Young Muslim women fume at Deoband diktat

NEW DELHI – Many young Muslim women have reacted sharply to the Deoband seminary’s fiat on women and men working together in offices, saying it’s high time clerics started looking at real issues plaguing the community such as economic backwardness.

“I don’t understand what makes them think it is possible to stop women from working,” Farzana … Original source on Gaea Times at : Young Muslim women fume at Deoband diktat.

Abortion foes fought Obama health care, now use new law to expand state limits on procedure

Abortion foes capitalize on health law they fought
WASHINGTON – Abortion opponents fought passage of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul to the bitter end, and now that it’s the law, they’re using it to limit coverage by private insurers.
An obscure part of the law allows states to restrict abortion coverage by … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Abortion foes fought Obama health care, now use new law to expand state limits on procedure.

European Muslims criticize proposed bans on face-covering veils

European Muslims criticize veil ban plans
VIENNA – Muslims who attended a conference in Austria’s capital criticized European countries Sunday for considering the possibility of banning face-covering veils, saying it is counterproductive and regressive.

Veil bans are being considered in Belgium and France, and lawmakers in other European countries have also raised the issue.
The roughly 100 imams …. Read the original article  : European Muslims criticize proposed bans on face-covering veils.

European Muslim conference criticizes proposed bans on face-covering veils

European Muslim meeting criticizes veil ban plans

VIENNA – Muslims attending a conference in Austria’s capital Sunday criticized European countries for considering the possibility of banning face-covering veils, saying it is counterproductive and regressive.
Veil bans are being considered in Belgium and France, and lawmakers in other European countries have also raised the issue.
The roughly 100 imams …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : European Muslim conference criticizes proposed bans on face-covering veils.

Saudi journalist who interviewed and traveled with bin Laden resigns from leading newspaper

Saudi journalist who interviewed bin Laden resigns

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A prominent Saudi journalist who conducted several interviews with Osama bin Laden and once tried to persuade him to reconcile with the Saudi royal family resigned Sunday as editor of the nation’s leading newspaper.
Several Arab news websites said Jamal Khashoggi was fired because of articles …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Abortion foes use provision in federal health care law to expand state restrictions

Abortion foes capitalize on health care law
WASHINGTON – Abortion opponents fought passage of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul to the bitter end, and now that it’s the law, they’re using it to limit coverage by private insurers.
An obscure part of the law allows states to restrict … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Abortion foes use provision in federal health care law to expand state restrictions.

Akshaya Tritiya 2010 Greetings, SMS and Wishes

Kolkata (GaeaTimes.com) Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej is a highly auspicious day and is considered to be as dominant as Maha Shivratri. Akshaya Tritiya is also alternately spelt as Akhshaya Tritiya, Akshya Thiritiya, Akshaya Trutheeya, Akshaya Tritiiya, Akshaya Trithi. The holy day falls on the third (Tritiya) Lunar day (Tithi) of the new moon … Read more : Akshaya Tritiya 2010 Greetings, SMS and Wishes.

Thousands pour into St. Peter’s Square in show of solidarity with pope over abuse scandal

Thousands flock to Vatican to back pope over abuse

VATICAN CITY – More than 100,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square on Sunday in a major show of support for Pope Benedict XVI over the clerical sex abuse scandal.
Benedict said he was comforted by such a “beautiful and spontaneous show of faith and solidarity” and again denounced …. Original source  : Thousands pour into St. Peter’s Square in show of solidarity with pope over abuse scandal.

Arab-American from Michigan crowned Miss USA after near-stumble in gown competition

Arab-American from Michigan crowned 2010 Miss USA

LAS VEGAS – Rima Fakih knew she had won the 2010 Miss USA title when she saw the look on Donald Trump’s face: It was the same one she’d seen him flash at the winners of “The Apprentice.”
The 24-year-old Lebanese immigrant – Miss Michigan USA to the judges – … Original article on : Arab-American from Michigan crowned Miss USA after near-stumble in gown competition.

Portugal becomes 6th European country to allow gay marriage after president’s OK

Portugal’s president ratifies gay marriage law

LISBON, Portugal – Portugal’s conservative president announced Monday he is reluctantly ratifying a law allowing gay marriage, making the predominantly Catholic country the sixth in Europe to let same-sex couples wed.
President Anibal Cavaco Silva said he would not veto the bill because majority liberal lawmakers would only overturn his decision. …. Source article  : Portugal becomes 6th European country to allow gay marriage after president’s OK.

Vatican rejects appeals by 10 closed Boston-area churches, including 3 in vigil for years

Vatican rejects appeals by closed Boston churches

BOSTON – The leader of an advocacy group for Roman Catholic parishes says the Vatican has rejected final appeals by 10 parishes that were closed by the Archdiocese of Boston.
Three of the 10 churches have had sit-ins going on round-the-clock for more than five years.
Peter Borre, co-chairman of the [..] Read the original article: here.

Khurshid to represent India at Islamic economic forum

NEW DELHI – Minority Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid will represent India at a global business forum in Malaysia beginning Tuesday that aims to create economic bridges between the Muslim and non-Muslim world.

The sixth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), being held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, is being organised by the World Islamic Economic Forum …. Read the original article  : here.

Myanmar gifts giant Buddha statue to Mumbai pagoda

MUMBAI – A giant marble statue of Lord Buddha, standing 21 feet tall, has been gifted by the Myanmar government to the Global Vipassana Foundation Pagoda, a foundation official said Monday.

The statue of Lord Buddha weighs a whopping 60 tonnes and is carved from a single piece of marble, the official told IANS here.
Created … Read more : Myanmar gifts giant Buddha statue to Mumbai pagoda.

Synagogue torched in Germany

BERLIN – An historic synagogue in the western German city of Worms was targeted by arsonists early Monday, police said.

Police spokesman Klaus Weinmann said that the building, which was first built in the 11th century, was doused with a flammable liquid in several places and set alight.
There were no injuries and little damage was …. Source article  : Synagogue torched in Germany.

Advani says Muslims fare better in Gujarat

NEW DELHI – Muslims fare better in Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s Gujarat, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani said Monday, citing Justice Rajinder Sachar’s report on minorities.

“In setting up the Sachar committee, the government had its own objectives. But going through the comparative statistics compiled by the committee, I feel Gujarat should be grateful …. Original source  : Advani says Muslims fare better in Gujarat.

Indian president to visit China next week

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil will embark on a five-day official visit to China next week when she will open the first Indian-style Buddhist temple in the ancient Chinese capital Luoyang.

The trip coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China.
With a view to further strengthen bilateral … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian president to visit China next week.

Fugate: FEMA videographer wrong to ask Miss. tornado volunteers not to show faith logo

FEMA: Sorry photog asked faith shirts not be worn

JACKSON, Miss. – The top officer at FEMA says one of the agency’s videographers was “absolutely wrong” to ask Mississippi church volunteers to not wear religious T-shirts for a video about tornado cleanup.
Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate said Tuesday that the photographer’s actions in the …. Read the original article  : Fugate: FEMA videographer wrong to ask Miss. tornado volunteers not to show faith logo.

8-term Republican Rep. Mark Souder of Indiana says he’ll resign over affair with staff member

Ind. GOP Rep. Souder says he’ll resign over affair

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Rep. Mark Souder – an evangelical Christian who promoted abstinence education and was known for his outspoken views on religion – said Tuesday he will resign from Congress because of an extramarital affair with a part-time staff member.
The announcement by the eight-term Republican rocked … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 8-term Republican Rep. Mark Souder of Indiana says he’ll resign over affair with staff member.

German villagers re-enact Christ’s passion in 400-year-old tradition

Once-a-decade passion play opening
OBERAMMERGAU, Germany – Time advances slowly in this Alpine village, measured in decade-long spans between performances of Oberammergau’s nearly 400-year-old enactment of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Changes to the ritual, started in 1633 as a promise to God by the village’s Roman Catholic populace in exchange for calling off the …. Original article  : German villagers re-enact Christ’s passion in 400-year-old tradition.

Bolivian president asks pope to abolish priestly celibacy

Vatican City, May 18 (IANS/EFE) Pope Benedict XVI received Monday in the Vatican the president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, who sought the abolition of priestly celibacy and the admission of women to the priesthood.

After a 25-minute meeting, Morales with the help of an interpreter announced the handing over of a letter to the pontiff.
In …. Source  : Bolivian president asks pope to abolish priestly celibacy.

Queen Antoinette, 2 other cult members face sentencing in Md. for child’s starvation death

Md. cult members face sentencing for child’s death

BALTIMORE – Three cult members face sentencing in Baltimore for the death of a toddler starved for not saying “Amen” after meals.
The child’s mother, 23-year-old Ria Ramkissoon, is already in a residential treatment program for young women as part of an unusual plea bargain in which her plea … Read more : Queen Antoinette, 2 other cult members face sentencing in Md. for child’s starvation death.

Court overturns ban on 9 Iraqi candidates barred for ties to Saddam Hussein’s party

Court overturns ban on 9 Iraqi candidates
BAGHDAD – An Iraqi court on Monday overturned a ban on nine newly elected parliament members who had been barred by a committee vetting candidates for ties to Saddam Hussein’s regime, said a committee official, overcoming a major hurdle in forming the new government.

The ban of the candidates, seven … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Court overturns ban on 9 Iraqi candidates barred for ties to Saddam Hussein’s party.

Arab-Americans exult at immigrant’s Miss USA victory, some snipe at ‘political’ questions

Arab-Americans delight in Miss USA victory

NEW YORK – Donald Trump’s Miss USA pageant sure knows how to make headlines.
Arab-Americans rejoiced Monday over the crowning of raven-haired beauty Rima Fakih, a 24-year-old Lebanese immigrant from Michigan, calling it a victory for diversity in the United States, especially at a time when Arabs suffer from negative stereotypes …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Arab-Americans exult at immigrant’s Miss USA victory, some snipe at ‘political’ questions.

Gift of peace from Myanmar – giant Lord Buddha statue

MUMBAI – A giant marble statue of Lord Buddha, standing 21 feet tall, has been gifted by Myanmar to the Global Vipassana Foundation (GVF), and will be installed next week at Mumbai’s Pagoda complex, called the World Monument of Peace and Harmony.

The statue weighs a whopping 60 tonnes and is carved from a single piece … Original article on : Gift of peace from Myanmar – giant Lord Buddha statue.

‘Kamat using government machinery to promote superstitions’

PANAJI – Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat’s much publicised visit to see a ‘miraculously’ discovered antique Ganesh idol has invited the ire of a leading anti-superstition group in the state.

The department of information and publicity Wednesday evening bombarded media organisations with official press notes and photographs of Kamat’s visit to the Chodankar home in … Read more >>.

Pakistan blocks access to YouTube in growing Internet crackdown over ’sacrilegious’ content

Pakistan blocks YouTube over unIslamic content

ISLAMABAD – The Pakistani government blocked access to YouTube on Thursday because of “sacrilegious” content on the video-sharing website, signaling a growing Internet crackdown against sites deemed offensive to the country’s majority Muslim population.
The move against YouTube came a day after the government blocked access to Facebook because of a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Muslims shouldn’t feel hurt by burqa ban: Sarkozy

LONDON – Muslims should not feel “hurt or stigmatised” by the planned ban on burqas, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said as the French cabinet approved a draft law to bar the full-face veil from public areas.

Sarkozy told a cabinet meeting Wednesday: “This is a decision one doesn’t take lightly.”
Once the law comes into …. Source  : Muslims shouldn’t feel hurt by burqa ban: Sarkozy.

Pagan hits inside-the-park homer, starts triple play; both wasted in Mets’ 5-3 loss to Nats

Despite Pagan’s big night, Mets fall 5-3 to Nats

WASHINGTON – Angel Pagan hit an inside-the-park home run and started a triple play Wednesday night, but that wasn’t enough for the New York Mets in a 5-3 loss to the Washington Nationals.
Pagan became the first player in 55 years to take part in both feats in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Pagan hits inside-the-park homer, starts triple play; both wasted in Mets’ 5-3 loss to Nats.

Pagan hits 1st inside-the-park HR at Nationals Park, starts Mets’ 1st triple play since 2002

Pagan hits inside-the-park HR, starts triple play

WASHINGTON – New York Mets center fielder Angel Pagan hit an inside-the-park home run and started a triple play Wednesday night, making him the first player in 55 years to take part in both feats in the same game.
Pagan hit the first inside-the-park home run in Nationals Park history … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pagan hits 1st inside-the-park HR at Nationals Park, starts Mets’ 1st triple play since 2002.

Arunachal gets Himalayan cultures studies centre

NEW DELHI – Reflecting the government’s intention to address the issues related to the minorities, the union cabinet Wednesday approved establishment of a Central Institute of Himalayan Culture Studies (CIHCS) in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, that is traditionally Buddhist.

“The union cabinet today (Wednesday) accorded approval for the establishment of the CIHCS at Dahung in … Read more : Arunachal gets Himalayan cultures studies centre.

Souder mistress, part-time aide resigns after GOP Ind. congressman admits extramarital affair

Souder’s mistress resigns after he admits affair

INDIANAPOLIS – Republicans are scrambling to hold onto Rep. Mark Souder’s seat following the evangelical Christian’s decision to resign over an extramarital affair with a staffer with whom he made a video touting the benefits of abstinence education.
Gov. Mitch Daniels has said he will call a special election this …. Original article  : Souder mistress, part-time aide resigns after GOP Ind. congressman admits extramarital affair.

Pakistan blocks Facebook because of page deemed offensive to Muslims

Muslim anger prompts Pakistan to block Facebook

LAHORE, Pakistan – Pakistan’s government ordered Internet service providers to block Facebook on Wednesday amid anger over a page that encourages users to post images of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad.
The page on the social networking site has generated criticism in Pakistan and elsewhere because Islam prohibits any images of the …. Source article  : Pakistan blocks Facebook because of page deemed offensive to Muslims.

Magazine condemns Brahmanical order, Mayawati orders probe

LUCKNOW – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati Wednesday ordered a probe after a Hindi monthly, patronised by the ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), published an article condemning various Hindu rituals and Brahmanical practices.

The May issue of the periodical has also made alleged derogatory references to temples, Vedas, Upanishads and Ramayana.
Even Mahatma Gandhi has not … Read : Magazine condemns Brahmanical order, Mayawati orders probe.

Bill on burqa ban goes to French cabinet

PARIS – A draft bill that would ban the all-body Islamic veil in all public areas in the country was presented to the French cabinet Wednesday by Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie.

If the bill becomes law, any woman wearing the veil, called a burqa, in public would be liable to a fine of 150 euros ($184), …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bill on burqa ban goes to French cabinet.

Republicans scramble to hold onto seat of 8-term Rep. Souder after resignation over affair

GOP’s Souder latest politician with sex troubles

INDIANAPOLIS – Republicans are scrambling to hold onto Rep. Mark Souder’s seat following the evangelical Christian’s decision to resign over an extramarital affair with a staffer with whom he made a video touting the benefits of abstinence education.
Gov. Mitch Daniels has said he will call a special election this …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Total burqa ban presented to French cabinet

PARIS – French Justice Minister Michele Alliot-Marie presented Wednesday a draft bill that would ban the all-body Islamic veil in all public areas in the country.

If the bill becomes law, any woman wearing the veil, called a burqa, in public would be liable to a fine of 150 euros ($184), or be obliged to take … Read more »»».

Pakistani court orders government to block Facebook over page deemed offensive to Muslims

Pakistani court orders gov’t to block Facebook

LAHORE, Pakistan – A Pakistani court ordered the government Wednesday to block Facebook because of a page that encourages users to post images of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, a senior legal official said.
The page on the social networking site has generated criticism in Pakistan and elsewhere because Islam prohibits any … Read more >>.

Block Facebook over blasphemous cartoons: Pakistani court

ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani court Wednesday ordered the government to temporarily block the social-networking website Facebook after a controversy over a competition for caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed, media reports said.

The high court in the eastern city of Lahore issued the decree on a petition filed by the Islamic Lawyers Movement, seeking a ban of … Original article on : Block Facebook over blasphemous cartoons: Pakistani court.

Pakistan asks Facebook to block ‘Draw Mohammed’ page, then will consider restoring service

Internet blockade in Pakistan continues
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan acknowledged the “suffering” caused by its bans on Facebook and YouTube, but said it would only consider restoring the websites if they take down pages considered offensive to Islam, the information technology ministry said Friday.

The government has asked both sites to block the offending pages and was expecting … Read : Pakistan asks Facebook to block ‘Draw Mohammed’ page, then will consider restoring service.

Web abuzz over facebook ban in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – The web is abuzz over the ban on social networking site Facebook in Pakistan following the Prophet cartoon row. While some favour a clamp down, others say: “Why should everyone get punished for 1 or 2 person’s mistake”.

Webpages have sprung up on Facebook after “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!” was set up.
A … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Web abuzz over facebook ban in Pakistan.

US cartoonist distances herself from Prophet cartoon row

WASHINGTON – Seattle-based cartoonist Molly Norris has distanced herself from the raging row over “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!”, saying: “I never created a facebook page for EDMD. A stranger to me did so.”

Norris has written on her webpage: “Hello, I never created a facebook page for EDMD. A stranger to me did so. Thank You, … Read more »»».

Cuban Roman Catholic cardinal calls for freedom for political prisoners

Cuban cardinal wants political prisoners freed

HAVANA – Cuba’s Roman Catholic cardinal called for the liberation of some of the island’s 200 political prisoners on Thursday after a rare sit-down with President Raul Castro, and said he thought his encounter with the Cuban leader was a “magnificent start” to serious dialogue.
“The church is interested in an …. Read the original article  : Cuban Roman Catholic cardinal calls for freedom for political prisoners.

Raul Castro sits down with Cuban Roman Catholic cardinal in rare meeting

Cuban president meets with church leader
HAVANA – President Raul Castro has held a rare sit-down with Cuba’s Roman Catholic cardinal and another top cleric, discussing many issues including a recent crackdown against dissidents that ended only after the mediation of the church.

The meeting with Cardinal Jaime Ortega and Archbishop Dionisio Garcia was a sign of … Read more >>>.

Clarification: Church Abuse-Arizona story

Clarification: Church Abuse-Arizona story
In a story April 2, The Associated Press reported that a Catholic Church tribunal examined allegations that the Rev. Michael Teta, an Arizona priest, abused boys in a confessional.

The story should have specified that the tribunal found Teta guilty of soliciting sexual favors during confessions, but not necessarily of conducting that abuse … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Clarification: Church Abuse-Arizona story.

Israeli archaeologists say pagan altar found at disputed building site shows graves not Jewish

Pagan altar unearthed at building site in Israel

JERUSALEM – Israeli archaeologists say workers have uncovered an ancient pagan altar while clearing ground for construction of a hotly disputed hospital emergency room.
They say the discovery proves an ancient cemetery at the site that has been at the center of protests by ultra-Orthodox Jews does not contain … Read more »».

UAE’s first woman ambassador to Vatican

VATICAN CITY – A mother of six who has been appointed as the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) first ambassador to the Vatican Thursday presented her credentials to Pope Benedict XVI.

The pontiff welcomed Hissa Abdulla Ahmed Al-Otaiba and recalled how diplomatic relations between the Holy See and the mostly Muslim Gulf state had “only recently been … Original source on Gaea Times at : UAE’s first woman ambassador to Vatican.

Pakistan blocks YouTube over Prophet cartoon row

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has blocked the video-sharing website YouTube because of its “growing sacrilegious contents”, officials said Thursday.

The ban came hours after the government temporarily blocked the social networking website Facebook, where a group announced an online competition for cartoons of Prophet Mohammed to be held Thursday.
A statement from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) …. Source  : Pakistan blocks YouTube over Prophet cartoon row.

Pentecost Sunday Today!

WASHINGTON (GaeaTimes.com)- Its May 23rd and it is also a Sunday, so the Christian community around the world gets ready to celebrate the Pentecost Sunday yet again this year. For many of us who are unaware, Pentecost Sunday is that day when Christians celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, which means the …. Read the original article  : here.

Polish priests rebury Copernicus as hero after astronomer’s remains found in unmarked grave

Astronomer Copernicus reburied as hero in Poland

FROMBORK, Poland – Nicolaus Copernicus, the 16th-century astronomer whose findings were condemned by the Roman Catholic Church as heretical, was reburied by Polish priests as a hero on Saturday, nearly 500 years after he was laid to rest in an unmarked grave.
His burial in a tomb in the cathedral [..] Read the original article: here.

Pope calls for solidarity in world’s finances, says ethics must guide all action

Pope calls for ethics in world economy
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI called Saturday for ethics and solidarity in the world’s financial system, rebuking governments he said failed to act properly in the face of speculation that hurts poorer nations.

Benedict did not mention specific countries in his comments.
But he said that an “ethical interaction of … Read : Pope calls for solidarity in world’s finances, says ethics must guide all action.

Polish priests to rebury Copernicus as hero after astronomer’s remains found in unmarked grave

Astronomer Copernicus to be reburied as hero

FROMBORK, Poland – Nicolaus Copernicus, the 16th-century astronomer whose work was condemned by the Catholic Church as heretical, will be reburied by Polish priests as a hero on Saturday, nearly 500 years after he was laid to rest in an unmarked grave.
His burial in a tomb in the cathedral …. Original source  : Polish priests to rebury Copernicus as hero after astronomer’s remains found in unmarked grave.

Facebook page that led to Pakistani ban removed, possibly by creator

Facebook page that led to Pakistani ban removed

ISLAMABAD – A Facebook page that was considered offensive to Islam and led to a Pakistani ban on the site has been removed, possibly by its creator.
Facebook said Friday it has not taken any action on the page, which had attracted more than 100,000 users and encouraged users …. Source article  : Facebook page that led to Pakistani ban removed, possibly by creator.

Pakistan bans 1,000 websites over cartoon row

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan banned more than 1,000 web links and proxy sites containing “sacrilegious” cartoons of Prophet Mohammed and other hate materials, officials said Friday.

The fresh ban comes a day after Pakistan authorities blocked video sharing site YouTube and social networking site Facebook, where a group announced an online competition for cartoons of Prophet Mohammed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan bans 1,000 websites over cartoon row.

Synthetic cell must benefit mankind: Vatican

ROME – Vatican and Catholic church officials in Italy welcomed Friday the creation by US scientists of the first synthetic cell, but stressed that such scientific discoveries must ultimately benefit mankind.

“If it is used toward the good, to treat pathologies, we can only be positive” the Vatican’s top bioethics official, Monsignor Rino Fisichella, told Italian … Read more >>.

Pakistanis protest against ‘blasphemous’ cartoons

RAWALPINDI – Thousands of Pakistanis took to the streets Friday to protest against “blasphemous” caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed on the social networking website Facebook and video sharing site YouTube.

Angry crowds gathered after Friday prayers across Pakistan and chanted slogans against Facebook users who have organised an “Everyone Draw Mohammed Day” competition.
The online organisers … Original article on : Pakistanis protest against ‘blasphemous’ cartoons.

Protests across Pakistan against prophet’s cartoons on Facebook

ISLAMABAD – Rallies and demonstrations were held across Pakistan Friday to protest publishing of blasphemous caricatures of Prophet Mohammad on social network site Facebook and Youtube.

Protesters urged the government to take strict action against the countries involved in publishing of the caricatures.
A protest rally was taken out from the Faisal Masjid here after Friday … Read more »».

Tenn. tea party event won’t drop speaker denounced by national Muslim group over Islam views

Tenn. tea party won’t drop speaker for Islam views

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tea party organizers will not drop a speaker from a Tennessee convention this weekend despite calls from a national Muslim rights group that considers her anti-Islamic.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations had urged that Pamela Geller be cut from the Tennessee Tea Party Convention in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tenn. tea party event won’t drop speaker denounced by national Muslim group over Islam views.

Akali Dal accuses centre of delaying SGPC polls

CHANDIGARH – The ruling Akali Dal in Punjab Friday accused the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the centre of delaying the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) elections.

“The working committee of the party today unanimously demanded immediate conduct of the SGPC elections without any delay,” Akali Dal president and Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh … Read more >>>.

Catholic Church: synthetic cell potentially a good development but life originates from God

Church warns cell scientists not to play God

ROME – Catholic Church officials said Friday that the recently created first synthetic cell could be a positive development if correctly used, but warned scientists that only God can create life.
Vatican and Italian church officials were mostly cautious in their first reaction to the announcement from the United … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Catholic Church: synthetic cell potentially a good development but life originates from God.

Prophet cartoon in South African paper sparks new row

JOHANNESBURG – Days after an alleged Al Qaeda operative detailed sketchy plans to attack the football World Cup over cartoons of Prophet Mohammed, a newspaper in South Africa has caused controversy by also publishing cartoons of the Prophet.

A cartoon by award-winning satirist Jonathan Shapiro in the Mail & Guardian weekly newspaper Friday shows the Prophet … Read more >>.

Top Italian cardinal: synthetic cell a sign of intelligence but ethics must be considered

Cardinal: synthetic cell requires need for ethics

ROME – A top Italian cardinal says the recent creation by researchers of the first synthetic cell is a sign of human intelligence but warns of the ethical responsibility of any scientific progress.
Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, the head of the Italian bishops’ conference, said Friday that the invention is “further …. Original source  : Top Italian cardinal: synthetic cell a sign of intelligence but ethics must be considered.