Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for August 2-9, 2010

Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for August 2-9, 2010

Monday, August 9, 2010

Canada outraged over security exemption for niqab-wearing women

TORONTO – A YouTube video showing two niqab-wearing Muslim women being allowed to board a flight at Montreal airport without being subjected to any security checks has outraged Canadians.

The incident, which was captured by a British passenger of Air Canada’s flight from Montreal to Heathrow last month, violates international standards which require airport check-in staff …. Original source : Canada outraged over security exemption for niqab-wearing women.

Kanwarias flood highway to Haridwar, vehicles to be diverted

GHAZIABAD – It’s the time for kanwarias to flood the highway leading to Haridwar again. Thousands of orange-robed men with bamboo staffs slung across their shoulders carrying decorated earthen pots are marching on National-Highway-58, from New Delhi to Dehradun. The authorities have closed the highway to vehicles from Aug 3-9.

The highway has been diverted … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Kanwarias flood highway to Haridwar, vehicles to be diverted.

July deadliest month for Iraqis in 2 years with more than 500 dead

July deadliest month for Iraqis since 2008

BAGHDAD – July was Iraq’s deadliest month in more than two years, according to new official figures, suggesting that a resilient insurgency is successfully taking advantage of the months of deadlock in forming a new government.
The figures released late Saturday show that 535 people were killed last month, the …. Original article on Gaea Times at : July deadliest month for Iraqis in 2 years with more than 500 dead.

Combining faith with saving environment, girl child

AJMER – Combining faith with a social cause, a twin initiative to save the environment and the girl child was Sunday launched at the revered Dargah Sharif here.

Nanhi Chhann foundation, a not-for-profit organisation which connects the issues of environment and girl child collectively to motherhood, focuses on social sensitisation towards the issue.
“We must … Original source on Gaea Times at : Combining faith with saving environment, girl child.

Vote by NYC landmarks panel could clear the way for proposed mosque near ground zero

Panel vote could clear way for ground zero mosque

NEW YORK – A contentious plan for a mosque near the World Trade Center site will get a boost if New York City’s landmarks panel votes Tuesday to allow the demolition of the building that the mosque would replace.
The mosque would be part of an Islamic community …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Vote by NYC landmarks panel could clear the way for proposed mosque near ground zero.

As 18th birthday nears, girl who fled Ohio after Christian conversion rejects family reunion

Teenage Christian convert rejects family reunion

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A judge is scheduled to hear arguments from a Christian convert who says a reunion with her Muslim parents is impossible before the girl’s 18th birthday next week.
At a hearing Tuesday, Rifqa Bary (RIHF’-kuh BAYR’-ee) is also expected to ask the Franklin County juvenile court judge for … Read more >>.

Muslim women should be allowed to wear burqa: Tory chairperson

LONDON – Muslim women should have the right to choose to wear the burqa, Conservative Party chairperson Sayeeda Warsi has said. “Just because a woman wears the burqa, it doesn’t mean she can’t engage in everyday life,” she says.

Warsi, the first Muslim woman to serve in the cabinet, defended the burqa Monday.
“Just because a … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Muslim women should be allowed to wear burqa: Tory chairperson.

Minn. pastor who opposes homosexuals in the pulpit says he’s attracted to men, still a virgin

Minn. pastor back in pulpit after gay report

MINNEAPOLIS – A Lutheran pastor in Minneapolis who opposes homosexuals being allowed to lead congregations said Monday he is attracted to men, but that he’s not a hypocrite because he never acted on his urges.
The Rev. Tom Brock told The Associated Press he has known for years he … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Minn. pastor who opposes homosexuals in the pulpit says he’s attracted to men, still a virgin.

Indian troops open fire on protesters in Kashmir, killing 7 and injuring more than 60

Troops kill 7 protesters in Indian-ruled Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India – Government troops fired live ammunition and tear gas into crowds of anti-India protesters Monday as tens of thousands of people demonstrated across Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said. Seven civilians were reported killed.
More than 60 protesters and almost 70 government forces were injured on one …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Holocaust Museum urges Romania to withdraw coin commemorating ‘anti-semitic’ patriarch

Holocaust museum to Romania: scrap ‘racist’ coin

BUCHAREST, Romania – Romania’s central bank has issued a special coin commemorating a prime minister and religious leader who stripped Jews of their citizenship before World War II. The move prompted protest Monday from Romanian Jews as well as a director at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Radu Ioanid, who … Read : Holocaust Museum urges Romania to withdraw coin commemorating ‘anti-semitic’ patriarch.

Indian troops open fire on protesters in Kashmir, killing 5 and wounding 30

Troops kill 5 Kashmiri protesters as unrest grows
SRINAGAR, India – Government troops fired into crowds of protesters Monday as tens of thousands of people across Indian-controlled Kashmir demonstrated their rejection of India’s rule over the predominantly Muslim region, police said. Five protesters were killed and more than 30 wounded.
The top elected … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian troops open fire on protesters in Kashmir, killing 5 and wounding 30.

Indian troops open fire on protesters in Kashmir, killing one person and wounding 30

Troops fire on Kashmir protests; 1 killed, 30 hurt
SRINAGAR, India – Government troops fired into crowds of protesters Monday as thousands of Kashmiris demonstrated their rejection of Indian rule over the predominantly Muslim region, police said. One person was killed and more than 30 wounded in the clashes.
The top elected official in Kashmir, …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Indian troops open fire on protesters in Kashmir, killing one person and wounding 30.

Government assures timely arrangements for Haj

NEW DELHI – Against the backdrop of a controversy over arrangements for the Haj, the external affairs ministry Monday said it was in touch with various ministries to ensure the timely preparations for the annual pilgrimage undertaken by over 150,000 Indian Muslims every year.

“Government of India attaches great importance to making all necessary arrangements … Read more >>>.

6 injured in police firing as massive protests continue in Indian Kashmir

Massive protests continue in Indian Kashmir
SRINAGAR, India – Government troops fired at thousands of activists protesting Indian rule over the country’s portion of Kashmir on Monday, injuring six people in persistent violence that has left 33 people dead over the past seven weeks.
The top elected official in the predominantly Muslim state, Omar Abdullah, …. Source article on Gaea Times at : 6 injured in police firing as massive protests continue in Indian Kashmir.

Lord Murugan Songs, Lyrics and Videos

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com) — With the Murugan Festival getting closer, people are all set to pray to the deity. Murugan Songs, Lyrics an Videos are looked for all over. Holy verses are searched for to be recited on the lord’s behalf.
Though there are a huge selection of songs, the following are some classic ones …. Source : Gaea News Network.

Greek Orthodox priest feels at home with hardcore soccer fans, ignores church condemnation

Greek priest right at home with rabid soccer fans

THESSALONIKI, Greece – Many soccer fans follow the sport religiously, and Father Christos Mitsios is no exception.
The 51-year-old Greek Orthodox priest has become a mainstay in the hardcore section at PAOK Thessaloniki matches, cheering on the team and offering help and guidance to many of Greece’s most … Read : Greek Orthodox priest feels at home with hardcore soccer fans, ignores church condemnation.

Conservative group vows legal action after NYC panel clears way for mosque near ground zero

Group to fight vote clearing way for NYC mosque
NEW YORK – Plans for an Islamic community center and mosque near ground zero moved forward as a city panel opened the way for developers to tear down a building that was struck by airplane debris on Sept. 11.
Even as the project’s backers celebrated the …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Conservative group vows legal action after NYC panel clears way for mosque near ground zero.

USCIRF Commissioner asks Pakistan to repeal blasphemy law; PCC Conference in Washington

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Christian Congress PCC Conference was first ever successful gathering in a campaign to repeal blasphemy law in Pakistan when a Commissioner of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom and more than one dozen leaders of International Human Right Organizations were here to speak on rights of Pakistani Christians.

Pakistan should repeal its ‘Blasphemy …. Source : USCIRF Commissioner asks Pakistan to repeal blasphemy law; PCC Conference in Washington.

NY panel clears way for mosque 2 blocks from ground zero by denying building’s landmark status

NYC panel clears way for mosque near ground zero
NEW YORK – A city panel Tuesday cleared the way for the construction near ground zero of a mosque that has caused a political uproar over religious freedom and Sept. 11 even as opponents vowed to press their case in court.
The Landmarks Preservation Commission …. Source article on Gaea Times at : NY panel clears way for mosque 2 blocks from ground zero by denying building’s landmark status.

Judge denies parents’ request that Christian convert in Ohio undergo medical treatment

Judge: No forced treatment for Ohio convert

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A juvenile court judge in Ohio has rejected the request of a Christian convert’s Muslim parents to order the teenager to receive emergency medical treatment for uterine cancer.
Magistrate Mary Goodrich in Columbus said Tuesday that the request by parents of 17-year-old Rifqa Bary (RIHF’-kuh BAYR’-ee) does … Read : Judge denies parents’ request that Christian convert in Ohio undergo medical treatment.

NYC panel clears way for mosque near ground zero by denying building’s landmark status

Panel’s landmark denial frees NYC mosque site
NEW YORK – Ignoring jeers and cries of “Shame on you,” a city commission on Tuesday denied landmark status to a building near the World Trade Center site that can now be demolished to make way for an Islamic community center and mosque.
The Landmarks …. Original article : NYC panel clears way for mosque near ground zero by denying building’s landmark status.

Nevada’s Angle says she’s at ‘war’ to stop Democrats who want to ‘make government our God’

Angle: Democrats want to ‘make government our God’
LOS ANGELES – Nevada U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle sees her campaign as a battle to stop Democrats in Washington who want to expand entitlement programs and “make government our God.”
In an interview with a Christian radio network, Angle describes her effort … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Nevada’s Angle says she’s at ‘war’ to stop Democrats who want to ‘make government our God’.

Mormon church says it regrets decision overturning Calif. gay marriage ban

Mormon church ‘regrets’ Calif. gay marriage ruling

SALT LAKE CITY – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints says it regrets a federal judge’s ruling overturning a ban on gay marriage in California.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker made his ruling Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by two gay couples who claimed the voter-approved ban, …. Original source : Mormon church says it regrets decision overturning Calif. gay marriage ban.

Ohio judge: Ruling due Thursday in case of Christian convert at odds with Muslim parents

Ohio judge delays ruling in Christian runaway case

COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Ohio juvenile court judge says she’ll issue a decision Thursday in the case of a runaway Christian convert at odds with her Muslim parents and trying to avoid deportation.
The judge Wednesday told attorneys for 17-year-old Rifqa Bary and her parents to submit arguments before … Original article on : Ohio judge: Ruling due Thursday in case of Christian convert at odds with Muslim parents.

Judge issues judgment against Russia for refusal to return documents to Jewish religious group

Judge rules against Russia on Jewish documents

WASHINGTON – A federal judge has issued a judgment against the Russian government for its refusal to return a library of historic books and documents to a Jewish group.
Royce Lamberth, the chief judge of U.S. District Court in Washington, ruled that taking the material was discriminatory, not for a …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Judge issues judgment against Russia for refusal to return documents to Jewish religious group.

Malaysian Indian woman wants her conversion to Islam invalidated

GEORGE TOWN – An ethnic Indian housewife in Malaysia Wednesday said she would appeal against a civil court ruling that heard her plea questioning her conversion to Islam when she was seven years old.

Siti Hasnah Bangarama Abdullah, 28, was converted along with her four siblings in 1983 when her parents, both born Hindus, embraced … Original source on Gaea Times at : Malaysian Indian woman wants her conversion to Islam invalidated.

Mosque to come up near 9/11 site amid opposition

NEW YORK – The way has been cleared for converting a property near ‘ground zero’ in New York into an Islamic community centre and mosque. However, everyone is not happy with the decision.

National and New York politicians and the Anti-Defamation League have come out in recent weeks against plans for the mosque, saying it … Read more >>.

Prayers really can heal the sick

LONDON – Believe it or not, prayers can heal the sick, especially if the well-wisher is standing near the person he or she is praying for, says a team of researchers from Indiana University in the US.

Researchers say the vision and hearing of patients in their tests improved after healing practitioners prayed for them.
One … Read more >>.

Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of law permitting same-sex marriages in Mexico City

Mexican court upholds capital’s gay marriage law

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a law allowing same-sex marriages in Mexico City is constitutional, rejecting an appeal by federal prosecutors who argued it violated the charter’s guarantees to protect the family.
The justices’ 8-2 ruling handed a legal victory to hundreds of same-sex couples who … Read : Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of law permitting same-sex marriages in Mexico City.

Jewish activists support mosque near ground zero, say it will dispel myths about Islam

Jewish activists support ground zero mosque
NEW YORK – A group of Jewish activists and community leaders voiced their support for a planned mosque near ground zero and said opponents, including the nation’s leading Jewish civil rights group, are perpetuating misunderstandings about Islam.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow, of the Philadelphia-based Shalom Center, joined about 30 other … Read : Jewish activists support mosque near ground zero, say it will dispel myths about Islam.

Jewish activists support mosque near ground zero, say Muslims should have role in downtown NYC

Jewish activists support mosque near ground zero

NEW YORK – A group of Jewish activists and community leaders has rallied in support of a planned Islamic center near the World Trade Center site.
Rabbi Arthur Waskow of the Philadelphia-based Shalom Center joined about 30 other religious leaders and Jewish activists Thursday at the spot where the Cordoba … Original article on : Jewish activists support mosque near ground zero, say Muslims should have role in downtown NYC.

Shia cleric comes to Mahmoodabad ex-royal’s rescue

LUCKNOW – Prominent Shia scholar and cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawaad Thursday sprung a surprise by coming out in support of the erstwhile royal of Mahmoodabad who was suddenly deprived of his properties that he had retrieved after fighting a 32-year-long court battle.

If it was the Supreme Court that had entitled Ameer Mohammad Khan of Mahmoodabad, …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Shia cleric comes to Mahmoodabad ex-royal’s rescue.

Gadkari urges PM to stop Waqf property misuse

NEW DELHI – Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Gadkari has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take steps to stop misappropriation of the multi-billion-rupee Waqf properties in the country and said the funds should be used for the betterment of the Muslim community.

In a letter to Manmohan Singh, Gadkari said it was a …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Gadkari urges PM to stop Waqf property misuse.

A Train Ride to Salvation

Kolkata, India(GaeaTimes.com) — The life of a daily passenger in the North Sealdah main-line is generally very mundane. The local train stops in the station, people get down and then there is a wide spread scramble to get into the train. One may find it to be very odd that these people who are … Original article on : A Train Ride to Salvation.

Be centred on god to be shielded from distress, anxiety

TORONTO – Being centred on god not only shields people from distress and anxiety, but they are also less likely to be upset by mistakes.

Researchers showed that when people think about religion and god, their brains respond differently – in a way that lets them take setbacks in stride and react with less distress to …. Source article : Be centred on god to be shielded from distress, anxiety.

President to inaugurate Rs.30 crore prayer hall in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – President Pratibha Patil will Friday inaugurate what is believed to be the costliest prayer hall in Kerala and probably one of the fanciest in the country that was built at a cost of Rs 30 crore. It is shaped like a white lotus and will be unveiled at the Santhigiri Ashram near here.

Swami … Original source on Gaea Times at : President to inaugurate Rs.30 crore prayer hall in Kerala.

Boston Catholic newspaper, the nation’s oldest, now available on Kindle, via iPhone app

Boston Catholic newspaper now available on Kindle

BRAINTREE, Mass. – The Archdiocese of Boston is expanding efforts to reach out to younger and more tech-savvy Catholics by making its weekly newspaper available on Kindle.
Church officials announced Thursday that The Pilot is now available through Amazon’s Kindle e-reader and via an Apple iPhone application.
Archdiocese officials say the … Read more >>.

I’m a practising Hindu, says Julia Roberts

LONDON – Oscar winning Hollywood star Julia Roberts says she is a “practising Hindu” after she shot for the film “Eat, Pray and Love” in India and regularly goes to temples to “chant and pray and celebrate” with her family.

Roberts, 42, who won a legion of fans after she essayed the role of a prostitute … Read more »».

Kanwars: For Hindus by Muslims

LUCKNOW – You could hardly have guessed that some of the beautifully decorated kanwars carried by Hindu devotees during the annual religious journey, Kanwar Yatra, have actually been made by Muslim artisans in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut district.

It’s much more than a business that has emerged as an exemplar of Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood in Uttar … Read more : Kanwars: For Hindus by Muslims.

Sarnas appear before Akal Takht, panel set up on Phoolka charges

AMRITSAR – The Sikh high priests Saturday formed a five-member committee to look into a controversy involving 1984 anti-Sikh riots victims’ lawyer H.S. Phoolka and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Paramjit Singh Sarna and his brother.

The committee was set up after Sarna and his brother appeared before the Akal Takht, the highest … Read more »».

Afghan mission ends in death for 6 US, 2 Europeans, 2 Afghans; Taliban claim responsibility

Afghan medical mission ends in death for 10

KABUL, Afghanistan – They hiked for more than 10 hours over rugged mountains – unarmed and without security – to bring medical care to isolated Afghan villagers until their humanitarian mission took a tragic turn.
Ten members of the Christian medical team – six Americans, two Afghans, one German … Original source on Gaea Times at : Afghan mission ends in death for 6 US, 2 Europeans, 2 Afghans; Taliban claim responsibility.