Religion News – Newsletter for November 25, 2010

Vatican condemns China-sponsored ordination

Vatican City, Nov 25 (IANS/AKI) The Vatican Wednesday condemned China after its government-backed Catholic church ordained a bishop Saturday without papal consent.

Pope Benedict XVI learned of Father Joseph Guo Jincai’s ordination “with deep regret”, according to a statement released by the Vatican.
The ordination of Bishop Joseph Guo Jincai, took place in the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Vatican condemns China-sponsored ordination.

Sikh group to launch global ecological movement

WASHINGTON – Two young Sikh professionals are joining EcoSikh, a community environment group to launch a global ecological movement with several diverse initiatives on behalf of the global Sikh community.

Ravneet Pal Singh from Ludhiana, Punjab and Bandana Kaur from New York started in their role earlier this month to further the mission of EcoSikh … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Sikh group to launch global ecological movement.

American filmmaker finds a way around ‘Buddhism fatigue’

PANAJI – Done-to-death stereotypes have given rise to ‘Buddhism fatigue’ in the United States, which is a tough challenge in movie making, according to California-based filmmaker Heather Kessinger who has made a film on Buddhist nuns.

“In the Shadow of Buddha”, focusing on the nuns in Buddhism and shot in the highlands of Tibet, is …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : American filmmaker finds a way around ‘Buddhism fatigue’.

President opens Indian Islamic Centre in UAE

Abu Dhabi, Nov 24 (IANS/WAM) President Pratibha Patil, who is on a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Wednesday inaugurated the Indian Islamic Centre (IIC) here and said the centre will prove to be a cultural bridge between the two countries.

“IIC will no doubt prove to be a valuable cultural bridge between the …. Read the original article  : President opens Indian Islamic Centre in UAE.

Oman to allow temple, gurdwara

NEW DELHI – Oman has assured India that it will soon allow a temple and a gurdwara to be built in the country, home to some 500,000 expatriate Indians, it was announced Wednesday.

The assurance was given by Omani Minister of Awqaf and Religious Affairs Shaikh Abdullah bin Mohammed al Salmi to India’s Minister for … Read : Oman to allow temple, gurdwara.

Stop slaughtering animals, appeals Himachal monastery

SHIMLA – A prominent, centuries-old Buddhist monastery in Himachal Pradesh’s Spiti Valley Wednesday appealed to the people to stop slaughtering animals and be more humane to other species, a spiritual head said.

The appeal has been issued in the wake of the upcoming local festive season mainly in Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti districts where … Read more >>.

Malaysian Hindus protest Obama’s portrayal as Lord Shiva

KUALA LUMPUR – A Malaysian Hindu organisation has urged the government to ban the latest issue of American magazine Newsweek for “insulting Hindus” by depicting US President Barack Obama as Lord Shiva.

P. Murugiah, deputy chairman of the Malaysia Hindu Sangam’s Penang state branch, Tuesday said the November issue of the magazine portrayed Obama as … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Malaysian Hindus protest Obama’s portrayal as Lord Shiva.

Vatican releases Papal book

Rome, Nov 24 (IANS/AKI) A book consisting of the first series of exclusive interviews ever granted to a reporter by a pope was presented Tuesday at the Vatican.

“Light of the World. The Pope and the sign of the Times”, a new book on Pope Benedict XVI, featured interviews with the 83-year old pontiff in …. Source article  : Vatican releases Papal book.

Pope’s condom comments not a change of tack: Vatican official

VATICAN CITY – Remarks on the possible use of condoms to combat HIV/AIDS made by Pope Benedict XVI in a new book should not be taken out of context – and do not represent a change in Catholic teaching against contraception – a top Vatican official cautioned Tuesday.

Monsignor Rino Fisichella said to reduce six-hours … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope’s condom comments not a change of tack: Vatican official.