Indonesian clerics: Our mistake _ you’re facing the wrong direction during Islamic prayers

Indonesian Muslims facing Africa during prayers

JAKARTA, Indonesia – People in the world’s most populous Muslim nation have been facing Africa – not Mecca – while praying.
Indonesia’s highest Islamic body acknowledged Monday it made a mistake when issuing an edict in March saying the holy city in Saudi Arabia was to the country’s west. It has … Read more : Indonesian clerics: Our mistake _ you’re facing the wrong direction during Islamic prayers.

Maryland tries to balance security, sensitivity to faith in death row inmates’ final moments

Md. weighs allowing inmates’ own clergy at death

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland is considering becoming one of the few states to allow condemned inmates to choose a clergy member not employed by the state to be in the execution chamber when they die.
Corrections officials must balance the sensitive issues of security during one of the gravest … Original article on : Maryland tries to balance security, sensitivity to faith in death row inmates’ final moments.

Burqa empowers women, says British minister

LONDON – As debate intensifies across Europe on banning the Islamic full-body veil at public places, a British minister has defended a Muslim woman’s right to wear the burqa and says it is empowering.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said women were “empowered” by the freedom to wear the face coverings.
Her comments came after her …. Original article  : Burqa empowers women, says British minister.

Centuries-old festival takes Tripura on spiritual journey

AGARTALA – A centuries-old tradition comes alive in Tripura as the idols of 14 Hindu deities, kept locked in a room throughout the year, are brought out for worshipping during the tribal Kharchi festival from Monday – a spectacle witnessed by hundreds of thousands of devotees from India as well as Bangladesh.

Year after year, it … Read more »»».

Leisure time in Gaza takes latest of many hits as Hamas bars women from smoking water pipes

Some Gaza women smolder over Hamas’ water-pipe ban

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – There are few pleasures left for Gaza’s 1.5 million people, squeezed by both a blockade and Hamas efforts to impose its strict Muslim lifestyle. And women here just lost another one.
Gaza’s Hamas rulers have banned women from smoking water pipes in cafes, sending … Read : Leisure time in Gaza takes latest of many hits as Hamas bars women from smoking water pipes.

Flydubai to reimburse travel costs during Ramadan

Dubai, July 18 (IANS/WAM) Dubai’s low cost airline flydubai Sunday announced the full reimbursement – minus taxes – of the travel costs of its passengers during the holy month of Ramadan between Aug 15 and Sep 6.

The offer will be on all flydubai flights to and from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, … Read more : Flydubai to reimburse travel costs during Ramadan.

President of Ramkrishna Mission stable

KOLKATA – Ramakrishna Mutt and Ramakrishna Mission president Swami Atwasthananda, admitted to a private hospital following stomach pain and urine infection, is now better and he is responding to treatment, a mission official said.

“He is now better. He is responding to treatment,” said Swami Bimalatmananda, private secretary to the president.
Swami Atwasthananda was admitted to … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : President of Ramkrishna Mission stable.

Spanish parliament set to debate restricting burqas in public, opposition party says

Spanish parliament to debate ban on public burqas

MADRID – Spanish lawmakers will debate barring burqas in public, joining other European countries considering similar moves on the grounds that the body-covering garments are degrading to women, the leading opposition party said Sunday.
Top officials of the ruling Socialist Party have indicated they will support the proposal by … Original source on Gaea Times at : Spanish parliament set to debate restricting burqas in public, opposition party says.

British minister terms burqa ban un-British

LONDON – Banning the burqa, the Islamic full-body veil for women, will be “un-British” and contrary to a “tolerant and mutually respectful society”, Britain’s Immigration Minister Damian Green has said.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, Green said it would be “undesirable” for the British parliament to vote on a burqa ban and that there was no …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : British minister terms burqa ban un-British.

Gaza’s Hamas police ban women from smoking water pipes in cafes, claim it leads to divorce

Hamas bans women from smoking water pipes in cafes

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Gaza’s Hamas rulers have banned women from smoking water pipes in cafes, calling it a practice that destroys marriages and sullies the image of the Palestinian people.
The ban marks the Islamist militant group’s latest effort to impose their harsh Muslim lifestyle in …. Original article  : Gaza’s Hamas police ban women from smoking water pipes in cafes, claim it leads to divorce.

Spanish parliament set to debate restricting use of burqas in public

Spain to consider banning burqas in public

MADRID – Spain’s leading opposition party said Sunday the country’s parliament will debate a proposal to bar the use of burqas in public, joining other European countries considering similar moves on the grounds that such garments are degrading to women.
The Popular Party tabled a motion to debate total body-covering … Read more >>>.

Malaysian devotees throng to see ‘tree deity’

KUALA LUMPUR – Hundreds of Hindu devotees have been going to the Midlands Estate in Shah Alam near here to see a “tree deity” that has come to be known as Amman.

It all began when some devotees noticed a light emitting from the “face” on a mango tree at night.
This prompted many more people …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Malaysian devotees throng to see ‘tree deity’.

Former priest in sex abuse settlement suspended from volunteer post with Mo. Special Olympics

Mo. Special Olympics ousts ex-priest over abuse

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Catholic priest whose admitted abuse of boys in the 1980s led to a $5 million settlement in Wisconsin has been suspended as a volunteer with Special Olympics Missouri.
Tom Ericksen of Kansas City was suspended last week when Special Olympics Missouri learned of his …. Original article  : Former priest in sex abuse settlement suspended from volunteer post with Mo. Special Olympics.

Iraqi cleric meets with PM candidate in Syria as Iraqis face pressure to form new government

Iraqi cleric meets with PM candidate in Syria

DAMASCUS, Syria – A leading anti-American Iraqi cleric has met with one of two Iraqi politicians vying to lead the country’s next government.
Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr met with former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi in neighboring Syria.
Allawi and current Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki are locked in a power … Read more »»».

Ramakrishna Mission chief’s condition stable

KOLKATA – The condition of Ramakrishna Mutt and Ramakrishna Mission president Swami Atwasthananda, admitted to a private hospital following stomach pain and urine infection, is now stable, a mission official said Monday.

“He is fine and stable,” said an official spokesperson of the Ramkrishna Mission
Swami Atwasthananda was admitted to the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan Friday …. Original source  : Ramakrishna Mission chief’s condition stable.

Dalai Lama to visit Kargil

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, will visit forward areas in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir bordering China this week to attend religious functions, an aide said here Monday.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is reaching the Nubra Valley in Kargil for a week from July 21 where he will bless his followers and … Original article on : Dalai Lama to visit Kargil.

Indonesian clerics: Our mistake _ you’re facing the wrong direction during Islamic prayers

Indonesian Muslims facing Africa during prayers

JAKARTA, Indonesia – People in the world’s most populous Muslim nation have been facing Africa – not Mecca – while praying.
Indonesia’s highest Islamic body acknowledged Monday it made a mistake when issuing an edict in March saying the holy city in Saudi Arabia was to the country’s west. It has …. Original article  : Indonesian clerics: Our mistake _ you’re facing the wrong direction during Islamic prayers.

Maryland tries to balance security, sensitivity to faith in death row inmates’ final moments

Md. weighs allowing inmates’ own clergy at death

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland is considering becoming one of the few states to allow condemned inmates to choose a clergy member not employed by the state to be in the execution chamber when they die.
Corrections officials must balance the sensitive issues of security during one of the gravest …. Source  : Maryland tries to balance security, sensitivity to faith in death row inmates’ final moments.

Burqa empowers women, says British minister

LONDON – As debate intensifies across Europe on banning the Islamic full-body veil at public places, a British minister has defended a Muslim woman’s right to wear the burqa and says it is empowering.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said women were “empowered” by the freedom to wear the face coverings.
Her comments came after her …. Source  : Burqa empowers women, says British minister.

Centuries-old festival takes Tripura on spiritual journey

AGARTALA – A centuries-old tradition comes alive in Tripura as the idols of 14 Hindu deities, kept locked in a room throughout the year, are brought out for worshipping during the tribal Kharchi festival from Monday – a spectacle witnessed by hundreds of thousands of devotees from India as well as Bangladesh.

Year after year, it … Read more >>.

Leisure time in Gaza takes latest of many hits as Hamas bars women from smoking water pipes

Some Gaza women smolder over Hamas’ water-pipe ban

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – There are few pleasures left for Gaza’s 1.5 million people, squeezed by both a blockade and Hamas efforts to impose its strict Muslim lifestyle. And women here just lost another one.
Gaza’s Hamas rulers have banned women from smoking water pipes in cafes, sending …. Read the original article  : Leisure time in Gaza takes latest of many hits as Hamas bars women from smoking water pipes.

Flydubai to reimburse travel costs during Ramadan

Dubai, July 18 (IANS/WAM) Dubai’s low cost airline flydubai Sunday announced the full reimbursement – minus taxes – of the travel costs of its passengers during the holy month of Ramadan between Aug 15 and Sep 6.

The offer will be on all flydubai flights to and from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, … Read : Flydubai to reimburse travel costs during Ramadan.

President of Ramkrishna Mission stable

KOLKATA – Ramakrishna Mutt and Ramakrishna Mission president Swami Atwasthananda, admitted to a private hospital following stomach pain and urine infection, is now better and he is responding to treatment, a mission official said.

“He is now better. He is responding to treatment,” said Swami Bimalatmananda, private secretary to the president.
Swami Atwasthananda was admitted to … Read more >>>.

Spanish parliament set to debate restricting burqas in public, opposition party says

Spanish parliament to debate ban on public burqas

MADRID – Spanish lawmakers will debate barring burqas in public, joining other European countries considering similar moves on the grounds that the body-covering garments are degrading to women, the leading opposition party said Sunday.
Top officials of the ruling Socialist Party have indicated they will support the proposal by …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Spanish parliament set to debate restricting burqas in public, opposition party says.

British minister terms burqa ban un-British

LONDON – Banning the burqa, the Islamic full-body veil for women, will be “un-British” and contrary to a “tolerant and mutually respectful society”, Britain’s Immigration Minister Damian Green has said.

According to The Sunday Telegraph, Green said it would be “undesirable” for the British parliament to vote on a burqa ban and that there was no [..] Read the original article: here.

Gaza’s Hamas police ban women from smoking water pipes in cafes, claim it leads to divorce

Hamas bans women from smoking water pipes in cafes

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – Gaza’s Hamas rulers have banned women from smoking water pipes in cafes, calling it a practice that destroys marriages and sullies the image of the Palestinian people.
The ban marks the Islamist militant group’s latest effort to impose their harsh Muslim lifestyle in … Read more : Gaza’s Hamas police ban women from smoking water pipes in cafes, claim it leads to divorce.

Spanish parliament set to debate restricting use of burqas in public

Spain to consider banning burqas in public

MADRID – Spain’s leading opposition party said Sunday the country’s parliament will debate a proposal to bar the use of burqas in public, joining other European countries considering similar moves on the grounds that such garments are degrading to women.
The Popular Party tabled a motion to debate total body-covering … Read more >>.

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

Netanyahu says he will oppose conversion bill

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that he would oppose a conversion bill that has rekindled the age-old debate over who is a Jew and has provoked an angry response among liberal Jewish groups abroad whose support is critical to Israel.
Last week, an Israeli parliamentary committee … Read more : 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 … Read more »»».

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.
… Read : 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 …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : India-born archbishop named Vatican’s top UN envoy.

Vitthal Mandir Darshan : Pandherpur Yatra 2010

PANDHERPUR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — Pandherpur, the resting place of Lord Vitthal is all set for the Ekadashi of Ashadhi celebrations.
Pandherpur is a holy place of Sri Vitthal and Sri Rukmini. It is located at a distance of 72 kms by road from Solapur District headquarters. The Pandharpur Railway Station falls on the Miraj-Kurduwadi-Latur railway track.

Shri. … Read more »».

Pandharpur Temple Brimming With Devotees

SOLAPUR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Pandharpur Yatra is an auspicious pilgrimage for thousands of devout Indians who wait for this yearly festival. They wait for the holy Aashadhi Ekadashi. Pandharpur is located in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. During the season the place witnesses thousands of devotees and the come to worship and pay … Read more : Pandharpur Temple Brimming With Devotees.

Spain’s parliament rejects plan to ban Islamic veils _ for now

Spain parliament rejects burqa ban _ for now

MADRID – Spain’s Parliament on Tuesday rejected a proposal to ban women from wearing in public places Islamic veils that reveal only the eyes.
However, the Socialist government has said it favors including a ban on people wearing burqas in government buildings in an upcoming bill on religious issues … Read more »».

Security in place for Puri’s Jagannath return festival

PURI – Elaborate security measures have been put in place in Orissa’s temple city of Puri ahead of the return festival of Lord Jagannath and two other deities on Wednesday, an officer said.

“We have taken all the necessary measures to prevent any untoward incident. More then 5,000 policemen have been deployed in the city. Besides, [..] Read the original article: here.

Wisconsin Supreme Court upholds former prominent Jesuit priest’s conviction on abuse charges

Wis. justices uphold ex-Jesuit priest’s conviction

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Supreme Court has upheld a sexual abuse conviction of a former Jesuit priest who claimed he was falsely accused.
In a 7-0 ruling on Tuesday, justices ruled that Donald McGuire’s prosecution 36 years after he allegedly abused two teenage boys in the 1960s was fair.
McGuire, a …. Source article  : Wisconsin Supreme Court upholds former prominent Jesuit priest’s conviction on abuse charges.

Decades later, Catholic Pole recalls saving Jewish sweetheart in daring escape from Auschwitz

Former inmate recalls daring escape from Auschwitz

NOWY TARG, Poland – With every step toward the gate, Jerzy Bielecki was certain he would be shot.
The day was July 21, 1944. Bielecki was walking in broad daylight down a pathway at Auschwitz, wearing a stolen SS uniform with his Jewish sweetheart Cyla Cybulska by his side.
His knees … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Decades later, Catholic Pole recalls saving Jewish sweetheart in daring escape from Auschwitz.

Malaysian devotees throng to see ‘tree deity’

KUALA LUMPUR – Hundreds of Hindu devotees have been going to the Midlands Estate in Shah Alam near here to see a “tree deity” that has come to be known as Amman.

It all began when some devotees noticed a light emitting from the “face” on a mango tree at night.
This prompted many more people … Read : Malaysian devotees throng to see ‘tree deity’.

Former priest in sex abuse settlement suspended from volunteer post with Mo. Special Olympics

Mo. Special Olympics ousts ex-priest over abuse

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former Catholic priest whose admitted abuse of boys in the 1980s led to a $5 million settlement in Wisconsin has been suspended as a volunteer with Special Olympics Missouri.
Tom Ericksen of Kansas City was suspended last week when Special Olympics Missouri learned of his …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Former priest in sex abuse settlement suspended from volunteer post with Mo. Special Olympics.

Iraqi cleric meets with PM candidate in Syria as Iraqis face pressure to form new government

Iraqi cleric meets with PM candidate in Syria

DAMASCUS, Syria – A leading anti-American Iraqi cleric has met with one of two Iraqi politicians vying to lead the country’s next government.
Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr met with former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi in neighboring Syria.
Allawi and current Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki are locked in a power … Original source on Gaea Times at : Iraqi cleric meets with PM candidate in Syria as Iraqis face pressure to form new government.

Ramakrishna Mission chief’s condition stable

KOLKATA – The condition of Ramakrishna Mutt and Ramakrishna Mission president Swami Atwasthananda, admitted to a private hospital following stomach pain and urine infection, is now stable, a mission official said Monday.

“He is fine and stable,” said an official spokesperson of the Ramkrishna Mission
Swami Atwasthananda was admitted to the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan Friday … Original article on : Ramakrishna Mission chief’s condition stable.

Dalai Lama to visit Kargil

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, will visit forward areas in Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir bordering China this week to attend religious functions, an aide said here Monday.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama is reaching the Nubra Valley in Kargil for a week from July 21 where he will bless his followers and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Gingrich, possible 2012 presidential contender, latest nat’l Republican to oppose NYC mosque

Gingrich latest of nat’l GOP to oppose NYC mosque
NEW YORK – Former U.S. House speaker Newt Gingrich on Wednesday announced his opposition to a planned mosque near ground zero, becoming the latest Republican leader to place the project on the national political stage.
In a statement posted on his website, Gingrich, a … Read more >>>.

World court to issue nonbinding opinion on legality of Kosovo’s 2008 independence declaration

World court to rule on Kosovo independence

THE HAGUE, Netherlands – The United Nations’ highest court was issuing an advisory opinion Thursday on whether Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia was legal, a ruling that could set a precedent for separatist regions around the world.
The International Court of Justice advice is nonbinding, but it is … Original source on Gaea Times at : World court to issue nonbinding opinion on legality of Kosovo’s 2008 independence declaration.

Devoutly Islamic Indonesian province expels 3 Americans on suspicion they were proselytizing

Devout Muslim Indonesian province expels US family

BANDA ACEH, Indonesia – Three Americans were expelled from Indonesia’s devoutly Islamic province of Aceh on Wednesday after locals accused them of trying to convert Muslims to Christianity, a local government spokesman said.
Immigration officials, however, said no decision has been made on whether Robin Kay Jordan, his wife Kelly …. Source article  : Devoutly Islamic Indonesian province expels 3 Americans on suspicion they were proselytizing.

Anti-Sikh riots: Phoolka offers to quit legal battle

NEW DELHI – “Hurt” by the allegation of receiving crores of rupees for personal benefit, advocate H.S. Phoolka Wednesday offered to quit the 26-year-long battle for justice to victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

The 54-year-old lawyer said he would continue to fight the riot victims’ cases till “alternative arrangements” were made.
In a letter to …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Anti-Sikh riots: Phoolka offers to quit legal battle.

Lone Sikh ranger withdraws from 1984 riots cases

NEW DELHI – After nearly 26 years of relentless battle for justice to victims of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, advocate H.S. Phoolka Tuesday withdrew from all cases following allegations that he had been making personal gains.

Phoolka’s decision follows allegation by the president of the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) Paramjit Singh Sarna that …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Lone Sikh ranger withdraws from 1984 riots cases.

Israel temporarily shelves conversion bill that angered American Jews

Israel: Controversial conversion bill shelved

JERUSALEM – An Israeli government decision to shelve a controversial bill on Jewish conversions drew praise Friday from liberal Jewish groups in Israel and the U.S. who opposed the legislation and waged a vocal campaign to get it thrown out.
Government spokesman Nir Hefetz announced an agreement that will see the bill …. Original source  : Israel temporarily shelves conversion bill that angered American Jews.

Pilgrims flock to annual Goverdhan fair

GOVERDHAN – The annual trek to Goverdhan hill, which according to Hindu mythology was lifted by Lord Krishna on his little finger to save villagers from lightning and heavy rain, has drawn hordes of pilgrims arriving on foot, by buses, tractors and any which way.

The weeklong fair, which ends Sunday, could attract over one …. Source article  : Pilgrims flock to annual Goverdhan fair.

PFI a blot on Muslims in Kerala, says IUML MP

NEW DELHI – Denouncing a radical Muslim group in Kerala as a blot on Muslims, a senior leader of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has urged young Muslims to stay away from such “anti-Islamic outfits”.

E.T. Mohammed Basheer, a Lok Sabha member, came out strongly against the Popular Front of India (PFI), whose activists …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : PFI a blot on Muslims in Kerala, says IUML MP.

Security up at Shiva temple

RANCHI – Security has been strengthened at the famous Shiva temple in Deoghar in Jharkhand ahead of a 30-day festival starting July 26, police said Thursday.

During the festival, around four million people visit the Baba Baidyanath temple to offer holy water.
On Wednesday, a man was arrested in the temple with a knife.
“Hundreds … Original article on : Security up at Shiva temple.

1984 riots: Akal Takht stands behind Phoolka

AMRITSAR – The Akal Takht, the highest seat of Sikhism, has asked Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Paramjit Singh Sarna and his brother to explain their stand on the controversy over advocate H.S. Phoolka fighting 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases.

Akal Takht chief (jathedar) Gurbachan Singh told IANS: “We have asked Sarna to explain their … Original source on Gaea Times at : 1984 riots: Akal Takht stands behind Phoolka.

I like experimenters in religion: Sudhir Kakar (Interview)

NEW DELHI – Mughal prince Dara Shukoh, Mahatma Gandhi and spiritualist Ramakrishna Paramahansa shared a trait – they were religious secularists at heart, says psychoanalyst and writer Sudhir Kakar who loves to get into the lives of historical characters to find answers.

“The three of them tried to bring the Hindus and the Muslims together … Original article on : I like experimenters in religion: Sudhir Kakar (Interview).

Islamic cleric says Malaysia won’t ban devilish Man U jerseys for Muslims but warns of emblem

Muslim cleric: Malaysia won’t ban Man U jerseys

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Islamic authorities in Malaysia say soccer uniforms with devils, crosses or skulls promote the “wrong value,” but that doesn’t mean Manchester United jerseys should be banned.
Recent reports said Muslims have been urged not to wear the Premier League club’s shirts because its emblem features …. Original source  : Islamic cleric says Malaysia won’t ban devilish Man U jerseys for Muslims but warns of emblem.

Italian Roman Catholic church says gay priests should not leave ‘double life’

Church blasts gay priests leading ‘double life’

ROME – The Italian church says gay priests must not lead a “double life,” expressing pain and anger over a magazine article and video purporting to show priests frequenting gay locales in Rome.
A statement by the Roman Catholic Rome diocese on Friday said no one is forcing homosexual prelates … Original article on : Italian Roman Catholic church says gay priests should not leave ‘double life’.

Content provider fined for faith-based advertisement

LONDON – British broadcasting regulator Ofcom has slapped a fine of 17,500 pounds on a digital television network providing Asian content for carrying a faith-based advertisement it said was capable of exploiting the vulnerable.

Manchester-based DM Digital Service broadcasts mainly Urdu content to Asian audiences.
The penalty comes on a case concerning advertisements the channel carried …. Read the original article  : here.

Abbas says he is still wary of direct talks with Israel despite pressure from ‘entire world’

Abbas says entire world wants direct Mideast talks

RAMALLAH, West Bank – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday that despite intense international pressure from the “entire world,” he is still not willing to start direct negotiations with Israel.
Abbas told the Voice of Palestine radio that talks would be doomed without a clear framework.
The Palestinians are wary … Read : Abbas says he is still wary of direct talks with Israel despite pressure from ‘entire world’.

Britain’s first ‘halal’ cosmetics

LONDON – A Muslim businesswoman in Britain has launched the country’s first range of “halal” cosmetics which is free from alcohol and animal products.

Halal means any food or consumable goods that are permissible for consumption by Muslims under Shariah Islamic law. Consumption of alcohol and certain meat including pork are forbidden under the law. …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Amarnath yatra sees over 300,000 pilgrims

JAMMU – More than 300,000 pilgrims have come to offer prayers at the revered Amarnath cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir so far, with a month still to go for the yatra to conclude. Shrine officials said Sunday that the arrivals this year could surpass previous records.

“On an average, almost 10,000 pilgrims a day … Read more »»».

Gay Lutheran pastors from SF Bay area to join roster of largest Lutheran denomination

Gay Lutheran pastors to join church roster

SAN FRANCISCO – Seven pastors who work in the San Francisco Bay area and were barred from serving in the nation’s largest Lutheran group because of a policy that required gay clergy to be celibate are being welcomed into the denomination.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will add six … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Gay Lutheran pastors from SF Bay area to join roster of largest Lutheran denomination.

Pope grants broad powers to delegate for scandal-plagued Legionaries

Pope grants broad powers to Legionaries delegate

VATICAN CITY – The pope has granted broad powers of governance and financial control to the archbishop he selected to overhaul the Legionaries of Christ following revelations that the order’s founder led a double life.
A decree approved by Pope Benedict XVI and published Saturday on the Legionaries’ website said … Read more >>>.

Dubai Metro to run till 1 a.m. during Ramadan

Dubai, July 24 (IANS/WAM) The Dubai Metro will extend its working hours during the holy month of Ramadan, an official said Saturday.

Mattar Al Tayer, executive director of Roads and Transports Authority in Dubai, said in a statement that the metro will run from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. throughout the week except Friday, when it … Original article on : Dubai Metro to run till 1 a.m. during Ramadan.

Saudi cleric says it’s OK for Saudi women to uncover faces in countries trying to ban the veil

Saudi: OK to uncover face in anti-burqa countries

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A popular Saudi cleric said Saturday it is permissible for Muslim women to reveal their faces in countries where the Islamic veil is banned to avoid harassment, while deploring the effort to outlaw the garment in France.
Saudi Arabia, the birthplace of Islam, is one … Read more »».