranian-backed Shiite blocs seeking to govern Iraq gives the final decision on all their political disputes to top Shiite clerics, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
If the alliance succeeds in forming the next government, …. Read the original article  : AP Exclusive: New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say in disputes.

New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say over all disputes

Shiite clerics to have final say in Iraq alliance

BAGHDAD – An agreement signed by Iraq’s two main Shiite blocs seeking to govern the country gives the final decision on all their disputes to top Shiite clerics, according to a copy obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
A leading member of the prime minister’s coalition who … Read more : New Iraqi electoral alliance gives top Shiite clerics final say over all disputes.

Sunni politician warns new Shiite alliance could revive Iraq’s sectarian conflict

Sunnis warn over Iraq’s new Shiite alliance

BAGHDAD – A Sunni politician warned Wednesday that a new alliance of conservative Iraqi Shiite parties could revive the sectarian conflict that once wracked the country.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition and the conservative Shiite Iraqi National Alliance announced an electoral alliance Tuesday that leaves them just [..] Read the original article: here.

Sunni politician warns new Shiite alliance could bring back Iraqi sectarian conflict

Iraqi Sunni concerned over new Shiite alliance

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi Sunni politician has warned that the new electoral alliance of conservative Shiite parties could bring back the sectarian conflict that once wracked the country.
Hamid al-Mutlaq told The Associated Press Wednesday that Iraqis do not want an alliance that would promote sectarianism. Al-Mutlaq was elected to …. Source  : Sunni politician warns new Shiite alliance could bring back Iraqi sectarian conflict.

Maoist strike lands Indian pilgrims in unholy plight in Nepal

KATHMANDU – Dozens of disappointed Indian pilgrims are among the hundreds of Indian tourists forced to leave Nepal without fulfilling their dreams, thanks to the indefinite nationwide general strike called by the former Maoist guerrillas.

Malmal Jain, 71, endured a tough bus journey from West Bengal’s Murshidabad town to Nepal’s Pokhara city, hoping for a glimpse …. Read the original article  : here.

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.

Appeals court hands loss to those who oppose religious aspects of presidential inaugurations

Opponents of religion in inaugurations lose fight
WASHINGTON – Atheists who oppose prayer and other religious elements in presidential inaugurations have lost a case in a federal appeals court.
A three-judge panel on Friday upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit that sought to stop Barack Obama from using the words “so help me God” when … Read more »».

‘Birdemic’ and other really bad movies become overnight cult classics via social networking

Schlockey films gain instant cult status via Net

SAN FRANCISCO – It’s late Friday night outside the arthouse Roxie Theater, and a line is forming down the block. Twentysomethings – mostly men – stand around joking and waiting to file in. The smell of pot permeates the cold, damp air.
Underneath the theater’s marquee, a fast-talking Vietnamese …. Read the original article  : here.

Turkish lawmakers OK constitutional amendments; opposition says secularism at risk

Turkish lawmakers OK constitutional amendments

ANKARA, Turkey – The Turkish parliament narrowly approved Friday a series of constitutional amendments that opposition parties say are designed to give the Islamic-rooted government leverage over the largely secular judiciary.
Opposition parties accuse the government of pushing the amendments to dilute the independence of the judiciary, including the Constitutional Court, by …. Read the original article  : here.

Iraq’s top vote-getter returns to country, asserts his right to form the next government

Iraq vote winner asserts right to form government

BAGHDAD – The leader of the top vote-getting coalition in Iraq’s inconclusive March 7 elections insisted his bloc still has the right to form the next government despite an alliance forged this week between two rival Shiite groups.
The alliance makes the Shiites the largest political bloc in parliament, … Read : Iraq’s top vote-getter returns to country, asserts his right to form the next government.