2-day Muslim summit begins as backers of proposed NYC Islamic center seek to solidify support

Muslim groups hold summit over NYC Islamic center

NEW YORK – A summit of U.S. Muslim organizations is under way in New York City to address the outcry over a proposed Islamic center near ground zero.
Spokesman Shaik Ubaid said the Muslim leaders met Sunday in an effort to arrive at a united stand. The organizations also … Original source on Gaea Times at : 2-day Muslim summit begins as backers of proposed NYC Islamic center seek to solidify support.

Report: Thousands in Turkey denounce Quran desecration in the United States

Report: Protest in Turkey over Quran desecration

ANKARA, Turkey – A news report says thousands of people have protested incidents of Quran desecration in the United States.
Private NTV television said the protesters have burned U.S. and Israeli flags in the mainly Kurdish city of Diyarbakir on Sunday. Some 200 people staged a similar protest in Istanbul.
A … Read more »».

Pope beatifies Newman, praises British who fought Nazis as Vatican declares trip a success

Vatican declares Pope’s visit to Britain a success

BIRMINGHAM, England – The Vatican declared Pope Benedict XVI’s four-day visit to Britain a “great success” Sunday, saying the pontiff was able to reach out to a nation wary of his message and angry at his church’s sex abuse scandal.
On his final day, Benedict praised British heroics against …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Walking across park, Obamas attend services at Episcopal church popular with presidents

Obamas attend Sunday services at Episcopal church

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama and his family attended an hourlong service Sunday morning at a church just across the street from the White House.
Accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and their daughters, Malia and Sasha, Obama strolled across Lafayette Square to attend St. John’s Church. Sasha held her father’s … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Walking across park, Obamas attend services at Episcopal church popular with presidents.

4,000 year-old temples found in Peru

Lima, Sep 19 (IANS/EFE) Peruvian archaeologists have discovered two ceremonial temples believed to be buried since more than 4,000 years.

The temples are said to have been used by people belonging to Bracamoros culture for 800 years, the daily El Comercio reported.
Fourteen burial vaults were also found at the site with skeletons of newborns and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : 4,000 year-old temples found in Peru.

Armenian Christians celebrate Mass at ancient island church in Turkey in reconciliation effort

Armenian Christians celebrate rare Mass in Turkey

AKDAMAR ISLAND, Turkey – Several thousand Armenian Christian pilgrims took boats to an ancient island cathedral in eastern Turkey on Sunday for the first Mass held in the church since it was abandoned during the mass killings of Armenians 95 years ago.
In 2007, Turkey restored the 10th century Akdamar … Original source on Gaea Times at : Armenian Christians celebrate Mass at ancient island church in Turkey in reconciliation effort.

Ayodhya verdict: Form peace committees, deploy forces, states told

NEW DELHI – The central government has asked state governments to form ‘peace committees’ of Hindus and Muslims in what are called “communally sensitive areas” supplemented by strategic deployment of police and paramilitary forces ahead of the keenly-awaited Allahabad High Court verdict on the Ayodhya temple-mosque row Sep 24.

“Prevention is better than cure. That … Read more >>.

Pope marks Blitz 70th anniversary with personal recollection of Nazi evil, praise for UK

Pope notes 70th Blitz anniversary as he says Mass

BIRMINGHAM, England – Pope Benedict XVI is celebrating Mass to beatify Cardinal John Henry Newman and in that ceremony he has offered a personal reflection on the evilness of the Nazi regime.
It was the second time that the German-born Benedict had made reference to the Blitz, the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope marks Blitz 70th anniversary with personal recollection of Nazi evil, praise for UK.

Katiyar hints at legal battle if Ayodhya suit is lost

NEW DELHI – Hindus locked in the legal tussle over the Ayodhya title suit will approach the Supreme Court if the Sep 24 judicial verdict goes against them, says Hindutva leader Vinay Katiyar.

But Katiyar, now a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) vice president, still feels that an issue concerning the birthplace of Hindu Lord Ram should …. Original source  : Katiyar hints at legal battle if Ayodhya suit is lost.

Pope concludes Britain visit with mass, beatification

LONDON – Pope Benedict XVI is due to end his four-day official visit to Britain Sunday with the beatification of a 19th century English convert, seen by the Catholic Church as a high point of the visit.

The beatification of Cardinal John Henry Newman, who converted to Catholicism in 1845, will take place in Birmingham.
Earlier … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope concludes Britain visit with mass, beatification.

Armenian Christians celebrate Mass at ancient island church in Turkey

Armenians celebrate rare Mass in Turkey
AKDAMAR ISLAND, Turkey – Hundreds of Armenian Christians are holding Mass at an island church in Turkey for the first time since the World War I killings of Armenians.

Turkey restored the 10th century Akdamar church in Lake Van, eastern Turkey in 2007 and turned it into a museum. Sunday is … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Armenian Christians celebrate Mass at ancient island church in Turkey.

Guruvayur temple saw 198 weddings in a single day (Feature With Image)

GURUVAYUR – The imposing facade of the ancient shrine in Kerala that rises like a timeless edifice in the early morning mist is rooted in the legends of Lord Krishna, arguably the most popular of Hindu divinities.

It sweeps up in two towering gopurams, a maze of pillared courtyards and a richly ornate sanctum sanctorum …. Original source  : Guruvayur temple saw 198 weddings in a single day (Feature With Image).

Dalai Lama expresses hope of return to Tibet

BUDAPEST – The Dalai Lama said Monday in the Hungarian capital that he was “optimistic” that he would one day be able to return to Tibet on a Chinese passport.

Speaking in the parliament building on the last day of a visit to the Central European country, the Buddhist leader called for political liberalisation in China. … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dalai Lama expresses hope of return to Tibet.

Election gains by anti-immigration party shatters Sweden’s image as bastion of tolerance

Anti-immigration sentiment grows in Sweden

STOCKHOLM – A far-right group’s election breakthrough has shattered Sweden’s reputation as a bastion of tolerance after years of being seemingly inoculated against the backlash on immigration seen elsewhere in Europe.
Sunday’s election showed that the country’s welcome to refugees is not universally accepted: Nearly 6 percent of the population voted for …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Muslim groups meet in New York, support proposed Islamic center, call for interfaith dialogue

Muslim groups back Islamic center near ground zero

NEW YORK – Leaders of prominent U.S. Muslim groups called Monday for a national week of interfaith dialogue to combat religious intolerance and said they support the right to build a controversial Islamic center near ground zero.
“We stand for the constitutional right of Muslims, and Americans of all …. Original source  : Muslim groups meet in New York, support proposed Islamic center, call for interfaith dialogue.

Kuwait strips hard-line Shiite activist of citizenship after claims of blasphemy

Kuwait strips Shiite activist of citizenship

CAIRO – Kuwait revoked the citizenship of a hard-line Shiite scholar on Monday, accusing him of trying to stir up discord among Muslims by describing the Prophet Muhammad’s wife was an “enemy of God.”
The Interior Ministry made the decision after cleric Yasser al-Habib attended an event in London dedicated to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Kuwait strips hard-line Shiite activist of citizenship after claims of blasphemy.

Supreme Court to be moved to for deferring Ayodhya verdict

LUCKNOW – The issue of postponing the long-awaited verdict of Allahabad High Court on the Ayodhya dispute beyond Sep 24, already rejected by the high court, will be raised in the Supreme Court, the petitioner said Monday.

Retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi is all set to move the Supreme Court Tuesday against the high court’s Friday …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Muslim groups, meeting in NYC, say all Americans may worship where they please

Muslims: Americans may worship where they please

NEW YORK – U.S. Muslim groups, discussing the ground zero mosque controversy, say Americans of all faiths have the right to build houses of worship where they please.
The statement was made Monday as part of a New York summit to discuss the proposed Islamic center near ground zero. It …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Macedonia’s moderate Muslims ask for crackdown on radical Wahabbi sect

Macedonia: Moderate Muslims seek help against sect

SKOPJE, Macedonia – Moderate Muslims in Macedonia are urging the government and the international community to crack down on radical Wahhabi groups on the rise in the country.
The head of Macedonia’s official Islamic Religious Community, Suleyman Rexhepi, says he wants “radical measures” against the Wahhabis by the government, the …. Source article  : Macedonia’s moderate Muslims ask for crackdown on radical Wahabbi sect.

US pastor who vowed to burn Quran billed $180,000

NEW YORK – The pastor of a Florida church who threatened to burn the Quran on the 9/11 anniversary to protest the 2001 terror attacks in the US, has been hit with a whopping $180,000 bill as cost of security cover for his stunt.

The city of Gainesville, Florida, plans to send a bill estimated at … Read : US pastor who vowed to burn Quran billed $180,000.

Battling cancer, atheist author Christopher Hitchens skipping prayer day in his honor

Atheist Hitchens skipping prayer day in his honor

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Stricken with cancer and fragile from chemotherapy, author and outspoken atheist Christopher Hitchens sits in an armchair before an audience and waits for the only question that can come first at such a time.
“How’s your health?” asks Larry Taunton, a friend who heads an Alabama-based …. Read the original article  : Battling cancer, atheist author Christopher Hitchens skipping prayer day in his honor.

Bahrain widens crackdown on Shiites by revoking citizenship of powerful cleric

Bahrain revokes citizenship of top Shiite cleric

BAGHDAD – Bahrain’s king warned that mosques would be key targets in sweeps against suspected Shiite dissent in his tiny Gulf nation and vital U.S. ally. The first blow was a big one: stripping the citizenship of a powerful Shiite cleric with close ties to Iraq before next month’s …. Original article  : Bahrain widens crackdown on Shiites by revoking citizenship of powerful cleric.

Army on standby for Ganesh procession in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD – The mammoth Ganesh procession began here Wednesday amid unprecedented security with the army on standby in case of an emergency, officials said.

Thousands of idols from different parts of the state capital and its outskirts headed towards Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city.
There was a festive mood in … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Army on standby for Ganesh procession in Hyderabad.

Printing of Guru Granth Sahib allowed abroad

AMRITSAR – Sikhs living in Western countries will no longer have to wait for the supply of the Guru Granth Sahib, as the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has given its nod to the printing of the holy text in the US and Canada.

The SGPC, known as the mini-parliament of Sikhs with an annual budget …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Printing of Guru Granth Sahib allowed abroad.

Peaceful start to Ganesh idol immersions in Mumbai

MUMBAI – Ganesh immersion ceremonies got off to a peaceful start Wednesday with the Mumbai Police, Indian Navy and the Coast Guard providing aerial, sea and land security cover and hundreds of thousands of people gathering for the mega-religious event, officials said.

Coast Guard choppers hovered over the city keeping strict vigil while naval patrol boats …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Bishop Eddie Long is Gay?

The Bishop faced charges of sexual coercion. These charges have been filed by two men.
According to them, Eddie Long persuaded them to having sex with him in exchange for lavish trips, cars and cash from New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.
The Bishop and his spokesman deny all allegations saying:
We categorically deny the allegations. It is … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bishop Eddie Long is Gay?.

Media to be kept away from high court Sep 24

LUCKNOW – The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, which is scheduled to announce its verdict in the long-pending Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute Friday, has issued guidelines for the media – keeping it away from the court on the judgement day and asking it to maintain restraint.

According to the guidelines issued Tuesday, it has … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Media to be kept away from high court Sep 24.

615 tour operators get court nod for handling Haj pilgrims

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Tuesday upheld the central government’s Haj policy for the year 2010 thereby clearing the way for 615 private operators to take pilgrims to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia starting October.

The decks for these private operators to arrange the travel of pilgrims were cleared after an apex court bench of Justice … Read more »».

Radical Muslim sect kills 2 more in targeted, motorcycle slayings terrorizing north Nigeria

Nigeria: 2 die in targeted Muslim sect slayings

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – A police commissioner says members of a radical Muslim sect killed two people in northern Nigeria, the latest motorcycle slayings by the group.
Borno state police commissioner Ibrahim Abdu told The Associated Press that the two were killed Tuesday by Kalashnikov-carrying men riding a motorcycle taxi. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Radical Muslim sect kills 2 more in targeted, motorcycle slayings terrorizing north Nigeria.

Shiv Sainiks will maintain peace post-Ayodhya verdict: Uddhav

MUMBAI – Days after the Muslim community urged restraint after the judgment on the Babri Mosque title suit is announced Sep 24, Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray Tuesday assured that his party activists would maintain peace and calm.

Thackeray’s announcement came in the wake of a similar appeal by the government urging all political parties …. Original article  : Shiv Sainiks will maintain peace post-Ayodhya verdict: Uddhav.

Navy, Coast Guard deployed in Mumbai for Ganesh immersions

MUMBAI – The Indian Navy and Coast Guard will join the state police to provide security for Wednesday’s Ganesh idol immersions all over Mumbai, officials said here Tuesday.

Coast Guard choppers will continuously hover over the city keeping a strict vigil while naval patrol boats and naval divers will be stationed at strategic locations.
Police will …. Original source  : Navy, Coast Guard deployed in Mumbai for Ganesh immersions.

Catholic church prays for peace in Sudan as vote on independence, potential conflict looms

Church prays for Sudan peace before freedom vote

JUBA, Sudan – The Catholic Church on Tuesday launched a countrywide campaign in Sudan to pray for peace ahead of a scheduled referendum on southern independence that some fear may lead to violence.
Southern Sudan, which is predominantly animist and Christian, is scheduled to vote on independence Jan. 9, … Read more »».

Hyderabad tightens security for Ganesh immersions

HYDERABAD – Over 30,000 policemen were deployed and the military asked to stand by as massive security arrangements have been made for Ganesh idols immersion processions here Wednesday.

A thick security blanket has thrown around the route of the mammoth procession, which passes through the communally-sensitive old city before culminating at Hussain Sagar Lake in the …. Source article  : Hyderabad tightens security for Ganesh immersions.

Official says Iranian diplomats who defected chose to stay abroad for ‘personal interests’

Iran criticizes its diplomats’ defections
TEHRAN, Iran – The two Iranian diplomats who defected this month in Europe chose to stay abroad for mostly personal reasons and not because of any political motives, the spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry said Tuesday.

The remarks by Ramin Mehmanparast were Iran’s first official confirmation of the defections, which were … Original source on Gaea Times at : Official says Iranian diplomats who defected chose to stay abroad for ‘personal interests’.

Van with 30 schoolchildren plunges into river in Pakistani Kashmir; most missing or dead

Van carrying 30 kids plunges into Pakistan river

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan – A van carrying at least 30 schoolchildren plunged into a river in Pakistan-held Kashmir on Tuesday, and most of the passengers were confirmed or feared dead.
The driver lost control of the vehicle and it plunged 50 feet (15 meters) into the Jhelum River from an … Read : Van with 30 schoolchildren plunges into river in Pakistani Kashmir; most missing or dead.

Nepal government stops ex-king from religious programme

KATHMANDU – Two years after the abolition of monarchy in Nepal, deposed king Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah was at the heart of a fresh row Tuesday with the government, citing security concerns, preventing him from attending a religious programme at the palace of his ancestors.

The 63-year-old ousted king was stopped at the last moment from … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Nepal government stops ex-king from religious programme.

Garlands of harmony from Ayodhya’s Muslim flower artisans

AYODHYA – Muslim artisans here continue to make floral decorations for Hindu devotees, weaving bonds of communal harmony at a time when all eyes are on this ancient town ahead of a much-awaited court verdict Friday on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit contested by Hindu and Muslim groups.

Around 15 Muslim families in the Asharfi …. Source article  : Garlands of harmony from Ayodhya’s Muslim flower artisans.

Dalai Lama praises Solidarity in Poland

WARSAW – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama praised the Polish labour union Solidarity Wednesday in Wroclaw, western Poland, saying he felt a special bond with the movement which battled communism in the 1980s.

The Dalai Lama spoke to a crowd of some 6,000 people at Wroclaw’s Centennial Hall during a two-day visit that followed the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Dalai Lama praises Solidarity in Poland.

Third lawsuit filed claiming pastor of Atlanta-area megachurch coerced sex from young men

Third lawsuit filed against pastor of megachurch

ATLANTA – Attorneys representing two men who say a prominent pastor of a 25,000-member megachurch near Atlanta coerced them into a sexual relationship have filed a third lawsuit on behalf of another young male member of his church.
Attorney B.J. Bernstein said Wednesday the allegations in the lawsuit are similar …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Third lawsuit filed claiming pastor of Atlanta-area megachurch coerced sex from young men.

Episcopal Church asks Pennsylvania bishop to step down over allegations he covered up abuse

Episcopal Church asks Pa. bishop to step down

PHILADELPHIA – Episcopal Church leaders have asked for the resignation of a Pennsylvania bishop accused of covering up sexual abuse by his brother more than 30 years ago.
The House of Bishops of The Episcopal Church said in a resolution late Tuesday, issued after a meeting in Arizona, that … Original article on : Episcopal Church asks Pennsylvania bishop to step down over allegations he covered up abuse.

Ganesh procession passes off peacefully in Hyderabad (Night Lead)

HYDERABAD – The mammoth Ganesh procession passed off peacefully here Wednesday amid unprecedented security.

The main procession, comprising hundreds of big idols, passed through the communally sensitive Old City ahead of the immersion of idols in Hussain Sagar Lake.
Officials said over 1,000 idols were immersed in the lake since early morning and the process was … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ganesh procession passes off peacefully in Hyderabad (Night Lead).

India braces for court verdict in 60-year-old case of mosque-temple dispute

India braces for ruling on contested holy site

AYODHYA, India – From a distance – and few are allowed to get close – the simple white tent housing the modest idol appears no more threatening than any of the thousands of other Hindu shrines in a town renowned for its temples.
But that makeshift temple, and the … Read this article on Gaea Times at : India braces for court verdict in 60-year-old case of mosque-temple dispute.

Hearing on plea for delaying Ayodhya verdict put off (Third Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday deferred the hearing on a petition seeking to restrain the Allahabad High Court from pronouncing its verdict Sep 24 on a title suit linked to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya. The matter may come up in court Thursday.

An apex court bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and …. Source article  : Hearing on plea for delaying Ayodhya verdict put off (Third Lead).

Bulk SMS services banned ahead of Ayodhya verdict

NEW DELHI – As a precaution to curb rumours related to the Ayodhya verdict Friday, the central government has banned bulk SMS and MMS services till Sep 25 evening, an official said Wednesday.
…. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Bulk SMS services banned ahead of Ayodhya verdict.

After 6 months, health care law not a winner for nervous Dems, White House giving it a boost

Obama, White House boosting health law at 6 months

FALLS CHURCH, Va. – President Barack Obama is touting benefits taking effect this week under the health care law he signed six months ago, including provisions allowing young adults to stay on their family’s health plans until they turn 26.
Polling shows the law remains unpopular with much … Read more »».

Ayodhya verdict: Jammu and Kashmir takes steps to stem trouble

JAMMU – Fearing that there may be trouble in the communally sensitive Jammu region, the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday asked the police and paramilitary forces to step up vigil ahead of the Ayodhya verdict Friday.

Chief Secretary S.S. Kapoor and Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda held a meeting here with senior police officers, …. Source article  : Ayodhya verdict: Jammu and Kashmir takes steps to stem trouble.

Supreme Court defers hearing on Ayodhya plea

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday deferred the hearing on a petition seeking to restrain the Allahabad High Court from pronouncing its verdict Sep 24 on a title suit linked to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya.

An apex court bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice A.K. Patnaik said that it was not in …. Source article  : Supreme Court defers hearing on Ayodhya plea.

Visitors shy away from fortress Ayodhya

AYODHYA – The flow of visitors to this historic town in Uttar Pradesh is fast receding as security is heightened ahead of the court verdict Friday in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, posing problems for daily wage earners who depend on tourists.

The otherwise crowded banks of the Ghaghara river that flows through Ayodhya, where each day … Original source on Gaea Times at : Visitors shy away from fortress Ayodhya.

Apex court defers hearing on plea for delaying Ayodhya verdict (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Wednesday deferred the hearing on a petition seeking to restrain the Allahabad High Court from pronouncing its verdict Sep 24 on a title suit linked to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute in Ayodhya. The matter may come up in court Thursday.

An apex court bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice … Original source on Gaea Times at : Apex court defers hearing on plea for delaying Ayodhya verdict (Second Lead).

AP Exclusive: Palestinian leader hints at compromise on settlement standoff with Israel

AP Exclusive: Palestinian hints at settlement deal

JERUSALEM – The Palestinian president has left the door open to continuing peace negotiations with Israel even if it resumes settlement construction in the West Bank, offering a glimmer of hope that a compromise will be reached in a key dispute that has threatened to torpedo the newly relaunched …. Original source  : AP Exclusive: Palestinian leader hints at compromise on settlement standoff with Israel.

Inter-faith summit to remove HIV-related myths

NEW DELHI – In a bid to eliminate stigma and discrimination related to HIV and AIDS, religious heads from across the country will take part in a summit, ‘Faith in Action’, to spread awareness and bust myths about the disease.

The summit, slated for Sep 27-28 in Bangalore, aims at providing a platform for interaction and …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Inter-faith summit to remove HIV-related myths.

Ayodhya crosses its fingers before court verdict

AYODHYA – With just two days to go for the long awaited verdict on the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute, a strange quiet has descended over this town with old timers hoping this is not the proverbial lull before a communal storm.

The dispute that dates back to the 19th century is scheduled to come to some … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Ayodhya crosses its fingers before court verdict.

Ganesh procession in Hyderabad progressing peacefully

HYDERABAD – The mammoth Ganesh procession was progressing smoothly through the city Wednesday amid unprecedented security, with the army on stand-by to tackle any emergency, officials said.

Thousands of idols from all parts of state capital Hyderabad and its outskirts headed towards Hussain Sagar Lake in the heart of the city. More than a million … Read : Ganesh procession in Hyderabad progressing peacefully.

Apex court bench declines to hear Ayodhya plea

NEW DELHI – A Supreme Court bench Wednesday declined to hear a petition seeking to restrain the Allahabad High Court from pronouncing its verdict Sep 24 on a title suit related to the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid disputed structure at Ayodhya.

A bench of Justice Altamas Kabir and Justice A.K. Patnaik said that it had no jurisdiction … Read more >>>.

Anant Chaturdashi Celebrated In Mumbai

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The people of Maharashtra are bidding adieu to Lord Ganesha on the auspicious occasion of Anant Chaturthi. The residents of the financial capital of India are saying goodbye to their favorite deity with sweets, fruits and flowers. This year the residents and organizers of Ganesh Chaturthi have made sure that the …. Original source  : Anant Chaturdashi Celebrated In Mumbai.

Southern California winemakers fear new churches will trample vineyard views, crush business

SoCal winemakers want to block church expansion

TEMECULA, Calif. – After the Mediterranean climate and sandy soil, winemaker Ray Falkner said his greatest asset is the view of rolling vine-covered hills from the top of his property in Southern California.
Confident the Temecula Valley wine-grape region’s strict zoning limits would protect that view, he built a multimillion …. Original source  : Southern California winemakers fear new churches will trample vineyard views, crush business.

Fla. bar drafting complaint against ex-lawyer of runaway Ohio teen Muslim-to-Christian convert

Attorney faulted in runaway Ohio teen convert case

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A professional organization for lawyers is drafting a misconduct complaint against the former attorney of a teenager from Ohio who ran away to Florida after converting to Christianity.
Orlando, Fla.-lawyer John Stemberger represented Rifqa Bary (RIHF’-kuh BAYR’-ee) after she alleged her Muslim parents in suburban Columbus … Read more >>>.

What structure should disputed site have – Some views

MUMBAI – What structure should the disputed site in Ayodhya have, a temple, a mosque or just left bare? With the ruling on the Ayodhya verdict deferred by the Supreme Court till Sep 28, a cross-section of Mumbaikars gave different reactions on the issue.

Bharatkumar Raut, a Member of Parliament from Shiv Sena, said: “Ram is …. Source  : What structure should disputed site have – Some views.

Hyderabad police relieved as Ayodhya verdict deferred

HYDERABAD – Police in Hyderabad Thursday heaved a sigh of relief with the Supreme Court deferring, till Sep 28, the pronouncement of the verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute by the Lucknow bench of Allahbad High Court.

Andhra Pradesh Police officials said the deferment of verdict till Sep 28 has eased pressure on them. The security … Read more »»».

Mixed response in Ayodhya to apex court’s stay on verdict

AYODHYA – The Supreme Court’s decision to stay, till Sep 28, the pronouncement of the verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title case by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court, has evoked a mixed response in this Hindu holy city.

While some believe it will give another chance to the parties to think of …. Source article  : Mixed response in Ayodhya to apex court’s stay on verdict.

Supreme Court stays Ayodhya verdict till Sep 28 (Night Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday ordered an interim stay till Sep 28 on the pronouncement of the Ayodhya verdict by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court.

The high court was due to deliver its verdict on the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title suit Friday.
An apex court bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Supreme Court stays Ayodhya verdict till Sep 28 (Night Lead).

Deferment will prolong Ayodhya issue: Owaisi

HYDERABAD – Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi Thursday apprehended that further deferment of the Ayodhya verdict’s pronouncement by the Allahabad High Court would unnecessarily prolong the issue.

Ruling out any compromise on the matter, Owaisi said the people of the country have the right to know the truth.
“Where is the question of compromise when both the … Original article on : Deferment will prolong Ayodhya issue: Owaisi.

Apex court stays Ayodhya verdict till Sep 28 (Second Lead)

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday ordered an interim stay till Sep 28 on the pronouncement of the Ayodhya verdict by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High court.

The high court was due to deliver its verdict on the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi title suit Friday.
An apex court bench of Justice R.V. Raveendran and …. Original article  : Apex court stays Ayodhya verdict till Sep 28 (Second Lead).

Muslims ready to accept Ayodhya verdict, says oldest litigant

AYODHYA – Mohammed Hashim Ansari, 90, the oldest litigant in the Ayodhya case, Thursday said that Muslims across the globe were ready to accept the final verdict even if it goes against the minority community, but the case should be settled in the high court itself.

Reacting to the Supreme Court deferring the Ayodhya … Read more »».

Muslim Personal Law Board terms Supreme Court order ‘unfortunate’

HYDERABAD – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board, the apex body of Indian Muslims, Thursday termed as “unfortunate” the Supreme Court order deferring the pronouncement of the verdict in the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi case.

The board demanded immediate pronouncement of the court saying “we must face the truth”. It suspects malafide intentions behind the petition against … Read more >>.

Lawyer: Other young men went on trips with Ga. megachurch pastor who denies sex claims

Lawyer: Other young men went on trips with pastor

ATLANTA – The pastor of a prominent megachurch accused by three young men of coercing them into sex took trips with other male proteges in his youth ministry as part of a mentoring effort, a lawyer for the religious leader said Thursday.
Bishop Eddie Long, who has denied … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Lawyer: Other young men went on trips with Ga. megachurch pastor who denies sex claims.

Nirmohi Akhada hails apex court’s deferring Ayodhya verdict

AYODHYA – The head of the Nirmohi Akhada – one of the key parties in the Ayodhya title dispute – Thursday hailed the Supreme Court’s move to defer the Ayodhya verdict, saying there was no issue that “cannot be solved amicably with the blessings of the Almighty”.

“We welcome the Supreme Court’s decision… I personally believe …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Congress welcomes Ayodhya deferment; BJP, Left differ

NEW DELHI – Political parties reacted contrastingly to Thursday’s Supreme Court decision to postpone the Allahabad High Court judgement on the Ayodhya temple-mosque dispute till Sep 28, with the ruling Congress welcoming the order and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioning the motive behind the deferment.

The Left parties also found no purpose in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Post-immersion, Mumbai residents clean up beaches

MUMBAI – A day after the immersion ceremony of hundreds of big and small idols of Lord Ganesh, the state’s favourite elephant-headed god, Mumbai residents, from students to community workers and even a few celebrities, Thursday joined clean-up drives along the sea beaches and other water fronts.

They supplemented the efforts of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Post-immersion, Mumbai residents clean up beaches.

Supreme Court defers Ayodhya verdict

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Thursday deferred by a week the pronouncement of the Ayodhya verdict by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court.

The court also issued notice to all the parties to the title suit and asked the attorney general to be present in the court when the case is heard Sep …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Indian Supreme Court agrees to delay verdict in dispute over Ayodhya holy site

Indian court delays verdict on holy site dispute

NEW DELHI – India’s Supreme Court agreed Thursday to delay a verdict in a religious dispute over a holy site in Ayodhya that has shaken the core of modern India and led to repeated outbreaks of Hindu-Muslim violence.
A lower court had been scheduled to rule Friday in the … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian Supreme Court agrees to delay verdict in dispute over Ayodhya holy site.

Ayodhya verdict casts a shadow over Gaya pindadaan

GAYA – Thousands of Hindus began conducting the ‘pindadaan’ ritual — seeking salvation for their ancestors — in this pilgrim town Thursday but the Ayodhya dispute verdict expected Friday cast its long shadow here.

The day ‘Pitrapaksh’ began — the fortnight-long period is designated for offering ‘pindadaan’, thousands of Hindus from India and abroad gathered …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

APNewsBreak: 4th man says he had a sexual relationship with Ga. megachurch pastor as teenager

APNewsBreak: 4th man sues Ga. megachurch pastor

ATLANTA – A fourth young male member of Bishop Eddie Long’s megachurch is suing the prominent pastor, claiming Long coerced him into a sexual relationship.
The lawsuit was filed by Spencer LeGrande, a member of New Birth Charlotte. New Birth Charlotte is a satellite church run by Long in Charlotte, …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : APNewsBreak: 4th man says he had a sexual relationship with Ga. megachurch pastor as teenager.

Vatican bank chief questions money-laundering probe and says bank’s image badly damaged

Vatican bank chief laments damaged image
VATICAN CITY – The chairman of the Vatican bank is questioning why Italian prosecutors seized euro23 million ($30 million) from a Vatican bank account for alleged violations of Italy’s anti-money laundering laws.

Ettore Gotti Tedeschi said in an e-mail exchange Friday with The Associated Press that the bank’s image may have …. Read the original article  : Vatican bank chief questions money-laundering probe and says bank’s image badly damaged.

West Bengal increases OBC quota for Muslims

KOLKATA – The West Bengal government Friday issued notification to increase reservation in the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category from seven percent to 17 percent by introducing a ‘more backward’ classification to benefit the Muslim communities.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at state secretariat Writers’ Building said: “The reservation of the OBC will now be 17 percent … Original article on : West Bengal increases OBC quota for Muslims.

New Yorkers say Ground Zero mosque inappropriate

NEW YORK – A majority of New Yorkers feel that a mosque and an Islamic centre at the site of the erstwhile World Trade Center was “wrong” and inappropriate and could have been shifted to some other place.

A poll conducted among 751 voters from around New York State during Sep 16-20 by the Quinnipiac University …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : New Yorkers say Ground Zero mosque inappropriate.

Ban on bulk SMS, MMS extended till Sep 30

NEW DELHI – The ban on bulk SMS and MMS has been further extended till Sep 30, the ministry of communications and information technology said Friday.

The move came after the Supreme Court deferred till Sep 28 the verdict of the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court in the Ayodhya case.
Extending the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Ban on bulk SMS, MMS extended till Sep 30.

Sex scandal in Catholic Church takes a toll on victims’ lawyers; some lost faith or marriages

Clergy sex scandal takes toll on victims’ lawyers

BOSTON – Three high-profile lawyers who represented victims in the clergy sex abuse scandal that rocked the Roman Catholic Church went through some emotional turmoil of their own.
Boston attorney Eric MacLeish suffered a breakdown after the abuse cases reawakened memories of his own sexual abuse as a child. … Read more >>>.

Congress behind Ayodhya petitioner: BJP

LUCKNOW – The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Uttar Pradesh unit chief Surya Pratap Shahi Friday alleged that the Congress was behind retired bureaucrat Ramesh Chandra Tripathi, on whose petition the Supreme Court had stayed pronouncement of the much-awaited Ayodhya verdict.

“We are of the view that Congress is supporting Ramesh Chandra Triptahi as the party wants … Read : Congress behind Ayodhya petitioner: BJP.

US walks out on Ahmadinejad UN speech as he says some think Americans caused 9/11 attacks

US walks out on Ahmadinejad UN speech
UNITED NATIONS – The U.S. delegation has walked out of the U.N. speech of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after he said some in the world have speculated that Americans were actually behind the Sept. 11 terror attacks, staged in an attempt to assure Israel’s survival.

He did not explain the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : US walks out on Ahmadinejad UN speech as he says some think Americans caused 9/11 attacks.

For some megachurch leaders like accused Ga. pastor, power can come with little accountability

Some churches like Ga. pastor’s thin on safeguards

The 2006 scandal that ousted one of America’s most prominent preachers forced independent charismatic and evangelical churches to consider how to keep a closer eye on their leaders, an issue raised again this week with lawsuits accusing another megachurch pastor of misconduct.
It’s too early to say whether the …. Source  : For some megachurch leaders like accused Ga. pastor, power can come with little accountability.

Congress asks Advani, BJP not to reopen Ayodhya wounds

NEW DELHI – The Congress Saturday expressed hope that veteran leader L.K. Advani or his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would not re-start the Ayodhya movement that created a communal divide in the country.

Calling Advani as the ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said the saffron leader’s controversial rath … Read more : Congress asks Advani, BJP not to reopen Ayodhya wounds.

Chief Minister urges Sikhs to maintain peace in Haryana

CHANDIGARH – With a section of Sikh leadership in Haryana adamant on taking control of gurdwaras in the state from the Amritsar-based Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC), Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda Saturday appealed to the Sikh leadership to cooperate in maintaining law and order in the state.

Hooda said: “The interests of Sikhs in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Chief Minister urges Sikhs to maintain peace in Haryana.

As Yamuna overflows, Vrindavan celebrates Pulin Utsav

AGRA – As the Yamuna river rose and spilled its water onto its banks in the holy town of Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, hundreds of devotees turned up at the riverside and set lit lamps afloat in the waters to celebrate ‘Pulin Utsav’.

Pulin Utsav is celebrated only when the Yamuna water enters Pulin Vrindavan in …. Read the original article  : As Yamuna overflows, Vrindavan celebrates Pulin Utsav.

Archbishop of Canterbury would support appointment of gay bishops, if they pledge celibacy

Archbishop of Canterbury: Gay rows wounding church

LONDON – Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams was quoted Saturday as saying he is not opposed to the appointment of gay people as bishops, if they pledge to remain celibate.
Williams, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, was quoted as telling the Times of London that he could in …. Source  : Archbishop of Canterbury would support appointment of gay bishops, if they pledge celibacy.

Bhutanese PM attends annual Mahabodhi Society meet

PATNA – Bhutanese Prime Minister Lyonchen Jigmy Y. Thinley Saturday attended the annual general meeting of the Mahabodhi Society of India (MSI) in Bihar’s Bodh Gaya after visiting the World heritage Mahabodhi temple – Buddhism’s holiest shrine.

Thinley is one of the 150 delegates attending the 113th annual general meeting of the MSI.
“The Bhutanese prime …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Bhutanese PM attends annual Mahabodhi Society meet.

Advani urges Supreme Court to allow Ayodhya judgment

SOMNATH – Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Saturday urged the Supreme Court to allow a decision on the Ayodhya dispute by the Allahabad High Court, and said people had been waiting for a judgment in the case for over past five decades.

Advani, who visited the Somnath temple here along with …. Read the original article  : here.

In Ayodhya, a temple that is open to all faiths

AYODHYA – Idols of Lord Rama, Gautam Buddha, Lord Mahavir, an image of Makkah-Madina, a picture of Prophet Zarathustra…No matter which faith you belong to, chances are you will find your god at the Satyar temple here .

The temple in the Hanuman Garhi area has emerged as a symbol of communal harmony in this historic … Original source on Gaea Times at : In Ayodhya, a temple that is open to all faiths.