Burqa can’t be forced on women, rules Bangladesh court

DHAKA – A court in Bangladesh, an Islamic Republic, has directed the government to ensure that no woman is forced to wear burqa or religious attires in the educational institutions and offices across the country.

A bench of the Dhaka High Court Sunday also ordered the government to ensure that the cultural activities and sports in … Read : Burqa can’t be forced on women, rules Bangladesh court.

Mexican Catholics, gay rights activists face off for second day over same-sex marriage debate

Mexican Catholics, gay rights protesters face off

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Gay rights activists and a group of Roman Catholics in Mexico have yelled insults at each other during dueling demonstrations over same-sex marriage.
Some 200 gay rights activists waved rainbow flags and held signs reading “Thank God I’m gay” at a plaza next to the cathedral in …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mexican Catholics, gay rights activists face off for second day over same-sex marriage debate.

Mother of dead Cuban hunger striker holds march without incident after weeks of confrontations

Mom of dead Cuban hunger striker allowed to march

HAVANA – The mother of a Cuban political prisoner who died following a hunger strike held a march in her son’s honor without incident Sunday, as pro-government mobs that had broken up the demonstration for weeks stayed away.
Reina Luisa Tamayo led about 12 relatives from her home …. Original source  : Mother of dead Cuban hunger striker holds march without incident after weeks of confrontations.

Hundreds stage opposing demos at ground zero Islamic site

NEW YORK – Protesters against the construction of an Islamic community centre and a mosque near ground zero faced off Sunday with protesters in favour of the facility in New York, a media report said.

With chants and banners, hundreds of critics and supporters of the proposed centre in New York showed up despite an …. Original source  : Hundreds stage opposing demos at ground zero Islamic site.

NY mosque imam: attention sparked by project is positive, hopes it will bring understanding

NY mosque imam: Attention from project is positive
MANAMA, Bahrain – The imam spearheading plans for an Islamic center near ground zero said Sunday the attention generated by the project is positive and he hopes it will bring greater understanding.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf’s plans for an Islamic cultural center about two blocks from the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : NY mosque imam: attention sparked by project is positive, hopes it will bring understanding.

Heated rallies over project near WTC site: ‘No mosque, no way!’ vs. ‘Say no to racist fear!’

Rallies over mosque near ground zero get heated
NEW YORK – Hundreds of impassioned demonstrators – all waving American flags, but separated into two groups by police – descended on the site of the proposed mosque near ground zero, with …. Source  : Heated rallies over project near WTC site: ‘No mosque, no way!’ vs. ‘Say no to racist fear!’.

Dwindling numbers worry Kerala church

KOCHI – A four-day assembly of the Syro Malabar Catholic Church that concluded here Sunday expressed deep concern that the numbers of its faithful were dwindling.

“We are worried because life is a gift of the god and it is a matter of concern to us because the rich and educated do not take parenthood in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dwindling numbers worry Kerala church.

Bahrain’s Shiite leader condemns continued arrests, reversing 10 years of sectarian progress

Shiites say Bahrain crackdown sets back relations

MANAMA, Bahrain – Bahrain’s top Shiite politician said a crackdown on Shiite protesters by Sunni rulers has destroyed a decade of stable sectarian relations as the tiny Gulf state heads into parliamentary elections scheduled for October.
The wave of detentions – at least 160, according to one lawyer – has …. Read the original article  : Bahrain’s Shiite leader condemns continued arrests, reversing 10 years of sectarian progress.

NY mosque imam says US freedoms more in line with Islam than limits of some Muslim nations

NY mosque imam: US rights in line with true Islam

MANAMA, Bahrain – The imam spearheading plans for an Islamic center near the New York site of the Sept. 11 attacks says America’s sweeping constitutional rights are more in line with Islamic principles than the limits imposed by some Muslim nations.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf told the …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : NY mosque imam says US freedoms more in line with Islam than limits of some Muslim nations.

Students shouldn’t be forced to wear burqas: Dhaka court

DHAKA – A Bangladeshi court Sunday asked the government to ensure that women are not forced to wear burqas in public offices and schools, court officials said.

The country’s High Court issued the order following reports that officials in a female college in northern Bangladesh were forbidding students from attending class unless they wear a burqa. … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Students shouldn’t be forced to wear burqas: Dhaka court.

Delhi Sikhs protest Kashmir threats

NEW DELHI – A breakaway fraction of the Akalai Dal held a demonstration here Sunday to protest the anonymous letters received by the Sikhs in Kashmir asking them to embrace Islam or face dire consequences.

“The government is just concerned about the Commonwealth Games. We fear that because of the games, we will lose Kashmir to … Read more >>>.

Metro plans extra trips on Raksha Bandhan

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Metro will run 187 extra trips to avoid overcrowding on the Raksha Bandhan festival Aug 24, an official said Sunday.

According to a Delhi Metro spokesperson, “The metro will provide extra 187 trips and the trains will run at peak hour frequency from morning 8 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. on Tuesday.” …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

5 years after crisis in Spanish enclave in North Africa, a different conflict simmers

Tensions simmer in Spanish enclave in North Africa

MELILLA, Spain – In this crowded and muggy speck of Europe perched on Africa’s shoulder, with the Mediterranean to one side and gigantic Morocco to the other, a person might be forgiven for going a little stir crazy.
The few aircraft that come to this far-flung Spanish enclave are …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

SGPC to send delegation to Kashmir

JAMMU – The Shiromani Gurudawara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) is to send a delegation to the Kashmir Valley to meet members of the Sikh community following anonymous letters asking them to embrace Islam or face dire consequences, an official said Tuesday.

A delegation of the SGPC, Amritsar, led by its president Avtar Singh Makkar, was scheduled to …. Source article  : SGPC to send delegation to Kashmir.

Amarnath pilgrimage ends in Kashmir

JAMMU – Defying all odds, more than 456,000 pilgrims prayed at the cave shrine of Lord Shiva in southern Kashmir during the Amarnath Yatra that ended Tuesday.

The pilgrimage, which started July 1 amid mobs dominating the streets in the Kashmir Valley, concluded without any major untoward incident although pilgrims’ vehicles were caught in stone-pelting at …. Read the original article  : Amarnath pilgrimage ends in Kashmir.

Supporters say church destroyed on 9/11 is being ignored in furor over mosque near ground zero

Supporters: Church ignored in NYC mosque furor
NEW YORK – Supporters of a Greek Orthodox church destroyed on Sept. 11 say officials willing to speak out about a planned community center and mosque near ground zero have been silent on efforts to get the church rebuilt.
But the World Trade Center site’s owner …. Source  : Supporters say church destroyed on 9/11 is being ignored in furor over mosque near ground zero.

NY gov, archbishop to discuss proposal for alternate site for mosque planned near WTC site

NY gov, archbishop to discuss mosque near WTC site
ALBANY, N.Y. – New York Gov. David Paterson says he’ll meet with Archbishop Timothy Dolan to discuss a mosque and Islamic community center planned two blocks from ground zero.
The private meeting will be Tuesday at the Democratic governor’s Manhattan office.
Opponents and protesters say the mosque … Read more : NY gov, archbishop to discuss proposal for alternate site for mosque planned near WTC site.

Church trial set for Presbyterian minister who performed gay weddings when legal in Calif

Trial set for minister who performed gay weddings

SAN FRANCISCO – A retired Presbyterian minister is facing a church trial for performing weddings of gay couples during the brief period when same-sex marriage was legal in California.
The Rev. Jane Spahr has been accused of publicly, intentionally and repeatedly violating church doctrine when she presided at the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Church trial set for Presbyterian minister who performed gay weddings when legal in Calif.

Mideast watches NY mosque furor and asks: Is it worth the fight?

Mideast passions quiet over NY mosque showdown
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – On the streets of lower Manhattan, there’s no mistaking how the passions flow: One side saying its their patriotic duty to block a planned Islamic center and the other insisting America cannot curtail freedoms as revenge for the Sept. 11 [..] Read the original article: here.

Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations begin

KOLKATA – The official birth centenary celebrations of Mother Teresa began here Monday even as a clergyman said the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s elevation to sainthood may take some more time.

The Mother, an Albanian nun, founded a Catholic congregation Missionaries of Charity and devoted herself to the cause of the poor, infirm and the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations begin.

Sikhs in Kashmir Valley feel unsafe: Community leaders

JAMMU – Rubbishing claims of the Jammu and Kashmir government that Sikhs in the valley had nothing to fear, several leaders of the community Monday said that they were facing “acute harassment at the hands of miscreants” in the valley.

The community leaders, who had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi last week and … Read more : Sikhs in Kashmir Valley feel unsafe: Community leaders.

Saibaba’s sandals will not be taken to Britain

SHIRDI – Following strong criticism by locals, the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust (SSST) of Shirdi Monday cancelled plans to take Saibaba’s sandals to Britain next month, an official said here Monday.

“People from various quarters, including the villagers from Shirdi, have expressed their disapproval to take Saibaba’s holy sandals to London. So, respecting their sentiments, we … Original article on : Saibaba’s sandals will not be taken to Britain.

Stray cats strut Istanbul’s streets, a symbol of tradition in a churning metropolis

Cat culture thrives in Istanbul
ISTANBUL – When President Obama visited Turkey last year, he paused to stroke a tabby cat at the former Byzantine church of Haghia Sophia while Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan looked on with a smile. The cat, one of half a dozen living at the ancient site, seemed unfazed by … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Stray cats strut Istanbul’s streets, a symbol of tradition in a churning metropolis.

More Americans have unfavourable views on Islam

WASHINGTON – The number of Americans viewing Islam favourably has declined since 2005, but there is little change in those saying that Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence, according to a new poll.

As was the case a year ago, slightly more people say the Islamic religion does not encourage violence more …. Read the original article  : More Americans have unfavourable views on Islam.

NYC mayor: Not allowing mosque compromises committment to fight terror with freedom

NY mayor: Stopping mosque compromises terror fight
NEW YORK – Mayor Michael Bloomberg delivered an impassioned speech at an event marking the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, saying that not allowing a proposed mosque to be built near ground zero would be “compromising our commitment to fighting terror with freedom.”
“We would undercut the values … Original source on Gaea Times at : NYC mayor: Not allowing mosque compromises committment to fight terror with freedom.

NYC mayor: Blocking mosque near WTC would compromise commitment to fight terror with freedom

NYC mayor supports mosque near WTC at Ramadan meal
NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says not allowing a mosque to be built near ground zero would be “compromising our commitment to fighting terror with freedom.”
The mayor made the comment Tuesday in an impassioned speech at a dinner in observance of …. Source article  : NYC mayor: Blocking mosque near WTC would compromise commitment to fight terror with freedom.

US helps fund mosque, minaret restoration around the world as part of cultural outreach

US funds restoration of global Islamic sites

WASHINGTON – The good will tour of the Middle East by the imam behind the proposed mosque near ground zero is just part of the U.S. government’s efforts to reach out to the Muslim world.
This year, the Obama administration will spend nearly $6 million to restore 63 historic and …. Original article  : US helps fund mosque, minaret restoration around the world as part of cultural outreach.

NY archbishop voices concern over tone of debate on mosque proposed near ground zero

NY archbishop worries about tone of mosque debate
NEW YORK – The tense climate around a proposal for an Islamic community center and mosque near ground zero could put New Yorkers in danger of losing their sense of tolerance and unity, values they embraced in … Read more >>>.

Voices rise in favor of moving Islamic center, mosque proposed near ground zero in NYC

Voices rise in favor of moving proposed NY mosque
NEW YORK – A powerful state politician joined with Gov. David Paterson on Tuesday in suggesting that Islamic leaders should move a proposed mosque farther from ground zero, saying the organizers should be more sensitive to opponents.
Organizers have the right to [..] Read the original article: here.

Maharashtra celebrates Raksha Bandhan with fervour

MUMBAI – Raksha Bandhan, marking the start of the festive season, was celebrated Tuesday with fervour in Maharashtra as sisters tied rakhis (decorative threads) on the wrists of their brothers and fishermen marked the beginning of the fishing season.

Several sex workers at the red light area of Kamathipura in south Mumbai tied rakhis on …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Afghan election reforms struggle to overcome voter fear and disenchantment in upcoming ballot

Afghan vote runs up against fear, disenchantment

KABUL, Afghanistan – A shopkeeper in Kandahar city says what others are thinking: Casting a ballot in next month’s Afghan parliamentary election isn’t worth the risk.
“I’m not going to vote. I can’t risk my life for nothing,” says 31-year-old Hekmatullah as he calls out prices for lipstick and nail … Original article on : Afghan election reforms struggle to overcome voter fear and disenchantment in upcoming ballot.

In debate over how close is too close for NY mosque, questions loom about where ground zero is

Ground zero’s boundaries evolve in mosque debate

NEW YORK – The furor over how close is too close to ground zero for a planned Islamic center and mosque has raised a simple question nine years after Sept. 11: Where exactly is ground zero?
The lines marking the site of the 2001 terror attacks change depending on which …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Haryana regularises 105 shrines

CHANDIGARH – More than 100 shrines built mostly illegally over the years in Haryana’s Gurgaon district are set to get the legal sanction, an official spokesman said Thursday.

The decision was taken after Financial Commissioner and Principal Secretary Naresh Gulati reviewed the status of such shrines near roads in Harayana, especially in Gurgaon, adjoining Delhi.
The … Read : Haryana regularises 105 shrines.

Mass begins Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations

KOLKATA – A two-hour holy mass attended by around 1,000 nuns, priests and commoners at the Missionaries of Charity global headquarters here formally began Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations Thursday.

The Mass, which started at 6.30 a.m. at Mother House, was led by Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, the Archbishop of Ranchi, and concelebrated … Original source on Gaea Times at : Mass begins Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations.

Muslim taxi driver slashed in attack blamed on interfaith group volunteer to visit NYC mayor

Slashed Muslim taxi driver to visit NYC mayor

NEW YORK – A Muslim taxi driver slashed in an attack blamed on an interfaith group volunteer is going to New York City Hall to meet the mayor.
Cabbie Ahmed Sharif says college student Michael Enright hailed his cab Tuesday and asked if he’s Muslim. He says when he …. Read the original article  : here.

Nepal prays for Mother Teresa

KATHMANDU – There were no film festivals, exhibitions or special trains named after her. But the sisters at the Missionaries of Charity in Nepal remembered their founder, India’s “saint of the gutter” Mother Teresa, by holding a special mass for her and prayers.

“In Kolkata, everyone knows of Mother Teresa and her house,” said Sister Brigitamann … Original article on : Nepal prays for Mother Teresa.

Pope sends blessings on Mother Teresa’s birth centenary

KOLKATA – Describing Mother Teresa as an “exemplary model of Christian virtue”, Pope Benedict XVI has urged everyone to draw constantly from her spirituality and example in the service of the poor and the sick.

Sending his blessings from the Vatican on the occasion of Mother Teresa’s birth centenary celebrations beginning Thursday, the Pope said he … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope sends blessings on Mother Teresa’s birth centenary.

Sen. Kennedy’s family marks anniversary of his death with Mass, renaming of health center

Family marks anniversary of Sen. Kennedy’s death
BOSTON – Sen. Edward Kennedy’s family marked the anniversary of his death in Massachusetts with a Mass and the renaming of a community health center in his honor Wednesday.
Family members including Kennedy’s widow, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, attended a memorial Mass at Our Lady of Victory … Read more >>>.

Catholic Church says it helped son of Cuban revolutionary hero win permission to travel to US

Church helps son of ex-Cuban leader leave for US

HAVANA – The Roman Catholic Church said Wednesday it has intervened again on behalf of a political dissident, this time helping the ailing son of one of Cuba’s top revolutionary heroes go to the United States for medical treatment.
Juan Almeida Garcia is the son of Juan Almeida … Read : Catholic Church says it helped son of Cuban revolutionary hero win permission to travel to US.

Mosque developer claims classic NYC background, has modest real estate holdings

Mosque developer claims a classic NYC background

NEW YORK – Eight years ago, Sharif El-Gamal was just another ambitious striver from Brooklyn, casting about for career leads and dreaming of a grander future in real estate.
A handful of modest deals later, he’s sitting on one of the most politically charged projects in recent city history: a … Read more >>>.

NY mosque developer claims classic NYC background, has modest real estate holdings

NY mosque developer claims classic NYC background

NEW YORK – Eight years ago, Sharif El-Gamal was just another ambitious striver from Brooklyn, casting about for career leads and dreaming of a grander future in real estate.
A handful of modest deals later, he’s sitting on one of the most politically charged projects in recent city history: a … Read more >>.

NY mosque developer is quietly involved in a 2nd mosque project farther north in city

NY mosque developer pursues 2nd mosque project

NEW YORK – The New York City real estate developer behind the proposed Islamic Center near ground zero has also been involved in raising money for a second mosque in Harlem.
Sharif El-Gamal has participated in fundraising appeals by the Tidjani Islamic Community of New York, a congregation founded by …. Source  : NY mosque developer is quietly involved in a 2nd mosque project farther north in city.

LB Manti Te’o a long way from home, blends beliefs, leadership to command Irish defense

LB Te’o feels at home with Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Manti Te’o left the beautiful vistas, the sand and the ocean of his native Hawaii for a long journey to Indiana, where he’s found peace and a new home as the leader of Notre Dame’s defense.
As a Mormon, there is much more …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : LB Manti Te’o a long way from home, blends beliefs, leadership to command Irish defense.

9/11 families, others rally in support of Islamic center and mosque near NYC’s ground zero

9/11 families, others rally in favor of NYC mosque
NEW YORK – The planned mosque and Islamic center blocks from ground zero got a new boost Wednesday from a coalition of supporters that includes families of Sept. 11 victims.
New York Neighbors for American Values rallied for the first time at a municipal … Read this article on Gaea Times at : 9/11 families, others rally in support of Islamic center and mosque near NYC’s ground zero.

Susan Boyle to sing ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ for Pope Benedict XVI in Scotland during British tour

Susan Boyle to sing for the pope during UK tour

LONDON – British singing sensation Susan Boyle said Wednesday she feels humbled and honored by the opportunity to sing for Pope Benedict XVI during his tour of Britain.
The unlikely pop star who shot to global fame after she sang on the TV show “Britain’s Got Talent” … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Susan Boyle to sing ‘I Dreamed A Dream’ for Pope Benedict XVI in Scotland during British tour.

Apologise for anti-Christian remarks: Yeddyurappa tells legislator

BANGALORE – Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa Wednesday said he had directed his party legislator Prahlad Remani to apologise for his anti-Christian statements on Independence Day.

“If he does not tender an apology to the Christian community for his statements, action will be taken against him,” Yeddyurappa told reporters in Belgaum, around 500 km from here. … Read more »»».

Burqa not to be forced on girl students in Bangladesh

DHAKA – Bangladesh government Wednesday asked the educational institutes in the country not to force Muslim girl students to wear veils or religious attire.

Education Secretary Sayed Ataur Rahman also directed the institute authorities not to restrain women students from participating in sports and cultural activities.
The direction comes after a high court ruling last Sunday … Read more : Burqa not to be forced on girl students in Bangladesh.

Russell Simmons displays spiritual symbols supporting mosque in his NYC apartment windows

Simmons offers window into thoughts on NYC mosque

NEW YORK – Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has put high-visibility support behind a proposed cultural center and mosque near ground zero, using the windows of his top-floor apartment across the street from the site where the World Trade Center stood to display a call for coexistence, loving one’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Russell Simmons displays spiritual symbols supporting mosque in his NYC apartment windows.

History in shadows: Exhibition in Turkey tells of Muslim world’s contributions to science

1001 Inventions: Science in Muslim lands
ISTANBUL – For generations, the lore of “One Thousand and One Nights” helped shape Western notions about Muslim culture. The collection of tales described an exotic world of harems and flying carpets, Sinbad and monsters, Aladdin and the jinn, Ali Baba and the 40 thieves.

Now an exhibition about innovation in …. Read the original article  : History in shadows: Exhibition in Turkey tells of Muslim world’s contributions to science.

Empire State Building, lit for Mariah Carey, isn’t lit for Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday

Empire State Bldg not lit for Mother Teresa b’day

NEW YORK – The Empire State Building was lit in red, white and blue on Thursday night for women’s suffrage as hundreds of people protested a refusal by the iconic skyscraper’s owner to mark Mother Teresa’s 100th birthday.
Yet the colors that the Catholic League had requested in …. Read the original article  : here.

Harry Reid and Sharron Angle trade blistering TV ads in tight US Senate race in Nevada

Harsh ads fly in tight Nevada US Senate race
Rape. Scientology. Greedy bankers. Armed militias. A love story gone wrong.
Those images and words in dueling TV ads Thursday were the latest to emerge in Nevada’s increasingly bitter Senate race, underscoring the tightness of the contest that is among the most closely watched … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Harry Reid and Sharron Angle trade blistering TV ads in tight US Senate race in Nevada.

NYC mayor meets with Muslim cabbie who was stabbed, emphasizes importance of public discourse

NYC mayor meets with Muslim cabbie who was stabbed

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has welcomed a Muslim taxi driver who was stabbed to City Hall and says that it’s important for Americans to have “a discourse” on controversial topics.
Bloomberg was asked Thursday whether the attack on Ahmed Sharif could be related … Read this article on Gaea Times at : NYC mayor meets with Muslim cabbie who was stabbed, emphasizes importance of public discourse.

Kolkatans shower Mother Teresa with love on centenary (Roundup)

KOLKATA – Slumdwellers and admirers from abroad were among the thousands who poured into the Missionaries of Charity (MoC) headquarters here Thursday to celebrate Mother Teresa’s birth centenary. The Pope, in a message from the Vatican, said Mother Teresa was “an inestimable gift” in her lifetime.

Kolkata, the city where the Albania-born nun arrived in 1929, … Read more »».

Mamata inaugurates ‘Mother Express’

KOLKATA – An exhibition train showcasing the life and works of Nobel laureate Mother Teresa was inaugurated Thursday by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee to mark her birth centenary.

“The Mother Express is the railways’ tribute to Mother Teresa on her birth centenary. We also want to generate awareness among the masses about her life and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Mamata inaugurates ‘Mother Express’.

Saudi cleric told to stop unauthorized edicts after call to boycott store with female vendors

Saudi cleric slammed over fatwa on women cashiers

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – A conservative Saudi cleric was told to stop giving unauthorized edicts after he called for a boycott of a supermarket chain that employs women as cashiers, the office of the kingdom’s most senior religious leader said Thursday.
The move is the first public reprimand of … Original source on Gaea Times at : Saudi cleric told to stop unauthorized edicts after call to boycott store with female vendors.

Mother was for immediate relief of poor, neglected: Reaseachers

KOLKATA – Mother Teresa believed in providing immediate relief to the poor and wanted to rub off the sufferings of the deprived and ailing, say researchers, rubbishing the claim that she was more interested in increasing the spectrum of her Missionaries of Charity order than eradicating poverty.

“What I feel is that Mother Teresa believed …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Mother was for immediate relief of poor, neglected: Reaseachers.

Haj committee election upheld by court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court has upheld the election of the office-bearers of Haj committee which coordinates the visit of Indian Muslims to the annual pilgrimage to Makkah and Madina in West Asia.

The Haj committee is administered by the ministry of external affairs under a parliamentary act. The ministry holds annual elections to … Original article on : Haj committee election upheld by court.

Man injured while performing North Carolina submersion baptisms sues LDS church

Man who performed baptisms sues LDS church

SALT LAKE CITY – A Las Vegas man injured while performing submersion baptisms in the name of the dead has sued The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for medical expenses.
The civil suit filed Wednesday in Salt Lake City’s 3rd District Court claims Daniel Dastrup suffered severe back [..] Read the original article: here.

Saudi chain removes female cashiers following protests

RIYADH – One of Saudi Arabia’s largest supermarket chains has reversed a decision to employ female cashiers, in a religious dispute which saw the king issue a reprimand Thursday to a conservative scholar.

Facing pressure from strict religious groups, the Panda group, owned mostly by Saudi Prince Walid bin Talal, said it would not continue to …. Source article  : Saudi chain removes female cashiers following protests.

Albania, Macedonia commemorate Mother Teresa on centenary of her birth

Mother Teresa remembered on centenary of her birth

VAU I DEJES, Albania – Hundreds of Catholics in Albania have held a Mass to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Nobel peace laureate Mother Teresa.
Men and women in traditional folk costumes, school children, nuns and bishops filled the courtyard of a cathedral named after Mother Teresa, …. Original article  : Albania, Macedonia commemorate Mother Teresa on centenary of her birth.

Janmashthami Celebrations Ahead

KOLKATA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Janmashtami is a holy occasion for the devout Hindus who wait for the event all through the year and a number of events are held in the honor of the blue hued deity Krishna. The religious lot decorates their homes and offer pujas and prayers to the deity. This year …. Read the original article  : here.

Outpouring of love, Papal message mark Mother Teresa centenary

KOLKATA – Slumdwellers and admirers from abroad were among the thousands who poured into the Missionaries of Charity (MoC) headquarters here to celebrate Mother Teresa’s birth centenary Thursday. The Pope, in a message from the Vatican, said she was “an inestimable gift” in her lifetime.

Kolkata, the city where the Albania-born nun arrived in 1929, … Read more »»».

100th Anniversary of Mother Teresa’s Birthday Celebrated Today

NEW YORK (GaeaTimes.com) — Today is 26th August, 2010, the 100th Anniversary of Mother Teresa. People all over the world will remember this day for the devoted service and love she has given to mankind. The Missionary of Charity holds the legacy of Mother Teresa even today. It was founded in the year 1950 … Read : 100th Anniversary of Mother Teresa’s Birthday Celebrated Today.

Indians remember Mother Teresa on 100th anniversary of her birth

Indians remember Mother Teresa on birth centennial

CALCUTTA, India – Hundreds of nuns, bishops and volunteers attended a Mass on Thursday marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa, the selfless nun who dedicated her life to serving the sick and poor in India.
School children, tourists and volunteers, some carrying bunches of flowers or … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Indians remember Mother Teresa on 100th anniversary of her birth.

President to inaugurate Mother Teresa centenary function

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil will inaugurate a commemorative meeting here to mark Mother Teresa’s birth centenary Saturday.

Sister Prema, the superior general of Missionaries of Charity (the religious order founded by Mother Teresa), representatives of different religions and political leaders will also address the function to be held at the Vigyan Bhawan here, Father …. Source  : President to inaugurate Mother Teresa centenary function.

Egypt suffers worst power cuts in decades during Ramadan fasting month at height of summer

Egypt power cuts deepen suffering in fasting month

CAIRO – Since Muslims began their daily dawn-to-dusk fast for the holy month of Ramadan two weeks ago, Egypt has been hit by its worst power outages in decades.
The cuts at the height of summer with daily temperatures hovering around 100 degrees, along with rising food prices and … Original article on : Egypt suffers worst power cuts in decades during Ramadan fasting month at height of summer.

BJP to back Ranchi shutdown against temples demolitions

RANCHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended moral support to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)-sponsored shutdown on Sunday to protest the Ranchi administration’s move to demolish 39 temples constructed on government land.

“Our party is against demolition of any temple in the state. We extend our moral support to the shutdown called by the …. Source  : BJP to back Ranchi shutdown against temples demolitions.

Vaishno Devi shrine board to help out Leh victims

JAMMU – The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is to provide Rs.50 lakh for the relief of victims of the cloudburst and flashfloods in Leh, an official said.

“The money is being released by the shrine board on the directions of Governor N.N. Vohra,” an official of the board told IANS Saturday. At least 180 people … Read : Vaishno Devi shrine board to help out Leh victims.

Muslim group slams NY Gov. Paterson for describing mosque developers as ‘almost westernized’

NY gov slammed for ‘westernized’ Muslims comment

ALBANY, N.Y. – Muslim leaders in the United States are criticizing Gov. David Paterson for his description of the developers of an Islamic center and mosque planned near ground zero as peaceful, “almost westernized” Muslims.
The Muslim Public Affairs Council said Paterson mischaracterized the sect known as Sufi and his …. Source article  : Muslim group slams NY Gov. Paterson for describing mosque developers as ‘almost westernized’.

Church court convicts California minister of misconduct for performing same-sex weddings

Church: Calif. minister guilty for marrying gays

SAN FRANCISCO – A retired Presbyterian minister was found guilty of misconduct Friday by a church court for officiating the weddings of 16 gay couples when same-sex marriage was legal in California.
A regional commission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) ruled 4-2 that the Rev. Jane Spahr of San Francisco … Read : Church court convicts California minister of misconduct for performing same-sex weddings.

Tut-tut: Security gaps seen in Egypt’s museums after theft of van Gogh painting in Cairo

Tut-tut: Security problems seen in Egypt’s museums

CAIRO – The Egyptian Museum houses some of the world’s prized antiquities, including the gold mask of King Tut that draws millions of tourists a year. But it also has an outdated video surveillance system that doesn’t work around the clock and guards who snooze, read the Quran or …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Fundraising effort begins for Islamic center near ground zero as congregation donates $10,000

Fundraising effort begins for NYC Islamic center

NEW YORK – The developer behind plans to build an Islamic community center and mosque two blocks from ground zero kicked off fundraising for the project Friday by raising $10,000 in just a few minutes from a congregation of Muslim worshippers.
Sharif El-Gamal announced the start of the funding drive …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Fundraising effort begins for Islamic center near ground zero as congregation donates $10,000.

Critics of Lutheran church’s scripture shift, acceptance of gay pastors form new denomination

Lutherans split over gay pastors, Bible beliefs

GROVE CITY, Ohio – Critics of the country’s largest Lutheran denomination and its more open stance toward gay clergy formed a new Lutheran church Friday at a meeting of a conservative activist group.
The overwhelming voice vote by members of the Lutheran Coalition of Renewal created the North American Lutheran … Read : Critics of Lutheran church’s scripture shift, acceptance of gay pastors form new denomination.

Obama bikes and golfs on Martha’s Vineyard, but can’t escape economy

Vacationing Obama can’t escape economy
EDGARTOWN, Mass. – President Barack Obama biked and golfed under a brilliant New England sun Friday, yet he couldn’t escape the cascade of dour news on the economy as his vacation neared its end.
The Commerce Department reported the economy grew at a much slower pace this spring … Read more »»».

Suit: Pennsylvania couple secretly records priest having sex with daughter; she got pregnant

Suit: Priest impregnates Pennsylvania teenager

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A Pennsylvania couple secretly videotaped a Roman Catholic priest having sex with their 18-year-old daughter in the basement of their home and are now suing, saying he got her pregnant.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Berks County Court, alleges that the Rev. Luis A. Bonilla Margarito carried on a …. Source article  : Suit: Pennsylvania couple secretly records priest having sex with daughter; she got pregnant.

Obama, wife, daughters go on vacation bike outing under brilliant skies on Martha’s Vineyard

First family goes on island vacation bike outing
EDGARTOWN, Mass. – President Barack Obama took full advantage of brilliant New England weather on Friday, completing a short bike ride with his family before heading out for a much longer round of golf as his Martha’s Vineyard vacation wound down.
It wasn’t all games though. Before … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Obama, wife, daughters go on vacation bike outing under brilliant skies on Martha’s Vineyard.

Utah Supreme Court rejects appeal from polygamous sect seeking reversal of land trust changes

Utah court rejects appeal from polygamous sect

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s Supreme Court has rejected a petition from members of a southern Utah-based polygamous sect seeking a reversal of changes made to its communal land trust.
In a ruling issued Friday, justices say members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints waited … Read more : Utah Supreme Court rejects appeal from polygamous sect seeking reversal of land trust changes.

Lawyer: More than 1,000 documents from early days of Nation of Islam found in Detroit home

Early Nation of Islam documents found in Detroit

DETROIT – More than 1,000 documents, including some dating back to the beginning of the Nation of Islam, were found in the attic of a home in Detroit, the city where the secretive movement started 80 years ago, a lawyer said.
Attorney Gregory Reed unveiled some documents, letters and … Read more : Lawyer: More than 1,000 documents from early days of Nation of Islam found in Detroit home.

Two Mother Teresa coins to be released

NEW DELHI – Two coins will be released Saturday to mark the birth centenary of Mother Teresa.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will release the coins – of Rs.100 and Rs.5 denominations – at a function here to be attended by President Pratibha Patil, spokesperson of the centenary celebration committee Father Babu Joseph told IANS.
A special …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Exhibition of Mother Teresa’s photos on in Delhi

NEW DELHI – Her compassion-filled eyes, divine smile with hands folded in greeting, and a healing touch – photographs of Mother Teresa are on display at an arts gallery in the capital to mark her birth centenary.

Organised jointly by the Indian Bishops’ Conference, UNESCO and Mother Teresa’s own Missionaries of Charity order, the exhibition … Read : Exhibition of Mother Teresa’s photos on in Delhi.

Mother Teresa demonstrated power of compassion: Navin Chawla

NEW DELHI – Navin Chawla, former chief election commissioner and biographer of Mother Teresa, Friday said that she will be remembered for demonstrating the “power of compassion in a complex, modern world”.

Participating in a national symposium here, Chawla said Mother Teresa became a powerful woman in the conflict-ridden world through compassion, humility and the …. Source  : Mother Teresa demonstrated power of compassion: Navin Chawla.

Suspect accused of slashing Muslim cabbie’s neck is taken from jail to NYC psychiatric ward

NYC cabbie-slash suspect is taken to psych ward

NEW YORK – A college student accused of slashing a taxi driver because he is a Muslim was moved from jail to a psychiatric ward, corrections officials said Friday.
Michael Enright, 21, of Brewster, N.Y., was accused of using a folding knife to slash the face and neck of …. Original source  : Suspect accused of slashing Muslim cabbie’s neck is taken from jail to NYC psychiatric ward.

VHP protests move to demolish Ranchi temples

RANCHI – Vishwa Hindu Parisad (VHP) activists held a protest here Friday against the Ranchi district administration’s move to demolish 39 temples constructed on government land and has also called a shutdown Sunday on the issue.

“We burnt the effigy symbolising officials of the Ranchi district administration today. The move to demolish the temples is … Read more »»».

Shirdi now connected to Mumbai by rail

SHIRDI – The famous temple town of Shirdi, the abode of the Saibaba, was put on the country’s railway map with the inauguration Friday of a tri-weekly superfast train connecting it with Mumbai.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan flagged off the special Sainagar Shirdi-Dadar train at Sainagar Shirdi, the railway station named after Maharashtra’s most popular and …. Original article  : Shirdi now connected to Mumbai by rail.

Vatican: Church not playing politics but defending rights in deploring French Gypsy expulsion

Vatican: Church defends rights of Gypsies
VATICAN CITY – The Vatican’s top official for migrants says the church’s defense of Gypsies expelled by France isn’t meddling in politics.

Monsignor Agostino Marchetto told a French religious news agency the church is “neither on the right nor on the left nor on the center” but simply showing pastoral concern …. Read the original article  : Vatican: Church not playing politics but defending rights in deploring French Gypsy expulsion.

39 temples on government land face demolition

RANCHI – As many as 39 temples constructed on government land in Ranchi district of Jharkhand have been issued notices asking why they should not be pulled down, an official said Friday.

Some of the temples are more than 50 to 60 years old where thousands of devotees pray every day.
The authorities of the temples …. Original article  : 39 temples on government land face demolition.

1,865 Jharkhand religious structures face demolition

RANCHI – A staggering 1,865 religious structures in Jharkhand face the threat of demolition as they have been constructed illegally on government land, an official source said Sunday.

The state government has prepared a list of such religious structures, a majority of them temples. There are 40 religious structures, including 39 temples, in Ranchi. There are …. Original article  : 1,865 Jharkhand religious structures face demolition.

Influential Israeli rabbi says Palestinians and their leader should perish

Influential Israeli rabbi says Abbas should perish

JERUSALEM – An influential Israeli rabbi known for his vitriolic pronouncements against Arabs says Palestinians and their leader should “perish from this world.”
Israel Army Radio quoted Ovadia Yosef Sunday as saying the Palestinians were “evil, bitter enemies of Israel” and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas should be struck with a …. Original article  : Influential Israeli rabbi says Palestinians and their leader should perish.

St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols honored at Beck rally for off-field charitable works

Baseball star Albert Pujols honored at Beck rally

WASHINGTON – Tony La Russa doesn’t understand the minor backlash that’s been created by his participation in radio personality Glenn Beck’s rally in Washington on Saturday, an event the St. Louis Cardinals manager said was more religious in tone than political.
Before Saturday night’s game against the Washington Nationals, … Read more »»».

Imam behind proposed NYC Muslim center, mosque near ground zero struggles to bridge divisions

Imam behind NYC mosque faces divisions over center

NEW YORK – New York City Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf has long worked to bridge divisions, whether they are marital fissures or political chasms.
Now the 61-year-old clergyman is in the midst of a divisive national debate over plans for an Islamic center that features a mosque about two … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Imam behind proposed NYC Muslim center, mosque near ground zero struggles to bridge divisions.

Italian mosques denied share in income tax revenue

Rome, Aug 28 (IANS/AKI) Mosques in Italy will not get a share of income tax revenue as per the annual allocation by the government, which has proposed a bill seeking funds for Hindu and Buddhist temples, Greek Orthodox churches and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

According to a bill approved by the cabinet in May but yet to be … Original source on Gaea Times at : Italian mosques denied share in income tax revenue.

Teresa’s peace prayer finds echo at centenary celebration

NEW DELHI – “Where there is hatred, let me sow love…”, the prayer Mother Teresa recited daily, found mention Saturday in the speeches of President Pratibha Patil and other dignitaries at a function here celebrating her birth centenary.

Patil and Uttarakhand Governor Margaret Alva quoted the prayer almost fully in their prepared texts.
Sister Prema, mother …. Read the original article  : Teresa’s peace prayer finds echo at centenary celebration.

Honour Mother Teresa by caring for the unloved: Patil

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil led the nation Saturday to pay tributes to Mother Teresa on her birth centenary and said there was an urgent need to attend to those sections the Nobel Peace Prize winning nun served — the unloved and uncared in our families and societies.

Addressing a public meeting here to mark …. Read the original article  : Honour Mother Teresa by caring for the unloved: Patil.

BJP to back Ranchi shutdown against temples demolitions

RANCHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended moral support to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)-sponsored shutdown on Sunday to protest the Ranchi administration’s move to demolish 39 temples constructed on government land.

“Our party is against demolition of any temple in the state. We extend our moral support to the shutdown called by the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : BJP to back Ranchi shutdown against temples demolitions.

Vaishno Devi shrine board to help out Leh victims

JAMMU – The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is to provide Rs.50 lakh for the relief of victims of the cloudburst and flashfloods in Leh, an official said.

“The money is being released by the shrine board on the directions of Governor N.N. Vohra,” an official of the board told IANS Saturday. At least 180 people … Original article on : Vaishno Devi shrine board to help out Leh victims.

Muslim group slams NY Gov. Paterson for describing mosque developers as ‘almost westernized’

NY gov slammed for ‘westernized’ Muslims comment

ALBANY, N.Y. – Muslim leaders in the United States are criticizing Gov. David Paterson for his description of the developers of an Islamic center and mosque planned near ground zero as peaceful, “almost westernized” Muslims.
The Muslim Public Affairs Council said Paterson mischaracterized the sect known as Sufi and his …. Original source  : Muslim group slams NY Gov. Paterson for describing mosque developers as ‘almost westernized’.

Church court convicts California minister of misconduct for performing same-sex weddings

Church: Calif. minister guilty for marrying gays

SAN FRANCISCO – A retired Presbyterian minister was found guilty of misconduct Friday by a church court for officiating the weddings of 16 gay couples when same-sex marriage was legal in California.
A regional commission of the Presbyterian Church (USA) ruled 4-2 that the Rev. Jane Spahr of San Francisco … Read : Church court convicts California minister of misconduct for performing same-sex weddings.

Tut-tut: Security gaps seen in Egypt’s museums after theft of van Gogh painting in Cairo

Tut-tut: Security problems seen in Egypt’s museums

CAIRO – The Egyptian Museum houses some of the world’s prized antiquities, including the gold mask of King Tut that draws millions of tourists a year. But it also has an outdated video surveillance system that doesn’t work around the clock and guards who snooze, read the Quran or … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tut-tut: Security gaps seen in Egypt’s museums after theft of van Gogh painting in Cairo.

Fundraising effort begins for Islamic center near ground zero as congregation donates $10,000

Fundraising effort begins for NYC Islamic center

NEW YORK – The developer behind plans to build an Islamic community center and mosque two blocks from ground zero kicked off fundraising for the project Friday by raising $10,000 in just a few minutes from a congregation of Muslim worshippers.
Sharif El-Gamal announced the start of the funding drive …. Source  : Fundraising effort begins for Islamic center near ground zero as congregation donates $10,000.

Critics of Lutheran church’s scripture shift, acceptance of gay pastors form new denomination

Lutherans split over gay pastors, Bible beliefs

GROVE CITY, Ohio – Critics of the country’s largest Lutheran denomination and its more open stance toward gay clergy formed a new Lutheran church Friday at a meeting of a conservative activist group.
The overwhelming voice vote by members of the Lutheran Coalition of Renewal created the North American Lutheran … Original article on : Critics of Lutheran church’s scripture shift, acceptance of gay pastors form new denomination.

Obama bikes and golfs on Martha’s Vineyard, but can’t escape economy

Vacationing Obama can’t escape economy
EDGARTOWN, Mass. – President Barack Obama biked and golfed under a brilliant New England sun Friday, yet he couldn’t escape the cascade of dour news on the economy as his vacation neared its end.
The Commerce Department reported the economy grew at a much slower pace this spring … Read more : Obama bikes and golfs on Martha’s Vineyard, but can’t escape economy.

Suit: Pennsylvania couple secretly records priest having sex with daughter; she got pregnant

Suit: Priest impregnates Pennsylvania teenager

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A Pennsylvania couple secretly videotaped a Roman Catholic priest having sex with their 18-year-old daughter in the basement of their home and are now suing, saying he got her pregnant.
The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Berks County Court, alleges that the Rev. Luis A. Bonilla Margarito carried on a [..] Read the original article: here.

Obama, wife, daughters go on vacation bike outing under brilliant skies on Martha’s Vineyard

First family goes on island vacation bike outing
EDGARTOWN, Mass. – President Barack Obama took full advantage of brilliant New England weather on Friday, completing a short bike ride with his family before heading out for a much longer round of golf as his Martha’s Vineyard vacation wound down.
It wasn’t all games though. Before … Read more >>>.

Utah Supreme Court rejects appeal from polygamous sect seeking reversal of land trust changes

Utah court rejects appeal from polygamous sect

SALT LAKE CITY – Utah’s Supreme Court has rejected a petition from members of a southern Utah-based polygamous sect seeking a reversal of changes made to its communal land trust.
In a ruling issued Friday, justices say members of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints waited …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Utah Supreme Court rejects appeal from polygamous sect seeking reversal of land trust changes.

Lawyer: More than 1,000 documents from early days of Nation of Islam found in Detroit home

Early Nation of Islam documents found in Detroit

DETROIT – More than 1,000 documents, including some dating back to the beginning of the Nation of Islam, were found in the attic of a home in Detroit, the city where the secretive movement started 80 years ago, a lawyer said.
Attorney Gregory Reed unveiled some documents, letters and … Read more >>>.

Two Mother Teresa coins to be released

NEW DELHI – Two coins will be released Saturday to mark the birth centenary of Mother Teresa.

Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee will release the coins – of Rs.100 and Rs.5 denominations – at a function here to be attended by President Pratibha Patil, spokesperson of the centenary celebration committee Father Babu Joseph told IANS.
A special …. Source  : Two Mother Teresa coins to be released.