Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for July 5-12, 2010

Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for July 5-12, 2010

Monday, July 12, 2010

Exit polls in Polish presidential election show Komorowski as likely winner

Exit polls in Polish election give Komorowski edge

WARSAW, Poland – Exit polls in Poland’s presidential election show Bronislaw Komorowski with a slight edge over the late president’s identical twin brother, Jaroslaw Kaczynski.
An exit poll released Sunday by the TNS OBOP institute predicted Komorowski winning 53.1 percent of the vote, while Kaczynski won 46.9 percent.
A separate … Original source on Gaea Times at : Exit polls in Polish presidential election show Komorowski as likely winner.

Lebanon’s revered Shiite cleric, Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, dies at 75

Top Lebanese Shiite cleric Fadlallah dies at 75

BEIRUT – The leading Shiite cleric in Lebanon and one of the sect’s most revered religious authorities, Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, died Sunday after a long illness. He was 75.
Fadlallah’s doctor, Hashem Noureddine, told The Associated Press that the cleric, who had been hospitalized for the past … Original article on : Lebanon’s revered Shiite cleric, Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, dies at 75.

Pilgrims return after Amarnath shrine visit

JAMMU – Scores of Amarnath pilgrims have started returning to Jammu after offering prayers at the holy cave shrine in Kashmir with many of them Sunday describing their experience as memorable.

Officials said nearly 12,000 pilgrims have visited the shrine, located the height of 13,500 feet above sea level.
“It was a great experience, … Original article on : Pilgrims return after Amarnath shrine visit.

Islamist hard-liners in Indonesia target Christians; government at a loss to respond

Indonesian Islamists open front against Christians

BEKASI, Indonesia – Days after rumors spread across this industrial city that Christians were conducting a mass baptism, hard-line Islamic leaders called for local mosques to create a youth guard to act as moral police and put a quick stop to forced conversions.
They started training early Saturday morning, around 100 … Read more >>>.

UAE charity launches Ramadan ration project

Abu Dhabi, July 4 (IANS/WAM) The UAE’s Khalifa Foundation for Charitable Works will distribute 20,000 tonnes of food to the people during the holy month of Ramadan.

“People will receive the ration through 24 centres set up nationwide by the foundation in coordination with the labour ministry,” Mohammed Haji Khouri, director general of the foundation, said … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : UAE charity launches Ramadan ration project.

Lebanese Shias mourning death of leader Fadlallah

BEIRUT – Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, the leading Shia cleric in Lebanon and a figure seen as being a spiritual mentor to Hezbollah, died Sunday aged 75.

Fadlallah was admitted Friday to a hospital in Beirut’s southern suburbs, suffering from liver problems.
Mourners began gathering Sunday at the Imam al-Hassanein mosque in Haret Hreik, a …. Read the original article : here.

Poles choose between acting leader and dead president’s twin brother in presidential runoff

Poles pick president in final round of voting

WARSAW, Poland – The twin brother of Poland’s late president sought to succeed him in office on Sunday in a tight runoff election that will determine how far this former communist country goes in embracing free-market reforms.
Both presidential candidates, Jaroslaw Kaczynski and Bronislaw Komorowski, are former anti-communist activists …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Poles choose between acting leader and dead president’s twin brother in presidential runoff.

Lebanese Shia cleric dies

BEIRUT – Lebanese Shia cleric Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah died Sunday at the age of 75.

Fadlallah died at Beirut’s Bahman Hospital, where he was being treated for internal bleeding since Friday, Xinhua reported.
He was a supporter of Iran’s Islamic Revolution and the spiritual leader and mentor of Lebanon’s Shia armed group Hezbollah. …. Original article : Lebanese Shia cleric dies.

Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday celebrated in Dharamsala

DHARAMSALA – Braving heavy rains thousands of Tibetan exiles Tuesday attended celebrations to mark the 75th birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here in Himachal Pradesh.

Large crowds began to assemble since morning at the Tsuglagkhang temple to join the birthday celebrations.
“Special prayer sessions were held for the well-being and long life … Read more >>.

Nepal cracks down on Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations

KATHMANDU – Mindful of China’s displeasure, Nepal’s caretaker government Tuesday cracked down on the birthday celebrations of exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, preventing mass prayers in monasteries and asking its own lawmakers to stay away.

Hundreds of riot police personnel were deployed in the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath areas of Kathmandu valley, where some of the …. Source : Nepal cracks down on Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations.

Catholic Church seeks pardons in Chile, including some guilty of crimes against humanity

Church asks Chile pardons, including rights abuses

SANTIAGO, Chile – The Roman Catholic Church is petitioning Chile’s government for prisoner pardons that would include people responsible for crimes against humanity, angering rights activists and some conservatives.
The church is asking for the pardons as part of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Chile’s independence on Sept. …. Read the original article : here.

Another 12,500 pilgrims head for Amarnath

SRINAGAR – Over 12,500 pilgrims left for the Amarnath cave shrine Monday from south Kashmir’s Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Baltal base camps.

Despite incidents of violence in the Valley, the annual pilgrimage has been proceeding normally here since it began July 1.
According to sources, 6,949 pilgrims left for the holy cave, located at the height of … Read more : Another 12,500 pilgrims head for Amarnath.

Indian dies after Kailash pilgrimage

KATHMANDU – A 60-year-old Indian from Gujarat died after pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, one of the holiest religious sites venerated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.

Himmat Lal Chudasama from Rajkot town died in his plush Kathmandu hotel Sunday, within 24 hours of returning from the mountain in Tibet, considered the abode of the gods themselves.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian dies after Kailash pilgrimage.

French parliament opens debate on veil ban

PARIS – The French parliament late Tuesday began debating a proposed law to ban veiling of faces in public, a controversial move aimed mainly at traditional dress worn by some Muslim women.

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

FM: Spain ’satisfied’ with Catholic Church’s work on human rights in Cuba, but wants more

FM: Spain wants more progress on Cuba human rights

HAVANA – Spain hopes Cuba’s agreement with Roman Catholic leaders that led to the release of one political prisoner for health reasons and transfers to jails closer to home for a dozen others is just the beginning, the Spanish foreign minister said Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, … Original source on Gaea Times at : FM: Spain ’satisfied’ with Catholic Church’s work on human rights in Cuba, but wants more.

Thousands attend funeral of Hezbollah leader

BEIRUT – Tens of thousands of mostly Muslim Shiites Tuesday attended the funeral of Lebanon’s leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah.

Fadlallah, who was regarded as the spiritual mentor to the militant Hezbollah group and blacklisted as a terrorist by the United States, died in Beirut Sunday, two days after being admitted to hospital. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thousands attend funeral of Hezbollah leader.

Art of Living rejects allegation of land grabbing

BANGALORE – The Art of Living (AoL) of spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Tuesday denied allegations that it has illegally grabbed 14 acres of land near its ashram in Bangalore.

The foundation issued details of 139.5 acres of land in its possession, following allegations that it has encroached 14 acres of land adjacent to its …. Original source : Art of Living rejects allegation of land grabbing.

Church of England reportedly considers making gay priest a bishop

A gay bishop for the Church of England?
LONDON – The Church of England may be on the verge of promoting a gay priest to bishop, a step that would widen the split over sexuality in the global Anglican Communion.

If that happens, it would appear to be a significant turnaround for Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, …. Original article : Church of England reportedly considers making gay priest a bishop.

Personality cult rising up around Kazakh president as he celebrates 70th birthday

Personality cult rises up around Kazakh president

ALMATY, Kazakhstan – Kazakhs held street parties, concerts and firework displays Tuesday on the 70th birthday of their president – who has capped off a busy month that has seen him effectively appointed leader for life.
Ostensibly, the reason for the festivities was to mark the 12th anniversary of Astana … Read more >>.

Prayers mark Dalai Lama’s birthday in Karnataka

BANGALORE – Prayers and cultural activities at India’s largest Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe in Karnataka marked the 75th birthday of Tibet’s temporal and spiritual head the Dalai Lama.

The celebrations began with Tibetan flag hoisting. Saplings were planted, according to Phuntsok Tsering, in-charge of the settlement.
Celebrations were also held at Mundgod settlement in Uttara Kannada …. Read the original article : Prayers mark Dalai Lama’s birthday in Karnataka.

Dalai Lama Turns 75

DHARAMSHALA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Dalai Lama turns 75 today. His birthday is being celebrated throughout the country with much aplomb, though with a tinge of sadness at his home country, Tibet not taking part in the celebrations.
The Tibetan leader who has been in exile ever since he left Tibet in the year 1959, today celebrated …. Read the original article : Dalai Lama Turns 75.

Tens of thousands gather for mass funeral of Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric

Tens of thousands march in Shiite cleric’s funeral

BEIRUT – Tens of thousands of people swarmed around the coffin of Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric as it made its way through the streets of south Beirut to the mosque for burial on Tuesday.
Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, 75, died Sunday after a long illness. The cleric was …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Prayers in Delhi for Dalai Lama’s birthday

NEW DELHI – Mass prayers, sapling plantation and a cultural show were held in the capital Tuesday to mark the 75th birthday of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.

A group of over 500 Tibetans assembled at the Tibetan colony near Majnu Ka Tila in north Delhi in the morning and offered prayers for the Dalai …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Prayers in Delhi for Dalai Lama’s birthday.

French parliament to start debating bill to ban burqa-style veils in public

French parliament debates ban on burqa-style veils

PARIS – France’s hotly debated bill to ban burqa-style Islamic veils in public is going before parliament, with President Nicolas Sarkozy’s government casting the measure as a way to promote equality between the sexes and protect oppressed women.
The bill being debated Tuesday is widely expected to become law, despite …. Read the original article : here.

Fungus preys on ‘meditating monk’s’ mummy

GEU – The mummified body of a ‘meditating monk’ believed to be 550 years old is wasting away. Fungus has set in and loss of body mass is causing concern among the residents of this village in Lahaul and Spiti district as they worship it.

Villagers believe that the mummified lama was sitting in deep meditation … Read more >>>.

Catholic Church says Cuba agrees to free 52 political prisoners, nearly a third of all held

Church: Cuba agrees to free 52 political prisoners

HAVANA – Cuba has promised the Roman Catholic Church it will free 52 political prisoners, slashing the number it holds by nearly a third in what would be the communist-run island’s largest release of dissidents since Pope John Paul II visited in 1998.
Five would be released inititially and …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Catholic Church says Cuba agrees to free 52 political prisoners, nearly a third of all held.

Malaysia appoints 1st female Islamic court judges to curb discrimination against women

Malaysia appoints 1st female Islamic court judges

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s Islamic Shariah courts have appointed their first female judges – a move praised by women’s rights activists Thursday as a boost for a judicial system often accused of favoring men.
Suraya Ramli and Rafidah Abdul Razak, formerly officials at the government’s Islamic judicial department, were …. Original article : Malaysia appoints 1st female Islamic court judges to curb discrimination against women.

Catholic Church says Cuba offers to free 52 political prisoners, let them leave country

Church: Cuba offers to free 52 political prisoners

HAVANA – The Roman Catholic Church said Wednesday that Cuba’s communist government has agreed to free 52 political prisoners and allow them to leave the country in what would be the island’s largest mass liberation of dissidents in decades.
Five would be released in a matter of hours and … Read more : Catholic Church says Cuba offers to free 52 political prisoners, let them leave country.

Catholic Church says Cuba offers to free 47 political prisoners, let them leave country

Church: Cuba offers to free 47 political prisoners

HAVANA – Cuba’s Roman Catholic Church said Wednesday that the communist government has agreed to free 47 political prisoners and allow them to leave the country in what would be the largest mass liberation of prisoners of conscience on the island in decades.
The announcement followed a meeting between … Read more : Catholic Church says Cuba offers to free 47 political prisoners, let them leave country.

Anxiety seems to fuel religious extremism

TORONTO – Anxiety and uncertainty can egg us on to become more radical in our religious beliefs, according to a series of new studies.

In the studies, conducted by York University researchers, more than 600 participants were placed in anxiety-provoking or neutral situations.
They were then asked to describe their personal goals and rate their …. Source : Anxiety seems to fuel religious extremism.

Iranian organization issues guidelines for modest hairstyles to combat ‘Western’ fashion

Iran offers modest new haircut guidelines for men

TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian fashion organization has issued a new list of culturally appropriate haircuts for men, possibly indicating a new crackdown on male attire after years of strict rules for women, Iranian media reported.
Although the Ministry of Culture has yet to officially adopt the styles presented …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Iranian organization issues guidelines for modest hairstyles to combat ‘Western’ fashion.

Presbyterians continue to be divided over gays as leaders split on 2 gay-friendly measures

Presbyterians continue to be divided over gays

MINNEAPOLIS – A split decision from Presbyterian leaders on two gay-friendly measures guarantees even more debate among the U.S. church’s members on an issue they’ve been divided over for years.
Delegates to the Presbyterian church’s convention in Minneapolis voted Thursday for a more liberal policy on gay clergy but decided … Original article on : Presbyterians continue to be divided over gays as leaders split on 2 gay-friendly measures.

Shab-E-Meraj Celebrations Start Today

HYDERABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- It is the 9th of July today and Muslims all over India and the world have a reason to celebrate. In a statement issued by the National Moon Sighting Committee in Dhaka, the moon of Rajab has been seen in the skies today, and hence like every year, today has been …. Source : Shab-E-Meraj Celebrations Start Today.

$14 mn temple to be built in Trinidad and Tobago

Port-of-SPAIN – An Indian born seer has announced the construction of a $14 million temple at Trinidad and Tobago’s Freeport city.

The construction work will commence on Divali, which will be celebrated Nov 5.
“The Laksmi Narayan Mandir will reflect the ancient Vedic tradition dating back to between 5,000 and 10,000 years. It will be …. Original article on Gaea Times at : $14 mn temple to be built in Trinidad and Tobago.

Presbyterian leaders approve gay clergy policy, but will keep marriage between man, woman

Presbyterians split on gay-friendly measures

MINNEAPOLIS – Presbyterian leaders split Thursday on two gay-friendly measures, voting to allow non-celibate gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy but deciding not to redefine marriage in their church constitution to include same-sex couples – at least for now.
The surprise vote to shelve the marriage issue at the church’s …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Presbyterian leaders approve gay clergy policy, but will keep marriage between man, woman.

Presbyterian leaders approves gay clergy policy, may define marriage as between ‘two people’

Presbyterian leaders approves gay clergy policy

MINNEAPOLIS – Presbyterian leaders voted Thursday to allow non-celibate gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy, approving the first of two policy changes that could make their church one of the most gay-friendly major Christian denominations in the U.S.
But the vote isn’t a final stamp of approval for the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Presbyterian leaders approves gay clergy policy, may define marriage as between ‘two people’.

Presbyterian leaders approve more liberal gay clergy policy, but won’t be final decision

Presbyterian leaders approve gay clergy policy

Presbyterians voting on more open stance on gay clergy, marriage; decisions won’t be final

Presbyterians voting on more open stance on gays

MINNEAPOLIS – Presbyterian leaders were set to vote Thursday on whether to allow their church to become one of the most gay-friendly major Christian churches in the U.S. by allowing non-celibate gays to serve as clergy and defining marriage as between “two people.”
But even if both changes pass, …. Read the original article : here.

Moscow curators whose exhibit offended Russian Orthodox Church call their trial a show

Moscow curators say their trial is political

MOSCOW – Two prominent Moscow art curators facing the prospect of three years in prison for an exhibit that offended the Russian Orthodox Church said on Thursday their trial has been a political show.
The 2007 exhibit “Forbidden Art” set up by Yuri Samodurov and Andrei Yerofeyev featured paintings with … Read more : Moscow curators whose exhibit offended Russian Orthodox Church call their trial a show.

ISKCON barred from seeking donations at LA airport

WASHINGTON – A US court has barred the Hare Krishna movement from seeking donations at the Los Angeles International Airport.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Los Angeles allowed the Los Angeles Police to enforce a 13-year-old municipal ordinance to prevent members of the movement from seeking donations at the airport by lifting a preliminary …. Read the original article : ISKCON barred from seeking donations at LA airport.

Prayers and the peacock – dancing in tune with namaz

LUCKNOW – As others lower their heads and offer namaaz, it stands in the courtyard of the mosque and does an elegant dance. No one minds, however, for the dancer in question is a peacock, and surely dance too is a form of devotion.

The peacock, fondly called “ooper wale ka parinda’ (the bird of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Prayers and the peacock – dancing in tune with namaz.

News reports say UK gay priest rejected as nominee for bishopric

News reports: gay priest rejected for UK bishopric

LONDON – A Church of England committee has decided against nominating a gay priest to become a bishop, British news reports said Thursday.
Church officials would not comment, but Jonathan Wynne-Jones reported in Thursday’s Daily Telegraph that the Very Rev. Jeffrey John was rejected as a potential nominee to …. Original source : News reports say UK gay priest rejected as nominee for bishopric.

Iraqi premier in Beirut to pay respects to late top Shiite cleric Fadlallah

Iraqi PM pays respects to late top Lebanese cleric

BEIRUT – Iraq’s prime minister paid his respects to Lebanon’s late top Shiite cleric during a brief visit to Beirut Thursday.
Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah was one of the founders of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s Dawa party. The revered cleric was also believed to be the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Iraqi premier in Beirut to pay respects to late top Shiite cleric Fadlallah.

Fungus preys on ‘meditating monk’s’ mummy

Villagers believe that the mummified lama was sitting in deep meditation … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Fungus preys on ‘meditating monk’s’ mummy.

Catholic Church says Cuba agrees to free 52 political prisoners, nearly a third of all held

Church: Cuba agrees to free 52 political prisoners
HAVANA – Cuba has promised the Roman Catholic Church it will free 52 political prisoners, slashing the number held by nearly a third in what would be the communist-led island’s largest release of dissidents since Pope John Paul II visited in 1998.
Five are to … Original article on : Catholic Church says Cuba agrees to free 52 political prisoners, nearly a third of all held.

Malaysia appoints 1st female Islamic court judges to curb discrimination against women

Malaysia appoints 1st female Islamic court judges

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia’s Islamic Shariah courts have appointed their first female judges – a move praised by women’s rights activists Thursday as a boost for a judicial system often accused of favoring men.
Suraya Ramli and Rafidah Abdul Razak, formerly officials at the government’s Islamic judicial department, were …. Source article : Malaysia appoints 1st female Islamic court judges to curb discrimination against women.

Catholic Church says Cuba offers to free 52 political prisoners, let them leave country

Church: Cuba offers to free 52 political prisoners

HAVANA – The Roman Catholic Church said Wednesday that Cuba’s communist government has agreed to free 52 political prisoners and allow them to leave the country in what would be the island’s largest mass liberation of dissidents in decades.
Five would be released in a matter of hours and …. Original article : Catholic Church says Cuba offers to free 52 political prisoners, let them leave country.

Catholic Church says Cuba offers to free 47 political prisoners, let them leave country

Church: Cuba offers to free 47 political prisoners

Anxiety seems to fuel religious extremism

TORONTO – Anxiety and uncertainty can egg us on to become more radical in our religious beliefs, according to a series of new studies.

Iranian organization issues guidelines for modest hairstyles to combat ‘Western’ fashion

Iran offers modest new haircut guidelines for men

TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian fashion organization has issued a new list of culturally appropriate haircuts for men, possibly indicating a new crackdown on male attire after years of strict rules for women, Iranian media reported.
Although the Ministry of Culture has yet to officially adopt the styles presented … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Iranian organization issues guidelines for modest hairstyles to combat ‘Western’ fashion.

French parliament opens debate on veil ban

PARIS – The French parliament late Tuesday began debating a proposed law to ban veiling of faces in public, a controversial move aimed mainly at traditional dress worn by some Muslim women.

If the bill becomes law, any woman wearing the face veil in public would be liable to a fine of 150 euros ($184), or …. Read the original article : French parliament opens debate on veil ban.

Nirupama Rao to meet Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj

DHARAMSALA – Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao is arriving at McLeodganj near here, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, Saturday and is slated to meet the Dalai Lama, an official said.

“Nirupama Rao is reaching McLeodganj at around 1.30 p.m. for a two-day visit,” Superintendent of Police Atul Fulzele told IANS.
The foreign secretary is a former …. Original source : Nirupama Rao to meet Dalai Lama in Mcleodganj.

Special trains for Rath Yatra in Orissa

BHUBANESWAR – At least 63 special trains will be run for pilgrims during the Rath Yatra, the annual nine-day chariot festival of Lord Jagannath, in Orissa’s temple city of Puri, an official said Saturday.

“The special trains will run from different parts of Orissa, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. These exclude the existing trains coming to … Read : Special trains for Rath Yatra in Orissa.

Presbyterian leaders: US should end Israel aid unless nation backs off Palestinian settlements

Presbyterians: End Israel aid over settlements

MINNEAPOLIS – Presbyterian leaders strongly backed a proposal Friday that included a call to end U.S. aid to Israel unless the country stops settlement expansions in disputed Palestinian territories.
But they said the 172-page report, which details their church’s approach to issues in the Middle East, was a sincere effort to … Original article on : Presbyterian leaders: US should end Israel aid unless nation backs off Palestinian settlements.

Strikes by Iran’s powerful merchants raise new worries for authorities

Protests simmer among Iran’s powerful merchants

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Tehran’s powerful merchants don’t need street protests to make their anger known – the sound of shops being locked up and metal grates clanging shut during a wave of anti-tax strikes this week was enough to unsettle Iranian authorities.
The closures – with Tehran’s expansive bazaar … Read more »»».

Haj accommodation in keeping with guidelines: Government

NEW DELHI – In the wake of reports of irregularities in the accommodation for Haj pilgrims, the external affairs ministry Friday said the arrangements were done in accordance with the established guidelines and the local conditions.

“As and when information of such nature comes to the ministry’s notice, immediate remedial steps are taken in consultation with … Read more >>.

Presbyterians reject bid to reconsider gay debate; definition of marriage to hold 2 years

Presbyterians won’t reconsider gay marriage debate

MINNEAPOLIS – Presbyterian leaders meeting in Minneapolis won’t revisit their decision against redefining marriage to include same-sex couples, at least for now.
Delegates to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) general assembly defeated a motion Friday to reconsider the previous night’s shelving of a measure to redefine marriage as between “two people.”
Gay rights … Read more : Presbyterians reject bid to reconsider gay debate; definition of marriage to hold 2 years.

Pew survey: Europeans generally back bans on face-covering Islamic veils, most Americans don’t

Survey: Europeans back veil ban, Americans opposed

PARIS – While most Americans oppose banning face-covering Islamic veils, most western Europeans questioned in a new global poll say the garments should be forbidden – especially in France, where a ban may soon be a reality.
Several European countries have been considering bans on such veils, with special attention … Read : Pew survey: Europeans generally back bans on face-covering Islamic veils, most Americans don’t.

Strike in Jharkhand over idol theft, Muslims lend support

RANCHI – Several parts of Jharkhand, including the state capital, shut down Friday in response to a strike called by Hindu religious groups, and supported by Muslims, to protest the theft of a three-century-old idol of a Hindu goddess from a revered temple in Ramgarh district.

The strike was called by the Hindu religious group, [..] Read the original article: here.

Church of England renews battle over terms for allowing women to be bishops

Church of England debates allowing women bishops

LONDON – The Church of England’s governing body is opening a five-day meeting dominated by more arguments about allowing women to be bishops.
The General Synod, which begins meeting Friday afternoon, has scheduled 15 hours of debate about provisions for those in the church who refuse to accept women as [..] Read the original article: here.

UK foreign ministry pulls ambassador’s blog post praising Hezbollah-linked cleric after outcry

UK removes blog post praising late Lebanese cleric

LONDON – Britain’s ambassador to Beirut angered Israelis and embarrassed officials in London after writing a blog post praising the late Grand Ayatollah Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah, Lebanon’s top Shiite cleric, who supported Hezbollah’s and other militants’ attacks on Israel.
Frances Guy, who has served nearly four years as the … Read more : UK foreign ministry pulls ambassador’s blog post praising Hezbollah-linked cleric after outcry.

Pope names Vatican official to run scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ

Pope names official to run Legionaries of Christ

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI has named a senior Vatican official to run the scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ after an eight-month investigation of the order.
The Vatican announcement Friday said Italian Archbishop Velasio De Paolis is the papal delegate tapped to run the order. He heads the Vatican’s … Read more »».

HAVANA – Cuban church officials on Saturday released the names of 12 more political prisoners who will be freed and sent into exile in the coming days under a landmark agreement with President Raul Castro’s government, bringing to 17 the total number of jailed dissidents who have accepted … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Cuban church officials reveal names of 12 more prisoners Castro’s gov’t has promised to free.

Cuban church officials reveal names of 5 more prisoners Castro’s gov’t has promised to free

Cuban Church announces release of 5 more prisoners

HAVANA – Officials from the Cuban Roman Catholic Church on Saturday revealed the names of five more political prisoners who will be released into exile in the coming days under a landmark agreement with President Raul Castro’s government.
There was no word, however, on exactly when officials planned to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cuban church officials reveal names of 5 more prisoners Castro’s gov’t has promised to free.