Author Salman Rushdie says fatwa over ‘Satanic Verses’ only minor issue now

Rushdie says fatwa only a minor issue now
TORONTO – Acclaimed author Salman Rushdie says the death sentence imposed on him by Iran’s late leader no longer affects his daily life, but the issue still hasn’t gone away.

Rushdie commented Monday on the fatwa while appearing with author Elie Wiesel, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, for a … Original source on Gaea Times at : Author Salman Rushdie says fatwa over ‘Satanic Verses’ only minor issue now.

Judge says Conn. town’s plan to hold high school graduations in church is unconstitutional

Judge: Conn. town can’t hold graduations in church

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – A federal judge has ruled two Connecticut public high schools can’t hold their graduations inside a church because that would be an unconstitutional endorsement of religion.
U.S. District Court Judge Janet Hall made the ruling Monday in the case of Enfield High School and Enrico Fermi … Read more >>.

Cuba dissidents say they are still waiting for promised changes from government

Cuba dissidents still waiting for promised changes

HAVANA – Dissidents and relatives of Cuban political prisoners said Monday that they’ve seen no improvement in conditions for inmates despite an apparent government agreement to improve life behind bars for the island’s 200 political prisoners.
The Roman Catholic Church said the government agreed to move many of those considered … Read more : Cuba dissidents say they are still waiting for promised changes from government.

Art of Living has presence in 150 countries

BANGALORE – The Art of Living, founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar on whose life an attack was allegedly made Sunday evening at his ashram near the Karnataka capital, has a presence in 150 countries.

Born in Shimoga district in 1956, the spiritual guru was said to be a precocious child. At the age of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Art of Living has presence in 150 countries.

Afghan officials suspend 2 Christian aid groups for alleged proselytizing

2 Christian aid groups suspended in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan authorities suspended two Christian foreign aid groups on suspicion of proselytizing in the strictly Islamic nation and said a follow-up investigation would include whether other groups were trying to convert Muslims.
U.S.-based Church World Service and Norwegian Church Aid will not be allowed to operate while … Original article on : Afghan officials suspend 2 Christian aid groups for alleged proselytizing.

Pope appoints nine-member panel to investigate Ireland abuse in fall

Pope appoints panel to investigate Ireland abuse

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI has named nine top prelates to carry out an investigation of clergy abuse in Ireland starting in the fall.
The pope had pledged an investigation in his March letter to Ireland, as decades of cover-ups of abuse on the island emerged.
The Vatican said Monday …. Source  : Pope appoints nine-member panel to investigate Ireland abuse in fall.