Suburban Chicago hotel backs away from hosting controversial Muslim group

Illinois hotel backs out of hosting Muslim group

CHICAGO – A controversial Muslim group has canceled its annual U.S. conference after a suburban Chicago hotel backed out of hosting the event.
American members of Hizb ut-Tahrir (HIHZ’-buht-ah-tuh-REER’) planned to hold the event Sunday at a Marriott hotel in Oak Brook. Conference organizer Ayman Hamed says about 1,000 … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Suburban Chicago hotel backs away from hosting controversial Muslim group.

Chavez, Venezuelan cardinal tangle over freedoms, parishioners in Catholic country concerned

Chavez, Venezuelan church clash over freedoms

CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez and leaders of the Venezuelan Catholic Church are tangling like never before, angering parishioners who feel the president and his clerical detractors aren’t following Jesus Christ’s creed of brotherly love.
Over the past week, Chavez has said that Christ would whip church leaders for lying. …. Read the original article  : Chavez, Venezuelan cardinal tangle over freedoms, parishioners in Catholic country concerned.

Vatican faces $5.2 mn financial loss

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican is facing a major financial loss with a 4.1 million euro ($5.2 million) deficit recorded in 2009.

It saw revenues of 250.2 million euros against expenses of 254.3 million euros.
The Vatican is facing losses for the third consecutive year. In 2008, it lost 900,000 euros and 2007 saw a 9.1 …. Source article  : Vatican faces $5.2 mn financial loss.

Belfast faces big cleanup after 2 nights of riots; 55 police officers hurt in clashes

Belfast faces big cleanup after 2 nights of riots

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Authorities in Northern Ireland faced a major cleanup Tuesday following two nights of rioting that brought sectarian tensions to a boil and left more than four dozen officers injured during a major Protestant holiday.
Commuters faced delays going to work as several roads were … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Belfast faces big cleanup after 2 nights of riots; 55 police officers hurt in clashes.

CAPITAL CULTURE: DC confidential _ faith leaders act as trusted advisers, friends to lawmakers

CAPITAL CULTURE: Lawmakers turn to faith leaders
WASHINGTON – When senators were tripping over one another to run for president in 2008, a number of them turned to a Senate adviser to discuss campaign challenges and opportunities. It didn’t matter that their opponents were talking to the same person.
Senate chaplain Barry Black heard about …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : CAPITAL CULTURE: DC confidential _ faith leaders act as trusted advisers, friends to lawmakers.

Rath Yatra 2010 In Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Today is an auspicious occasion in India as the Rath Yatra is being celebrated in vamoose parts of the country. This annual event sees the gathering of millions of religious minded people at key cities of the country where the chariot festival is celebrated amidst enthusiasm and gusto. While the …. Original article  : Rath Yatra 2010 In Ahmedabad.

Rath Yatra 2010 Starts In Puri

CUTTACK (GaeaTimes.com)- Today is an auspicious day for the millions of devout and religious Indians who have gathered at Puri to take part in and witness the Rath Yatra 2010. This is a holy event that takes place annually in various parts of the country but the Rath Yatra in Puri is the … Original article on : Rath Yatra 2010 Starts In Puri.

Modi flags off Jagannath yatra in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD – The annual chariot festival of the Hindu god Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra started here Tuesday morning with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the daylong procession amid the chanting of hymns.

The 133rd Jagannath Rath Yatra started from the Jagannath temple at Jamalpur locality at 7 a.m. with Modi …. Original article  : Modi flags off Jagannath yatra in Ahmedabad.

Lakhs converge in Puri for Jagannath Rath Yatra

PURI – Lakhs of devotees and tourists thronged this temple town Tuesday for the annual Rath Yatra (chariot festival) of the Hindu god Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra.

The ceremonial processions of the deities known as Pahandi (carrying the deities out of the temple to the chariots) started at 8.20 a.m., about an hour … Read more : Lakhs converge in Puri for Jagannath Rath Yatra.

AP Interview: Rep. King, ranking Republican on Homeland Security, questions ground zero mosque

King raises questions about ground zero mosque

NEW YORK – The ranking Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee said Monday he favors an investigation into the funding of a proposed mosque near ground zero.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Rep. Peter King raised concerns about the sources of funding for the proposed $100 million …. Original article  : AP Interview: Rep. King, ranking Republican on Homeland Security, questions ground zero mosque.

Mormon church reaffirms opposition to gay marriage as Argentina weighs legalization

Mormon church restates opposition to gay marriage

SALT LAKE CITY – Mormon church leaders have restated the faith’s unequivocal position against gay marriage in a letter to members in Argentina, where the government is debating whether to legalize gay unions.
“The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is absolutely clear: Marriage is between … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mormon church reaffirms opposition to gay marriage as Argentina weighs legalization.

Church of England body says women bishops should be allowed_ with few concessions

Church of England paves the way for women bishops

LONDON – The Church of England national assembly decided Monday that women should be allowed to become bishops, making only minor concessions to theological conservatives who have threatened to break away over the issue.
Dioceses will now consider the draft law, which would leave it up to individual …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Church of England body says women bishops should be allowed_ with few concessions.

Mormon church reaffirms opposition to gay marriage in Argentina weighs gay union legalization

Mormon church reaffirms opposition to gay marriage

SALT LAKE CITY – Mormon church leaders have sent a letter reaffirming the faith’s position on gay marriage to its members in Argentina, where the government is debating whether to legalize gay unions.
Spokeswoman Kim Farah on Monday confirmed it was sent to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mormon church reaffirms opposition to gay marriage in Argentina weighs gay union legalization.

Church of England’s ruling body says women bishops should be allowed

Church of England allows women bishops
LONDON – The Church of England national assembly has decided that women should be allowed to become bishops, making only minor concessions to theological conservatives who have threatened to break away over the issue.

Dioceses will now consider the draft law, which would let individual bishops allow alternative oversight for traditionalists … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Church of England’s ruling body says women bishops should be allowed.

Belfast police, masked Catholic rioters clash in protest over Protestant parade

Belfast police, Catholic rioters clash over parade

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Police battled Irish nationalists for control of a Belfast road Monday as a day dominated by peaceful Protestant parades across Northern Ireland turned violent when night fell.
Riot police in helmets and body armor dragged kicking, flailing protesters from the pavement of Crumlin Road even as … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Belfast police, masked Catholic rioters clash in protest over Protestant parade.

Over 1 lakh pilgrims at Amarnath so far

SRINAGAR – A total of 141,232 Hindu pilgrims have so far paid obeisance at the holy Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) officials said here Monday.

“Today (Monday) 5,620 yatris (pilgrims) comprising 3,907 men, 1,344 women, 355 children and 14 sadhus left from Nunwan-Phalgam while 3,841, comprising 2,306 men, 1,158 women, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Over 1 lakh pilgrims at Amarnath so far.

Police say cult comic book writer, film subject Harvey Pekar dies at 70 in Ohio

Police: Cult comic writer Pekar dead at 70 in Ohio

CLEVELAND – Comic book writer Harvey Pekar, whose “American Splendor” was made into a 2003 film starring Paul Giamatti, was found dead in his home early Monday, authorities said. He was 70.
Officers were called to Pekar’s suburban home by his wife about 1 a.m., Cleveland Heights … Original article on : Police say cult comic book writer, film subject Harvey Pekar dies at 70 in Ohio.

Protestants march across Northern Ireland after night of Catholic riots; 27 officers injured

Orangemen march after Belfast riot; 27 police hurt

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Belfast riot police braced for a second night of conflict with Irish nationalists Monday as Protestants from the conservative Orange Order brotherhood mounted their divisive annual marches across Northern Ireland.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland said 27 officers suffered mostly minor injuries during street …. Read the original article  : Protestants march across Northern Ireland after night of Catholic riots; 27 officers injured.

French veil ban set to pass lower house of parliament, but legal challenges likely later

French parliament set to vote on veil ban
PARIS – As France’s parliament debates whether to ban burqa-like Muslim veils, one lawmaker compares them to muzzles, or “walking coffins.” Another proclaims that women who wear them must be liberated, even against their will.

Amid little resistance, France’s lower house of parliament will likely approve a ban on … Read : French veil ban set to pass lower house of parliament, but legal challenges likely later.

Religious conversion bill moves ahead in Israel’s parliament, angering liberal Jews

Liberal groups slam new Israel law on conversion

JERUSALEM – A parliamentary committee in Israel has approved a bill that some fear could increase the power of conservative rabbis by giving the country’s Orthodox rabbinate exclusive control over conversions to Judaism.
Conversion is a highly sensitive issue for Jews of all denominations and the law has angered … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Religious conversion bill moves ahead in Israel’s parliament, angering liberal Jews.

Security up in Puri ahead of Rath Yatra

BHUBANESWAR – Security has been increased in Orissa’s Puri city ahead of the annual nine-day chariot festival of Lord Jagannath beginning Tuesday that is expected to draw nearly a million devotees.

More than 5,000 policemen have been deployed across the city to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident, a police official said Monday. …. Original article  : Security up in Puri ahead of Rath Yatra.

Dozens speak out against planned mosque near ground zero at NYC hearing on landmark status

Opponents pack hearing on mosque near ground zero

NEW YORK – Dozens of opponents and some supporters of a mosque planned near ground zero attended a raucous hearing Tuesday about whether the building where the Muslim place of worship would be created warrants designation as a city landmark and should be protected from development.
Republican gubernatorial candidate …. Source  : Dozens speak out against planned mosque near ground zero at NYC hearing on landmark status.

French National Assembly approves ban on burqa

PARIS – The lower house of the French parliament, the National Assembly, Tuesday passed a bill banning the wearing of the Islamic all-body veil, or burqa, in all public places.

If approved in the fall by the Senate and then by the Constitutional Council, the law would impose a fine of 150 euros ($190) or a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Rath Yatra celebrated with fervour in Ahmedabad

AHMEDABAD – The annual chariot festival of the Hindu god Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra was celebrated with gaiety and religious fervour here Tuesday with Chief Minister Narendra Modi joining in the festivities.

Flagged off by Modi in the morning amidst chanting of hymns, the ratha yatra wound it’s way on a 22-km-long route …. Source article  : Rath Yatra celebrated with fervour in Ahmedabad.

7 Cuban dissidents freed and sent to Spain, first of 52 political prisoners to be freed

7 Cuban dissidents find freedom in Spain
MADRID – Seven former political prisoners from Cuba smiled and gave victory signs Tuesday after they and their families were flown to freedom in Madrid, the first of 52 dissidents the Cuban government has promised to free in a historic policy shift.

In an action once deemed unthinkable, Cuba agreed …. Read the original article  : 7 Cuban dissidents freed and sent to Spain, first of 52 political prisoners to be freed.

French ban on Islamic face veils passes lower house of parliament, despite quiet concerns

French parliament approves ban on face veils

PARIS – France’s lower house of parliament overwhelmingly approved a ban on wearing burqa-style Islamic veils Tuesday, part of a determined effort to define and protect French values that has disconcerted many in the country’s large Muslim community.
Proponents of the law say face-covering veils don’t square with the French …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : French ban on Islamic face veils passes lower house of parliament, despite quiet concerns.

7 Cuban political prisoners arrive in Madrid, first of 52 such prisoners to be freed

7 Cuban political prisoners arrive in Spain

MADRID – Seven former political prisoners from Cuba smiled and gave victory signs Tuesday after they and their families arrived in Madrid, the first of 52 dissidents the Cuban government has promised to free in a historic policy shift.
In an action once deemed unthinkable, the Cuban government agreed last …. Read the original article  : 7 Cuban political prisoners arrive in Madrid, first of 52 such prisoners to be freed.

Thousands pull chariots in Kolkata rath yatra

KOLKATA – Thousands of devotees and foreign tourists chanting “Hare Krishna” Tuesday pulled the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra during the annual Ratha Yatra (chariot festival) here.

Organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON, the procession with the deities astride three chariots snaked its way from Park Circus Maidan of South Kolkata … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Thousands pull chariots in Kolkata rath yatra.

82 police injured in Northern Ireland’s 2 nights of Catholic riots; politicians plead for calm

82 police injured in Belfast’s 2 nights of riots

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland’s political and security leaders condemned Irish nationalist militants Tuesday who injured 82 police officers during two nights of rioting sparked by the province’s annual parades by the British Protestant majority.
While most of the officers sustained minor injuries like cuts and bruises, …. Original article  : 82 police injured in Northern Ireland’s 2 nights of Catholic riots; politicians plead for calm.

French ban on Islamic face veils set to pass lower house of parliament, despite quiet concerns

French parliament set to approve ban on face veils

PARIS – France’s lower house of parliament appeared ready Tuesday to approve a ban on burqa-like Islamic veils, a move that is popular among French voters despite concerns from Muslim groups and human rights advocates.
The issue is potent in Europe: Several other countries have similar proposals in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : French ban on Islamic face veils set to pass lower house of parliament, despite quiet concerns.

India says no to US tour of Tibetan monk

DHARAMSALA – India has denied permission to Ogyen Trinley Dorje, the 17th Karmapa who is the third most respected Tibetan monk reincarnate and is recognised by both the Dalai Lama and China, to go on a two-week religious tour to the US this month.

His private office here Thursday said he was denied permission without citing … Read more »».

International support to declare 1984 riots a genocide

CHANDIGARH – A global human rights advocacy group working for Sikh rights Thursday called for international support after the Sikh high priests in Amritsar announced that the 1984 anti-Sikh riots across would now be called a ‘genocide’.

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, US-based International Human Rights Organisation’s (IHRO) attorney in New York, sought international support to get the … Read more : International support to declare 1984 riots a genocide.

New bishop for post left vacant for 48 years in China

Vatican City, July 15 (IANS/AKI) Antonio Xu Jiwei has been consecrated bishop of the city of Taizhou in China’s eastern coastal province of Zhejiang, filling an office that has been vacant for 48 years, the Vatican announced Wednesday.

The July 10 ceremony was attended by about 1,000 Catholics and was presided over by three Chinese bishops. …. Original article  : New bishop for post left vacant for 48 years in China.

Lawmakers debate making Argentina first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage

Argentine Senate considers same-sex marriage law

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina’s senators debated in a marathon session early Thursday as they prepared to vote on whether to make their nation the first in Latin America to grant same-sex marriages all the rights of heterosexual unions.
The gay marriage proposal has the firm support of President Cristina Fernandez, … Read more : Lawmakers debate making Argentina first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage.

Venezuelan president reconsiders ties with Vatican as tensions with clergy rise

Chavez: Venezuela rethinks relations with Vatican

CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez announced Wednesday that Venezuela would rethink its relations with the Vatican as tensions rise between his government and Catholic Church representatives who accuse the socialist leader of becoming increasingly authoritarian.
During a televised speech, Chavez instructed his foreign minister to “examine” relations with the Vatican. … Read more >>>.

Attack on mosque in Nigeria launches religious violence that leaves 5 dead

Nigeria: 5 die in new religious violence
JALINGO, Nigeria – An attack on a mosque by youths in eastern Nigeria erupted into bloodshed, leaving at least five people dead as religious violence continued between Christians and Muslims in Africa’s most populous nation, witnesses and police said Wednesday.

The violence began Tuesday in the community of Wukari in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Attack on mosque in Nigeria launches religious violence that leaves 5 dead.

New Legionaries of Christ leader calls for examination of conscience of scandal-plagued order

Papal delegate to Legionaries: examine consciences

VATICAN CITY – The pope’s delegate for the scandal-plagued Legionaries of Christ has told its members they must examine their consciences and reform following allegations that their founder sexually abused seminarians and fathered children.
The Legionaries said Wednesday that Archbishop Velasio De Paolis had met with the order’s top leaders for …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : New Legionaries of Christ leader calls for examination of conscience of scandal-plagued order.

‘Disney theme park for rioting’: Belfast leaders decry children’s zeal for fighting police

Belfast leaders decry youths’ zeal for rioting

DUBLIN – Political and religious leaders pleaded Wednesday for Catholic teenagers and children engaged in Belfast rioting to stop before one of them is killed and becomes a martyr for Irish Republican Army dissidents.
Their appeals follow three nights of street mayhem in working-class Catholic parts of Belfast that one … Read more : ‘Disney theme park for rioting’: Belfast leaders decry children’s zeal for fighting police.

Vatican, China approve new bishop for Taizhou; consecration testament to warming ties

Vatican, China OK new bishop as relations warm

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican and the Chinese government have approved the consecration of a new bishop for Taizhou in a sign of warming ties.
The Vatican said Wednesday 75-year-old Msgr. Antonio Xu Jiwei was named bishop over the weekend in a ceremony presided over by four other bishops …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Belfast police dodge gunfire in 3rd night of unrest; priest decries ‘theme park for rioting’

Police dodge gunfire in 3rd night of Belfast riots

DUBLIN – Northern Ireland police came under live fire during a third straight night of Belfast unrest in scenes that a Catholic priest described Wednesday as “a Disney theme park for rioting.”
The leaders of Northern Ireland’s Protestant-Catholic government, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, said they would meet …. Source article  : Belfast police dodge gunfire in 3rd night of unrest; priest decries ‘theme park for rioting’.

Militants kill 3 in attack on house of member of moderate Sunni Muslim sect in western Iraq

3 die in Iraq attack on Sunni sect member’s house

BAGHDAD – Iraqi officials say militants have attacked the house of a member of a moderate Sunni Muslim sect in the country’s west, killing two women and a six-year-old child in their sleep.
Police and hospital officials say they attackers surrounded the house of Rahal Hussein, a … Read more : Militants kill 3 in attack on house of member of moderate Sunni Muslim sect in western Iraq.

Why should we be banned, asks Kerala Muslim leader

NEW DELHI – A radical Muslim leader in Kerala dismisses charges of terrorism flung at his outfit and insists there is not even one reason for the Popular Front of India (PFI) to be banned.

In contrast to the sinister image the group has acquired in the eyes of its critics, PFI chairman E.M. Abdul Rahiman …. Read the original article  : here.

Pilgrimage to Shiva’s shrine begins in Himachal

SHIMLA – The annual Shrikhand Mahadev pilgrimage, more arduous than the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir, took off Friday morning in Himachal Pradesh’s Shimla district with 2,000 devotees beginning the trek to pay obeisance to the Hindu god Shiva.

“The first batch of pilgrims with more than 2,000 devotees began their steep trek to the … Read more : Pilgrimage to Shiva’s shrine begins in Himachal.

Va. man stuck in Egypt after Yemen travels landed him on no-fly list returning to US Friday

Va. man stuck in Egypt on no-fly list coming to US

McLEAN, Va. – A Virginia man whose travels to Yemen caught the attention of the FBI and landed him on the U.S. no-fly list, leaving him stuck in the Middle East for months, will be allowed to return to the U.S.
Yahya Wehelie, 26, of Burke, …. Original source  : Va. man stuck in Egypt after Yemen travels landed him on no-fly list returning to US Friday.

APNewsBreak: Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders says he is launching international anti-Islam group

APNewsBreak: Dutch lawmaker forms anti-Islam group

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – An anti-Islam lawmaker in the Netherlands is forming an international alliance to spread his message across the West in a bid to ban immigration from Islamic countries, among other goals.
Geert Wilders told The Associated Press in an interview Thursday he will launch the movement late this … Read : APNewsBreak: Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders says he is launching international anti-Islam group.

UN panel says Vatican’s report on protecting children’s rights is almost 13 years overdue

UN: Vatican child rights report 13 years overdue

GENEVA – The head of a U.N. panel on child rights says the Vatican has failed to submit a key report that is now almost 13 years overdue.
Yanghee Lee, chairwoman of the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child, says she sent the Holy See repeated reminders … Read this article on Gaea Times at : UN panel says Vatican’s report on protecting children’s rights is almost 13 years overdue.

Argentina becomes first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage with Senate vote

Argentina legalizes gay marriage in historic vote

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina became the first Latin American nation to legalize gay marriage Thursday, granting same-sex couples all the legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexuals.
The law’s passage – a priority for President Cristina Fernandez’s government – has inspired activists to push for similar …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Argentina becomes first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage with Senate vote.

Goa priest bans burying dead with gold, trinkets

PANAJI – Funerals will not be conducted if relatives of deceased bury the dead with gold and other valuables, a Goan Roman Catholic priest said Saturday.

Father Raul Colaco, the priest from Goa Velha, told IANS that he was forced to announce this stern measure after two fresh graves in the Goa Velha church cemetery were …. Read the original article  : Goa priest bans burying dead with gold, trinkets.

2.5 mn Muslims threaten to leave Facebook

LONDON – More than 2.5 million Muslims have threatened to quit Facebook after four Islamic pages were taken down, reports said Friday.

A template letter that has been pasted into numerous Facebook pages accuses founder Mark Zuckerberg and other senior members of Facebook of “ignoring the feelings of more than 2.5 million Muslims”, the Daily Mail … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 2.5 mn Muslims threaten to leave Facebook.

Leicester hindus protest cemetery extension

LEICESTER – A section of local Hindus is protesting a proposal to extend a cemetery in this town of Britain because their religion says they cannot live near one, but officials are going ahead with the plan.

The main cemetery of Leicester, Gilroes’ Cemetery, is running out of space for graves and it is set to …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Romanian Orthodox Church refuses full burial service for singer because she committed suicide

Church: No full burial service for Romanian singer

BUCHAREST, Romania – The Romanian Orthodox Church said Friday as thousands mourned the death of a popular singer that it would not give her a full burial service because she committed suicide.
A single priest will perform a simple service for Madalina Manole in a church courtyard, the church … Read : Romanian Orthodox Church refuses full burial service for singer because she committed suicide.

Israel’s Netanyahu says he will oppose conversion bill, fearing rift in Jewish world

Netanyahu says he will oppose conversion bill

JERUSALEM – Israel’s prime minister says he will oppose a bill on conversions to Judaism that has angered liberal Jewish groups worldwide.
Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he fears the legislation making its way through Israel’s parliament would create a rift in the Jewish world.
Last week, a parliamentary committee in Israel …. Read the original article  : Israel’s Netanyahu says he will oppose conversion bill, fearing rift in Jewish world.

67 percent Britons want burqa ban

LONDON – A majority of Britons – around 67 percent – want to see the burqa banned in the country.

Earlier in the week, members of parliament in France voted to outlaw the full Islamic veil in public. A poll by YouGov showed that two-thirds of the British public would like to see their government follow …. Source article  : 67 percent Britons want burqa ban.

Ramakrishna Mission chief hospitalised

KOLKATA – The president of the Ramakrishna Mutt and Ramakrishna Mission, Swami Atwashtananda has been admitted to a private hospital run by the mission following stomach pain.

“He was admitted Friday night. He is undergoing tests,” a Ramakrishna Mission spokesman Saturday said.
A team of specialists is treating Swami Atwashtananda, who is on restricted diet.
…. Original article  : Ramakrishna Mission chief hospitalised.

India-born archbishop named Vatican’s top UN envoy

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI Saturday named a India-born archbishop, Francis Assisi Chullikatt, as the Vatican’s top envoy at the UN.

Chullikat, 57, takes up the position of Holy See Permanent Observer at the UN, replacing Archbishop Celestino Migliore who last month was named the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio to Poland.
Born in Bolghatty, in the … Read more >>>.

Vatican spokesman defends revised rules on clerical sex abuse, but says law ‘not everything’

Vatican defends revised abuse rules
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican spokesman has defended a revised set of rules on clerical sex abuse as an important and lasting response to abuse cases.

The Vatican issued its revised in-house rules this week, targeting priests who molest the mentally disabled as well as children and doubling the statute of limitations … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vatican spokesman defends revised rules on clerical sex abuse, but says law ‘not everything’.

One day I will win over the Chinese, says Dalai Lama

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama has again expressed his firm belief that one day he would win over the Chinese leaders to gain genuine autonomy for the people living in Tibet, but reiterated that he was not seeking separation from China.

“You know, I have my mantra, we are not seeking independence, and … Read : One day I will win over the Chinese, says Dalai Lama.

Sabarimala temple averse to suggestion on widening steps, door

SABARIMALA – A fresh controversy has broken out in Kerala’s famed Sabarimala temple, this time over a court suggestion to consider widening of the temple’s 18 holy steps as well as the door to the sanctum sanctorum to allow pilgrims easier access.

The head priest of the temple and a vastu expert, among others, have opposed … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sabarimala temple averse to suggestion on widening steps, door.

Advani impressed by Hindu influence in Indonesia

NEW DELHI – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Saturday said he was impressed with the influence of Hinduism on Indonesia – the country with most Muslims in the world.

Back from his recent four-day trip to Indonesia, to attend a World Sindhi Conference, Advani said in his blog that though Hindus made only … Read more >>>.