Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for January 3-10, 2011

Tibetan Buddhism can solve global conflicts: Karmapa

BODH GAYA – The four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism are trying to find common ground to carry forward Lord Buddha’s teachings in way they can be used to resolve geo-political conflicts, says Thrinley Thaye Dorje, the 17th spiritual head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism.

“The awareness that the four schools have … Read more : Tibetan Buddhism can solve global conflicts: Karmapa.

Alleged Christian missionaries arrested in Tehran

TEHRAN – A number of alleged Christian missionaries have been arrested in Iran’s Tehran province, official news agency IRNA reported.

Tehran province Governor Mortzea Tamadon told IRNA Tuesday that the arrested suspects belonged to a corrupted movement of Christian missionaries who planned a religious and cultural attack against Iran.
The governor gave no further details … Original article on : Alleged Christian missionaries arrested in Tehran.

Vaishno Devi got 8.7 million devotees in 2010

JAMMU – About 8.7 million devotees visited the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

This was conveyed by temple officials to Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra and central Minister of New and Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah at a meeting here Tuesday.
They were also told that the three tunnels leading to …. Read the original article  : Vaishno Devi got 8.7 million devotees in 2010.

Converts to Islam double in Britain, says study

LONDON – The number of Britons choosing to become Muslims has nearly doubled in the past decade, according to a study by an inter-faith think tank.

The study by think tank Faith Matters attempts to estimate how many people have embraced Islam.
Despite the “often negative” portrayal of Islam, thousands of Britons are adopting …. Read the original article  : here.

Hindu gods, Sai Babas fail to deter Nepal’s menace

KATHMANDU – Once the only Hindu kingdom in the world, Nepal has the largest number of religious holidays among countries, as well as the controversial reputation of sacrificing the largest numbers of birds and animals to obtain divine blessings.

Yet, the Nepal government’s attempt to prevent public nuisance – right next to what was … Read more : Hindu gods, Sai Babas fail to deter Nepal’s menace.

Himachal’s Naina Devi shrine sees record offerings

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh’s famed hilltop shrine of Naina Devi saw record offerings of over Rs.11 crore in 2010 apart from gold and silver, a temple official said Friday.

“There was an increase of Rs.2.03 crore in cash offerings at the shrine last year as compared to 2009. It broke the earlier (2009) record of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Himachal’s Naina Devi shrine sees record offerings.

Egypt’s Christians attend prayers with Muslim support

CAIRO – Amina Abaza was one of dozens of Muslims praying Thursday evening.

But instead of praying at a mosque, she was praying among Christian friends at the Coptic Virgin Mary Church, located in the upper-class Cairo neighbourhood of Zamalek.
“When I walked in, I told myself I cannot believe the day has come that … Read more : Egypt’s Christians attend prayers with Muslim support.

Russia’s Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas

MOSCOW – Russia’s Orthodox patriarch, Kirill I, called on worshippers to be kind to their fellow humans and the community at large Thursday, as millions of Orthodox Christians in the country celebrated their Christmas.

He highlighted the many people who provided assistance during Russia’s worst-ever forest fires earlier this year as a positive example.
The …. Source article  : Russia’s Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas.

Pope expresses support for Orthodox churches

ROME – Pope Benedict XVI used his epiphany mass Thursday to encourage Orthodox churches, among them Egypt’s Copts, to remain strong in the face of adversity.

“I direct my heart and my greetings to the brothers and sisters in the Orthodox churches, who celebrate their Christmas tomorrow,” the head of the Roman Catholic church said … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope expresses support for Orthodox churches.

Ram temple, Hindu terror, Brahmaputra dam top VHP meet agenda

RAMNATHI – An aggressive nationwide campaign for the Ramjanmabhoomi temple at Ayodhya and ways to work around “Congress-engineered saffron terror” tag are among major issues Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s (VHP) top officials will discuss at their three-day conference, which began at Goa Friday.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the VHP’s international trustees and governing … Read more »»».