Holy Relics

Evolution’s Critics Shift Tactics With Schools
They have spent years working school boards, with only minimal success. Now critics of evolution are turning to a higher authority: state legislators.
Source: pewforum.org

Alabama Immigration Law Causing Marriage Discord
In Alabama, there’s a new battle brewing in the immigration debate. Some counties have decided to enforce a decade-old law that requires a Social Security card to get a marriage license. The Catholic Church says this has led to a surge of couples living in sin.

In Alabama, there’s a new battle brewing in the immigration debate. Some counties have decided to enforce a decade-old law that requires a Social Security card to get a marriage license. The Catholic Church says this has led to a surge of couples living in sin.

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Source: www.npr.org

Protesters at Methodist conference in Fort Worth decry take on gays
Delegates struggle to determine role of gays, lesbians in the church.
Source: pewforum.org

Saving ‘God’s creation’ unites scientist, evangelical leader
A Nobel laureate scientist and a leader of the evangelical Christian movement walk into a restaurant.
Source: pewforum.org

Does Jeremiah Wright Speak for All Black Churches?
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

The Rev. Jeremiah Wright recently said controversy over his sermons has nothing do with Sen. Barack Obama, his former congregant, but is instead an attack on “the black church.” While some black preachers agree with Wright, others say he is hardly mainstream.

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Source: www.npr.org

California teacher fired for refusing to sign loyalty oath
Cal State system ousts another instructor who objects on religious grounds to a pledge adopted by California in 1952 to root out communists.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: holy relics, Buddist, hebrew, metaphysics

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Arab Intellectuals Condemn Fatwa Against Writers
Arab human rights activists have condemned a Saudi religious edict calling for the execution of two writers for apostasy – giving a rare glimpse of tensions over Islam inside the conservative kingdom.
Source: pewforum.org

Tibet Protests and Risks for Freedom
The official Chinese news agency says about 10 Tibetan demonstrators have been killed, supporting protests begun by Buddhist monks in the capital city of Lhasa. Tibetan exile groups say at least 30 people have died. The protests of monks and others may not deliver freedom to Tibet anytime soon, but freedom is an effervescent ideal that can’t be bottled up forever.

The official Chinese news agency says about 10 Tibetan demonstrators have been killed, supporting protests begun by Buddhist monks in the capital city of Lhasa. Tibetan exile groups say at least 30 people have died. The protests of monks and others may not deliver freedom to Tibet anytime soon, but freedom is an effervescent ideal that can’t be bottled up forever.

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Source: www.npr.org

Opinion: Muslim True/False
Winning hearts and minds — the Bush administration, foreign policy wonks, even the U.S. military agree that this is the key to any victory over global terrorism.
Source: pewforum.org

‘Sundays in America’ Traces Yearlong Pilgrimage
In her book Sundays in America, Suzanne Strempek Shea discusses a yearlong pilgrimage, during which she visited a different Christian church every Sunday. The journey took her from her New England home to the West Coast to the Deep South to the Midwest.

In her book Sundays in America, Suzanne Strempek Shea discusses a yearlong pilgrimage, during which she visited a different Christian church every Sunday. The journey took her from her New England home to the West Coast to the Deep South to the Midwest.

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Source: www.npr.org

Minister Off Obama Team for Controversial Sermons
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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Source: www.npr.org

Religious and Secular Families Unite Over Homeschooling Battle
Madison Browning, 8, spent a recent school day coloring, playing on swings at a park and whirling to Japanese string music at a cozy dance studio.
Source: pewforum.org

Diocese Trying to Restore Trust Through Prevention Programs
It was the worst of times for the Diocese of Oakland.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: holy relics, christianity, Hindu, religious artifacts

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The official Chinese news agency says about 10 Tibetan demonstrators have been killed, supporting protests begun by Buddhist monks in the capital city of Lhasa. Tibetan exile groups say at least 30 people have died. The protests of monks and others may not deliver freedom to Tibet anytime soon, but freedom is an effervescent ideal that can’t be bottled up forever.

The official Chinese news agency says about 10 Tibetan demonstrators have been killed, supporting protests begun by Buddhist monks in the capital city of Lhasa. Tibetan exile groups say at least 30 people have died. The protests of monks and others may not deliver freedom to Tibet anytime soon, but freedom is an effervescent ideal that can’t be bottled up forever.

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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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A group of Southern Baptist leaders says the denomination has been “too timid” in addressing environmental issues. The letter may show the growing influence of a younger generation of evangelical Christians.

A group of Southern Baptist leaders says the denomination has been “too timid” in addressing environmental issues. The letter may show the growing influence of a younger generation of evangelical Christians.

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Understanding Pennsylvania’s rich Catholic tradition and responding to it is an article of faith for Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama as the April 22 primary looms in the still unsettled and intense Democratic presidential race. read more…

The country’s highest court is weighing whether to allow a motion to shut down the party, saying its Islamic initiatives cross a constitutional line. read more…

Sen. Hillary Clinton would have left her church if her pastor made the kind of racially charged comments made by Sen. Barack Obama’s former pastor, she said Tuesday during a wide-ranging interview with the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review editorial board. read more…

China’s security chief called for stepping up “patriotic education” in Tibet’s monasteries, the state-run Tibet Daily said Tuesday, as prosecutors for the first time charged demonstrators in the largely peaceful, monk-led protests that later exploded into riots in the region. read more…

A group of monks shouting there was no religious freedom disrupted a carefully orchestrated visit for foreign reporters to Tibet’s capital Thursday, an embarrassment for China as it tried to show Lhasa was calm following deadly anti-government riots. read more…

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Vatican, Muslims Plan for Talks with Pope
Muslim representatives and Vatican officials meet Tuesday for talks that will hopefully lead to an unprecedented Catholic-Islamic meeting later this year focusing on terrorism. The meetings are an attempt to improve relations after a 2006 speech by Pope Benedict XVI in which he quoted an ancient emperor’s criticism of Islam.

Muslim representatives and Vatican officials meet Tuesday for talks that will hopefully lead to an unprecedented Catholic-Islamic meeting later this year focusing on terrorism. The meetings are an attempt to improve relations after a 2006 speech by Pope Benedict XVI in which he quoted an ancient emperor’s criticism of Islam.

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Source: www.npr.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

Pope, at U.N., to Address Issues that Cross Boundaries
Next month, Pope Benedict XVI will become the third leader of the Catholic Church to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York, following Pope Paul VI in 1965, and Pope John Paul II in 1979 and 1995.
Source: pewforum.org

Author Gives Bible a Twist of Manga
The world’s most-read book has been reproduced in a style known as Japanese manga, associated with anime. Author and illustrator Ajinbayo “Siku” Akinsuku discusses his attempt to keep the religious message of the Bible relevant for the younger generations.

The world’s most-read book has been reproduced in a style known as Japanese manga, associated with anime. Author and illustrator Ajinbayo “Siku” Akinsuku discusses his attempt to keep the religious message of the Bible relevant for the younger generations.

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Source: www.npr.org

Polish Priest Wins 2008 Templeton Prize
Michael (Michal) Heller, a Polish cosmologist and Roman Catholic priest whose commitment to combining the insights of science and religion stretches back to his youth in war-torn Europe, has won the 2008 Templeton Prize.
Source: pewforum.org

Dobson: Christian Right Needs Leadership
With a generation of Christian right leaders dead or aging, the founder of the conservative evangelical group Focus on the Family says he’s concerned about the movement’s future leadership.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: metaphysics, Hindu, religious artifacts, Buddist

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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

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Tax Troubles for Atlanta Civil Rights Group?
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is facing a bit of difficulty. The Internal Revenue Service says it has not received financial reports from the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization for several years.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference is facing a bit of difficulty. The Internal Revenue Service says it has not received financial reports from the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization for several years.

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Source: www.npr.org

Opinion: Apocalyptic Politics
The religious right has splintered, but hard times could bring it back.
Source: pewforum.org

Jesus Wants Your Vote — and He Needs a Running Mate
WASHINGTON — He walked on water, he turned water to wine, and now he wants to be your candidate for president.
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

Pope Urges Peace in Christmas Address
Pope Benedict XVI issues a Christmas Day appeal to political leaders around the globe to find the “wisdom and courage” to end bloody conflicts in Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan and Congo.

Pope Benedict XVI issues a Christmas Day appeal to political leaders around the globe to find the “wisdom and courage” to end bloody conflicts in Darfur, Iraq, Afghanistan and Congo.

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Source: www.npr.org

Catholic-Communist Land Fight in Vietnam
Quietly, Vietnam’s Catholic Church is challenging the nation’s government more boldly than it ever has since the communists took power over five decades ago.
Source: pewforum.org

Opinion: The Unorthodox Patriarch
Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, can be regarded as the “pope,” or at least the symbol of unity, of Orthodox Christianity.
Source: pewforum.org

Tags: religious artifacts, wiccan, metaphysics, Islam

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Twenty years ago, amid an uproar over the sex-and-money scandal that brought down televangelist Jim Bakker, the country’s leading TV preachers were called before a powerful House panel to testify about their financial dealings. read more…

Father Donald McGuire was convicted last year of sexually abusing two teenaged boys in the 1960s. Jesuit leaders insist they had no knowledge of any other abuses by McGuire, but documents reveal they were alerted by concerned parents many times over the past 38 years.

Father Donald McGuire was convicted last year of sexually abusing two teenaged boys in the 1960s. Jesuit leaders insist they had no knowledge of any other abuses by McGuire, but documents reveal they were alerted by concerned parents many times over the past 38 years.

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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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Commentator Heather King, a Catholic convert, recently attended a religious retreat and describes how she overcame her extreme dislike for another participant.

Commentator Heather King, a Catholic convert, recently attended a religious retreat and describes how she overcame her extreme dislike for another participant.

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A federal judge has suspended controversial state rules requiring pharmacies to dispense so-called “Plan B” emergency contraceptives, saying the rules appear to unconstitutionally violate pharmacists’ freedom of religion. read more…

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For Romney, His Mormon Faith Is Both a Blessing — and a Political Curse
Snagging the cover of a well-read magazine is a big bump for any presidential candidate, but when Mitt Romney found his chiseled face on Newsweek’s cover, he was less than thrilled.
Source: pewforum.org

Prayer Optional, Silence Required, Lawmakers Say
State lawmakers moved Illinois to the forefront of the national school-prayer debate Thursday, requiring public schools to provide students with a brief moment of silence at the start of classes.
Source: pewforum.org

Scholars Say Evangelicals and Their Votes Are Shifting
The face of evangelicalism is changing, two authors at the Pew Research Center said Thursday (Oct. 11), and with that change comes uncertainty about who evangelicals will vote for in next year’s presidential election.
Source: pewforum.org

US Cardinal: Catholic Church Must Speak Louder Against Abortion
The retired archbishop of Washington said Thursday that the prospect of both major party presidential candidates favoring abortion rights is evidence the Catholic Church must more forcefully preach on the issue.
Source: pewforum.org

IRS Clears California Church, But Dispute Isn’t Over
The IRS closes its investigation of All Saints Episcopal church in Pasadena, Calif. The church will keep its tax-exempt status despite a sermon that prompted the probe. But the church is dissatisfied with the resolution.

The IRS closes its investigation of All Saints Episcopal church in Pasadena, Calif. The church will keep its tax-exempt status despite a sermon that prompted the probe. But the church is dissatisfied with the resolution.

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Source: www.npr.org

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Moderate Muslims Enlisted to Steer Adults and Children Away from Insurgency. read more…

In 1956, 16-year-old Pennsylvania schoolboy Ellery Schempp decided to protest his public school’s mandatory prayer and Bible-reading period by reading silently from the Koran. He was ejected from class and then sued the school district. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court.

In 1956, 16-year-old Pennsylvania schoolboy Ellery Schempp decided to protest his public school’s mandatory prayer and Bible-reading period by reading silently from the Koran. He was ejected from class and then sued the school district. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court.

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A courthouse display featuring the Ten Commandments can stay, a federal judge ruled, rejecting arguments that it endorses religion in violation of the constitution. read more…

Christian conservatives invite Republican presidential candidates to a forum in South Carolina. It’s an opportunity to take the temperature of religious conservative voters in an early primary state.

Christian conservatives invite Republican presidential candidates to a forum in South Carolina. It’s an opportunity to take the temperature of religious conservative voters in an early primary state.

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Three American priests who left the Episcopal Church after it appointed an openly gay bishop in 2003 have been consecrated as bishops in Africa. They’re returning to minister to American congregations, but will report to conservative churches in Africa.

Three American priests who left the Episcopal Church after it appointed an openly gay bishop in 2003 have been consecrated as bishops in Africa. They’re returning to minister to American congregations, but will report to conservative churches in Africa.

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Tensions between rival Shiite factions are running high, following two days of clashes in the holy city of Karbala that left at least 50 dead and more than 200 wounded. The violence in Karbala sparked clashes in several other Shiite towns in southern Iraq.

Tensions between rival Shiite factions are running high, following two days of clashes in the holy city of Karbala that left at least 50 dead and more than 200 wounded. The violence in Karbala sparked clashes in several other Shiite towns in southern Iraq.

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End-of-life care for Catholics is in the spotlight again following the Vatican’s statement last week that feeding tubes should not be removed from patients in a vegetative state. read more…

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Moved by Islam, Priest Embraces Two Faiths
Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest, was inspired by a local Muslim leader. Now she’s been suspended by her church for one year after announcing she is both Christian and Muslim.

Ann Holmes Redding, an Episcopal priest, was inspired by a local Muslim leader. Now she’s been suspended by her church for one year after announcing she is both Christian and Muslim.

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Source: www.npr.org

Fringe Fest ‘Jihad’ Musical Touches Explosive Topics
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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Source: www.npr.org

Bride Wed at 14 Testifies at Polygamist’s Trial
A former teenage bride testified Friday at the trial of Warren Jeffs, leader of a polygamist sect in Utah and Arizona. She recalled the day in 2001 when she says Jeffs ordered her to marry her cousin. Jeffs is accused of coercing the then-14-year-old into a union she says she did not want.

A former teenage bride testified Friday at the trial of Warren Jeffs, leader of a polygamist sect in Utah and Arizona. She recalled the day in 2001 when she says Jeffs ordered her to marry her cousin. Jeffs is accused of coercing the then-14-year-old into a union she says she did not want.

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Source: www.npr.org

Non-Christian Events Concern for Employers
Last December, retailers nationwide encountered a firestorm of criticism for removing Christmas themes from their holiday displays in an effort to avoid offending non- Christians. Instead, they inadvertently offended many Christians.
Source: pewforum.org

Still God’s Own Party?
People in a recent Pew Research Center survey perceived Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani as the least religious of all the presidential candidates.
Source: pewforum.org

Op-Ed: Anti-Roe and Pro-Rudy
To the disbelief of the political class, Rudy Giuliani still leads the polls in the race for the Republican nomination for president. Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Mitt Romney and Fred Thompson seem unable to compete with conservative affection for a thrice-married, twice-divorced, socially liberal New Yorker.
Source: pewforum.org

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