Holy Relics

Ala. governor says churches, not state, must rehab prisoners
Gov. Bob Riley on Tuesday (May 20) asked Alabama churches to shoulder the burden of caring for newly released inmates, saying the state lacks the flexibility and funds to help them successfully re-enter society.
Source: pewforum.org

A Buddhist Vision of the Myanmar Cyclone
Ashin Thitzana, a Burmese monk in the Los Angeles-area, offers an interpretation of the tragedy.

Ashin Thitzana, a Burmese monk in the Los Angeles-area, offers an interpretation of the tragedy.

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Source: www.npr.org

China Blocks Thousands of Hindus From Tibet Pilgrimage
The Chinese government is refusing to issue visas to Hindus trying to make the traditional summer pilgrimage to what they hold to be the home of Lord Shiva in Tibet, forcing thousands to delay or cancel the trip.
Source: pewforum.org

A New Face of Judaism in a Southern Illinois Town
More than 50 black residents of the town of Cairo recently converted to Judaism. Without a synagogue nearby, the converts traveled six hours each week to study with a rabbi. In the process, some lost their jobs.

More than 50 black residents of the town of Cairo recently converted to Judaism. Without a synagogue nearby, the converts traveled six hours each week to study with a rabbi. In the process, some lost their jobs.

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Source: www.npr.org

Cross could adorn state license plates
The cross could soon grace a state specialty license plate.
Source: pewforum.org

Hare Krishna for Dummies
Have you ever wondered why Hare Krishnas don’t eat meat, or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism? Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs.

Have you ever wondered why Hare Krishnas don’t eat meat, or how the movement differs from other strains of Hinduism? Read a primer on the Hare Krishna movement and its practices and beliefs.

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Source: www.npr.org

Polygamy-Sect Children Stuck in Limbo
Judges this week are beginning to hold status hearings for every child taken from a West Texas compound. Polly Rae O’Toole is one of more than 350 pro bono lawyers representing the children. She says families face an “impossible situation” and has filed a motion to return the child she’s defending to her mother, immediately.

Judges this week are beginning to hold status hearings for every child taken from a West Texas compound. Polly Rae O’Toole is one of more than 350 pro bono lawyers representing the children. She says families face an “impossible situation” and has filed a motion to return the child she’s defending to her mother, immediately.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: metaphysics, hebrew, holy relics, religious products

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Religious voters in Indiana and North Carolina held to familiar patterns in Democratic primary balloting Tuesday, with the controversy over Sen. Barack Obama’s relationship with his former pastor deepening the divide. read more…

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright told the National Press Club that attacks on him are really attacks on the black church. Earlier comments about race and the Sept. 11 attacks by Barack Obama’s former pastor have caused controversy for the presidential campaign.

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Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius should not receive Communion until she publicly repudiates her support for abortion rights and confesses her error, said Roman Catholic Archbishop Joseph Naumann of Kansas City, Kan. read more…

The primary cause of unhappiness in Britain is not lack of material wealth but a loss of faith in God and religion, a group of MPs says today. read more…

Lost in the hysteria over Reverend Jeremiah Wright’s remarks is the fact that the current race offers a rare snapshot of the three great strands of American political religion. read more…

The increase in world commodity prices has sparked an unusual crime wave in England. Thieves have been stealing the lead used as roofing material on the country’s older churches.

The increase in world commodity prices has sparked an unusual crime wave in England. Thieves have been stealing the lead used as roofing material on the country’s older churches.

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Tags: Buddist, metaphysics, religious products, Hindu

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The light being cast on China by the coming Summer Games is far brighter than the flickering Olympic flame now wending its way across that vast country. read more…

The cockeyed iron crucifix inside St. Miriam Catholic Church in Roxborough is just one clue that this is no ordinary Catholic parish. read more…

Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

Taking her first communion led San Francisco writer Sara Miles to become a Christian. The idea of breaking bread with others inspired her to start a food pantry at her church. Miles believes we come to know God through service to strangers.

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Once a month, Manuel Maldonado leads a group on a spiritual retreat to the mountains in central Arizona, where out in nature members feel closer to God. read more…

Barack Obama made an impassioned break from his former pastor in a speech Tuesday in North Carolina. The Rev. Jeremiah Wright had made several public appearances over the past few days, none of which pleased the Obama campaign.

Barack Obama made an impassioned break from his former pastor in a speech Tuesday in North Carolina. The Rev. Jeremiah Wright had made several public appearances over the past few days, none of which pleased the Obama campaign.

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Members of a charity group threatened with arrest while trying to feed homeless people at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point have filed a federal lawsuit against state parks officials, claiming interference with their constitutional rights. read more…

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obama’s former pastor, defends the sermon that has become a source of political turmoil. He faced off with reporters during an appearance at the National Press Club.

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The Rev. Otis Moss is set to take over as pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, the church Illinois Sen. Barack Obama attends. Moss talks to Michele Noris about the most famous member of his congregation and the now-controversial former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

The Rev. Otis Moss is set to take over as pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, the church Illinois Sen. Barack Obama attends. Moss talks to Michele Noris about the most famous member of his congregation and the now-controversial former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

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Roman Catholic priest and cosmologist Michael Heller won this year’s Templeton Prize. “Science without religion is not only meaningless, it’s lame,” he says.

Roman Catholic priest and cosmologist Michael Heller won this year’s Templeton Prize. “Science without religion is not only meaningless, it’s lame,” he says.

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The Jeremiah Group has developed a loan plan to turn the city’s low-income renters into homeowners. Instead of rejecting the idea as an impractical suggestion by idealistic do-gooders, the state embraced it.

The Jeremiah Group has developed a loan plan to turn the city’s low-income renters into homeowners. Instead of rejecting the idea as an impractical suggestion by idealistic do-gooders, the state embraced it.

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An East Boston church that was supposed to shut down four years ago celebrated Easter Mass on Sunday. Our Lady of Mount Carmel was one of dozens of parishes ordered to close in the wake of a priest sex abuse scandal. Members of the parish have been holding a vigil in the building since 2004.

An East Boston church that was supposed to shut down four years ago celebrated Easter Mass on Sunday. Our Lady of Mount Carmel was one of dozens of parishes ordered to close in the wake of a priest sex abuse scandal. Members of the parish have been holding a vigil in the building since 2004.

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Two days after the 2004 presidential election, William Portier ran into an acquaintance at the grocery store. read more…

Tags: holy relics, Hindu, Buddist, religious artifacts

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Obama Condemns Pastor’s Remarks
Sen. Barack Obama, a Christian who has battled rumors that he is Muslim, is now facing criticism for the fiery sermons of his former pastor at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ, which he has attended for nearly 20 years.
Source: pewforum.org

Chinese Security Forces Surround Monasteries in Tibet
Police, soldiers crack down on monks in wake of Tibetan protests against Beijing’s rule.
Source: pewforum.org

Religious Leaders Help Renters Buy in New Orleans
The Jeremiah Group has developed a loan plan to turn the city’s low-income renters into homeowners. Instead of rejecting the idea as an impractical suggestion by idealistic do-gooders, the state embraced it.

The Jeremiah Group has developed a loan plan to turn the city’s low-income renters into homeowners. Instead of rejecting the idea as an impractical suggestion by idealistic do-gooders, the state embraced it.

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Source: www.npr.org

Catholic College Leaders Expect Pope to Deliver Stern Message
After years of Vatican frustration over what it views as the failure of many U.S. Catholic colleges to adhere to church teachings, school leaders are intently watching for a rebuke from Pope Benedict XVI during his Washington visit next month.
Source: pewforum.org

Archbishop’s Slaying Rocks Iraq’s Christian Minority
The body of a kidnapped Chaldean Catholic archbishop was discovered buried near the northern city of Mosul on Thursday. Paulos Faraj Rahho was taken in late February as he was leaving Mass in Mosul. Christians constitute a tiny portion of Iraq’s mainly Muslim population. Still, they have been the victims of repeated violence. Many have fled the country and others have joined the ranks of Iraq’s 2.5 million internally displaced people.

The body of a kidnapped Chaldean Catholic archbishop was discovered buried near the northern city of Mosul on Thursday. Paulos Faraj Rahho was taken in late February as he was leaving Mass in Mosul. Christians constitute a tiny portion of Iraq’s mainly Muslim population. Still, they have been the victims of repeated violence. Many have fled the country and others have joined the ranks of Iraq’s 2.5 million internally displaced people.

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Source: www.npr.org

Reconciling Science and Religion
Roman Catholic priest and cosmologist Michael Heller won this year’s Templeton Prize. “Science without religion is not only meaningless, it’s lame,” he says.

Roman Catholic priest and cosmologist Michael Heller won this year’s Templeton Prize. “Science without religion is not only meaningless, it’s lame,” he says.

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Source: www.npr.org

Egypt Islamists in Hiding Ahead of Vote
A government crackdown has forced dozens of Muslim Brotherhood members into hiding ahead of local elections in Egypt, where the banned group has become the U.S.-allied country’s most powerful opposition force by agitating for Islamic law and democratic reform.
Source: pewforum.org

Qatar Hosts Its First Christian Church
The first Christian church in Qatar has no cross, no bell and no steeple.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: wiccan, religious artifacts, Islam, Hindu

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Pope John Paul II beatified more saints than all other popes combined. Now the Vatican will make the road to sainthood more difficult. Father James Martin, acting publisher of the Jesuit magazine America, talks with Madeleine Brand about the increased restrictions on beatification.

Pope John Paul II beatified more saints than all other popes combined. Now the Vatican will make the road to sainthood more difficult. Father James Martin, acting publisher of the Jesuit magazine America, talks with Madeleine Brand about the increased restrictions on beatification.

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With eight days before Iran?s parliamentary elections, there is little doubt that religious conservatives will tighten their grip on power, pushing aside some of the veteran politicians who helped found the Islamic Republic 29 years ago. read more…

Lawmakers violated the state constitution by budgeting $12 million to create a pharmacy school and a scholarship at a private Southern Baptist university, a judge ruled Thursday. read more…

A prayer movement has broken out in a handful of churches along Interstate 35, which stretches from Texas to Minnesota. Participants say that if people pray hard enough, God will touch communities along the highway. The movement is based on a reference to a “highway of holiness” in Isaiah 35:8.

A prayer movement has broken out in a handful of churches along Interstate 35, which stretches from Texas to Minnesota. Participants say that if people pray hard enough, God will touch communities along the highway. The movement is based on a reference to a “highway of holiness” in Isaiah 35:8.

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The cash-strapped Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., wants to turn seven of its inner-city schools into public charter schools. The only problem is the schools would have to relinquish their religious identity.

The cash-strapped Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., wants to turn seven of its inner-city schools into public charter schools. The only problem is the schools would have to relinquish their religious identity.

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They carried the body of Avraham David Moses, 16 years old, on a stretcher down the slope of the vibrant green cemetery here, shaded by tall pines, overlooking a valley, in utter silence. read more…

It sounds like the start of a bad joke: A Jew, a Baptist and a Baha’i get together every Sunday morning … It’s a new kind of Sunday school, where families from a range of religions gather to learn about helpfulness, obedience, service and friendliness.

It sounds like the start of a bad joke: A Jew, a Baptist and a Baha’i get together every Sunday morning … It’s a new kind of Sunday school, where families from a range of religions gather to learn about helpfulness, obedience, service and friendliness.

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Tags: Buddist, metaphysics, religious products, religious artifacts

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Bush Talks of Past Addiction
President Bush plopped himself into a chair between two former prisoners, Thomas Boyd and Adolphus Moseley, and asked to hear how their lives had changed.
Source: pewforum.org

Bush Touts Push for Permanent Faith-Based Programs
President Bush on Tuesday (Jan. 29) visited a Baltimore faith-based program that helps ex-offenders as part of his renewed push for continued federal funding for religious social service programs.
Source: pewforum.org

Church Announces Different Kind of ‘Comeback’
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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Source: www.npr.org

Texas Ministry Hosts Huckabee Fundraiser
A televangelist under investigation by the U.S. Senate Finance Committee turned a national ministers? gathering last week into a fundraising opportunity for Mike Huckabee, reportedly helping to raise thousands of dollars for the cash-strapped presidential candidate.
Source: pewforum.org

Where Ganges Ends, Island Teems With Pilgrims
In the final installment of his six-part series, independent producer Julian Crandall Hollick visits Sagar Island, where the Ganges River ends. He finds thousands of pilgrims bathing in the river and celebrating a mythical Hindu story.

In the final installment of his six-part series, independent producer Julian Crandall Hollick visits Sagar Island, where the Ganges River ends. He finds thousands of pilgrims bathing in the river and celebrating a mythical Hindu story.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: religious artifacts, Buddist, metaphysics, hebrew

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Three American comedians of Mideast decent, called the “Axis of Evil,” bring their comedy show to cities like Dubai, Kuwait, Cairo and Amman. The show is so popular that producers are adding extra dates to the tour.

Three American comedians of Mideast decent, called the “Axis of Evil,” bring their comedy show to cities like Dubai, Kuwait, Cairo and Amman. The show is so popular that producers are adding extra dates to the tour.

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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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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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South Carolina voters debate the values and electability of Romney and Huckabee. The rift may boost McCain. read more…

President Nicolas Sarkozy’s increasingly frequent and positive references to God and faith have drawn fire from critics who accuse him of violating France’s separation of church and state. read more…

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Conservative Christians from around the country will be meeting in Washington tomorrow for the Family Research Council’s second annual Values Voter Summit. All the major Republican presidential candidates will be attending.

Conservative Christians from around the country will be meeting in Washington tomorrow for the Family Research Council’s second annual Values Voter Summit. All the major Republican presidential candidates will be attending.

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The first attempt by British Muslims to set out the core standards and constitutions for Britain’s 1,350-plus mosques and Islamic centres has been drawn up by a new body representing four leading groups. read more…

Fifty years ago, 80 white pastors in the Atlanta area took on segregationists in the Deep South. They took their beliefs to the front page of Atlanta’s main newspaper in 1957, issuing what has been called The Ministers’ Manifesto.

Fifty years ago, 80 white pastors in the Atlanta area took on segregationists in the Deep South. They took their beliefs to the front page of Atlanta’s main newspaper in 1957, issuing what has been called The Ministers’ Manifesto.

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West Virginia is one of a handful of states that allows slot machines and other forms of video gambling in neighborhood bars, as well as at racetracks. But while other states are considering expanding their gambling options, many West Virginians are now having second thoughts.

West Virginia is one of a handful of states that allows slot machines and other forms of video gambling in neighborhood bars, as well as at racetracks. But while other states are considering expanding their gambling options, many West Virginians are now having second thoughts.

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Chile’s Catholic Church was seen as a light during the dark days of Augusto Pinochet’s regime, as it battled repression. Now, the first indictment of a priest in connection with human rights abuses has reopened old wounds.

Chile’s Catholic Church was seen as a light during the dark days of Augusto Pinochet’s regime, as it battled repression. Now, the first indictment of a priest in connection with human rights abuses has reopened old wounds.

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White evangelical Protestants, a key support base for the Republican Party, still have not united behind a single candidate for the 2008 White House race, according to a new poll released on Wednesday. read more…

Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the U.S. In the past two years, there’s been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.

Just as Western missionaries spread the Christian message to Africa, African and other Anglican leaders are staking claims in the U.S. In the past two years, there’s been a flurry of reverse colonization as archbishops from Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Bolivia and Singapore have taken conservative Episcopal churches under their wings.

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For Santeros, Religious Freedom Is Anything But
Noriel Batista has had little peace since a swarm of Coral Gables police officers burst onto his property, disrupting a Santeria ritual intended to initiate him into a special order of his religion’s priesthood.
Source: pewforum.org

Shiite Pilgrims Willingly Risk Lives for Faith
Thousands are walking the streets of Baghdad, performing an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of a much-loved Shiite Imam, or saint. Because many Shiite observances were suppressed under Saddam Hussein, the pilgrimage is an important part of Shiite identity but dangerous.

Thousands are walking the streets of Baghdad, performing an annual pilgrimage to the shrine of a much-loved Shiite Imam, or saint. Because many Shiite observances were suppressed under Saddam Hussein, the pilgrimage is an important part of Shiite identity but dangerous.

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Source: www.npr.org

Gleaming Hindu Temple to Open in Atlanta Suburb
After a year and a half of painstaking construction, one of the world’s largest Hindu temples opens this month in Lilburn, an Atlanta suburb. Thousands of people from across the country are expected to come for its dedication.

After a year and a half of painstaking construction, one of the world’s largest Hindu temples opens this month in Lilburn, an Atlanta suburb. Thousands of people from across the country are expected to come for its dedication.

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Source: www.npr.org

Can US Diplomacy Get Religion?
In much of the world, religion ? not ideology ? is the prime motivator propelling people and events, often leading to violence. Congress had a sense of that a decade ago when it began considering how the US might better promote religious freedom and tolerance in its foreign policy. It’s a subject worth revisiting.
Source: pewforum.org

Evangelical Lutherans Urged Not to Discipline Gay Clergy
A national assembly of Evangelical Lutherans urged its bishops not to discipline gay and lesbian ministers who violate a celibacy rule. But the assembly declined to change its rule banning ordination of non-celibate homosexuals.

A national assembly of Evangelical Lutherans urged its bishops not to discipline gay and lesbian ministers who violate a celibacy rule. But the assembly declined to change its rule banning ordination of non-celibate homosexuals.

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Source: www.npr.org

Evangelicals Join Other Christian Groups in Push For Common Code of Conduct on Conversions
Evangelical groups have joined efforts spearheaded by Roman Catholic, Orthodox and mainstream Protestant churches to create a common code of conduct for religious conversions that would preserve the right of Christians to spread their religion while avoiding conflict among different faiths.
Source: pewforum.org

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