Holy Relics

In a radio broadcast Thursday, the Archbishop of Canterbury said he believes some aspects of Islamic “sharia” law will be introduced into Britain, saying it’s “unavoidable” that British law would have to accommodate Muslim practices. His statement was welcomed by some Muslim groups, but the government was quick to distance itself.

In a radio broadcast Thursday, the Archbishop of Canterbury said he believes some aspects of Islamic “sharia” law will be introduced into Britain, saying it’s “unavoidable” that British law would have to accommodate Muslim practices. His statement was welcomed by some Muslim groups, but the government was quick to distance itself.

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Protestants likely to become a minority; Growing percentage now unaffiliated; Immigrants help fill Catholic parishes read more…

Many Roman Catholics and Protestants in America are leaving the churches of their childhood and either embracing other faiths or claiming no religion at all, according to an extensive national survey released Monday. read more…

A new map of faith in the USA shows a nation constantly shifting amid religious choices, unaware or unconcerned with doctrinal distinctions read more…

The nation’s long-held Protestant majority has slipped to 51%. Evangelicals make up the nation’s single-largest tradition, followed by Catholics. read more…

Tags: christianity, Hindu, Islam, Buddist

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New Orleans Churches Defy Racial Categories
NEW ORLEANS — These old walls have never heard music like this.
Source: pewforum.org

A House Still Divided
The drive for Christian unity has seen dashed hopes, and strange successes.
Source: pewforum.org

The Search for Social Glue
New thoughts about how to promote social cohesion.
Source: pewforum.org

Clinton Has Edge Among Highly Religious White Democrats
Hillary Clinton enjoys a significant edge in support over Barack Obama among white Democrats who are highly religious.
Source: pewforum.org

Web Site Encourages Churches to Break the Mold
In an era of declining attendance, churches across the country are scrambling to embrace modern marketing tools: Web sites, podcasts, billboards and the like.
Source: pewforum.org

Top Muslim Clerics Warn Against Sectarian Fighting
Religious leaders advise milder political rhetoric.
Source: pewforum.org

Controversial Blogger Resigns from Southern Baptist Mission Board
A controversial blogger who recently resigned from the Southern Baptist’s International Mission Board vows to keep fighting what he calls an increasingly political atmosphere in his denomination.
Source: pewforum.org

Catholics a Key Voting Bloc in Ohio
Catholic voters have supported New York Sen. Hillary Clinton by a margin of 2 to 1 this primary season. But exit polls from Wisconsin on Feb. 19 show that margin may be evaporating. Clinton will need the Catholic vote to carry the crucial state of Ohio on March 4.

Catholic voters have supported New York Sen. Hillary Clinton by a margin of 2 to 1 this primary season. But exit polls from Wisconsin on Feb. 19 show that margin may be evaporating. Clinton will need the Catholic vote to carry the crucial state of Ohio on March 4.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: christianity, Hindu, wiccan, metaphysics

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Jesus Cosmetics Pulled from Shelves
A Singapore retailer has pulled a line of Jesus cosmetics after receiving complaints about the American-made products branded “Lookin’ Good for Jesus.” They included a “virtuous vanilla” lip balm, as well as hand and body cream. Their slogan: “Get His Attention.”

A Singapore retailer has pulled a line of Jesus cosmetics after receiving complaints about the American-made products branded “Lookin’ Good for Jesus.” They included a “virtuous vanilla” lip balm, as well as hand and body cream. Their slogan: “Get His Attention.”

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Source: www.npr.org

Islamic Rule in Pakistan Ushered Out With Celebrations
Celebratory gunfire and dancing in the streets greeted heavy election losses on Tuesday by Pakistan’s main alliance of Islamic parties in a key province bordering Afghanistan.
Source: pewforum.org

Florida Schools to Teach Evolution as ‘Scientific Theory’
Florida’s Board of Education approved a new set of science standards to be taught in public schools that mandate teaching the ’scientific theory of evolution.’
Source: pewforum.org

God and the City
Saturday night in midtown Manhattan, and 25 college students are packed into the living room of a small apartment.
Source: pewforum.org

‘Anonymous’ Wages Attack on Scientologists
For the past several weeks, a video of Tom Cruise defending Scientology has been circulating on the Internet. When the Scientologists tried to get it taken down, an Internet group calling itself “Anonymous” said the organization was trying to limit free speech.

For the past several weeks, a video of Tom Cruise defending Scientology has been circulating on the Internet. When the Scientologists tried to get it taken down, an Internet group calling itself “Anonymous” said the organization was trying to limit free speech.

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Source: www.npr.org

New Criticism for Saudi Religious Police
Saudi Arabia’s religious police are under attack again over what critics consider heavy-handed enforcement of the country’s gender segregation policies and other strict social rules.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: wiccan, Buddist, christianity, Islam

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Pope Benedict XVI will visit the White House on April 16 during his first visit to the United States as pontiff. read more…

Jehovah’s Witnesses are the fastest-growing church body in the U.S. and Canada, now with more than 1 million members, according to new figures that track church membership in the U.S. and Canada. read more…

Mitt Romney’s campaign for the Republican presidential nomination triggered unprecedented attention to his Mormon faith. But it wasn’t the kind of attention that the church expected. Now, polls show that the faith’s image is more negative than Mormons previously thought.

Mitt Romney’s campaign for the Republican presidential nomination triggered unprecedented attention to his Mormon faith. But it wasn’t the kind of attention that the church expected. Now, polls show that the faith’s image is more negative than Mormons previously thought.

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For the past several weeks, a video of Tom Cruise defending Scientology has been circulating on the Internet. When the Scientologists tried to get it taken down, an Internet group calling itself “Anonymous” said the organization was trying to limit free speech.

For the past several weeks, a video of Tom Cruise defending Scientology has been circulating on the Internet. When the Scientologists tried to get it taken down, an Internet group calling itself “Anonymous” said the organization was trying to limit free speech.

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Religion should have a smaller official role in Britain, not a greater one read more…

When Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee references Bible stories, do people understand? Boston University professor Stephen Prothero says those mystified aren’t alone — half of Americans can’t name any of the four Gospels, and that includes Christians.

When Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee references Bible stories, do people understand? Boston University professor Stephen Prothero says those mystified aren’t alone — half of Americans can’t name any of the four Gospels, and that includes Christians.

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Tags: Hindu, holy relics, religious artifacts, Islam

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Jews Worried Again as Methodists Mull Divestment Plan
The United Methodist Church is poised to become the next U.S. church to consider divesting from Israel, a topic so controversial that it prompted the Presbyterian Church (USA) to backpedal on its own divestment program two years ago.
Source: pewforum.org

Obama, Clinton Found Faith in Land of Lincoln
Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton aren’t Illinois natives, but the Democratic presidential contenders each found their connection to faith in the state.

Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton aren’t Illinois natives, but the Democratic presidential contenders each found their connection to faith in the state.

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Source: www.npr.org

Huckabee Decries Effort to ‘Ghettoize’ Him as Former Pastor
Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee said Tuesday (Feb. 12) that critics have unfairly focused on his former career as a Southern Baptist pastor rather than his role as a former Arkansas governor.
Source: pewforum.org

The President?s Passion Play
Nicolas Sarkozy embraces God as good for society, igniting debate over church and state in France.
Source: pewforum.org

Polls Show Some U.S. Evangelicals Vote Democrat
Exit polls during the U.S. presidential primaries in Missouri and Tennessee last week show the Democratic Party has some support from white evangelicals, a group strongly associated with the Republican Party.
Source: pewforum.org

French Activists Fight Female Genital Mutilation
Many Muslims in sub-Saharan and North African countries observe the ancient rite of female genital mutilation. One estimate says more than 50,000 affected women now live in France, where a campaign to prosecute those responsible is under way.

Many Muslims in sub-Saharan and North African countries observe the ancient rite of female genital mutilation. One estimate says more than 50,000 affected women now live in France, where a campaign to prosecute those responsible is under way.

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Source: www.npr.org

Millions of Muslims Rest in Najaf’s Valley of Peace
The cemetery in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, called the Valley of Peace, holds the remains of millions. It’s the coveted final resting place for Shiite Muslims from around the globe. The site is considered auspicious because it is next to the tomb of Imam Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law and the man Shiites believe to be his true heir.

The cemetery in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, called the Valley of Peace, holds the remains of millions. It’s the coveted final resting place for Shiite Muslims from around the globe. The site is considered auspicious because it is next to the tomb of Imam Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law and the man Shiites believe to be his true heir.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: Islam, Buddist, holy relics, religious artifacts

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Many Muslims in sub-Saharan and North African countries observe the ancient rite of female genital mutilation. One estimate says more than 50,000 affected women now live in France, where a campaign to prosecute those responsible is under way.

Many Muslims in sub-Saharan and North African countries observe the ancient rite of female genital mutilation. One estimate says more than 50,000 affected women now live in France, where a campaign to prosecute those responsible is under way.

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Mitt Romney’s campaign for the presidency brought more attention to the Mormon Church than it has had in years. What the church discovered was not heartening. read more…

The Archbishop of Canterbury says the adoption of certain aspects of Sharia law in the UK “seems unavoidable”. read more…

The president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has died after leading millions of Mormon faithful for nearly 13 years. Gordon B. Hinckley was 97. He had spent most of his adult life in the Mormon leadership.

The president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has died after leading millions of Mormon faithful for nearly 13 years. Gordon B. Hinckley was 97. He had spent most of his adult life in the Mormon leadership.

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The violent attacks by al-Qaeda and by the Sunni insurgent group al-Qaeda in Iraq have led people and religious groups in the Muslim world to reduce their financial support for Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network and to question its leadership, senior U.S. intelligence officials told Congress yesterday. read more…

Tags: christianity, holy relics, Hindu, Islam

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Pope Declines Speech at Rome University
Italians rally to support Pope Benedict after he cancelled a speech for the opening of the academic year at Rome University following student protests. The students and some professors say the pontiff’s reactionary views and “anti-science” attitudes made him an unsuitable speaker.

Italians rally to support Pope Benedict after he cancelled a speech for the opening of the academic year at Rome University following student protests. The students and some professors say the pontiff’s reactionary views and “anti-science” attitudes made him an unsuitable speaker.

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Source: www.npr.org

Evangelicals Still in Flux After Super Tuesday
The day after Super Tuesday, when so much was supposed to become so clear, evangelicals are as divided — and sought after — as they were the day before.
Source: pewforum.org

Mormon Leader Gordon B. Hinckley Dies at 97
The president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has died after leading millions of Mormon faithful for nearly 13 years. Gordon B. Hinckley was 97. He had spent most of his adult life in the Mormon leadership.

The president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has died after leading millions of Mormon faithful for nearly 13 years. Gordon B. Hinckley was 97. He had spent most of his adult life in the Mormon leadership.

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Source: www.npr.org

Reach of Evangelicals, Talk Radio Tested
Unifying conservatives is crucial for McCain.
Source: pewforum.org

Iraqi Radical Cleric Al-Sadr Studies for Ayatollah
Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is quietly resuming seminary studies toward attaining the title of ayatollah — a goal that could make the firebrand cleric and his Mahdi Army an even more formidable power broker in Iraq.

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is quietly resuming seminary studies toward attaining the title of ayatollah — a goal that could make the firebrand cleric and his Mahdi Army an even more formidable power broker in Iraq.

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Source: www.npr.org

Huckabee Wins Alabama with Religious, Conservative Backing
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee took Alabama’s Republican primary Tuesday by crushing his opponents in the competition for conservative and evangelical Christian voters.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: religious products, Hindu, christianity, metaphysics

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Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain weren’t the only ones “resurrected” in the past week, notes commentator Peter Manseau. The Roman Catholic Church announced that it will exhume the body of Padre Pio, an Italian priest made a saint in 2002.

Sens. Hillary Clinton and John McCain weren’t the only ones “resurrected” in the past week, notes commentator Peter Manseau. The Roman Catholic Church announced that it will exhume the body of Padre Pio, an Italian priest made a saint in 2002.

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The economy is emerging as a big issue in the presidential campaign. Presidential contenders in both parties are touting their economic plans for reviving the ailing economy. Upcoming contests will be critical for some candidates.

The economy is emerging as a big issue in the presidential campaign. Presidential contenders in both parties are touting their economic plans for reviving the ailing economy. Upcoming contests will be critical for some candidates.

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Italians rally to support Pope Benedict after he cancelled a speech for the opening of the academic year at Rome University following student protests. The students and some professors say the pontiff’s reactionary views and “anti-science” attitudes made him an unsuitable speaker.

Italians rally to support Pope Benedict after he cancelled a speech for the opening of the academic year at Rome University following student protests. The students and some professors say the pontiff’s reactionary views and “anti-science” attitudes made him an unsuitable speaker.

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The cemetery in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, called the Valley of Peace, holds the remains of millions. It’s the coveted final resting place for Shiite Muslims from around the globe. The site is considered auspicious because it is next to the tomb of Imam Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law and the man Shiites believe to be his true heir.

The cemetery in the Iraqi holy city of Najaf, called the Valley of Peace, holds the remains of millions. It’s the coveted final resting place for Shiite Muslims from around the globe. The site is considered auspicious because it is next to the tomb of Imam Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law and the man Shiites believe to be his true heir.

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Pastor Rick McKinley and his wife Jeannie McKinley are tired of the consumerism that dominates Christmas time. Instead, they are part of the Advent Conspiracy, a mission to encourage people to worship more and spend less around the holidays.

Pastor Rick McKinley and his wife Jeannie McKinley are tired of the consumerism that dominates Christmas time. Instead, they are part of the Advent Conspiracy, a mission to encourage people to worship more and spend less around the holidays.

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Father A.J. Cote, a Dominican friar, was sued two years ago for allegedly abusing a minor. Depositions in the case reveal the Dominicans operate under a system where warning signs can go undetected and a problem priest can find refuge in new assignments for years.

Father A.J. Cote, a Dominican friar, was sued two years ago for allegedly abusing a minor. Depositions in the case reveal the Dominicans operate under a system where warning signs can go undetected and a problem priest can find refuge in new assignments for years.

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The president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has died after leading millions of Mormon faithful for nearly 13 years. Gordon B. Hinckley was 97. He had spent most of his adult life in the Mormon leadership.

The president and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has died after leading millions of Mormon faithful for nearly 13 years. Gordon B. Hinckley was 97. He had spent most of his adult life in the Mormon leadership.

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Forget arranged marriages or Western-style dating; an increasing number of young Muslims are turning to companionship organizations in hopes of meeting a spouse, while maintaining respect for their Islamic traditions. It fills a void for American Muslims, particularly converts to Islam.

Forget arranged marriages or Western-style dating; an increasing number of young Muslims are turning to companionship organizations in hopes of meeting a spouse, while maintaining respect for their Islamic traditions. It fills a void for American Muslims, particularly converts to Islam.

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Tags: Hindu, christianity, religious artifacts, holy relics

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