Religion News – Newsletter for December 15, 2010

Argentine cleric attacks Santa Claus as `fat, red man’

BUENOS AIRES – Worshippers at the Catholic cathedral in Resistencia in north-western Argentina could barely believe their ears when their archbishop demonised Christmas’ jolliest figure.

Archbishop Fabriciano Sigampa called Santa Claus a “fat, red man” who had no business in the Christmas celebrations of Christianity.
Even little children “should know that they get presents only … Read more : Argentine cleric attacks Santa Claus as `fat, red man’.

Sri Lanka destroying statues of Tamil kings: Canadian Tamils

TORONTO – The Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in Canada has reacted angrily to Colombo’s decision to scrap the Tamil version of the country’s national anthem and alleged that the “Sri Lankan government is systematically destroying the statues of Tamil kings”.

The Sri Lankan cabinet under President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided that “the current Tamil version …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sikh panel plans protest outside US embassy

CHANDIGARH – The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikh religion, Tuesday said its members will protest outside the US embassy in Delhi Dec 23 against turban checks at American airports.

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said committee members will ‘gherao’ (lay seige to) and protest outside the US embassy Dec 23.
The … Read more »»».

Citing Diwali in Mumbai, Obama plugs new era of engagement

WASHINGTON – Citing his India visit when he and First Lady Michelle celebrated Diwali with children in Mumbai, US President Barack Obama has said his administration has pursued a new era of engagement by building partnerships between peoples.

Joining holiday celebrations at the State Department for diplomats Monday, he said: “As you know, my administration …. Original article  : Citing Diwali in Mumbai, Obama plugs new era of engagement.

Muslim woman whipped in public for wearing trousers

LONDON – A Sudanese Muslim woman was publicly whipped for wearing trousers, a video released on the internet shows.

The woman was apparently punished under the Sharia law for wearing trousers under her Islamic clothing, Sky News reported Tuesday.
The footage shows her crawling on the ground, raising her arm to try to ward off …. Source article  : Muslim woman whipped in public for wearing trousers.

Act to stop turban checks, Akali Dal tells government

CHANDIGARH – The ruling Akali Dal in Punjab Tuesday termed Indian diplomat Hardeep Puri’s ‘pat down’ episode in the US as an outrage and urged the central government to launch a diplomatic initiative to ensure that Sikhs’ turbans were not checked anywhere in the world.

Puri, India’s permanent representative to the UN, was screened by … Read more »».

Now follow a Moharram ‘majlis’ on your cell

LUCKNOW – Members of the Shia community can now follow a ‘Majlis’ addressed by leading clerics during the month of Moharram on their mobile phone within half an hour of the event.

Gurgaon-based IT company Anagha Communications has developed a software to bring the Moharram majlis straight to your mobile phones within 30 minute of … Read more : Now follow a Moharram ‘majlis’ on your cell.

Sunni Waqf Board moves apex court against Ayodhya order

LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI – The Sunni Central Waqf Board Tuesday moved the apex court against the Sep 30 order of the Allahabad High Court in the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, raising several issues against the verdict, including that it relied heavily on belief.

“We have sought to draw the Supreme Court’s attention to the fact …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sunni Waqf Board moves apex court against Ayodhya order.

Dalai Lama recalls Tibet’s relations with India

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has recalled Tibets past relations with India and said these are still close to heart.

Tibets past relations with Kalimpong and Darjeeling are still close to heart. As a child I was delighted to hear from Tibetan merchants and officials about their journey to Kalimpong, Sikkim, Darjeeling … Original article on : Dalai Lama recalls Tibet’s relations with India.

Thousands weep as Bohra chief, 99, conducts Moharram discourse

MUMBAI – A sea of humanity, many moved to tears, sits in rapt attention at the Saifee Mosque and outside in the bylanes as the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, 99-year-old Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, conducts the annual Moharram discourse.

The live Ashara Mubaraka discourse by the Syedna – for the second consecutive year [..] Read the original article: here.