Holy Relics

Islamic charities in the United States complain they are being unfairly scrutinized and persecuted as part of a broader backlash against Muslims since the Sept. 11 attacks. read more…

Records show that former Senator Fred Thompson worked on behalf of a group seeking to ease rules on abortion counseling, though he has said he did not recall doing so. read more…

One of Mitt Romney’s biggest hurdles to winning the Republican presidential nomination is his faith. Many conservative Christians say they would not vote for a Mormon candidate.

One of Mitt Romney’s biggest hurdles to winning the Republican presidential nomination is his faith. Many conservative Christians say they would not vote for a Mormon candidate.

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In their contribution to a new book from the Brookings Institution called “Faith Matters,” Pew fellow John C. Green and three other scholars compare what they call “the core religious left” and secular liberals. read more…

Recent articles have reported that young adults are turning to religion to the surprise — and sometimes chagrin — of their less-observant parents. Guests discuss God and the generation gap, and why parents aren’t always thrilled when their children become more observant.

Recent articles have reported that young adults are turning to religion to the surprise — and sometimes chagrin — of their less-observant parents. Guests discuss God and the generation gap, and why parents aren’t always thrilled when their children become more observant.

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Two years ago, Hassan Butt was a member of a terrorist organization in Britain. Now he says he has become disillusioned with the jihadi network and its violent tactics. He says he could not justify killing people in the name of Islam or politics. He spoke with Renee Montagne.

Two years ago, Hassan Butt was a member of a terrorist organization in Britain. Now he says he has become disillusioned with the jihadi network and its violent tactics. He says he could not justify killing people in the name of Islam or politics. He spoke with Renee Montagne.

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Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

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The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

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Tags: hebrew, christianity, religious artifacts, Hindu

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L.A. Catholic Diocese to Pay $660M in Abuse Cases
In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

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Source: www.npr.org

A Fight for GOP ‘Family Values’ Banner
“In many ways, the Romney campaign and the emerging Thompson campaign are on a collision course when it comes to campaigning for this constituency of conservative Christians,” said John C. Green, senior fellow at the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life.
Source: pewforum.org

Vatican’s Plan to Beatify Spanish Clergy Divisive
The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

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Source: www.npr.org

In Afghanistan, a Jewish Community of One
Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

Some scholars estimate that 4,000 Jews lived in Afghanistan a half-century ago. Today, 47-year-old Zabolon Simantov is believed to be the country’s only remaining Jewish resident.

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Source: www.npr.org

Competing Visions for Turkey’s Future
On Sunday, voters weigh the ruling party’s strong economic record against fears of a growing Islamist agenda.
Source: pewforum.org

Records Show Ex-Senator’s Work for Family Planning Unit
Records show that former Senator Fred Thompson worked on behalf of a group seeking to ease rules on abortion counseling, though he has said he did not recall doing so.
Source: pewforum.org

The Dems’ Fate: On the Left Wing and a Prayer
In their contribution to a new book from the Brookings Institution called “Faith Matters,” Pew fellow John C. Green and three other scholars compare what they call “the core religious left” and secular liberals.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: Buddist, Hindu, religious artifacts, wiccan

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Settlement in Abuse Case of Foley Priest
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

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Source: www.npr.org

‘Time’ Poll: Romney, Obama of Strongest Faith
A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

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Source: www.npr.org

A Sacred Connection to the Sun
Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

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Source: www.npr.org

L.A. Catholic Diocese to Pay $660M in Abuse Cases
In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

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Source: www.npr.org

Romney Faces Uphill Battle for Evangelical Voters
One of Mitt Romney’s biggest hurdles to winning the Republican presidential nomination is his faith. Many conservative Christians say they would not vote for a Mormon candidate.

One of Mitt Romney’s biggest hurdles to winning the Republican presidential nomination is his faith. Many conservative Christians say they would not vote for a Mormon candidate.

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Source: www.npr.org

Heard on the Street: ‘Jews for Jesus’
Hear a lunchtime debate in downtown Washington, D.C., between Jews for Jesus and members of a Washington synagogue.

Hear a lunchtime debate in downtown Washington, D.C., between Jews for Jesus and members of a Washington synagogue.

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Source: www.npr.org

Saudi Government Curbs Religious Police
In the conservative Wahhabi Islamic kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the government has imposed limits on the powers of the controversial religious police force. Two people died recently after being detained for alleged violations of Islamic law.

In the conservative Wahhabi Islamic kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the government has imposed limits on the powers of the controversial religious police force. Two people died recently after being detained for alleged violations of Islamic law.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: metaphysics, christianity, religious products, Hindu

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Victim of Church Abuse Shares His Story
Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

Tony Almeida, one of the plaintiffs in the recently settled lawsuit against the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, claims a priest in a Los Angeles parish began abusing him when he was an altar boy in 1974 at the age of 11.

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Source: www.npr.org

Vatican Pledges to Fight Pedophilia
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

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Source: www.npr.org

Obama Says He Would Look into Court Nominees’ Hearts
Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) sent a strong signal yesterday that he would appoint pro-abortion rights Supreme Court justices but stopped short of endorsing a litmus test.
Source: pewforum.org

Cambodia Limits Christian Activities
Cambodia’s government issued a directive preventing Christians from promoting their religion in public places, or using money or other means to persuade people to convert, officials said Tuesday.
Source: pewforum.org

Pope Benedict Eases Restrictions on Mass
Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: wiccan, religious products, Hindu, hebrew

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Vatican’s Plan to Beatify Spanish Clergy Divisive
The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

The Vatican is preparing to beatify nearly 500 Spanish clergy killed during the civil war of the 1930s. The Catholic Church calls them martyrs, but opponents say the church is trying to obscure its own role in supporting fascism in Spain.

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Source: www.npr.org

L.A. Catholic Diocese to Pay $660M in Abuse Cases
In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

In Los Angeles, a judge is expected to sign the largest settlement ever in a clergy sex-abuse case. The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to more than 500 people who say they were abused by priests and other clerics.

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Source: www.npr.org

Faith and Politics Do Mix For Democrats
Courting religious voters has become a political necessity.
Source: pewforum.org

Pope Benedict Eases Restrictions on Mass
Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

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Source: www.npr.org

As Muslim Group Goes on Trial, Other Charities Watch Warily
The argument over how to deal with charities suspected of supporting terrorism is expected to play out with the trial of the largest American Muslim charity.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: wiccan, christianity, religious artifacts, religious products

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In Europe, God Is (Not) Dead
Christian groups are growing, faith is more public.
Source: pewforum.org

India Tries to Stop Sex-Selective Abortions
Indian women would be required to register their pregnancies and seek government permission for abortions under a proposal intended to curb abortions of female fetuses in the country, where boys are traditionally preferred.
Source: pewforum.org

‘Time’ Poll: Romney, Obama of Strongest Faith
A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

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Source: www.npr.org

Former Member of Radical Islam Questions Faction
Two years ago, Hassan Butt was a member of a terrorist organization in Britain. Now he says he has become disillusioned with the jihadi network and its violent tactics. He says he could not justify killing people in the name of Islam or politics. He spoke with Renee Montagne.

Two years ago, Hassan Butt was a member of a terrorist organization in Britain. Now he says he has become disillusioned with the jihadi network and its violent tactics. He says he could not justify killing people in the name of Islam or politics. He spoke with Renee Montagne.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Source: www.npr.org

Pope Benedict Eases Restrictions on Mass
Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

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Source: www.npr.org

Judge Approves $660M Abuse Settlement
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles will settle its clergy abuse cases for at least $600 million, by far the largest payout in the church’s sexual abuse scandal, The Associated Press learned.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: Hindu, religious artifacts, religious products, holy relics

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Brownback Quietly Courting Conservatives
Republican presidential hopeful Sam Brownback is counting on his conservative credentials and a Midwest bond to lift his candidacy in Iowa.
Source: pewforum.org

Plan B Use Surges, And So Does Controversy
Plan B sales double after FDA made the emergency contraceptive available without a prescription.
Source: pewforum.org

Surgeon Gen. Nominee Defends Himself
Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr. said he is committed to science and would resign if politics interfere. He also denied any gay bias.
Source: pewforum.org

Former Member of Radical Islam Questions Faction
Two years ago, Hassan Butt was a member of a terrorist organization in Britain. Now he says he has become disillusioned with the jihadi network and its violent tactics. He says he could not justify killing people in the name of Islam or politics. He spoke with Renee Montagne.

Two years ago, Hassan Butt was a member of a terrorist organization in Britain. Now he says he has become disillusioned with the jihadi network and its violent tactics. He says he could not justify killing people in the name of Islam or politics. He spoke with Renee Montagne.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

Source: www.npr.org

U.K. Attacks Renew Calls to Ban Islamist Group
The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

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Source: www.npr.org

Hindus Facing Persecution
Report charts human rights abuses that Hindus in and outside of India dealt with in ‘06.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: holy relics, religious artifacts, Buddist, hebrew

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Pope Benedict Eases Restrictions on Mass
Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

Pope Benedict XVI issues his first major reform of the Catholic Church, relaxing restrictions on the use of the old Latin Mass that that was common before the Second Vatican Council 40 years ago.

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Source: www.npr.org

Fred Thompson Backs Off Lobbying Denial
Fred Thompson is backing off his flat denial that he once lobbied for an abortion-rights group. He now says he doesn’t remember it, but does not dispute evidence to the contrary.
Source: pewforum.org

A Sacred Connection to the Sun
Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

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Source: www.npr.org

South Dakota Sees First Execution in 60 Years
A 25-year-old man was executed by lethal injection Wednesday for the torture and slaying of a teenager who was forced to drink hydrochloric acid during a robbery of his home. It was the state’s first execution in 60 years.
Source: pewforum.org

‘Time’ Poll: Romney, Obama of Strongest Faith
A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

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Source: www.npr.org

Surgeon Gen. Nominee Defends Himself
Dr. James W. Holsinger Jr. said he is committed to science and would resign if politics interfere. He also denied any gay bias.
Source: pewforum.org

Brownback Quietly Courting Conservatives
Republican presidential hopeful Sam Brownback is counting on his conservative credentials and a Midwest bond to lift his candidacy in Iowa.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: religious artifacts, holy relics, Buddist, hebrew

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Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

read more…

Many pundits have said that presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s Mormon faith will be a hindrance to his 2008 bid, but a new poll shows that voters believe he is more religious than any of the other contenders out there. read more…

Report charts human rights abuses that Hindus in and outside of India dealt with in ‘06. read more…

Many pin the blame for a church coverup on the former Cardinal Ratzinger — now Pope Benedict XVI. There are no records on clerical sex abuse in Italy and those who want cases investigated often face the wrath of the Vatican as a result.

Many pin the blame for a church coverup on the former Cardinal Ratzinger — now Pope Benedict XVI. There are no records on clerical sex abuse in Italy and those who want cases investigated often face the wrath of the Vatican as a result.

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read more…

The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

The recent attacks in Britain have renewed debate about banning an Islamist group there. But Hizb ut-Tahrir — which seeks to end Western-style government in Islamist countries and return to the form of government set out in the Koran — says its methods are peaceful.

» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us

read more…

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

A new Time magazine poll finds that registered voters view Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama as the presidential candidates with the strongest faith. Republicans and Democrats disagree about whether a president should use his faith to guide his decisions.

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read more…

Tags: christianity, religious products, religious artifacts, Buddist

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Romney Faces Uphill Battle for Evangelical Voters
One of Mitt Romney’s biggest hurdles to winning the Republican presidential nomination is his faith. Many conservative Christians say they would not vote for a Mormon candidate.

One of Mitt Romney’s biggest hurdles to winning the Republican presidential nomination is his faith. Many conservative Christians say they would not vote for a Mormon candidate.

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Source: www.npr.org

Church Copes with Black Flight from San Francisco
An African-American church in San Francisco celebrates its centennial, even as large numbers of blacks leave the city. The church’s “Wall of Black Heroes” offers an extraordinary history lesson.

An African-American church in San Francisco celebrates its centennial, even as large numbers of blacks leave the city. The church’s “Wall of Black Heroes” offers an extraordinary history lesson.

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Source: www.npr.org

South Dakota Sees First Execution in 60 Years
A 25-year-old man was executed by lethal injection Wednesday for the torture and slaying of a teenager who was forced to drink hydrochloric acid during a robbery of his home. It was the state’s first execution in 60 years.
Source: pewforum.org

In Poland, a Jewish Revival Thrives — Minus Jews
In Krakow, a new generation of non-Jewish Poles is rediscovering a culture that was nearly annihilated by the Holocaust.
Source: pewforum.org

How U.S. Voters React to Politicians’ Infidelity
Republicans are less likely than Democrats to support a candidate who was unfaithful, poll shows.
Source: pewforum.org

TIME Poll: Faith of the Candidates
According a new TIME poll, only 15% of registered voters believe that Hillary Clinton is “strongly religious,” compared to 22% for John Edwards and 24% for Barack Obama.
Source: pewforum.org

Surgeon General Sees 4-Year Term as Compromised
Former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona told a Congressional panel Tuesday that top Bush administration officials repeatedly tried to weaken or suppress important public health reports — including information about stem cells, emergency contraception and sex education — because of political considerations.
Source: pewforum.org

A Sacred Connection to the Sun
Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

Joy Harjo’s Native American heritage taught her that the sun is a relative to be honored. The Muskogee Creek Nation poet believes that in doing so, we connect with nature and the sacredness of life.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: christianity, Hindu, Islam, Buddist

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