Holy Relics

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani drew a line Tuesday on public discussion of his religion, telling a Bettendorf audience that it is between him and his priest as to whether he’s a “good or not-so-good Catholic.” read more…

The evangelist and counselor to presidents was “incredibly supportive to me personally” during the Monica Lewinsky ordeal, the former First Lady tells TIME. read more…

The former governor of Massachusetts is a Mormon in full. But, facing a wary public, he has played his faith cautiously on the presidential campaign trail. read more…

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has settled hundreds of cases stemming from a sex-abuse scandal. Now it will release personnel files of accused priests. Will Cardinal Roger Mahony’s reputation suffer?

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has settled hundreds of cases stemming from a sex-abuse scandal. Now it will release personnel files of accused priests. Will Cardinal Roger Mahony’s reputation suffer?

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The Democratic presidential candidates have begun to aggressively court gay and lesbian voters, with unprecedented outreach to match a major shift in policy positions among the major 2008 hopefuls. read more…

Tags: Buddist, Islam, christianity, metaphysics

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Throughout his bid for the GOP’s 2008 presidential nod, Mitt Romney has called for overturning Roe v. Wade so that states can go their own way on abortion rights. Rejecting a “one-size-fits all” approach to abortion, Romney has described his position as reflecting a “federalist approach.” read more…

Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

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Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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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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The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

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Sheikh Rashid Lamptey, the new imam at the Dar Al Noor mosque in Virginia, plays a dual role: He’s the face of Islam to his congregation and to Americans who might be wary of Muslims.

Sheikh Rashid Lamptey, the new imam at the Dar Al Noor mosque in Virginia, plays a dual role: He’s the face of Islam to his congregation and to Americans who might be wary of Muslims.

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The Democratic presidential candidates have begun to aggressively court gay and lesbian voters, with unprecedented outreach to match a major shift in policy positions among the major 2008 hopefuls. read more…

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

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Tags: Islam, Hindu, religious products, christianity

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Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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As the nation’s Muslim population grows, issues of religious accommodation are becoming more common, and more complicated. read more…

The predominantly black Trinity boasts more than 10,000 members and is the largest church within the traditionally white United Church of Christ denomination. read more…

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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The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

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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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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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Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani drew a line Tuesday on public discussion of his religion, telling a Bettendorf audience that it is between him and his priest as to whether he’s a “good or not-so-good Catholic.” read more…

Tags: hebrew, Islam, religious products, religious artifacts

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Rudy Will Confront Abortion Issue Head-On in Iowa
Rudy Giuliani is expected to use a two-day campaign swing through Iowa this week to address a topic many voters there do not support – his pro-choice views on abortion.
Source: pewforum.org

Assisted Suicide Attacked from an Unlikely Front
Disability rights groups, typically supportive of individual liberty, have helped defeat bills out of fear that HMOs would see a chance to cut care.
Source: pewforum.org

Secularists Wary of Turkish Party’s Roots in Islam
The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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Source: www.npr.org

Reporter’s Religion Beat Leads to Faith Crisis
Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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Source: www.npr.org

Mission Field Dangerous for Church Workers
There are 21 South Korean hostages still in custody of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The group belongs to the same church near Seoul, and was taken hostage by the Taliban July 19. The incident highlights the hazards for the thousands of missionaries who head to danger zones every year.

There are 21 South Korean hostages still in custody of the Taliban in Afghanistan. The group belongs to the same church near Seoul, and was taken hostage by the Taliban July 19. The incident highlights the hazards for the thousands of missionaries who head to danger zones every year.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: Hindu, wiccan, Buddist, christianity

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Assisted Suicide Attacked from an Unlikely Front
Disability rights groups, typically supportive of individual liberty, have helped defeat bills out of fear that HMOs would see a chance to cut care.
Source: pewforum.org

Gays Support Democrats, But Want Action
Conscious of their community’s financial clout, gay activists want action on equality issues, not just talk.
Source: pewforum.org

Who Speaks for America’s Evangelicals?
The answer is not as clear-cut as in years past. In fact, a younger generation of ministers is changing the face and voice of this very influential constituency. With the 2008 election approaching, that’s no small thing.
Source: pewforum.org

Former Televangelist Dies of Cancer
Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

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Source: www.npr.org

Vietnamese Americans Make Pilgrimage to Missouri
This weekend, tens of thousands of Vietnamese American Catholics have converged on the small town of Carthage, Mo., at the campus of a religious order called the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. The event that draws them is called the Marian Days, a time for devotion to the Virgin Mary, whom many credit with helping them escape from communist Vietnam.

This weekend, tens of thousands of Vietnamese American Catholics have converged on the small town of Carthage, Mo., at the campus of a religious order called the Congregation of the Mother Co-Redemptrix. The event that draws them is called the Marian Days, a time for devotion to the Virgin Mary, whom many credit with helping them escape from communist Vietnam.

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Source: www.npr.org

Secularists Wary of Turkish Party’s Roots in Islam
The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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Source: www.npr.org

London Gathering Defends Vision of Radical Islam
An international radical Islamic party that has been the focus of increasing concern in Britain launched a frontal attack on its critics at a carefully stage-managed conference in London this weekend that attracted several thousand relatively well-heeled Muslims.
Source: pewforum.org

Does the Bible Have a Place in Public Schools?
New legal mandates and the rise of two national curricula are driving a surge in the number of classes — and the debate over how they’re taught.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: Islam, hebrew, religious artifacts, religious products

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Doctors Accused of Using Faith to Violate Gay Bias Laws
When does the freedom to practice religion become discrimination? The California Supreme Court is being asked to answer that question when it hears a legal dispute between a lesbian mom and two doctors who refused to artificially inseminate her for religious reasons.
Source: pewforum.org

U.S. Muslims Condemn Taliban Kidnapping
Muslim advocacy groups in the United States are condemning the recent kidnapping of 23 South Koreans in Afghanistan and are demanding their release.
Source: pewforum.org

The Ultra-Orthodox Jews on a Mission to Save Jerusalem from Secularism
From anti-gay protests to airline boycotts, campaigns by anti-Zionist community are vocal and effective.
Source: pewforum.org

Romney: Faith Shouldn’t Count in Race
Applying religious tests to the presidential race would be like “what you see in countries in the Middle East,” and shouldn’t be a factor in 2008, Romney said Thursday.
Source: pewforum.org

Taliban Hostages Were Visiting With Christian Group
The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

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Source: www.npr.org

Former Televangelist Dies of Cancer
Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

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Source: www.npr.org

Textbook Watchdog Norma Gabler Dies
Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

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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: Hindu, christianity, wiccan, religious products

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Further Fervor: Missionaries Go From East to West
The recent kidnapping of South Korean Christians in Afghanistan highlights an overlooked fact: Asian missionaries are everywhere, and today they’re often found in some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots.
Source: pewforum.org

Islamic Creationist Group Launches Glitzy, Global Blitz
A household name in Turkey, the ‘Foundation for Scientific Research’ is now distributing its books – published in 59 languages including Chinese and Swahili – to 80 countries.
Source: pewforum.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

The Younger Generation Finds Religion
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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Source: www.npr.org

Reporter’s Religion Beat Leads to Faith Crisis
Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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Source: www.npr.org

Doctors Accused of Using Faith to Violate Gay Bias Laws
When does the freedom to practice religion become discrimination? The California Supreme Court is being asked to answer that question when it hears a legal dispute between a lesbian mom and two doctors who refused to artificially inseminate her for religious reasons.
Source: pewforum.org

Episcopal Church’s First Openly Gay Bishop Endorses Obama
The Episcopal Church’s first openly gay bishop endorsed Sen. Barack Obama for president on Thursday, even though they don’t share the same views on issues critical to gays and lesbians.
Source: pewforum.org

Students Must Remember ‘God’ in Texas Pledge
Texas students will have four more words to remember when they head back to class this month and begin reciting the state’s pledge of allegiance.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: religious products, metaphysics, wiccan, christianity

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Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

Norma Gabler, who, along with her husband Mel, exerted huge influence over the U.S. textbook industry as a watchdog for material they considered anti-family, has died.

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

read more…

A household name in Turkey, the ‘Foundation for Scientific Research’ is now distributing its books – published in 59 languages including Chinese and Swahili – to 80 countries. read more…

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

Los Angeles Times religion reporter William Lobdell was an evangelical Christian when he took the job, and during his time on the beat, he almost converted to Catholicism. But he says that after covering religion for eight years, he has lost faith in Christianity and left the religion beat.

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read more…

From anti-gay protests to airline boycotts, campaigns by anti-Zionist community are vocal and effective. read more…

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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Texas students will have four more words to remember when they head back to class this month and begin reciting the state’s pledge of allegiance. read more…

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

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Colorado today becomes the 10th state to allow gay couples to adopt and the 20th to extend civil rights protections to gays and lesbians. read more…

Tags: religious artifacts, Buddist, religious products, christianity

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Ratcheting up the simmering debate over how Protestant denominations should express their concern about Israel, the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church is advising congregations and individuals to divest their holdings from a wide variety of American corporations that the United Methodists believe support the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. read more…

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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Earlier this month, Pope Benedict approved two major documents that Vatican observers see as signals of a major theological shift in the Catholic Church. The Pope approved wider use of the old Latin mass and reasserted the primacy of the Roman Catholic Church above all other Christian religions.

Earlier this month, Pope Benedict approved two major documents that Vatican observers see as signals of a major theological shift in the Catholic Church. The Pope approved wider use of the old Latin mass and reasserted the primacy of the Roman Catholic Church above all other Christian religions.

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Texas students will have four more words to remember when they head back to class this month and begin reciting the state’s pledge of allegiance. read more…

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

Tammy Faye Messner, previously Tammy Faye Bakker, and former husband Jim Bakker achieved wealth and fame as televangelists. Later, they saw it all come crashing down in a sex-and-money scandal in the 1980s. Messner died on Friday morning.

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read more…

Rep. Keith Ellison made a weekend trip to Iraq, where a pair of sheiks urged Congress’ only Muslim lawmaker to help in countering al-Qaeda’s vision of Islam. read more…

Tags: religious artifacts, Hindu, wiccan, metaphysics

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The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

The Justice and Development Party’s win in Turkey’s elections has secularists nervous, as the prime minister’s party has roots in political Islam. Soner Cagaptay, an expert in Turkish secularism, says Turkey’s brand of Islam is progress-oriented and outward-looking.

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

read more…

Rep. Keith Ellison made a weekend trip to Iraq, where a pair of sheiks urged Congress’ only Muslim lawmaker to help in countering al-Qaeda’s vision of Islam. read more…

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

The 23 South Koreans captured by the Taliban in Afghanistan are still being threatened with execution, but the deadline has been delayed. The hostages are members of a church group that rented a bus in Kabul to travel on a dangerous road to Kandahar.

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read more…

When George Romney ran for the 1968 Republican presidential nomination, his Mormon heritage was mostly a footnote. It was scarcely mentioned in news accounts of the day. But for son Mitt Romney, the family religion presents a formidable political hurdle. read more…

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $660 million to settle hundreds of lawsuits from people who claim they were abused by Roman Catholic clergy. The settlement is the largest in the church’s sexual abuse scandal.

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Tags: Islam, metaphysics, Hindu, wiccan

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