Bright sunrise marks summer solstice for 20,000 revelers at Britain’s ancient Stonehenge

New Agers, neo-pagans see Stonehenge solstice

SALISBURY, England – Thousands of New Agers and neo-pagans danced and whooped in delight Monday as a bright early morning sun rose above the ancient stone circle Stonehenge, marking the summer solstice.
About 20,000 people crowded the prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, southern England, to see the sunrise at 4:52 A.M. … Original source on Gaea Times at : Bright sunrise marks summer solstice for 20,000 revelers at Britain’s ancient Stonehenge.

Sikh’s turban ban not racism: New Zealand club

AUCKLAND – Members of a New Zealand club which denied a Sikh man’s entry because he was wearing a turban say the issue has nothing to do with racism and they are ready to defend their rules in court.

The Sikh Council of New Zealand is seeking action from Human Rights Commission against the south Auckland’s …. Source  : Sikh’s turban ban not racism: New Zealand club.

Chilean archbishop sends pedophelia file to Vatican; priest breaks silence to deny accusations

Chilean church forwards pedophelia case to Vatican

SANTIAGO, Chile – A local church investigation of pedophelia complaints against a prominent Chilean priest has been delivered to the Vatican for further action.
Through an attorney, Fernando Karadima has broken a two-month silence to deny accusations by several men who say he sexually abused them as teenagers.
Cardinal Francisco Javier … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Chilean archbishop sends pedophelia file to Vatican; priest breaks silence to deny accusations.

Vatican foreign minister, Raul Castro meet amid hopes for more prisoner releases, transfers

Raul Castro suits up for Vatican envoy in Havana

HAVANA – A meeting between the Vatican’s foreign minister and President Raul Castro sparked hopes Sunday that more of the island’s political prisoners may be released or transferred to jails closer to home.
State television showed Castro dressed in a suit instead of his usual olive-green fatigues for …. Read the original article  : here.

New Agers and neo-pagans descend on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice

New Agers, neo-pagans at Stonehenge for solstice

LONDON – New Agers and neo-pagans descended on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the sun as it rises above the ancient stone circle early Monday morning.
The annual all-night party typically draws thousands of alternative-minded revelers to the prehistoric monument on Salisbury …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Agers and neo-pagans descend on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice.

Utah GOP Senate candidates struggle to differentiate themselves following Bennett’s defeat

GOP Senate opponents struggle to differentiate

SALT LAKE CITY – After ending U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett’s bid for a fourth term, Utah’s two remaining GOP Senate candidates are struggling to differentiate themselves now that there’s no one in the race to absorb the anti-Washington anger of voters.
Businessman Tim Bridgewater and attorney Mike Lee vaulted from political …. Read the original article  : here.

Hindu group calls for shutdown in west Nepal

KATHMANDU – Western Nepal remained paralysed Tuesday as a little-known Hindu organisation enforced a shutdown demanding the restoration of Hinduism as the state religion, the second such disruptive protest since March.

The Bhishma Ekta Parishad, an obscure organisation that claims to have been founded about four years ago by a Hindu, who calls himself \”Sindhu\”, forced …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hindu group calls for shutdown in west Nepal.

Alleged son of priest-founder of Legion says Catholic order knew his dad was a pedophile

Alleged son of Legion’s priest founder sues order

NEW YORK – A Mexican man says that leaders of an influential Roman Catholic religious order knew their founder was a child molester and did nothing to stop him.
Jose Raul Gonzalez is seeking unspecified damages from the Legionaires of Christ in a lawsuit filed Monday in Connecticut. The …. Read the original article  : Alleged son of priest-founder of Legion says Catholic order knew his dad was a pedophile.

Himachal Pradesh promises help for Buddhist ceremony

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Monday said the government would extend all help during a Buddhist ceremony that will be attended by the Tibetan spiritual guru the Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district in 2013.

“The state would be extending best possible help for successful organisation of ‘Kalachakra’ scheduled to be … Original article on : Himachal Pradesh promises help for Buddhist ceremony.

Ramadan to begin August 11: UAE astronomer

Sharjah, June 21 (IANS/WAM) The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin August 11 and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated September 10 this year, a UAE astronomer said.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, astronomer and supervisor of the Sharjah Planetarium, said the crescent moon of the fasting month will be sighted Tuesday, August 10, and Wednesday (August 11) will … Read more : Ramadan to begin August 11: UAE astronomer.

Cardinal under investigation for corruption says he acted transparently and forgives accusers

Cardinal denies corruption allegations
VATICAN CITY – A cardinal under investigation in a sprawling corruption scandal denied wrongdoing and insisted Monday he acted for the good of the church while handling real estate transactions for the Vatican office that funds missionary work abroad.

Naples Cardinal Crecenzio Sepe told a press conference he forgave his accusers and was …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Cardinal under investigation for corruption says he acted transparently and forgives accusers.

India helps fill gap in hallowed Nepal pilgrim shrine

KATHMANDU – Thousands of pilgrims will now have their journey to one of the most hallowed religious destinations made easier, thanks to the new dharamshala -accommodation for budget tourists – built by the Indian government in mountainous northern Nepal.

Journeying to the Muktinath temple in northern Nepal, revered by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains alike, came within … Read more >>>.

Bright sunrise marks summer solstice for 20,000 revelers at Britain’s ancient Stonehenge

New Agers, neo-pagans see Stonehenge solstice

SALISBURY, England – Thousands of New Agers and neo-pagans danced and whooped in delight Monday as a bright early morning sun rose above the ancient stone circle Stonehenge, marking the summer solstice.
About 20,000 people crowded the prehistoric site on Salisbury Plain, southern England, to see the sunrise at 4:52 A.M. …. Original article  : Bright sunrise marks summer solstice for 20,000 revelers at Britain’s ancient Stonehenge.

Sikh’s turban ban not racism: New Zealand club

AUCKLAND – Members of a New Zealand club which denied a Sikh man’s entry because he was wearing a turban say the issue has nothing to do with racism and they are ready to defend their rules in court.

The Sikh Council of New Zealand is seeking action from Human Rights Commission against the south Auckland’s … Read more »»».

Chilean archbishop sends pedophelia file to Vatican; priest breaks silence to deny accusations

Chilean church forwards pedophelia case to Vatican

SANTIAGO, Chile – A local church investigation of pedophelia complaints against a prominent Chilean priest has been delivered to the Vatican for further action.
Through an attorney, Fernando Karadima has broken a two-month silence to deny accusations by several men who say he sexually abused them as teenagers.
Cardinal Francisco Javier …. Read the original article  : Chilean archbishop sends pedophelia file to Vatican; priest breaks silence to deny accusations.

Vatican foreign minister, Raul Castro meet amid hopes for more prisoner releases, transfers

Raul Castro suits up for Vatican envoy in Havana

HAVANA – A meeting between the Vatican’s foreign minister and President Raul Castro sparked hopes Sunday that more of the island’s political prisoners may be released or transferred to jails closer to home.
State television showed Castro dressed in a suit instead of his usual olive-green fatigues for … Read more »»».

New Agers and neo-pagans descend on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice

New Agers, neo-pagans at Stonehenge for solstice

LONDON – New Agers and neo-pagans descended on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the sun as it rises above the ancient stone circle early Monday morning.
The annual all-night party typically draws thousands of alternative-minded revelers to the prehistoric monument on Salisbury …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Agers and neo-pagans descend on Stonehenge to celebrate the summer solstice.

Utah GOP Senate candidates struggle to differentiate themselves following Bennett’s defeat

GOP Senate opponents struggle to differentiate

SALT LAKE CITY – After ending U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett’s bid for a fourth term, Utah’s two remaining GOP Senate candidates are struggling to differentiate themselves now that there’s no one in the race to absorb the anti-Washington anger of voters.
Businessman Tim Bridgewater and attorney Mike Lee vaulted from political …. Source article  : Utah GOP Senate candidates struggle to differentiate themselves following Bennett’s defeat.

Father’s Day Quotes, Messages and Greetings

San Francisco (GaeaTimes.com) Father’s day is the day to honor fathers and remember the influence of fathers in our society. The day is celebrated on 3rd Sunday of June in United States and this year the day falls on June 20, 2010. The day is complementary to Mother’s Day to celebrate the paternal bond … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Father’s Day Quotes, Messages and Greetings.

NH sex offender on probation says he should be allowed to go to church with chaperone

NH sex offender claims religious rights denied

CONCORD, N.H. – A New Hampshire sex offender is asking the state’s highest court to allow him to go to church with a chaperone.
The case of 35-year-old Jonathan Perfetto of Manchester marks the first time the New Hampshire Supreme Court is being asked to rule on whether a probation …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NH sex offender on probation says he should be allowed to go to church with chaperone.

Indian Islamic preacher to challenge British entry ban

MUMBAI – Mumbai-based Islamic scholar Zakir Naik Saturday said he plans to challenge the ban order on him by the British Home Office in British courts.

“The decision is politically motivated by the new government. My lawyers have already examined it in detail and we have a very strong case,” Naik, a 44-year old medico-turned preacher, … Original article on : Indian Islamic preacher to challenge British entry ban.

Census hits roadblock in Mizoram – superstition!

AIZAWL – The census operations have hit a bizarre roadblock in the northeastern state of Mizoram – superstition. A section of the Christian community believe that the head count, and the alloocation of a unique identification (UID) number, would mean being “identified by the beast”.

“This came to light when Mizoram Chief Secretary Vanhela Pachuau Friday …. Source  : Census hits roadblock in Mizoram – superstition!.

Muslims greet Kashmir’s Hindus at temple festival

SRINAGAR – Thousands of Kashmiri Hindus from across the country Saturday thronged the Khirbhawani temple in north Kashmir’s Ganderbal district for an annual festival. Local Muslims greeted them with sweets as part of a centuries’ old practice in the state where the two religions have traditionally lived in harmony.

The temple in Tullamulla village, about … Read more >>.

Record number of Indian-Americans seeking political office _ and a balance between old and new

Record number of Indian-Americans seeking office

Meet Reshma, Surya, Manan, Raj, Ami, Ravi, Nimrata and Kamala – a new wave of Indian-American politicians.
At least eight children of Indian immigrants are running for Congress or statewide office, the most ever. The star of this trend is Nikki Haley, born Nimrata Nikki Randhawa, who is favored to win … Read : Record number of Indian-Americans seeking political office _ and a balance between old and new.

iMass: Italian priest develops missal application to let priests officiate with iPad on altar

iPad coming to church altars with daily missal app

ROME – An Italian priest has developed an application that will let priests celebrate Mass with an iPad on the altar instead of the regular Roman missal.
The Rev. Paolo Padrini, a consultant with the Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said Friday the free application will be …. Original article  : iMass: Italian priest develops missal application to let priests officiate with iPad on altar.

Kashmiri Hindu devotees arrive at Khirbhawani temple

SRINAGAR – Scores of Kashmiri Hindus from different parts of the country have started arriving at the Khir Bhawani temple in north Kashmir’s Ganderbal district for an annual festival, which, this year, will be celebrated on Saturday.

Khir Bhawani temple in Tullamulla village, about 25 km from here, is dedicated to Ragnya Devi, one of [..] Read the original article: here.

Religious teens less likely to consume marijuana

LONDON – Religiosity makes teens half as likely to use marijuana, says a study.

“Some may think this is an obvious finding, but research and expert opinion on this issue have not been consistent,” said study co-author Stephen Bahr, sociology professor of Brigham Young University (BYU).
“We accounted for family and peer characteristics, and regardless … Read more : Religious teens less likely to consume marijuana.

Conservative Minneapolis pastor reported to attend same-sex support group likely will keep job

Minn. pastor likely to keep job despite gay report

MINNEAPOLIS – A Lutheran pastor ardently critical of allowing gays into the clergy is on leave from his Minneapolis church after a gay magazine reported his attendance at a support group for men struggling with same-sex attraction.
Church officials, however, said Wednesday that the Rev. Tom Brock likely …. Original article  : Conservative Minneapolis pastor reported to attend same-sex support group likely will keep job.

Congress, AGP in war of words

GUWAHATI – Assam’s ruling Congress party and the main opposition Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) are locked in a bitter confrontation, hurling corruption charges against each other.

The war Wednesday reached the Raj Bhawan with the AGP holding a demonstration demanding a probe into a multi-million rupee financial scam in the North Cachar Hills district.
At the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Congress, AGP in war of words.

Chicago Cardinal George consulting with priests in eastern Cuba, will visit patron saint

Chicago cardinal heads to eastern Cuba for 2 days

HAVANA – The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was bound for eastern Cuba on Wednesday to consult with local Roman Catholic priests and pay a visit to the island’s patron saint.
Chicago Cardinal Francis George was traveling to Santiago, Cuba’s second-largest city, where he planned …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Former Germany bishop accused of misconduct agrees he was right to resign

Germany bishop who resigned sticks to his decision

BERLIN – A former German bishop accused of physical abuse, alcoholism and sexual harassment apologized for his misconduct on Wednesday and agreed to stand by his decision to resign.
Germany’s Augsburg diocese said in a statement that it has reached a written agreement with the Rev. Water Mixa that …. Original article  : Former Germany bishop accused of misconduct agrees he was right to resign.

Amarnath Yatra arrangements in full swing

SRINAGAR – Preparations for the two-month-long annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir starting July 1 are in full swing.

Dozens of ‘langars’ (voluntary kitchens) have reached the north Kashmir Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district.
The 14-km trek from Baltal to the holy cave, which is snowbound, is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Amarnath Yatra arrangements in full swing.

Pagan a homer shy of cycle, Wright reaches base 5 times and Mets rout Tigers 14-6

Pagan a homer shy of cycle, Mets rout Tigers 14-6

NEW YORK – Angel Pagan finished a homer shy of the cycle and had four RBIs, David Wright reached base five times and scored three runs, and the New York Mets routed the Detroit Tigers 14-6 on a rainy Tuesday night.
Ike Davis had two hits and …. Source article  : Pagan a homer shy of cycle, Wright reaches base 5 times and Mets rout Tigers 14-6.

Venezuela’s Catholic Church calls scandal over rotten food ‘a sin,’ blames Chavez’s government

Venezuela’s clergy condemns gov’t over rotten food

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela’s Roman Catholic Church is blaming the government of President Hugo Chavez for the decomposition of more than 22,000 tons (20,000 metric tons) of food inside a port.
Church leaders condemn what they call the irresponsibility of officials at the state-run company that imported the food, calling … Original article on : Venezuela’s Catholic Church calls scandal over rotten food ‘a sin,’ blames Chavez’s government.

Laser uncovers first icons of Apostles Peter and Paul in catacombs under Rome office building

Lasers uncover first icons of Sts. Peter and Paul

ROME – Twenty-first century laser technology has opened a window into the early days of the Catholic Church, guiding researchers through the dank, musty catacombs beneath Rome to a startling find: the first known icons of the apostles Peter and Paul.
Vatican officials unveiled the paintings Tuesday, discovered … Read more : Laser uncovers first icons of Apostles Peter and Paul in catacombs under Rome office building.

Restorers announce discovery of 4th-century icons of Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome

4th century icons of Peter and Paul found in Rome

ROME – The earliest known icons of the Apostles Peter and Paul have been discovered in a catacomb under an eight-story modern office building in a working-class neighborhood of Rome, Vatican officials said Tuesday.
The images, which date from the second half of the 4th century, were …. Original article  : Restorers announce discovery of 4th-century icons of Apostles Peter and Paul in Rome.

Hindu group calls for shutdown in west Nepal

KATHMANDU – Western Nepal remained paralysed Tuesday as a little-known Hindu organisation enforced a shutdown demanding the restoration of Hinduism as the state religion, the second such disruptive protest since March.

The Bhishma Ekta Parishad, an obscure organisation that claims to have been founded about four years ago by a Hindu, who calls himself \”Sindhu\”, forced … Read more : Hindu group calls for shutdown in west Nepal.

Alleged son of priest-founder of Legion says Catholic order knew his dad was a pedophile

Alleged son of Legion’s priest founder sues order

NEW YORK – A Mexican man says that leaders of an influential Roman Catholic religious order knew their founder was a child molester and did nothing to stop him.
Jose Raul Gonzalez is seeking unspecified damages from the Legionaires of Christ in a lawsuit filed Monday in Connecticut. The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Alleged son of priest-founder of Legion says Catholic order knew his dad was a pedophile.

Himachal Pradesh promises help for Buddhist ceremony

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Monday said the government would extend all help during a Buddhist ceremony that will be attended by the Tibetan spiritual guru the Dalai Lama in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district in 2013.

“The state would be extending best possible help for successful organisation of ‘Kalachakra’ scheduled to be …. Source  : Himachal Pradesh promises help for Buddhist ceremony.

Ramadan to begin August 11: UAE astronomer

Sharjah, June 21 (IANS/WAM) The Muslim holy month of Ramadan will begin August 11 and Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated September 10 this year, a UAE astronomer said.

Ibrahim Al Jarwan, astronomer and supervisor of the Sharjah Planetarium, said the crescent moon of the fasting month will be sighted Tuesday, August 10, and Wednesday (August 11) will … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ramadan to begin August 11: UAE astronomer.

Cardinal under investigation for corruption says he acted transparently and forgives accusers

Cardinal denies corruption allegations
VATICAN CITY – A cardinal under investigation in a sprawling corruption scandal denied wrongdoing and insisted Monday he acted for the good of the church while handling real estate transactions for the Vatican office that funds missionary work abroad.

Naples Cardinal Crecenzio Sepe told a press conference he forgave his accusers and was …. Read the original article  : Cardinal under investigation for corruption says he acted transparently and forgives accusers.

India helps fill gap in hallowed Nepal pilgrim shrine

KATHMANDU – Thousands of pilgrims will now have their journey to one of the most hallowed religious destinations made easier, thanks to the new dharamshala -accommodation for budget tourists – built by the Indian government in mountainous northern Nepal.

Journeying to the Muktinath temple in northern Nepal, revered by Buddhists, Hindus and Jains alike, came within … Read more : India helps fill gap in hallowed Nepal pilgrim shrine.

Sapling planted by Dalai Lama wilts

PATNA – A sapling of the Bodh tree planted by the Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama here has wilted due to negligence.

The sapling was planted at the Buddha Smriti Park about a month ago. A security guard at the park told IANS that the sapling had wilted. A park official blamed it on the hot …. Source  : Sapling planted by Dalai Lama wilts.

Candidate says Murfreesboro mosque part of movement to fracture Tenn’s moral foundation

Candidate denounces Murfreesboro mosque proposal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A Tennessee Republican candidate for Congress says plans to build a mosque in a Nashville suburb pose a threat to her state’s moral and political foundation.
In a Thursday evening statement, 6th District candidate Lou Ann Zelenik said she stands with those who oppose building what she calls “an …. Original article  : Candidate says Murfreesboro mosque part of movement to fracture Tenn’s moral foundation.

Pandharpur pilgrimage to be promoted as tourist attraction

PUNE/MUMBAI – As part of the golden jubilee of the formation of the state, Maharashtra will carry out a special promotion for the Pandharpur Padayatra (pilgrimage by foot), which attracts over a million devotees in July, an official said Thursday.

“This year, the MEDC (Maharashtra Economic Development Council), as part of the ‘Visit Golden Maharashtra’ tourism … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Pandharpur pilgrimage to be promoted as tourist attraction.

Keep away from Sikh religious matters, Badal tells Congress

SAMANA – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday asked the Congress party not to interfere in the religious matters of the Sikhs with an eye to the forthcoming Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) general elections.

Addressing a public rally in this town in Patiala district, 110 km from Chandigarh, Badal said the Congress …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Keep away from Sikh religious matters, Badal tells Congress.

Puri sees bath festival

PURI – The annual bath festival of the three deities at the temple town of Puri took place Saturday with thousands witnessing the event.

The deities of Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra were taken out of the temple in a ceremonial procession to the snana mandap – a bathing platform in the …. Original source  : Puri sees bath festival.

Unesco unhappy with Mahabodhi temple

PATNA – Eight years after the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar was declared a World Heritage Site, Unesco is unhappy with its management for flouting safety and maintenance guidelines.

“Unesco is unhappy over the continued practice of lighting fire lamps, candles and incense sticks near the Bodhi tree by devotees and conservation work at the site,” a … Original article on : Unesco unhappy with Mahabodhi temple.

All set for Amarnath yatra, pilgrims apprehensive

JAMMU – With shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir becoming routine and separatists demanding a curtailed Amarnath yatra, an air of uncertainty and apprehension has gripped thousands of Hindu pilgrims assembling here.

While pilgrims pouring into Jammu are happy about the arrangements made for the annual pilgrimage starting July 1, they feel that the situation in …. Read the original article  : All set for Amarnath yatra, pilgrims apprehensive.

Panel set up by Austria’s Catholic Church recommends up to ???25,000 ($30,700) for abuse victims

Austrian church readies abuse compensation

VIENNA – A special panel set up by Austria’s Roman Catholic Church says it is recommending payments of up to euro25,000 ($30,700) to those abused by clergy or church officials.
Panel officials say they recommend euro5,000 in compensation for minor cases, euro15,000 for more serious ones and euro25,000 for extremely grave instances …. Original source  : Panel set up by Austria’s Catholic Church recommends up to ???25,000 ($30,700) for abuse victims.

Pakistan monitor Google, 6 other sites for un-Islamic content

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has put seven major websites, including the Google search engine, under observation for hosting alleged un-Islamic material, officials said Friday.

The decision to monitor the leading sites was taken by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), after a court in eastern province of Punjab ordered Thursday to ban websites showing blasphemous matter.
PTA also … Read more >>>.

Vatican says it is ‘astonished’ at the Belgian police raid

Vatican ‘astonished’ at Belgian police raid

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has expressed “astonishment” and “dismay” that Belgian police raided the home and former office of the recently retired archbishop of Belgium as part of an investigation into priestly child abuse.
The Vatican said any sinful and criminal abuse of minors from members of the church must …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pakistan to monitor Google, other major sites for blasphemy; 17 smaller sites to be blocked

Pakistan watches Google, other sites for blasphemy

ISLAMABAD – An official says Pakistan will start monitoring seven major websites, including Google, for anti-Islamic content. It also is blocking at least 17 other, lesser-known sites it deems offensive to Muslims.
The decision comes in response to a recent order from a judge in Punjab province.
Pakistan Telecommunication Authority spokesman … Read more »»».

Vat Pournima Celebrated Today

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- There are many religious festivals that take place in India all round the year and some of them are celebrated in specific regions of the country. One such ceremony is vat pournima that is celebrated in the months May or June each year in states like Karnataka and Maharashtra in India …. Original source  : Vat Pournima Celebrated Today.

Pakistan school chain focuses on secular elites to win converts to conservative Islam

In Pakistan, Islamic schools for women thrive

ISLAMABAD – To its detractors, the Al-Huda chain of Islamic schools across Pakistan is a driver of conservative Islam, especially among the secular elite. But to the thousands who attend its classes across the country, it is a blessing.
Take Mariam Afzal, who says she was once so selfish she … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pakistan school chain focuses on secular elites to win converts to conservative Islam.

Reports: Vatican No. 2 says Belgian raids in abuse case are unprecedented even under Communism

Vatican No. 2 increases criticism of Belgian raids

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican’s No. 2 official says raids carried out by Belgian police investigating sex abuse allegations are unprecedented even under communism.
Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Vatican secretary of state, said Saturday that the raids were “an unheard-of and grave fact,” according to the ANSA and Apcom news … Read more »»».

Baha’i choir returns to capital after 24 years

NEW DELHI – Twenty-four years after the Baha’i choir performed at the Lotus Temple in the capital, the Baha’i house of worship once again reverberated with the “Voices of Baha”, a rainbow choir from 25 countries.

The choir that performed in India in 1986 on the eve of the temple’s 25th birthday to render gospel …. Source  : Baha’i choir returns to capital after 24 years.

613th birth anniversary of poet-saint Kabir celebrated

AGRA – More than 2,000 Kabirpanthis, followers of 15th century devotional poet Kabir Das, gathered here Saturday to celebrate his 613th birth anniversary or “praktyotsava (appearance in human form)” of the saint.

The one-day event at the Soor Sadan auditorium here included a satsang and recital of his ‘dohe (couplets)’ to the accompaniment of Kabiri musical … Read more : 613th birth anniversary of poet-saint Kabir celebrated.