Bihar to approach Sri Lanka for Bodhi tree sapling

PATNA – The Bihar government will approach Sri Lanka for another sapling of the Bodhi tree after the first one planted by Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama here wilted due to negligence, triggering anger in the Buddhist community.

Bihar Art and Culture Minister Renu Devi told IANS Monday over telephone that the state government will approach … Original article on : Bihar to approach Sri Lanka for Bodhi tree sapling.

Malaysian men wash corpses, counsel women in bid for young Muslim leader title on reality TV

Malaysia reality TV seeks young male Muslim leader

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The 10 young men have washed corpses according to Islamic rites, cried while counseling unmarried pregnant women and joined a police crackdown on teenage motorcycle racers – all before judges on national TV.
A Malaysian cable station has given a reality show makeover to its … Read : Malaysian men wash corpses, counsel women in bid for young Muslim leader title on reality TV.

Do’s and don’ts issued for Amarnath pilgrimage

SRINAGAR – The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) Sunday issued detailed Do’s and Don’ts for pilgrims to the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, saying they must first obtain a permit.

The chief executive officer of SASB, Raj Kumar Goyal, Sunday appealed to the yatris (pilgrims) to embark on the pilgrimage only after obtaining … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Do’s and don’ts issued for Amarnath pilgrimage.

Karachi wracked by spate of targeted killings, reflection of problems throughout Pakistan

Pakistan’s Karachi wracked by spate of killings
KARACHI, Pakistan – Asif Raza and his brother were killed days apart and in the same manner: gunned down on the streets of Pakistan’s largest city. Their relatives insist the pair was targeted by Sunni extremists only because they were Shiites.
Around the same time, Rizwan Qadri, a …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Karachi wracked by spate of targeted killings, reflection of problems throughout Pakistan.

Saudis provide mobile prayer rugs for football fans

RIYADH – Saudi religious police are laying prayer rugs in the streets to encourage football fans not to miss their prayers when watching World Cup matches, news reports said Sunday.

Small rugs have been rolled out at specially assigned places in Tahlia Street, one of Riyadh’s main thoroughfares, where football lovers gather to watch World Cup … Read : Saudis provide mobile prayer rugs for football fans.

Cremations to cost more, Indians unhappy

LEICESTER – The Indian community here is worried because the local city council has plans to hike the cost of cremation.

The Gilroes Crematorium, which carries out 3,200 cremations every year, may increase the fee from 500 to 610 pounds this year.
The increase is to be in the form of an “environmental levy” which the …. Read the original article  : Cremations to cost more, Indians unhappy.

Pope to create new Vatican office to fight secularization, re-evangelize West

Pope to create new office to fight secularization

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI is creating a new Vatican office to fight secularization and “re-evangelize” the West – a tacit acknowledgment that his attempts to reinvigorate Christianity in Europe haven’t succeeded and need a new boost.
Benedict announced the new office during a vespers’ service Monday, confirming … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope to create new Vatican office to fight secularization, re-evangelize West.

Somnath Trust plans temple-township

GANDHINAGAR – The Somnath Trust Monday decided to prepare a comprehensive temple-township plan for the temple complex and its surrounding region.

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani proposed and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi seconded the resolution at the 107th meeting of the trust held at Ahmedabad with former chief minister Keshubhai Petel in …. Original article  : Somnath Trust plans temple-township.

Vatican admonishes Austrian cardinal for his critical comments about former Vatican No. 2

Vatican admonishes Austrian cardinal for comments

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has admonished a leading cardinal for having publicly criticized the former Vatican No. 2 for his handling of clerical abuse cases.
In a remarkable statement Monday, the Vatican said only the pope can make such accusations against a cardinal.
In May, the Vienna archbishop, Cardinal Christoph Schoenborn, …. Read the original article  : here.

Pope deplores raids on Belgian bishops

Vatican City, June 28 (IANS/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI has criticised as “surprising and deplorable” the controversial raids conducted by Belgian police investigating alleged child sex abuse.

In a message to Belgian bishops Sunday, the pope expressed solidarity “in this moment of sadness”.
Benedict was sending a clear message to the head of the Belgian bishops’ … Read more : Pope deplores raids on Belgian bishops.

Bihar to approach Sri Lanka for Bodhi tree sapling

PATNA – The Bihar government will approach Sri Lanka for another sapling of the Bodhi tree after the first one planted by Tibetan leader the Dalai Lama here wilted due to negligence, triggering anger in the Buddhist community.

Bihar Art and Culture Minister Renu Devi told IANS Monday over telephone that the state government will approach … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bihar to approach Sri Lanka for Bodhi tree sapling.

Malaysian men wash corpses, counsel women in bid for young Muslim leader title on reality TV

Malaysia reality TV seeks young male Muslim leader

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The 10 young men have washed corpses according to Islamic rites, cried while counseling unmarried pregnant women and joined a police crackdown on teenage motorcycle racers – all before judges on national TV.
A Malaysian cable station has given a reality show makeover to its …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Malaysian men wash corpses, counsel women in bid for young Muslim leader title on reality TV.

Do’s and don’ts issued for Amarnath pilgrimage

SRINAGAR – The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) Sunday issued detailed Do’s and Don’ts for pilgrims to the Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir, saying they must first obtain a permit.

The chief executive officer of SASB, Raj Kumar Goyal, Sunday appealed to the yatris (pilgrims) to embark on the pilgrimage only after obtaining …. Source  : Do’s and don’ts issued for Amarnath pilgrimage.

Karachi wracked by spate of targeted killings, reflection of problems throughout Pakistan

Pakistan’s Karachi wracked by spate of killings
KARACHI, Pakistan – Asif Raza and his brother were killed days apart and in the same manner: gunned down on the streets of Pakistan’s largest city. Their relatives insist the pair was targeted by Sunni extremists only because they were Shiites.
Around the same time, Rizwan Qadri, a …. Original source  : Karachi wracked by spate of targeted killings, reflection of problems throughout Pakistan.

Saudis provide mobile prayer rugs for football fans

RIYADH – Saudi religious police are laying prayer rugs in the streets to encourage football fans not to miss their prayers when watching World Cup matches, news reports said Sunday.

Small rugs have been rolled out at specially assigned places in Tahlia Street, one of Riyadh’s main thoroughfares, where football lovers gather to watch World Cup …. Source  : Saudis provide mobile prayer rugs for football fans.

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 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

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 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 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 … Original article on : 613th birth anniversary of poet-saint Kabir celebrated.

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 article on Gaea Times at  : 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 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : 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 … Original article on : 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 … Read more >>.

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 the original article on Gaea Times at : Pakistan monitor Google, 6 other sites for un-Islamic content.

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.

Tight security for famed Amarnath Yatra

SRINAGAR – With the Amarnath Yatra set to start Thursday amid turmoil in the Kashmir Valley, authorities say foolproof arrangements are in place to protect the tens of thousands of pilgrims.

“A multi-layer security arrangement is in place to provide security to the pilgrims. The entire route from the Jawahar Tunnel to the base camps of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tight security for famed Amarnath Yatra.

50th parish to close in Cleveland Catholic church downsizing blamed on money, attendance woes

50th parish to close in huge Cleveland downsizing

CLEVELAND – They prayed the rosary in public and picketed outside the bishop’s office. They held Mass on the sidewalk in the rain.
But the angry Catholics of the Cleveland diocese have watched helplessly as, one by one, 50 churches have been shuttered in the past year.
And on Wednesday, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 50th parish to close in Cleveland Catholic church downsizing blamed on money, attendance woes.

Nevada GOP nominee backs away from remark linking 2nd Amendment, need to ‘take Harry Reid out’

Nevada’s Angle retracts comment to ‘take out’ Reid

LOS ANGELES – Nevada Senate candidate Sharron Angle backed away Tuesday from remarks in which she referred to the Second Amendment right to bear arms and the need to “take … out” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Angle, in her first extended Nevada interview since winning the June 8 …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

First batch of Amarnath pilgrims leave Jammu

JAMMU – The first batch of nearly 1,300 pilgrims Wednesday morning left for the Himalayan cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir from here.

There were 233 women and 32 children in the first batch of 1,272 pilgrims.
Their pilgrimage was flagged off by state Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora, who said: “Adequate security arrangements … Read more : First batch of Amarnath pilgrims leave Jammu.

Nation of Islam leader accuses Jews of ‘anti-black’ behavior, asks for dialogue

Farrakhan charges Jews with ‘anti-black’ behavior

CHICAGO – Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan has written the leaders of more than a dozen major U.S. Jewish groups and denominations seeking “repair of my people from the damage” he claims Jews have caused blacks for centuries.
Farrakhan sent the letter along with two books from the Nation of … Read more »»».

Nation of Islam leader Farrakhan accuses Jews of ‘anti-black’ behavior, asks for dialogue

Farrakhan accuses Jews of ‘anti-black’ behavior

CHICAGO – Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan has written Jewish organizations nationwide accusing Jews of hurting blacks and seeking what he calls “repair of my people from the damage.”
Farrakhan has long floated conspiracy theories and made accusations about Jews but the June 24 letter directly addressing Jewish groups is …. Original source  : Nation of Islam leader Farrakhan accuses Jews of ‘anti-black’ behavior, asks for dialogue.

3,000 BSF personnel airlifted to Kashmir

NEW DELHI – Some 3,000 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have been sent to the Kashmir Valley to be part of the multi-layer security net for the annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine that begins July 1, officials said Tuesday.

The paramilitary personnel were airlifted by special aircraft in the last couple of days …. Read the original article  : 3,000 BSF personnel airlifted to Kashmir.

‘Amarnath pilgrimage will be on schedule’

JAMMU – Despite a law and order scare in Kashmir, especially on both the routes leading to the Amarnath cave shrine, the authorities in Jammu were determined to flag off the first batch of pilgrims from here Wednesday morning.

The first batch of the pilgrims is expected to reach the shrine, located at a height of …. Read the original article  : ‘Amarnath pilgrimage will be on schedule’.

Top three of Bangladesh religious party arrested

DHAKA – Three top officials of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), the country’s largest Islamist party, were arrested Tuesday on charges of hurting Muslim religious sentiments.

JeI’s ameer (chief) Maulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, its secretary general Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mojaheed and naib ameer (vice-president) Delwar Hossain Saydee were arrested hours after a Dhaka court ordered their arrest, Star …. Source  : Top three of Bangladesh religious party arrested.

Saibaba Live Darshan: Watch Shirdi Sai baba Live Streaming

SHIRDI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — A great news awaiting for devotees of Saibaba. Now they can watch live streaming of Shirdi Sai baba sitting far away from the holy place of Shirdi.
As you know, Sai baba is worshiped as religious Guru. In India, he is regarded as Fakir, who tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam. … Read more >>>.

We are open to all, says Church of England after complaint

LONDON – Following complaints by South Asian Christians that they are not welcome in mainstream churches, the Church of England has assured the community that steps will be taken to reverse the situation and stressed that they are “open to all”.

The church’s response came after the BBC Asian Network broadcast a special show earlier …. Source article  : We are open to all, says Church of England after complaint.

15,000 pilgrims start this year’s Amarnath Yatra

SRINAGAR – The annual Amarnath pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir kicked off Thursday with over 15,000 pilgrims beginning the climb to the cave shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.

“More than 7,000 yatris began their uphill 14-km trek at 8 a.m. Thursday from Baltal to the cave. Another batch of 1,100 yatris has also … Read more : 15,000 pilgrims start this year’s Amarnath Yatra.

50th parish closing in Cleveland Catholic church downsizing blamed on money, attendance woes

50th Catholic parish is closing in Cleveland

CLEVELAND – A bell tolled solemnly as a man read the names of the fallen churches like a list of dearly departed saints.
St. Hedwig’s, recently sold to a drug rehabilitation agency. St. Andrew’s, demolished months ago.
Now joining them is St. Emeric’s, an old Hungarian parish, where about 100 parishioners …. Source  : 50th parish closing in Cleveland Catholic church downsizing blamed on money, attendance woes.

Lawsuit claims church protected abusive Salesian priest with transfers to 3 continents

Lawsuit: Church protected abusive Salesian priest

LOS ANGELES – A man who alleges he was abused in the 1960s by a priest who belonged to the Salesian order of the Roman Catholic church has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles against the religious order and the Vatican.
The lawsuit filed Wednesday seeks unspecified damages.
Court papers allege the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Lawsuit claims church protected abusive Salesian priest with transfers to 3 continents.

Woman sues Omaha builder over firing, says boss believed unborn child had ‘negative energy’

Woman sues Omaha homebuilder for discrimination

OMAHA, Neb. – A woman was fired last year by an Omaha homebuilder because the company’s CEO believed her unborn child carried “negative energy,” according to a federal lawsuit.
Jammie Harms, 34, of Lincoln, says in her lawsuit against Hearthstone Homes that she suffered religious, gender and pregnancy discrimination that led … Original article on : Woman sues Omaha builder over firing, says boss believed unborn child had ‘negative energy’.

Icelandic prime minister’s historic gay marriage follows long tradition of Nordic tolerance

Icelandic leader in milestone gay marriage

STOCKHOLM – Iceland’s prime minister made history last week when she wed her longtime girlfriend, becoming the world’s first head of government to enter a gay marriage.
But fellow Nordic nations hardly noticed when 67-year-old Johanna Sigurdardottir tied the knot with her longtime partner – a milestone that would still, despite …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Icelandic prime minister’s historic gay marriage follows long tradition of Nordic tolerance.

Pope shuffles Vatican bureaucracy, names head of new office to fight secularization

Pope shuffles Vatican bureaucracy before vacation

VATICAN CITY – Preoccupied for months by the clerical sex abuse scandal, the pope on Wednesday shuffled the Vatican bureaucracy before heading off on vacation. His most significant appointment: the head of a new office designed to fight secularism in the West.
Pope Benedict XVI tapped a trusted Italian, Monsignor Rino … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pope shuffles Vatican bureaucracy, names head of new office to fight secularization.

Amarnath Yatra begins

JAMMU – The Amarnath Yatra began Wednesday morning with the first batch of nearly 1,300 pilgrims leaving here for the Himalayan cave shrine in south Kashmir amid rising tensions in the valley.

There were 233 women and 32 children in the first batch of 1,272 pilgrims.
The pilgrimage was flagged off by state Tourism Minister … Read : Amarnath Yatra begins.

Pope creates new Vatican office to fight secularization, re-evangelize West

Vatican shuffles top posts
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has shuffled some of its top positions.

The Vatican announced on Wednesday that Monsignor Rino Fisichella has been tapped to head a new Vatican office to fight secularization and re-evangelize the West. The move is a tacit acknowledgment that attempts to reinvigorate Christianity in Europe need a boost.
Fisichella …. Source  : Pope creates new Vatican office to fight secularization, re-evangelize West.

Film on legendary Sikh warrior released

CHANDIGARH – The Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikh religion, Wednesday released a one-hour telefilm “Baba Banda Singh Bahadar” to pay tribute to the legendary warrior.

The telefilm, made to mark the 300th anniversary of Bahadar’s Sirhind Fateh Divas (win) in May, was released by Gurbachan Singh, jathedar (head priest) of Akal Takht, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Film on legendary Sikh warrior released.

Italy appeals to court to overturn crucifix ban

Strasbourg, June 30 (IANS/AKI) The Italian government Wednesday launched an appeal in the European Court of Human Rights to overturn a ban on crucifixes in the classrooms of public schools.

The case against crucifixes was brought by Soile Lautsi, an Italian mother, who believes her children have a right to a secular education under Italy’s …. Original source  : Italy appeals to court to overturn crucifix ban.

Amarnath Yatra continues smoothly

SRINAGAR – The Amarnath pilgrimage proceeded smoothly from south Kashmir’s Nunwan and north Kashmir’s Baltal base camps Friday despite restrictions in the valley to thwart the proposed separatist rally here.

“We have allowed 7,500 pilgrims to move towards the cave shrine from the Baltal base camp early this (Friday) morning,” Imtiyaz Hussain, superintendent of police, … Original article on : Amarnath Yatra continues smoothly.

Reyes, Pagan missing from Mets starting lineup for 2nd game in a row with injuries

Reyes, Pagan again out of Mets starting lineup

WASHINGTON – Jose Reyes was out of the New York Mets’ starting lineup Thursday for a second consecutive game because of tightness in his lower back.
Reyes, who was scratched from Wednesday’s game in San Juan, Puerto Rico, against the Florida Marlins because of the problem, said he needed …. Source article  : Reyes, Pagan missing from Mets starting lineup for 2nd game in a row with injuries.

Protesters end sit-in at Cleveland church being shuttered by Roman Catholic diocese

Protesters end sit-in at closing Cleveland church

CLEVELAND – Carrying U.S. and Hungarian flags, parishioners ended a 16-hour sit-in at a Cleveland Catholic church that is closing after police told them Thursday they would be trespassing if they did not leave.
The protesters staged a vigil at midnight Wednesday at the 106-year-old St. Emeric Church near downtown …. Original article  : Protesters end sit-in at Cleveland church being shuttered by Roman Catholic diocese.

Amarnath yatra begins peacefully, curfew extended across Valley (Intro Roundup)

SRINAGAR – The annual pilgrimage to a Himalayan cave shrine kicked off Thursday under heavy security cover amid the continuing turmoil in Kashmir. There were fewer street protests but the authorities extended the curfew in this summer capital and other towns in the Valley in an attempt to stall a threatened march here by the … Read more : Amarnath yatra begins peacefully, curfew extended across Valley (Intro Roundup).

UAE families to get free dry fruits during Ramadan

Abu Dhabi, July 1 (IANS/WAM) Around 45,000 families in the United Arab Emirates will get free dry fruits and other food items that are consumed by Muslims observing the month-long fast during Ramadan.

Under the project “Ramadan Supplies for 2010″, the Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Charity Foundation in cooperation with the ministry of social … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UAE families to get free dry fruits during Ramadan.

Parishioners lock themselves inside closed Cleveland Catholic church in protest

Faithful refuse to leave closed Cleveland church

CLEVELAND – Several members of the last of 50 Cleveland-area Roman Catholic parishes shuttered in a downsizing locked themselves inside Thursday, declaring they were well-stocked with food and ready to stay “for a long time” in order to save their church.
Meanwhile, police and officials of St. Emeric Church near …. Original source  : Parishioners lock themselves inside closed Cleveland Catholic church in protest.

Britain delays new EU airport security rules over Sikh concerns

LONDON – Britain has delayed implementation of new European Union (EU) airport security rules for hand searches of passengers after concerns from the Sikh community that this could also mean searches of their religious headgear, officials Thursday said.

Consultations are currently going on with the Sikh community over the issue, a spokesperson of the …. Original article  : Britain delays new EU airport security rules over Sikh concerns.

Amarnath yatra begins peacefully amid turmoil in Kashmir (Roundup)

SRINAGAR – The annual pilgrimage to a Himalayan cave shrine kicked off Thursday under heavy security cover amid the continuing turmoil in Kashmir. But there were fewer street protests as compared to previous days that had forced authorities to impose curfew in parts of the valley.

Over 16,000 pilgrims started the climb to the south Kashmir … Read : Amarnath yatra begins peacefully amid turmoil in Kashmir (Roundup).

Pope meets controversial German bishop

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI received controversial ex-Augsburg bishop Walter Mixa for a private audience Thursday, with the pontiff definitively ruling out Mixa regaining his post.

In a Vatican statement about the meeting between the two men who have known each other for years – Benedict is the former Cardinal Ratzinger from Munich – the … Original article on : Pope meets controversial German bishop.

Pope names Swiss archbishop Koch to head Vatican office for relations with Christians, Jews

Pope names new head of ecumenical relations office

VATICAN CITY – The pope has named a Swiss bishop with experience dealing with Orthodox and Lutheran churches to head the Vatican office responsible for relations with other Christians and Jews.
Archbishop Kurt Koch replaces Cardinal Walter Kasper as head of the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity. Kasper, 77, …. Read the original article  : Pope names Swiss archbishop Koch to head Vatican office for relations with Christians, Jews.

Tory MP moves private bill to outlaw ‘burqa’

LONDON – Conservative MP Philip Hollobone has introduced a private member’s bill in the British Parliament to regulate the wearing of “certain facial coverings” that would include the ‘burqa’.

The MP from Kettering said his bill would make it illegal for people to cover their faces in public “which would obviously have a big impact …. Original article  : Tory MP moves private bill to outlaw ‘burqa’.

Pope lays out terms for accused German bishop to resume work; urges forgiveness

Pope lays out terms for accused German bishop

VATICAN CITY – The pope on Thursday told a German bishop who resigned amid accusations of physical abuse, sexual harassment and alcoholism that he must take time for silent prayer, treatment and reconciliation if he wants to return to pastoral work.
Pope Benedict XVI laid out the terms for … Read more »».

Moily’s Ramayana weaves current realities into epic

NEW DELHI – Union Law and Justice Minister M. Veerappa Moily, also a Kannada scholar-poet-playwright, has woven burning contemporary realities into his modern re-telling of the 2,000-year-old Indian epic – Ramayana.

In his “Shree Ramayana Mahanveshanam”, Sita is anguished when she finds an “alcoholic husband harassing his wife”, king Rama vows to “work tirelessly for the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Moily’s Ramayana weaves current realities into epic.

Millions mourn death of religious leader in West African nation of Senegal

Millions mourn death of Senegal religious leader

DAKAR, Senegal – The spiritual chief of Senegal, who assumed leadership of the West African nation’s most powerful Muslim brotherhood three years ago, has died. He was 85.
Serigne Bara Falilou Mbacke died of natural causes late Wednesday in the holy Senegalese city of Touba, Prime Minister Souleymane Ndene Ndiaye … Original source on Gaea Times at : Millions mourn death of religious leader in West African nation of Senegal.

Vatican backs cardinal named in graft probe

Vatican City, July 1 (IANS/AKI) The Vatican has expressed its “respect and solidarity” with a cardinal who has been named in a graft probe in Italy.

Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, archbishop of Naples, led the Vatican’s office which funds missionary work abroad and has been linked to several shady property deals involving a former government minister. … Read more : Vatican backs cardinal named in graft probe.

15,000 start Amarnath Yatra amid Kashmir turmoil

SRINAGAR – The annual Amarnath pilgrimage kicked off from the Kashmir Valley Thursday with over 15,000 men and women beginning the climb to the cave shrine dedicated to Hindu god Shiva.

“More than 7,000 yatris began their uphill 14-km trek at 8 Thursday morning from Baltal to the cave. Another 1,100 yatris has left the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Nepal’s ‘Living Goddess’ passes acid test

KATHMANDU – An extraordinary 15-year-old girl, who never went to school after being chosen as a ‘Kumari’ or ‘Living Goddess’ of Nepal revered by thousands of Hindus and Buddhists, has created history by becoming the first goddess to pass the tough school-leaving examination that leaves thousands floundering every year.

Chanira Bajracharya, one of the three ‘Kumaris’ …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal’s ‘Living Goddess’ passes acid test.

Jammu rebuffs shutdown call

JAMMU – A shutdown called by a Hindu group against alleged harassment of Amarnath pilgrims in the Kashmir Valley Saturday evoked no response in the Hindu-dominated Jammu region.

All shops and businesses were open and traffic plied normally in Jammu and other towns in defiance of the call by the Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti. …. Original source  : Jammu rebuffs shutdown call.

European case over crucifixes in classrooms divides nations that will have to abide by ruling

European unity tested over crucifixes in classroom

ROME – An emotional debate over crucifixes in classrooms is opening a new crack in European unity.
It all started in a small town in northern Italy, where Finnish-born Soile Lautsi was so shocked by the sight of crosses above the blackboard in her children’s public school classroom that she … Read more : European case over crucifixes in classrooms divides nations that will have to abide by ruling.

AP INTERVIEW: Jewish, Catholic leaders say Oberammergau Passion Play more balanced

AP INTERVIEW: Passion Play called more balanced

BERLIN – The redo of Germany’s famous Oberammergau Passion Play apparently works.
A prominent American rabbi and the archbishop of New York said Friday that this year’s production is more balanced than in the past, after the director removed several stereotypes that had raised concerns of anti-Semitism.
New York’s Roman Catholic … Read : AP INTERVIEW: Jewish, Catholic leaders say Oberammergau Passion Play more balanced.

Jammu shutdown call has few supporters

JAMMU – The Jammu shutdown call given by Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (SAYSS), a group of social, political and religious organisations, for Saturday hasn’t many supporters among the people as it will “disturb” the peace of the region.

“Sorry, we are not going to support you this time. We will not allow you to spoil … Read : Jammu shutdown call has few supporters.

Poland holds presidential runoff between acting leader and dead president’s twin brother

Twin brother or acting leader? Poles to choose

WARSAW, Poland – Poland holds a presidential runoff Sunday between the former leader’s charismatic twin brother and the country’s dutiful acting president, men with similar anti-communist roots and Catholic backgrounds but sharply different outlooks.
The outcome is expected to shape Poland’s economy as well as determine how soon it …. Source article  : Poland holds presidential runoff between acting leader and dead president’s twin brother.

Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric, Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, dies in hospital near Beirut at 75

Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric Fadlallah dies at 75

BEIRUT – Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, died Sunday after a long illness, a close aide and a hospital official said. He was 75.
Fadlallah, known for his staunch anti-American stance, was instrumental in the rise of Lebanon’s Shiites in the past decades and had … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric, Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, dies in hospital near Beirut at 75.

Amarnath Yatra interrupted due to bad weather

SRINAGAR – The Amarnath Yatra was Sunday interrupted as the passage of pilgrims at various safe shelters along the north and south Kashmir treks to the cave shrine was stopped due to inclement weather.

“We allowed 6,570 yatris to proceed towards the holy cave from the Baltal base camp in the morning today (Sunday). But as …. Read the original article  : Amarnath Yatra interrupted due to bad weather.

World’s most celebrated monk turns 75 Tuesday

DHARAMSALA – ‘His Holiness’, ‘Guruji’ and the ‘Dalai Lama’ are the more famous terms by which he is known. But as Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, turns 75 years old Tuesday, the landmark birthday will just be another day in the life of this ’simple Buddhist monk’ as he describes himself.

Born July 6, 1935, …. Read the original article  : World’s most celebrated monk turns 75 Tuesday.

Tirumala Temple: Authorities Refute Jewelry Larceny

TIRUPATI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Authorities of the world famous Tirumala Temple in the state of Andhra Pradesh have refuted charges that jewelry of Lord Venkateshwara of the temple has been missing. The administration of the temple has recently come under the scanner after multiple reports emerged in vernacular dailies that alleged that certain jewelry belonging … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tirumala Temple: Authorities Refute Jewelry Larceny.

Saying it with stones at an Uttar Pradesh temple

ETAWAH – People carry stones in their hands, looking out for more, some running, while others walk swiftly in a particular direction. No, the group is not getting ready for a fight, but going to a temple where stones are offered to appease the deity.

Welcome to the Bhujanga Devi temple in Naglabheekan village in Uttar … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Saying it with stones at an Uttar Pradesh temple.

Islamic hard-liners in Indonesia pledge war against Christians; government remains silent

Indonesian Islamists eye proselytizing Christians

BEKASI, Indonesia – A banner with a picture of a young, bespectacled Christian man is draped in front of a mosque, a fiery noose around his neck and the words, “This man deserves the death penalty!”
Churches are shut down. And an Islamic youth militia held its first day of training.
Though the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Islamic hard-liners in Indonesia pledge war against Christians; government remains silent.

Pope urges more protection for Christians in Iraq

Vatican City, July 3 (IANS/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI has urged Iraqi authorities to give more protection to Christians and other religious minorities in the insurgency-hit country.

Iraq’s new government needs to urgently implement measures designed to improve security for all sectors of the population but especially its various minorities, he said.
The pontiff reminded Iraq’s …. Source article  : Pope urges more protection for Christians in Iraq.

Meet next wave of tea party candidates, looking to upend status quo from Alaska to Tennessee

Tea party’s next wave rising in Alaska to Colorado
Rifle through a stack of tea party candidate resumes, and Joe Miller’s will stand out.
The man who wants to turn a fellow Republican, Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, out of office is a graduate of Yale Law School and West Point, a decorated …. Source article  : Meet next wave of tea party candidates, looking to upend status quo from Alaska to Tennessee.

UK considering letting gay couples include religious elements in civil partnership ceremonies

UK considers religious gay union ceremonies

LONDON – Britain’s government is considering letting same-sex couples include religious elements in civil partnership ceremonies.
Equalities Minister Lynne Featherstone says the government’s review of gay equality rights will consider allowing homosexual couples to include hymn singing and religious readings in their union ceremonies.
Parliament recently removed the ban on same-sex unions … Read more »».