Religion News – Newsletter for December 24, 2010

President stresses on harmony, unity on Christmas eve

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Friday greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas Friday and urged people to work for “harmony and unity in society”.

On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all citizens, Patil said in her message to the nation.
The day symbolises …. Original source  : President stresses on harmony, unity on Christmas eve.

Jayalalithaa woos Christians

KANYAKUMARI – In a bid to woo Christian voters, AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Thursday promised travel assistance to those who want to undertake pilgrimage to Israel, extension of reservation benefits to Dalit Christians and permission to Christians to build churches on their own lands.

Speaking at a Christmas function held here, around 630 km … Read : Jayalalithaa woos Christians.

China rejects Vatican’s criticism as ‘imprudent’

BEIJING – China has rejected as “imprudent” the Vatican’s criticism of a recent national congress of Chinese Catholics, blaming the Vatican for damaging relations between the two sides.

A spokesperson for the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said Wednesday the Vatican’s criticism was very imprudent and ungrounded, Xinhua reported.
In a statement dated Dec … Read more : China rejects Vatican’s criticism as ‘imprudent’.

Punjab to provide land for burial grounds

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday announced that his government will provide land for burial grounds for Christian and Muslim communities in all towns and villages of the state.

He was addressing a gathering of the Christian community at a first of its kind state-level function to mark Christmas at the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Punjab to provide land for burial grounds.