Holy Relics

A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that the state had no right to take more than 400 children from a polygamist ranch. The court said the state did not prove that all the removals of children from their parents were justified. The ruling could mean the children are returned to their parents within 10 days.

A Texas appeals court ruled Thursday that the state had no right to take more than 400 children from a polygamist ranch. The court said the state did not prove that all the removals of children from their parents were justified. The ruling could mean the children are returned to their parents within 10 days.

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A huge immigration raid last week on the country’s largest kosher slaughterhouse could have a substantial impact on the thousands of Jews who follow Jewish dietary laws, as well as on non-Jews who purchase kosher meat. read more…

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. read more…

After enduring criticism for weeks, John McCain broke Thursday with two controversial televangelists whose endorsements he once trumpeted in a bid to win support from religious conservatives. read more…

Lt. Col. Steve Beck is a casualty assistance officer for the Marines. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jim Sheeler wrote Final Salute, which chronicles Beck’s difficult job consoling the families of fallen soldiers.

Lt. Col. Steve Beck is a casualty assistance officer for the Marines. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jim Sheeler wrote Final Salute, which chronicles Beck’s difficult job consoling the families of fallen soldiers.

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Tags: religious artifacts, Islam, christianity, religious products

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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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A federal appeals court took up an issue Wednesday with broad implications for how executions will be carried out nationwide: whether Virginia’s method of lethal injection induces an agonizing death. read more…

Tensions are high in Lebanon’s capital after three days of gun-battles have seen Hezbollah fighters taking control of much of the city. At least 11 are dead, and on Friday Hezbollah fighters attacked a pro-government TV station.

Tensions are high in Lebanon’s capital after three days of gun-battles have seen Hezbollah fighters taking control of much of the city. At least 11 are dead, and on Friday Hezbollah fighters attacked a pro-government TV station.

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The potential repeal of a century-old Florida law barring state funding for religiously affiliated organizations is to be put before the voters there this fall, at the end of a lobbying battle that has attracted the attention of President Bush and has engaged a coalition of liberal or secular educational groups. read more…

A group of conservative Christians released the statement to reclaim the word “evangelical.” Alex Cohen talks with one of the document’s signers about the manifesto’s goals.

A group of conservative Christians released the statement to reclaim the word “evangelical.” Alex Cohen talks with one of the document’s signers about the manifesto’s goals.

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The Catholic Church was once central to Spanish life. But Spain is changing?just like its neighbors. read more…

Investing in companies that align with one’s religious and moral beliefs is easier ? and more profitable ? than ever these days. read more…

Tags: religious products, Buddist, Hindu, holy relics

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Barack Obama’s minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, was removed from his honorary post on the senator’s Spiritual Advisor Committee. The move comes after broadcast and publication of some of the pastor’s more controversial speeches and sermons. Obama refused to repudiate the Rev. Wright but strongly condemned his remarks.

Barack Obama’s minister, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, was removed from his honorary post on the senator’s Spiritual Advisor Committee. The move comes after broadcast and publication of some of the pastor’s more controversial speeches and sermons. Obama refused to repudiate the Rev. Wright but strongly condemned his remarks.

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The Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s comments from the pulpit at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago have spotlighted on his church and his relationship with Barack Obama. The church being portrayed in the media, however, is unrecognizable to many who are familiar with the congregation.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s comments from the pulpit at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago have spotlighted on his church and his relationship with Barack Obama. The church being portrayed in the media, however, is unrecognizable to many who are familiar with the congregation.

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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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Tony Blair has explained his refusal to “do God” while Prime Minister by saying that talking about religions was always a “packet of trouble”. read more…

A generation ago, the Rev. Timothy McDonald founded First Iconium Baptist Church in east Atlanta to fight for the destitute and the victims of discrimination. read more…

Israel at 60 is as prosperous and secure as it has ever been, but its future looks increasingly uncertain, says Gideon Lichfield. read more…

In southern Japan, a long-haired Chihuahua has taken to following his master, a Zen Buddhist priest. As the priest sits in front of the altar to pray, the priest’s pup joins him. As seen on the Web, the dog sits on his hind legs and joins his front paws together in a prayer position.

In southern Japan, a long-haired Chihuahua has taken to following his master, a Zen Buddhist priest. As the priest sits in front of the altar to pray, the priest’s pup joins him. As seen on the Web, the dog sits on his hind legs and joins his front paws together in a prayer position.

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Much-publicized comments by Sen. Barack Obama’s former pastor are rooted in a religious philosophy largely unknown to white Americans. Black Liberation theology interprets the Bible and the gospels of Jesus through the struggle of African Americans against racism and oppression.

Much-publicized comments by Sen. Barack Obama’s former pastor are rooted in a religious philosophy largely unknown to white Americans. Black Liberation theology interprets the Bible and the gospels of Jesus through the struggle of African Americans against racism and oppression.

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Tags: Hindu, Buddist, religious artifacts, hebrew

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Opinion: Wisdom from the Founding Rationalists
What Jefferson and Adams might tell Mitt Romney.
Source: pewforum.org

Comedic Trio Takes Tour to Middle East
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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Source: www.npr.org

A New, Younger Jihadi Threat Emerges
Terrorism experts say radical groups are targeting teenagers as young as 14.
Source: pewforum.org

Bhutto Killing Inflames Pakistan
Bhutto’s death has deprived Pakistan’s embattled president, Pervez Musharraf, of his strongest potential ally in the battle against the rising tide of radical Islam in this nation of more than 160 million people.
Source: pewforum.org

More Visitors, Fewer Christians in Bethlehem
With the revival, albeit tentative, of the Mideast peace process, Christmas in Bethlehem this year is more festive. Tourism is expected to double. At the same time, Christians continue to emigrate from the West Bank. The owner of a Christian radio station predicts that in 15 years, there won’t be one Christian left in Bethlehem.

With the revival, albeit tentative, of the Mideast peace process, Christmas in Bethlehem this year is more festive. Tourism is expected to double. At the same time, Christians continue to emigrate from the West Bank. The owner of a Christian radio station predicts that in 15 years, there won’t be one Christian left in Bethlehem.

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Source: www.npr.org

Tags: wiccan, religious artifacts, metaphysics, holy relics

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Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue hosts an outdoor prayer service at the Capitol to address the dire need for rain. The vigil follows his declaration of a state of emergency. Earlier efforts were conservation and negotiation.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue hosts an outdoor prayer service at the Capitol to address the dire need for rain. The vigil follows his declaration of a state of emergency. Earlier efforts were conservation and negotiation.

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U.S. bishops of the Catholic Church say, “Political choices may affect individual salvation.” The group has issued guidelines for every presidential election in the past three decades. Instead of endorsing specific candidates, the bishops seek to make fighting abortion a priority in political decisions.

U.S. bishops of the Catholic Church say, “Political choices may affect individual salvation.” The group has issued guidelines for every presidential election in the past three decades. Instead of endorsing specific candidates, the bishops seek to make fighting abortion a priority in political decisions.

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It’s about time for the Southern Baptist Convention to put out a new hymnal, and the move to update the songs has caused a little tension. For the first time, nearly half of the pages in the forthcoming hymnal will be filled with songs never before published by Baptists.

It’s about time for the Southern Baptist Convention to put out a new hymnal, and the move to update the songs has caused a little tension. For the first time, nearly half of the pages in the forthcoming hymnal will be filled with songs never before published by Baptists.

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Some lawmakers in Oklahoma have turned down free copies of the Koran from a state panel on diversity after a Tulsa legislator claimed the Muslim holy book condones killing innocent people. Islamic groups say they need to do a better job of educating Americans about the Koran.

Some lawmakers in Oklahoma have turned down free copies of the Koran from a state panel on diversity after a Tulsa legislator claimed the Muslim holy book condones killing innocent people. Islamic groups say they need to do a better job of educating Americans about the Koran.

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Moral issues leave black evangelicals torn between parties. read more…

Tags: christianity, religious products, religious artifacts, Buddist

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Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue hosts an outdoor prayer service at the Capitol to address the dire need for rain. The vigil follows his declaration of a state of emergency. Earlier efforts were conservation and negotiation.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue hosts an outdoor prayer service at the Capitol to address the dire need for rain. The vigil follows his declaration of a state of emergency. Earlier efforts were conservation and negotiation.

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Many conservative voters are hesitant to back Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, whose faith is Mormon. The former Massachusetts governor faces a particular challenge in South Carolina, where voters are largely evangelical.

Many conservative voters are hesitant to back Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, whose faith is Mormon. The former Massachusetts governor faces a particular challenge in South Carolina, where voters are largely evangelical.

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Over the past three years, Sen. John Kerry has had a lot of time to think about his God, and at a meeting with journalists in Washington earlier this month he shared those thoughts. read more…

It’s about time for the Southern Baptist Convention to put out a new hymnal, and the move to update the songs has caused a little tension. For the first time, nearly half of the pages in the forthcoming hymnal will be filled with songs never before published by Baptists.

It’s about time for the Southern Baptist Convention to put out a new hymnal, and the move to update the songs has caused a little tension. For the first time, nearly half of the pages in the forthcoming hymnal will be filled with songs never before published by Baptists.

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Tech-savvy missionary church thrives as far afield as Africa. read more…

This week, several prominent Christian evangelical leaders endorsed a variety of Republican presidential hopefuls. The endorsements seem to reflect a growing divide within that community, which traditionally has provided the GOP with a more unified base of support.

This week, several prominent Christian evangelical leaders endorsed a variety of Republican presidential hopefuls. The endorsements seem to reflect a growing divide within that community, which traditionally has provided the GOP with a more unified base of support.

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If candidates can court the faithful, they should be willing to answer questions of faith as well. read more…

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Extolling Faith-Infused Politics
GOP hopeful talks of abortion, hope at dedication Mass.
Source: pewforum.org

Doubts Greet Evangelical Christians in Israel
Seven thousand evangelical Christians from nearly 100 countries are in Israel this week to show support for the Jewish state. But a growing number of people are concerned about missionary activity.

Seven thousand evangelical Christians from nearly 100 countries are in Israel this week to show support for the Jewish state. But a growing number of people are concerned about missionary activity.

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Source: www.npr.org

Christian Conservatives Mull Third-Party Candidate
A group of Christian conservatives unhappy with the field of Republican presidential candidates may bringing a third-party candidate into the race for the White House.

A group of Christian conservatives unhappy with the field of Republican presidential candidates may bringing a third-party candidate into the race for the White House.

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Source: www.npr.org

Nativity Dispute Divides Berkley
Christmas may be weeks away, but a quarrel that has become an annual holiday tradition across America is in full swing: heated disputes over religious displays on public property.
Source: pewforum.org

Ottawa Anglicans Approve Same-Sex Blessings
The Ottawa diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada has approved same-sex marriage blessings in a move sure to inflame tensions in the worldwide Anglican Communion in the debate over gay rights.
Source: pewforum.org

Gingerly, Romney Seeks Ties to Christian Right
He has invoked the Rev. Rick Warren, a popular evangelical author and megachurch pastor. He has quoted Scripture and alluded to the Gideon Bible as favorite late-night reading. And he has cited his belief in Jesus Christ as his personal ?savior.?
Source: pewforum.org

GOP Foreign Policy Statements Due Before Jewish Coalition
As the Republican presidential primary becomes increasingly combative, the four leading candidates will gather tomorrow in Washington to address the Republican Jewish Coalition in a forum that will likely center on national security and Middle East policy.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: religious artifacts, Hindu, holy relics, metaphysics

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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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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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It was recently revealed that Mother Teresa had a decades-long struggle with darkness and despair and that she chronicled her spiritual troubles in journal entries. Father James Martin says the news reminded him of his own spiritual toils at a retreat a few weeks ago.

It was recently revealed that Mother Teresa had a decades-long struggle with darkness and despair and that she chronicled her spiritual troubles in journal entries. Father James Martin says the news reminded him of his own spiritual toils at a retreat a few weeks ago.

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While audiences at the Edingburgh Arts Festival praise the politically incorrect plot and lyrics of ‘Jihad: The Musical,’ some Muslims fear that the play undermines their attempts to disconnect from the terrorist stereotype.

While audiences at the Edingburgh Arts Festival praise the politically incorrect plot and lyrics of ‘Jihad: The Musical,’ some Muslims fear that the play undermines their attempts to disconnect from the terrorist stereotype.

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Salt Lake City’s parochial profile – an increasingly non-Mormon city that hosts the world headquarters of the LDS Church in a predominantly Mormon state – presents a unique cultural quarrel: read more…

Tags: religious artifacts, Hindu, Islam, holy relics

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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…

Polling sites located within houses of worship do not violate the constitutional separation of church and state, a federal judge has ruled. 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…

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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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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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…

Tags: holy relics, christianity, Hindu, Buddist

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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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